Diesel engine runaway is a rare condition affecting diesel engines, where the engine consumes its own lubrication oil and runs at higher and higher RPM until it overspeeds to a point where it destroys itself due to either mechanical failure or engine seizure through lack of lubrication.
In case of engine runaway due to flammable fumes from fuel spills or turbocharger oil leaks being sucked into the engine, do the following to help avoid personal injury and/or vehicle damage:
Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
Using a CO2 or dry chemical type fire extinguisher, direct the spray from the fire extinguisher into the grille on the driver side so that the spray enters the engine air intake.
The inlet for the engine air intake is located behind the driver’s side headlamp and receives air through the grille.