2008 CHEVROLET KODIAK automatic transmission

Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust into
your vehicle. See the earlier caution under
Engine Exhaust on page 2-45.
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if
the climate control fan is at the highest setting.
One place this can happen is a garage.
Exhaust — with CO — can come in easily.
NEVER park in a garage with the engine
running.
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard. See
Winter Driving on page 4-16.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the automatic transmission shift lever is not
fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake rmly
set. Your vehicle can roll. Do not leave your
vehicle when the engine is running unless you
have to. If you have left the engine running,
the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will
not move, even when it is on fairly level
ground, always set the parking brake and
move the automatic transmission shift lever to
PARK (P), or the manual transmission shift
lever to NEUTRAL.
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will
not move.
2-50

Instrument Panel Overview
Automatic Transmission Shown, Manual Transmission Similar.
3-4

A. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-23.
B. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-25.
C. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation
on page 2-29orManual Transmission Operation
on page 2-30.
D. Air Brake Controls. SeeParking Brake
(With Hydraulic Brakes) on page 2-38or
Parking Brake (With Air Brakes) on page 2-41.
E. Transfer Case Controls (If Equipped). See
Four-Wheel Drive on page 2-32. Air Filter Gage
(If Equipped). SeeAir Filter Restriction Indicator on
page 3-45.
F. Auxiliary Gages. SeeWarning Lights, Gages,
and Indicators on page 3-24.
G. Exterior Lamp Control. SeeExterior Lamps on
page 3-14.H. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
I. Hazard Warning Flashers Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
J. Audio System(s). SeeAudio System(s) on
page 3-47.
K. Climate Controls. SeeClimate Control System
on page 3-20.
L. Instrument Panel Switchbank. SeeInstrument
Panel Switchbank on page 3-18.
M. Airbag Off Switch. SeeAirbag Off Switch on
page 1-56.
N. Accessory Power Outlets. SeeAccessory Power
Outlet(s) on page 3-19.
3-5

With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of about
25 mph (40 km/h) or more without keeping your foot
on the accelerator. Cruise control does not work
at speeds below about 25 mph (40 km/h).
If you have an automatic transmission and you apply
your brakes, the cruise control will shut off.
If you have a manual transmission and you apply your
brakes or push the clutch pedal, the cruise control
will shut off.
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where you
cannot drive safely at a steady speed. So, do
not use your cruise control on winding roads
or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on slippery
roads. On such roads, fast changes in tire
traction can cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use cruise
control on slippery roads.
Setting Cruise Control
{CAUTION:
If you leave your cruise control on when you
are not using cruise, you might hit a button
and go into cruise when you do not want to.
You could be startled and even lose control.
Keep the cruise control switch off until you
want to use cruise control.
1. Move the cruise control switch to on.
2. Get up to the speed you want.
3. Press in the set button at the end of the lever
and release it.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
The accelerator pedal will not go down.
3-11

Passing Another Vehicle While Using
Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase your speed.
When you take your foot off the pedal, your vehicle will
slow down to the cruise control speed you set earlier.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well your cruise control will work on hills depends
upon your speed, load and the steepness of the
hills. When going up steep hills, you may want to
step on the accelerator pedal to maintain your speed.
When going downhill, you may have to brake or shift to
a lower gear to keep your speed down. Of course,
applying the brake or clutch takes you out of cruise
control. Many drivers find this to be too much trouble
and don’t use cruise control on steep hills.
If your vehicle is equipped with the exhaust brake option
and the exhaust brake is turned on, the exhaust brake
may come on and try to slow down the vehicle to the set
cruise control speed if the vehicle has accelerated
past the set cruise control speed while going downhill.
Ending Cruise Control
There are four different ways to turn off the cruise
control:
•Step lightly on the brake pedal
(manual and automatic transmissions).
•Press the clutch pedal to the floor
(manual transmissions).
•Move the cruise switch to off, or
•Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL (N).
Erasing Speed Memory
When you turn off the ignition, your cruise control set
speed memory is erased.
3-13

Voltmeter Gage
When your engine is
running, the voltmeter
gage shows the charging
system voltage.
Readings in either warning zone indicate a possible
problem in the electrical system.
Readings in the low warning zone may occur when a
large number of electrical accessories are operating in
the vehicle and the engine is left at an idle for an
extended period. This condition is normal since the
charging system may not be able to provide full power
at engine idle. As engine speeds are increased, this
condition should correct itself because higher engine
speeds allow the charging system to create maximum
power.
You can only drive a short time on the battery. Be sure
to shut off the radio, the fan or any unnecessary
accessories and have the system serviced.
Service Transmission Warning Light
If your vehicle has an Allison®automatic transmission,
certain transmission malfunctions will turn this light on.
This light is located with
the auxiliary warning lights
in the center of the
instrument panel.
If this light comes on while you are driving, do not use
the transmission shift control or you may lose forward
gears. The computer for the transmission senses
a problem and chooses a gear to stay in so that you
can drive the vehicle in that gear. You may not be able
to drive as fast or back up when this light is on.
Notice:If you continue driving your vehicle after the
transmission warning light comes on, you could
damage the transmission. While this light is on, the
transmission cannot operate in all gears. If you
attempt to shift gears, the vehicle may not continue
to move. Do not attempt to shift gears while the
transmission warning light is on. Instead, drive
directly to an authorized dealer for service. If you
cannot drive to a dealer immediately, have the
vehicle towed.
3-31

Range Inhibit Warning Indicator
If your vehicle has an Allison 1000/2200/2300/2500 series
automatic transmission, a lighted bar under the current
gear selected will flash.
If your vehicle has an Allison 3000/3500 series
automatic transmission, the current gear selected on
the pushbutton display will flash.
The flashing bar or gear selection indicates that
transmission range shifts may not occur.
For detailed information on shift inhibit limitations, see
the Allison Automatic Transmission Operator’s Manual in
your vehicle for further information.
Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle has either hydraulic or air brakes.
Each system has different warning lights.
Hydraulic Brake System Warning Lights
Vehicles with hydraulic brake systems have two brake
system warning lights on the instrument panel.
If the brake warning light
comes on, it means that
the fluid level in the master
cylinder reservoir is low or
there is another problem
with your hydraulic brakes.
When it comes on, you will also hear a warning tone.
This light should come on briefly when you turn the
ignition key to RUN. If it does not come on, then have it
fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
The brake warning light may come on, and the warning
tone may sound, when you are turning and braking
at the same time. This is normal. See “Hydraulic Brake
Systems” underBraking on page 4-4.
3-32

Engine Overspeed Warning Light
If your vehicle has this
light, it will come on if your
engine is operating at
too many revolutions per
minute (rpm).
It will also come on for a moment as a check when you
start your engine.
If it comes on when you’re driving, reduce your engine
speed immediately.
Engine Shutdown Warning Light
If your vehicle has the
engine shutdown feature,
this light will come on
when engine shutdown
is active.
SeeEngine Alarm and Automatic Shutdown on
page 2-18for more information.
Transmission Temperature Gage
If you have an automatic
transmission and this
gage, it is located
above the switchbank
in the center of the
instrument panel.
When your ignition is on, the gage shows the
temperature of the transmission oil. A reading in the
warning zone, the red area beginning at 300°F (150°C),
means you must stop driving and check into the cause.
One possible cause is a low oil level in the transmission.
Notice:If you drive your vehicle with the
transmission temperature gage above normal
operating range, you can damage the transmission.
This could lead to costly repairs that would not
be covered by your warranty. Do not drive your
vehicle while the transmission temperature gage
reading is above normal. See your dealer for service.
3-39