2008 CHEVROLET KODIAK check engine light

Checking Coolant
The coolant surge tank is located in the engine
compartment on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
{CAUTION:
Turning the surge tank pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam
and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you
badly. Never turn the surge tank pressure
cap — even a little — when the engine and
radiator are hot.
The vehicle must be parked on a level surface. When
your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the
FULL COLD mark or higher.
If the low coolant warning
light comes on in the
instrument panel cluster
and stays on, it means you
are low on engine
coolant.
SeeLow Coolant Warning Light on page 3-35for further
information.
5-46

Engine Overheating
You will find an engine coolant temperature gage, as
well as a low coolant warning light, on your vehicle’s
instrument panel. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Gage on page 3-35andLow Coolant Warning Light on
page 3-35for more information.
Your vehicle also has a check gages warning light on
the instrument panel. SeeCheck Gages Warning
Light on page 3-42for more information.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
{CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn
you badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay
away from the engine if you see or hear steam
coming from it. Just turn it off and get
everyone away from the vehicle until it cools
down. Wait until there is no sign of steam or
coolant before you open the hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch re. You
or others could be badly burned. Stop your
engine if it overheats, and get out of the
vehicle until the engine is cool.
Notice:If your engine catches re because you
keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle can
be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be
covered by your warranty.
5-48

4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start
the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper
radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the engine
cooling fan.
By this time, the coolant level inside the coolant
surge tank may be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper mixture to the coolant surge tank
until the level reaches slightly above the FULL
COLD mark.
5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the
pressure cap is hand-tight and fully seated.
Engine Fan Noise
Your vehicle has a clutched engine cooling fan. When
the clutch is engaged, the fan spins faster to provide
more air to cool the engine. In most everyday driving
conditions, the clutch is not fully engaged. This improves
fuel economy and reduces fan noise. Under heavy
vehicle loading, trailer towing and/or high outside
temperatures, the fan speed increases when the clutch
engages. So you may hear an increase in fan noise. This
is normal and should not be mistaken as the transmission
slipping or making extra shifts. It is merely the cooling
system functioning properly. The fan will slow down when
additional cooling is not required and the clutch
disengages.
You may also hear this fan noise when you start the
engine. It will go away as the fan clutch disengages.
Power Steering Fluid
SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-5to determine
when to check your power steering fluid.
5-54

How To Check Power Steering Fluid
Check your power steering fluid only when the engine is
warm. If the engine is not warm, you probably will not
get an accurate reading.
If the fluid level is between the MIN (Minimum) and
MAX (Maximum) marks, you have enough. If you need
fluid, add only enough of the proper fluid to bring it in
between the MIN and MAX marks.
If your power steering fluid level is low, this can cause
the brake or service brakes soon warning lights to come
on. In addition, the steering effort and emergency brake
distance could increase.
If either light remains on after you have added power
steering fluid to the proper level, then shut off the engine
for 10 seconds. This should reset the brake warning
lights. If one or both lights stay on, see “Hydraulic Brake
System Warning Lights” underBrake System Warning
Light on page 3-32for more information.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
Part C: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-31.
Notice:When adding power steering uid or
making a complete uid change, always use the
proper uid. Failure to use the proper uid can
cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
5-55

(33)= Clean and lubricate air brake automatic slack
adjuster. Check pushrod travel and auto adjustment
operation. Have serviced if needed.
(34)= Air brake chamber service: Check operation,
mounting clamps, and air lines and check for leaks.
(35)= Trailer brake hand control valve service: Check
operation; lubricate cam and follower.
(36)= Tighten the wheel stud nuts to the specified
torque values at 100 miles (160 km). Thereafter, tighten
them 1,000 miles (1 600 km) after each time the wheel
is removed. SeeTightening the Wheel Nuts on
page 5-86.
(37)= Inspect and clean any accumulated dirt, gravel,
or other foreign objects from the valves and valve boots
as needed. Using light oil, lubricate brake pedal to
brake application valve linkage components. Check any
rubber boots for cracks, holes, or deterioration and
replace if necessary.(38)= Estimated minimum. Actual mileage depends on
fuel and oil consumed.
(39)= If the vehicle has the Isuzu diesel engine and is
used primarily for long trip, highway service, change
the engine oil and filter every 18,000 miles (28 800 km),
or every 12 months, or every 750 hours of engine
operation, whichever occurs first.
(40)= Make sure any safety belt reminder light and
safety belt assemblies are working properly. Look
for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts.
If you see anything that might keep a safety belt
system from doing its job, have it repaired. Have any
torn or frayed safety belts replaced.
6-25

Automatic Transmission Shift Indicator
Check
Check that the indicator points to the gear chosen.
Steering Check
Be alert for any changes in steering action, abnormal
front tire wear or steering wheel position. An inspection
or service is needed when the steering wheel is harder
to turn or has too much free play, or if there are strange
sounds when turning or parking.
Brake System Check
Be alert to the low air warning light or tone alarm, or
changes in braking action, such as repeated pulling to
one side, unusual sounds when braking or increased
brake pedal travel. Make sure air brake system
reservoirs are drained daily with full system air pressure,
and check system for leaks. Any of these conditions
could indicate the need for brake system inspection
and/or service.
Engine Cooling System Service
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings, and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser.
To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of the
cooling system and pressure cap is recommended at
least once a year.
Exhaust System Inspection
Be alert for any changes in the sound of the exhaust
system or any smell of fumes. These are signs the
system may be leaking. Have it checked and/or repaired
at once. SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-45and
Running the Vehicle While Parked on page 2-50.
Check to be sure that mud or dirt is not caked on the
exhaust system, especially in the area of the diesel
particulate filter and tailpipe. Clean the area as needed.
SeeDiesel Particulate Filter (Diesel Engine) on
page 2-46.
At high mileages, the DPF becomes loaded with ash.
This is normal. When the amount of ash loading is high,
see your dealer/retailer for DPF cleaning or replacement.
6-28

Audio System(s).............................................3-48
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..........................................................5-43
Operation...................................................2-29
B
Battery..........................................................5-66
Bench Seat, Split............................................. 1-6
Brake
Diesel Engine Exhaust.................................2-26
Emergencies................................................ 4-5
Exhaust Indicator Light.................................3-40
Trailer Hand Control Valve.............................. 4-6
Brakes..........................................................5-57
Hydraulic Systems......................................... 4-4
Parking Brake Burnish Procedure...................2-43
System Warning Light..................................3-32
Braking........................................................... 4-4
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-5
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-10
Bucket Seats................................................... 1-2
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-76
Buying New Tires...........................................5-85
C
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements....... 5-5
California Proposition 65 Warning....................... 5-5Capacities and Specifications..........................5-109
Carbon Monoxide...................................2-45, 4-16
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-96
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-53
Change Fuel Filter Warning Light......................3-44
Charging System Light....................................3-30
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-36
Gages Warning Light...................................3-42
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-22
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-100
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-35
Infants and Young Children...........................1-31
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-40
Older Children.............................................1-28
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside
Seat Position...........................................1-40
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Front
Seat Position...........................................1-44
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear
Seat Position...........................................1-42
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...........................................1-44
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-38
Chime Level Adjustment..................................3-58
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-20
2

Dome Lamps.................................................3-16
Door
Locks.......................................................... 2-6
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-7
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-13
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-3
Highway Hypnosis.......................................4-15
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-15
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-14
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-20
Tow Hooks.................................................4-20
Winter........................................................4-16
Dual Tire Operation.........................................5-84
E
EDR .............................................................7-11
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment.....................................5-102
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-103
Fusible Links.............................................5-103
Headlamp Wiring.......................................5-102
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-103
Power Windows and Other Power Options....5-103
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-106
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-102Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-39
Alarm and Automatic Shutdown.....................2-18
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-38
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-36
Checks Before Operating..............................2-23
Coolant......................................................5-44
Coolant Heater............................................2-25
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-35
Diesel Engine Exhaust Brake........................2-26
Drive Belt Routing......................................5-117
Exhaust.....................................................2-45
Exhaust Restrictor.......................................2-22
Fan Breakage............................................... 5-6
Fan Noise..................................................5-54
High Idle System.........................................2-20
Oil ....................................5-23, 5-24, 5-28, 5-32
Oil Life System...........................5-36, 5-37, 5-39
Overheating................................................5-48
Reduced Power Light...................................3-41
Shutdown Warning Light...............................3-39
Speed Limiter.............................................3-27
Starter Over-Crank Protection........................2-12
Starting Diesel............................................2-14
Starting the Gasoline...................................2-12
Engine Overspeed Warning Light......................3-39
Entry Lighting.................................................3-17
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-11
4