2008 CHEVROLET KODIAK steering

If your vehicle has the Traction Control System (TCS), it
improves your ability to accelerate when driving on a
slippery road. But you can turn the TCS off if you ever
need to. You should turn the system off if your
vehicle ever gets stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow
on page 4-19. Even though your vehicle has TCS, slow
down and adjust your driving to the road conditions.
Under certain conditions, you might want to turn the TCS
off, such as when driving through deep snow and
loose gravel, to help maintain vehicle motion at lower
speeds. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-8.
If your vehicle does not have TCS, accelerate gently.
Try not to break the fragile traction. If you accelerate too
fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface
under the tires even more.
Unless your vehicle has the Antilock Brake System
(ABS), you will want to brake very gently, too. If you do
have ABS, seeAntilock Brake System (ABS) on
page 4-5. ABS improves your vehicle’s stability when
you make a hard stop on a slippery road. Whether your
vehicle has ABS or not, begin stopping sooner than
you would on dry pavement. Without ABS, if you
feel your vehicle begin to slide, let up on the brakes a
little. Push the brake pedal down steadily to get the most
traction you can.Remember, unless your vehicle has ABS, if you brake
so hard that the wheels stop rolling, you will just
slide. Brake so the wheels always keep rolling and you
can still steer.
•Whatever your vehicle’s braking system, allow
greater following distance on any slippery road.
•Watch for slippery spots. The road might be fine
until you hit a spot that is covered with ice. On
an otherwise clear road, ice patches can appear in
shaded areas where the sun cannot reach, such
as around clumps of trees, behind buildings,
or under bridges. Sometimes the surface of a curve
or an overpass can remain icy when the
surrounding roads are clear. If you see a patch of
ice ahead of you, brake before you are on it. Try not
to brake while you are actually on the ice, and
avoid sudden steering maneuvers.
4-17

Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out
First, turn the steering wheel left and right to clear
the area around the front wheels. For four-wheel-drive
vehicles, shift into 4HI. SeeFour-Wheel Drive on
page 2-32. Turn off any traction system. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-8. Then shift back and
forth between REVERSE (R) and a forward gear, or
with a manual transmission, between FIRST (1)
or SECOND (2) and REVERSE (R), spinning the wheels
as little as possible. To prevent transmission wear,
wait until the wheels stop spinning before shifting gears.
Release the accelerator pedal while you shift, and
press lightly on the accelerator pedal when the
transmission is in gear. By slowly spinning the wheels in
the forward and reverse directions, you will cause a
rocking motion that could free your vehicle. If that does
not get your vehicle out after a few tries, it might
need to be towed out. If your vehicle does need to be
towed out, seeTowing Your Vehicle on page 4-24.
Tow Hooks
{CAUTION:
These hooks, when used, are under a lot of
force. Always pull the vehicle straight out.
Never pull on the hooks at a sideways angle.
The hooks could break off and you or others
could be injured from the chain or cable
snapping back.
Notice:Never use tow hooks to tow the vehicle.
Your vehicle could be damaged and it would not be
covered by warranty.
4-20

Service............................................................5-4
Accessories and Modifications..........................5-4
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-5
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....5-5
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-6
Engine Fan Breakage.....................................5-6
Fuel................................................................5-7
Gasoline Octane............................................5-7
Gasoline Specifications....................................5-7
Additives.......................................................5-8
Diesel Engine Fuel.........................................5-9
What Fuel to Use...........................................5-9
Very Cold Weather Operation.........................5-12
Water in Fuel...............................................5-12
Running Out of Fuel.....................................5-17
Fuel Filter Replacement.................................5-18
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................5-19
Filling the Tank............................................5-20
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-21
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-22
Hood Latches...............................................5-22
Engine Oil (Caterpillar
®Diesel Engine).............5-23
Engine Oil (Gasoline Engine)..........................5-24
Engine Oil (DURAMAX
®Diesel Engine)............5-28Engine Oil (Isuzu Diesel Engine).....................5-32
Engine Oil Life System (Gasoline Engine)........5-36
Engine Oil Life System (DURAMAX
®/Isuzu
Diesel Engines).........................................5-37
Engine Oil Life System (Caterpillar
®Diesel
Engine)....................................................5-39
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-39
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-43
Manual Transmission Fluid.............................5-43
Engine Coolant (Caterpillar
®Diesel Engines).....5-44
Engine Coolant (Gas and DURAMAX®/
Isuzu 7.8L L6 Engines)..............................5-44
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-47
Engine Overheating.......................................5-48
Cooling System............................................5-50
Engine Fan Noise.........................................5-54
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-54
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-55
Brakes........................................................5-57
Battery........................................................5-66
Jump Starting...............................................5-67
Rear Axle.......................................................5-72
Rear Axle Shift Motor....................................5-73
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

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

Item Number Item Remarks
1 Brake Camshaft** One fitting each (apply sparingly).
2 Steering Column Slip Joint* One fitting.
3 Steering Drag Link Ends One fitting each end.
4 Pivot Points and Hinges Apply chassis lubricant.
5 Pivot Points and Hinges Apply chassis lubricant.
6 Slack Adjuster** One fitting.
7Brake Cam Roller Pins at interface of pin
and shoe**Apply engine oil.
8 Front Steering KnucklesOne fitting each side, lower bushing.
(Hand-operated grease gun only) Hand-pack upper
bearing.
9 Front Wheel Bearings Hand-pack or lubricate.
10 Steering Tie Rod Ends One fitting each end.
11 Spring Slip Pads* (Multi-Leaf Only) Apply chassis lubricant.
12 Clutch Release Bearing* Cup or fitting.
13 Battery Terminal (except “ST” type) Keep coated with petroleum jelly.
14 Transmission Fill to level of filler plug.
5-63

Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The wheels on your vehicle were aligned at the
factory to give you the longest tire life and best overall
performance.
Proper front wheel alignment must be maintained in
order to ensure efficient steering, good directional
stability, and prevent abnormal tire wear. If you notice
unusual tire wear or your vehicle is pulling one way
or the other, the alignment may need to be reset. If you
notice your vehicle vibrating when driving on a smooth
road, your wheels may need to be balanced.
Tightening the Wheel Nuts
{CAUTION:
Wheel nuts that are not tight can work loose. If
all the nuts on a wheel come off, the wheel can
come off the vehicle, causing a crash. All
wheel nuts must be properly tightened. Follow
the rules in this section to be sure they are.
This section lets you know how often to check the
tightness of the wheel nuts on your vehicle and how tight
they must be.First, use these pictures to decide what kind of wheels
you have.
Then, refer to the following steps for the wheels
you have.Hub-Piloted Type,
8-Hole
Hub-Piloted Type,
10-Hole
5-86

Used Replacement Wheels
{CAUTION:
Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is
dangerous. You cannot know how it has been
used or how far it has been driven. It could fail
suddenly and cause a crash. If you have to
replace a wheel, use a new GM original
equipment wheel.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout while you are driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes
out of a tire, it is much more likely to leak out slowly. But if
you should ever have a blowout, here are a few tips about
what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly. Steer
to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to a stop
well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you would
use in a skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from
the accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop –– well off the road if possible.
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly to a level place and turn on your
hazard warning flashers. SeeHazard Warning Flashers
on page 3-6.
5-92