2008 CHEVROLET KODIAK Owners Manual

Reporting Safety Defects
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which
could cause a crash or could cause injury or
death, you should immediately inform the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
in addition to notifying General Motors.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open
an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect
exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall
and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot
become involved in individual problems between
you, your dealer/retailer, or General Motors.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle
Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY:
1-800-424-9153); go to http://www.safercar.gov; or
write to:
Administrator, NHTSA
400 Seventh Street, SW.
Washington D.C., 20590
You can also obtain other information about motor
vehicle safety from http://www.safercar.gov.
Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle
has a safety defect, notify Transport Canada
immediately, in addition to notifying General Motors of
Canada Limited. Call them at 1-800-333-0510 or write to:
Transport Canada
Road Safety Branch
2780 Sheffield Road
Ottawa, Ontario K1B 3V9
Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in
a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us.
Please call us at 1-800-862-4389, or write:
GM Medium Duty Truck
Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 44947
Detroit, MI 48244
In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, CA1-163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
7-9

Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins’ give additional technical service
information needed to knowledgeably service
General Motors cars and trucks. Each bulletin contains
instructions to assist in the diagnosis and service of
your vehicle.
Owner Information
Owner publications are written specifically for owners
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The owner manual includes the
Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner Manual, and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00 (U.S.) plus processing fee
Without Portfolio: Owner Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00 (U.S.) plus processing fee
Current and Past Model Order Forms
Technical Service Bulletins and Manuals are available
for current and past model GM vehicles. To request
an order form, specify year and model name of
the vehicle.
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. on the
World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com
Or you can write to:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change without notice and without
incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.
Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are
quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make
checks payable in U.S. funds.
7-10

Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
(Isuzu 7.8L L6 Engine)
Your GM vehicle has a number of sophisticated
computers that record information about the vehicle’s
performance and how it is driven. For example,
your vehicle uses computer modules to monitor and
control engine and transmission performance, to monitor
the conditions for airbag deployment and deploy
airbags in a crash and, if so equipped, to provide
antilock braking to help the driver control the vehicle.
These modules may store data to help your
dealer/retailer technician service your vehicle. Some
modules may also store data about how you operate the
vehicle, such as rate of fuel consumption or average
speed. These modules may also retain the owner’s
personal preferences, such as radio pre-sets, seat
positions, and temperature settings.
Event Data Recorders
(Isuzu 7.8L L6 Engine)
This vehicle has an Event Data Recorder (EDR). The
main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or
near crash-like situations, such as an airbag deployment
or hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in
understanding how a vehicle’s systems performed. The
EDR is designed to record data related to vehicle
dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time,
typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle
is designed to record such data as:
•How various systems in your vehicle were operating
•Whether or not the driver and passenger safety
belts were buckled/fastened
•How far, if at all, the driver was pressing the
accelerator and/or brake pedal
•How fast the vehicle was traveling
This data can help provide a better understanding of the
circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur.
Important:EDR data is recorded by your vehicle only
if a non-trivial crash situation occurs; no data is
recorded by the EDR under normal driving conditions
and no personal data (e.g., name, gender, age,
and crash location) is recorded. However, other parties,
such as law enforcement, could combine the EDR
data with the type of personally identifying data routinely
acquired during a crash investigation.
7-11

To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is
required, and access to the vehicle or the EDR is
needed. In addition to the vehicle manufacturer, other
parties, such as law enforcement, that have the special
equipment, can read the information if they have
access to the vehicle or the EDR.
GM will not access this data or share it with others
except: with the consent of the vehicle owner or, if the
vehicle is leased, with the consent of the lessee; in
response to an official request of police or similar
government office; as part of GM’s defense of litigation
through the discovery process; or, as required by
law. Data that GM collects or receives may also be used
for GM research needs or may be made available to
others for research purposes, where a need is shown
and the data is not tied to a specific vehicle or
vehicle owner.
OnStar®(Isuzu 7.8L L6 Engine)
If your vehicle has OnStar and you subscribe to the
OnStar services, please refer to the OnStar Terms and
Conditions for information on data collection and use.
Navigation System
(Isuzu 7.8L L6 Engine)
If your vehicle has a navigation system, use of the
system may result in the storage of destinations,
addresses, telephone numbers, and other trip
information. Refer to the navigation system operating
manual for information on stored data and for deletion
instructions.
Radio Frequency Identication
(RFID) (Isuzu 7.8L L6 Engine)
RFID technology is used in some vehicles for functions
such as tire pressure monitoring and ignition system
security, as well as in connection with conveniences
such as key fobs for remote door locking/unlocking and
starting, and in-vehicle transmitters for garage door
openers. RFID technology in GM vehicles does not use
or record personal information or link with any other
GM system containing personal information.
7-12

A
Accessories and Modifications............................ 5-4
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment.........4-23
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-59
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-8
Add-On Electrical Equipment...........................5-102
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-39
Air Conditioning..............................................3-20
Air Pressure Gage..........................................3-46
Air Suspension...............................................2-44
Air Suspension Seats........................................ 1-6
Airbag
Off Light.....................................................3-29
Readiness Light..........................................3-28
Airbag System................................................1-48
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates?....1-54
When Should an Airbag Inflate?....................1-52
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-51
Airbag Systems
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-59
Airbag Off Switch........................................1-56
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-54
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-59
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?......................1-53
Antenna, Fixed Mast.......................................3-58Antilock Brake System (ABS)............................. 4-5
Antilock Brake, System Warning Light................3-34
Antilock Brakes, Trailer System Warning Light.....3-34
Appearance Care
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............5-98
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-96
Chemical Paint Spotting..............................5-100
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-97
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-95
Finish Care.................................................5-97
Finish Damage............................................5-99
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces.................................................5-96
Interior Cleaning..........................................5-94
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-99
Tires..........................................................5-99
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-100
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials...............5-100
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-97
Weatherstrips..............................................5-96
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-98
Ashtray.........................................................3-20
Audio System.................................................3-47
Chime Level Adjustment...............................3-58
Fixed Mast Antenna.....................................3-58
Radio Reception..........................................3-58
Setting the Clock.........................................3-48
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-57
1

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

Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............5-98
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-97
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-95
Finish Care.................................................5-97
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces.................................................5-96
Interior.......................................................5-94
Tires..........................................................5-99
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-100
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-97
Weatherstrips..............................................5-96
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-98
Climate Control System...................................3-20
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-23
Rear Heating System...................................3-24
Clock, Setting.................................................3-48
Collision Damage Repair................................... 7-6
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-3
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-35
Heater, Engine............................................2-25
Low Warning Light.......................................3-35
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-47
Cooling System..............................................5-50
Cruise Control................................................3-10
Customer Assistance Information
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users............................... 7-3
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4Customer Assistance Information (cont.)
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program............... 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors...... 7-9
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government.............................................. 7-9
Reporting Safety Defects to the United
States Government.................................... 7-9
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-5
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-10
D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-15
Daytime Running Lamps Indicator Light.............3-41
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Diesel
Running Out of Fuel....................................2-50
Diesel Engine.................................................2-26
Engine Alarm and Automatic Shutdown...........2-18
Exhaust Restrictor.......................................2-22
Fuel............................................................ 5-9
High Idle System.........................................2-20
Starting......................................................2-14
Diesel Particulate Filter....................................2-46
Diesel Particulate Filter Warning Light................3-45
Differential Lock Control, Rear Axle..................... 4-7
Differential Lock Indicator Light.........................3-40
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-6
3

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