2008 CHEVROLET KODIAK differential

Exhaust Brake Indicator Light.........................3-40
Differential Lock Indicator Light.......................3-40
Reduced Engine Power Light.........................3-41
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-41
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) Indicator
Light........................................................3-41
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light.....................3-42
Power Take-Off Light....................................3-42
Check Gages Warning Light...........................3-42
Fuel Gage...................................................3-43
Water in Fuel Warning Light...........................3-44
Change Fuel Filter Warning Light....................3-44Diesel Particulate Filter Warning Light..............3-45
Air Filter Restriction Indicator..........................3-45
Air Pressure Gage........................................3-46
Hourmeter Gage...........................................3-46
Audio System(s).............................................3-47
Setting the Clock..........................................3-48
Radio(s)......................................................3-48
Theft-Deterrent Feature..................................3-57
Radio Reception...........................................3-58
Fixed Mast Antenna......................................3-58
Chime Level Adjustment................................3-58
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

l(Differential Lock Control Switch):SeeRear
Axle Differential Lock Control on page 4-7.
c(Airbag On/Off Switch):SeeAirbag Off Switch on
page 1-56.
If your vehicle does not have some of the features
controlled by these switches, a blank switch marker is
in its place.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
With accessory power outlets, you can plug in auxiliary
electrical equipment such as a cellular telephone or
CB radio.
The accessory power outlet is located on the
passenger’s side of the instrument panel.
To use an outlet, pull the cover down. When not
using it, always cover the outlet with the protective cap.
This circuit is protected by a fuse and has a maximum
current level.
Notice:Leaving electrical equipment on for
extended periods will drain the battery. Always turn
off electrical equipment when not in use and do
not plug in equipment that exceeds the maximum
amperage rating.Certain electrical accessories may not be compatible
with the accessory power outlet and could result
in blown vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a
problem, see your dealer for additional information
on accessory power outlets.
Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to your
vehicle may damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Do not use equipment
exceeding maximum amperage rating of 20 amperes.
Check with your dealer/retailer before adding
electrical equipment.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow the
proper installation instructions included with the
equipment.
Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by your warranty. Do not
hang any type of accessory or accessory bracket
from the plug because the power outlets are
designed for accessory power plugs only.
3-19

Exhaust Brake Indicator Light
For vehicles with an
exhaust brake, this light is
located above the
climate controls.
The exhaust brake indicator light will come on and stay
on whenever the diesel engine exhaust brake or
exhaust restrictor is active. For more information,
seeDiesel Engine Exhaust Brake on page 2-26and
Exhaust Restrictor (Engine Warm-Up) on page 2-22.
Differential Lock Indicator Light
If your vehicle has this
feature, this light is
located in the center of
the instrument panel.
The light is on when the
rear differential lock system
is in use.
The light will come on momentarily during starting.
If the light fails to come on, have it repaired as soon as
possible so you will be aware when the lock system
is in use.
SeeRear Axle Differential Lock Control on page 4-7for
more information.
3-40

Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle..........4-2
Defensive Driving...........................................4-2
Drunk Driving.................................................4-3
Control of a Vehicle........................................4-3
Braking.........................................................4-4
Hydraulic Brake Systems.................................4-4
Antilock Brake System (ABS)...........................4-5
Braking in Emergencies...................................4-5
Trailer Brake Hand Control Valve......................4-6
Rear Axle Differential Lock Control....................4-7
Traction Control System (TCS).........................4-8
Steering........................................................4-9
Off-Road Recovery.......................................4-11
Passing.......................................................4-11
Loss of Control.............................................4-12Driving at Night............................................4-13
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................4-14
Highway Hypnosis........................................4-15
Hill and Mountain Roads................................4-15
Winter Driving..............................................4-16
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice,
or Snow...................................................4-19
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................4-20
Tow Hooks..................................................4-20
Loading Your Vehicle....................................4-21
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment.......4-23
Towing..........................................................4-24
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................4-24
Trailer Connections.......................................4-26
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
4-1

Rear Axle Differential Lock Control
If your vehicle has a
controlled traction or
locking differential axle,
the switch is located in
the center of the instrument
panel.
You’ll see this control on single rear axle vehicles.
If you’re approaching a slippery surface where it looks
like one or even both wheels may start to slip, you
can press the bottom of this switch. It locks your rear
differential so that power is transmitted equally to
both rear wheels.
Let up on the accelerator before you turn on your rear
axle differential lock.Notice:Turning on the inter-axle differential lock
while the rear wheels are spinning freely, as
they might on snow or ice, can damage the axle(s).
Turn on this control only while the wheels are
not spinning freely.
Interaxle Differential Lock
This switch is located on
the center instrument
panel. You will see this
control on tandem
rear axle vehicles.
Press the switch to engage/lock the tandem front axle
differential to the rear axle differential. This driver
controlled feature improves traction over slippery or
uneven surfaces.
4-7

Rear Axle Shift Motor
When to Check and Change Fluid
If you have an optional air-shift two-speed, controlled
traction, or locking differential type rear axle, a good time
to check the fluid level in the axle shift motor is when
the rear axle lubricant is checked.
How to Check Fluid
Remove the plug on the front plate of the axle shift
motor, add enough fluid to raise the level to the bottom
of the filler plug hole, then replace the plug.
What to Use
Refer to your Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. SeePart C: Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-31.
Four-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
When to Check Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check transfer case fluid
unless you suspect there is a leak or you hear an
unusual noise. A fluid loss could indicate a problem.
Have it inspected and repaired.
How to Check Lubricant
A. Fill Plug
B. Drain Plug
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.
If the level is below the bottom of the fill plug hole,
located on the transfer case, you’ll need to add some
lubricant. Add enough lubricant to raise the level to
the bottom of the fill plug hole. Use care not to
overtighten the plug.
5-73

If your vehicle has four-wheel drive, the axle differentials,
propshafts, and transfer case may be damaged if tires
of different sizes, brands or tread types are installed
on the front and rear axles. That damage would not be
covered under your warranty.
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched specific tires for your
vehicle. If you need replacement tires, GM strongly
recommends that you get tires that are the same size,
brand, load range, speed rating, and construction type
(radial and bias-belted tires) as your vehicle’s original
tires. This way, your vehicle will continue to have tires
that are designed to give the same performance and
vehicle safety, during normal use, as the original tires.
GM recommends replacing tires in sets of six or eight as
applicable. This is because uniform tread depth on all
tires will help keep your vehicle performing most like it
did when the tires were new. Replacing less than a full
set of tires can affect the braking and handling
performance of your vehicle.
{CAUTION:
Mixing tires could cause you to lose
control while driving. If you mix tires of
different sizes, brands, or types (radial
and bias-belted tires) the vehicle may not
handle properly, and you could have a
crash. Using tires of different sizes,
brands, or types may also cause damage
to your vehicle. Be sure to use the correct
size, brand, and type of tires on your
vehicle’s wheels.
{CAUTION:
If you use bias-ply tires on your vehicle,
the wheel rim anges could develop
cracks after many miles of driving. A tire
and/or wheel could fail suddenly, causing
a crash. Use only radial-ply tires with the
wheels on your vehicle.
5-85

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