2009 CHEVROLET KODIAK light

Traction Control System (TCS)
The vehicle may have a traction control system that limits
wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery road
conditions. The system operates only if it senses that one
or both of the rear wheels are spinning or beginning to
lose traction. When this happens, the system applies the
brake(s) at the affected wheel(s).
The bottom light on TCS on/off button will come on
when the TCS is limiting wheel spin. The system may
be heard or felt while it is working, but this is normal.
TCS will function at speeds up to about 25 mph
(42 km/h).
TCS may operate on dry roads under some conditions.
When this happens, a reduction in acceleration may
be noticed. This is normal and doesn’t mean there’s a
problem with the vehicle. Examples of these conditions
include a hard acceleration in a turn, an abrupt
upshift or downshift of the transmission or driving on
rough roads.When the light in the top of the TCS button is on, TCS
is off and will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving
accordingly.
The light in the top of the TCS button will come on if
TCS is turned off by pressing the TCS on/off button.
The light may also come on if a problem has been
detected in either the traction control system or
the anti-lock brake system.
The traction control system automatically comes on
whenever the vehicle is started. To limit wheel
spin, especially in slippery road conditions, the system
should always be left on. But the traction control
system can be turned off if needed. Turn the system off
if the vehicle ever gets stuck in sand, mud or snow
and rocking the vehicle is required. SeeRocking Your
Vehicle to Get It Out on page 4-19for more information.
4-8

To turn the system on or
off, press the traction
control button located on
the instrument panel.
If the TCS button was used to turn the system off, the
light in the top of the button will come on and stay
on. TCS can be turned back on at any time by pressing
the button again; the light should go off.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
the vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3for more information.Steering
Power Steering
If power steering assist is lost because the engine stops
or the system is not functioning, the vehicle can be
steered but it will take more effort.
On vehicles with hydraulic brakes, the power steering
and main hydraulic brake system both use the
power steering pump. SeeBraking on page 4-4.
Steering Tips
Driving on Curves
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tires
and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is
banked, and vehicle speed. While in a curve, speed is
the one factor that can be controlled.
If there is a need to reduce speed, do it before entering
the curve, while the front wheels are straight.
Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait
to accelerate until out of the curve, and then accelerate
gently into the straightaway.
4-9

Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle’s right wheels can drop off the edge of a
road onto the shoulder while driving.
If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the
pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the
accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way,
steer so that the vehicle straddles the edge of the
pavement. Turn the steering wheel 3 to 5 inches,
8 to 13 cm, (about one-eighth turn) until the right front
tire contacts the pavement edge. Then turn the steering
wheel to go straight down the roadway.
Passing
Passing another vehicle on a two-lane road can be
dangerous. To reduce the risk of danger while passing:
•A vehicle like yours takes a longer time to reach
passing speed, so you will need a longer stretch
of clear road ahead than you would with a
passenger car.
•Look down the road, to the sides, and to crossroads
for situations that might affect a successful pass. If
in doubt, wait.
•Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings, and
lines that could indicate a turn or an intersection.
Never cross a solid or double-solid line on your side
of the lane.
•Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to
pass. Doing so can reduce your visibility.
•Wait your turn to pass a slow vehicle.
•When you are being passed, ease to the right.
4-11

Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving because
some drivers are likely to be impaired — by alcohol or
drugs, with night vision problems, or by fatigue.
Night driving tips include:
•Drive defensively.
•Do not drink and drive.
•Reduce headlamp glare by adjusting the inside
rearview mirror.
•Slow down and keep more space between you and
other vehicles because headlamps can only light up
so much road ahead.
•Watch for animals.
•When tired, pull off the road.
•Do not wear sunglasses.
•Avoid staring directly into approaching headlamps.
•Keep the windshield and all glass on your vehicle
clean — inside and out.
•Keep your eyes moving, especially during turns or
curves.
No one can see as well at night as in the daytime.
But, as we get older, these differences increase.
A 50-year-old driver might need at least twice as much
light to see the same thing at night as a 20-year-old.
4-13

Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle traction
and affect your ability to stop and accelerate. Always
drive slower in these types of driving conditions
and avoid driving through large puddles and
deep-standing or flowing water.
{CAUTION:
Wet brakes can cause crashes. They might not
work as well in a quick stop and could cause
pulling to one side. You could lose control of the
vehicle.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
After driving through a large puddle of water or a
car/vehicle wash, lightly apply the brake pedal until
the brakes work normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates strong forces.
Driving through flowing water could cause your
vehicle to be carried away. If this happens, you
and other vehicle occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be very cautious about
trying to drive through flowing water.
4-14

Repeat this until help arrives but only when you feel
really uncomfortable from the cold. Moving about
to keep warm also helps.
If it takes some time for help to arrive, now and then
when you run the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than the idle
speed. This keeps the battery charged to restart
the vehicle and to signal for help with the headlamps.
Do this as little as possible to save fuel.
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to free the
vehicle when stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on page 4-19.
If the vehicle has a traction system, it can often help to
free a stuck vehicle. Refer to the vehicle’s traction
system in the Index. If stuck too severely for the traction
system to free the vehicle, turn the traction system off
and use the rocking method.
{CAUTION:
If you let your vehicle’s tires spin at high speed,
they can explode, and you or others could be
injured. The vehicle can overheat, causing an
engine compartment fire or other damage. Spin the
wheels as little as possible and avoid going above
35 mph (55 km/h) as shown on the speedometer.
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right to clear the area
around the front wheels. For four-wheel-drive vehicles,
shift into 4HI. Turn off any traction system. Shift back and
forth between R (Reverse) and a forward gear, or with a
manual transmission, between 1 (First) or 2 (Second) and
R (Reverse), 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 shifting, and press lightly on the accelerator
pedal when the transmission is in gear. Slowly spinning
the wheels in the forward and reverse directions causes a
rocking motion that could free the vehicle. If that does not
get the vehicle out after a few tries, it might need to be
towed out. If the vehicle does need to be towed out, see
Towing Your Vehicle on page 4-23.
4-19

Trailer Connections
Heavy-Duty Trailer Wiring Package
The vehicle may be equipped with an eight-wire trailer
towing harness. This harness, with a seven-pin universal
heavy-duty trailer connector, is attached to a bracket
on the platform hitch.
The Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) wire is
tied next to the trailer wiring harness for use with a
trailer.
The eight-wire harness contains the following trailer
circuits:
•Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal
•Dark Green: Right Stop/Turn Signal
•Brown: Taillamps
•White: Ground
•Light Green: Back-up Lamps
•Light Blue: CHMSL
•Red: Battery Feed
•Dark Blue: Trailer Brake
Trailer Connections
(C7/C8 Models Only)
If the vehicle has these trailer connections, they are
located at the rear of the cab for a tractor and at the rear
of the chassis when towing a trailer. There will be an
air connection and an electrical connection.
Be sure that the couplings to the trailer are made
correctly.
Air Connections
If the trailer air line connections will not be connected to
another piece of equipment, be sure to replace their
protective caps.
Electrical Connections
This system is a seven-wire cable that will connect to
the trailer, supplying power to the trailer’s lighting
system. When not in use, it is stored in the trailer
air-hose storage bracket.
4-25

Very Cold Weather Operation
Follow the instructions listed previously under the
heading “What Fuel to Use.”
Notice:Never use home heating oil or gasoline in
your vehicle’s diesel engine. They can cause
engine damage.
In cold weather, the fuel filter could become clogged
(waxed). To unclog it, move the vehicle to a warm
garage area and warm the filter to between 32°F and
50°F (0°C to 10°C). You will not need to replace it.
Additional information on the fuel filter follows.
Water in Fuel
{CAUTION:
Diesel fuel containing water is still flammable. You
could be burned. If you ever try to drain water
from the fuel, keep sparks, flames, and smoking
materials away from the mixture.Notice:If there is water in the diesel fuel and the
weather is warm or humid, fungus and bacteria can
grow in the fuel. They can damage the fuel system.
A diesel fuel biocide can be used to sterilize the
fuel system. However, the fuel system may still need
to be cleaned. Your dealer/retailer can advise you
of the appropriate solution.
If the fuel tank needs to be purged to remove water,
see your dealer/retailer or a qualified technician.
Improper purging can damage the fuel system.
Sometimes, water can be pumped into the fuel tank
along with the diesel fuel. This can happen if a service
station does not regularly inspect and clean its fuel
tanks, or if it gets contaminated fuel from its suppliers.
If this happens, the
water-in-fuel light, if
equipped, will come on in
the instrument panel. If it
does, the water must be
drained. Your dealer/
retailer can show you
how to do this.
If the light comes on, use this chart to determine what
action to take.
5-11