2009 CHEVROLET KODIAK radiator cap

The coolant level should
be at the FULL COLD
mark or higher. If it is not,
you may have a leak at
the pressure cap or in the
radiator hoses, heater
hoses, radiator, water
pump, or somewhere else
in the cooling system.
{CAUTION:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine parts,
can be very hot. Do not touch them. If you do, you
can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a leak. If you run
the engine, it could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine fire, and you could be burned.
Get any leak fixed before you drive the vehicle.If there seems to be no leak, start the engine again. The
engine cooling fan speed should increase when idle
speed is doubled by pushing the accelerator pedal down.
If it does not, your vehicle needs service. Turn off the
engine.
Notice:Engine damage from running the engine
without coolant is not covered by the warranty.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL can
cause premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs first. Any repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always use DEX-COOL (silicate-free) coolant in
your vehicle.
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank
If you have not found a problem yet, check to see if
coolant is visible in the surge tank. If coolant is visible
but the coolant level is not at the FULL COLD mark
or higher, add a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water
and DEX-COOL
®coolant at the coolant surge tank,
but be sure the cooling system, including the coolant
surge tank pressure cap, is cool before you do it.
SeeEngine Coolant (Caterpillar Diesel Engines) on
page 5-47for more information.
5-44

If no coolant is visible in the surge tank, add coolant as
follows:
{CAUTION:
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling
system can blow out and burn you badly. They are
under pressure, and if you turn the coolant surge
tank pressure cap — even a little — they can
come out at high speed. Never turn the cap when
the cooling system, including the coolant surge
tank pressure cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling
system and coolant surge tank pressure cap to
cool if you ever have to turn the pressure cap.
{CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to the cooling system can
be dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid
such as alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant
mixture will. The vehicle’s coolant warning system
is set for the proper coolant mixture. With plain
water or the wrong mixture, the engine could get
too hot but you would not get the overheat
warning. The engine could catch fire and you or
others could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of
clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.
Notice:In cold weather, water can freeze and crack
the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.
Use the recommended coolant and the proper
coolant mixture.
5-45

{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol and
it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough. Do
not spill coolant on a hot engine.
1. You can remove the
coolant surge tank
pressure cap when
the cooling system,
including the coolant
surge tank pressure
cap and upper radiator
hose, is no longer hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise
about one full turn. If you hear a hiss, wait for that to
stop. A hiss means there is still some pressure left.
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap slowly, and
remove it.3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mixture,
to the FULL COLD mark.
5-46

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 Coolant (Caterpillar Diesel
Engines)
If your vehicle has a Caterpillar®diesel engine, see the
Caterpillar®Diesel Engine Operation & Maintenance
Manual provided with your vehicle to find out what to add,
as well as when and how to service your cooling system.
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
The coolant surge tank pressure cap is located in
the engine compartment, on the driver’s side of the
vehicle.
Notice:Your vehicle’s surge tank pressure cap is
designed for use with medium-duty cooling systems
only. If the surge tank pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and possible engine damage
may occur. Be sure the cap is properly and tightly
secured.
5-47

(24)= Evaporative Control System Service, if equipped:
Check all fuel and vapor lines and hoses for proper
connections and correct routing (or every 24 months,
whichever occurs first). Replace parts as needed.
(25)= Replace spark plugs. Inspect wires for damage.
Check the wire boot and boot heat shield fit at spark
plugs and coil. Replace parts as needed.
(26)= Check the fuel tank, fuel cap and fuel lines for
damage which could cause leakage. Inspect fuel cap for
correct sealing ability and any indications of damage.
Check fuel cap gasket for even filler neck imprint.
Replace parts as needed.
(27)= Check Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system
as described in the service manual. SeeService
Publications Ordering Information on page 7-10.
(28)= Inspect Electronic Vacuum Regulator Valve
(EVRV) filter for excessive contamination or plugging.
If needed, clean filter with solution of soap and water, let
dry and install.
(29)= Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service. SeePart C: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-31for what to use. Inspect
hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap, and
neck. Pressure test cooling system and pressure cap.
For Caterpillar
®diesel engines, always refer to the
Caterpillar®Diesel Engine Operation & Maintenance
Manual for coolant recommendations and change
intervals.(30)= Change the lubricant. SeePart C: Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-31.
(31)= Front axle service: Re-pack upper kingpin roller
bearing.
(32)= Air brake service:
•Inspect brake lines and hoses for proper hook-up,
binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect drum
brake linings for wear or cracks. Inspect other brake
parts at each wheel, including drums and wheel
speed sensor wiring. Check brake pedal for
excessive free play or travel (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first) and have serviced if needed.
Check brakes more often if driving habits and
conditions result in frequent braking. Replace air
dryer cartridge only if excessive oil or moisture is
present. A small amount of oil in the system is normal
and should not be considered as a reason to replace
the cartridge.
•Test air lines for leaks; tighten as needed. Replace
compressor filter.
•Inspect air parking brake chamber for leaks and
damage. Inspect lines and hoses for leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Also check all attachments for tightness,
wear, or damage. Note: The spring brake section of
the rear brake diaphragms are non-serviceable.
6-24

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 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.
Windshield Wipers and Washers
Check
Check operation and condition of the wiper blades.
Check the flow of the washer spray.
Defroster Check
Move the control to the defrost symbol and the fan to HI
or the high symbol. Then check the airflow from the
ducts at the inside base of the windshield.
6-28