tow CHEVROLET KODIAK 2004 User Guide

ZF Six-Speed Transmission
Here’s how to operate your
transmission.
This six-speed pattern is unique to GM manual
transmissions. The transmission always repositions the
shift lever to neutral, which is located between
FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5) gear.
To prevent unintentional gear selections, additional
force is required to move the shift lever into
REVERSE (R) or FIRST (1). Use FIRST (1) when trailer
towing, driving with a heavier payload or launching
on a grade. Otherwise, start in SECOND (2) gear. Only
shift into FIRST (1) when the vehicle has stopped
moving.
During the first 500 miles (805 km) of vehicle use, start
the vehicle moving in FIRST (1) gear. This allows
the clutch components to wear-in properly.FIRST (1):With the vehicle at a stop, release the
brake, press the clutch pedal and shift into FIRST (1).
Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the
accelerator pedal. Only downshift into FIRST (1)
when the vehicle has come to a complete stop. If the
shift lever will not go into FIRST (1), put the lever
in neutral and let up on the clutch pedal to fully engage
the clutch. Press the clutch pedal again. Then, shift
into FIRST (1).
SECOND (2):With the vehicle at a stop, release the
brake, press the clutch pedal and shift into SECOND (2).
Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press
the accelerator pedal. With the vehicle moving, press the
clutch pedal and upshift into SECOND (2) from
FIRST (1) while applying light pressure to the right on
the shifter. Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal
as you press the accelerator pedal. If you come to a
complete stop and the shift lever will not go into
SECOND (2), put the lever in neutral and let up on the
clutch pedal to fully engage the clutch. Press the
clutch pedal again. Then, shift into SECOND (2).
THIRD (3):Press the clutch pedal and upshift into
THIRD (3). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as
you press the accelerator pedal.
FOURTH (4), FIFTH (5) and SIXTH (6):Upshift into the
higher forward gears the same way as you do
THIRD (3). Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you
press the accelerator pedal.
2-31

Air Brake
{CAUTION:
When the yellow SYSTEM PARK and the red
TRAILER AIR SUPPLY knobs are both pushed
in, your rig will be free to move. It could strike
someone or something. When both of these
knobs are pushed in, hold the regular brake
pedal down to keep your rig from moving.
If your vehicle has air
brakes, you will have this
parking brake. It is
located above the radio in
the instrument panel.
Pulling it out applies the parking brake. The park brake
light will come on when the air parking brake is
applied.Vehicles built for use as tractors or towing vehicles have
two air brake controls. They look like this:
To charge a trailer’s air brake system do the following:
1. Move your tractor into the proper position.
2. Apply the parking brake by pulling the yellow
parking brake knob out.
3. Hook up the trailer air system properly.
4. Get into the tractor.
5. Push and hold down the regular brake pedal.
6. Push in both the yellow parking brake and the red
trailer air supply knobs. This will charge your
trailer’s air system.
2-35

After a few minutes, the trailer system should be fully
charged. When it is, the air pressure gage will show
about 125 to 135 psi (862 to 931 kPa).
For driving with a trailer, the yellow and red (if equipped)
knobs must be pushed in. It’s the same when you’re
not pulling a trailer except that the red trailer air supply
knob must be pulled out.
{CAUTION:
If you apply any one of the air brake parking
controls while the vehicle is moving, your rig
will stop suddenly. If you are not ready for
this, you or others could be injured. Don’t
apply any one of these controls while you’re
driving, unless you have to make an
emergency stop.
If the air pressure drops below 60 to 70 psi
(413 to 482 kPa), the primary brake light and warning
buzzer will come on. If the air pressure drops to
35 to 45 psi (241 to 310 kPa), the red trailer air supply
knob will automatically pop out and apply the spring
brakes on the trailer.If the air pressure drops to 35 to 45 psi (241 to 310 kPa),
the yellow park brake knob will automatically pop out
and apply the spring brakes on the truck or tractor.
If you ever have a complete loss of air so that your air
brakes automatically apply, there is a way that the
tow operator can release the parking brakes to tow the
vehicle. SeeTowing Your Vehicle on page 4-31.
{CAUTION:
If your vehicle is left in gear, the engine can
start if the vehicle starts to roll. This can easily
happen if you have the diesel engine. Shift the
transmission into NEUTRAL (N) before you
leave the vehicle.
2-36

{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
without the parking brake rmly set. Your
vehicle can roll. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You
or others could be injured. To be sure your
vehicle will not move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, always set the parking
brake.
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will
not move.
Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror
If your vehicle has this feature, pull the tab under the
mirror toward you to reduce glare from headlamps
behind you after dark. Push the tab away from you to
restore the mirror to the daytime position.
Outside Manual Mirrors
Adjust the outside rearview mirrors so you can see a
little of the side of your vehicle, and the area beside your
vehicle from a comfortable driving position. All mirrors
can be folded in to enter narrow passageways.
2-39

Turn and Lane-Change Signals
The turn signal has two upward (for right) and two
downward (for left) positions. These positions allow you
to signal a turn or a lane change.
To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up or down.
When the turn is finished, the lever will return
automatically.
An arrow on the instrument
panel cluster will flash in
the direction of the
turn or lane change.
To signal a lane change, just raise or lower the lever
until the arrow starts to flash. Hold it there until you
complete your lane change. The lever will return by itself
when you release it.
As you signal a turn or a lane change, if the arrows
don’t flash but just stay on, check the turn signal flasher
and circuit breaker. SeeFuses and Circuit Breakers
on page 5-87.
If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an
accident. If the arrows don’t go on at all when you signal a
turn, check the circuit breaker and for burned-out bulbs.
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
To change the headlamps from low to high beam or high
to low beam, pull the multifunction lever all the way
toward you, then release it.
When the high beams are
on, this light on the
instrument panel cluster
will also be on.
Windshield Wipers
You control the windshield
wipers by turning the band
with the wiper symbol
on it.
9(Off):Turn the band on the lever to this symbol to
turn off the windshield wipers.
3-8

8(Mist):For a single wiping cycle, turn the band to
this symbol. Hold it there until the wipers start, then
let go. The wipers will stop after one cycle. If you want
more cycles, hold the band on mist longer.
You can set the wiper speed for a long or short delay
between wipes. This can be very useful in light rain
or snow. Turn the band to one of the four delay settings
to choose the delay time. The further the band is
turned upward, the longer the delay will be. The further
the band is turned downward, the shorter the delay
will be.
6(Low Speed):For steady wiping at low speed,
turn the band toward you to the first solid band
below the delay settings.
1(High Speed):For high-speed wiping, turn the
band further, to the second solid band below the delay
settings. To stop the wipers, move the band to off.
Be sure to clear ice and snow from the wiper blades
before using them. If they are frozen to the windshield,
carefully loosen or thaw them. If your blades do
become worn or damaged, get new blades or blade
inserts. For more information, seeWindshield Wiper
Blade Replacement on page 5-63.Heavy snow or ice can overload your wipers. The
windshield wiper motor is protected from overload by a
circuit breaker and a fuse. If the motor overheats
due to heavy snow or ice the wiper will stop until the
motor cools. Although the circuit is protected from
electrical overload, overload due to heavy snow or ice
may cause wiper linkage damage. Always clear ice and
heavy snow from the windshield before using your
windshield wipers.
Windshield Washer
L
(Washer Fluid):There is a paddle marked with the
windshield washer symbol at the top of the multifunction
lever. To spray washer fluid on the windshield, press
the paddle. The wipers will clear the window and
then either stop or return to your preset speed.
{CAUTION:
In freezing weather, do not use your washer
until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the
washer uid can form ice on the windshield,
blocking your vision.
3-9

Exterior Lamps
The control located to the left of the steering column
operates the exterior lamps.
The exterior lamp control has four positions:
OFF:Turning the control to this position turns off all
lamps except the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).
;(Parking Lamps):Turning the control to this
position turns on the parking lamps, together with the
following:
•Marker Lamps
•Taillamps
•License Plate Lamps
•Instrument Panel Lights
O(Headlamps):Turning the control to this position
turns on the headlamps, together with the previously
listed lamps and lights.
You can switch your headlamps from low to high beam
by pulling the turn signal/multifunction lever toward
you. Pull the lever toward you again to return to
low beam.
A circuit breaker protects your headlamps. If you have
an electrical overload, your headlamps will flicker on and
off. Have your headlamp wiring checked right away if
this ever happens.
Headlamps On Reminder
If you have this system, a tone will sound when your
headlamps and/or parking lamps are turned on and your
ignition is in LOCK or ACCESSORY.
3-13

Climate Controls
Climate Control System
With these systems, you can control the heating,
cooling and ventilation for your vehicle.
If your vehicle does not have air conditioning, the
controls will look like this:
Turn the mode knob on the far right clockwise or
counterclockwise to direct the airflow inside of your
vehicle.
To change the current mode, select one of the following:
9(OFF):This setting turns the system off.
H(Vent):This mode directs air to the instrument
panel vents.
)(Bi-Level):This mode directs half of the air to the
instrument panel vents, then directs the remaining
air to the floor vents. Cooler air is directed to the upper
vents and warmer air to the floor vents.
6(Floor):This mode directs most of the air to the
floor vents. Use this mode to send air to the rear of the
vehicle. Keep the area under the front seats free of
objects that could obstruct airflow to the rear of
the vehicle.
The mode knob can also be used to select the defrost
mode. For more information, see “Defogging and
Defrosting” later in this section.
9(Fan):Turn the left knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
To increase airflow, turn the knob clockwise. To
decrease airflow, turn it counterclockwise. To turn the
fan off, turn the mode knob on the far right
counterclockwise to the off position.
(Temperature Knob):Turn the middle knob located
clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or decrease
the temperature inside of your vehicle. Turn the
knob toward the red area for warmer air. Turn the knob
toward the blue area for cooler air.
3-19

Turn the mode knob on the right of the climate control
panel to select the defog or defrost mode.
-(Defog):With this setting, the outside air comes out
of both the floor and defroster outlets. Adjust the
temperature knob for warmer or cooler air. The air
conditioning compressor may operate in this setting to
dehumidify the air.
0(Defrost):This setting operates the defroster. Most
of the air comes out near the windshield, with some
going to the floor outlets and front side windows. The air
conditioning compressor may operate in this setting to
dehumidify the air.
The defog setting is useful for cold weather with a large
number of passengers or very humid conditions to
help keep the windshield clear. Use defrost to remove
fog or ice from the windshield quickly in extremely
cold conditions. The temperature knob should be in the
red area and the fan control toward high. Do not
drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog or frost from the rear window.Be sure to clear as much snow from the rear window as
possible.
Press this button which is
located near the fan
control to turn the rear
window defogger on or off.
An indicator light in the
button will come on when
the rear window defogger
is working.
The rear window defogger will only work when the
ignition is RUN.
The rear window defogger will turn off several minutes
after the button is pressed. The defogger can also
be turned off by pressing the button again or by turning
off the engine.
Notice:Don’t use anything sharp on the inside of
the rear window. If you do, you could cut or damage
the warming grid, and the repairs wouldn’t be
covered by your warranty. Do not attach a temporary
vehicle license, tape, a decal or anything similar
to the defogger grid.
3-21

Service Transmission Warning Light
If your vehicle has an Allison automatic transmission,
certain transmission malfunctions will turn this light on.
This light is located with
the auxiliary warning lights
in the center of the
instrument panel.
If this light comes on while you are driving, do not use
the transmission shift control or you may lose forward
gears. The computer for the transmission senses
a problem and chooses a gear to stay in so that you
can drive the vehicle in that gear. You may not be able
to drive as fast or back up when this light is on.
Notice:If you continue driving your vehicle after
the transmission warning light comes on, you could
damage the transmission. While this light is on,
the transmission cannot operate in all gears. If you
attempt to shift gears, the vehicle may not
continue to move. Do not attempt to shift gears
while the transmission warning light is on. Instead,
drive directly to a GM dealer for service. If you
cannot drive to a dealer immediately, have the
vehicle towed.
Range Inhibit Warning Indicator
If your vehicle has an Allison
1000/2000/2200/2400 series automatic transmission, a
lighted bar under the current gear selected will flash.
If your vehicle has an Allison MD automatic
transmission, the current gear selected on the
pushbutton display will flash.
The flashing bar or gear selection indicates that
transmission range shifts may not occur.
For detailed information on shift inhibit limitations, see
the Allison Automatic Transmission Operator’s Manual in
your vehicle for further information.
Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle has either hydraulic or air brakes. Each
system has different warning lights.
3-31