CHEVROLET KODIAK 2008 Owners Manual

What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that can be
unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer.
Do not let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean
your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good
hand cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of clothing or
rags containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer’s
warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the
filter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting it
in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into
streams or bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by
taking it to a place that collects used oil. If you have a
problem properly disposing of used oil, ask your
dealer/retailer, a service station, or a local recycling
center for help.
Engine Oil Life System
(DURAMAX
®/Isuzu Diesel Engines)
When to Change Engine Oil
If your vehicle has the Engine Oil Life System, it has a
computer system that lets you know when to change
the engine oil and filter. This is based on injection timing,
engine load and engine temperature, and not on
mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage atwhich an oil change will be indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work properly, you
must reset the system every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is
necessary. A change engine oil light will come on. See
Change Engine Oil Light on page 3-38. Change the
oil as soon as possible within the next 600 miles
(1 000 km) or 30 hours of engine operation, whichever
occurs first. It is possible that, if you are driving under
the best conditions, the oil life system might not indicate
that an oil change is necessary for over a year. However,
the engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a
year and at this time the system must be reset. Your
dealer/retailer has trained service people who will
perform this work using genuine parts and reset the
system. It is also important to check the oil regularly and
keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must
change the oil at 15,000 miles (24 000 km), or 150 hours
of engine operation, whichever occurs first, since your
last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed.
5-37

How to Reset the Engine Oil Life
System
The Engine Oil Life System calculates when to change
the engine oil and filter based on vehicle use. Whenever
the oil is changed, reset the system so it can calculate
when the next oil change is required. If a situation occurs
where you change the oil prior to a change engine oil light
being turned on, reset the system.
To reset the Engine Oil Life System:
1. Turn the ignition key to ON/RUN with the
engine off.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal slowly
three times within five seconds.
If the change engine oil light is turned off, the
system is resetting.
3. Turn the key to OFF.
If the change engine oil light comes back on when you
start your vehicle, the Engine Oil Life System has not
reset. Repeat the procedure.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that can be
unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer.
Do not let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean
your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good hand
cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer’s
warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the
filter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting it
in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into
streams or bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by taking
it to a place that collects used oil. If you have a problem
properly disposing of used oil, ask your dealer/retailer, a
service station, or a local recycling center for help.
5-38

Engine Oil Life System
(Caterpillar
®Diesel Engine)
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life
System
The Engine Oil Life System calculates when to change
the engine oil and filter based on vehicle use. Whenever
the oil is changed, reset the system so it can calculate
when the next oil change is required. If a situation occurs
where you change the oil prior to a change engine oil light
being turned on, reset the system.
To reset the Engine Oil Life System:
1. Turn the ignition key to ON/RUN with the
engine off.
2. Fully apply and hold the brake pedal while you fully
press and release the accelerator pedal, pausing
slightly at each press and each release, three times
within five seconds.
3. Turn the key to OFF.
If the change engine oil light comes back on when you
start your vehicle, the Engine Oil Life System has
not reset. Repeat the procedure.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
DURAMAX®Diesel
6.6L EngineV8 Gas and CAT and
Isuzu 6H Diesel Engines
5-39

When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filters
If your vehicle has this feature, the gage is located in
the engine compartment either on or near the air
cleaner. It monitors the engine air filter and will let you
know when the filter should be replaced. If you are driving
in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect the filter each oil change.
As the filter gets dirty, the yellow indicator will begin to
rise. When it reaches the red/orange change area,
the filter should be replaced. Reset the indicator after
each filter replacement.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter (DURAMAX®Diesel 6.6L,
V8 Gas and CAT Diesel Engines)
{CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/lter
off can cause you or others to be burned.
The air cleaner not only cleans the air; it helps
to stop ames if the engine backres. If it is
not there and the engine backres, you could
be burned. Do not drive with it off, and be
careful working on the engine with the air
cleaner/lter off.
Notice:If the air cleaner/lter is off, a backre can
cause a damaging engine re. And, dirt can easily
get into your engine, which will damage it. Always
have the air cleaner/lter in place when you are
driving.
The engine air cleaner/filter is located in the center of
the engine compartment.
To inspect the engine air cleaner/filter, remove the filter
from the vehicle and lightly shake the filter to release
loose dust and dirt. If the filter remains caked with dirt, a
new filter is required.
5-40

How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filters (DURAMAX®7.8L and
Isuzu 6H Diesel Engine)
{CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/lter
off can cause you or others to be burned. The
air cleaner not only cleans the air; it helps to
stop ames if the engine backres. If it is not
there and the engine backres, you could be
burned. Do not drive with it off, and be careful
working on the engine with the air cleaner/
lter off.
Notice:If the air cleaner/lter is off, a backre can
cause a damaging engine re. And, dirt can
easily get into your engine, which will damage it.
Always have the air cleaner/lter in place when you
are driving.The engine air cleaner/filter is located in the center of
the engine compartment.
To inspect the engine air cleaner/filter, perform the
following:
1. Disconnect the air
compressor hose by
pinching the connector
ring to release the
connector lock.
2. Unclip the four clips that hold the upper housing to
the lower housing and remove the upper housing.
3. Remove the filter from the vehicle and lightly shake
the filter to release loose dust and dirt. If the filter
remains caked with dirt, a new filter is required.
4. Reinstall the upper housing and make sure that the
air compressor hose is reconnected by pushing the
connector back onto the port. Listen for the
connector to click to be sure that the air compressor
hose is securely locked and connected.
5-41

Hood Inlet Seal
If your vehicle is being used in heavy snow conditions
or for snow plowing, there is a possibility of snow and
ice build up in the inlet to the air cleaner, blocking airflow
to the engine and negatively impacting engine
performance.
To prevent the blocking of air, remove the hood inlet
seal, by doing the following:
1. Loosen the clamp that holds the seal to the air
cleaner.
2. Slide the seal off.3. Store the seal in the inlet, located on the underside
of the hood.
4. Store the clamp on the coolant surge tank. Pull the
overflow tube out of the white plastic retainer, slip
the clamp over and reinstall the hose.
The seal will need to be replaced on to the air cleaner
for normal driving, especially in the warmer months.
5-42

Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check
A good time to check your automatic transmission fluid
level is when the engine oil is checked. See your
Allison Automatic Transmission Operator’s Manual to
find out when to change your transmission fluid
and filters.
How to Check and What to Use
The Allison Automatic Transmission Operator’s Manual
that came with the vehicle shows how to check the
automatic transmission fluid and what fluid to use.
Automatic Transmission External Filter
Your automatic transmission filter requires periodic
replacement.
Consult the Allison Automatic Transmission Operator’s
Manual that came with the vehicle for proper change
intervals.
Manual Transmission Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is
checked. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to find
out when to check and change your manual
transmission fluid. SeeScheduled Maintenance on
page 6-5.
How to Check and What to Use
Check the fluid level only when your engine is off, the
vehicle is parked on a level place, and the transmission
is cool enough for you to rest your fingers on the
transmission case.
To check the transmission fluid level, do the following:
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Check to be sure that the lubricant level is up to the
bottom of the fill opening. On heavy duty
transmissions, an inch of oil level equals about one
gallon of fluid.
3. If the fluid level is good, reinstall the plug and be
sure it is fully seated. If the fluid level is low, add
more fluid as described in the next steps. Refer to
the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind
of fluid to use. SeePart C: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-31.
5-43

How to Add Fluid
To add transmission fluid, do the following:
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Add fluid at the filler plug hole. Add only enough
fluid to bring the fluid level up to the bottom of
the fill opening. Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule to determine the proper fluid to use.
SeePart C: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-31.
3. Reinstall the filler plug. Be sure the plug is 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.
Engine Coolant (Gas and
DURAMAX
®/Isuzu 7.8L L6 Engines)
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for five years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-48.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
•Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
•Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
•Protect against rust and corrosion.
•Help keep the proper engine temperature.
•Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
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 rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
5-44

What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
one-half DEX-COOL®coolant which will not damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you do
not need to add anything else.
{CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling
system can be dangerous. Plain water, or
some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil
before the proper coolant mixture will. Your
vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the
proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the
wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot
but you would not get the overheat warning.
Your engine could catch re and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.Notice:If you use an improper coolant mixture,
your engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core, and
other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer/retailer check your cooling system.
Notice:If you use extra inhibitors and/or additives
in your vehicle’s cooling system, you could
damage your vehicle. Use only the proper mixture
of the engine coolant listed in this manual for
the cooling system. SeePart C: Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-31for more
information.
5-45

Checking Coolant
The coolant surge tank is located in the engine
compartment on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
{CAUTION:
Turning the surge tank pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam
and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you
badly. Never turn the surge tank pressure
cap — even a little — when the engine and
radiator are hot.
The vehicle must be parked on a level surface. When
your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the
FULL COLD mark or higher.
If the low coolant warning
light comes on in the
instrument panel cluster
and stays on, it means you
are low on engine
coolant.
SeeLow Coolant Warning Light on page 3-35for further
information.
5-46