transmission CHEVROLET KODIAK 2004 Owner's Guide

Here are some tips that can make your drive through
steep country safer:
•Keep the vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid
levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system
and transmission. These parts can work hard
on mountain roads.
•Know how to go down hills. The most important
thing to know is this: let your engine do some of
the slowing down. Shift to a lower gear when you go
down a steep or long hill.
{CAUTION:
If you do not shift down, your brakes could get
so hot that they would not work well. You
would then have poor braking or even none
going down a hill. You could crash. Shift down
to let your engine assist your brakes on a
steep downhill slope.
{CAUTION:
Coasting downhill in NEUTRAL (N) or with the
ignition off is dangerous. Your brakes will have
to do all the work of slowing down. They could
get so hot that they would not work well. You
would then have poor braking or even none
going down a hill. You could crash. Always
have your engine running and your vehicle in
gear when you go downhill.
•Know how to go uphill. Use lower gears. They help
cool your engine and transmission, and you can
climb the hill better.
•Stay in your own lane when driving on two-lane
roads in hills or mountains. Do not swing wide
or cut across the center of the road. Drive at speeds
that let you stay in your own lane.
•As you go over the top of a hill, be alert. There
could be something in your lane, like a stalled car or
an accident.
•You may se highway signs on mountains that warn
of special problems. Examples are long grades,
passing or no-passing zones, a falling rocks area,
winding roads and special truck lanes. Be alert
to these and take appropriate action.
4-24

If you have a diesel engine, you may have to run it at a
higher speed to get enough heat.
Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost
all the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine
again and repeat this only when you feel really
uncomfortable from the cold. But do it as little as
possible. Preserve the fuel as long as you can. To help
keep warm, you can get out of the vehicle and do
some fairly vigorous exercises every half hour or so until
help comes.
If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice
or Snow
In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck, you will
need to spin the wheels, but you do not want to
spin your wheels too fast. The method known as
“rocking” can help you get out when you are stuck, but
you must use caution.
{CAUTION:
If you let your tires spin at high speed, they
can explode, and you or others could be
injured. And, the transmission or other parts of
the vehicle can overheat. That could cause an
engine compartment re or other damage.
When you are stuck, spin the wheels as little
as possible. Do not spin the wheels above
35 mph (55 km/h) as shown on the
speedometer.
Notice:Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of
your vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the
wheels too fast while shifting your transmission
back and forth, you can destroy your transmission.
4-29

Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will
clear the area around your front wheels. If your vehicle
has traction control, you should turn the traction
control system off. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 4-11. Then shift back and forth between
REVERSE (R) and a forward gear (or with a manual
transmission, between FIRST (1) or SECOND (2)
and REVERSE (R)), spinning the wheels as little as
possible. Release the accelerator pedal while you shift,
and press lightly on the accelerator pedal when the
transmission is in gear. By slowly spinning your wheels
in the forward and reverse directions, you will cause
a rocking motion that may free your vehicle. If that does
not get you out after a few tries, you may need to be
towed out. If you do need to be towed out, seeTowing
Your Vehicle on page 4-31.
Using the Tow Hooks
If your vehicle has tow hooks, the hooks are provided at
the front and, on some models, the rear of your
vehicle. You may need to use them if you are stuck
off-road and need to be pulled to some place where you
can continue driving.
4-30

Service............................................................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Two Safety Cautions about Engine Fan
Breakage...................................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-6
Gasoline Octane............................................5-6
Gasoline Specifications....................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-7
Diesel Engine Fuel.........................................5-8
What Fuel to Use...........................................5-8
Very Cold Weather Operation.........................5-10
Water in Fuel...............................................5-10
Running Out of Fuel.....................................5-15
Fuel Filter Replacement.................................5-15
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................5-16
Filling Your Tank..........................................5-17
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-18
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-18
Hood Latches...............................................5-19
Engine Oil (Caterpillar
®Diesel Engine).............5-20
Engine Oil (Gasoline Engine)..........................5-20
Engine Oil (DURAMAX™ Diesel).....................5-25
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-30
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-31
Manual Transmission Fluid.............................5-32Engine Coolant (Gas and
DURAMAX™ engines)................................5-32
Engine Coolant (Caterpillar
®Diesel Engines).....5-35
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-35
Engine Overheating.......................................5-36
Cooling System............................................5-38
Engine Fan Noise.........................................5-43
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-43
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-44
Brakes........................................................5-46
Battery........................................................5-55
Jump Starting...............................................5-56
Rear Axle.......................................................5-61
Rear Axle Shift Motor....................................5-61
Noise Control System.....................................5-62
Tampering with Noise Control System
Prohibited.................................................5-62
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-63
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-63
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-63
Other Service Items........................................5-64
Fuel Filter....................................................5-64
Primary Fuel Filter and Water Separator..........5-65
Secondary Fuel Filter and Water
Separator/Heater.......................................5-66
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

Diesel Engine Fuel
For the Caterpillar®diesel, see the Caterpillar®
Operation & Maintenance Manual for information
concerning fuel usage.
Notice:Diesel fuel or fuel additives not
recommended in this manual could damage your
fuel system and engine. Your warranty would
not cover this damage. And:
Diesel fuel that has been mixed with engine oil
or automatic transmission uid could damage
your engine and emission controls.
Aftermarket diesel fuel additives are not tested
by General Motors. Some additives, particularly
those which contain alcohol or water
emulsiers, may damage your fuel system. If
you believe that unique circumstances call for a
fuel additive to be used, consult your dealer
for advice.
If you ever run out of diesel fuel, it can be
difficult to restart your engine. To avoid all this,
never let your tank get empty.
If you run out of fuel,Running Out of Fuel on page 5-15,
tells you how to restart your engine.
What Fuel to Use
In the United States, for best results use Number 2–D
diesel fuel year-round (above and below freezing
conditions) as oil companies blend Number 2–D fuel to
address climate differences. Number 1–D diesel fuel
may be used in very cold temperatures (when it
stays below 0°F or−18°C); however, it will produce a
power and fuel economy loss. Avoid the use of Number
1–D diesel fuel in warm or hot climates. It may result
in stalling, poor starting when the engine is hot and may
damage the fuel injection system.
At a minimum, the diesel fuel you use should meet
specifications ASTM D975-02 (Grade Low Sulfur) in the
United States. In addition, the Engine Manufacturers
Association (EMA) has identified properties of an
improved diesel fuel for better engine performance and
durability. Diesel fuels corresponding to the EMA
Recommended Guideline on Premium Diesel Fuel
(FQP-1A) could provide better starting, less noise and
better vehicle performance. If there are questions
about the fuel you are using, contact your fuel supplier.
It is acceptable to use diesel fuel containing up to
5% biodiesel (B5), but the final blended fuel must meet
the same specification, ASTM D975–02 (Grade Low
Sulfur), as other fuels used in your vehicle, and
the biodiesel used for making this fuel must meet the
ASTM D6751–02 specification.
5-8

To inspect the air cleaner/filter, remove the filter from
the vehicle and lightly shake filter to release loose dust
and dirt. If the filter remains “caked” with dirt, a new
filter is required.
{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 ame 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.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have it checked 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.
5-31

Manual Transmission Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often to check the lubricant and when to change it. See
Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-5.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of fluid to use. SeePart C: Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-29.
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is
checked. See your Maintenance Schedule to find out
when to change your transmission fluid.
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.
Then, follow these steps:
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, install the plug and be sure
it is fully seated. If the fluid level is low, add more
fluid as described in the next steps.
How to Add Fluid
Here’s how to add fluid. Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule to determine the proper fluid to use. SeePart
C: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-29.
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.
3. Install the filler plug. Be sure the plug is fully
seated.
Engine Coolant (Gas and
DURAMAX™ engines)
If your vehicle has a Caterpillar®diesel engine, the
Caterpillar®Operation & Maintenance Manual provided
with your vehicle has information regarding the
proper coolant to use.
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX-COOL
®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add
only DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.
5-32

5. Then replace the
pressure cap. Be sure
the pressure cap is
hand-tight and
fully seated.
Engine Fan Noise
Your vehicle has a clutched engine cooling fan. When
the clutch is engaged, the fan spins faster to provide
more air to cool the engine. In most everyday driving
conditions, the clutch is not fully engaged. This improves
fuel economy and reduces fan noise. Under heavy
vehicle loading, trailer towing and/or high outside
temperatures, the fan speed increases when the clutch
engages. So you may hear an increase in fan noise.
This is normal and should not be mistaken as thetransmission slipping or making extra shifts. It is merely
the cooling system functioning properly. The fan will
slow down when additional cooling is not required and
the clutch disengages.
You may also hear this fan noise when you start the
engine. It will go away as the fan clutch disengages.
Power Steering Fluid
See your Maintenance Schedule for when to check your
power steering fluid.
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
Check your power steering fluid only when the engine is
warm. If the engine isn’t warm, you probably won’t
get an accurate reading.
If the fluid level is between the MIN and MAX marks,
you have enough. If you need fluid, add only enough of
the proper fluid to bring it in between the MIN and
MAX marks.
5-43

Electric Air Compressor
Your vehicle may have an electric air compressor. This
compressor is used to run options that require
pressurized air, such as air horn, air seat, exhaust
restrictor or an exhaust brake.
The air compressor is used when vehicles are not
equipped with an air brake system.
The air supply for this
system must be
maintained by releasing
the drain valve to eject any
moisture that may have
built up in the system.
It is recommended that this system be drained on a
weekly basis.
Clutch Pedal Free Travel
If you have a manual transmission, your clutch will need
adjustment when pedal free travel gets down to about
1/4 inch (32 mm), as measured at the clutch pedal pad.
You should have 1 1/2 to 2 inches (38 to 51 mm) of
clutch pedal free travel. SeeScheduled Maintenance on
page 6-5for more information.
If your clutch ever needs service, be sure to use only
GM clutch replacement parts.
Chassis Lubrication
Your Maintenance Schedule provides all of the required
chassis lubrication intervals and identifies proper
lubricants to use. Be sure to see your Maintenance
Schedule before performing any chassis lubrication
service. To determine location of chassis lubrication
items, use the following charts.
5-51

Item Number Item Remarks
1 Brake Camshaft** One fitting each (apply sparingly).
2 Steering Column Slip Joint* One fitting.
3 Steering Drag Link Ends One fitting each end.
4 Pivot Points and Hinges Apply chassis lubricant.
5 Pivot Points and Hinges Apply chassis lubricant.
6 Slack Adjuster** One fitting.
7Brake Cam Roller Pins at interface of pin
and shoe**Apply engine oil.
8 Front Steering KnucklesOne fitting each side, lower bushing.
(Hand-operated grease gun only.) Hand-pack
upper bearing.
9 Front Wheel Bearings Hand-pack or lubricate.
10 Steering Tie Rod Ends One fitting each end.
11 Spring Slip Pads* (Multi-leaf Only) Apply chassis lubricant.
12 Clutch Release Bearing* Cup or fitting.
13 Battery Terminal (except “ST” type) Keep coated with petroleum jelly.
14 Transmission Fill to level of filler plug.
15 Propshaft Slip JointsLubricate with GM Part No. 1051344 Wheel Bearing
Lubricant.
16 Parking Brake Clevis Pin$ Apply chassis lubricant.
17 Parking Brake Lever Pivot*, $ Apply chassis lubricant.
18Clutch Release Cross Shaft,
Master Cylinder$Apply chassis lubricant, fill to 1/4 inch (6 mm)
below opening.
5-53