lights CHEVROLET KODIAK 2005 User Guide

Charging System Light
The charging system light
may be located in the
instrument panel cluster, or
with the auxiliary warning
lights in the center of
the instrument panel.
It should come on briefly when you turn on the ignition,
before the engine is running, as a check to show
that it is working.
If it stays on, or comes on while you are driving, have
your vehicle checked right away. You could have a loose
generator drive belt or some other problem.
Driving while this light is on will drain your battery. If you
must drive a short distance with the light on, turn off
your radio and other accessories. Sustained driving with
a generator failure could result in a lack of back-up
braking if the engine quits or the power steering pump
should fail.
Voltmeter Gage
When your engine is
running, the voltmeter
gage shows the charging
system voltage.
Readings in either warning zone indicate a possible
problem in the electrical system.
Readings in the low warning zone may occur when a
large number of electrical accessories are operating in
the vehicle and the engine is left at an idle for an
extended period. This condition is normal since the
charging system may not be able to provide full
power at engine idle. As engine speeds are increased,
this condition should correct itself because higher
engine speeds allow the charging system to create
maximum power.
You can only drive a short time on the battery. Be sure
to shut off the radio, the fan or any unnecessary
accessories and have the system serviced.
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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
1000/2000/2200/2400/2500 series automatic
transmission, a lighted bar under the current gear
selected will flash.
If your vehicle has an Allison 3000/3500 series 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.
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Hydraulic Brake System
Warning Lights
Vehicles with hydraulic brake systems have two brake
system warning lights on the instrument panel.
If the BRAKE system
warning light comes on, it
means that the fluid
level in the master cylinder
reservoir is low or there
is another problem
with your hydraulic brakes.
When it comes on, you will also hear a warning tone.
The BRAKE system warning light may come on, and the
warning tone may sound, when you’re turning and
braking at the same time. This is normal. See “Hydraulic
Brake Systems” underBraking on page 4-5.If the service brakes soon
warning light comes on, it
means there may be
something wrong in the
brake system.
When this light comes on, you will also hear a warning
tone. Have the system repaired immediately.
Both of these lights should come on briefly every time
you start your engine. If they don’t come on then,
have them fixed so they will be ready to warn you if
there’s a problem. If one or both of these warning lights
stay on after you start the engine, there could be a
brake problem. Have your brake system inspected
right away.
If one or both of these lights come on while you are
driving, pull off the road and stop carefully. You
may notice that the pedal is harder to push, or the pedal
may go closer to the floor. It may take longer to stop.
If the BRAKE light is still on, have the vehicle towed for
service. SeeTowing Your Vehicle on page 4-35. See
“Hydraulic Brake Systems” underBraking on page 4-5
for further information.
3-32

Reduced Engine Power Light
If the check engine and
reduced engine power
lights are on, the throttle
may be disabled, and
a noticeable change in the
vehicle’s performance
may occur.
If the reduced engine power light is on, but there is no
change in performance, proceed to your destination.
The performance may be reduced the next time
the vehicle is driven. The vehicle may be driven at a
slower speed while the reduced engine power light is on,
but acceleration and speed may be limited.
Anytime the check engine light stays on, the vehicle
should be taken to an authorized GM dealer as soon as
possible for service.
Highbeam On Light
This light will come on
when the high-beam
headlamps are in use.
SeeHeadlamp High/Low-Beam Changer on page 3-8.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Indicator Light
This light is located on the
instrument panel cluster. It
goes on whenever the
Daytime Running Lamps
are on.
SeeDaytime Running Lamps (DRL) on page 3-15for
more information.
When it begins to get dark, the DRL indicator light is a
reminder to turn on your headlamps.
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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 may require at least twice as much
light to see the same thing at night as a 20-year-old.
What you do in the daytime can also affect your
night vision. For example, if you spend the day in bright
sunshine you are wise to wear sunglasses. Your
eyes will have less trouble adjusting to night. But if you
are driving, do not wear sunglasses at night. They
may cut down on glare from headlamps, but they also
make a lot of things invisible.
You can be temporarily blinded by approaching
headlamps. It can take a second or two, or even
several seconds, for your eyes to re-adjust to the dark.
When you are faced with severe glare, as from a
driver who does not lower the high beams, or a vehicle
with misaimed headlamps, slow down a little. Avoid
staring directly into the approaching headlamps.Keep your windshield and all the glass on your vehicle
clean — inside and out. Glare at night is made much
worse by dirt on the glass. Even the inside of the glass
can build up a film caused by dust. Dirty glass makes
lights dazzle and flash more than clean glass would,
making the pupils of your eyes contract repeatedly.
Remember that your headlamps light up far less of a
roadway when you are in a turn or curve. Keep
your eyes moving; that way, it is easier to pick out dimly
lighted objects. Just as your headlamps should be
checked regularly for proper aim, so should your eyes
be examined regularly. Some drivers suffer from
night blindness — the inability to see in dim light — and
are not even aware of it.
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Engine Coolant (Gas and
DURAMAX
®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 5-38.
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 252°F (122°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.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-halfclean, drinkable waterand
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.
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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 the
transmission 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
SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-5to determine
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 is not warm, you probably will not
get an accurate reading.
If the fluid level is between the MIN (Minimum) and
MAX (Maximum) 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.
If your power steering fluid level is low, this can cause
the brake or service brakes soon warning lights to come
on. In addition, the steering effort and emergency
brake distance could increase.
If either light remains on after you have added power
steering fluid to the proper level, then shut off the engine
for 10 seconds. This should reset the brake warning
lights. If one or both lights stay on, see “Hydraulic Brake
System Warning Lights” underBrake System Warning
Light on page 3-31for more information.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, seePart C:
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-32.
Notice:When adding power steering uid or
making a complete uid change, always use the
proper uid. Failure to use the proper uid can
cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
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Service Parts Identication Label
You will find this label in a location determined by the
body manufacturer. It is very helpful if you ever need to
order parts. On this label, you will find the following:
•VIN
•Model designation
•Paint information
•Production options and special equipment
Be sure that this label is not removed from the vehicle.
Electrical System
Add-On Electrical Equipment
Notice:Don’t add anything electrical to your
vehicle unless you check with your dealer rst.
Some electrical equipment can damage your vehicle
and the damage wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty. Some add-on electrical equipment
can keep other components from working as
they should.
Headlamp Wiring
The headlamp wiring is protected by a circuit breaker in
the light switch. An electrical overload will cause the
lights to go on and off, or in some cases to remain off. If
this happens, have your headlamp wiring checked
right away.
Windshield Wiper Fuses
The windshield wiper motor is protected by a circuit
breaker inside the motor and a circuit breaker or fuse in
the fuse block. If the motor overheats, the wipers will
stop until the motor cools. If the overload is caused by
an electrical problem, be sure to get it fixed.
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Be sure to replace fuses with fuses of the same rating. Do not use fuses of higher amperage than those indicated on
the fuse block.
Circuit Breaker Usage
1 Stoplamps
2 Center High-Mounted Stoplamp
3 Parking Lamps
4 Powertrain Control Module
5 Auxiliary Wiring
6 Heater/Air Conditioning
7 Hazard Warning Flashers
8 Power PostCircuit Breaker Usage
9 Courtesy Lamps
10Warning Lights, Gages and
Indicators
11 Starter
12 Rear Axle/Four-Wheel-Drive
13Trailer Turn Signals/Hazard Warning
Flashers
14 Radio/Chime
15 Daytime Running Lamps
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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 Check
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. Refer toEngine Exhaust on page 2-43and
Running the Engine While Parked on page 2-44.
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.
Mirrors and Sun Visors Check
Check that friction joints hold mirrors and sun visors
in place.
Seat Adjuster Check
When adjusting a manual seat, be sure seat adjusters
latch by attempting to move the seat after latching.
Lamps Check
Check panel lighting, warning lights, indicator lights, and
interior lamps. On the outside, check: license plate
lamps, sidemarker lamps, reflectors or lights on outside
mirrors, headlamps, parking lamps, identification and
clearance lamps, taillamps, brake lamps, turn signals,
backup lamps, and hazard warning flashers. Have
headlamp aim checked at once if beams seem
improperly aimed.
Glass, Mirrors, Lamps and/or
Reectors Condition Check
Look for broken, scratched, dirty, or damaged glass,
mirrors, lamps, or reflectors that could reduce the view
or visibility or cause injury. Replace, clean or repair
promptly.
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