tow CHEVROLET KODIAK 2007 Owner's Guide

Trailer Connections
Heavy-Duty Trailer Wiring Package
Your vehicle may be equipped with an eight-wire
trailer towing harness. This harness, with a
seven-pin universal heavy-duty trailer connector,
is attached to a bracket on the platform hitch.
The Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
wire is tied next to the trailer wiring harness for
use with a trailer.
The eight-wire harness contains the following
trailer circuits:
•Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal
•Dark Green: Right Stop/Turn Signal
•Brown: Taillamps
•White: Ground
•Light Green: Back-up Lamps
•Light Blue: CHMSL
•Red: Battery Feed
•Dark Blue: Trailer Brake
Trailer Connections
(C7/C8 Models Only)
If your vehicle has these trailer connections, they
are located at the rear of the cab for a tractor
and at the rear of the chassis when towing
a trailer. There will be an air connection and an
electrical connection.
Be sure that the couplings to the trailer are
made correctly.
Air Connections
If you are not connecting the trailer air line
connections to another piece of equipment,
be sure to replace their protective caps.
Electrical Connections
This system is a seven-wire cable that will
connect to the trailer, supplying power to the
trailer’s lighting system. When not in use, it
is stored in the trailer air-hose storage bracket.
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Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil every time
you get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading,
the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be
on level ground.
The engine oil
dipstick is located in the
engine compartment
on the driver’s side
of the vehicle.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several
minutes to drain back into the oil pan. If you
do not do this, the oil dipstick might not
show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper
towel or cloth, then push it back in all the
way. Remove it again, keeping the tip down,
and check the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at the tip
of the dipstick, you will need to add at least one
quart/liter of oil. But you must use the right
kind. This section explains what kind of oil to use.
For engine oil crankcase capacity, seeCapacities
and Specications on page 347.
Notice:Do not add too much oil. If the engine
has so much oil that the oil level gets above the
cross-hatched area that shows the proper
operating range, the engine could be damaged.
269

Engine Oil (DURAMAX®/Isuzu Diesel
Engine)
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil level
every time you get fuel.
The engine oil dipstick
is located in the engine
compartment on the
driver’s side of the
vehicle.In order to get an accurate reading, the engine
should be at normal operating temperature, so
that the oil is warm, and the vehicle must be
on level ground.
1. If the engine is at normal operating
temperature and the oil is warm, turn off the
engine and allow at least five minutes for
the oil to drain back into the oil pan. If you do
not do this, the oil dipstick might not show
the actual level.
If the engine has not been run long enough to
bring it up to normal operating temperature
and the oil is cool, turn off the engine and allow
30 minutes for the oil to drain back into the
oil pan. If you do not do this, the oil dipstick
might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a
paper towel or a cloth, then push it back
in all the way.
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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 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.
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Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at
least twice a year for wear or cracking. See “Wiper
Blade Check” underAt Least Twice a Year on
page 392for more information.
Replacement blades come in different types and
are removed in different ways.
Here’s how to remove the wiper blade:
1. Pull the windshield wiper arm away from the
windshield.2. Push the release lever and slide the wiper
assembly toward the driver’s side of the
vehicle.
3. Install a new blade by reversing
Steps 1 and 2.
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{CAUTION:
Never use oil or grease on studs or the
threads of the wheel nuts. If you do, the
wheel nuts might come loose and the
wheel could fall off, causing a crash.
{CAUTION:
If wheel studs are damaged, they can
break. If all the studs on a wheel broke, the
wheel could come off and cause a crash. If
any stud is damaged because of a
loose-running wheel, it could be that all of
the studs are damaged. To be sure, replace
all studs on the wheel. If the stud holes in a
wheel have become larger, the wheel could
collapse in operation. Replace any wheel if
its stud holes have become larger or
distorted in any way. Inspect hubs and
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
hub-piloted wheels for damage. Because
of loose running wheels, piloting pad
damage may occur and require
replacement of the entire hub, for proper
centering of the wheels. When replacing
studs, hubs, wheel nuts or wheels, be
sure to use GM original equipment parts.
{CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts
become loose after a time. The wheel could
come off and cause a crash. When you
change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt
from places where the wheel attaches to
the vehicle. In an emergency, you can use a
cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be
sure to use a scraper or wire brush later, if
you need to, to get all the rust or dirt off.
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If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout while you are
driving, especially if you maintain your tires
properly. If air goes out of a tire, it is much more
likely to leak out slowly. But if you should ever
have a blowout, here are a few tips about what to
expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag
that pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your
foot off the accelerator pedal and grip the
steering wheel firmly. Steer to maintain lane
position, and then gently brake to a stop well out
of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much
like a skid and may require the same correction
you would use in a skid. In any rear blowout,
remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. Get
the vehicle under control by steering the way
you want the vehicle to go. It may be very bumpy
and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently brake
to a stop –– well off the road if possible.If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel
damage by driving slowly to a level place and turn
on your hazard warning flashers. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 142.
{CAUTION:
Your vehicle, when new, did not include
tire changing equipment or a place to
store a tire in the vehicle. Special tools
and procedures are required if a tire
needs to be serviced. If these tools and
procedures are not used, you or others
could be injured or killed while trying to
change or service a truck tire.
330

Fabric/Carpet
Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush
attachment frequently to remove dust and loose
dirt. A canister vacuum with a beater bar in
the nozzle may only be used on floor carpet and
carpeted floor mats. For soils, always try to remove
them first with plain water or club soda. Before
cleaning, gently remove as much of the soil
as possible using one of the following techniques:
•For liquids: gently blot the remaining soil
with a paper towel. Allow the soil to absorb into
the paper towel until no more can be
removed.
•For solid dry soils: remove as much as
possible and then vacuum.
To clean, use the following instructions:
1. Saturate a lint-free, clean white cloth with
water or club soda.
2. Wring the cloth to remove excess moisture.3. Start on the outside edge of the soil and
gently rub toward the center. Continue
cleaning, using a clean area of the cloth each
time it becomes soiled.
4. Continue to gently rub the soiled area until the
cleaning cloth remains clean.
5. If the soil is not completely removed, use a
mild soap solution and repeat the cleaning
process that was used with plain water.
If any of the soil remains, a commercial fabric
cleaner or spot lifter may be necessary. When a
commercial upholstery cleaner or spot lifter is to be
used, test a small hidden area for colorfastness
first. If the locally cleaned area gives any
impression that a ring formation may result, clean
the entire surface.
After the cleaning process has been completed, a
paper towel can be used to blot excess moisture
from the fabric or carpet.
333

Washing Your Vehicle
The paint finish on the vehicle provides beauty,
depth of color, gloss retention, and durability.
The best way to preserve the vehicle’s finish is to
keep it clean by washing it often with lukewarm
or cold water.
Do not wash the vehicle in the direct rays of the
sun. Use a car washing soap. Do not use
strong soaps or chemical detergents. Be sure to
rinse the vehicle well, removing all soap
residue completely. Approved cleaning products
can be obtained from your dealer. SeeVehicle
Care/Appearance Materials on page 339.Donot
use cleaning agents that are petroleum based,
or that contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning
agents should be flushed promptly and not allowed
to dry on the surface, or they could stain. Dry
the finish with a soft, clean chamois or an
all-cotton towel to avoid surface scratches and
water spotting.
High pressure car washes may cause water to
enter the vehicle.
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth and
a car washing soap to clean exterior lamps
and lenses. Follow instructions underWashing
Your Vehicle on page 335.
Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your
vehicle by hand may be necessary to remove
residue from the paint finish. You can get approved
cleaning products from your dealer. SeeVehicle
Care/Appearance Materials on page 339.
If your vehicle has a basecoat/clearcoat paint
finish, the clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to
the colored basecoat. Always use waxes and
polishes that are non-abrasive and made for a
basecoat/clearcoat paint finish.
Notice:Machine compounding or aggressive
polishing on a basecoat/clearcoat paint
nish may damage it. Use only non-abrasive
waxes and polishes that are made for a
basecoat/clearcoat paint nish on your vehicle.
335

Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels
The vehicle may be equipped with either
aluminum or chrome-plated wheels.
Keep the wheels clean using a soft clean cloth
with mild soap and water. Rinse with clean water.
After rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft clean
towel. A wax may then be applied.
Notice:If you use strong soaps, chemicals,
abrasive polishes, cleaners, brushes, or
cleaners that contain acid on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels, you could damage the
surface of the wheel(s). The repairs would
not be covered by your warranty. Use
only GM-approved cleaners on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels.
The surface of these wheels is similar to the
painted surface of your vehicle. Do not use strong
soaps, chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive
cleaners, cleaners with acid, or abrasive cleaning
brushes on them because you could damage
the surface. Do not use chrome polish on
aluminum wheels.Notice:Using chrome polish on aluminum
wheels could damage the wheels. The repairs
would not be covered by your warranty.
Use chrome polish on chrome wheels only.
Use chrome polish only on chrome-plated wheels,
but avoid any painted surface of the wheel, and
buff off immediately after application.
Tires
To clean the tires, use a stiff brush with tire cleaner.
Notice:Using petroleum-based tire dressing
products on your vehicle may damage the
paint nish and/or tires. When applying a tire
dressing, always wipe off any overspray
from all painted surfaces on your vehicle.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal
repair or replacement, make sure the body repair
shop applies anti-corrosion material to parts
repaired or replaced to restore corrosion protection.
Original manufacturer replacement parts will
provide the corrosion protection while maintaining
the warranty.
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