key CHEVROLET KODIAK 2009 User Guide

Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has five different positions.
A (ACC/ACCESSORY):This position allows you to use
the radio, power windows and the windshield wipers
when the engine is off. To get into ACC/ACCESSORY,
push in the key and turn it toward you. The steering
wheel will remain locked, just as it was before you
inserted the key.
B (LOCK):This position locks the ignition, steering
wheel and transmission. You will only be able to remove
the key when the ignition is turned to LOCK.C (OFF):This position turns off the engine, but leaves
the steering wheel unlocked. Use OFF if you must
have the vehicle in motion while the engine is off.
D (ON/RUN):This position can be used to operate the
electrical accessories and to display some instrument
panel cluster warning and indicator lights. The
switch stays in this position when the engine is running.
If you leave the key in the ACC/ACCESSORY or
ON/RUN position with the engine off, the battery could
be drained. You may not be able to start the vehicle
if the battery is allowed to drain for an extended period
of time.
E (START):This is the position that starts the engine.
When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition
switch returns to ON/RUN for driving.
A warning tone will sound when the driver door is
opened, the vehicle is parked, and the key is in the
ignition.
2-11

Engine Starter Over-Crank
Protection
The vehicle may have an engine starter over-crank
protection system. If the starter motor overheats and
shuts off due to over-cranking, the motor must cool down
before it will reset and allow starter operation. It can take
up to six minutes before the starter will work again.
Starting the Gasoline Engine
The 8th digit of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
shows the code letter for the engine. Use this number
to verify the type of engine in the vehicle. SeeVehicle
Identification Number (VIN) on page 5-94. Follow
the proper steps to start the engine.
To start a diesel engine, seeStarting the Diesel Engine
on page 2-14.
Automatic Transmission
Set the parking brake and move the shifter to N (Neutral)
or P (Park), if so equipped. The engine will not start in
any other position.
Manual Transmission
Set the parking brake, shift to N (Neutral) and hold the
clutch pedal to the floor while starting the engine.
Starter Motor Operation
•The starter motor will disengage if you release the
key or the engine reaches a predetermined engine
speed.
•To prevent overheating, the starter motor will
disengage after continuously operating for
15 seconds. You must release the key from the
start position to re-engage the starter.
•The starter motor will not engage if the engine is
already running.
•The starter motor will disengage if, after
two seconds, the starter pinion gear does not
engage the flywheel or there is no engine rpm
signal from the engine speed sensor.
2-12

Starting the Engine
1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START. When the engine starts,
let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as the
engine gets warm.
2. If the engine does not start in 10 seconds, push the
accelerator pedal all the way down and crank the
engine for five more seconds, unless it starts sooner.
3. If the engine still will not start, or starts but then
stops, it could be flooded with too much gasoline.
Wait 15 seconds to let the starter motor cool down.
Do Steps 1 through 3 again.
When the engine starts, let go of the key and the
accelerator pedal.
Notice:The engine is designed to work with the
electronics in the vehicle. If you add electrical parts
or accessories, you could change the way the
engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,
check with your dealer/retailer. If you do not, the
engine might not perform properly. Any resulting
damage would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
If you ever need to have the vehicle towed, seeTowing
Your Vehicle on page 4-23.
Gasoline Engine Warm-Up
When the engine starts, let it run for 20 or 30 seconds
to warm up before putting a load on it.
Drive at moderate speeds for the first 2 to 3 miles
(3.2 to 4.8 km), especially in cold weather. SeeHigh
Idle System on page 2-20.
Restarting the Gasoline Engine While
Moving (Automatic Transmission)
If you have to restart the engine while the vehicle is
moving, shift to N (Neutral).
Stopping the Gasoline Engine
Let the engine idle for a few seconds before turning it
off after you have finished driving the vehicle.
If you shift to N (Neutral) or P (Park), set the parking
brake.
If the vehicle has a two-speed axle, put the range
selector in low. To be sure the axle has shifted into low,
engage the clutch and transmission; the vehicle may
move slightly when you do this.
While the engine is idling and before you turn it off, you
can make a list of any operational or handling concerns to
give to responsible maintenance personnel so they can
handle them right away.
2-13

Moisture will condense in a fuel tank that is almost
empty if the engine has not run for a while, even just
overnight under some conditions. So, it is always best to
refuel the vehicle at the end of each run.
Starting the Diesel Engine
The vehicle’s diesel engine starts differently than a
gasoline engine. Read the following pages to learn how
to start, restart, warm-up, and stop the diesel engine.
The information applies to Caterpillar
®Diesel Engine,
6.6L DURAMAX®Diesel Engine, Isuzu 6H Diesel
Engine, unless otherwise noted.
If you have a Caterpillar
®Diesel Engine, also refer to
the Caterpillar®Diesel Engine Operation & Maintenance
Manual for the starting procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Move the shifter to P (Park) or N (Neutral). The engine
will not start in any other position. To restart the
engine when the vehicle is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage
the transmission. Shift to P (Park) only when
the vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transmission
Move the shift lever to N (Neutral) and hold the clutch
pedal to the floor while starting the engine. The vehicle
will not start if the clutch pedal is not all the way down.
Starting the Engine
1. Turn your ignition key to ON/RUN.
Observe the wait to start light. SeeWait to Start
Light on page 3-35. This light may not come
on if the engine is hot.
If you have a Caterpillar
®diesel engine, see your
Caterpillar®Diesel Engine Operation & Maintenance
Manual for proper wait to start light operation.
2. As soon as the wait to start light goes off,
immediately turn the ignition key to START.
When the engine starts, let go of the key.
If the vehicle is equipped with a DURAMAX
®
6600 Diesel Engine, it has a fast warm-up glow
plug system. The wait to start light will illuminate for
a much shorter time than most diesel engines,
due to the rapid heating of the glow plugs.
Notice:Holding the key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause the battery to
be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat
can damage the starter motor.
2-14

Notice:If the wait to start light stays on after
starting the vehicle, the vehicle may not run
properly. Have the vehicle serviced right away.
3. If the engine does not start after 15 seconds
of cranking, turn the ignition key to OFF. Wait one
minute for the starter to cool, then try the same
steps again.
If you are trying to start the engine after you have run
out of fuel, seeRunning Out of Fuel on page 5-17.
When the engine is cold, let it run for a few minutes
before you move the vehicle. This lets oil pressure build
up. The engine will sound louder when it is cold.
Notice:If you are not in an idling vehicle and the
engine overheats, you would not be there to see the
overheated engine indication. This could damage
the vehicle. Do not let the engine run when you are
not in the vehicle.
Cold Weather Starting
If the vehicle has the 6.6L DURAMAX®Diesel Engine or
the Isuzu 6H Diesel Engine, the following notice applies:
Notice:The diesel engine has an electric air intake
heater system which reduces white smoke and
helps start the engine in cold weather. Do not spray
starting fluid into the air intake where it can
contact the heater elements.If you do not have the GM Automatic Ether Injection
System, do not use starting fluid or you could
damage the engine. If you have the GM system, use
only GM approved starting fluid that has been tested
to establish compatibility with the air inlet heater
system.
The following tips will help with engine starting in cold
weather.
•Use the recommended engine oil when the outside
temperature drops below freezing. SeeEngine Oil
(DURAMAX Diesel Engine) on page 5-24or
Engine Oil (Caterpillar Diesel Engine) on page 5-27
orEngine Oil (Isuzu Diesel Engine) on page 5-28
orEngine Oil (Gasoline Engine) on page 5-32.
When the outside temperature drops below
0°F (−18°C), use of the optional engine coolant
heater is recommended.
•If you experience longer cranking times, notice an
unusual amount of exhaust smoke or are at
higher altitudes (over 7,000 ft. or 2 135 m), you may
use the optional engine coolant heater. See
Engine Coolant Heater on page 2-25.
•SeeWhat Fuel to Use on page 5-8for information
on what fuel to use in cold weather.
2-15

Cold Weather Starting (Caterpillar®
Diesel)
Because the diesel engine uses compression ignition, it
is harder to start in cold weather than a gasoline engine.
The air intake heater, use of the proper engine oil,
optional engine coolant heater and optional ether
injection system help cold weather starting. See the
Caterpillar
®Diesel Engine Operation & Maintenance
Manual for more information.
Restarting the Diesel Engine While
Moving (Automatic Transmission)
If you have to restart the engine while the vehicle is
moving, shift to N (Neutral).
Stopping the Diesel Engine
1. Apply the parking brake. SeeParking Brake (With
Hydraulic Brakes) on page 2-38orParking Brake
(With Air Brakes) on page 2-41for parking
brake apply procedure.
2. Shift into N (Neutral) for a manual transmission or
P (Park) for an automatic transmission.3. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
If the vehicle has a two-speed axle, seeTwo-Speed
Rear Axle on page 2-36.
If you have a Caterpillar
®diesel engine, see the
Caterpillar®Diesel Engine Operation & Maintenance
Manual for additional information.
Diesel Engine Warm-Up
Several factors affect how quickly the diesel engine
warms up. These can include outside temperature,
engine load, idle time and the vehicle’s option content.
The vehicle may be equipped with some features
that can help the engine reach operating temperature
sooner. Some of these features are discussed below.
Also, remember that an automatic transmission
adds heat to the cooling system through the heat
exchanger in the radiator. Because of this, vehicles
equipped with automatic transmissions are often able to
retain engine coolant heat better than manual
transmission vehicles.
See the Caterpillar
®Operation & Maintenance manual
for additional diesel engine warm-up information.
2-16

If the Diesel Engine Will Not Start
If you have run out of fuel, seeRunning Out of Fuel on
page 5-17.
If you are not out of fuel, and the engine will not start,
do this:
Turn the ignition key to ON/RUN. Immediately after the
wait to start light goes off, turn the ignition key to START.
If the light does not go off, wait a few seconds, then try
starting the engine again. And, see your dealer/retailer
as soon as you can for a starting system check.
If the light comes on and then goes off and you know
the batteries are charged, but the engine still will
not start, the vehicle needs service.
If the light does not come on when the engine is cold,
the vehicle needs service.If the batteries do not have enough charge to start the
engine, seeBattery on page 5-61.
Be sure you have the right oil for the engine, and that
you have changed the oil at the proper times. If you use
the wrong oil, the engine may be harder to start.
Be sure you are using the proper fuel for existing
weather conditions. SeeWhat Fuel to Use on page 5-8.
If the engine starts, runs a short time, then stops, the
vehicle needs service.
{CAUTION:
Do not use gasoline or starting aids, such as
ether, in the air intake. They could damage the
engine. There could also be a fire, which could
cause serious personal injury.
2-17

During this warm-up period, check the warning lights
and gages:
•If oil pressure does not begin to rise within
15 seconds of starting, stop the engine and find the
cause. SeeOil Pressure Gage on page 3-38for
more information.
•If the engine coolant temperature gage needle goes
into the hot area on the gage, stop the engine and
find the cause of the overheating. SeeEngine
Coolant Temperature Gage on page 3-34for more
information.
•If you have air brakes, the dual-needle air pressure
gage should read at least 115 psi (790 kPa) for both
service systems before you try to move the vehicle.
When air pressure is below 60 psi (420 kPa), the
LOW AIR light will come on and you will hear a
tone alarm. SeeBrake System Warning Light on
page 3-31for more information. If the pressure does
not build up or drops during warm-up, stop the
engine and find the cause before you try to move the
vehicle. Recommended air pressure before driving is
120 psi (830 kPa). SeeAir Pressure Gage on
page 3-47for more information.
•The charging system light should come on when the
ignition key is turned to ON/RUN or START and
should go out when the engine is running above idle.
If the light does not go out or comes back on during
normal engine operation, have the charging system
checked right away. (This light tells you if the
generator is not charging; it does not reflect the
condition of the battery.) SeeCharging System Light
on page 3-29for more information.
•The voltmeter charge indicator gage tells you the
condition of the battery’s charge. The gage should be
in the center area during engine operation. The red
area on the left indicates an undercharge condition;
the red area on the right indicates an overcharge.
If the gage is in either red area, have the battery and
charging system checked right away. SeeVoltmeter
Gage on page 3-30for more information.
Notice:Do not allow the engine to operate at low
idle for more than five minutes. This can cause low
engine operating temperatures which can affect
engine operation and reduce engine life. Engine idle
speed should be increased to 1200 rpm whenever
extended idle is required. Once started, the engine
should be placed under load to allow the engine
coolant temperature to reach 150°F (66°C) before
shutting off the engine.
2-24

Airbag Readiness Light
If your vehicle has airbags, there is an airbag readiness
light on the instrument panel, which shows the airbag
symbol. The system checks the airbag’s electrical
system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an
electrical problem. The system check includes the
airbag sensors, the airbag modules, the wiring, the
passenger airbag suppression circuit and the crash
sensing and diagnostic module. For more information on
the airbag system, seeAirbag System on page 1-48.
This light will come on
when you start your
vehicle, and it will flash for
a few seconds. Then the
light should go out. This
means the system is ready.
If the airbag readiness light stays on after you start the
vehicle or comes on when you are driving, your airbag
system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.The airbag readiness light should flash for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition key to ON/RUN or
START. If the light doesn’t come on then, have it
fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light stays on after the
vehicle is started or comes on while driving, it
means the airbag system might not be working
properly. The airbags in the vehicle might not
inflate in a crash, or they could even inflate
without a crash. To help avoid injury, have the
vehicle serviced right away.
3-27

Range Inhibit Warning Indicator
If your vehicle has an Allison 1000/2200/2300/
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.
Hydraulic Brake System Warning Lights
Vehicles with hydraulic brake systems have two brake
system warning lights on the instrument panel.
If the brake 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.
This light should come on briefly when you turn the
ignition key to ON/RUN. If it does not come on, then have
it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
3-31