light CHEVROLET KODIAK 2009 User Guide

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.
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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

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

Engine Alarm and Automatic
Shutdown
The check gages warning light will come on if the
system senses high engine temperature, and a low or
high engine oil pressure. If high engine temperature,
low engine oil pressure or high engine oil pressure
is detected, you will hear a tone alarm at two beats per
second. The alarm and the light will remain on until
the condition is fixed. If the engine temperature or oil
pressure condition worsens, the tone alarm will go to
five beats per second.
If the system senses low engine coolant, the five beat
per second alarm and the low coolant warning light
will come on.
The five beats per second tone alarm means that the
engine will shut down in about 25 to 30 seconds. There
is also an engine shutdown light to indicate that the
engine will shut down. SeeEngine Shutdown Warning
Light on page 3-40.
Pull off the road and shut off the engine. Do not start it
until the reason for the problem is known, and the
problem is fixed. If the engine shuts down when you are
still in traffic, you can restart the engine and get another25 to 30 seconds of operation. Do this only if you have to,
since there is a problem that can harm the engine if it is
not fixed. Engine automatic shutdown, for gasoline
engines, requires activation by your dealer/retailer.
Notice:If you try to operate the vehicle after the
engine automatically shuts down, you may damage
the vehicle. Have the vehicle repaired as soon as
possible.
Ambulance, Fire, and Rescue Packages
The check gages warning light will come on if the
system senses high engine temperature or low engine
oil pressure. If high engine temperature or low engine oil
pressure is detected, you will also hear a tone alarm
at two beats per second. The alarm and the light
will remain on until the condition is fixed. If the engine
temperature or oil pressure condition worsens, the
tone alarm will go to five beats per second.
If the system senses low engine coolant, the five beat
per second alarm and the low coolant warning light
will come on.
The engine will not shutdown, but you should have the
vehicle checked as soon as you can. SeeCheck
Gages Warning Light on page 3-43for more information.
2-18

The ENGINE SHUTDOWN WARNING LIGHT will come
on and a continuous chime will alert the driver
30 seconds before the engine goes into idle shutdown
mode. The engine shutdown warning light and chime will
stay on for the entire duration of the idle shutdown
event to inform the driver that the engine is in idle
shutdown mode. SeeEngine Shutdown Warning Light
on page 3-40for more information.
After the engine shutdown occurs, the engine is no
longer running, and the ignition is still in the ON/RUN
position, all accessories can be used. Turn the ignition
switch to START to restart the engine or turn it to
LOCK or OFF to prevent the battery from draining.High Idle System
High Idle System with Switch
If the vehicle has this
feature, the manual high
idle switch is located in the
instrument panel
switchbank.
2-20

Exhaust Restrictor (Engine
Warm-Up)
Exhaust Restrictor
If the vehicle has a Isuzu 6H Diesel Engine, it may have
a feature called an Exhaust Restrictor (NPE), which
uses an air actuated valve in the exhaust system
to restrict exhaust gas flow which enhances the engine
and heater warm-up.
Automatic Quick Warm-Up
If the vehicle has a DURAMAX®6600 engine, it has a
feature called an Automatic Quick Warm-Up, which uses
the turbocharger to restrict the exhaust gas flow
which enhances the engine and heater warm-up.
In both systems, exhaust restrictor or automatic quick
warm-up, the cold temperature high idle feature elevates
the engines idle speed, up to 1500 rpm, and restricts
the exhaust gas flow, when outside temperatures
are below 50°F (10°C), and the engine coolant
temperature is below certain levels. This feature
enhances heater performance by raising the engine
coolant temperature faster.For all engines this feature is already turned on. The
automatic quick warm-up on the DURAMAX
®engine
can be turned off and on by doing the following
procedure:
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN, with the vehicle off.
2. Press the accelerator pedal to the floor and
hold it while quickly pressing and fully releasing the
brake pedal three times in less than eight seconds.
3. Release the accelerator pedal and start the engine.
The green exhaust brake/restrictor light below the
radio controls will be lit for 10 seconds.
If this feature is turned off, by doing the procedure
described previously, and then the engine is
started, the exhaust brake/restrictor light will flash
for 10 seconds and then it will turn off.
When the engine is started, it will slowly increase to the
high idle speed after a delay of a few seconds; up to
about two minutes. For this method to work properly
there must be no throttle or brake pedal faults, and the
throttle pedal must not fall below 75 percent of wide
open throttle while pressing the brake pedal.
2-22

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

Diesel Engine Exhaust Brake
If the vehicle has a Isuzu 6H Diesel Engine, it may have
an exhaust brake, which is located in the exhaust
system.
If the vehicle has a 6.6L DURAMAX
®6600 or
Caterpillar®Diesel Engine, it may have an exhaust
brake, which is controlled through the turbocharger.
The exhaust brake for both engines operates the same.
The exhaust brake switch
is located in the instrument
panel switchbank.
Push the bottom of the switch to turn the exhaust brake
on. When you push the top of the switch, the exhaust
brake will turn off.
There is an indicator light on the instrument panel
similar to the symbol on the switch, that comes on when
the exhaust brake is active. SeeExhaust Brake
Indicator Light on page 3-41for more information.While using the exhaust brake, the proper gear range
selection is important. The exhaust brake is most
effective if the gear range selected is the lowest possible
range that does not allow the engine rpm to go more
than 200 rpm above rated (full load) rpm. If you have
a Caterpillar
®Diesel Engine, do not exceed 2900 rpm.
If you have an Isuzu 6H Diesel engine, do not
exceed 2550 rpm. If the vehicle has a DURAMAX
®
6600 Diesel Engine, do not exceed 3600 rpm.
If the vehicle has an Allison
®1000/2200/2300/2350/2500/
2550 series automatic transmission and this button is
pressed, the transmission downshifts to a factory default
setting of third gear. To change the default setting, or for
more information on factory default settings, contact your
dealer/retailer for assistance.
The accelerator and clutch pedals must be released in
order for the exhaust brake to engage. The exhaust
brake will automatically shut off when the antilock brake
system is active.
If the vehicle has a Caterpillar
®Diesel Engine or a
DURAMAX®6600 Diesel Engine, the exhaust brake will
become active in cruise control when you exceed the
set speed by 3 to 5 mph.
2-26

Overdrive Defeat
If your vehicle has this feature, you can select not to
shift up to fifth gear. This is useful when towing or under
a heavy load.
The overdrive defeat
switch is located in the
instrument panel to
the right of the steering
column.
Press the switch to limit the transmission to fourth gear.
This will allow for fewer downshifts while pulling a
trailer or under a heavy load. The indicator light in the
switch comes on whenever overdrive defeat is active.
If the vehicle is equipped with a push button shift
selector, refer to the Allison
®Transmission Operator’s
Manual for shift selector operating instructions.
Manual Transmission Operation
Using the Clutch
When you are starting to move the vehicle, it is
important to begin with the engine speed at idle. Then
start to engage the clutch and listen for an engine speed
drop of about 100 rpm. At this point, the clutch is
engaging, so you should increase the engine speed and
fully engage the clutch. It is important not to increase
the engine speed sooner or before the clutch begins its
engagement. If you do, you can cause damage to
the vehicle.
Double-Clutching
You must use the double-clutching method when you
shift an unsynchronized gear set. Disengage the clutch,
shift to N (Neutral) and engage the clutch. When
upshifting, slow the engine until the engine rpm and
road speed match. When downshifting, accelerate the
engine until the engine rpm and road speed match. Then
quickly disengage the clutch and move the shift lever
to the next gear position and engage the clutch.
2-28