brake light CHEVROLET KODIAK 2009 Owner's Manual

Trailer Antilock Brake System
Warning Light
If your vehicle is connected
to a trailer with antilock
brakes, this light should
come on briefly, as a
check, when you turn on
the ignition.
When this light comes on and stays on, it means there
is something wrong in the trailer Antilock Brake
System (ABS). Have the system repaired immediately.
If an ABS equipped trailer is not connected, this
light is not functional.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows
the engine coolant
temperature. If the gage
pointer moves into the
red area, your engine
coolant might have
overheated and your
engine may be too hot.
You should pull off the road, stop your vehicle and turn
off the engine as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-48. If you have a
Caterpillar
®diesel engine, also see your Caterpillar®
Operation & Maintenance Manual.
3-34

Exhaust Brake Indicator Light
For vehicles with an
exhaust brake, this light is
located above the
climate controls.
The exhaust brake indicator light will come on and stay
on whenever the diesel engine exhaust brake or
exhaust restrictor is active. For more information, see
Diesel Engine Exhaust Brake on page 2-26andExhaust
Restrictor (Engine Warm-Up) on page 2-22.
Differential Lock Indicator Light
If your vehicle has
this feature, this light is
located in the center of
the instrument panel.
The light is on when
the rear differential lock
system is in use.
The light will come on momentarily during starting. If the
light fails to come on, have it repaired as soon as possible
so you will be aware when the lock system is in use.
SeeRear Axle Differential Lock Control on page 4-7for
more information.
3-41

Air Pressure Gage
If your vehicle has air
brakes, the air pressure
gage is located above the
switchbank in the center
of the instrument panel.
This gage shows the air pressure for both your front
and rear brake systems.
If the needle on the gage indicates that the air pressure
is below 60 to 75 psi (415 to 517 kPa), the low air
warning light will come on. An alarm will also sound if
this happens.The bottom yellow pointer shows the pressure available
for the front secondary system, while the top white
pointer shows pressure for the rear primary system.
There should be no more than 4 psi (28 kPa) difference
showing between the systems.
Don’t drive until both pointers are showing at least
120 psi (827 kPa), so you’ll have enough air if you need
to apply your brakes.
Hourmeter Gage
To access the engine hourmeter gage, press the trip
odometer button three times.
The instrument panel cluster displays the accumulated
engine run time hours using the reconfigurable odometer
display. The engine run time hours displays only
when the ignition is in the LOCK or ACC/ACCESSORY
position and the trip reset button is pressed for about
four seconds. The value of the accumulated hours does
not change when the battery is disconnected.
The hourmeter resets to 0.0 when 10,000 hours
are accumulated. The instrument panel cluster begins
to reaccumulate the engine run time hours from
0.0 hours.
3-47

Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-31.
Braking action involves perception time and reaction
time. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a
second. But that is only an average. It might be less
with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or
more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness,
coordination and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol,
drugs and frustration. But even in three-fourths of a
second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels
66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an
emergency, so keeping enough space between
the vehicle and others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with the surface of the road, whether it is pavement
or gravel; the condition of the road, whether it is wet, dry
or icy; tire tread; the condition of the brakes; the
weight of the vehicle; the weight of the load; and the
amount of brake force applied.
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is
a mistake. The brakes might not have time to cool
between hard stops. The brakes will wear out much
faster with a lot of heavy braking. Keeping pace with thetraffic and allowing realistic following distances
eliminates a lot of unnecessary braking. That means
better braking and longer brake life.
If the engine ever stops while the vehicle is being driven,
brake normally but do not pump the brakes. If the brakes
are pumped, the pedal could get harder to push down.
If the engine stops, there will still be some power brake
assist but it will be used when the brake is applied. Once
the power assist is used up, it can take longer to stop and
the brake pedal will be harder to push.
Hydraulic Brake Systems
If the engine stops running, or if the primary brake system
stops working, your vehicle has a reserve power assist
system to help you slow down. Just slowly and steadily
apply the brake pedal until you can safely get off the road.
The pedal will seem harder to push down. Do not pump
the pedal; the system will not work well that way.
You might find that the steering wheel seems hard to
turn when you are turning and braking at the same time.
Also, the primary brake warning light might come on
and the warning tone might sound. This is normal
because the main hydraulic brake system and power
steering both use the power steering pump. If this ever
happens, let up on the brake pedal a little. When
you let up on the brake pedal in that situation, it lets the
steering get a little more help from the pump.
4-4

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
This vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS), an
advanced electronic braking system that helps prevent a
braking skid.
When the engine is started and the vehicle begins to
drive away, ABS checks itself. A momentary motor
or clicking noise might be heard while this test is going
on. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
ABS, this warning light
stays on. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light on
page 3-33.
Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what
happens with ABS:
A computer senses that the wheels are slowing down.
If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each wheel.ABS can change the brake pressure to each wheel, as
required, faster than any driver could. This can help
the driver steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the computer keeps
receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking
pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the time needed to get
a foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping
distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you,
there will not be enough time to apply the brakes if that
vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough
room up ahead to stop, even with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down firmly and let antilock work. The brakes might be
felt to pulsate, or the sound of air exhausting might
be heard if the vehicle has air brakes, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows the driver to steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help more than
even the very best braking.
4-5

Traction Control System (TCS)
The vehicle may have a traction control system that limits
wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery road
conditions. The system operates only if it senses that one
or both of the rear wheels are spinning or beginning to
lose traction. When this happens, the system applies the
brake(s) at the affected wheel(s).
The bottom light on TCS on/off button will come on
when the TCS is limiting wheel spin. The system may
be heard or felt while it is working, but this is normal.
TCS will function at speeds up to about 25 mph
(42 km/h).
TCS may operate on dry roads under some conditions.
When this happens, a reduction in acceleration may
be noticed. This is normal and doesn’t mean there’s a
problem with the vehicle. Examples of these conditions
include a hard acceleration in a turn, an abrupt
upshift or downshift of the transmission or driving on
rough roads.When the light in the top of the TCS button is on, TCS
is off and will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving
accordingly.
The light in the top of the TCS button will come on if
TCS is turned off by pressing the TCS on/off button.
The light may also come on if a problem has been
detected in either the traction control system or
the anti-lock brake system.
The traction control system automatically comes on
whenever the vehicle is started. To limit wheel
spin, especially in slippery road conditions, the system
should always be left on. But the traction control
system can be turned off if needed. Turn the system off
if the vehicle ever gets stuck in sand, mud or snow
and rocking the vehicle is required. SeeRocking Your
Vehicle to Get It Out on page 4-19for more information.
4-8

To turn the system on or
off, press the traction
control button located on
the instrument panel.
If the TCS button was used to turn the system off, the
light in the top of the button will come on and stay
on. TCS can be turned back on at any time by pressing
the button again; the light should go off.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
the vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3for more information.Steering
Power Steering
If power steering assist is lost because the engine stops
or the system is not functioning, the vehicle can be
steered but it will take more effort.
On vehicles with hydraulic brakes, the power steering
and main hydraulic brake system both use the
power steering pump. SeeBraking on page 4-4.
Steering Tips
Driving on Curves
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tires
and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is
banked, and vehicle speed. While in a curve, speed is
the one factor that can be controlled.
If there is a need to reduce speed, do it before entering
the curve, while the front wheels are straight.
Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait
to accelerate until out of the curve, and then accelerate
gently into the straightaway.
4-9

Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle traction
and affect your ability to stop and accelerate. Always
drive slower in these types of driving conditions
and avoid driving through large puddles and
deep-standing or flowing water.
{CAUTION:
Wet brakes can cause crashes. They might not
work as well in a quick stop and could cause
pulling to one side. You could lose control of the
vehicle.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
After driving through a large puddle of water or a
car/vehicle wash, lightly apply the brake pedal until
the brakes work normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates strong forces.
Driving through flowing water could cause your
vehicle to be carried away. If this happens, you
and other vehicle occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be very cautious about
trying to drive through flowing water.
4-14

Trailer Connections
Heavy-Duty Trailer Wiring Package
The 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 the 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 the trailer air line connections will not be connected 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.
4-25

Water In Fuel Light
Problem Recommended Action
Light comes on
intermittently.Drain water from the fuel
filter.
Light stays on at
temperatures above
freezing.Drain the fuel filter
immediately. If no water
can be drained and the
light stays on, see your
dealer/retailer for
assistance.
Light stays on at
temperatures below
freezing.Drain the fuel filter
immediately. If no water
can be drained, water
may be frozen in the
water drain system, or in
the fuel lines. Move the
vehicle to a warm location
to thaw out, and then
drain the filter system.
Light stays on
immediately after
refueling, and a large
amount of water was
possibly pumped into the
fuel tank.Fuel tank purging is
required. See your
dealer/retailer for
assistance.Notice:Driving when this warning indicator is on,
can damage the fuel injection system and the engine.
If the indicator comes on right after a refuel, it means
water was pumped into the fuel tank. Turn off the
engine immediately. Then, have the water drained
at once.
To drain water, do the following:
1. Stop and park the vehicle in a safe place. Turn off
the engine and apply the parking brake.
2. Remove the fuel cap.
3. Place a fuel-resistant container under the fuel filter.
The filter drain valve is located on the bottom of the
fuel filter.
If the vehicle has the 6.6L engine, the fuel filter is
located in the engine compartment on the driver side
of the vehicle. If the vehicle has either the 7.2L or
7.8L engine, the fuel filters are located in the engine
compartment on the driver side of the vehicle, and on
the driver side frame rail in front of the fuel tank.
5-12