Models:     Chevrolet Kodiak    Year:     2003
GMC Topkick    Year:     2003
Number Potentially Involved:  276
Dates of Manufacture:  August 2001 – July 2002
Defect:  Some trucks equipped with the optional Caterpillar diesel engine (LG5) were built with a misrouted battery cable that could come in contact with the exhaust pipe. The conduit and the nylon cable coating could degrade to the point where the copper wire strands of the cable are exposed. If the cable strands contacted the exhaust pipe, a short circuit could cause the battery cable coatings to ignite and possibly lead to an engine compartment fire.
Remedy:   Dealers will inspect the battery cable for proper routing and reroute the cable if necessary. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Oct. 25, 2002. Owners should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC at 1-800-462-8782
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V267/GM Recall No. 02040]