2004 CHEVROLET COLORADO automatic transmission

Keys...............................................................2-2
Remote Keyless Entry System.........................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation...........2-4
Doors and Locks.............................................2-7
Door Locks....................................................2-7
Power Door Locks..........................................2-8
Programmable Automatic Door Locks................2-8
Rear Door Security Locks (Crew Cab)...............2-9
Lockout Protection........................................2-10
Leaving Your Vehicle....................................2-10
Rear Doors (Extended Cab)...........................2-10
Tailgate.......................................................2-10
Windows........................................................2-12
Manual Windows..........................................2-12
Power Windows............................................2-13
Sliding Rear Window.....................................2-14
Sun Visors...................................................2-14
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-14
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-15
Passlock
®....................................................2-16
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-17
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-17
Ignition Positions..........................................2-18
Starting Your Engine.....................................2-19
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-21
Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-22
Manual Transmission Operation......................2-25Four-Wheel Drive..........................................2-27
Parking Brake..............................................2-31
Shifting Into Park (P) (Automatic
Transmission)...........................................2-32
Shifting Out of Park (P) (Automatic
Transmission)...........................................2-34
Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transmission).....2-35
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-35
Engine Exhaust............................................2-36
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked.......2-36
Mirrors...........................................................2-37
Manual Rearview Mirror.................................2-37
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®..............2-38
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
Compass and Temperature Display..............2-38
Outside Manual Mirrors..................................2-41
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-41
Outside Convex Mirror...................................2-42
OnStar
®System.............................................2-42
Storage Areas................................................2-44
Glove Box...................................................2-44
Cupholder(s)................................................2-44
Front Armrest Storage Area...........................2-44
Assist Handles.............................................2-45
Rear Storage Area........................................2-45
Bed Rails....................................................2-45
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

Power Door Locks
If your vehicle has power
door locks, the switches
are located on the
driver’s and the front
passenger’s armrests.
Remove the ignition key and press L (lock) to lock
all the doors at once. To unlock all the doors,
press U (Unlock).
On crew cab models, use the manual door lock lever on
each rear door to lock or unlock the doors from the
rear seating area.
Programmable Automatic
Door Locks
If your vehicle has power door locks and the remote
keyless entry system, it will be equipped with an
auto lock/unlock feature which enables you to program
your vehicle’s power door locks from the driver’s
seating position.
If your vehicle has an automatic transmission it will be
programmed to have all the doors lock automatically
when the shift lever is moved out of PARK (P). All the
doors will unlock when the shift lever is moved back
into PARK (P).
If your vehicle has a manual transmission, it will be
programmed to have all the doors lock when the vehicle
speed is greater than 15 mph (24 km/h). The doors
will unlock when the key is removed from the ignition.
To personalize the automatic door locks, see “Automatic
Door Locks” underDIC Controls and Displays
on page 3-30.
2-8

Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition
switch, you can turn to four
different positions.
{CAUTION:
On manual transmission vehicles, turning the
key to LOCK will lock the steering column and
result in a loss of ability to steer the vehicle.
This could cause a collision. If you need to
turn the engine off while the vehicle is moving,
turn the key only to ACC. Do not push the key
in while the vehicle is moving.LOCK (A):This position locks your steering wheel,
ignition and transmission on automatic transmission
vehicles. If your vehicle has a manual transmission, this
position locks your steering wheel. It is a theft-deterrent
feature. You will only be able to remove your key
when the ignition is turned to LOCK.
If you have an automatic transmission, the ignition
switch cannot be turned to LOCK unless the shift lever
is in PARK (P).
Notice:Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break the
key. Use the correct key and turn the key only with
your hand. Make sure the key is all the way in. If
it is, turn the steering wheel left and right while you
turn the key hard. If none of this works, then
your vehicle needs service.
ACC (ACCESSORY) (B):This is the position in which
you can operate your electrical accessories or items
plugged into the accessory power outlets. It also unlocks
the steering wheel and ignition. Use this position if
your vehicle must be pushed or towed.
2-18

ON (C):This is the position that the switch returns to
after you start your engine and release the switch. The
switch stays in ON when the engine is running. But even
when the engine is not running, you can use ON to
operate your electrical accessories and to display some
instrument panel cluster warning and indicator lights.
START (D):This is the position that starts the engine.
When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition
switch will return to ON for normal driving.
When the engine is not running, ACC and ON allow you
to operate your electrical accessories, such as the
radio or items plugged into the accessory power outlets.
A warning tone will sound if you open the driver’s
door when the ignition is in ACC or LOCK and the key
is in the ignition.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
Your vehicle is equipped with Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) which will allow certain features of your
vehicle to continue working for up to 20 minutes after the
ignition key is turned to LOCK.
Your radio and power windows will work when the
ignition key is in ON or ACC. Once the key is turned
from ON to LOCK, these features will continue to work
for up to 20 minutes or until a door is opened.
Starting Your Engine
Automatic Transmission
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine will not start in any other position — that is
a safety feature. To restart when you are already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to PARK (P) if your
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transmission
The gear selector should be in NEUTRAL and the
parking brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to the oor
and start the engine. Your vehicle will not start if the
clutch pedal is not all the way down — that is a
safety feature.
2-19

Automatic Transmission Operation
Your automatic transmission has a shift lever on the
steering column.
It features an electronic shift position indicator within the
instrument cluster. This display must be powered
anytime the shift lever is capable of being moved out of
PARK (P). This means that if your key is turned off,
but not in LOCK, there will be a small current drain on
your battery which could discharge your battery over
a period of time. If you need to leave your key in
the ignition but not in LOCK for an extended period, it is
recommended that you disconnect the battery cable
from the battery to prevent discharging your battery.
There are several different positions for your shift lever.
PARK (P):This position locks your rear wheels. It is
the best position to use when you start your engine
because your vehicle cannot move easily.
{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To
be sure your vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground, always set your
parking brake and move the shift lever to
PARK (P). SeeShifting Into Park (P) (Automatic
Transmission) on page 2-32. If you are pulling
a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-57.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You have to fully
apply your regular brakes before you can shift from
PARK (P) when the ignition key is in RUN. If you cannot
shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever
by pushing the shift lever all the way into PARK (P)
as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift
lever into the gear you want. SeeShifting Out of
Park (P) (Automatic Transmission) on page 2-34.
2-22

REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle
is stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging your transmission,
seeIf You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
on page 4-42.
{CAUTION:
If you have four-wheel drive, your vehicle will
be free to roll — even if your shift lever is in
PARK (P) — if your transfer case is in
NEUTRAL. So, be sure the transfer case is in a
drive gear, two-wheel high (2H) or four-wheel
high (4H) or four-wheel low (4L) — not in
NEUTRAL. SeeShifting Into Park (P)
(Automatic Transmission) on page 2-32.NEUTRAL (N):In this position, your engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart when you are
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless
your foot is rmly on the brake pedal, your
vehicle could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or objects. Do not
shift into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
with the engine running at high speed may damage
the transmission. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting your vehicle.
2-23

N (Neutral):Shift the vehicle’s transfer case to
NEUTRAL only when towing your vehicle.
{CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL can
cause your vehicle to roll even if the
transmission is in PARK (P). You or someone
else could be seriously injured. Be sure to set
the parking brake before placing the transfer
case in NEUTRAL. SeeParking Brake
on page 2-31.
4
m(4HI):This setting engages your front axle to help
drive your vehicle. Use 4HI when you need extra
traction, such as on snowy or icy roads, or in most
off-road situations.4
n(4LO):This setting also engages your front axle to
give you extra traction. It sends the maximum power
to all four wheels. You might choose 4LO if you
were driving off-road in sand, mud or deep snow and
climbing or descending steep hills.
Indicator lights in the buttons show you which setting
you are in. The indicator lights will come on briey when
you turn on the ignition and one will stay on. If the
lights do not come on, you should take your vehicle in
for service. An indicator light will ash while shifting.
It will remain illuminated when the shift is completed.
If for some reason the transfer case cannot make
a requested shift, it will return to the last chosen setting.
Shifting from 2HI to 4HI
Press and release the 4HI button. This can be done at
any speed, and the front axle will lock automatically.
Shifting from 4HI to 2HI
Press and release the 2HI button. This can be done at
any speed, and the front axle will unlock automatically.
2-28

Shifting from 2HI or 4HI to 4LO
To shift from 2HI or 4HI to 4LO, the vehicle must be
stopped or moving less than 1.2 mph (2 km/h) with the
transmission in NEUTRAL (N) in vehicles equipped
with an automatic transmission or the clutch pedal
engaged in vehicles equipped with a manual
transmission. The preferred method for shifting into 4LO
is to have your vehicle moving 1.2 mph (2 km/h).
Press and release the 4LO button. You must wait for
the 4LO indicator light to stop ashing and remain
illuminated before shifting your transmission into gear or
releasing the clutch pedal.
If the 4LO button is pressed when your vehicle is in
gear and/or moving faster than 1.2 mph (2 km/h), the
4LO indicator light will ash for 30 seconds and not
complete the shift.
On automatic transmission equipped vehicles, if your
transfer case does not shift into 4LO, your transmission
indicator switch may require adjustment. With your
transmission in NEUTRAL (N), press and release the
4LO button. While the 4LO indicator light is ashing, shift
your transmission into PARK (P). Press 4LO again.
Wait until the 4LO indicator light remains illuminated
before shifting your transmission into gear. Press
the 4LO button again to complete the shift. This will get
you into 4LO, but you should take your vehicle in for
service to restore normal operation.
Shifting from 4LO to 2HI or 4HI
To shift from 4LO to 2HI or 4HI, your vehicle must be
stopped or moving less than 1.2 mph (2 km/h) with
the transmission in NEUTRAL (N) or the clutch pedal
engaged. The preferred method for shifting out of 4LO is
to have your vehicle moving 1.2 mph (2 km/h). Press
and release the 4HI button. You must wait for the
4HI indicator light to stop ashing and remain illuminated
before shifting your transmission into gear or releasing
the clutch pedal.
If the 4HI button is pressed when your vehicle is in gear
and/or moving faster than 1.2 mph (2 km/h), the 4HI
indicator light will ash for 30 seconds but not complete
the shift.
On vehicles with an automatic transmission, if your
transfer case does not shift into 4HI, your transmission
indicator switch may require adjustment. With your
transmission in NEUTRAL (N), press and release the
4HI button. While the 4HI indicator light is ashing, shift
your transmission into PARK (P). Wait until the 4HI
indicator light remains illuminated before shifting your
transmission into gear. Press the 4HI button again
to complete the shift. This will get you into 4HI, but you
should take your vehicle in for service to restore
normal operation.
2-29