2004 CHEVROLET COLORADO power steering

A. Windshield Washer Fluid. SeeWindshield Washer
Fluid on page 5-37.
B. Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-25.
C. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (low in engine
compartment). SeePower Steering Fluid
on page 5-36.
D. Transmission Fluid Dipstick. SeeAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-19andManual
Transmission Fluid on page 5-22.
E. Engine Oil Dipstick. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-13.
F. Brake Fluid Reservoir. SeeBrakes on page 5-39.
G. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-42.
H. Hydraulic Clutch Fluid Reservoir (If Equipped). See
Hydraulic Clutch (Manual Transmission)
on page 5-24.
I. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-18.
J. Engine Oil Fill Cap. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-13.
K. Radiator Pressure Cap. SeeCooling System
on page 5-30.
L. Remote Negative (−) Terminal. SeeJump Starting
on page 5-43.M. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting
on page 5-43.
N. Engine Compartment Fuse Block. SeeFuses and
Circuit Breakers on page 5-104.
Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don’t, the oil
dipstick might not show the actual level.
5-13

Engine Fan Noise
This vehicle has a clutched engine cooling fan. When
the clutch is engaged, the fan spins faster to provide
more air to cool the engine. In most everyday driving
conditions, the clutch is not engaged. This improves fuel
economy and reduces fan noise. Under heavy vehicle
loading, trailer towing and/or high outside temperatures,
the fan speed increases when the clutch engages.
So you may hear an increase in fan noise. This
is normal and should not be mistaken as the
transmission slipping or making extra shifts. It is merely
the cooling system functioning properly. The fan will
slow down when additional cooling is not required and
the clutch disengages.
You may also hear this fan noise when you start the
engine. It will go away as the fan clutch disengages.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering uid reservoir is located near the
front of the engine compartment, behind the radiator.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12
for power steering uid reservoir location.
5-36

When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering uid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A uid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
1. Turn the key off and let the engine compartment
cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a
clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Then remove the cap again and look at the uid
level on the dipstick.
The level should be between the ADD and FULL marks.
If necessary, add only enough uid to bring the level
up to the proper range.
What to Use
To determine what kind of uid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
Always use the proper uid. Failure to use the proper
uid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer uid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will
be operating your vehicle in an area where the
temperature may fall below freezing, use a uid that has
sufficient protection against freezing.
5-37

Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure
is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi)
or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined weight
of optional accessories. Some examples of optional
accessories are, automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats, and
air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height to
its width.
Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is located
between the plies and the tread. Cords may be made
from steel or other reinforcing materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by
steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies are
laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.
Cold Ination Pressure:The amount of air pressure in
a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. SeeInation - Tire Pressure on page 5-64.Curb Weight:This means the weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional equipment including
the maximum capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:A code molded into the sidewall of a
tire signifying that the tire is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation motor vehicle safety
standards. The DOT code includes the Tire Identication
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator which can
also identify the tire manufacturer, production plant,
brand and date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, seeLoading
Your Vehicle on page 4-50.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front
axle, seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-50.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle,
seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-50.
Intended Outboard Sidewall:The side of an
asymmetrical tire, that must always face outward when
mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa):The metric unit for air pressure.
There are 6.9 kPa’s to one psi.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:A tire used on light duty
trucks and some multipurpose passenger vehicles.
5-62

Additional Required Services (cont’d)
Service and Miles (Kilometers)25,000
(41 500)50,000
(83 000)75,000
(125 000)100,000
(166 000)125,000
(207 500)150,000
(240 000)
Engine cooling system service (or
every 5 years, whichever occurs
rst).An Emission Control Service.
See footnote (i).•
Inspect engine accessory drive belt.
An Emission Control Service.•
Maintenance Footnotes
†The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chang, etc. Inspect
drum brake linings for wear or cracks. Inspect disc brake
pads for wear and rotors for surface condition. Inspect
other brake parts, including drums, wheel cylinders,
calipers, parking brake, etc. Check parking
brake adjustment.(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts or
signs of wear. Inspect power steering lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chang, etc. Visually check constant velocity joints,
rubber boots and axle seals for leaks.
(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
ttings and clamps; replace with genuine GM parts as
needed. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test
of the cooling system and pressure cap and cleaning the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
6-7

Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name,
part number or specication may be obtained from
your dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil which meets GM Standard
GM6094M and displays the
American Petroleum Institute
Certied for Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. GM Goodwrench
oil meets all the requirements for your
vehicle. To determine the proper
viscosity for your vehicle’s engine,
seeEngine Oil on page 5-13.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only
DEX-COOL
®Coolant. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-25.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake uid.
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Parking Brake
Cable GuidesChassis Lubricant (GM Part No.
U.S. 12377985, in Canada
88901242) or lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI #2, Category
LB or GC-LB.
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid (GM Part
No. U.S. 89021184, in Canada
89021186).
Automatic
TransmissionDEXRON
®-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Manual
TransmissionManual Transmission Fluid (GM Part
No. U.S. 89021806, in Canada
89021807).
Hydraulic
Clutch SystemHydraulic Clutch Fluid (GM Part No.
U.S. 12345347, in Canada
10953517) or equivalent DOT-3
brake uid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Chassis
LubricationChassis Lubricant (GM Part No.
U.S. 12377985, in Canada
88901242) or lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI #2, Category
LB or GC-LB.
6-12

F
Fan Knob......................................................3-12
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-18
Finding a Program Type (PTY) Station.......3-42, 3-51
Finding a Station............................3-37, 3-40, 3-48
Finish Care....................................................5-98
Finish Damage.............................................5-100
Five-Speed....................................................2-25
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-59
Flat Tire........................................................5-73
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-74
FLUID...........................................................3-34
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-19
Manual Transmission....................................5-22
Power Steering...........................................5-36
Windshield Washer......................................5-37
FM ...............................................................3-59
Fog Lamps...................................................... 3-9
Following Distance..........................................4-66
Four-Wheel Drive....................................2-27, 5-48
Front Armrest Storage Area..............................2-44
Front Axle......................................................5-49
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6Fuel (cont.)
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-10
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
Gage.........................................................3-29
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-5
FUEL CAP.....................................................3-34
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-104
Windshield Wiper.......................................5-103
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-24
Fuel..........................................................3-29
Speedometer..............................................3-17
Tachometer.................................................3-18
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-5
Getting Familiar with Off-Road Driving................4-16
Glove Box.....................................................2-44
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-6
GM Oil Life System™......................................3-30
6

H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-4
Head Restraints............................................... 1-7
Headlamps....................................................5-50
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-50
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime
Running Lamps........................................5-52
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-50
Heated Seats................................................... 1-5
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-28
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-35
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-36
Hitches..........................................................4-65
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-11
Horn............................................................... 3-5
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery
Tank ..........................................................5-32
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator..................5-34
How to Add Fluid....................................5-22, 5-23
How to Check and Add Fluid............................5-25
How to Check Lubricant..........................5-48, 5-49
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-37
How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.......5-18
How to Use This Manual...................................... iiHow to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-16
Hydraulic Clutch.............................................5-24
Hydroplaning..................................................4-31
I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-29
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-28
If the Light is Flashing.....................................3-25
If the Light Is On Steady.................................3-26
If You Are Caught in a Blizzard.........................4-40
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-42
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer.....................4-58
Ignition Positions.............................................2-18
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-34
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-64
Instrument Panel
Cluster.......................................................3-16
Overview..................................................... 3-2
Instrument Panel Brightness.............................3-10
Interior Lamps................................................3-10
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-43
7