2004 CHEVROLET COLORADO lock

If the engine does not start after three tries, the vehicle
needs service.
If the engine is running and the security light comes on,
you will be able to restart the engine if you turn the engine
off. However, your Passlock
®system is not working
properly and must be serviced by your dealer. Your
vehicle is not protected by Passlock
®at this time. You
may also want to check the fuse seeFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-104. See your dealer for service.
In an emergency, call the GM Roadside Assistance
Center. SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-6.
Starting and Operating
Your Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
“break-in.” But it will perform better in the long run
if you follow these guidelines:
Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or less for
the rst 500 miles (805 km).
Do not drive at any one speed — fast or
slow — for the rst 500 miles (805 km). Do not
make full-throttle starts.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time your
new brake linings are not yet broken in. Hard
stops with new linings can mean premature
wear and earlier replacement. Follow this
breaking-in guideline every time you get new
brake linings.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeTowing
a Trailer on page 4-57for more information.
2-17

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.
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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

Engine Coolant Heater
Your vehicle may be equipped with this feature.
In very cold weather, 0°F (–18°C) or colder, the engine
coolant heater can help. You’ll get easier starting
and better fuel economy during engine warm-up.
Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a
minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle. At
temperatures above 32°F (0°C), use of the coolant
heater is not required.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The
cord is located in the engine compartment behind
the underhood fuse block on the driver’s side of
the vehicle.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110–volt AC outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the
wrong kind of extension cord could overheat
and cause a re. You could be seriously
injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded
three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will
not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine parts. If you don’t, it could
be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead
of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your dealer in the area where you’ll be parking your
vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that
particular area.
2-21

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):To back up, press the clutch pedal. After
the vehicle stops, shift into REVERSE (R). Slowly let up
on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. If
it is hard to shift, let the shift lever return to NEUTRAL
and release the clutch pedal. Then press the clutch again
and shift into REVERSE (R). Do not attempt to shift into
the fth gear position prior to shifting into REVERSE (R).
Your transmission has a lock out feature which prevents
a fth gear to reverse gear shift.
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.
Use REVERSE (R), along with the parking brake, for
parking your vehicle.Up-Shift Light
This light will show you
when to shift to the next
higher gear for best
fuel economy.
When this light comes on, you can shift to the next
higher gear if weather, road and traffic conditions permit.
For the best fuel economy, accelerate slowly and shift
when the light comes on.
While you accelerate, it is normal for the light to go on
and off if you quickly change the position of the
accelerator. Ignore the shift light when you downshift.
If your vehicle has four-wheel drive and is equipped with
a manual transmission, disregard the shift light when
the transfer case is in 4LO.
For more information, seeUp-Shift Light (Manual
Transmission) on page 3-22.
2-26

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 to NEUTRAL
Use NEUTRAL when you plan to tow your vehicle. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-44for towing
instructions. To shift the transfer case into NEUTRAL do
the following:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Start the vehicle.
3. Connect the vehicle to the towing vehicle.
4. Shift the transmission in Neutral (N), or press in the
clutch for vehicles with a manual transmission.
5. Shift the transfer case to 2HI.
6. Press and hold the 2HI and 4LO buttons at the
same time for 10 seconds. The Neutral (N) light
will come on when the transfer case shift to
Neutral (N) is complete.
7. Shift the transmission to Reverse (R) for one
second, then shift the transmission to DRIVE (D)
for one second, or FIRST (1) for vehicles with
manual transmissions.
8. Turn the ignition to LOCK.
9. Place the transmission shift lever in Park (P), or
FIRST (1) for vehicles equipped with a
manual transmission.
10. Release the parking brake prior to towing.
Shifting out of NEUTRAL
After towing your vehicle, you will have to shift out of
NEUTRAL in order to drive. To shift out of NEUTRAL, do
the following:
1. Set the parking brake and apply the regular brake
pedal. SeeParking Brake on page 2-31for
more information.
2. Start a vehicle with an automatic transmission in
PARK (P). Use FIRST (1) for vehicles with a
manual transmission.
3. Put an automatic transmission in NEUTRAL (N)
or press the clutch pedal for vehicles with a
manual transmission.
4. Press the button for the desired transfer case
position (2HI, 4HI or 4LO).
5. After the transfer case has shifted out of NEUTRAL,
the indicator light will go out.
6. Release the parking brake.
7. Shift the transmission to the desired gear.
It is normal for your vehicle to exhibit a signicant
engagement noise and bump when shifting in and out
of Neutral (N) and 4LO.
2-30