2004 CHEVROLET COLORADO 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

DRIVE (D):This position is for normal driving. If you
need more power for passing, and you are:
Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down.
You will shift down to the next gear and have
more power.
DRIVE (D) should not be used when towing a trailer,
carrying a heavy load, driving on steep hills, or for
off-road driving. Select THIRD (3) when operating the
vehicle under any of these conditions.
THIRD (3):This position is also used for normal driving.
However, it offers more power and lower fuel economy
than DRIVE (D). You should use THIRD (3) when towing
a trailer, carrying a heavy load, driving on steep hills
or winding roads or for off-road driving.SECOND (2):This position gives you more power but
lower fuel economy than THIRD (3). You can use
SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your speed as
you go down steep mountain roads, but then you
would also want to use your brakes off and on. You can
also use SECOND (2) for starting your vehicle from a
stop on slippery road surfaces.
FIRST (1):This position gives you even more power
but lower fuel economy than SECOND (2). You can use
it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the
shift lever is put in FIRST (1) while the vehicle is moving
forward, the transmission will not shift into FIRST (1)
until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transmission. If you are
stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill,
use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
2-24

Manual Transmission Operation
Five-Speed
This is your shift pattern.
Here is how to operate your manual transmission:
FIRST (1):Press the clutch pedal and shift into
FIRST (1). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as
you slowly press down on the accelerator pedal.
You can shift into FIRST (1) when you are going less
than 20 mph (30 km/h). If you have come to a complete
stop and it is hard to shift into FIRST (1), put the shift
lever in NEUTRAL and let up on the clutch. Then press
the clutch pedal back down and shift into FIRST (1).SECOND (2):Press the clutch pedal as you let up on
the accelerator pedal and shift into SECOND (2).
Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the
accelerator pedal.
THIRD, FOURTH AND FIFTH (3, 4 and 5):Shift into
THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5) the same
way you do for SECOND (2). Slowly let up on the clutch
pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.
To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press the
brake pedal. Just before the vehicle stops, press
the clutch pedal and the brake pedal, and shift
to NEUTRAL.
NEUTRAL:Use this position when you start or idle
your engine.
2-25