2006 CHEVROLET COLORADO Owners Manual

Gather the important information you will need from
the other driver. Things like name, address, phone
number, driver’s license number, vehicle license
plate, vehicle make, model and model year, Vehicle
Identication Number (VIN), insurance company and
policy number, and a general description of the
damage to the other vehicle.
If possible, call your insurance company from the
scene of the accident. They will walk you through
the information they will need. If they ask for a
police report, phone or go to the police department
headquarters the next day and you can get a copy
of the report for a nominal fee. In some states with
“no fault” insurance laws, a report may not be
necessary. This is especially true if there are no
injuries and both vehicles are driveable.
Choose a reputable collision repair facility for
your vehicle. Whether you select a GM dealer or
a private collision repair facility to x the damage,
make sure you are comfortable with them.
Remember, you will have to feel comfortable
with their work for a long time.
Once you have an estimate, read it carefully and
make sure you understand what work will be
performed on your vehicle. If you have a question,
ask for an explanation. Reputable shops welcome
this opportunity.
Managing the Vehicle Damage
Repair Process
In the event that your vehicle requires damage repairs,
GM recommends that you take an active role in its
repair. If you have a pre-determined repair facility of
choice, take your vehicle there, or have it towed there.
Specify to the facility that any required replacement
collision parts be original equipment parts, either
new Genuine GM parts or recycled original GM parts.
Remember, recycled parts will not be covered by
your GM vehicle warranty.
Insurance pays the bill for the repair, but you must
live with the repair. Depending on your policy limits,
your insurance company may initially value the repair
using aftermarket parts. Discuss this with your repair
professional, and insist on Genuine GM parts.
Remember if your vehicle is leased you may be
obligated to have the vehicle repaired with Genuine
GM parts, even if your insurance coverage does not
pay the full cost.
If another party’s insurance company is paying for
the repairs, you are not obligated to accept a repair
valuation based on that insurance company’s collision
policy repair limits, as you have no contractual limits
with that company. In such cases, you can have control
of the repair and parts choices as long as cost stays
within reasonable limits.
7-13

Reporting Safety Defects
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which
could cause a crash or could cause injury or death,
you should immediately inform the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition
to notifying General Motors.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an
investigation, and if it nds that a safety defect exists in
a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved
in individual problems between you, your dealer, or
General Motors.To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle
Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236
(TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to http://www.safercar.gov;
or write to:
Administrator, NHTSA
400 Seventh Street, SW.
Washington, D.C. 20590
You can also obtain other information about motor
vehicle safety from http://www.safercar.gov.
Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle
has a safety defect, you should immediately notify
Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General Motors
of Canada Limited. You may call them at 1-800-333-0510
or write to:
Transport Canada
Place de Ville Tower C
330 Sparks Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5
7-14

Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada)
in a situation like this, we certainly hope you will notify
General Motors. Please call the Chevrolet Customer
Assistance Center at 1-800-222-1020, or write:
Chevrolet Motor Division
Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33170
Detroit, MI 48232-5170
In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair
service procedures, adjustments, and specications
for GM transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars
and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to
assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service
Bulletins can be obtained by contacting your General
Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE
(1-800-463-7483).
7-15

Owner’s Information
Owner publications are written specically for owners
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The owner’s manual will include
the Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual,
and Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00
Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00
Current and Past Model Order Forms
Service Publications are available for current and
past model GM vehicles. To request an order form,
please specify year and model name of the vehicle.
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. on the
World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com
Or you can write to:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change without notice and without
incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.
Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are
quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make
checks payable in U.S. funds.
7-16

A
Accessories and Modications............................ 5-3
Accessory Power Outlet(s)...............................3-18
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-98
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-18
Air Conditioning..............................................3-19
Airbag
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-27
Readiness Light..........................................3-26
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)....7-10
Airbag System................................................1-66
Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle............................1-80
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-72
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-74
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-79
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-72
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?....1-73
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-71
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-68Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................... 4-7
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-31
Appearance Care
Aluminum Wheels........................................5-94
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-92
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-96
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-92
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-89
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-90
Finish Care.................................................5-93
Finish Damage............................................5-95
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and
Other Plastic Surfaces..............................5-91
Leather......................................................5-91
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-95
Tires..........................................................5-94
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-95
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-96
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-92
Weatherstrips..............................................5-92
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-93
Ashtray(s)......................................................3-19
1

Assist Handles...............................................2-43
Audio System(s).............................................3-45
AM-FM Radio.............................................3-47
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-77
Care of Your CDs ........................................3-77
Chime Level Adjustment...............................3-78
Fixed Mast Antenna.....................................3-77
Radio with CD............................................3-50
Radio with Six-Disc CD................................3-65
Setting the Time for Radios
with Radio Data Systems (RDS).................3-47
Setting the Time for Radios without
Radio Data Systems (RDS).......................3-46
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-76
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-76
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-78
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-15
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..........................................................5-19
Operation...................................................2-21B
Battery..........................................................5-39
Run-Down Protection...................................3-18
Battery Warning Light......................................3-29
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-34
Brake
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................ 4-7
Emergencies................................................ 4-8
Parking......................................................2-30
System Warning Light..................................3-30
Brakes..........................................................5-35
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-17
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-46
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-48
Front Turn Signal, Parking and
Daytime Running Lamps...........................5-48
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-46
Headlamps.................................................5-47
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-50
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps
and Back-up Lamps.................................5-49
Buying New Tires...........................................5-62
2

C
Calibration.....................................................2-37
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
California Proposition 65 Warning....................... 5-3
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications..........................5-103
Carbon Monoxide...................2-10, 2-34, 4-38, 4-56
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-92
Your CD Player...........................................3-77
Your CDs ...................................................3-77
Center Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts....1-27
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-48
Chains, Tire...................................................5-67
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-32
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-96
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-41
Infants and Young Children...........................1-38
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-47
Older Children.............................................1-35Child Restraints (cont.)
Securing a Child Restraint in
a Rear Seat Position................................1-58
Securing a Child Restraint in
the Center Front Seat Position...................1-61
Securing a Child Restraint in
the Right Front Seat Position.....................1-61
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-45
Chime Level Adjustment..................................3-78
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-19
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels........................................5-94
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-92
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-90
Finish Care.................................................5-93
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-89
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and
Other Plastic Surfaces..............................5-91
Leather......................................................5-91
Tires..........................................................5-94
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-95
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-92
Weatherstrips..............................................5-92
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-93
3

Climate Control System...................................3-19
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-21
Clutch, Hydraulic.............................................5-23
Collision Damage Repair..................................7-11
Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt.....................1-31
Compass.......................................................2-37
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-15
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-32
Heater, Engine............................................2-20
Cooling System..............................................5-28
Cruise Control................................................3-11
Cruise Control Light........................................3-36
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-42
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-8
Customer Assistance for
Text Telephone (TTY) Users........................ 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program............... 7-6
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors.......7-15
Reporting Safety Defects to
the Canadian Government.........................7-14
Reporting Safety Defects to
the United States Government...................7-14
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-15D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-15
Daytime Running Lamps Indicator Light.............3-37
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Dome Lamp ...................................................3-17
Dome Lamp Override......................................3-17
Door
Locks.......................................................... 2-7
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-8
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-8
Rear Door Security Locks............................... 2-9
Rear Doors.................................................. 2-9
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-18
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-38
DIC Controls and Displays............................3-38
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-41
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-28
City ...........................................................4-32
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-3
Freeway.....................................................4-33
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-36
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-30
Off-Road ....................................................4-15
Recovery Hooks..........................................4-43
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-42
Winter........................................................4-38
4