2006 CHEVROLET COLORADO service schedule

Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Rear Seats
..............................................1-10
Safety Belts
.............................................1-13
Child Restraints
.......................................1-35
Airbag System
.........................................1-66
Restraint System Check
............................1-81
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-2
Doors and Locks
....................................... 2-7
Windows
.................................................2-12
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-15
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-17
Mirrors
....................................................2-36
OnStar
®System
......................................2-41
Storage Areas
.........................................2-42
Sunroof
..................................................2-45
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-19
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-22
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-38
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-45Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
..... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-50
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-10
Rear Axle
...............................................5-44
Four-Wheel Drive
.....................................5-44
Front Axle
...............................................5-45
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-46
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-50
Tires
......................................................5-52
Appearance Care
.....................................5-89
Vehicle Identication
.................................5-97
Electrical System
......................................5-98
Capacities and Specications
...................5-103
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance and Information.............. 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-14
Index................................................................ 1
2006 Chevrolet Colorado Owner ManualM

The diagnostic system is designed to evaluate critical
emission control systems during normal driving.
This may take several days of routine driving. If you
have done this and your vehicle still does not pass
the inspection for lack of OBD system readiness, your
GM dealer can prepare the vehicle for inspection.
Oil Pressure Light
{CAUTION:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low.
If you do, your engine can become so hot that
it catches re. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil as soon as possible and have
your vehicle serviced.
Notice:Lack of proper engine oil maintenance
may damage the engine. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Always follow
the maintenance schedule in this manual for
changing engine oil.This light tells you if there
could be a problem with
your engine oil pressure.
The light goes on when you turn your key to ON or
START. It goes off once you start your engine. That’s
a check to be sure the light works. If it doesn’t come on,
be sure to have it xed so it will be there to warn you
if something goes wrong.
When the light comes on and stays on, it means that oil
isn’t owing through your engine properly. You could
be low on oil and you might have some other system
problem. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-13and “OIL” under
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-41for more
information.
3-35

Driver Information Center (DIC)
The Driver Information Center (DIC) displays information
such as the trip odometer, personalization features,
and warning messages. The DIC display is located on
the instrument panel cluster.
DIC Controls and Displays
The Driver Information Center (DIC) comes on when the
ignition is on.
If a problem is detected, a warning message will appear
on the display. Pressing and releasing the trip odometer
reset stem on the DIC will acknowledge some current
warnings or service messages. Some messages will only
clear after the required action has been taken.
The DIC has different modes which can be accessed
by pressing the trip odometer reset stem on the
DIC. These modes are explained in the following
section. The DIC trip odometer reset stem is located
on the instrument panel cluster next to the DIC display.
To scroll through the available functions, press and
release the reset stem.
Trip Information
Odometer
The odometer is automatically displayed on the DIC
when you start the vehicle. The odometer shows
the total distance the vehicle has been driven in either
miles for the United States or kilometers for Canada.
Trip Odometer
Press and release the reset stem until TRIP appears
on the DIC display. This shows the current distance
traveled since the last reset of the trip odometer in either
miles for the United States or kilometers for Canada.
Press and hold the reset stem for approximately
four seconds to reset the trip odometer.
Engine Oil Life System
Press the reset stem until OIL LIFE RESET
appears — alternating between OIL LIFE and
RESET — on the DIC display. The engine oil life
system calculates an estimate of the oil’s remaining
useful life. The CHANGE OIL message will alert you
to change your oil on a schedule consistent with
your driving conditions. Always reset the OIL LIFE
message after an oil change. To reset the message,
seeEngine Oil Life System on page 5-16.
3-38

AC (Air Conditioning) OFF
This message will be displayed when the engine
coolant temperature is too high and the air conditioning
in your vehicle needs to be turned off. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 5-27andClimate Control System
on page 3-19for more information. It will be displayed
along with the ENG HOT message.
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)
This message will be displayed if there is a problem
with your anti-lock brake system. Check your anti-lock
brake system as soon as possible and have your
vehicle serviced by your GM dealer. SeeBrakes on
page 5-35andAnti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
on page 3-31for more information. Press and release
the reset stem to acknowledge the message and clear
it from the DIC display.
BATTERY
This message will be displayed when there is a problem
with your vehicle’s battery. SeeBattery on page 5-39
andBattery Warning Light on page 3-29for more
information.
BRAKES
This message will be displayed if there is a problem
with your brakes. Check your brakes as soon as
possible and have your vehicle serviced by your
GM dealer. SeeBrakes on page 5-35andBrake System
Warning Light on page 3-30for more information.
Press and release the reset stem to acknowledge the
message and clear it from the DIC display.
CHANGE OIL
This message will be displayed when the oil needs to
be changed. Check the oil in your vehicle as soon
as possible and have your vehicle serviced by your
GM dealer. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-13andScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4for more information. Press
the reset stem to acknowledge the message and clear it
from the display.
DOORS
This message will be displayed on your DIC when
one or more of your doors is ajar. You should check
all the doors on your vehicle to make sure they
are closed. The message will clear from the display
after all of the doors are closed.
3-42

After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that has collected on
the underbody, chassis, or under the hood. These
accumulations can be a re hazard.
After operation in mud or sand, have the brake linings
cleaned and checked. These substances can cause
glazing and uneven braking. Check the body structure,
steering, suspension, wheels, tires, and exhaust
system for damage. Also, check the fuel lines and
cooling system for any leakage.
Your vehicle will require more frequent service due
to off-road use. Refer to the maintenance schedule
for additional information.
Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving.
One reason is that some drivers are likely to be
impaired — by alcohol or drugs, with night vision
problems, or by fatigue.
Here are some tips on night driving.
Drive defensively.
Do not drink and drive.
Adjust the inside rearview mirror to reduce the
glare from headlamps behind you.
Since you cannot see as well, you may need to
slow down and keep more space between you
and other vehicles.
Slow down, especially on higher speed roads.
Your vehicle’s headlamps can light up only so
much road ahead.
In remote areas, watch for animals.
If you are tired, pull off the road in a safe place
and rest.
4-28

Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re
pulling a trailer. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4
for more on this. Things that are especially important
in trailer operation are automatic transmission uid
(don’t overll), engine oil, axle lubricant, belt, cooling
system and brake system. Each of these is covered in
this manual, and the Index will help you nd them quickly.
If you’re trailering, it’s a good idea to review these
sections before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Trailer Wiring Harness
Your vehicle may be equipped with a four-pin trailer
towing harness. This harness has a four-pin trailer
connector that is attached to a bracket on the hitch
platform. The four-wire harness contains the following
trailer circuits:
Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal
Green: Right Stop/Turn Signal
Brown: Taillamps/Park lamps
White: Ground
Trailer Recommendations
You must subtract your hitch load from the CWR for your
vehicle. Weigh your vehicle with your trailer attached, so
that you won’t go over the GVWR or the GAWR.
You’ll get the best performance if you spread out the
weight of your load the right way, and if you choose the
correct hitch and trailer brakes.
For more information, seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-56
later in this section.
4-70

When to Check and What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often you should check the uid level in your clutch
master cylinder reservoir and for the proper uid. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
How to Check and Add Fluid
The proper uid should be added if the level does not
reach the bottom of the diaphragm when it is in place in
the reservoir. See the instructions on the reservoir cap.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for ve years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if you add only
DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-27.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at the rst maintenance
service after each 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or
24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
5-24

Rear Axle
When to Check and Change Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check rear axle uid
unless you suspect there is a leak or you hear an
unusual noise. A uid loss could indicate a problem.
Have it inspected and repaired.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.If the level is below the bottom of the ller plug hole,
located on the rear axle, you will need to add some
lubricant. Add enough lubricant to raise the level to
the bottom of the ller plug hole.
What to Use
SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12
to determine which kind of lubricant to use.
Four-Wheel Drive
Lubricant checks in this section apply to this vehicle.
There are two additional systems that need lubrication.
Transfer Case
When to Check Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often to check the lubricant. SeeAdditional Required
Services on page 6-6.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.
5-44