2007 CHEVROLET COLORADO Owners Manual

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can be used for up
to 20 minutes after the engine is turned off:
Audio System
Wipers
Power Windows
These features work when the key is in ON or
ACC. Once the key is turned from ON to LOCK,
power to these features continue to work for
up to 20 minutes or until a door is opened.
Starting the Engine
Place the transmission in the proper gear.
Automatic Transmission
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine will not start in any other position – this
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 shift lever should be in the NEUTRAL position
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.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn
the ignition key to START. When the engine
starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go
down as the engine gets warm. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it. Operate
the engine and transmission gently to allow the
oil to warm up and lubricate all moving parts.
Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled
Cranking System. This feature assists in
starting the engine and protects components.
If the ignition key is turned to the START
position, and then released when the engine
begins cranking, the engine will continue
cranking for a few seconds or until the vehicle
starts. If the engine does not start and the
key is held in START for many seconds,
cranking will be stopped after 15 seconds
to prevent cranking motor damage.
121

To prevent gear damage, this system also
prevents cranking if the engine is already
running. Engine cranking can be stopped
by turning the ignition switch to the ACC or
LOCK position.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods
of time, by returning the key to the START
position immediately after cranking has ended,
can overheat and damage the cranking
motor, and drain the battery. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow
the cranking motor to cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F
or−18°C), it could be ooded with too
much gasoline. Try pushing the accelerator
pedal all the way to the oor and holding
it there as you hold the key in START for
up to a maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow the
cranking motor to cool down. When the engine
starts, let go of the key and accelerator.If the vehicle starts briey but then stops
again, do the same thing. This clears the
extra gasoline from the engine. Do not race
the engine immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and transmission gently
until the oil warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.
Notice:Your engine is designed to work with
the electronics in your vehicle. If you add
electrical parts or accessories, you could
change the way the engine operates. Before
adding electrical equipment, check with
your dealer/retailer. If you do not, your engine
might not perform properly. Any resulting
damage would not be covered by your
vehicle’s warranty.
122

Engine Coolant Heater
Your vehicle may have this feature.
In very cold weather, 0°F (–18°C) or colder, the
engine coolant heater can help. You will 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.
Your vehicle may also have an internal thermostat
in the plug end of the cord. This will prevent
operation of the engine coolant heater when the
temperature is at or above 0°F (−18°C) as
noted on the cord.
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 do
not, 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/retailer in the area where you will be parking
your vehicle. The dealer/retailer can give you
the best advice for that particular area.
123

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 135.
If you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing
a Trailer on page 306.
124

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 must fully apply your regular brakes before
you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition
key is in ON. 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 another gear. SeeShifting Out
of Park (P) (Automatic Transmission) on page 137.
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 Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 290.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.
125

DRIVE (D):This position is for normal driving.
If provides the best fuel economy for your vehicle.
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.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery road
conditions could result in skidding, see “Skidding”
underLoss of Control on page 259.
THIRD (3):This position is also used for normal
driving. However, it reduces vehicle speed
more than DRIVE (D) without using your brakes.
You might choose THIRD (3) instead of DRIVE (D)
when driving on hilly, winding roads, when
towing a trailer, so there is less shifting between
gears and when going down a steep hill.
SECOND (2):This position reduces vehicle speed
even more than THIRD (3) without using your
brakes. 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.FIRST (1):This position reduces vehicle speed
even more than SECOND (2) without using
your brakes. 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 rst gear 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. The repair will not be covered by
your warranty. If you are stuck, do not spin
the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the
brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
Manual Transmission Operation
This is your
shift pattern.
126

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.
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.
127

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 has a
manual transmission, disregard the shift light
when the transfer case is in four-wheel low.
For more information, seeUp-Shift Light
(Manual Transmission) on page 189.
Shift Speeds
{CAUTION:
If you skip a gear when you downshift,
you could lose control of your vehicle.
You could injure yourself or others.
Do not shift down more than one gear
at a time when you downshift.
128