2008 CHEVROLET COLORADO fuel

Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Rear Seats
............................................... 1-9
Safety Belts
.............................................1-12
Child Restraints
.......................................1-33
Airbag System
.........................................1-60
Restraint System Check
............................1-76
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-3
Doors and Locks
....................................... 2-7
Windows
.................................................2-12
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-15
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-19
Mirrors
....................................................2-39
OnStar
®System
......................................2-47
Storage Areas
.........................................2-50
Sunroof
..................................................2-52
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-19
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-22
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-37
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-45Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle
....... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-41
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-10
Rear Axle
...............................................5-48
Four-Wheel Drive
.....................................5-49
Front Axle
...............................................5-50
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-51
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-51
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-57
Tires
......................................................5-59
Appearance Care
...................................5-105
Vehicle Identication
...............................5-114
Electrical System
....................................5-114
Capacities and Specications
...................5-119
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance Information.................... 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-15
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
...........7-17
Index................................................................ 1
2008 Chevrolet Colorado Owner ManualM

Here is how to avoid setting off the alarm by accident:
If you do not want to activate the theft-deterrent
system, the vehicle should be locked with the
door key after the doors are closed.
Always unlock a door with the RKE transmitter.
Unlocking a door any other way will set off the
alarm.
If you set off the alarm by accident, you can turn off the
alarm by pressing unlock on the RKE transmitter. The
alarm will not stop if you try to unlock a door any
other way.
Testing the Alarm
To test the alarm:
1. From inside the vehicle, activate the system by
locking the doors with the RKE transmitter.
2. Unlock the door with the manual door lock and
open the door. This should set off the alarm.
3. To turn the alarm off, press the unlock button on
the RKE transmitter or start the engine.
If the alarm does not sound when it should but the lights
ash, check to see if the horn works. The horn fuse
may be blown. To replace the fuse, seeFuses
and Circuit Breakers on page 5-115.
If the alarm does not sound or the front turn signal
lamps do not ash, see your dealer/retailer for service.
Passlock®(U. S. Only)
Passlock®is a passive theft-deterrent system that
enables fuel if the vehicle is started with a valid key. If
an incorrect key is used or the ignition lock cylinder
is tampered with, the fuel system is disabled and
the vehicle does not start.
The security light turns off approximately ve seconds
after the engine is started. SeeSecurity Light on
page 3-36.
If the engine stalls and the security light ashes, wait
about 10 minutes until the light stops ashing before
trying to restart the engine. Release the key from
START as soon as the engine starts.
If the engine does not start after three tries, the vehicle
needs service.
If the engine is running and the security light comes on,
the engine restarts if you turn the engine off. However,
the Passlock
®system is not working properly and
must be serviced by your dealer/retailer. The vehicle is
not protected by Passlock
®at this time. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
In an emergency, call the Roadside Assistance Center.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-8.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms or
deactivates the theft deterrent system in the vehicle.
2-16

Engine Coolant Heater
The engine coolant heater, if available, can help in cold
weather conditions at or below 0°F (−18°C) for easier
starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up.
Plug in the coolant heater at least four hours before
starting your vehicle. An internal thermostat in the
plug-end of the cord may exist which will prevent engine
coolant heater operation at temperatures above
0°F (-18°C).
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.
2-23

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
(Automatic Transmission) on page 2-36.
REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the 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 4-31.
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 the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless
your foot is rmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or objects. Do not
shift into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may damage
the transmission. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is
not running at high speed when shifting the vehicle.
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.
2-25

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 R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the 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 has a manual
transmission, disregard the shift light when the transfer
case is in four-wheel low.
For more information, seeUp-Shift Light on page 3-29.
2-27

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-5
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn .............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Windshield Washer.........................................3-9
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-13
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-14
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-14
Automatic Headlamp System..........................3-15
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-16
Exterior Cargo Lamps....................................3-16
Interior Lamps..............................................3-16
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-17
Dome Lamp .................................................3-17
Dome Lamp Override....................................3-17
Exit Lighting.................................................3-17
Electric Power Management...........................3-17
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-18
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-18
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-19Climate Controls............................................3-19
Climate Control System.................................3-19
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-21
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-22
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-23
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-24
Trip Odometer..............................................3-24
Tachometer.................................................3-24
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-25
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-26
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-27
Charging System Light..................................3-29
Up-Shift Light...............................................3-29
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-30
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light.....3-31
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light......3-31
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-32
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-32
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-33
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-35
Security Light...............................................3-36
Cruise Control Light......................................3-36
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-36
Fuel Gage...................................................3-36
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Fan Knob
9
(Fan):The center knob on the control panel is used
to control the fan speed. Turn the knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
If the knob is set on “0” (zero), some outside air will
still enter the vehicle and will be directed according to
the position of the mode knob.
Mode Knob
The right knob on the control panel is used to direct the
airow inside the vehicle. Turn the knob to select one
of the following modes:
H(Vent):Select this mode to direct air to the
instrument panel outlets.
\(Bi-Level):Select this mode to direct approximately
half of the air to the instrument panel outlets, and the
remaining air to the oor outlets and the defroster
and side window outlets. Cooler air is directed to the
upper outlets and warmer air to the oor outlets.
[(Floor):Select this mode to direct air to the oor
outlets. Recirculation is disabled in this mode because
interior window could fog under some conditions. If
this occurs, see “Defogging and Defrosting” following.
Mode Buttons
@
(Recirculation):Press this button to turn the
recirculation mode on or off. An indicator light on the
button comes on to show that the recirculation mode is
activated. This mode recirculates air inside the cabin,
and prevents outside air from coming in the vehicle. It
can be used to cool the air inside the vehicle more
quickly.
Recirculation is only available and should only be used in
the bi-level and vent modes. Recirculation is not available
while in heat, oor, oor/defog, or defrost modes. If your
try to select recirculation while in one of those modes, the
indicator light will not come on or ash.
#(Air Conditioning):Press this button to turn the air
conditioning system on or off. An indicator light on
the button comes on to show that the air conditioning is
activated. When the system is on, this setting cools
and dehumidies the air entering the vehicle.
The air conditioning will not function if the fan is
turned off.
You may notice a slight change in engine performance
when the air conditioning compressor shuts off and
turns on again. This is normal. The system is designed
to make adjustments to help with fuel economy while
still maintaining the selected temperature.
3-20

Instrument Panel Cluster
The instrument panel cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You will know how
fast you are going, about how much fuel you have used, and many other things you will need to know to drive
safely and economically.
United States automatic transmission 2.9L version shown, Canada, manual transmission, 3.7L and 5.3L
similar
3-23