2009 CHEVROLET COLORADO Owners Manual

Exterior Lamps
The exterior lamp control is located on the instrument
panel on the left side of the steering wheel.
O(Exterior Lamps):Turn the knob, located to the
right of this symbol, to choose one of the four exterior
lamp positions.
O(Off):Turns off all exterior lamps including the
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).AUTO:Turns the headlamps on automatically at
normal brightness, together with the following:
Sidemarker Lamps
Taillamps
Parking Lamps
Instrument Panel Lights
SeeAutomatic Headlamp System on page 3-14for
more information.
;(Parking Lamps):Turns on the parking lamps,
together with the following:
Sidemarker Lamps
Taillamps
License Plate Lamps
Instrument Panel Lights
2(Headlamps):Turns on the headlamps, together
with the previously listed lamps and lights.
3-13

Headlamps on Reminder
If a door is open, a reminder chime sounds when the
headlamps or parking lamps are manually turned on
and the key is out of the ignition. To turn off the chime,
turn the headlamp switch to off and then back on.
In the automatic mode, the headlamps turn off once
the ignition is in LOCK/OFF.
For vehicles rst sold in Canada, if the parking
lamps are turned on manually, the Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) will stay on.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the day.
Fully functional daytime running lamps are required
on all vehicles rst sold in Canada.
The DRL system will come on when the following
conditions are met:
The ignition is on.
The exterior lamps control is in AUTO.
The transmission is not in P (Park) if you have an
automatic transmission.
The light sensor determines it is daytime.When the DRL are on, only the parking lamps or
reduced intensity low beam headlamps will be on.
The taillamps, sidemarkers, and other lamps will not
be on. The instrument panel will not be lit up either.
When it begins to get dark, the headlamps will
automatically switch from DRL to the regular headlamps.
The regular headlamp system should be turned on
when needed.
Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside, the automatic headlamp
system will turn on after the transmission has been
shifted from P (Park) to D (Drive). The headlamps,
taillamps, sidemarker, parking lamps, roof marker
lamps, and the instrument panel lights turn on at normal
brightness. The radio lights will become more dim when
the headlights are off compared to when the headlights
are on.
The vehicle has a light sensor located on the top of
the instrument panel. Do not cover the sensor, or the
system will be on whenever the ignition is on.
The system may also turn on the headlamps when
driving through a parking garage, heavy overcast
weather, or a tunnel. This is normal.
3-14

There is a delay in the transition between the daytime
and nighttime operation of the Daytime Running Lamps
(DRL) and the automatic headlamp system so that driving
under bridges or bright overhead street lights does not
affect the system. The DRL and automatic headlamp
system will only be affected when the light sensor detects
a change in lighting lasting longer than the delay.
If the vehicle is started in a dark garage, the automatic
headlamp system will come on immediately. Once the
vehicle leaves the garage, it will take about one minute
for the automatic headlamp system to change to DRL if
it is light outside. During that delay, the instrument panel
cluster may not be as bright as usual. Make sure the
instrument panel brightness control is in the full bright
position. SeeInstrument Panel Brightness on page 3-16.Fog Lamps
The fog lamp button is located near the exterior lamps
control.
#:For vehicles with fog lamps, press to turn the fog
lamps on or off. An indicator light will turn on in the
button when the fog lamps are on.
The parking lamps or low-beam headlamps must be
on for the fog lamps to work. The fog lamps will go off
whenever the high-beam headlamps come on. When
the high beams go off, the fog lamps come on again.
Some localities have laws that require the headlamps to
be on along with the fog lamps.
3-15

Exterior Cargo Lamps
The cargo lamps can be used if more light is needed in
the cargo area of the vehicle or in the top-box storage
units.
This button is located
on the driver side of the
instrument panel near
the exterior lamp control.
Press to turn the cargo lamps on and off.
The dome lamps must be on for the cargo lamps to
come on. SeeDome Lamp on page 3-16.
Instrument Panel Brightness
D(Instrument Panel Lights):Turn the thumbwheel
up or down to brighten or dim the instrument panel lights
and the radio display. The instrument panel lights, cluster,
and radio display do not dim to complete darkness. The
instrument panel light brightness control will only work if
the headlamps or parking lamps are on. SeeExterior
Lamps on page 3-13.
Dome Lamp
The dome lamps, located in the front and cargo area of
the vehicle, come on when any door is opened.
Turn the dome lamps on by turning the thumbwheel,
located next to the exterior lamps control, all the way up.
In this position, the lamps remain on whether a door
is opened or closed.
Reading Lamps
Press the lens on the lamps to turn each reading lamp
on or off.
These lamps will not come on with the dome lamps.
3-16

Dome Lamp Override
The dome lamp override button is located below the
exterior lamps control.
E(Dome Lamp Override):Press this button in to
make the dome lamps remain off when the doors
are open. To return the lamps to automatic operation,
press
Eagain and return it to the out position.
Exit Lighting
The interior lamps will come on when the key is
removed from the ignition. The lamps will not come
on if the dome override button is pressed in.
Electric Power Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM)
that estimates the battery’s temperature and state
of charge. It then adjusts the voltage for best
performance and extended life of the battery.
When the battery’s state of charge is low, the voltage
is raised slightly to quickly bring the charge back
up. When the state of charge is high, the voltage is
lowered slightly to prevent overcharging. If the vehicle
has a voltmeter gage or a voltage display on theDriver Information Center (DIC), you may see the
voltage move up or down. This is normal. If there
is a problem, an alert will be displayed.
The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical
loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles.
This is because the generator (alternator) may not
be spinning fast enough at idle to produce all the
power that is needed for very high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following are on: headlamps, high beams, fog lamps,
rear window defogger, climate control fan at high speed,
heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer loads, and
loads plugged into accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the
battery. It does this by balancing the generator’s output
and the vehicle’s electrical needs. It can increase
engine idle speed to generate more power, whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce the power demands
of some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, without
being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels of
corrective action, this action may be noticeable to the
driver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC) message
might be displayed, such as BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE,
BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW, or LOW BATTERY. If this
message is displayed, it is recommended that the driver
reduce the electrical loads as much as possible. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-39.
3-17

Battery Run-Down Protection
This feature shuts off the dome lamp if it is left on for
more than 20 minutes when the ignition is in LOCK/OFF.
This helps to prevent the battery from running down.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
The accessory power outlets can be used to connect
electrical equipment such as a cellular phone.
The vehicle may have an accessory power outlet
located below the climate control system and on the rear
of the center console. A small cap must be pulled down to
access an accessory power outlet. When not using an
outlet be sure to cover it with the protective cap.
Notice:Leaving electrical equipment on for
extended periods will drain the battery. Always
unplug electrical equipment when not in use and do
not plug in equipment that exceeds the maximum
amperage rating of 20 amperes.Certain electrical accessories may not be compatible
with the accessory power outlet and could result
in blown vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience
a problem, see your dealer/retailer for additional
information on accessory power outlets.
Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to the
vehicle can damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not use
equipment exceeding maximum amperage rating
of 20 amperes. Check with your dealer/retailer before
adding electrical equipment.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow
the proper installation instructions included with the
equipment.
Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by the warranty. Do not hang
any type of accessory or accessory bracket from the
plug because the power outlets are designed for
accessory power plugs only.
3-18

Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
The vehicle may have a removable ashtray and cigarette
lighter.
The ashtray is located in the center console area.
The ashtray can be removed for cleaning. When the
ashtray is removed, this area can also be used as
a cupholder.
Notice:If papers, pins, or other ammable items
are put in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other
smoking materials could ignite them and possibly
damage the vehicle. Never put ammable items
in the ashtray.
To use the lighter, press it in all the way, and let go.
When it is ready, it will pop back out by itself.
Notice:Holding a cigarette lighter in while it is
heating does not let the lighter back away from
the heating element when it is hot. Damage from
overheating can occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold
a cigarette lighter in while it is heating.
Climate Controls
Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can
be controlled with this system.
A. Temperature Control
B. Fan Control
C. Air Delivery Mode
ControlD. Air Conditioning
E. Recirculation
Temperature Control:Turn the knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature of the air inside the vehicle.
3-19

9(Fan Control):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.
Air Delivery Mode Control:Turn the knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to change the current airow mode.
Select from the following modes:
H(Vent):Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
\(Bi-Level):Air is divided between the instrument
panel outlets and oor and side window outlets. Cooler
air is directed to the upper outlets and warmer air to
the oor outlets.
[(Floor):Air is directed to the oor outlets.
Recirculation cannot be selected while in oor mode
because this could cause the interior window to fog.
/(Floor/Defog):This mode clears the windows of
fog or moisture. Air is directed to the oor, windshield,
and side window outlets. When this mode is selected,
the system runs the air conditioning compressor unless
the outside temperature is near freezing or below.
Recirculation is not available in this mode.
0(Defrost):This mode clears the windshield of fog
or frost more quickly. Air is directed to the windshield
and side window outlets. When this mode is selected,
the system runs the air conditioning compressor unless
the outside temperature is near, or below freezing.
Recirculation is not available in this mode.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
#(Air Conditioning):Press to turn the air conditioning
system on or off. An indicator light on the button
comes on to show that the air conditioning is on.
The fan control must be on to use the air conditioning.
There might be 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.
The air conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so a small amount of water might drip under the
vehicle while idling or after turning off the engine.
This is normal.
@(Recirculation):Press to turn the recirculation
mode on or off. An indicator light on the button comes on
to show that the recirculation mode is on. This mode
recirculates and helps to quickly cool the air inside the
vehicle. It can be used to prevent outside air and odors
from entering the vehicle.
3-20