2009 CHEVROLET COLORADO ABS

The message TRACTION FAULT appears in the Driver
Information Center (DIC) when a TCS or Antilock Brake
System (ABS) problem has been detected and the
vehicle needs service. When this message is on, the
system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving
accordingly. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-39.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
the vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3.
Limited-Slip Rear Axle
Vehicles with a limited-slip rear axle can give more
traction on snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like a
standard axle most of the time, but when traction is low,
this feature allows the drive wheel with the most traction
to move the vehicle.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tires
and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is
banked, and your speed. While in a curve, speed is the
one factor you can control.
If you need to reduce speed, do it before you enter the
curve, while the front wheels are straight ahead.
Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait
to accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then
accelerate gently into the straightaway.
4-9

Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving
those conditions. But skids are always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle’s
three control systems. In the braking skid, the wheels are
not rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much
speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose
cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too much
throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,
your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready
for a second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, you
want to slow down and adjust your driving to these
conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance is longer and
vehicle control more limited.While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or
braking, including reducing vehicle speed by shifting to a
lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires to
slide. You might not realize the surface is slippery until
your vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow on
the road to make a mirrored surface — and slow down
when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.
Off-Road Driving
Vehicles with four-wheel drive can be used for off-road
driving. Vehicles without four-wheel drive should not
be driven off-road except on a level, solid surface.
The airbag system is designed to work properly under a
wide range of conditions, including off-road usage.
Always wear your safety belt and observe safe driving
speeds, especially on rough terrain.
4-12

Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Drive carefully when there is snow or ice between the
tires and the road, creating less traction or grip. Wet ice
can occur at about 32°F (0°C) when freezing rain
begins to fall, resulting in even less traction. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain until roads can be
treated with salt or sand.
Drive with caution, whatever the condition. Accelerate
gently so traction is not lost. Accelerating too quickly
causes the wheels to spin and makes the surface under
the tires slick, so there is even less traction.
Try not to break the fragile traction. If you accelerate too
fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface
under the tires even more.If the vehicle has theTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-8, it improves the ability to accelerate on slippery
roads, but slow down and adjust your driving to the road
conditions. When driving through deep snow, turn off the
traction control system to help maintain vehicle motion at
lower speeds.
TheAntilock Brake System (ABS) on page 4-5improves
vehicle stability during hard stops on a slippery roads, but
apply the brakes sooner than when on dry pavement.
Allow greater following distance on any slippery road
and watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can occur on
otherwise clear roads in shaded areas. The surface
of a curve or an overpass can remain icy when
the surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while on ice.
Turn off cruise control, if equipped, on slippery surfaces.
4-29

When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades,
consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at normal altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, the vehicle may show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this, let the engine run while
parked, preferably on level ground, with an automatic
transmission in P (Park) or a manual transmission in
N (Neutral) with the parking brake applied, for a few
minutes before turning the engine off. If the overheat
warning comes on, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-34.
Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
Parking the vehicle on a hill with the trailer attached
can be dangerous. If something goes wrong, the rig
could start to move. People can be injured, and
both the vehicle and the trailer can be damaged.
When possible, always park the rig on a at
surface.If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park)
yet for vehicles with an automatic transmission, or
into gear for vehicles with a manual transmission.
Turn the wheels into the curb if facing downhill
or into traffic if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer
wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
brake pedal until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking
brake and shift into P (Park) for vehicles with an
automatic transmission or into gear for vehicles with
a manual transmission.
5. If the vehicle has four-wheel-drive, be sure
the transfer case is in a drive gear and not in
N (Neutral). SeeFour-Wheel Drive on page 2-28
for more information.
6. Release the brake pedal.
4-56

If the at tire is on the rear, position the jack under
the rear axle and get as close as possible to the
shock absorber.5. Make sure the jack head is positioned so that the
rear axle is resting securely between the grooves
that are on the jack head.
6. Turn the wheel wrench clockwise to raise the
vehicle. Raise the vehicle far enough off the ground
so there is enough room for the spare tire to t
under the wheel well.
7. Remove all the wheel
nuts and the at tire.
Rear Position
5-88

Fabric/Carpet
Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
frequently to remove dust and loose dirt. A canister
vacuum with a beater bar in the nozzle may only
be used on oor carpet and carpeted oor mats.
For any soil, always try to remove it rst with plain
water or club soda. Before cleaning, gently remove
as much of the soil as possible using one of the
following techniques:
For liquids: gently blot the remaining soil with a
paper towel. Allow the soil to absorb into the
paper towel until no more can be removed.
For solid dry soils: remove as much as possible
and then vacuum.
To clean:
1. Saturate a lint-free, clean white cloth with water or
club soda.
2. Wring the cloth to remove excess moisture.
3. Start on the outside edge of the soil and gently rub
toward the center. Continue cleaning, using a clean
area of the cloth each time it becomes soiled.
4. Continue to gently rub the soiled area until the
cleaning cloth remains clean.
5. If the soil is not completely removed, use a mild
soap solution and repeat the cleaning process
that was used with plain water.If any of the soil remains, a commercial fabric cleaner
or spot lifter may be necessary. When a commercial
upholstery cleaner or spot lifter is to be used, test a small
hidden area for colorfastness rst. If the locally cleaned
area gives any impression that a ring formation may
result, clean the entire surface.
After the cleaning process has been completed, a paper
towel can be used to blot excess moisture from the
fabric or carpet.
Leather
A soft cloth dampened with water can be used to
remove dust. If a more thorough cleaning is necessary,
a soft cloth dampened with a mild soap solution can be
used. Allow the leather to dry naturally. Do not use heat
to dry. Never use steam to clean leather. Never use spot
lifters or spot removers on leather. Many commercial
leather cleaners and coatings that are sold to preserve
and protect leather may permanently change the
appearance and feel of the leather and are not
recommended. Do not use silicone or wax-based
products, or those containing organic solvents to
clean the vehicle’s interior because they can alter the
appearance by increasing the gloss in a non-uniform
manner. Never use shoe polish on leather.
5-103

The trailer brake relay is located on the bottom side of
the battery harness.
Fuses Usage
O2 SNSROxygen Sensors, Air Injection
Reactor (AIR) Relay
A/CAir Conditioning Control Head,
Power Seats
A/C CMPRSR Air Conditioning Compressor
Fuses Usage
ABSAntilock Brake System (ABS),
ABS Module, Four-Wheel Drive,
Gravity Sensor
ABS 1 ABS 1 (ABS Logic)
ABS 2 ABS 2 (ABS Pump)
AUX PWR 1 Accessory Power 1
AUX PWR 2 Accessory Power 2
BCK/UP Back-up Lights
BLWR Climate Control Fan
CLSTR Cluster
CNSTR VENT Fuel Canister Vent Solenoid
CRUISECruise Control Switch, Inside
Rearview Mirror, Transfer Case
Control Module, Brake Switch,
Clutch Disable
DR/LCK Power Door Locks (If Equipped)
DRL Daylight Running Lamps
ERLSMass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor,
Can Purge Solenoid, Air Injector
Reactor (AIR) Relay
5-113

Fuses Usage
TRN/HAZRD
FRTTurn/Hazard/Courtesy/Cargo
Lamps/Mirrors
TRN/HAZRD
REARRear Turn/Hazard Lights
VSESVehicle Stability Enhancement
System
WPR Wiper
WSW Wiper/Washer Switch
Relays Usage
A/C CMPRSR Air Conditioning Compressor
BEAM SEL Beam Selection
DRL Daylight Running Lamps
FOG/LAMP Fog Lamps (If Equipped)
BACKUP LAMP Back Up Lamp
HDLP Headlamps
HORN Horn
IGN 3 HVACIgnition 3, Climate Control,
Climate Control Head Fuse,
Power Seat Fuse
PRK/LAMPFront Parking Lamp Fuse,
Rear Parking Lamps
Relays Usage
PWR/TRNPowertrain, Electronic Throttle
Control Fuse, Oxygen Sensor Fuse
RAPRetained Accessory Power
(Power Window Fuse,
Wiper/Washer Switch Fuse),
Sunroof Fuse
RUN/CRNKRun/Crank, Airbag System Fuse,
Cruise Control Fuse, Ignition Fuse,
Back-Up Lamps, ABS Fuse, Front
Axle, PCM-1, Injectors Fuse,
Transmission Fuse, ERLS
STRTR Starter Relay (PCM Relay)
VSESVehicle Stability Enhancement
System
WPR Wipers (On/Off)
WPR 2 Wiper 2 (High/Low)
Miscellaneous Usage
A/C CLTCH Diode — Air Conditioning, Clutch
MEGA FUSE Mega Fuse
WPR Diode — Wiper
5-115