2012 CHEVROLET COLORADO Owners Manual

Black plate (59,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-59
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
2WD Regular Cab 2.9L L4 Automatic Transmission 3.731 542 kg (3,400 lbs) 3 175 kg (7,000 lbs)
2.9L L4 Manual Transmission 3.731 089 kg (2,400 lbs) 2 722 kg (6,000 lbs)
3.7L L5 Automatic Transmission 3.731 814 kg (4,000 lbs) 3 856 kg (8,500 lbs)
2WD Extended Cab
2.9L L4 Automatic Transmission 3.731 452 kg (3,200 lbs) 3 175 kg (7,000 lbs)
2.9L L4 Manual Transmission 3.73998 kg (2,200 lbs) 2 722 kg (6,000 lbs)
3.7L L5 Automatic Transmission 3.732 495 kg (5,500 lbs) 4 309 kg (9,500 lbs)
5.3L V8 Automatic Transmission 3.42
3.732 722 kg (6,000 lbs) 4 717 kg (10,400 lbs)
5.3L V8 Automatic Transmission,
ZQ8 Sport Suspension 3.42
1 814 kg (4,000 lbs) 3 856 kg (8,500 lbs)
2WD Crew Cab 2.9L L4 Automatic Transmission 3.731 361 kg (3,000 lbs) 3 175 kg (7,000 lbs)
2.9L L4 Manual Transmission 3.73953 kg (2,100 lbs) 2 722 kg (6,000 lbs)
3.7L L5 Automatic Transmission 3.732 495 kg (5,500 lbs) 4 309 kg (9,500 lbs)
5.3L V8 Automatic Transmission 3.42
3.732 722 kg (6,000 lbs) 4 717 kg (10,400 lbs)

Black plate (60,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2012
9-60 Driving and Operating
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
5.3L V8 Automatic Transmission,
ZQ8 Sport Suspension 3.42
1 724 kg (3,800 lbs) 3 856 kg (8,500 lbs)
4WD Regular Cab 2.9L L4 Automatic Transmission 3.731 406 kg (3,100 lbs) 3 175 kg (7,000 lbs)
2.9L L4 Manual Transmission 3.73953 kg (2,100 lbs) 2 722 kg (6,000 lbs)
3.7L L5 Automatic Transmission 3.731 814 kg (4,000 lbs) 4 082 kg (9,000 lbs)
4WD Extended Cab 2.9L L4 Automatic Transmission 3.731 315 kg (2,900 lbs) 3 175 kg (7,000 lbs)
2.9L L4 Manual Transmission 3.73861 kg (1,900 lbs) 2 722 kg (6,000 lbs)
3.7L L5 Automatic Transmission 3.732 495 kg (5,500 lbs) 4 445 kg (9,800 lbs)
5.3L V8 Automatic Transmission 3.42
4.102 722 kg (6,000 lbs) 4 717 kg (10,400 lbs)
4WD Crew Cab 3.7L L5 Automatic Transmission 3.732 495 kg (5,500 lbs) 4 445 kg (9,800 lbs)
5.3L V8 Automatic Transmission 3.42
4.10
2 722 kg (6,000 lbs) 4 717 kg (10,400 lbs)
*The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicle and
trailer including any passengers, cargo, equipment and conversions. The GCWR for the vehicle should not be
exceeded.

Black plate (61,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-61
Ask your dealer for our trailering
information or advice, or write us at
our Customer Assistance Offices.
SeeCustomer Assistance Offices
(U.S. and Canada) on page 13‑4
or Customer Assistance Offices
(Mexico) on page 13‑5 for more
information.
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is
an important weight to measure
because it affects the total gross
weight of the vehicle. The Gross
Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the
curb weight of the vehicle, any
cargo carried in it, and the people
who will be riding in the vehicle.
If there are a lot of options,
equipment, passengers or cargo in
the vehicle, it will reduce the tongue
weight the vehicle can carry, which
will also reduce the trailer weight the
vehicle can tow. If towing a trailer,
the tongue load must be added to
the GVW because the vehicle will
be carrying that weight, too. See Vehicle Load Limits on page 9‑16
for more information about the
vehicle's maximum load capacity.
The trailer tongue weight (A) should
be 10 percent to 15 percent of the
total loaded trailer weight, up to a
maximum of 226 kg (500 lbs) with a
weight carrying hitch.
Do not exceed the maximum
allowable tongue weight for the
vehicle. Choose the shortest hitch
extension that will position the hitch
ball closest to the vehicle. This will
help reduce the effect of trailer
tongue weight on the rear axle.After loading the trailer, weigh
the trailer and then the tongue,
separately, to see if the weights are
proper. If they are not, adjustments
might be made by moving some
items around in the trailer.
Trailering may be limited by the
vehicle's ability to carry tongue
weight. Tongue weight cannot cause
the vehicle to exceed the GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) or
the RGAWR (Rear Gross Axle
Weight Rating). The effect of
additional weight may reduce the
trailering capacity more than the
total of the additional weight.
It is important that the vehicle
does not exceed any of its
ratings
—GCWR, GVWR, RGAWR,
Maximum Trailer Rating or Tongue
Weight. The only way to be sure it is
not exceeding any of these ratings
is to weigh the vehicle and trailer.

Black plate (62,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2012
9-62 Driving and Operating
Total Weight on the Vehicle's
Tires
Be sure the vehicle's tires are
inflated to the upper limit for cold
tires. These numbers can be found
on the Certification/Tire label
located at the bottom of the center
pillar on the driver's side of the
vehicle, or seeVehicle Load Limits
on page 9‑16. Make sure not to go
over the GVW limit for the vehicle,
or the GAWR, including the weight
of the trailer tongue. If using a
weight distributing hitch, make
sure not to go over the rear axle
limit before applying the weight
distribution spring bars.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
It is important to have the correct
hitch equipment. Crosswinds, large
trucks going by and rough roads are
a few reasons why the right hitch is
needed.
Weight-Distributing Hitches
and Weight Carrying Hitches
A step bumper hitch can be used for
trailers up to 907 kg (2,000 lbs) total
weight, and 90 kg (200 lbs) tongue
weight.
Notice: If a step-bumper hitch
is used, the bumper could be
damaged in sharp turns. Make
sure there is ample room when
turning to avoid contact between
the trailer and the bumper.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the
vehicle and the trailer. Cross the
safety chains under the tongue
of the trailer to help prevent the
tongue from contacting the road if it
becomes separated from the hitch.
Instructions about safety chains
may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer
manufacturer. For trailers up to 907 kg (2,000 lbs) safety chains
may be attached to the attaching
points on the bumper. For heavier
trailers, follow the trailer or hitch
manufacturer's recommendation for
attaching safety chains. Always
leave just enough slack so the rig
can turn. Never allow safety chains
to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
A loaded trailer that weighs more
than 450 kg (1,000 lbs) needs to
have its own brake system that is
adequate for the weight of the
trailer. Be sure to read and follow
the instructions for the trailer brakes
so they are installed, adjusted and
maintained properly.
Since the vehicle is equipped with
StabiliTrak
®, the trailer cannot tap
into the vehicle's hydraulic brake
system.

Black plate (63,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-63
Trailer Wiring Harness
The 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
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
Notice:Do not add anything
electrical to the vehicle unless
you check with your dealer first.
Some electrical equipment can
damage the vehicle and the
damage would not be covered
by the vehicle's warranty. Some
add-on electrical equipment can
keep other components from
working as they should.
Add-on equipment can drain the
vehicle's 12‐volt battery, even if the
vehicle is not operating. The vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to add anything
electrical to the vehicle, see
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 3‑31
andAdding
Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 3‑32.
Pickup Conversion to
Chassis Cab
We are aware that some vehicle
owners might consider having
the pickup box removed and a
commercial or recreational body
installed. However, we recommend
that conversions of this type not be
done to pickups. Owners should be
aware that, as manufactured, there
are differences between a chassis
cab and a pickup with the box
removed which could affect vehicle
safety.

Black plate (64,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2012
9-64 Driving and Operating
2NOTES

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-1
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
California Proposition 65Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . 10-3
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-6
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-9
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . 10-12
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13
Manual Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15 Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-16
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . 10-17
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-18
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-19
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . 10-22
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . 10-24
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . 10-31
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . 10-32
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . 10-35
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-35
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-35
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-35
Taillamps, Turn Signal,Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-36
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) . . . . . . . 10-37
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . 10-37
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . 10-37
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-38
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-39
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-39

Black plate (2,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2012
10-2 Vehicle Care
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-46
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . 10-46
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . 10-49
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-49
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-52
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-54
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-54
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-56
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-59
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-59
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-60
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-61
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-62
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-63 Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-65
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . 10-65
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-66
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . 10-67
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-69
Secondary Latch System . . . 10-80
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . 10-83
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . 10-83
Jump Starting
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-84
Towing
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . 10-89
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-89
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-94
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-97
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-100
General Information
For service and parts needs,
visit your dealer. You will receive
genuine GM parts and GM-trained
and supported service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of
these marks: