2016 CHEVROLET COLORADO engine coolant

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
9159327) - 2016 - crc - 8/28/15
Vehicle Care 273
Caution
If improper coolant mixture,
inhibitors, or additives are used in
the vehicle cooling system, the
engine could overheat and be
damaged. Too much water in the
mixture can freeze and crack
engine cooling parts. The repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Use only the
proper mixture of engine coolant
for the cooling system. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants0353
ii.
Never dispose of engine coolant by
putting it in the trash, or by pouring
it on the ground, or into sewers,
streams or, bodies of water. Have
the coolant changed by an
authorized service center, familiar
with legal requirements regarding
used coolant disposal. This will help
protect the environment and your
health.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the coolant
level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in
the coolant surge tank. If the coolant
inside the coolant surge tank is
boiling, do not do anything else until
it cools down.
If coolant is visible but the coolant
level is not at or above the mark
pointed to, add a 50/50 mixture of
clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL coolant.
Be sure the cooling system is cool
before this is done.
If no coolant is visible in the coolant
surge tank, add coolant as follows:
How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Surge Tank
{Warning
You can be burned if you spill
coolant on hot engine parts.
Coolant contains ethylene glycol (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough. Do not spill
coolant on a hot engine.
Caution
This vehicle has a specific
coolant fill procedure. Failure to
follow this procedure could cause
the engine to overheat and be
severely damaged.
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system can blow out
and burn you badly. Never turn
the cap when the cooling system,
including the surge tank pressure
cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling
system and surge tank pressure
cap to cool.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
9159327) - 2016 - crc - 8/28/15
274 Vehicle Care
The coolant surge tank pressure
cap can be removed when the
cooling system, including the surge
tank pressure cap and upper
radiator hose, is no longer hot.1. Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise. If a hiss is
heard, wait for that to stop.
A hiss means there is still
some pressure left.
2. Keep turning the cap and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank withthe proper mixture to the mark
pointed to on the front of the
coolant surge tank.
4. With the coolant surge tank cap off, start the engine and let
it run until the upper radiator
hose starts getting hot. Watch
out for the engine cooling fan.
By this time, the coolant level
inside the coolant surge tank
may be lower. If the level is
lower, add more of the proper
mixture to the coolant surge
tank until the level reaches the
mark pointed to on the front of
the coolant surge tank. 5. Replace the cap tightly.
Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and
possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly
and tightly secured.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has an engine coolant
temperature gauge on the
instrument cluster to warn of engine
overheating. See
Engine Coolant
Temperature Gauge 0112
ii.
Caution
Running the engine without
coolant may cause damage or a
fire. Vehicle damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
9159327) - 2016 - crc - 8/28/15
Vehicle Care 275
If the decision is made not to lift the
hood when this warning appears,
get service help right away. See
Roadside Assistance Program
0365
ii.
If the decision is made to lift the
hood, make sure the vehicle is
parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine
cooling fan is running. If the engine
is overheating, the fan should be
running. If it is not, do not continue
to run the engine and have the
vehicle serviced.
If Steam Is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam from an overheated engine
can burn you badly, even if you
just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Just turn it
off and get everyone away from
the vehicle until it cools down. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Wait until there is no sign of
steam or coolant before you open
the hood.
If you keep driving when the
engine is overheated, the liquids
in it can catch fire. You or others
could be badly burned. Stop the
engine if it overheats, and get out
of the vehicle until the engine
is cool.
If No Steam Is Coming from
the Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is
displayed but no steam can be seen
or heard, the problem may not be
too serious. Sometimes the engine
can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
. Stops after high-speed driving.
. Idles for long periods in traffic.
If the overheat warning is displayed
with no sign of steam: 1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the
highest temperature and to the
highest fan speed. Open the
windows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral), and let the
engine idle.
If the engine coolant temperature
gauge is no longer in the overheat
zone, the vehicle can be driven.
Continue to drive the vehicle slowly
for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
distance from the vehicle in front.
If the warning does not come back
on, continue to drive normally and
have the cooling system checked
for proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle
right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the
engine for three minutes while
parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it
cools down.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
9159327) - 2016 - crc - 8/28/15
276 Vehicle Care
Engine Fan
If the vehicle has a clutched engine
cooling fan, when the clutch is
engaged, the fan spins faster to
provide more air to cool the engine.
In most everyday driving conditions,
the fan is spinning slower and the
clutch is not fully engaged. This
improves fuel economy and reduces
fan noise. Under heavy vehicle
loading, trailer towing, and/or high
outside temperatures, the fan speed
increases as the clutch more fully
engages, so an increase in fan
noise may be heard. This is normal
and should not be mistaken as the
transmission slipping or making
extra shifts. It is merely the cooling
system functioning properly. The fan
will slow down when additional
cooling is not required and the
clutch disengages.
This fan noise may also be heard
when starting the engine. It will go
away as the fan clutch partially
disengages.
If the vehicle has electric cooling
fan(s), the fans may be heard
spinning at low speed during mosteveryday driving. The fans may turn
off if no cooling is required. Under
heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing,
high outside temperatures,
or operation of the air conditioning
system, the fans may change to
high speed and an increase in fan
noise may be heard. This is normal
and indicates that the cooling
system is functioning properly. The
fans will change to low speed when
additional cooling is no longer
required.
The electric engine cooling fans
may run after the engine has been
turned. off. This is normal and no
service is required.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid needs
to be added, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. Use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing in an
area where the temperature may fall
below freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
the tank is full. See
Engine
Compartment Overview 0262
iifor
reservoir location.
Caution
. Do not use washer fluid that
contains any type of water
repellent coating. This can
cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
. Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the
windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield
washer system and paint.
(Continued)

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
9159327) - 2016 - crc - 8/28/15
Service and Maintenance 345
a year and the oil life system must
be reset. Your trained dealer
technician can perform this work.
If the engine oil life system is reset
accidentally, service the vehicle
within 5 000 km/3,000 mi since the
last service. Reset the oil life
system when the oil is changed.
SeeEngine Oil Life System 0267
ii.
Passenger Compartment Air
Filter
The passenger compartment air
filter removes dust, pollen, and
other airborne irritants from outside
air that is pulled into the vehicle.
The filter should be replaced as part
of routine scheduled maintenance.
Inspect the passenger compartment
air filter every 36 000 km
(22,500 mi) or two years, whichever
comes first. Replace if necessary.
More frequent replacement may be
needed if the vehicle is driven in
areas with heavy traffic, areas with
poor air quality, or areas with high
dust levels. Replacement may also
be needed if there is a reduction in
air flow, excessive window fogging,
or odors.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the
following services. See Tire
Rotation 0308
ii.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system. See Engine
Oil 0265
iiand Engine Oil Life
System 0267ii.
. Check engine coolant level. See
Engine Coolant 0272
ii.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0276
ii.
. Visually inspect windshield wiper
blades for wear, cracking,
or contamination. See Exterior
Care 0334
ii. Replace worn or
damaged wiper blades. See
Wiper Blade Replacement
0 283
ii.
. Check tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0302
ii. .
Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0307
ii.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 269
ii.
. Inspect brake system. See
Exterior Care 0334
ii.
. Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of
wear. See Exterior Care 0334
ii.
. Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check 055
ii.
. Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks.
. Visually inspect exhaust system
and nearby heat shields for
loose or damaged parts.
. Lubricate body components. See
Exterior Care 0334
ii.
. Check starter switch. See Starter
Switch Check 0281
ii.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
9159327) - 2016 - crc - 8/28/15
Service and Maintenance 353
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
This maintenance section applies to vehicles with a gasoline engine. If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the
recommended fluids and lubricants section in the Duramax diesel supplement.
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number, or specification can be obtained from your dealer.Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1™ specification of the proper SAE viscosity
grade. AC Delco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. See Engine Oil
0 265
ii.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL
®coolant.
See Engine Coolant 0272ii.
Hydraulic Brake/Clutch System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 19299818, in Canada 19299819).
Windshield Washer Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection requirements.
Automatic Transmission DEXRON
®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Manual Transmission DEXRON
®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Floor Shift Linkage Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM Part No. 89021668, in Canada 89021674) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2 Category LB or GC-LB.
Chassis Lubrication Chassis Lubricant (GM Part No. 12377985, in Canada 88901242) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
9159327) - 2016 - crc - 8/28/15
Index 387
Check (cont'd)Malfunction Indicator
Engine Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Child Restraints
Infants and Young Children . . . . . 70
Lower Anchors and Tethersfor Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89, 95
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Cleaning Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . 187
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . 107, 109
Clutch, Hydraulic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . 368
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Compartments
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Connections OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377 Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Traction and Electronic
Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Control Light Hill Descent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Coolant Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Engine Temperature Gauge . . .112
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Engine Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Courtesy Transportation Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . 364 Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Text Telephone (TTY)Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Customer Information Service PublicationsOrdering Information . . . . . . . . 370
Customer Satisfaction
Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . 368
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . 3
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . 373
Daytime RunningLamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Diagnostics OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 360
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123, 126
Driving Characteristics andTowing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 24
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 202

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
9159327) - 2016 - crc - 8/28/15
388 Index
Driving (cont'd)If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 204
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
E
Electrical Equipment,
Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Electrical System Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Emergency OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Check and Service EngineSoon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 262
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Coolant Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215 Engine (cont'd)
Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Cooling System Messages . . . 131
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 220
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 373
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 143
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 144
F
Fan Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276 Filter,
Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 146
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Fluid
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 268
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Four-Wheel DriveTransfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Fog Lamps Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Forward Collision Alert
(FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . 226, 279
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Front Fog Lamp
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245 Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246