2017 CHEVROLET COLORADO coolant level

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
Introduction 3
Danger, Warning, and
Caution
Warning messages found on vehiclelabels and in this manual describehazards and what to do to avoid orreduce them.
{Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result
in serious injury or death.
{Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that
could result in injury or death.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that
could result in property or vehicle
damage.
Acirclewithaslashthroughitisasafety symbol which means“DoNot,”“Do not do this,”or“Do not letthis happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components andlabels that use symbols instead oftext. Symbols are shown along withthe text describing the operation orinformation relating to a specificcomponent, control, message,gauge, or indicator.
M:Shown when the ownermanual has additional instructionsor information.
*:Shown when the servicemanual has additional instructionsor information.
0:Shown when there is moreinformation on another page—“see page.”
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbolsthat may be found on the vehicleand what they mean. For moreinformation on the symbol, refer tothe Index.
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
`:Do Not Puncture
^:Do Not Service
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
_:Flame/Fire Prohibited
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gauge
+:Fuses
3:Headlamp High/Low-BeamChanger
5:Hill Descent Control
j:LATCH System Child Restraints

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
102 Instruments and Controls
Instruments and
Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . 103Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . 104Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . 104Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109Instrument Cluster (BaseLevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110Instrument Cluster(Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114Ta c h o m e t e r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 4Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114Engine Coolant TemperatureGauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . 116
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . 117Passenger Airbag StatusIndicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117Charging System Light . . . . . . . 118Malfunction Indicator Lamp(Check Engine Light) . . . . . . . . 118Brake System WarningLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120Antilock Brake System (ABS)Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121Up-Shift Light (ManualTransmission) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121To w / H a u l M o d e L i g h t . . . . . . . . . 1 2 1Hill Descent Control Light . . . . 121Lane Departure Warning(LDW) Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . 122Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122StabiliTrak®OFF Light . . . . . . . . 122Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak®Light . . . . . . . . . . . 123Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . 123Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . 124Low Fuel Warning Light (BaseLevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124Low Fuel Warning Light(Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 125Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . 125Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 125
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . 125Door Ajar Light (UplevelCluster) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC)(Base Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126Driver Information Center (DIC)(Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 132Battery Voltage and ChargingMessages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132Brake System Messages . . . . . 133Compass Messages . . . . . . . . . . 133Door Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . . 133Engine Cooling SystemMessages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133Engine Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . 134Engine Power Messages . . . . . 134Fuel System Messages . . . . . . . 135Key and Lock Messages . . . . . 135Lamp Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135Object Detection SystemMessages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135Ride Control SystemMessages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136Airbag System Messages . . . . 136Safety Belt Messages . . . . . . . . 136Security Messages . . . . . . . . . . . 137

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
Instruments and Controls 133
Brake System Messages
BRAKE FLUID LOW
This message is displayed when thebrake fluid level is low; seeBrakeFluid0299.
HILL START ASSIST ACTIVE
This message is displayed when thevehicle is stopped on a gradesufficient to activate HSA. HSAholds the braking pressure for amaximum of two seconds to ensurethat there is no rolling, which willassist the driver to transitionbetween releasing the brake pedaland accelerating to drive off whileon the grade. The brakes willautomatically release when theaccelerator pedal is applied withinthe two-second window. SeeHillStart Assist (HSA)0255.
RELEASE PARKING BRAKE
This message is displayed as areminder that the parking brake ison. Release it before you attempt todrive.
SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST
This message may be displayedwhen there is a problem with thebrake boost assist system. Whenthis message is displayed, the brakeboost assist motor may be heardoperating and you might noticepulsation in the brake pedal. This isnormal under these conditions. Takethe vehicle to your dealer forservice.
Compass Messages
Dashes may be displayed if thevehicle temporarily losescommunication with the GlobalPositioning System (GPS).
Door Ajar Messages
DOOR OPEN
This message displays and a chimemay sound if a door is not fullyclosed. Stop and turn off thevehicle, check the door forobstructions, and close the dooragain. Check to see if the messagestill appears on the DIC.
HOOD OPEN
This message displays and a chimemay sound if the hood is not fullyclosed. Stop and turn off thevehicle, check the hood forobstructions, and close the hoodagain. Check to see if the messagestill appears on the DIC.
Engine Cooling System
Messages
AIR CONDITIONING OFF
This message displays when theengine coolant becomes hotter thanthe normal operating temperature.SeeEngine Coolant TemperatureGauge011 5.Toavoidaddedstrainon a hot engine, the air conditioningcompressor automatically turns off.When the coolant temperaturereturns to normal, the airconditioning compressor turns backon. You can continue to drive yourvehicle.
If this message continues to appear,have the system repaired by yourdealer as soon as possible to avoiddamage to the engine.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
134 Instruments and Controls
ENGINE OVERHEATING, IDLE
ENGINE
This message displays when theengine coolant temperature is toohot. Stop and allow the vehicle toidle until it cools down. SeeEngineCoolant Temperature Gauge011 5.
When towing, use Tow/Haul Modeto prevent damage to the engine ortransmission. SeeTo w / H a u lMode0245.
ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP
ENGINE
This message displays and a chimemay sound if the engine coolingsystem reaches unsafetemperatures for operation. Stopand turn off the vehicle as soon as itis safe to do so to avoid severedamage. This message clears whenthe engine has cooled to a safeoperating temperature.
Engine Oil Messages
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
This message displays when theengine oil needs to be changed.When you change the engine oil, besure to reset the CHANGE ENGINEOIL SOON message. SeeEngineOil Life System0288forinformation on how to reset themessage. SeeEngine Oil0286andMaintenance Schedule0366.
ENGINE OIL LOW ADD OIL
On some vehicles, this messagedisplays when the engine oil levelmay be too low. Check the oil levelbefore filling to the recommendedlevel. If the oil is not low and thismessage remains on, take thevehicle to your dealer for service.SeeEngine Oil0286.
ENGINE OIL HOT IDLE
ENGINE
This message displays when theengine oil becomes hotter than thenormal operating temperature. Stop
and allow the vehicle to idle until itcools down. SeeEngine CoolantTe m p e r a t u r e G a u g e011 5.
OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP
ENGINE
This message displays if low oilpressure levels occur. Stop thevehicle as soon as safely possibleand do not operate it until the causeof the low oil pressure has beencorrected. Check the oil as soon aspossible and have the vehicleserviced by your dealer. SeeEngineOil0286.
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays and a chimemay sound when the cooling systemtemperature gets too hot and theengine further enters the enginecoolant protection mode. SeeEngine Overheating0296for moreinformation.
This message also displays whenthe vehicle's engine power isreduced. Reduced engine powercan affect the vehicle's ability to

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
Driving and Operating 271
electric brakes, start thecombination moving and then applythe trailer brake controller by handto be sure the brakes work.
During the trip, check occasionallyto be sure that the load is secureand the lamps and any trailerbrakes still work.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind thevehicle ahead as you would whendriving the vehicle without a trailer.This can help to avoid heavybraking and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is neededwhen towing a trailer. Thecombination will not accelerate asquickly and is longer so it isnecessary to go much fartherbeyond the passed vehicle beforereturning to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steeringwheel with one hand. To move thetrailer to the left, move that hand tothe left. To move the trailer to the
right, move your hand to the right.Always back up slowly and,if possible, have someoneguide you.
Making Turns
Caution
Making very sharp turns while
trailering could cause the trailer to
come in contact with the vehicle.
The vehicle could be damaged.
Avoid making very sharp turns
while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, makewider turns than normal. Do this sothe trailer will not strike softshoulders, curbs, road signs, trees,or other objects. Avoid jerky orsudden maneuvers. Signal well inadvance.
If the trailer turn signal bulbs burnout, the arrows on the instrumentcluster will still flash for turns. It isimportant to check occasionally tobe sure the trailer bulbs are stillworking.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lowergearbeforestarting down a long orsteep downgrade. If thetransmission is not shifted down, thebrakes might get hot and no longerwork well.
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shiftthe transmission to a lower gear ifthe transmission shifts too oftenunder heavy loads and/or hillyconditions.
The Tow/Haul Mode may be used ifthe transmission shifts too often.SeeTo w / H a u l M o d e0245.
When towing at high altitude onsteep uphill grades, consider thefollowing: Engine coolant will boil atalowertemperaturethanatnormalaltitudes. If the engine is turned offimmediately after towing at highaltitude on steep uphill grades, thevehicle may show signs similar toengine overheating. To avoid this,let the engine run while parked,preferably on level ground, with thetransmission in P (Park) for a few

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
286 Vehicle Care
1. Coolant Surge Tank andPressure Cap. SeeEngineCoolant0294.
2.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter0291.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. SeeEngine Oil0286.
4. Engine Cooling Fan (Out ofView). SeeCoolingSystem0292.
5. Engine Oil Fill Cap. SeeEngine Oil0286.
6.Engine Compartment FuseBlock0310.
7. Brake Fluid Reservoir. SeeBrake Fluid0299.
8. Windshield Washer FluidReservoir. SeeWasherFluid0298.
9.Battery - North America0300.
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,see the Duramax dieselsupplement.
Engine Oil
For diesel engine vehicles, see“Engine Oil”in the Duramax dieselsupplement.
To e n s u r e p r o p e r e n g i n eperformance and long life, carefulattention must be paid to engine oil.Following these simple, butimportant steps will help protectyour investment:
.Use engine oil approved to theproper specification and of theproper viscosity grade. See“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”in this section.
.Check the engine oil levelregularly and maintain theproper oil level. See“CheckingEngine Oil”and“When to AddEngine Oil”in this section.
.Change the engine oil at theappropriate time. SeeEngine OilLife System0288.
.Always dispose of engine oilproperly. See“What to Do withUsed Oil”in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly,every 650 km (400 mi), especiallyprior to a long trip. The engine oildipstick handle is a loop. SeeEngine Compartment Overview0283for the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center(DIC) message displays, check theoil level.
Follow these guidelines:
.To g e t a n a c c u r a t e r e a d i n g , p a r kthe vehicle on level ground.Check the engine oil level afterthe engine has been off for atleast two hours. Checking theengine oil level on steep gradesor too soon after engine shutoffcan result in incorrect readings.Accuracy improves when

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
Vehicle Care 295
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a levelsurface when checking the coolantlevel.
Check to see if coolant is visible inthe coolant surge tank. If the coolantinside the coolant surge tank isboiling, do not do anything else untilit cools down.
If coolant is visible but the coolantlevel is not at or above the markpointed to, add a 50/50 mixture ofclean, drinkable water andDEX-COOL coolant.
Be sure the cooling system is coolbefore this is done.
If no coolant is visible in the coolantsurge tank, add coolant as follows:
How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Surge Tank
{Warning
Yo u c a n b e b u r n e d i f y o u s p i l l
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.
The coolant surge tank pressurecap can be removed when thecooling system, including the surgetank pressure cap and upperradiator hose, is no longer hot.
1. Turn the pressure cap slowlycounterclockwise. If a hiss isheard, wait for that to stop.Ahissmeansthereisstillsome pressure left.
2. Keep turning the cap andremove it.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
296 Vehicle Care
3. Fill the coolant surge tank withthe proper mixture to the markpointed to on the front of thecoolant surge tank.
4. With the coolant surge tankcap off, start the engine and letit run until the upper radiatorhose starts getting hot. Watchout for the engine cooling fan.By this time, the coolant levelinside the coolant surge tankmay be lower. If the level islower, add more of the propermixture to the coolant surgetank until the level reaches themark pointed to on the front ofthe 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 coolanttemperature gauge on theinstrument cluster to warn of engineoverheating. SeeEngine CoolantTe m p e r a t u r e G a u g e011 5.
Caution
Running the engine without
coolant may cause damage or a
fire. Vehicle damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
If the decision is made not to lift thehood when this warning appears,get service help right away. SeeRoadside AssistanceProgram0387.
If the decision is made to lift thehood, make sure the vehicle isparked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the enginecooling fan is running. If the engineis overheating, the fan should berunning. If it is not, do not continueto run the engine and have thevehicle 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)