
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
294 Vehicle Care
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle isfilled with DEX-COOL®enginecoolant mixture. SeeRecommendedFluids and Lubricants0375andMaintenance Schedule0366.
The following explains the coolingsystem and how to check and addcoolant when it is low. If there is aproblem with engine overheating,seeEngine Overheating0296.
What to Use
{Warning
Adding only plain water or some
other liquid to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The coolant warning system is set
for the proper coolant mixture.
With plain water or the wrong
mixture, the engine could get too
hot but you would not get the
overheat warning. The engine
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
could catch fire and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/
50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,drinkable water and DEX-COOLcoolant. If using this mixture,nothing else needs to be added.
This mixture:
.Gives freezing protection downto✓37 °C (✓34 °F) outsidetemperature.
.Gives boiling protection up to129 °C (265 °F) enginetemperature.
.Protects against rust andcorrosion.
.Will not damage aluminum parts.
.Helps keep the proper enginetemperature.
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
Lubricants0375.
Never dispose of engine coolant byputting it in the trash, or by pouringit on the ground, or into sewers,streams or, bodies of water. Havethe coolant changed by anauthorized service center, familiarwith legal requirements regardingused coolant disposal. This will helpprotect the environment and yourhealth.

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)

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
Vehicle Care 297
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 isdisplayed but no steam can be seenor heard, the problem may not betoo serious. Sometimes the enginecan get a little too hot when thevehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
.Stops after high-speed driving.
.Idles for long periods in traffic.
If the overheat warning is displayedwith no sign of steam:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to thehighest temperature and to thehighest fan speed. Open thewindows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull offthe road, shift to P (Park) orN(Neutral),andlettheengine idle.
If the engine coolant temperaturegauge is no longer in the overheatzone, the vehicle can be driven.Continue to drive the vehicle slowlyfor about 10 minutes. Keep a safedistance from the vehicle in front.If the warning does not come backon, continue to drive normally andhave the cooling system checkedfor proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over,stop, and park the vehicleright away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle theengine for three minutes whileparked. If the warning is stilldisplayed, turn off the engine until itcools down.
Engine Fan
If the vehicle has a clutched enginecooling fan, when the clutch isengaged, the fan spins faster toprovide more air to cool the engine.In most everyday driving conditions,the fan is spinning slower and theclutch is not fully engaged. Thisimproves fuel economy and reducesfan noise. Under heavy vehicleloading, trailer towing, and/or highoutside temperatures, the fan speedincreases as the clutch more fullyengages, so an increase in fannoise may be heard. This is normaland should not be mistaken as thetransmission slipping or makingextra shifts. It is merely the coolingsystem functioning properly. The fanwill slow down when additionalcooling is not required and theclutch disengages.
This fan noise may also be heardwhen starting the engine. It will goaway as the fan clutch partiallydisengages.
If the vehicle has electric coolingfan(s), the fans may be heardspinning at low speed during most

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
298 Vehicle Care
everyday driving. The fans may turnoff if no cooling is required. Underheavy vehicle loading, trailer towing,high outside temperatures,or operation of the air conditioningsystem, the fans may change tohigh speed and an increase in fannoise may be heard. This is normaland indicates that the coolingsystem is functioning properly. Thefans will change to low speed whenadditional cooling is no longerrequired.
The electric engine cooling fansmay run after the engine has beenturned. off. This is normal and noservice is required.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid needsto be added, be sure to read themanufacturer's instructions beforeuse. Use a fluid that has sufficientprotection against freezing in anarea where the temperature may fallbelow freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washersymbol on it. Add washer fluid untilthe tank is full. SeeEngineCompartment Overview0283forreservoir location.
Caution
.Do not use washer fluid thatcontains any type of waterrepellent coating. This cancause the wiper blades tochatter or skip.
.Do not use engine coolant(antifreeze) in thewindshield washer. It candamage the windshieldwasher system and paint.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.Do not mix water withready-to-use washer fluid.Water can cause thesolution to freeze anddamage the washer fluidtank and other parts of thewasher system.
.When using concentratedwasher fluid, follow themanufacturer instructions foradding water.
.Fill the washer fluid tankonly three-quarters full whenit is very cold. This allowsfor fluid expansion iffreezing occurs, which coulddamage the tank if it iscompletely full.
Brakes
Disc brake pads have built-in wearindicators that make a high-pitchedwarning sound when the brake padsare worn and new pads are needed.The sound can come and go or be

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
Index 409
Check
Ignition Transmission Lock . . . 304
Malfunction Indicator
Engine Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Child Restraints
Infants and Young Children . . . . . 71
Lower Anchors and Tethers
for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91, 96
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Cleaning
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . 208
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . 110, 112
Clutch, Hydraulic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . 390
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Compartments
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Connections
OnStar®...................... 399
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Traction and Electronic
Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Control Light
Hill Descent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Coolant
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Engine Temperature Gauge . . .115
Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208, 210
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Engine Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Courtesy Transportation
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . 386
Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
Te x t Te l e p h o n e ( T T Y )
Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
Customer Information
Service Publications
Ordering Information . . . . . . . . 392
Customer Satisfaction
Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . 390
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . 3
Data Collection
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . 396
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . 395
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Diagnostics
OnStar®...................... 401
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Door
Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 382
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126, 129

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
410 Index
Driving
Characteristics and
To w i n g T i p s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 7 0
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 25
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 223
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 225
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
E
Electrical Equipment,
Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Electrical System
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Emergency
OnStar®...................... 398
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Engine (cont'd)
Check and Service Engine
Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 283
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Cooling System Messages . . . 133
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 382
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 241
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 395
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 146
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 147
F
Fan
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Filter,
Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 149
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Fluid
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 290
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Four-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Forward Collision Alert
(FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . 247, 301
Frequency Statement
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Front Fog Lamp
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Front Seats
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46