2017 CHEVROLET COLORADO engine overheat

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
236 Driving and Operating
which will prevent engine heateroperation at temperatures above✓18 °C (0 °F).
Heater Cord Near Coolant Surge
Tank, 2.5L L4 Engine Shown, 3.6L
V6 Engine Similar
Heater Cord Near Engine Air
Cleaner, 2.5L L4 Engine Shown,
3.6L V6 Engine Similar
To Use the Engine Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap theelectrical cord. The cord issecured near the coolant surgetank or to the engine aircleaner. Carefully removethe cord.
Check the heater cord fordamage. If it is damaged, donot use it. See your dealer forareplacement.Inspectthecord for damage yearly.
3. Plug the cord into a normal,grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord
or an extension cord can damage
the cord and may result in
overheating and fire.
.Plug the cord into athree-prong electrical utilityreceptacle that is protectedby a ground fault detectionfunction. An ungroundedoutlet could cause anelectric shock.
.Use a weatherproof,heavy-duty, 15 amp-ratedextension cord if needed.Failure to use therecommended extensioncord in good operatingcondition, or using adamaged heater orextension cord, could make
(Continued)

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
Driving and Operating 237
Warning (Continued)
it overheat and cause a fire,property damage, electricshock, and injury.
.Do not operate the vehiclewith the heater cordpermanently attached to thevehicle. Possible heatercord and thermostatdamage could occur.
.While in use, do not let theheater cord touch vehicleparts or sharp edges. Neverclose the hood on theheater cord.
.Before starting the vehicle,unplug the cord, reattachthe cover to the plug, andsecurely fasten the cord.Keep the cord away fromany moving parts.
4. Before starting the engine, besure to unplug and store thecord as it was before to keep it
away from moving engineparts. If you do not, it could bedamaged.
The length of time the heater shouldremain plugged in depends onseveral factors. Ask a dealer in thearea where you will be parking thevehicle for the best advice on this.
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
The following vehicle accessoriescan be used for up to 10 minutesafter the engine is turned off:
.Audio System
.Power Windows
.OnStar System (if equipped)
These features work when the keyis in ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY. Once the key isturned from ON/RUN to LOCK/OFF,the windows continue to work up to10 minutes or until any door isopened. The radio continues towork for up to 10 minutes or until thedriver door is opened.
Accessory Power Outlets (APOs)
The vehicle may have AccessoryPower Outlets (APOs) in severallocations. SeePower Outlets0107.
The APOs in the console or centerseat position are powered byRetained Accessory Power (RAP).They will continue to work for up to10 minutes after the key is turnedfrom ON/RUN to LOCK/OFF, or untilthe driver door is opened.
The APOs on the center stack comefrom the factory powered directlyfrom the vehicle battery, and supplyaccessory power at all times,regardless of ignition key position.
If electronic items are left pluggedinto these APOs for long periods oftime with the vehicle off, the vehiclebattery could be drained. Thevehicle may not start if the battery isallowed to drain for an extendedperiod of time.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
238 Driving and Operating
Shifting Into Park
{Warning
It can be dangerous to get out of
the vehicle if the shift lever is not
fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake firmly set. The vehicle can
roll. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure the vehicle will
not move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, use the steps
that follow. With four-wheel drive,
if the transfer case is in
N(Neutral), the vehicle will be
free to roll, even if the shift lever
is in P (Park). Be sure the transfer
case is in a drive gear. If towing a
trailer, seeDriving Characteristics
and Towing Tips0270.
1. Hold the brake pedal down,then set the parking brake.
SeeParking Brake0254.
2. Hold the button on the shiftlever and push the lever towardthe front of the vehicle intoP(Park).
3. Be sure the transfer case (ifequipped) is in a drivegear—not in N (Neutral).
4. Turn the ignition key toLOCK/OFF.
5. Remove the key and take itwith you. If you can leave thevehicle with the ignition key inyour hand, the vehicle is inP(Park).
Leaving the Vehicle with the
Engine Running
{Warning
It can be dangerous to leave the
vehicle with the engine running.
The vehicle could move suddenly
if the shift lever is not fully in
P(Park) with the parking brake
firmly set.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
If you have four-wheel drive and
the transfer case is in N (Neutral),
the vehicle will be free to roll,
even if the shift lever is in
P(Park). So be sure the transfer
case is in a drive gear–not in
N(Neutral).
And, if you leave the vehicle with
the engine running, it could
overheat and even catch fire. You
or others could be injured. Do not
leave the vehicle with the engine
running unless you have to.
If you have to leave the vehicle withthe engine running, be sure thevehicle is in P (Park) and theparking brake is firmly set beforeyou leave it. After you move the shiftlever into P (Park), hold the regularbrake pedal down. Then, see if youcan move the shift lever away fromP(Park) without pressing the buttonon the shift lever. If you can, itmeans that the shift lever was notfully locked into P (Park).

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
272 Driving and Operating
minutes before turning the engineoff. If the overheat warning comeson, seeEngine Overheating0296.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
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 flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but donot shift into P (Park) yet. Turnthe wheels into the curb iffacing downhill or into traffic iffacing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocksunder the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are inplace, release the regularbrakes until the chocks absorbthe load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Thenapply the parking brake andshift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brakepedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift into a gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Let up on the brake pedal.
6. Drive slowly until the trailer isclear of the chocks.
7. Stop and have someone pickup and store the chocks.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service moreoften when pulling a trailer. SeeMaintenance Schedule0366.Things that are especially importantin trailer operation are automatictransmission fluid, engine oil, axlelubricant, belts, cooling system, and
brake system. It is a good idea toinspect these before and duringthe trip.
Check periodically to see that allhitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Trailer Towing
Do not tow a trailer during break-in.SeeNew Vehicle Break-In0232.
{Warning
The driver can lose control when
pulling a trailer if the correct
equipment is not used or the
vehicle is not driven properly. For
example, if the trailer is too heavy
or the trailer brakes are
inadequate for the load, the
vehicle may not stop as expected.
The driver and passengers could
be seriously injured. The vehicle
may also be damaged; the
resulting repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Pull a trailer only if all the steps in
this section have been followed.
(Continued)

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
Vehicle Care 279
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 280California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280California PerchlorateMaterials Requirements . . . . . 280Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282Engine CompartmentOverview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 288Automatic TransmissionFluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290Manual Transmission Fluid . . . 290Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 291Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 296Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299Battery - North America . . . . . . 300Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 303Automatic Transmission ShiftLock Control FunctionCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304Ignition Transmission LockCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304Park Brake and P (Park)Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 305Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 305
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 306Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,Sidemarker, and ParkingLamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307Ta i l l a m p s , T u r n S i g n a l ,Stoplamps, and Back-UpLamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307Center High-MountedStoplamp (CHMSL) andCargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 309Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310Instrument Panel FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 318Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323Tire Pressure MonitorSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325Tire Pressure MonitorOperation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329When It Is Time for NewTires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331Different Size Tires andWheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332Uniform Tire QualityGrading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333

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
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.