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
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 287
checking a cold engine prior tostarting. Remove the dipstickand check the level.
.If unable to wait two hours, theengine must be off for at least15 minutes if the engine iswarm, or at least 30 minutes ifthe engine is not warm. Pull outthe dipstick, wipe it with a cleanpaper towel or cloth, then push itback in all the way. Remove itagain, keeping the tip down, andcheck the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
2.5L L4 Engine
3.6L V6 Engine
If the oil is below the cross-hatchedarea at the tip of the dipstick andthe engine has been off for at least15 minutes, add 1 L (1 qt) of therecommended oil and then recheckthe level. See“Selecting the RightEngine Oil”later in this section foran explanation of what kind of oil touse. For engine oil crankcasecapacity, seeCapacities andSpecifications0380.
Caution
Do not add too much oil. Oil
levels above or below the
acceptable operating range
shown on the dipstick are harmful
to the engine. If you find that you
have an oil level above the
operating range, i.e., the engine
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
has so much oil that the oil level
gets above the cross-hatched
area that shows the proper
operating range, the engine could
be damaged. You should drain
out the excess oil or limit driving
of the vehicle and seek a service
professional to remove the
excess amount of oil.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview0283for the location of the engineoil fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the levelsomewhere in the proper operatingrange. Push the dipstick all the wayback in when through.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oildepends on both the proper oilspecification and viscosity grade.SeeRecommended Fluids andLubricants0375.
Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
Vehicle Care 289
include engine revolutions, enginetemperature, and miles driven.Based on driving conditions, themileage at which an oil change isindicated can vary considerably. Forthe oil life system to work properly,the system must be reset every timethe oil is changed.
On some vehicles, when the systemhas calculated that oil life has beendiminished, a CHANGE ENGINEOIL SOON message comes on toindicate that an oil change isnecessary. SeeEngine OilMessages0134.Changetheoilassoon as possible within the next1000km (600mi). It is possible that,if driving under the best conditions,the oil life system might indicate thatan oil change is not necessary forup to a year. The engine oil andfilter must be changed at least onceayearand,atthistime,thesystemmust be reset. For vehicles withoutthe CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOONmessage, an oil change is neededwhen the OIL LIFE REMAININGpercentage is near 0%. Your dealerhas trained service people who willperform this work and reset the
system. It is also important to checkthe oil regularly over the course ofan oil drain interval and keep it atthe proper level.
If the system is ever resetaccidentally, the oil must bechanged at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)since the last oil change.Remember to reset the oil lifesystem whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever theengine oil is changed so that thesystem can calculate the nextengine oil change. Always reset theengine oil life to 100% after every oilchange. It will not reset itself. Toreset the engine oil life system:
1. Display OIL LIFE REMAININGon the DIC. SeeDriverInformation Center (DIC) (BaseLevel)0126orDriverInformation Center (DIC)(Uplevel)0129.Ifthevehicledoes not have DIC buttons, thevehicle must be in P (Park) toaccess this display.
2. Press and holdVon the DIC,
or SET/CLR on the turn signallever if the vehicle does nothave DIC buttons, for severalseconds. The oil life willchange to 100%.
The oil life system can also be resetas follows:
1. Display OIL LIFE REMAININGon the DIC. SeeDriverInformation Center (DIC) (BaseLevel)0126orDriverInformation Center (DIC)(Uplevel)0129.
2. Fully press the acceleratorpedal slowly three times withinfive seconds.
If the display shows 100%, thesystem is reset.
If the vehicle has a CHANGEENGINE OIL SOON message and itcomes back on when the vehicle isstarted and/or the OIL LIFEREMAINING is near 0%, the engineoil life system has not been reset.Repeat the procedure.
Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
290 Vehicle Care
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check thetransmission fluid level.Atransmissionfluidleakistheonlyreason for fluid loss. If a leakoccurs, take the vehicle to yourdealer and have it repaired as soonas possible.
There is a special procedure forchecking and changing thetransmission fluid. Because thisprocedure is difficult, this should bedone at your dealer. Contact yourdealer for additional information orthe procedure can be found in theservice manual. To purchase aservice manual, seeServicePublications OrderingInformation0392.
Change the fluid and filter at theintervals listed inMaintenanceSchedule0366,andbesuretousethe fluid listed inRecommendedFluids and Lubricants0375.
Manual Transmission
Fluid
How to Check Manual
Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check themanual transmission fluid level.Atransmissionfluidleakistheonlyreason for fluid loss. If a leakoccurs, take the vehicle to yourdealer and have it repaired as soonas possible. SeeRecommendedFluids and Lubricants0375for theproper fluid to use.
Hydraulic Clutch
For vehicles with a manualtransmission, it is not necessary toregularly check brake/clutch fluidunless there is a leak suspected.Adding fluid will not correct a leak.Afluidlossinthissystemcouldindicate a problem. Have thesystem inspected and repaired.
When to Check and What
to Use
The brake/hydraulic clutch fluidreservoir cap has this symbol on it.The common brake/clutch fluidreservoir is filled with DOT 3 brakefluid as indicated on the reservoircap. SeeEngine CompartmentOverview0283for reservoirlocation.
How to Check and Add Fluid
Visually check the brake/clutch fluidreservoir to make sure the fluid levelis at the MIN (minimum) line on thefront of the reservoir. The brake/hydraulic clutch fluid system shouldbe closed and sealed.
Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
Vehicle Care 291
Do not remove the cap to check thefluid level or to top-off the fluid level.Remove the cap only whennecessary to add the proper fluiduntil the level reaches the MIN line.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is in theengine compartment on thepassenger side of the vehicle. SeeEngine CompartmentOverview0283.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing andinspecting the engine air cleaner/filter, seeMaintenanceSchedule0366.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have theengine running with the engine aircleaner/filter housing open. Beforeremoving the engine air cleaner/filter, make sure that the engine aircleaner/filter housing and nearbycomponents are free of dirt anddebris. Remove the engine air
cleaner/filter. Lightly tap and shakethe engine air cleaner/filter (awayfrom the vehicle), to release loosedust and dirt. Inspect the engine aircleaner/filter for damage, andreplace if damaged. Do not cleanthe engine air cleaner/filter orcomponents with water orcompressed air.
To i n s p e c t o r r e p l a c e t h e a i r c l e a n e r /filter:
2.5L L4 Gas Engine Shown, 2.8L
L4 Diesel Engine Similar
1. Screws
2. Electrical Connector
3. Air Duct Clamp
To i n s p e c t o r r e p l a c e t h e e n g i n e a i rcleaner/filter:
1. Remove the screws (1) on topof the engine air cleaner/filterhousing.
2. Disconnect the electricalconnector (2).
3. Disconnect the outlet duct byloosening the air ductclamp (3).
4. Lift the filter cover housingaway from the engine aircleaner/filter housing.
5. Pull out the filter.
6. Inspect or replace the engineair cleaner/filter.
7. Reverse Steps 2–5toreinstallthe filter cover housing.
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.