Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
280 Vehicle Care
Wheel Alignment and TireBalance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 334Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 336Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . 346Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . 347
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - NorthAmerica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Towing the Vehicle
To w i n g t h e V e h i c l e . . . . . . . . . . . 3 5 1Recreational VehicleTo w i n g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 5 1
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
General Information
For service and parts needs, visityour dealer. You will receivegenuine GM parts and GM-trainedand supported service people.
Genuine GM parts have one ofthese marks:
California Proposition
65 Warning
WARNING:Most motor vehicles,including this one, as well as manyof its service parts and fluids,contain and/or emit chemicalsknown to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects orother reproductive harm. Engineexhaust, many parts and systems,many fluids, and some componentwear by-products contain and/oremit these chemicals.
SeeBattery - North America0300andJump Starting - NorthAmerica0348.
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements
Certain types of automotiveapplications, such as airbaginitiators, safety belt pretensioners,and lithium batteries contained inRemote Keyless Entry transmitters,may contain perchlorate materials.Special handling may be necessary.For additional information, seewww.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
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
Vehicle Care 351
Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly whenremoving the jumper cables.
After starting the disabled vehicleand removing the jumper cables,allow it to idle for several minutes.
Towing the Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly towing a disabled
vehicle may cause damage. The
damage would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Do not lash or hook to
suspension components. Use the
proper straps around the tires to
secure the vehicle.
Use only a flatbed tow truck fortowing a disabled vehicle. Neveruse a sling type lift or damage willoccur. Use ramps to help reduceapproach angles if necessary.Atowedvehicleshouldhaveitsdrive wheels off the ground.
Consult a professional towingservice if the disabled vehicle mustbe towed.
Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Recreational vehicle towing meanstowing the vehicle behind anothervehicle, such as a motor home. Thetwo most common types ofrecreational vehicle towing aredinghy and dolly towing. Dinghytowing is towing the vehicle with allfour wheels on the ground. Dollytowing is towing the vehicle with twowheels on the ground and twowheels on a dolly.
Follow the tow vehiclemanufacturer’sinstructions.Seeyour dealer or trailering professionalfor additional advice and equipmentrecommendations.
Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front
of the vehicle grille could restrict
airflow and cause damage to the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
(Continued)
Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
352 Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)
warranty. If using a shield, only
use one that attaches to the
towing vehicle.
Dinghy Towing
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Caution
If the two-wheel-drive vehicle is
towed with all four wheels on the
ground, the drivetrain
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
components could be damaged.
The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Tw o - w h e e l - d r i v e v e h i c l e s s h o u l d n o tbe towed with all four wheels on theground.
Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Only dinghy tow four-wheel-drivevehicles that have an N (Neutral)
and a Four-Wheel Drive Low (4 (n)
setting.
{Warning
Shifting a four-wheel-drive
vehicle's transfer case into
N(Neutral)cancausethevehicle
to roll even if the transmission is
in P (Park). You or others could
be injured. Set the parking brake
before shifting the transfer case
to N (Neutral).
To d i n g h y t o w :
1. Position the vehicle beingtowed behind the tow vehicle,facing forward and on a levelsurface.
2. Securely attach the vehiclebeing towed to the tow vehicle.
3. Apply the parking brake andstart the engine.
4. Shift the transfer case toN(Neutral). See“Shifting intoN(Neutral)”underFour-WheelDrive0247.Checkthatthevehicle is in N (Neutral) byshifting the transmission toR(Reverse)andthentoD
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354 Vehicle Care
Dolly Towing
Front Towing (Front Wheels Offthe Ground)–Two-Wheel-DriveVehicles
Caution
If a two-wheel-drive vehicle is
towed with the rear wheels on the
ground, the transmission could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Never tow the vehicle
with the rear wheels on the
ground.
Tw o - w h e e l - d r i v e v e h i c l e s s h o u l d n o tbe towed with the rear wheels onthe ground. Two-wheel-drivetransmissions have no provisionsfor internal lubrication while beingtowed.
To d o l l y t o w a t w o - w h e e l - d r i v evehicle, the vehicle must be towedwith the rear wheels on the dolly.See“Rear Towing (Rear Wheels Offthe Ground)”later in this section.
Front Towing (Front Wheels Offthe Ground)–Four-Wheel-DriveVehicles
To d o l l y t o w a f o u r - w h e e l - d r i v evehicle from the front:
1. Attach the dolly to the towvehicle following the dollymanufacturer's instructions.
2. Drive the front wheels onto thedolly.
3. Shift the transmission toP(Park).
4. Set the parking brake.
{Warning
Shifting a four-wheel-drive
vehicle's transfer case into
N(Neutral)cancausethevehicle
to roll even if the transmission is
in P (Park). You or others could
be injured. Set the parking brake
before shifting the transfer case
to N (Neutral).
5. Use a clamping devicedesigned for towing to ensurethat the front wheels are lockedinto the straight position.
Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
Vehicle Care 355
6. Secure the vehicle to the dollyfollowing the manufacturer'sinstructions.
7. Shift the transfer case toN(Neutral). See“Shifting intoN(Neutral)”underFour-WheelDrive0247for the properprocedure.
8. Release the parking brake onlyafter the vehicle being towed isfirmly attached to the towvehicle.
9. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
Rear Towing (Rear Wheels Off
the Ground)
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
To d o l l y t o w a t w o - w h e e l - d r i v evehicle from the rear:
1. Drive the rear wheels onto thedolly.
2. Set the parking brake. SeeParking Brake0254.
3. Put the transmission inP(Park).
4. Secure the vehicle to the dollyfollowing the manufacturer'sinstructions.
5. Use a clamping devicedesigned for towing to ensurethat the front wheels are lockedinto the straight position.
6. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
{Warning
Shifting a four-wheel-drive
vehicle's transfer case into
N(Neutral)cancausethevehicle
to roll even if the transmission is
in P (Park). You or others could
be injured. Set the parking brake
before shifting the transfer case
to N (Neutral).
To d o l l y t o w a f o u r - w h e e l - d r i v evehicle from the rear:
1. Drive the rear wheels onto thedolly.
2. Set the parking brake. SeeParking Brake0254.
3. Put the transmission inP(Park).
Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
356 Vehicle Care
4. Secure the vehicle to the dollyfollowing the manufacturer'sinstructions.
5. Use a clamping devicedesigned for towing to ensurethat the front wheels are lockedinto the straight position.
6. Shift the transfer case toN(Neutral). See“Shifting intoN(Neutral)”underFour-WheelDrive0247for the properprocedure.
7. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory.Use a de-icing agent only whenabsolutely necessary, and have thelocks greased after using. SeeRecommended Fluids andLubricants0375.
Washing the Vehicle
To p r e s e r v e t h e v e h i c l e ' s f i n i s h ,wash it often and out of directsunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based,
acidic, or abrasive cleaning
agents as they can damage the
vehicle's paint, metal, or plastic
parts. If damage occurs, it would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding
correct product usage, necessary
safety precautions, and
appropriate disposal of any
vehicle care product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure
washes closer than 30 cm (12 in)
to the surface of the vehicle. Use
of power washers exceeding
8,274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result
in damage or removal of paint
and decals.