Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
Driving and Operating 277
Press this button on the centerstack to turn on and off the Tow/Haul Mode.
This indicator light on the instrumentcluster comes on when the Tow/Haul Mode is on.
To w / H a u l i s a f e a t u r e t h a t a s s i s t swhen pulling a heavy trailer or alarge or heavy load. SeeTo w / H a u lMode0245.
To w / H a u l i s d e s i g n e d t o b e m o s teffective when the vehicle andtrailer combined weight is at least75 percent of the vehicle's GrossCombined Weight Rating (GCWR).See“Weight of the Trailer”underTr a i l e r To w i n g0272.Tow/Haulismost useful under the followingdriving conditions:
.When pulling a heavy trailer or alarge or heavy load throughrolling terrain.
.When pulling a heavy trailer or alarge or heavy load instop-and-go traffic.
.When pulling a heavy trailer or alarge or heavy load in busyparking lots where improved lowspeed control of the vehicle isdesired.
Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haulwhen lightly loaded or with no trailerat all will not cause damage.However, there is no benefit to theselection of Tow/Haul when thevehicle is unloaded. Such aselection when unloaded may resultin unpleasant engine andtransmission driving characteristicsand reduced fuel economy. Tow/Haul is recommended only whenpulling a heavy trailer or a large orheavy load.
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,the Tow/Haul button activates theexhaust brake systemsimultaneously. See“ExhaustBrake”in the Duramax dieselsupplement.
Trailer Sway
Control (TSC)
Vehicles with StabiliTrak have aTrailer Sway Control (TSC) feature.Trailer sway is unintendedside-to-side motion of a trailer whilebeing towed. If the vehicle is towingatrailerandtheTSCdetectsthatsway is increasing, the vehiclebrakes are selectively applied ateach wheel, to help reduceexcessive trailer sway. If the vehicleis equipped with the IntegratedTrailer Brake Control (ITBC) system,and the trailer has the electricactuated brake system, StabiliTrakmay also apply the trailer brakes.
If TSC is enabled, the TractionControl System (TCS)/StabiliTrakwarning light will flash on theinstrument cluster. Vehicle speedmust be reduced. If trailer swaycontinues, StabiliTrak can reduceengine torque to help slow thevehicle. SeeTr a c t i o n C o n t r o l /Electronic Stability Control0256.
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
Vehicle Care 281
Accessories and
Modifications
Adding non-dealer accessories ormaking modifications to the vehiclecan affect vehicle performance andsafety, including such things asairbags, braking, stability, ride andhandling, emissions systems,aerodynamics, durability, andelectronic systems like antilockbrakes, traction control, and stabilitycontrol. These accessories ormodifications could even causemalfunction or damage not coveredby the vehicle warranty.
Damage to suspension componentscaused by modifying vehicle heightoutside of factory settings will not becovered by the vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle componentsresulting from modifications or theinstallation or use of non-GMcertified parts, including controlmodule or software modifications, isnot covered under the terms of thevehicle warranty and may affectremaining warranty coverage foraffected parts.
GM Accessories are designed tocomplement and function with othersystems on the vehicle. See yourdealer to accessorize the vehicleusing genuine GM Accessoriesinstalled by a dealer technician.
Also, seeAdding Equipment to theAirbag-Equipped Vehicle068.
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own
Service Work
{Warning
It can be dangerous to work on
your vehicle if you do not have
the proper knowledge, service
manual, tools, or parts. Always
follow owner’smanualprocedures
and consult the service manual
for your vehicle before doing any
service work.
If doing some of your own servicework, use the proper servicemanual. It tells you much moreabout how to service the vehiclethan this manual can. To order theproper service manual, seeServicePublications OrderingInformation0392.
This vehicle has an airbag system.Before attempting to do your ownservice work, seeServicing theAirbag-Equipped Vehicle068.
Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
284 Vehicle Care
1. Coolant Surge Tank andPressure Cap. SeeEngineCoolant0294.
2.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter0291.
3. Engine Oil Fill Cap. SeeEngine Oil0286.
4. Engine Cooling Fan (Out ofView). SeeCoolingSystem0292.
5. Engine Oil Dipstick. SeeEngine Oil0286.
6.Engine Compartment FuseBlock0310.
7. Brake/Clutch Fluid Reservoir.SeeBrake Fluid0299orHydraulic Clutch0290(IfEquipped).
8. Windshield Washer FluidReservoir. SeeWasherFluid0298.
9.Battery - North America0300.
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
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
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 299
heard all the time the vehicle ismoving, except when applying thebrake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
acrash.Whenthebrakewear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climatescan cause a brake squeal when thebrakes are first applied or lightlyapplied. This does not meansomething is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts arenecessary to help prevent brakepulsation. When tires are rotated,inspect brake pads for wear andevenly tighten wheel nuts in theproper sequence to torquespecifications inCapacities andSpecifications0380.
Brake linings should always bereplaced as complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedaldoes not return to normal height,or if there is a rapid increase inpedal travel. This could be a signthat brake service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system partswith new, approved replacementparts. If this is not done, the brakesmay not work properly. The brakingperformance expected can changein many other ways if the wrongreplacement brake parts areinstalled or parts are improperlyinstalled.
Brake Fluid
The brake/clutch master cylinderreservoir is filled with GM approvedDOT 3 brake fluid as indicated onthe reservoir cap. SeeEngineCompartment Overview0283forthe location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
Place the vehicle in P (Park) orNeutral with the parking brakeapplied if equipped with a manualtransmission. On a level surface,the brake fluid level should bebetween the minimum andmaximum marks on the brake fluidreservoir.