Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
Driving and Operating 247
Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the
vehicle is moving forward could
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Shift to
R(Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
Use R (Reverse), along with theparking brake, for parking thevehicle.
Shift Speeds
{Warning
If you skip a gear when
downshifting, you could lose
control of the vehicle. You could
injure yourself or others. Do not
shift down more than one gear at
atimewhendownshifting.
Shift Indicator
This light comes on when anup-shift is recommended for bestfuel economy. The numberdisplayed with the arrow indicatesthe recommended gear.
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive
If equipped, four-wheel driveengages the front axle for extratraction.
Caution
Do not drive on clean, dry
pavement in 4m,4n,and4AUTO
(if equipped) for an extended
period of time. These conditions
may cause:
.Overheating.
.Oil leakage.
.Damage to internal andexternal components of thefront axle.
.Premature wear on thevehicle’spowertrain.
Driving on clean, dry pavement infour-wheel drive may:
.Cause a vibration to be felt inthe steering system.
Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
248 Driving and Operating
.Cause tires to wear faster.
.Cause additional driveline noise.
{Warning
Shifting the transfer case to
N(Neutral) can cause the vehicle
to roll even if the transmission is
in P (Park). You or someone else
could be seriously injured. Be
sure to set the parking brake
before placing the transfer case in
N(Neutral). SeeParking
Brake0254.
Caution
Extended high-speed operation in
4nmay damage or shorten the
life of the drivetrain.
Engagement noise and bump when
shifting between 4nand 4mor from
N(Neutral), with the engine running,is normal.
Shifting into 4nwill turn Traction
Control and StabiliTrak®off. SeeTr a c t i o n C o n t r o l / E l e c t r o n i c S t a b i l i t yControl0256.
Electronic Transfer Case
Use the transfer case knob, next tothe steering wheel, to shift into andout of four-wheel drive for extratraction.
An indicator light on the knob showswhich setting the transfer case is in.The N (Neutral) indicator is on theface of the knob. If the light displaysmomentarily when the ignition is inON/RUN, but does not stay on, theknob may have been turned while
the vehicle was off. To see theindicator, turn the knob to anotherposition so that it matches theactual transfer case setting. If nolight displays, take the vehicle toyour dealer for service. An indicatorlight flashes while shifting and untilthe shift is complete.
If the transfer case cannot completearequestedshift,itwillreturntothelast chosen setting. Turn the controlback to the previous setting to seethe indicator light.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear
before the requested mode
indicator light has stopped
flashing could damage the
transfer case.
The settings are:
N(Neutral) :Use only when thevehicle needs to be towed. SeeRecreational Vehicle Towing0351orTo w i n g t h e V e h i c l e0351.
Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
Driving and Operating 251
Automatic Transfer Case
Use the transfer case knob next tothe steering wheel to shift into andout of four-wheel drive.
An indicator light on the knob showswhich setting the transfer case is in.The N (Neutral) indicator is on theface of the knob. If the light displaysmomentarily when the ignition is inON/RUN, but does not stay on, theknob may have been turned whilethe vehicle was off. To see theindicator, turn the knob to anotherposition so that it matches theactual transfer case setting. If nolight displays, take the vehicle to
your dealer for service. An indicatorlight flashes while shifting and untilthe shift is complete.
If the transfer case cannot make arequested shift, it will return to thelast chosen setting. Turn the knobback to the previous transfer casesetting to see the indicator.
The settings are:
N(Neutral) :Use only when thevehicle needs to be towed. SeeRecreational Vehicle Towing0351orTo w i n g t h e V e h i c l e0351.
2m(Two-Wheel Drive High) :Use
for driving on most streets andhighways. The front axle is notengaged. This setting provides thebest fuel economy.
AUTO (Automatic Four-WheelDrive) :Use when road surfacetraction conditions are variable.When driving in AUTO, the frontaxle is engaged, and the vehicle'spower is sent to the front and rearwheels automatically based ondriving conditions. This settingprovides slightly lower fuel economy
than 2m.
Do not use AUTO mode,if equipped, to park on a steepgrade with poor traction such as ice,snow, mud, or gravel. In AUTOmode only the rear wheels will holdthe vehicle from sliding whenparked. If parking on a steep grade,
use 4mto keep all four wheels
engaged.
4m(Four-Wheel Drive High) :This
setting engages the front axle. Usethis position when extra traction isneeded, such as when driving onsnowy or icy roads, or whenoff-roading.
4n(Four-Wheel Drive Low) :This
setting engages the front axle and
delivers extra torque. Choose 4n
when driving off-road in deep sand,deep mud, or deep snow, and whileclimbing or descending steep hills.
Shifting into 4nwill turn Traction
Control and StabiliTrak off. SeeTr a c t i o n C o n t r o l / E l e c t r o n i c S t a b i l i t yControl0256.
Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
254 Driving and Operating
Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has an Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS), an advancedelectronic braking system that helpsprevent a braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to driveaway, ABS checks itself.Amomentarymotororclickingnoisemay be heard while this test is goingon, and it may even be noticed thatthe brake pedal moves a little. Thisis normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, thiswarning light stays on. SeeAntilockBrake System (ABS) WarningLight0121.
If driving safely on a wet road and itbecomes necessary to slam on thebrakes and continue braking toavoid a sudden obstacle, acomputer senses the wheels areslowing down. If one of the wheelsis about to stop rolling, the computerwill separately work the brakes ateach wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressureto each wheel, as required, fasterthan any driver could. This can helpyou steer around the obstacle whilebraking hard.
As the brakes are applied, thecomputer keeps receiving updateson wheel speed and controlsbraking pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not changethe time needed to get a foot up tothe brake pedal or always decreasestopping distance. If you get tooclose to the vehicle in front of you,there will not be enough time toapply the brakes if that vehiclesuddenly slows or stops. Alwaysleave enough room up ahead tostop, even with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just holdthe brake pedal down firmly and letABS work. You may hear the ABSpump or motor operating and feelthe brake pedal pulsate. This isnormal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows you to steer and brakeat the same time. In manyemergencies, steering can helpmore than even the very bestbraking.
Parking Brake
Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
Driving and Operating 263
The RVC is disconnected bydisconnecting the connector behindthe rear license plate.
Forward Collision Alert
(FCA) System
If equipped, the FCA system mayhelp to avoid or reduce the harmcaused by front-end crashes. Whenapproaching a vehicle ahead tooquickly, FCA provides a red flashingalert on the windshield, and rapidlybeeps. FCA also lights an ambervisual alert if following anothervehicle much too closely.
FCA detects vehicles within adistance of approximately 60 m(197 ft) and operates at speedsabove 40 km/h (25 mph).
{Warning
FCA is a warning system and
does not apply the brakes. When
approaching a slower-moving or
stopped vehicle ahead too rapidly,
or when following a vehicle too
closely, FCA may not provide a
warning with enough time to help
avoid a crash. It also may not
provide any warning at all. FCA
does not warn of pedestrians,
animals, signs, guardrails,
bridges, construction barrels,
or other objects. Be ready to take
action and apply the brakes. See
Defensive Driving0215.
FCA can be disabled with the FCAsteering wheel control.
Detecting the Vehicle Ahead
FCA warnings will not occur unlessthe FCA system detects a vehicleahead. When a vehicle is detected,the vehicle ahead indicator willdisplay green. Vehicles may not bedetected on curves, highway exitramps, or hills, due to poor visibility;or if a vehicle ahead is partiallyblocked by pedestrians or otherobjects. FCA will not detect anothervehicle ahead until it is completelyin the driving lane.
{Warning
FCA does not provide a warning
to help avoid a crash, unless it
detects a vehicle. FCA may not
detect a vehicle ahead if the FCA
sensor is blocked by dirt, snow,
(Continued)
Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
264 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
or ice, or if the windshield is
damaged. It may also not detect a
vehicle on winding or hilly roads,
or in conditions that can limit
visibility such as fog, rain,
or snow, or if the headlamps or
windshield are not cleaned or in
proper condition. Keep the
windshield, headlamps, and FCA
sensors clean and in good repair.
Collision Alert
When your vehicle approachesanother detected vehicle too rapidly,the red lights will flash on thewindshield. Also, eight rapidhigh-pitched beeps will sound fromthe front. When this Collision Alertoccurs, the brake system mayprepare for driver braking to occur
more rapidly which can cause abrief, mild deceleration. Continue toapply the brake pedal as needed.Cruise control may be disengagedwhen the Collision Alert occurs.
Tailgating Alert
The vehicle ahead indicator willdisplay amber when you arefollowing a detected vehicle aheadmuch too closely.
Selecting the Alert Timing
The Collision Alert control is on the
steering wheel. Press[to set the
FCA timing to Far, Medium, Near,or Off. The first button press showsthe current setting on the DIC.Additional button presses willchange this setting. The chosensetting will remain until it is changedand will affect the timing of both theCollision Alert and the TailgatingAlert features. The timing of both
alerts will vary based on vehiclespeed. The faster the vehicle speed,the farther away the alert will occur.Consider traffic and weatherconditions when selecting the alerttiming. The range of selectable alerttiming may not be appropriate for alldrivers and driving conditions.
Unnecessary Alerts
FCA may provide unnecessaryalerts for turning vehicles, vehiclesin other lanes, objects that are notvehicles, or shadows. These alertsare normal operation and thevehicle does not need service.
Cleaning the System
If the FCA system does not seem tooperate properly, cleaning theoutside of the windshield in front ofthe rearview mirror, and cleaning theheadlamps, may correct the issue.
Lane Departure
Warning (LDW)
If equipped, LDW may help avoidcrashes due to unintentional lanedepartures. It may provide an alert if
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
282 Vehicle Care
Keep a record with all parts receiptsand list the mileage and the date ofany service work performed. SeeMaintenance Records0378.
Caution
Even small amounts of
contamination can cause damage
to vehicle systems. Do not allow
contaminants to contact the fluids,
reservoir caps, or dipsticks.
Hood
To o p e n t h e h o o d :
1. Pull the hood release lever withthis symbol on it. It is inside thevehicle to the lower left of thesteering wheel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle tofind the secondary hoodrelease handle. The handle isunder the front edge of thehood near the center. Push thehandle to the right and at thesame time raise the hood.
To c l o s e t h e h o o d :
1. Before closing the hood, besure all the filler caps areproperly installed.
2. Lower the hood to 20 cm (8 in)above the vehicle and releaseit so it fully latches. Check tomake sure the hood is firmlyclosed by lifting up on the frontedge of the hood. Repeat theprocess if necessary.