2018 CHEVROLET COLORADO overheating

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349743) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
118 Instruments and Controls
English
This gauge shows the engine
coolant temperature.
If the pointer moves toward the
warning area at the high end of the
gauge, the engine is too hot.
This reading indicates the same
thing as the warning light. It means
that the engine coolant has
overheated. If the vehicle has been
operating under normal driving
conditions, pull off the road, stop the
vehicle, and turn off the engine as
soon as possible. See Engine
Overheating 0291.
Seat Belt Reminders
Driver Seat Belt Reminder
Light
There is a driver seat belt reminder
light on the instrument cluster.
When the vehicle is started, this
light flashes and a chime may come
on to remind the driver to fasten
their seat belt. Then the light stays
on solid until the belt is buckled.
This cycle may continue several
times if the driver remains or
becomes unbuckled while the
vehicle is moving.
If the driver seat belt is buckled,
neither the light nor the chime
comes on.
Passenger Seat Belt Reminder
Light
There is a passenger seat belt
reminder light near the passenger
airbag status indicator. See
Passenger Sensing System 066.
When the vehicle is started, this
light flashes and a chime may come
on to remind passengers to fasten
their seat belt. Then the light stays
on solid until the belt is buckled.
This cycle continues several times if
the passenger remains or becomes
unbuckled while the vehicle is
moving.
If the passenger seat belt is
buckled, neither the chime nor the
light comes on.
The front passenger seat belt
reminder light and chime may turn
on if an object is put on the seat

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349743) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
Driving and Operating 207
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain. Tips include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.
. Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission.
. Shift to a lower gear when going
down steep or long hills.
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the
vehicle on a long downhill slope
can cause brake overheating, can
reduce brake performance, and
could result in a loss of braking.
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear to let the engine assist the
brakes on a steep downhill slope.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the ignition off is
dangerous. This can cause
overheating of the brakes and
loss of steering assist. Always
have the engine running and the
vehicle in gear.
. Drive at speeds that keep the
vehicle in its own lane. Do not
swing wide or cross the
center line.
. Be alert on top of hills;
something could be in your lane
(e.g., stalled car, accident).
. Pay attention to special road
signs (e.g., falling rocks area,
winding roads, long grades,
passing or no-passing zones)
and take appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires and
the road creates less traction or
grip, so drive carefully. Wet ice can
occur at about 0 °C (32 °F) when
freezing rain begins to fall. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating
too quickly causes the wheels to
spin and makes the surface
under the tires slick.
. Turn on Traction Control. See
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0240.
. The Antilock Brake System
(ABS) improves vehicle stability
during hard stops, but the
brakes should be applied sooner
than when on dry pavement.
See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 0238.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349743) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
220 Driving and Operating
Check the heater cord for
damage. If it is damaged, do
not use it. See your dealer for
a replacement. Inspect the
cord 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 a
three-prong electrical utility
receptacle that is protected
by a ground fault detection
function. An ungrounded
outlet could cause an
electric shock.
. Use a weatherproof,
heavy-duty, 15 amp-rated
extension cord if needed.
Failure to use the
recommended extension
cord in good operating
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
condition, or using a
damaged heater or
extension cord, could make
it overheat and cause a fire,
property damage, electric
shock, and injury.
. Do not operate the vehicle
with the heater cord
permanently attached to the
vehicle. Possible heater
cord and thermostat
damage could occur.
. While in use, do not let the
heater cord touch vehicle
parts or sharp edges. Never
close the hood on the
heater cord.
. Before starting the vehicle,
unplug the cord, reattach
the cover to the plug, and
securely fasten the cord.
Keep the cord away from
any moving parts. 4. Before starting the engine, be
sure to unplug and store the
cord as it was before to keep it
away from moving engine
parts. If you do not, it could be
damaged.
The length of time the heater should
remain plugged in depends on
several factors. Ask a dealer in the
area where you will be parking the
vehicle for the best advice on this.
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
Some vehicle accessories may be
used after the ignition is turned off.
The power windows and sunroof,
if equipped, will continue to work for
up to 10 minutes or until any door is
opened.
The infotainment system will
continue to work for 10 minutes,
until the driver door is opened,
or until the ignition is turned on or
placed in ACC/ACCESSORY.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349743) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
Driving and Operating 231
Caution (Continued)
the vehicle warranty. Shift to
R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
Use R (Reverse), along with the
parking brake, for parking the
vehicle.
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
a time when downshifting.
Shift Indicator
This light comes on when an
up-shift is recommended for best
fuel economy. The number
displayed with the arrow indicates
the recommended gear.
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive
If equipped, four-wheel drive
engages the front axle for extra
traction.
Caution
Do not drive on clean, dry
pavement in 4
m, or 4nfor an
extended period of time. These
conditions may cause:
. Overheating.
. Oil leakage.
. Damage to internal and
external components of the
front axle.
. Premature wear on the
vehicle’s powertrain.
Driving on clean, dry pavement in 4
mor 4nmay:
. Cause a vibration to be felt in
the steering system.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349743) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
Driving and Operating 261
vehicle may show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this,
let the engine run while parked,
preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few
minutes before turning the engine
off. If the overheat warning comes
on, seeEngine Overheating 0291.
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 do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if
facing uphill. 2. Have someone place chocks
under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the regular
brakes until the chocks absorb
the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
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 is clear of the chocks.
7. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See
Maintenance Schedule 0365.
Things that are especially important
in trailer operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle
lubricant, belts, cooling system, and
brake system. It is a good idea to
inspect these before and during
the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Trailer Towing
Do not tow a trailer during break-in.
See New Vehicle Break-In 0216.
{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
(Continued)

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349743) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
274 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 275
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 276
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 283
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Manual Transmission Fluid . . . 285
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 286
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 291
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293 Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Battery - North America . . . . . . 295
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 298
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 300
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 300
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 301
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303 Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 305
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 305
Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 314
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349743) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
288 Vehicle Care
2.5L L4 Gas Engine Shown, 2.8LL4 Diesel Engine Similar
1. Coolant Surge Tank andPressure Cap
2. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View)
3.6L V6 Engine
1. Coolant Surge Tank andPressure Cap
2. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View)
{Warning
An underhood electric fan can
start up even when the engine is
not running and can cause injury.
Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood
electric fan.
{Warning
Do not touch heater or radiator
hoses, or other engine parts.
They can be very hot and can
burn you. Do not run the engine if
there is a leak; all coolant could
leak out. That could cause an
engine fire and can burn you. Fix
any leak before driving the
vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL engine
coolant mixture.
See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0374 andMaintenance
Schedule 0365.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating,
see Engine Overheating 0291.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349743) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
Vehicle Care 291
3. Fill the coolant surge tank withthe proper mixture to the mark
pointed to on the front of the
coolant surge tank.
4. With the coolant surge tank cap off, start the engine and let
it run until the upper radiator
hose starts getting hot. Watch
out for the engine cooling fan.
By this time, the coolant level
inside the coolant surge tank
may be lower. If the level is
lower, add more of the proper
mixture to the coolant surge
tank until the level reaches the
mark pointed to on the front of
the coolant surge tank.
5. Replace the cap tightly.
6. Verify coolant level after the engine is shut off and the
coolant is cold. If necessary,
repeat coolant fill procedure
Steps 1–6.Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and engine
damage may occur. Be sure the
cap is properly and tightly
secured.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has an engine coolant
temperature gauge on the
instrument cluster to warn of engine
overheating. See Engine Coolant
Temperature Gauge 0117.
Caution
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak in the engine cooling system.
This can cause a loss of all
coolant and can damage the
system and vehicle. Have any
leaks fixed right away. If the decision is made not to lift the
hood when this warning appears,
get service help right away. See
Roadside Assistance Program
0
386.
If the decision is made to lift the
hood, make sure the vehicle is
parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine
cooling fan is running. If the engine
is overheating, the fan should be
running. If it is not, do not continue
to run the engine and have the
vehicle serviced.
If Steam Is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure
cap, even a little, can cause them
to come out at high speed and
you could be burned. Never turn
the cap when the cooling system, (Continued)