Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566640) - 2020 - CRC - 9/30/19
214 Driving and Operating
Trailer Brake Control Wiring
Harness
A four-wire harness, without
connector, is secured behind the left
side kick panel. The harness
contains the following circuits:
.Red/Green: Battery feed
. Black: Ground
. White/Blue: Brake signal to
controller
. Blue: Trailer Brake power to
trailer connector To remove the left side kick panel,
start at the front of the panel pulling
toward the rear of the vehicle and lift
upward to disengage the integral
clips.
Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
When properly connected, the trailer
turn signals will illuminate to indicate
the vehicle is turning, changing
lanes, or stopping. When towing a
trailer, the arrows on the instrument
cluster will illuminate even if the
trailer is not properly connected or
the bulbs are burned out.
Tow/Haul Mode
For instructions on how to enter
Tow/Haul Mode, see
Tow/Haul
Mode 0173.
Tow/Haul assists when pulling a
heavy trailer or a large or
heavy load.
Tow/Haul Mode is designed to be
most effective when the vehicle and
trailer combined weight is at least
75% of the vehicle's Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
See
“Weight of the Trailer” under
Trailer Towing 0207.
Tow/Haul Mode is most useful when
towing a heavy trailer or carrying a
large or heavy load:
. through rolling terrain.
. in stop-and-go traffic.
. in busy parking lots.
Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul
Mode when lightly loaded or not
towing will not cause damage;
however, it is not recommended and
may result in unpleasant engine and
transmission driving characteristics
and reduced fuel economy.Integrated Trailer Brake
Control System
The vehicle may have an Integrated
Trailer Brake Control (ITBC) system
for use with electric trailer brakes or
most electric over hydraulic trailer
brake systems. These instructions
apply to both types of electric trailer
brakes.
Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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222 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 223
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 224
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 232
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 234
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 239
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Battery - North America . . . . . . 243 Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 245
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 246
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 247
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 247
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . 249
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 252
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 253
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 263
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Tire Pressure Monitor
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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234 Vehicle Care
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to your
dealer and have it repaired as soon
as possible.
There is a special procedure for
checking and changing the
transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, this should be
done at your dealer. Contact your
dealer for additional information.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage
the vehicle, and the damage may
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use the correct(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
automatic transmission fluid. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants0325.
Change the fluid and filter at the
intervals listed in Maintenance
Schedule 0315, and be sure to use
the fluid listed in Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0325.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is in the
engine compartment on the
passenger side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0227.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing and
inspecting the engine air cleaner/
filter, see Maintenance Schedule
0 315.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have the
engine running with the engine air
cleaner/filter housing open. Before
removing the engine air cleaner/
filter, make sure that the engine air
cleaner/filter housing and nearby
components are free of dirt and
debris. Remove the engine air
cleaner/filter. Lightly tap and shake
the engine air cleaner/filter (away
from the vehicle), to release loose
dust and dirt. Inspect the engine air
cleaner/filter for damage, and
replace if damaged. Do not clean
the engine air cleaner/filter or
components with water or
compressed air.
To inspect or replace the air cleaner/
filter:
Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 241
noise may be heard. This is normal
and should not be mistaken as the
transmission slipping or making
extra shifts. It is merely the cooling
system functioning properly. The fan
will slow down when additional
cooling is not required and the
clutch disengages.
This fan noise may also be heard
when starting the engine. It will go
away as the fan clutch partially
disengages.
If the vehicle has electric cooling
fan(s), the fans may be heard
spinning at low speed during most
everyday driving. The fans may turn
off if no cooling is required. Under
heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing,
high outside temperatures,
or operation of the air conditioning
system, the fans may change to
high speed and an increase in fan
noise may be heard. This is normal
and indicates that the cooling
system is functioning properly. The
fans will change to low speed when
additional cooling is no longer
required.The electric engine cooling fans
may run after the engine has been
turned. off. This is normal and no
service is required.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid needs
to be added, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. Use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing in an
area where the temperature may fall
below freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
the tank is full. See
Engine
Compartment Overview 0227 for
reservoir location.
Caution
. Do not use washer fluid that
contains any type of water
repellent coating. This can
cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
. Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the
windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield
washer system and paint.
. Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the
solution to freeze and
damage the washer fluid
tank and other parts of the
washer system.
. When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions for
adding water.
. Fill the washer fluid tank
only three-quarters full when
it is very cold. This allows
(Continued)
Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566640) - 2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
246 Vehicle Care
1. Before starting this check, besure there is enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Apply both the parking brake and the regular brake.
Do not use the accelerator
pedal, and be ready to turn off
the engine immediately if it
starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The vehicle should start
only in P (Park) or N (Neutral).
If the vehicle starts in any other
position, contact your dealer for
service.
Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control
Function Check
{Warning
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured. 1. Before starting this check, be
sure there is enough room
around the vehicle. It should be
parked on a level surface.
2. Apply the parking brake. Be ready to apply the regular
brake immediately if the vehicle
begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the ignition on, but do not start the
engine. Without applying the
regular brake, try to move the
shift lever out of P (Park) with
normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of P (Park), contact
your dealer for service.
Ignition Transmission
Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking
brake set, try to turn the ignition off
in each shift lever position.
.The ignition should turn to off
only when the shift lever is in
P (Park).
. The ignition key should come
out only when the ignition is off. Contact your dealer if service is
required.
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check
{Warning
When you are doing this check,
the vehicle could begin to move.
You or others could be injured
and property could be damaged.
Make sure there is room in front
of the vehicle in case it begins to
roll. Be ready to apply the regular
brake at once should the vehicle
begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the
vehicle facing downhill. Keeping
your foot on the regular brake, set
the parking brake.
. To check the parking brake's
holding ability: With the engine
running and the transmission in
N (Neutral), slowly remove foot
Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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266 Vehicle Care
the load carrying capacity a tire
is certified to carry. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a
tire is certified to carry a load.
Tire Terminology and
Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount of
air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of
the tire. Air pressure is
expressed in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch).
Accessory Weight
:The
combined weight of optional
accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are
automatic transmission, power
windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship
of a tire's height to its width. Belt
:A rubber coated layer of
cords between the plies and the
tread. Cords may be made from
steel or other reinforcing
materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains
steel wires wrapped by steel
cords that hold the tire onto
the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire
in which the plies are laid at
alternate angles less than
90 degrees to the centerline of
the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure
:The
amount of air pressure in a tire,
measured in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch)
before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Tire Pressure
0 268.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a
motor vehicle with standard and
optional equipment including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil,
and coolant, but without
passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings
:A code molded
into the sidewall of a tire
signifying that the tire is in
compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation
(DOT) Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identification
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
designator which can also
identify the tire manufacturer,
production plant, brand, and
date of production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 153.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the front axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0153.
GAWR RR
:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the rear axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0153.
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Vehicle Care 283
Warning (Continued)
severely underinflated or flat.
Have your dealer or an authorized
tire service center repair or
replace the flat tire as soon as
possible.
{Warning
Lifting a vehicle and getting under
it to do maintenance or repairs is
dangerous without the
appropriate safety equipment and
training. If a jack is provided with
the vehicle, it is designed only for
changing a flat tire. If it is used for
anything else, you or others could
be badly injured or killed if the
vehicle slips off the jack. If a jack
is provided with the vehicle, only
use it for changing a flat tire.
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire
and wheel damage by driving slowly
to a level place, well off the road, if possible. Turn on the hazard
warning flashers. See
Hazard
Warning Flashers 0127.
{Warning
Changing a tire can be
dangerous. The vehicle can slip
off the jack and roll over or fall
causing injury or death. Find a
level place to change the tire. To
help prevent the vehicle from
moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put an automatictransmission in P (Park) or a
manual transmission in
1 (First) or R (Reverse).
3. For four-wheel-drive vehicles, be sure the
transfer case is in a drive
gear– not in N (Neutral).
4. Turn off the engine and do not restart while the vehicle
is raised.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
5. Do not allow passengers toremain in the vehicle.
6. Place wheel blocks, if equipped, on both sides of
the tire at the opposite
corner of the tire being
changed.
When the vehicle has a flat tire (2),
use the following example as a
guide to assist in the placement of
the wheel blocks (1), if equipped.
1. Wheel Block (If Equipped)
2. Flat Tire
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Vehicle Care 297
1. Check the other vehicle.It must have a 12-volt battery
with a negative ground system.
Caution
If the other vehicle does not have
a 12-volt system with a negative
ground, both vehicles can be
damaged. Only use a vehicle that
has a 12-volt system with a
negative ground for jump starting.
2. Position the two vehicles so that they are not touching. 3. Set the parking brake firmly
and put the shift lever in
P (Park) with an automatic
transmission, or N (Neutral)
with a manual transmission.
Caution
If any accessories are left on or
plugged in during the jump
starting procedure, they could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Whenever possible, turn
off or unplug all accessories on
either vehicle when jump starting.
4. Turn the ignition off. Turn off all lights and accessories in both
vehicles, except the hazard
warning flashers if needed.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can
cause battery gas to explode.
People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded.
Use a flashlight if you need more
light.
Battery fluid contains acid that
can burn you. Do not get it on
you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush
the place with water and get
medical help immediately.