Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566640) - 2020 - CRC - 9/30/19
150 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Wet brakes can cause crashes.
They might not work as well in a
quick stop and could cause
pulling to one side. You could
lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large
puddle of water or a car/vehicle
wash, lightly apply the brake
pedal until the brakes work
normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates
strong forces. Driving through
flowing water could cause the
vehicle to be carried away. If this
happens, you and other vehicle
occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be
very cautious about trying to drive
through flowing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water
can build up under the vehicle's
tires so they actually ride on the
water. This can happen if the road iswet enough and you are going fast
enough. When the vehicle is
hydroplaning, it has little or no
contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to
slow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet
weather driving tips include:
.
Allow extra following distance.
. Pass with caution.
. Keep windshield wiping
equipment in good shape.
. Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.
. Have good tires with proper
tread depth. See Tires0261.
. Turn off cruise control.
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
(Continued)
Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566640) - 2020 - CRC - 9/30/19
Driving and Operating 207
1. Press and hold the brakepedals.
2. Start the engine and shift into gear.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Let up on the brake pedal.
5. Drive slowly until the tires are clear of the chocks.
6. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
7. Slowly pull the trailer from the water.
8. Once the vehicle and trailer have been driven from the
sloped part of the boat ramp,
the vehicle can be shifted from
four-wheel-drive high. Shift into
the drive mode that is
appropriate for the road
conditions.Caution
If the vehicle tires begin to spin
and the vehicle begins to slide
toward the water, remove your
foot from the accelerator pedal
and apply the brake pedal. Seek
help to have the vehicle towed up
the ramp.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when used to tow trailers. See
Maintenance Schedule 0315. It is
especially important to check the
automatic transmission fluid, engine
oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling
system, and brake system before
and during each trip.
Check periodically to see that all
nuts and bolts on the trailer hitch
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. See Engine Overheating
0 239.
Trailer Towing
If equipped with a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel
supplement.
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can
damage the vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. To tow a trailer
correctly, follow the directions in
this section and see your dealer
for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailering is different than just
driving the vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking,
durability, and fuel economy.
Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566640) - 2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
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-
13566640) - 2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
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-
13566640) - 2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
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.
Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566640) - 2020 - CRC - 9/30/19
316 Service and Maintenance
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system. See Engine
Oil 0230 and
Engine Oil Life System 0232.
. Check engine coolant level. See
Cooling System 0236.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0241.
. Check tire inflation pressures,
including the spare. See Tire
Pressure 0268.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0275.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 234.
. Inspect brake system. See
Exterior Care 0303.
. Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damage,
including cracks or tears in the
rubber boots, loose or missing parts, or signs of wear at least
once a year. See
Exterior Care
0 303.
. Inspect power steering for
proper attachment, connections,
binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc.
. Visually inspect halfshafts and
driveshafts for excessive wear,
lubricant leaks, and/or damage
including: tube dents or cracks,
constant velocity joint or
universal joint looseness,
cracked or missing boots, loose
or missing boot clamps, center
bearing excessive looseness,
loose or missing fasteners, and
axle seal leaks.
. Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check 042.
. Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks.
. Visually inspect exhaust system
and nearby heat shields for
loose or damaged parts.
. Lubricate body components. See
Exterior Care 0303. .
Check starter switch. See Starter
Switch Check 0245.
. Check automatic transmission
shift lock control function. See
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function Check
0246.
. Check ignition transmission lock.
See Ignition Transmission Lock
Check 0246.
. Check parking brake and
automatic transmission park
mechanism. See Park Brake and
P (Park) Mechanism Check
0 246.
. Check accelerator pedal for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed.
. Visually inspect gas strut for
signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage. Check the hold open
ability of the strut. If the hold
open is low, service the gas
strut. See Gas Strut(s) 0248.
. Verify spare tire key lock
operation and lubricate as
needed. See Tire Changing
0 284.
Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566640) - 2020 - CRC - 9/30/19
320 Service and Maintenance
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required
Services - Severe12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi
60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi
84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi
120 000 km/75,000 mi
132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi
156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi 180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi
204 000 km/127,500 mi
216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services.
Check engine oil level and oil life percentage.
Change engine oil and filter, if needed.@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)@ @@@@@
Replace engine air cleaner filter. (2)@ @@
Inspect evaporative control system. (3)@@@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires
and/or boots.@
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter.@@@
Change transfer case fluid, if equipped with
4WD. (4)@@@
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (5)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (6)@
Replace brake fluid. (7)
Replace windshield wiper blades. (8)
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace hood gas struts and tailgate
dampener. (9)@ @
Replace air conditioning desiccant. (10)
Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566640) - 2020 - CRC - 9/30/19
Index 357
Automatic (cont'd)Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Shift Lock Control FunctionCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Axle
Locking Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Axle, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Axle, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
B
Battery Exterior Lighting BatterySaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Battery - North America . . . . 243, 295
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . 247
Blind Spot Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . 108
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143 Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 159
Bulb Replacement
Center High-MountedStoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and
Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
California Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . .223, 243, 295, Back Cover
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . 2
Capacities and
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330 Carbon Monoxide
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . 2
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . . 89
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Charging Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . 105
Check Engine Light (MalfunctionIndicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Ignition Transmission Lock . . . 246
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . 58
Lower Anchors and Tethersfor Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79, 84
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Cleaning
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308