2021 CHEVROLET COLORADO check oil

Chevrolet/GMC 2.8L Duramax Diesel Engine Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-
U.S./Canada-14465442) - 2021 - CRC - 2/3/20
Instruments and Controls 3
Instruments and Controls
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check EngineLight) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Wait-to-Start Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Power Take-Off Light (Chassis Cab Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . 10
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization (Van Models) . . . . 11
Vehicle Personalization (PickupModels) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Chevrolet/GMC 2.8L Duramax Diesel Engine Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-
U.S./Canada-14465442) - 2021 - CRC - 2/3/20
8 Instruments and Controls
the tank was half full, but it actually took
a little more or less than half the tank's
capacity to fill the tank.
.The gauge moves a little while turning a
corner or speeding up.
.The gauge does not go back to E (Empty)
when the ignition is turned off.
None of these indicate a problem with the
fuel gauge.
For information on how to fill the fuel tank,
see Filling the Tank 032.
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
4-Cylinder Pickup Models
See “Oil Pressure” under“Driver Information
Center (DIC)” in the owner’s manual.
Metric Van Models
English Van Models
Caution
Lack of proper engine oil maintenance
can damage the engine. Driving with the
engine oil low can also damage the
engine. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Check the oil
level as soon as possible. Add oil if
required, but if the oil level is within the
operating range and the oil pressure is
still low, have the vehicle serviced.
Always follow the maintenance schedule
for changing engine oil.
The engine oil pressure gauge reads in kPa
(kilopascals) or psi (pounds per square inch)
when the engine is running. Oil pressure
may vary with engine speed, outside
temperature, and oil viscosity.
If readings are outside the normal operating
range, the low oil pressure message may
display on the Driver Information Center
(DIC), or for vehicles without a DIC the oil
pressure light will come on. If the oil
pressure message or light comes on, check
the oil level immediately. Do not operate
the engine with the oil pressure warning
light on or an ENGINE OIL LOW ADD OIL
message displayed.

Chevrolet/GMC 2.8L Duramax Diesel Engine Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-
U.S./Canada-14465442) - 2021 - CRC - 2/3/20
14 Driving and Operating
Observe the wait-to-start light. See
Wait-to-Start Light010. This light may
not come on if the engine is warm.
2. If the wait-to-start light is on, wait until this light goes off. Turn the ignition key
to START, then release the ignition key.
The engine will continue to crank until
the engine starts.
The engine has a fast warm-up glow
plug system. The wait-to-start light will
illuminate for a much shorter time than
most diesel engines, due to the rapid
heating of the glow plug system.
Caution
If the wait-to-start light stays on after
starting the vehicle, the vehicle may not
run properly. Have the vehicle serviced
right away.
3. If the engine does not start after 15 seconds of cranking, turn the ignition
off. Wait one minute for the cranking
motor to cool, then try the same steps
again.
If you are trying to start the engine after
you have run out of fuel, follow the steps in
Running Out of Fuel 030. When the engine is cold, let it run for a few
minutes before driving. This lets oil pressure
build up. The engine will sound louder when
it is cold.
For turbo protection, engine power at
speeds above idle may be limited if the
engine is cold. This protection can last up to
a maximum of 40 seconds at extreme cold
coolant and ambient temperatures.
Cold Weather Starting
Use the recommended engine oil when the
outside temperature drops below freezing.
See
Engine Oil 055. When the outside
temperature drops below –18 °C (0 °F), use
of the engine coolant heater is
recommended.
If you experience longer cranking times,
notice an unusual amount of exhaust smoke,
or are at higher elevations (over 2 135 m or
7,000 ft), you may use the engine coolant
heater. See Engine Heater 017.
See Fuel for Diesel Engines 025 for
information on what fuel to use in cold
weather.
If the Diesel Engine Will Not Start
If the vehicle runs out of fuel, see Running
Out of Fuel 030. If the vehicle is not out of fuel, and the
engine will not start:
Turn the ignition key to ON/RUN. After the
wait-to-start light goes off, turn the ignition
key to START.
If the light does not go off, wait a few
seconds, then try starting the engine again.
See your dealer as soon as possible for a
starting system check.
If the light comes on and then goes off and
you know the batteries are charged, but the
engine still will not start, the vehicle needs
service.
If the light does not come on when the
engine is cold, the vehicle needs service.
If the batteries do not have enough charge
to start the engine, see
“Battery”in the
owner’s manual.
Check that the correct engine oil has been
used and changed at appropriate intervals.
If the wrong oil is used, the engine may be
harder to start.
Be sure you are using the proper fuel for
existing weather conditions. See Fuel for
Diesel Engines 025.
If the engine starts, runs a short time, then
stops, the vehicle needs service.

Chevrolet/GMC 2.8L Duramax Diesel Engine Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-
U.S./Canada-14465442) - 2021 - CRC - 2/3/20
20 Driving and Operating
Caution (Continued)
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
section of this manual are not used. This
damage would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Under certain driving conditions, such as
stop-and-go traffic, the filter cannot clean
itself. A message comes on when the DPF is
dirty and needs to perform a self cleaning.
For the filter to clean itself, the vehicle must
be driven above 50 km/h (30 mph) until the
message goes off. This will take about
30 minutes.
{Warning
During DPF self-cleaning or during
extended idling in P (Park), the exhaust
system and exhaust gases are very hot.
Things that burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under the vehicle and ignite. You or
others could be burned. Do not park,
or idle for an extended period of time,
near or over papers, leaves, dry grass,
or other things that can burn. Keep the (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
exhaust area clear of material that could
ignite or burn. SeeParking over Things
That Burn 019.
Caution
Extended idle should be avoided because
the DPF system is not capable of self
cleaning at idle. During extended idle
operation, monitor the instrument cluster
telltale lights and Driver Information
Center for messages and take appropriate
indicated action. Continued idling with
the warning light/message on could
cause irreversible damage to the DPF
requiring repair and possible replacement
that might not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
You will also notice a change in the exhaust
sound and engine idle speed. Along with
this, a burning smell and reduction in fuel
economy may be noticed. This is normal.
If you continue to drive with the DPF
warning message on and the exhaust filter
is not cleaned as required, the malfunction
indicator lamp and the ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED message will come on and dealer
service is necessary. See
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) 09.
Vehicles with the DPF have specific fuel and
engine oil requirements. See Fuel for Diesel
Engines 025 and
Engine Oil 055.
Extended idling in P (Park) can cause exhaust
parts and gases to become very hot. Keep
the exhaust area clear of material that could
ignite or burn. See Parking over Things That
Burn 019.
If equipped with Power Take-Off (PTO),
monitor the instrument cluster for lights
related to the DPF.
See Accessories and Modifications 052 for
important information if you are considering
adding accessories or modifying the vehicle.
Manual Regeneration of Diesel
Particulate Filter
This feature is only available on Fleet and
Commercial vehicles.
To verify that the vehicle has this feature,
refer to the Vehicle Service Parts
Identification label (SPID) for RPO code FPF

Chevrolet/GMC 2.8L Duramax Diesel Engine Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-
U.S./Canada-14465442) - 2021 - CRC - 2/3/20
52 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . 52
Vehicle Checks
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . 53
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . 58
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Battery (4-Cylinder Pickup Only) . . . . . . . . 63
Electrical System
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 64
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
General Information
Accessories and Modifications
Adding non-dealer accessories or making
modifications to the vehicle can affect
vehicle performance and safety, including
such things as airbags, braking, stability,
ride and handling, emissions systems,
aerodynamics, durability, and electronic
systems like antilock brakes, traction control,
and stability control. These accessories or
modifications could even cause malfunction
or damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Damage to vehicle components resulting
from modifications or the installation or use
of non-GM certified parts, including control
module or software modifications, is not
covered under the terms of the vehicle
warranty and may affect remaining
warranty coverage for affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to complement
and function with other systems on the
vehicle. See your dealer to accessorize the
vehicle using genuine GM Accessories
installed by a dealer technician.
See the warranty manual.
Aftermarket Engine Performance
Enhancement Products and Modifications
Some aftermarket engine performance
products and modifications promise a way
to increase the horsepower and torque
levels of the vehicle's powertrain. You should
be aware that these products could have
harmful effects on the performance and life
of the engine, exhaust emission system,
transmission, and drivetrain. The engine,
transmission, and drivetrain have been
designed and built to offer industry leading
durability and performance in the most
demanding applications. Engine power
enhancement products may enable the
engine to operate at horsepower and torque
levels that could damage, create failure,
or reduce the life of the engine, engine
emission system, transmission, and
drivetrain. Damage, failure, or reduced life of
the engine, transmission, emission system,
drivetrain, or other vehicle components
caused by aftermarket engine performance
enhancement products or modifications
might not be covered under the vehicle
warranty.

Chevrolet/GMC 2.8L Duramax Diesel Engine Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-
U.S./Canada-14465442) - 2021 - CRC - 2/3/20
56 Vehicle Care
.Use engine oil approved to the proper
specification and of the proper viscosity
grade. See“Selecting the Right Engine
Oil” in this section.
.Check the engine oil level regularly and
maintain the proper oil level. See
“Checking Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
.Change the engine oil at the appropriate
time. See“Engine Oil Life System” in the
owner’s manual.
.Always dispose of engine oil properly. See
“What to Do with Used Oil” in this
section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly, every
650 km (400 mi), especially prior to a long
trip. The engine oil dipstick handle is a loop.
See Engine Compartment Overview 053 for
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 the oil level. Follow these guidelines:
.To get an accurate reading, park the
vehicle on level ground. Check the engine
oil level after the engine has been off for
at least two hours. Checking the engine
oil level on steep grades or too soon after
engine shutoff can result in incorrect
readings. Accuracy improves when
checking a cold engine prior to starting.
Remove the dipstick and check the level.
.If unable to wait two hours, the engine
must be off for at least 15 minutes if the
engine is warm, or at least 30 minutes if
the engine is not warm. Pull out the
dipstick, wipe it with a clean paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way.
Remove it again, keeping the tip down,
and check the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at
the tip of the dipstick and the engine has
been off for at least 15 minutes, add 1 L(1 qt) of the recommended oil and then
recheck the level. See
“Selecting the Right
Engine Oil” later in this section for an
explanation of what kind of oil to use. For
engine oil crankcase capacity, see Capacities
and Specifications 082.
Caution
Do not add too much oil. Oil levels above
or below the acceptable operating range
shown on the dipstick are harmful to the
engine. If the oil level is above the
operating range (i.e., the engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the
cross-hatched area that shows the proper
operating range), the engine could be
damaged. Drain the excess oil or limit
driving of the vehicle, and seek a service
professional to remove the excess oil.
See Engine Compartment Overview 053 for
the location of the engine oil fill cap.
Be sure to add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating range.
Push the dipstick all the way back in when
through.

Chevrolet/GMC 2.8L Duramax Diesel Engine Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-
U.S./Canada-14465442) - 2021 - CRC - 2/3/20
58 Vehicle Care
engine at extremely low temperatures.
When selecting an oil of the appropriate
viscosity grade, it is recommended to select
an oil of the correct specification. See
“Specification”earlier in this section.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils meeting the dexos2
specification are all that is needed for good
performance and engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause engine
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements
that can be unhealthy for your skin and
could even cause cancer. Do not let used oil
stay on your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water, or a
good hand cleaner. Wash or properly
dispose of clothing or rags containing used
engine oil. See the manufacturer's warnings
about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment.
If you change your own oil, be sure to drain
all the oil from the filter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water.
Recycle it by taking it to a place that
collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
The engine oil life system calculates engine
oil life based on vehicle use and displays the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message when it
is time to change the engine oil and filter.
The oil life system should be reset to 100%
only following an oil change. See
“Engine Oil
Life System” in the owner’s manual.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change (2.8L
4-Cylinder Engine Pickup Models)
See“Automatic Transmission Fluid” in the
owner’s manual.
When to Check and Change (2.8L
4-Cylinder Engine Van Models)
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.
Change the fluid and filter at the intervals
listed in
Maintenance Schedule 073 or
Maintenance Schedule 077, and be sure to
use the fluid listed in Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants 078.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
2.8L 4-Cylinder Engine Pickup Models
See “Engine Air Cleaner/Filter” in the
owner’s manual.
2.8L 4-Cylinder Engine Van Models
The air cleaner/filter assembly is on the
front of the engine compartment on the
driver side of the vehicle. See Engine
Compartment Overview 053.
When to Inspect/Replace the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing and inspecting the
engine air filter, see Maintenance Schedule
0 73 or
Maintenance Schedule 077.

Chevrolet/GMC 2.8L Duramax Diesel Engine Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-
U.S./Canada-14465442) - 2021 - CRC - 2/3/20
72 Service and Maintenance
Service and Maintenance
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . 78
Maintenance Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . 79
Maintenance Records
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
General Information
This maintenance section applies to vehicles
with a diesel engine. For gasoline engine
vehicles, see the maintenance schedule
section in the owner’s manual.
Your vehicle is an important investment.
This section describes the required
maintenance for the vehicle. Follow this
schedule to help protect against major repair
expenses resulting from neglect or
inadequate maintenance. It may also help to
maintain the value of the vehicle if it is
sold. It is the responsibility of the owner to
have all required maintenance performed.
Your dealer has trained technicians who can
perform required maintenance using genuine
replacement parts. They have up-to-date
tools and equipment for fast and accurate
diagnostics. Many dealers have extended
evening and Saturday hours, courtesy
transportation, and online scheduling to
assist with service needs.Your dealer recognizes the importance of
providing competitively priced maintenance
and repair services. With trained technicians,
your dealer is the place for routine
maintenance such as oil changes and tire
rotations and additional maintenance items
like tires, brakes, batteries, and wiper blades.
Caution
Damage caused by improper maintenance
can lead to costly repairs and may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Maintenance intervals, checks,
inspections, recommended fluids, and
lubricants are important to keep the
vehicle in good working condition.
Do not have chemical flushes that are not
approved by GM performed on the
vehicle. The use of flushes, solvents,
cleaners, or lubricants that are not
approved by GM could damage the
vehicle, requiring expensive repairs that
are not covered by the vehicle warranty.