2021 CHEVROLET COLORADO coolant level

Chevrolet/GMC 2.8L Duramax Diesel Engine Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-
U.S./Canada-14465442) - 2021 - CRC - 2/3/20
Driving and Operating 19
temperatures below−29 °C (−20 °F), the
coolant heater should remain plugged in for
at least eight hours. Be sure to store the
cord before starting the engine. See Fuel for
Diesel Engines 025 for information on what
fuel to use in cold weather.
Caution
Do not use the engine heater
continuously. This could damage the
engine heater and may cause a fire.
Always unplug the engine heater
after use.
Fuel Operated Heater (FOH) (Van
Models Only)
If equipped, the FOH will enhance heater
performance and will reduce the amount of
time it takes to warm the inside of the
vehicle in cold conditions below or equal to
4 °C (39 °F).
The FOH is installed on the frame rail on the
driver side of the vehicle and uses diesel
fuel to heat the engine coolant, which
warms up the passenger cabin air.
The FOH will turn on if all of the following
conditions exist:
.Outside air temperature is below or equal
to 4 °C (39 °F).
.Fuel level is greater or equal to 12.5% of
the total fuel tank volume.
.The engine is running.
.Coolant temperature is less than 70 °C
(158 °F).
Parking over Things That Burn
{Warning
Things that can burn could touch hot
exhaust parts under the vehicle and
ignite. Do not park over papers, leaves,
dry grass, or other things that can burn.
Diesel Particulate Filter
The vehicle has a Diesel Particulate
Filter (DPF) as part of the exhaust system to
reduce vehicle emissions. The DPF requires a
unique exhaust tailpipe with an exhaust
cooler. The exhaust cooler mixes air with the
exhaust to lower the temperature before it
leaves the tailpipe.
The DPF, the tailpipe, or other exhaust
system components must not be altered.
Inspect regularly and clean any mud or dirt
from the exhaust cooler, especially where
the exhaust cooler connects to the tailpipe
and the openings where fresh air enters the
cooler.
The DPF will clean itself as part of normal
operation. Several factors including fuel
consumed, hours of engine operation, and
miles driven are monitored by the Engine
Control Module (ECM). The self-cleaning
occurs approximately once per tank of fuel.
Caution
Damage can occur to the DPF
components if the required Ultra Low
Sulfur Diesel (15 ppm sulfur maximum)
fuel and engine oil specified in the
(Continued)

Chevrolet/GMC 2.8L Duramax Diesel Engine Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-
U.S./Canada-14465442) - 2021 - CRC - 2/3/20
Driving and Operating 21
or see www.gmupfitter.com to contact the
GM Upfitter Integration Group for
assistance.
If equipped, this feature allows for manual
cleaning/regeneration of the DPF when it is
unable to clean itself. It may be necessary
to perform a manual regeneration if driving
conditions—such as extended slow speed,
stop-and-go traffic, extended idles, short
drive cycles, or stationary PTO operation —
prevent DPF self-cleaning.
Manual regeneration can only be used when
the DPF has become at least 90% full. At
100% full, it will attempt to automatically
self-clean if proper driving conditions are
met. The DPF will clean itself if the vehicle
can be driven above 50 km/h (30 mph) for
about 30 minutes.
A Driver Information Center (DIC) message
displays when manual regeneration is
possible.
Scroll through the DIC pages to find the
Exhaust Cleaning menu. Depending on
whether the vehicle has a base or uplevel
cluster, it may be under the Settings menu.
If the vehicle cannot be stopped when the
DIC message first indicates cleaning is
available, automatic self-cleaning may have begun. If conditions cannot be met for
self-cleaning to complete, and manual
regeneration is selected, it may take up to
four minutes for the system to switch to
manual regeneration. When the switch
occurs, a DIC message prompts to start the
cleaning process.
{Warning
Do not leave the vehicle during the
regeneration.
Make sure that there are no flammables
near the muffler, DPF and exhaust pipe
which may result in a fire.
Remember that the temperature of
exhaust gases is high enough to burn
you. You and others could be seriously
injured.
Before starting the manual regeneration,
make sure all of the following safety
conditions are met:
.The vehicle is parked on level ground,
away from any flammable materials.
.The vehicle is parked outdoors, away
from any walls or buildings.
.The vehicle is at least 3 m (10 ft) from
any obstructions or materials that may
combust or melt.
.The shift lever is in P (Park).
.The fuel tank is at least one-eighth full.
.All fluids are at the proper level.
.No diagnostic trouble codes have been
set, and the malfunction indicator lamp is
not on.
.The engine coolant temperature is above
71 °C (160 °F).
After making sure all of the safety
conditions have been met, press the trip
odometer reset stem or
Von the steering
wheel control for at least one second to
select Start on the infotainment display.
Follow the instructions in the DIC messages.
Touch ACCEPT to acknowledge that all of
these safety conditions have been met and
to activate regeneration.
If the infotainment display returns to the
previous screen, then one or more of the
necessary operating conditions has not been
met. If you cannot determine which
condition has not been met, see
www.gmupfitter.com to contact the GM
Upfitter Integration Group for assistance.

Chevrolet/GMC 2.8L Duramax Diesel Engine Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-
U.S./Canada-14465442) - 2021 - CRC - 2/3/20
34 Driving and Operating
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
{Warning
Never fill a portable fuel container while
it is in the vehicle. Static electricity
discharge from the container can ignite
the fuel vapor. You or others could be
badly burned and the vehicle could be
damaged. To help avoid injury to you
and others:
.Dispense fuel only into approved
containers.
.Do not fill a container while it is
inside a vehicle, in a vehicle's trunk, in
a pickup bed, or on any surface other
than the ground.
.Bring the fill nozzle in contact with
the inside of the fill opening before
operating the nozzle. Maintain contact
until filling is complete.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Keep sparks, flames, and smoking
materials away from fuel.
.Avoid using electronic devices while
pumping fuel.
Trailer Towing
When towing at high elevation on steep
uphill grades, consider the following:
Engine coolant at higher elevation will boil
at a lower temperature than at or near sea
level. If the engine is turned off immediately
after towing at high elevation on steep
uphill grades, the 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) and the parking brake applied for at
least five minutes before turning the engine
off. If the overheat warning comes on, see
Engine Overheating062. Use the following chart to determine the
maximum the trailer can weigh, based upon
your vehicle model and options.
All axles of the trailer must be equipped
with brakes adequate for the intended use.
Trailer braking equipment conforming to
Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
requirement CAN3-D313, or its equivalent, is
recommended.

Chevrolet/GMC 2.8L Duramax Diesel Engine Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-
U.S./Canada-14465442) - 2021 - CRC - 2/3/20
Vehicle Care 61
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant which will not
damage aluminum parts. If using this
mixture, nothing else needs to be added.
If coolant has to be added more than four
times a year, have your dealer check the
vehicle cooling system.
Caution
Do not use anything other than a mix of
DEX-COOL coolant that meets GM
Standard GMW3420 and clean, drinkable
water. Anything else can cause damage
to the engine cooling system and the
vehicle, which would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Never dispose of engine coolant by putting
it in the trash, or by pouring it on the
ground or into sewers, streams, or bodies of
water. Have the coolant changed by an
authorized service center, familiar with legal
requirements regarding used coolant
disposal. This will help protect the
environment and your health.
Checking Coolant (2.8L 4-Cylinder Engine
Pickup Models)
See “Engine Coolant” in the owner’s manual. Checking Coolant (2.8L 4-Cylinder Engine Van
Models)
The coolant surge tank is near the center of
the engine compartment. See
Engine
Compartment Overview 053 for location.
The vehicle must be on a level surface.
When the engine is cold, the coolant level
should be at the indicated mark.
Adding Coolant (2.8L 4-Cylinder Engine Pickup
Models)
See “Engine Coolant” in the owner’s manual. Adding Coolant (2.8L 4-Cylinder Engine Van
Models)
Caution
If coolant is changed or added, always
add enough to fill the system completely
or engine damage may occur.
If more coolant is needed, add the proper
DEX-COOL coolant mixture at the surge tank,
but be careful not to spill it.
{Warning
Spilling coolant on hot engine parts can
burn you. Coolant contains ethylene
glycol and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough.
{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)

Chevrolet/GMC 2.8L Duramax Diesel Engine Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-
U.S./Canada-14465442) - 2021 - CRC - 2/3/20
62 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
including the pressure cap, is hot. Wait
for the cooling system and pressure cap
to cool.
If no coolant is visible in the surge tank, add
coolant as follows:
2.8L 4-Cylinder Van Pressure Cap
1. Remove the coolant surge tank pressure cap when the cooling system, including
the coolant surge tank pressure cap and
upper radiator hose, is no longer hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise about one full turn. If a
hiss is heard, wait for that to stop.
A hiss means there is still some
pressure left.
2. Keep turning the pressure cap slowly, and remove it. 3. Slowly fill the coolant surge tank. Do not
let the coolant level go above the
indicated mark in the tank until after the
engine comes to operating temperature
in Step 4.
4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the engine and let it run until
the engine coolant temperature gauge
indicates approximately 90 °C (195 °F).
By this time, the coolant level inside the
coolant surge tank may be lower. If the
level is lower, slowly add more of the
proper mixture to the coolant surge tank
until it reaches the indicated mark.
5. Re-install the pressure cap. Be sure the pressure cap is hand-tight
and fully seated.
6. Verify coolant level after the engine is shut off and the coolant is cold.
If necessary, repeat Steps 1–6.
If the coolant level is still low after having
followed these steps twice, have the coolant
system checked by a certified technician at
the dealer for a possible leak.
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
There is an engine coolant temperature
gauge on the instrument cluster. See the
owner’s manual.
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,
including the pressure cap, is hot. Wait
for the cooling system and pressure cap
to cool.

Chevrolet/GMC 2.8L Duramax Diesel Engine Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-
U.S./Canada-14465442) - 2021 - CRC - 2/3/20
74 Service and Maintenance
Extended Idle Use
When the vehicle is used in a way that
requires extended idle time, one hour of use
shall be deemed the same as 33 miles. See
Driver Information Center (DIC)010 for
hourmeter.
Required Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change engine
oil and filter, and reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil 055 and
Engine Oil Life System 058.
.Check engine coolant level. See Cooling
System 060.
.Visually check for fluid leaks.
.Inspect engine air cleaner filter. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 058.
.Visually inspect fuel system for damage
or leaks.
.Visually inspect exhaust system and
nearby heat shields for loose or damaged
parts.

Chevrolet/GMC 2.8L Duramax Diesel Engine Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-
U.S./Canada-14465442) - 2021 - CRC - 2/3/20
Service and Maintenance 77
Maintenance Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
The service plan for your vehicle is available
in the Warranty Policy and Maintenance
Program.
See the owner’s manual for other services
and intervals that may be required.
At Each Fuel Stop
.Check the engine oil level. SeeEngine Oil
0 55.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message displays, have the engine oil and
filter changed within the next 1 000 km/
600 mi. If driven under the best conditions,
the engine oil life system may not indicate
the need for vehicle service for up to a year.
The engine oil and filter must be changed at
least once a year and the oil life system
must be reset. Your trained dealer technician can perform this work. If the engine oil life
system is reset accidentally, service the
vehicle within 5 000 km/3,000 mi since the
last service. Reset the oil life system when
the oil is changed. See
Engine Oil Life
System 058.
Extended Idle Use
When the vehicle is used in a way that
requires extended idle time, one hour of use
shall be deemed the same as 33 miles. See
Driver Information Center (DIC) 010 for
hourmeter.
Required Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change engine
oil and filter, and reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil 055 and
Engine Oil Life System 058.
.Check engine coolant level. See Cooling
System 060.
.Visually check for fluid leaks.
.Inspect engine air cleaner filter. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 058.
.Visually inspect fuel system for damage
or leaks.
.Visually inspect exhaust system and
nearby heat shields for loose or damaged
parts.