Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14430421) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/20
Vehicle Care 245
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
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system that
indicates when to change the engine oil and
filter. This is based on a combination of
factors which include engine revolutions,
engine temperature, and miles driven. Based
on driving conditions, the mileage at which
an oil change is indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work
properly, the system must be reset every
time the oil is changed.
On some vehicles, when the system has
calculated that oil life has been diminished,
a CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message comes
on to indicate that an oil change is
necessary. Change the oil as soon as
possible within the next 1 000 km (600 mi).
It is possible that, if driving under the best
conditions, the oil life system might indicatethat an oil change is not necessary for up to
a year. The engine oil and filter must be
changed at least once a year and, at this
time, the system must be reset. For vehicles
without the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message, an oil change is needed when the
OIL LIFE REMAINING percentage is near 0%.
Your dealer has trained service people who
will perform this work and reset the system.
It is also important to check the oil regularly
over the course of an oil drain interval and
keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, the
oil must be changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is
changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System
Reset the system whenever the engine oil is
changed so that the system can calculate
the next engine oil change. Always reset the
engine oil life to 100% after every oil
change. It will not reset itself. To reset the
engine oil life system:
1. Display OIL LIFE REMAINING on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 093 or Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0
95. If the vehicle does not have DIC
buttons, the vehicle must be in P (Park)
to access this display.
2. Press and hold
Von the DIC, or SET/CLR
on the turn signal lever if the vehicle
does not have DIC buttons, for several
seconds. The oil life will change to 100%.
The oil life system can also be reset as
follows: 1. Display OIL LIFE REMAINING on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 093 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 95.
2. Fully press the accelerator pedal slowly three times within five seconds.
If the display shows 100%, the system is
reset.
If the vehicle has a CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message and it comes back on when
the vehicle is started and/or the OIL LIFE
REMAINING is near 0%, the engine oil life
system has not been reset. Repeat the
procedure.
Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14430421) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/20
248 Vehicle Care
3.6L V6 Engine
1. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure 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 Lubricants0321
and
Maintenance Schedule 0312.
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 0250.
What to Use
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such as
alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. With plain water or
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
the wrong mixture, the engine could get
too hot but there would not be an
overheat warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant. This mixture:
.Gives freezing protection down to −37 °C
(−34 °F) outside temperature.
.Gives boiling protection up to 129 °C
(265 °F) engine temperature.
.Protects against rust and corrosion.
.Will not damage aluminum parts.
.Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
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.
Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14430421) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/20
Vehicle Care 303
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory. Use a
de-icing agent only when absolutely
necessary, and have the locks greased after
using. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0321.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash it
often and out of direct sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based, acidic,
or abrasive cleaning agents as they can
damage the vehicle's paint, metal,
or plastic parts. If damage occurs, it
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning products can
be obtained from your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding correct
product usage, necessary safety
precautions, and appropriate disposal of
any vehicle care product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure washes closer
than 30 cm (12 in) to the surface of the
vehicle. Use of power washers exceeding
8 274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result in
damage or removal of paint and decals.
If using an automatic car wash, follow with
the car wash instructions. The windshield
wiper and rear window wiper, if equipped,
must be off. Remove any accessories that
may be damaged or interfere with the car
wash equipment.
Rinse the vehicle well, before washing and
after, to remove all cleaning agents
completely. If they are allowed to dry on
the surface, they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or
an all-cotton towel to avoid surface
scratches and water spotting.
Cleaning Underhood Components
Caution
Do not power wash any component
under the hood that has this
e
symbol.(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
This could cause damage that would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Solvents or aggressive cleaners may harm
underhood components. The usages of these
chemicals should be avoided.
Recommend water only.
A pressure washer may be used, but care
must be utilized. The following criteria must
be followed:
.Water pressure must be kept below
14,000 KPa (2,000 PSI).
.Water temperature must be below 80 °C
(180 °F).
.Spray nozzle with a 40 degree wide angle
spray pattern or wider must be used.
.Nozzle must be kept at least 30 cm (1 ft)
away from all surfaces.
Finish Care
Application of aftermarket clearcoat sealant/
wax materials is not recommended.
If painted surfaces are damaged, see your
dealer to have the damage assessed and
repaired. Foreign materials such as calcium
chloride and other salts, ice melting agents,
road oil and tar, tree sap, bird droppings,
Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14430421) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/20
350 Index
Electrical SystemEngine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 262
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Emergency OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Check Light (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . 86
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Exterior Cargo Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . . 107
F
Fan
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Four-Wheel Drive Transfer Case . . . . . . . . 195
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . 213
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .195, 254
Four-Wheel-Drive Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Frequency Statement
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255 Front Axle (cont'd)
Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Economy, Driving for Better . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . 219
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Management, Active . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Top Tier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Fuses Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 262
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 266
G
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257