2021 CHEVROLET COLORADO brakes

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14430421) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/20
Driving and Operating 201
5. Place the transmission shift lever inP (Park).
6. Release the parking brake.
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
prevent a braking skid and maintain steering
while braking hard.
ABS performs a system check when the
vehicle is first driven. A momentary motor
or clicking noise may be heard while this
test is going on, and the brake pedal may
move slightly. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning
light stays on. See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 088.
ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot on the brake pedal and does not
always decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle ahead, there will
not be enough time to apply the brakes if
that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room ahead to stop, even
with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down firmly. Hearing or feeling ABS
operate is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can
help even more than braking.
Parking Brake
Set the parking brake by holding the regular
brake pedal down, then pushing down the
parking brake pedal.
If the ignition is on, the brake system
warning light will come on. See
Brake
System Warning Light 087.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to brake
system parts. Make sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
To release the parking brake, hold the
regular brake pedal down, then push down
momentarily on the parking brake pedal
until you feel the pedal release. Slowly pull
your foot up off the parking brake pedal.
If the parking brake is not released when
you begin to drive, the brake system
warning light will flash and a chime will
sound warning you that the parking brake is
still on.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking
on a hill, see Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips 0219.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14430421) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/20
202 Driving and Operating
Brake Assist
Brake Assist detects rapid brake pedal
applications due to emergency braking
situations and provides additional braking to
activate the Antilock Brake System (ABS) if
the brake pedal is not pushed hard enough
to activate ABS normally. Minor noise, brake
pedal pulsation, and/or pedal movement
during this time may occur. Continue to
apply the brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates. Brake Assist disengages
when the brake pedal is released.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
{Warning
Do not rely on the HSA feature. HSA does
not replace the need to pay attention
and drive safely. You may not hear or
feel alerts or warnings provided by this
system. Failure to use proper care when
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. SeeDefensive Driving
0 170.
When the vehicle is stopped on a grade, Hill
Start Assist (HSA) temporarily prevents the
vehicle from rolling in an unintended
direction during the transition from brake pedal release to accelerator pedal apply. The
brakes release when the accelerator pedal is
applied or automatically release after a few
seconds. The brakes may also release under
other conditions. Do not rely on HSA to hold
the vehicle.
HSA is available when the vehicle is facing
uphill in a forward gear, or when facing
downhill in R (Reverse). The vehicle must
come to a complete stop on a grade for HSA
to activate.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control System
(TCS) and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC), an electronic stability control
system. These systems help limit wheel spin
and assist the driver in maintaining control,
especially on slippery road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any of the
drive wheels are spinning or beginning to
lose traction. When this happens, TCS
applies the brakes to the spinning wheels
and reduces engine power to limit
wheel spin.
StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the vehicle
senses a difference between the intended
path and the direction the vehicle is actually
traveling. StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of the vehicle
wheel brakes to assist the driver in keeping
the vehicle on the intended path.
If cruise control is being used and TCS or
StabiliTrak/ESC begins to limit wheel spin,
cruise control will disengage. Cruise control
may be turned back on when road
conditions allow.
Both systems come on automatically when
the vehicle is started and begins to move.
The systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while performing
diagnostic checks. This is normal and does
not mean there is a problem with the
vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both systems on
for normal driving conditions, but it may be
necessary to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See
If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0178 and “Turning the
Systems Off and On” later in this section.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14430421) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/20
Driving and Operating 205
The HDC light displays on the instrument
cluster when enabled.
HDC can maintain vehicle speeds between
4 and 30 km/h (3 and 19 mph) on an incline
greater than or equal to a 10% grade.
A blinking HDC light indicates that the
system is actively applying the brakes to
maintain vehicle speed.
When HDC is set, that is the initial set
speed. It can be increased or decreased by
applying the accelerator or brake pedal.
Smaller HDC speed control adjustments are
accomplished using the cruise up or down
buttons. Each tap of the +RES will increase
the set speed by 0.8 km/h (0.5 mph), while
each tap of the SET–will decrease the set
speed by 0.8 km/h (0.5 mph). This adjusted
speed becomes the new set speed. HDC will remain enabled between 30 and
60 km/h (19 and 37 mph), however vehicle
speed cannot be set or maintained in this
range. It will automatically disable if the
vehicle speed is above 80 km/h (50 mph) or
above 60 km/h (37 mph) for at least
30 seconds.5must be pressed again to
re-enable HDC.
When enabled, if the vehicle is at a speed
above 30 km/h (19 mph) and less than
60 km/h (37 mph), a DIC message will
display instructing the driver to reduce
speed for HDC operation.
Cruise control will not function while HDC is
enabled and vehicle speed is below 40 km/h
(25 mph).
Driver Mode Control
Driver Mode Control (DMC) allows the driver
to adjust the overall driving character to
better suit preference or specific driving
scenarios by adjusting multiple sub-system
calibrations simultaneously. Mode
availability is dependent upon vehicle trim
level, region, and optional features.
Transfer Case Knob with Off-Road Mode
Off-Road Mode
Use this mode for off-road recreational
driving at moderate speeds, on grass, gravel,
dirt, unpaved roads, or snow-covered roads.
The accelerator pedal will be more sensitive
to provide finer control of the torque at the
wheels. StabiliTrak/Electroinic Stability
Control (ESC), the Antilock Brake System
(ABS), and the Traction Control System(TCS)
will change for optimal off-road
performance.
For more information on off-road driving.
See Off-Road Driving 0173

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14430421) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/20
208 Driving and Operating
by turning the steering wheel to the right
and to the left while traveling at a low
speed.
Cruise Control
With cruise control a speed of about
40 km/h (25 mph) or more can be
maintained without keeping your foot on
the accelerator. Cruise control does not work
at speeds below about 40 km/h (25 mph).
{Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous where
you cannot drive safely at a steady
speed. Do not use cruise control on
winding roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
excessive wheel slip, and you could lose
control. Do not use cruise control on
slippery roads.
If the cruise control is being used and the
Traction Control (TCS) system or StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) begins to
limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically disengage. See
Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0202.
If a collision alert occurs when cruise control
is activated, cruise control is disengaged. See
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System 0213.
When road conditions allow you to safely
use it again, cruise control can be turned
back on.
If equipped with Hill Descent Control (HDC),
the cruise control will disengage if HDC is
active.
If the brakes are applied, the cruise control
disengages.
5: Press to turn the system on or off.
A white indicator comes on in the
instrument cluster when cruise control is
turned on.
+RES : If there is a set speed in memory,
press briefly to resume to that speed or
press and hold to accelerate. If cruise control
is already active, use to increase vehicle
speed.
SET− :Press briefly to set the speed and
activate cruise control. If cruise control is
already active, use to decrease vehicle
speed.
*: Press to disengage cruise control
without erasing the set speed from memory.
Setting Cruise Control
If
5is on when not in use, SET− or +RES
could get pressed and go into cruise when
not desired. Keep
5off when cruise is not
being used.
1. Press
5to turn the cruise system on.
2. Get up to the desired speed.
3. Press and release SET−.
4. Remove foot from the accelerator.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14430421) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/20
Driving and Operating 209
The cruise control indicator on the
instrument cluster turns green after cruise
control has been set to the desired speed.
SeeInstrument Cluster 080.
Resuming a Set Speed
If the cruise control is set at a desired speed
and then the brakes are applied or
*is
pressed, the cruise control is disengaged
without erasing the set speed from memory.
Once the vehicle speed reaches about
40 km/h (25 mph) or more, press +RES
briefly. The vehicle returns to the previous
set speed.
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control
If the cruise control system is already
activated:
.Press and hold +RES until the desired
speed is reached, then release it.
.To increase vehicle speed in small
increments, briefly press +RES. For each
press, the vehicle goes about 1 km/h
(1 mph) faster.
The speedometer reading can be displayed
in either English or metric units. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Base Level) 093 or Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0
95. The increment value used depends on
the units displayed.
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control
If the cruise control system is already
activated:
.Press and hold SET– until the desired
lower speed is reached, then release it.
.To slow down in small increments, briefly
press SET– . For each press, the vehicle
goes about 1 km/h (1 mph) slower.
The speedometer reading can be displayed
in either English or metric units. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Base Level) 093 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 95. The increment value used depends on
the units displayed.
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise
Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase the
vehicle speed. When you take your foot off
the pedal, the vehicle will slow down to the
previous set cruise speed. While pressing the
accelerator pedal or shortly following the
release to override cruise control, briefly
pressing SET– will result in cruise control set
to the current vehicle speed. Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control will work on
hills depends on the vehicle speed, load, and
the steepness of the hills. When going up
steep hills, you might have to step on the
accelerator pedal to maintain your speed.
When going downhill, you might have to
brake or shift to a lower gear to keep your
speed down. If the brake pedal is applied,
cruise control will disengage.
Ending Cruise Control
There are three ways to end cruise control:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Press*.
.To turn off cruise control, press5.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is erased from
memory if
5is pressed or if the ignition is
turned off.
Driver Assistance Systems
This vehicle may have features that work
together to help avoid crashes or reduce
crash damage while driving, backing, and
parking. Read this entire section before
using these systems.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14430421) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/20
210 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Do not rely on the Driver Assistance
Systems. These systems do not replace
the need for paying attention and driving
safely. You may not hear or see alerts or
warnings provided by these systems.
Failure to use proper care when driving
may result in injury, death, or vehicle
damage. SeeDefensive Driving 0170.
Under many conditions, these systems
will not:
.Detect children, pedestrians, bicyclists,
or animals.
.Detect vehicles or objects outside the
area monitored by the system.
.Work at all driving speeds.
.Warn you or provide you with enough
time to avoid a crash.
.Work under poor visibility or bad
weather conditions.
.Work if the detection sensor is not
cleaned or is covered by ice, snow,
mud, or dirt. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Work if the detection sensor is
covered up, such as with a sticker,
magnet, or metal plate.
.Work if the area surrounding the
detection sensor is damaged or not
properly repaired.
Complete attention is always required
while driving, and you should be ready to
take action and apply the brakes and/or
steer the vehicle to avoid crashes.
Audible Alert
Some driver assistance features alert the
driver of obstacles by beeping. To change
the volume of the warning chime, see
“Comfort and Convenience” underVehicle
Personalization 098.
Cleaning
Depending on vehicle options, keep these
areas of the vehicle clean to ensure the best
driver assistance feature performance. Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages may
display when the systems are unavailable or
blocked.
.Front and rear bumpers and the area
below the bumpers
.Front grille and headlamps
.Front camera lens in the front grille or
near the front emblem

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14430421) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/20
Driving and Operating 213
for RPA. As the object gets closer, more bars
light up and the bars change color from
yellow to amber to red.
When an object is first detected in the rear,
one beep will be heard from the rear. When
an object is very close, <0.6 m (2 ft) in the
vehicle rear, continuous beeps will sound
from the rear.
Turning the Features On or Off
RPA can be turned on and off. SeeVehicle
Personalization 098.
Turn off RPA when towing a trailer.
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System
If equipped, the FCA system may help to
avoid or reduce the harm caused by
front-end crashes. When approaching a
vehicle ahead too quickly, FCA provides a
red flashing alert on the windshield, and
rapidly beeps. FCA also lights an amber
visual alert if following another vehicle
much too closely.
FCA detects vehicles within a distance of
approximately 60 m (197 ft) and operates at
speeds above 40 km/h (25 mph).
{Warning
FCA is a warning system and does not
apply the brakes. When approaching a
slower-moving or stopped vehicle ahead
too rapidly, or when following a vehicle
too closely, FCA may not provide a
warning with enough time to help avoid
a crash. It also may not provide any
warning at all. FCA does not warn of
pedestrians, animals, signs, guardrails,
bridges, construction barrels, or other
objects. Be ready to take action and
apply the brakes. See Defensive Driving
0 170.
FCA can be disabled with either the FCA
steering wheel control or, if equipped,
through vehicle personalization. See
“Collision/Detection Systems” underVehicle
Personalization 098.
Detecting the Vehicle Ahead
FCA warnings will not occur unless the FCA
system detects a vehicle ahead. When a
vehicle is detected, the vehicle ahead
indicator will display green. Vehicles may
not be detected on curves, highway exit
ramps, or hills, due to poor visibility; or if a
vehicle ahead is partially blocked by
pedestrians or other objects. FCA will not
detect another vehicle ahead until it is
completely in the driving lane.
{Warning
FCA does not provide a warning to help
avoid a crash, unless it detects a vehicle.
FCA may not detect a vehicle ahead if
the FCA sensor is blocked by dirt, snow,
or ice, or if the windshield is damaged.
It may also not detect a vehicle on
winding or hilly roads, or in conditions
that can limit visibility such as fog, rain,
or snow, or if the headlamps or
windshield are not cleaned or in proper
condition. Keep the windshield,
headlamps, and FCA sensors clean and in
good repair.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 215
{Warning
AEB is an emergency crash preparation
feature and is not designed to avoid
crashes. Do not rely on AEB to brake the
vehicle. AEB will not brake outside of its
operating speed range and only responds
to detected vehicles.
AEB may not:
.Detect a vehicle ahead on winding or
hilly roads.
.Detect all vehicles, especially vehicles
with a trailer, tractors, muddy
vehicles, etc.
.Detect a vehicle when weather limits
visibility, such as in fog, rain, or snow.
.Detect a vehicle ahead if it is partially
blocked by pedestrians or other
objects.
Complete attention is always required
while driving, and you should be ready to
take action and apply the brakes and/or
steer the vehicle to avoid crashes.
AEB may slow the vehicle to a complete
stop to try to avoid a potential crash. If this
happens, AEB may engage the Electric Parking Brake (EPB) to hold the vehicle at a
stop. Release the EPB or firmly press the
accelerator pedal.
{Warning
AEB may automatically brake the vehicle
suddenly in situations where it is
unexpected and undesired. It could
respond to a turning vehicle ahead,
guardrails, signs, and other non-moving
objects. To override AEB, firmly press the
accelerator pedal, if it is safe to do so.
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
IBA may activate when the brake pedal is
applied quickly by providing a boost to
braking based on the speed of approach and
distance to a vehicle ahead.
Minor brake pedal pulsations or pedal
movement during this time is normal and
the brake pedal should continue to be
applied as needed. IBA will automatically
disengage only when the brake pedal is
released.
{Warning
IBA may increase vehicle braking in
situations when it may not be necessary.
You could block the flow of traffic. If this
occurs, take your foot off the brake pedal
and then apply the brakes as needed.
AEB and IBA can be disabled through vehicle
personalization. See “Collision/Detection
Systems” underVehicle Personalization 098.
{Warning
Using AEB or IBA while towing a trailer
could cause you to lose control of the
vehicle and crash. Turn the system to
Alert or Off when towing a trailer.
A system unavailable message may
display if:
.The front of the vehicle or windshield is
not clean.
.Heavy rain or snow is interfering with
object detection.
.There is a problem with the StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.
The AEB system does not need service.