Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 299
GM recommends a flatbed tow truck to
transport a disabled vehicle. Use ramps to
help reduce approach angles, if necessary.
A towed vehicle should have its drive wheels
off the ground. Contact Roadside Assistance
or a professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be towed.
The vehicle is equipped with specific
attachment points to be used to pull the
vehicle onto a flatbed car carrier from a flat
road surface. Do not use these attachment
points to pull the vehicle from snow, mud
or sand.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing
the vehicle behind another vehicle, such as a
motor home. The two most common types
of recreational vehicle towing are dinghy
and dolly towing. Dinghy towing is towing
the vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground. Dolly towing is towing the vehicle
with two wheels on the ground and two
wheels on a dolly.
Here are some important things to consider
before recreational vehicle towing:
.Before towing the vehicle, become
familiar with the local laws that apply to
recreational vehicle towing. These laws
may vary by region.
.What is the towing capacity of the
towing vehicle? Be sure to read the tow
vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.
.What is the distance that will be
traveled? Some vehicles have restrictions
on how far and how long they can tow.
.Is the proper towing equipment going to
be used? See your dealer or trailering
professional for additional advice and
equipment recommendations.
.Is the vehicle ready to be towed? Just as
preparing the vehicle for a long trip,
make sure the vehicle is prepared to be
towed.
Follow the tow vehicle manufacturer’s
instructions.
Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front of the
vehicle grille could restrict airflow and
cause damage to the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. If using a shield, only
use one that attaches to the towing
vehicle.
Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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300 Vehicle Care
Dinghy Towing
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Caution
If the two-wheel-drive vehicle is towed
with all four wheels on the ground, the
drivetrain components could be damaged.
The repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Two-wheel-drive vehicles should not be
towed with all four wheels on the ground. Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Only dinghy tow four-wheel-drive vehicles
that have an N (Neutral) and a Four-Wheel
Drive Low (4 (
n) setting.
{Warning
Shifting a four-wheel-drive vehicle's
transfer case into N (Neutral) can cause
the vehicle to roll even if the
transmission is in P (Park). You or others
could be injured. Set the parking brake
before shifting the transfer case to
N (Neutral).To dinghy tow:
1. Position the vehicle being towed behind the tow vehicle, facing forward and on a
level surface.
2. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the tow vehicle.
3. Apply the parking brake and start the engine.
4. Shift the transfer case to N (Neutral). See “Shifting into N (Neutral)” under
Four-Wheel Drive 0195. Check that the
vehicle is in N (Neutral) by shifting the
transmission to R (Reverse) and then to
D (Drive). There should be no movement
of the vehicle while shifting.
5. With the engine off, leave the key in ACC/ACCESSORY to prevent the steering
column from locking.Caution
Failure to disconnect the negative battery
cable or to have it contact the terminals
can cause damage to the vehicle.
6. Disconnect the negative battery cable at the battery and secure the nut and bolt.
Cover the negative battery post with a
Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 301
non-conductive material to prevent any
contact with the negative battery
terminal.
7. Shift the transmission to P (Park).
Caution
If the steering column is locked, vehicle
damage may occur.
Move the steering wheel to make sure
the steering column is unlocked.
8. With a foot on the brake pedal, release the parking brake.
9. Keep the ignition key in the towed vehicle in ACC/ACCESSORY to prevent the
steering column from locking.
Disconnecting the Towed Vehicle
Before disconnecting the towed vehicle: 1. Park on a level surface.
2. Set the parking brake, then shift the transmission to P (Park), and move the
ignition key to OFF.
3. Connect the battery.
4. With your foot off the brake, turn the ignition on with the engine off. 5. Shift the transfer case out of N (Neutral)
to Two-Wheel Drive High. See “Shifting
out of N (Neutral)” underFour-Wheel
Drive 0195. See your dealer if the
transfer case cannot be shifted out of
N (Neutral).
6. Start the engine and check that the vehicle is in Two-Wheel Drive High by
shifting the transmission to R (Reverse)
and then to D (Drive). There should be
movement of the vehicle while shifting.
7. Shift the transmission to P (Park) and turn off the ignition.
8. Disconnect the vehicle from the tow vehicle.
9. Release the parking brake.
10. Reset any lost presets. The outside temperature display will
default to 0 °C (32 °F) but will reset with
normal usage.
Dolly Towing
Front Towing (Front Wheels Off the Ground)
–Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Caution
If a two-wheel-drive vehicle is towed with
the rear wheels on the ground, the
transmission could be damaged. The
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Never tow the vehicle
with the rear wheels on the ground.
Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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302 Vehicle Care
Front Towing (Front Wheels Off the Ground)
–Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
To dolly tow a four-wheel-drive vehicle from
the front:
1. Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the dolly manufacturer's
instructions.
2. Drive the front wheels onto the dolly.
3. Shift the transmission to P (Park).
4. Set the parking brake.
{Warning
Shifting a four-wheel-drive vehicle's
transfer case into N (Neutral) can cause
the vehicle to roll even if the
transmission is in P (Park). You or others
could be injured. Set the parking brake
before shifting the transfer case to
N (Neutral).
5. Use a clamping device designed for towing to ensure that the front wheels
are locked into the straight position.
6. Secure the vehicle to the dolly following the manufacturer's instructions.
7. Shift the transfer case to N (Neutral). See “Shifting into N (Neutral)” under
Four-Wheel Drive 0195 for the proper
procedure.
8. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle being towed is firmly attached to
the tow vehicle.
9. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
Rear Towing (Rear Wheels Off the
Ground)
Caution
Towing the vehicle from the rear could
damage it. Also, repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Never
have the vehicle towed from the rear.
Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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314 Service and Maintenance
.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 Check033.
.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 0256.
.Check automatic transmission shift lock
control function. See Automatic
Transmission Shift Lock Control Function
Check 0256.
.Check ignition transmission lock. See
Ignition Transmission Lock Check 0256.
.Check parking brake and automatic
transmission park mechanism. See Park
Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check
0 256.
.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) 0257.
.Verify spare tire key lock operation and
lubricate as needed. See Tire Changing
0 285.
.Visually inspect the spare tire to ensure
that it is tightly stowed under the vehicle.
Push, pull, and try to turn the tire. If the
spare tire moves, tighten as necessary.
See Tire Changing 0285.
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Service and Maintenance 317
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 mi84 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)
Footnotes—Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services - Severe
(1) Or every two years, whichever comes
first. More frequent passenger compartment
air filter replacement may be needed if
driving in areas with heavy traffic, poor air quality, high dust levels, or environmental
allergens. Passenger compartment air filter
replacement may also be needed if there is
reduced airflow, window fogging, or odors.
Your GM dealer can help determine when to
replace the filter.
(2)
Or every four years, whichever comes
first. If driving in dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each oil change or more often
as needed. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 246.
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Service and Maintenance 321
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
This maintenance section applies to vehicles with a gasoline engine. If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the recommended fluids and
lubricants section in the Duramax diesel supplement.
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name or specification, including fluids or lubricants not listed here, can be obtained from your dealer.Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Automatic Transmission (6 Speed) DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Automatic Transmission (8 Speed) DEXRON-HP Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Chassis Lubrication Lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL coolant. See Cooling System
0 247.
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1 specification of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 full synthetic is recommended. See Engine Oil0243.
Floor Shift Linkage Lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Front (If Equipped With Four-Wheel Drive) and Rear Axle See your dealer.
Hydraulic Brake DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.
Key Lock Cylinders, Hood Hinges, Body Door
Hinge Pins, Tailgate Hinge and Linkage, Tailgate Handle Pivot Points, Hinges, Latch Bolt Linkage, and Fuel Door Hinge Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube. See your dealer.
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322 Service and Maintenance
UsageFluid/Lubricant
Transfer Case (If Equipped With Four-Wheel Drive) DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Windshield Washer Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection requirements.
Maintenance Replacement Parts
Replacement parts identified below by name, part number, or specification can be obtained from your dealer.
Part GM Part Number ACDelco Part Number
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 94775933 A3195C
Engine Oil Filter
2.5L L4 Engine 12696048 PF64
3.6L V6 Engine 55594651 PF2257G
Passenger Compartment Air Filter 23135671 CF196
Spark Plugs 2.5L L4 Engine 12627160 41-115
3.6L V6 Engine 12646780 41-130