2021 CHEVROLET COLORADO check oil

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14430421) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 11
Remote Vehicle Start
If equipped, the engine can be started from
outside of the vehicle. The climate controls
and rear window defogger may also
come on.
If the vehicle has heated seats and the
feature is turned on in vehicle
personalization, the heated seats will turn
on during colder outside temperatures and
will shut off when the ignition is turned on.
SeeHeated Front Seats 025.
Laws in some communities may restrict the
use of remote starters. Check local
regulations for any requirements on remote
starting of vehicles.
If your vehicle is low on fuel, do not use the
remote start feature. The vehicle may run
out of fuel.
The vehicle cannot be remote started if:
.The key is in the ignition.
.The hood is not closed.
.There is an emission control system
malfunction and the malfunction indicator
lamp is on.
.The hazard warning flashers are on.
.Two remote vehicle starts, or a single
remote start with an extension, have
already been used.
.The vehicle is not in P (Park).
The engine will turn off during a remote
vehicle start if:
.The coolant temperature gets too high.
.The oil pressure gets low.
The RKE transmitter range may be less while
the vehicle is running.
Other conditions can affect the performance
of the transmitter. See Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System 08or
Vehicle Personalization 098.
Starting the Engine Using Remote Start
1. Press and release
Q.
2. Immediately press and hold
/until the
turn signal lamps flash or for at least
four seconds.
When the vehicle starts, the parking
lamps will turn on. The doors will be
locked and the climate control system
may come on. The engine will continue to run for
15 minutes. Repeat the steps for one
15-minute time extension. Turn the ignition
on to operate the vehicle.
Extending Engine Run Time
The engine run time can be extended by
15 minutes, for a total of 30 minutes,
if during the first 15 minutes Steps 1 and 2
are repeated while the engine is still
running. An extension can be requested
30 seconds after starting.
A maximum of two remote starts, or a
single start with an extension, is allowed
between ignition cycles.
The ignition must be turned on and then
back off to use remote start again.
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start, do one of the
following:
.Press and hold/until the parking lamps
turn off.
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Turn the vehicle on and then off.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14430421) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/20
74 Instruments and Controls
Instruments and Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . 84
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . 85
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Four-Wheel-Drive Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Tow/Haul Mode Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Hill Descent Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
StabiliTrak OFF Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Traction Control System (TCS)/ StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Low Fuel Warning Light (Base Level) . . . . 91
Low Fuel Warning Light (Uplevel) . . . . . . . 91
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Door Ajar Light (Uplevel Cluster) . . . . . . . 92
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Engine Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Vehicle Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Instruments and Controls 91
the light will come on at every ignition
cycle. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation
0 275.
Engine Oil Pressure Light
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.
This light should come on briefly as the
engine is started. If it does not come on,
have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the light comes on and stays on, it means
that oil is not flowing through the engine
properly. The vehicle could be low on oil
and might have some other system
problem. See your dealer.
Low Fuel Warning Light (Base
Level)
English Shown
This light comes on for a few seconds when
the ignition is turned on as a check to
indicate it is working. If it does not come
on, have it fixed. The low fuel warning light comes on and a
chime sounds when the vehicle is low on
fuel. The light turns off when fuel is added
to the fuel tank.
Low Fuel Warning Light (Uplevel)
This light is near the fuel gauge and comes
on briefly when the ignition is turned on as
a check to show it is working.
It also comes on when the fuel tank is low
on fuel. The light turns off when fuel is
added. If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced.
Security Light

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14430421) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/20
Driving and Operating 223
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before
backing the trailer into the water to prevent
damage to the electrical circuits on the
trailer. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer
after removing the trailer from the water.
If the trailer has electric brakes that can
function when the trailer is submerged, it
might help to leave the electrical trailer
connector attached to maintain trailer brake
functionality while on the boat ramp.
To back the trailer into the water:1. If equipped, place the vehicle in four-wheel-drive high.
2. Slowly back down the boat ramp until the boat is floating, but no further than
necessary.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet.
4. Have someone place chocks under the front wheels of the vehicle.
5. Gradually release the brake pedal to allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer. 6. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the
parking brake and shift into P (Park).
7. Release the brake pedal.
Pulling the Trailer from the Water
To pull the trailer of the water: 1. Press and hold the brake pedals.
2. Start the engine and shift into gear.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Let up on the brake pedal.
5. Drive slowly until the tires are clear of the chocks.
6. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
7. Slowly pull the trailer from the water.
8. Once the vehicle and trailer have been driven from the sloped part of the boat
ramp, the vehicle can be shifted from
four-wheel-drive high. Shift into the drive
mode that is appropriate for the road
conditions.Caution
If the vehicle tires begin to spin and the
vehicle begins to slide toward the water,
remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal and apply the brake pedal. Seek
help to have the vehicle towed up
the ramp.
Maintenance when Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when
used to tow trailers. See Maintenance
Schedule 0312. It is especially important to
check the automatic transmission fluid,
engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling
system, and brake system before and during
each trip.
Check periodically to see that all nuts and
bolts on the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating conditions.
See Engine Overheating 0250.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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236 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . 237
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 237
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . 238
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 240
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . 246
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256 Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . 256
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps . . . . . . 259
Taillamps, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . 262
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . 266
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 272 Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 275
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . 275
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 279
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . 281
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . 281
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 283
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 296
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 243
Engine Oil
For diesel engine vehicles, see“Engine Oil”
in the Duramax diesel supplement.
To ensure proper engine performance and
long life, careful attention must be paid to
engine oil. Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect your
investment:
.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. SeeEngine Oil Life System 0245.
.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 0240
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
2.5L L4 Engine
3.6L V6 Engine
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 0325.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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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-
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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.