2021 CHEVROLET COLORADO coolant level

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-
14430421) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/20
80 Instruments and Controls
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning lights and gauges can signal that
something is wrong before it becomes
serious enough to cause an expensive repair
or replacement. Paying attention to the
warning lights and gauges could prevent
injury.
Some warning lights come on briefly when
the engine is started to indicate they are
working. When one of the warning lights
comes on and stays on while driving,
or when one of the gauges shows there
may be a problem, check the section that
explains what to do. Waiting to do repairs
can be costly and even dangerous.
Instrument Cluster
Base Level English Shown, Metric Similar
1.Tachometer 083
2. Fuel Gauge 083
3. Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
084
4. Speedometer 082 5.
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 093 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel) 095

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14430421) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/20
Instruments and Controls 81
Uplevel English Shown, Metric Similar
1.Tachometer 083
2. Fuel Gauge 083
3. Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
084
4. Speedometer 082
5. Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 093 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel) 095If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement for more
information.
Uplevel Cluster Menu
There is an interactive display area in the
center of the instrument cluster.
Use the right steering wheel control to open
and scroll through the different items and
displays.
Press
oorpto change between the
cluster applications. Press
worxto scroll
through the list of available features within
each application. Press
Vto select. Not all
applications will be available on all vehicles.
Some may be temporarily restricted when
the vehicle is off or in ACC/ACCESSORY.
.Home Page
.Info App. This is where the selected Driver
Information Center (DIC) displays can be
viewed. See “Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Uplevel)” in the Index.
.Audio

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14430421) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/20
222 Driving and Operating
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). Shift the
transmission to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often under heavy
loads and/or hilly conditions.
When towing at higher altitudes, engine
coolant will boil at a lower temperature
than at lower altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the vehicle
could show signs similar to engine
overheating. To avoid this, let the engine
run, preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few minutes
before turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, seeEngine
Overheating 0250.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and trailer on a
level surface when possible. When parking your vehicle and your trailer
on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn the wheels into
the curb if facing downhill or into traffic
if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, gradually release the brake pedal to
allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
.Start the engine.
.Shift into a gear.
.Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Launching and Retrieving a Boat
Backing the Trailer into the Water
{Warning
.Have all passengers get out of the
vehicle before backing onto the sloped
part of the ramp. Lower the driver and
passenger side windows before
backing onto the ramp. This will
provide a means of escape in the
unlikely event the vehicle slides into
the water.
.If the boat launch surface is slippery,
have the driver remain in the vehicle
with the brake pedal applied while the
boat is being launched. The boat
launch can be especially slippery at
low tide when part of the ramp was
previously submerged at high tide. Do
not back onto the ramp to launch the
boat if you are not sure the vehicle
can maintain traction.
.Do not move the vehicle if someone is
in the path of the trailer. Some parts
of the trailer might be underwater and
not visible to people who are assisting
in launching the boat.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14430421) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/20
Vehicle Care 249
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
The vehicle must be on a level surface when
checking the coolant level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in the
coolant surge tank. If the coolant inside the
coolant surge tank is boiling, do not do
anything else until it cools down.If coolant is visible but the coolant level is
not at or above the mark pointed to, add a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL coolant.
Be sure the cooling system is cool before
this is done.
If no coolant is visible in the coolant surge
tank, add coolant as follows:
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank
{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
Plain water, or other liquids such as
alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. With plain water or
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.
{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.
Caution
Failure to follow the specific coolant fill
procedure could cause the engine to
overheat and could cause system
damage. If coolant is not visible in the
surge tank, contact your dealer.
The coolant surge tank pressure cap can be
removed when the cooling system, including
the surge tank pressure cap and upper
radiator hose, is no longer hot.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14430421) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/20
250 Vehicle Care
1. Turn the pressure cap slowlycounterclockwise. If a hiss is heard, wait
for that to stop. A hiss means there is
still some pressure left.
2. Keep turning the cap and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mixture to the mark pointed to
on the front of the coolant surge tank. 4. With the coolant surge tank cap off,
start the engine and let it run until the
upper radiator hose starts getting hot.
Watch out for the engine cooling fan. By
this time, the coolant level inside the
coolant surge tank may be lower. If the
level is lower, add more of the proper
mixture to the coolant surge tank until
the level reaches the mark pointed to on
the front of the coolant surge tank.
5. Replace the cap tightly.
6. Verify coolant level after the engine is shut off and the coolant is cold.
If necessary, repeat coolant fill procedure
Steps 1–6.
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
The vehicle has an engine coolant
temperature gauge on the instrument
cluster to warn of engine overheating. See
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge 084.
Caution
Do not run the engine if there is a leak
in the engine cooling system. This can
cause a loss of all coolant and can
damage the system and vehicle. Have
any leaks fixed right away.
If the decision is made not to lift the hood
when this warning appears, get service help
right away.
If the decision is made to lift the hood,
make sure the vehicle is parked on a level
surface.
Then check to see if the engine cooling fan
is running. If the engine is overheating, the
fan should be running. If it is not, do not
continue to run the engine and have the
vehicle serviced.
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 (Continued)

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14430421) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/20
Service and Maintenance 313
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. SeeEngine Oil Life
System 0245.
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) (Base Level)
093 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 95 for hourmeter.
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
The passenger compartment air filter
removes dust, pollen, and other airborne
irritants from outside air that is pulled into
the vehicle. The filter should be replaced as
part of routine scheduled maintenance.
Inspect the passenger compartment air filter
every 36 000 km (22,500 mi) or two years,
whichever comes first. Replace if necessary.
More frequent replacement may be needed if the vehicle is driven in areas with heavy
traffic, areas with poor air quality, or areas
with high dust levels. Replacement may also
be needed if there is a reduction in air flow,
excessive window fogging, or odors.
Air Conditioning Desiccant (Replace Every
Seven Years)
The air conditioning system requires
maintenance every seven years. This service
requires replacement of the desiccant to
help the longevity and efficient operation of
the air conditioning system. This service can
be complex. See your dealer.
Tire Rotation and Required Services
Every 12 000 km (7,500 mi)
Rotate the tires, if recommended for the
vehicle, and perform the following services.
See
Tire Rotation 0278.
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change engine
oil and filter, and reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil 0243 and
Engine Oil Life System 0245.
.Check engine coolant level. See Cooling
System 0247.
.Check windshield washer fluid level. See
Washer Fluid 0252.
.Check tire inflation pressures, including
the spare. See Tire Pressure0274.
.Inspect tire wear. See Tire Inspection
0 278.
.Visually check for fluid leaks.
.Inspect engine air cleaner filter. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0246.
.Inspect brake system. See Exterior Care
0 303.
.Visually inspect steering, suspension, and
chassis components for damage, including
cracks or tears in the rubber boots, loose
or missing parts, or signs of wear at least
once a year. See Exterior Care0303.
.Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc.