Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14430421) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/20
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-
14430421) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/20
Vehicle Care 257
.To check the parking brake's holding
ability: With the engine running and the
transmission in N (Neutral), slowly remove
foot pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by
the parking brake only.
.To check the P (Park) mechanism's holding
ability: With the engine running, shift to
P (Park). Then release the parking brake
followed by the regular brake.
Contact your dealer if service is required.
Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected
for wear or cracking.
Replacement blades come in different types
and are removed in different ways. For
proper windshield wiper blade length and
type, see Maintenance Replacement Parts
0 322.
Caution
Allowing the wiper arm to touch the
windshield when no wiper blade is
installed could damage the windshield.
Any damage that occurs would not be
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not
allow the wiper arm to touch the
windshield.
To replace the windshield wiper blade: 1. Pull the windshield wiper assembly away from the windshield.
2. Press the release lever in the middle ofthe wiper blade where the wiper blade
attaches.
3. Remove the wiper blade.
4. Reverse Steps 1–3 for wiper blade replacement.
Windshield Replacement
Driver Assistance Systems
If the windshield needs to be replaced and
the vehicle is equipped with a front camera
sensor for the Driver Assistance Systems, a
GM replacement windshield is
recommended. The replacement windshield
must be installed according to GM
specifications for proper alignment. If it is
not, these systems may not work properly,
they may display messages, or they may
not work at all. See your dealer for proper
windshield replacement.
Gas Strut(s)
This vehicle is equipped with gas strut(s) to
provide assistance in lifting and holding
open the hood/trunk/liftgate system in full
open position.
{Warning
If the gas struts that hold open the hood,
trunk, and/or liftgate fail, you or others
could be seriously injured. Take the
vehicle to your dealer for service
immediately. Visually inspect the gas
struts for signs of wear, cracks, or other
(Continued)
Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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306 Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)
calcium chloride. These are used on roads
for conditions such as dust and ice.
Always wash the chrome with soap and
water after exposure.
Caution
To avoid surface damage on wheels and
wheel trim, do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, cleaners,
or brushes. Use only GM approved
cleaners. Do not drive the vehicle through
an automatic car wash that uses silicon
carbide tire/wheel cleaning brushes.
Damage could occur and the repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Brake System
Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for
proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear
and rotors for surface condition. Inspect
drum brake linings/shoes for wear or cracks.
Inspect all other brake parts.
Steering, Suspension, and Chassis
Components
Visually inspect steering, suspension, and
chassis components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear at least
once a year.
Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint boots
and axle seals for leaks.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood hinges,
liftgate hinges, steel fuel door hinge, and
power assist step hinges, unless the
components are plastic. Applying silicone
grease on weatherstrips with a clean cloth
will make them last longer, seal better, and
not stick or squeak
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, spring and fall, use
plain water to flush any corrosive materials
from the underbody. Take care to
thoroughly clean any areas where mud and
other debris can collect.Do not directly power wash the transfer
case and/or front/rear axle output seals.
High pressure water can overcome the seals
and contaminate the fluid. Contaminated
fluid will decrease the life of the transfer
case and/or axles and should be replaced.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and requires sheet
metal repair or replacement, make sure the
body repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or replaced to
restore corrosion protection.
Original manufacturer replacement parts will
provide the corrosion protection while
maintaining the vehicle warranty.
Finish Damage
Quickly repair minor chips and scratches
with touch-up materials available from your
dealer to avoid corrosion. Larger areas of
finish damage can be corrected in your
dealer's body and paint shop.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Airborne pollutants can fall upon and attack
painted vehicle surfaces causing blotchy,
ring-shaped discolorations, and small,
Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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316 Service and Maintenance
Footnotes—Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services - Normal
(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. (3)
Visually check all fuel and vapor lines
and hoses for proper attachment,
connection, routing, and condition.
(4) Do not directly power wash the transfer
case and/or front/rear axle output seals.
High pressure water can overcome the seals
and contaminate the transfer case fluid.
Contaminated fluid will decrease the life of
the transfer case and/or axles and should be
replaced.
(5) Or every five years, whichever comes
first. See Cooling System 0247. (6)
Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
Inspect for fraying, excessive cracking,
or damage; replace, if needed.
(7) Replace brake fluid every five years. See
Brake Fluid 0253.
(8) Or every 12 months, whichever comes
first. See Wiper Blade Replacement 0257.
(9) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
See Gas Strut(s) 0257.
(10) Replace air conditioning desiccant every
seven years.
Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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318 Service and Maintenance
(3)Visually check all fuel and vapor lines
and hoses for proper attachment,
connection, routing, and condition.
(4) Do not directly power wash the transfer
case and/or front/rear axle output seals.
High pressure water can overcome the seals
and contaminate the transfer case fluid.
Contaminated fluid will decrease the life of
the transfer case and/or axles and should be
replaced.
(5) Or every five years, whichever comes
first. See Cooling System 0247.
(6) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
Inspect for fraying, excessive cracking,
or damage; replace, if needed.
(7) Replace brake fluid every five years. See
Brake Fluid 0253.
(8) Or every 12 months, whichever comes
first. See Wiper Blade Replacement 0257.
(9) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
See Gas Strut(s) 0257.
(10) Replace air conditioning desiccant every
seven years.Special Application Services
.Severe Commercial Use Vehicles Only:
Lubricate chassis components every oil
change.
.Have underbody flushing service
performed. See "Underbody Maintenance"
in Exterior Care 0303.
Additional Maintenance
and Care
Your vehicle is an important investment and
caring for it properly may help to avoid
future costly repairs. To maintain vehicle
performance, additional maintenance
services may be required.
It is recommended that your dealer perform
these services —their trained dealer
technicians know your vehicle best. Your
dealer can also perform a thorough
assessment with a multi-point inspection to
recommend when your vehicle may need
attention.
The following list is intended to explain the
services and conditions to look for that may
indicate services are required. Battery
The 12-volt battery supplies power to start
the engine and operate any additional
electrical accessories.
.To avoid break-down or failure to start
the vehicle, maintain a battery with full
cranking power.
.Trained dealer technicians have the
diagnostic equipment to test the battery
and ensure that the connections and
cables are corrosion-free.
Belts
.Belts may need replacing if they squeak
or show signs of cracking or splitting.
.Trained dealer technicians have access to
tools and equipment to inspect the belts
and recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are crucial to
safe driving.
.Signs of brake wear may include chirping,
grinding, or squealing noises, or difficulty
stopping.
Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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348 Index
Automatic (cont'd)Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . 256
Auxiliary Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . . . . . 118
Axle Locking Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Axle, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Axle, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
B
Battery Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . 107
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . 254, 296
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Blind Spot Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Bluetooth Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140, 141
Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202 Brakes (cont'd)
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171 Automatic Emergency (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Buckle To Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Bulb Replacement Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps . . . . . . 259
Taillamps, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
California
Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . 237
California Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .237, 254, 296, Back Cover
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190 Carbon Monoxide (cont'd)
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Charging Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . 86
Ignition Transmission Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Lower Anchors and Tethers forChildren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64, 69
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Cleaning Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163 Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77