CHEVROLET COLORADO 2009 1.G Owners Manual

If there is a problem detected with StabiliTrak, a
SERVICE STAB SYS message displays on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-39for more information. When this
message is displayed, the system is not working. Adjust
your driving accordingly.
StabiliTrak and Traction Control (TCS) come on
automatically whenever the vehicle is started and the
systems are reset with each ignition cycle. However,
when the transfer case is placed in Four-Wheel-Low
mode, StabiliTrak is automatically disabled. See
Four-Wheel Drive on page 2-28for more information. It is
recommended to leave the system on for normal driving
conditions, but it may be necessary to turn the TCS
portion of the system off if the vehicle is stuck in sand,
mud, ice, or snow, and it is necessary to ‘‘rock’’ the
vehicle to attempt to free it. If traction control is turned off,
only the brake-traction control portion of traction control
will work. The engine speed management will be
disabled. In this mode, engine power is not reduced
automatically and the drive wheels can spin more freely.
This can cause the brake-traction control to activate
constantly. SeeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice, or Snow on page 4-31.The StabiliTrak/TCS light
will ash on the instrument
panel cluster when the
TCS system or StabiliTrak
is both on and activated.
The StabiliTrak/TCS button
is located on the
instrument panel.
To turn off TCS, press and release the StabiliTrak/TCS
button. The StabiliTrak/TCS light comes on in the
instrument panel cluster, and TRAC OFF comes on
the DIC. To turn TCS back on, press and release the
StabiliTrak/TCS button.
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To turn off TCS and StabiliTrak, press and hold the
StabiliTrak/TCS button until the TRAC OFF and
STAB SYS OFF messages come on the DIC and the
StabiliTrak/TCS light comes on the instrument panel.
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak back on, press and release
the StabiliTrak/TCS button.
When the TCS or StabiliTrak system is turned off, the
StabiliTrak/TCS light and the appropriate TRAC OFF or
STAB SYS OFF message will be displayed on the DIC.
The vehicle will still have brake-traction control when TCS
or StabiliTrak is off, but will not be able to use the engine
speed management system. The StabiliTrak/TCS light
ashes when either system is actively working. See
Traction Control Operation following for more information.
Traction Control System (TCS)
The Traction Control System (TCS) is part of StabiliTrak.
TCS limits wheel slip which is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. The system operates only if it senses
that any of the wheels are spinning or beginning to lose
traction. When this happens, TCS applies the brakes to
limit wheel spin and also reduces engine power. The
system may be heard or felt while it is working. This is
normal and does not mean there is a problem with the
vehicle.Notice:If the wheel(s) of one axle is allowed to spin
excessively while the StabiliTrak, ABS and brake
warning lights and any relevant DIC messages are
displayed, the transfer case could be damaged. The
repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Reduce engine power and do not spin the wheel(s)
excessively while these lights and messages are
displayed.
TCS can operate on dry roads under some conditions.
When this happens, the system may be heard working or
a reduction in acceleration may be noticed. This is normal
and does not mean there is a problem with the vehicle.
Examples of these conditions include hard acceleration in
a turn, an abrupt upshift or downshift of the transmission
or driving on rough roads.
If cruise control is being used when TCS begins to limit
wheel spin, the cruise control automatically disengages.
The cruise control can be re-engaged when road
conditions allow. SeeCruise Control on page 3-10.
4-8

The message TRACTION FAULT appears in the Driver
Information Center (DIC) when a TCS or Antilock Brake
System (ABS) problem has been detected and the
vehicle needs service. When this message is on, the
system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving
accordingly. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-39.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
the vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3.
Limited-Slip Rear Axle
Vehicles with a limited-slip rear axle can give more
traction on snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like a
standard axle most of the time, but when traction is low,
this feature allows the drive wheel with the most traction
to move the vehicle.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tires
and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is
banked, and your speed. While in a curve, speed is the
one factor you can control.
If you need to reduce speed, do it before you enter the
curve, while the front wheels are straight ahead.
Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait
to accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then
accelerate gently into the straightaway.
4-9

Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more effective
than braking. For example, you come over a hill and nd
a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out
from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked
cars and stops right in front of you. You can avoid these
problems by braking — if you can stop in time. But
sometimes you cannot; there is not room. That is the time
for evasive action — steering around the problem.
Your vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like
these. First apply the brakes. SeeBraking on page 4-4.
It is better to remove as much speed as you can from a
possible collision. Then steer around the problem, to the
left or right depending on the space available.
An emergency like this requires close attention and a
quick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel at
the recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, you can turn
it a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing either
hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly, and just as
quickly straighten the wheel once you have avoided the
object.
The fact that such emergency situations are always
possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving
at all times and wear safety belts properly.
4-10

Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle’s right wheels can drop off the edge of a
road onto the shoulder while driving.
If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the
pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the
accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer
so that your vehicle straddles the edge of the pavement.
Turn the steering wheel 3 to 5 inches, 8 to 13 cm, (about
one-eighth turn) until the right front tire contacts the
pavement edge. Then turn the steering wheel to go
straight down the roadway.
Passing
Passing another vehicle on a two-lane road can be
dangerous. To reduce the risk of danger while passing:
Look down the road, to the sides, and to crossroads
for situations that might affect a successful pass. If
in doubt, wait.
Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings, and
lines that could indicate a turn or an intersection.
Never cross a solid or double-solid line on your side
of the lane.
Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to
pass. Doing so can reduce your visibility.
Wait your turn to pass a slow vehicle.
When you are being passed, ease to the right.
Loss of Control
Let us review what driving experts say about what
happens when the three control systems — brakes,
steering, and acceleration — do not have enough friction
where the tires meet the road to do what the driver has
asked.
In any emergency, do not give up. Keep trying to steer
and constantly seek an escape route or area of less
danger.
4-11

Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving
those conditions. But skids are always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle’s
three control systems. In the braking skid, the wheels are
not rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much
speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose
cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too much
throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,
your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready
for a second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, you
want to slow down and adjust your driving to these
conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance is longer and
vehicle control more limited.While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or
braking, including reducing vehicle speed by shifting to a
lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires to
slide. You might not realize the surface is slippery until
your vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow on
the road to make a mirrored surface — and slow down
when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.
Off-Road Driving
Vehicles with four-wheel drive can be used for off-road
driving. Vehicles without four-wheel drive should not
be driven off-road except on a level, solid surface.
The airbag system is designed to work properly under a
wide range of conditions, including off-road usage.
Always wear your safety belt and observe safe driving
speeds, especially on rough terrain.
4-12

Drinking and driving can be very dangerous on any road
and this is certainly true for off-road driving. At the very
time you need special alertness and driving skills, your
reexes, perceptions, and judgment can be affected
by even a small amount of alcohol. You could have a
serious — or even fatal — accident if you drink and drive
or ride with a driver who has been drinking.
Off-roading can be great fun but has some denite
hazards. The greatest of these is the terrain itself. When
off-road driving, traffic lanes are not marked, curves
are not banked, and there are no road signs. Surfaces
can be slippery, rough, uphill, or downhill.
Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers. Failure to
operate the vehicle correctly off-road could result in loss
of vehicle control or vehicle rollover.
Off-roading involves some new skills. That is why it is
very important that you read these driving tips and
suggestions to help make off-road driving safer
and more enjoyable.Before You Go Off-Roading
Have all necessary maintenance and service
work done.
Make sure there is enough fuel, that uid levels are
where they should be, and that the spare tire is fully
inated.
Be sure to read all the information about
four-wheel-drive vehicles in this manual.
Make sure all underbody shields, if the vehicle has
them, are properly attached.
Know the local laws that apply to off-roading where
you will be driving or check with law enforcement
people in the area.
Be sure to get the necessary permission if you will
be on private land.
4-13

Loading Your Vehicle for Off-Road
Driving
{CAUTION:
Cargo on the load oor piled higher than the
seatbacks can be thrown forward during a
sudden stop. You or your passengers could
be injured. Keep cargo below the top of the
seatbacks.
Unsecured cargo on the load oor can be
tossed about when driving over rough terrain.
You or your passengers can be struck by
ying objects. Secure the cargo properly.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)

Heavy loads on the roof raise the vehicle’s
center of gravity, making it more likely to roll
over. You can be seriously or fatally injured if
the vehicle rolls over. Put heavy loads inside
the cargo area, not on the roof. Keep cargo in
the cargo area as far forward and low as
possible.
There are some important things to remember about
how to load your vehicle.
The heaviest things should be on the oor, forward
of the rear axle. Put heavier items as far forward
as you can.
Be sure the load is properly secured, so things are
not tossed around.
You will nd other important information underLoading
the Vehicle on page 4-33andTires on page 5-56.
4-14

Environmental Concerns
Off-road driving can provide wholesome and satisfying
recreation. However, it also raises environmental
concerns. We recognize these concerns and urge every
off-roader to follow these basic rules for protecting
the environment:
Always use established trails, roads, and areas that
have been specially set aside for public off-road
recreational driving and obey all posted regulations.
Avoid any driving practice that could damage shrubs,
owers, trees, or grasses or disturb wildlife. This
includes wheel-spinning, breaking down trees, or
unnecessary driving through streams or over soft
ground.
Always carry a litter bag and make sure all refuse is
removed from any campsite before leaving.
Take extreme care with open res (where permitted),
camp stoves, and lanterns.
Never park your vehicle over dry grass or other
combustible materials that could catch re from the
heat of the vehicle’s exhaust system.
Traveling to Remote Areas
It makes sense to plan your trip, especially when going
to a remote area. Know the terrain and plan your
route. Get accurate maps of trails and terrain. Check to
see if there are any blocked or closed roads.
It is also a good idea to travel with at least one other
vehicle in case something happens to one of them.
For vehicles with a winch, be sure to read the winch
instructions. In a remote area, a winch can be handy if
you get stuck but you will want to know how to use
it properly.
4-15

Getting Familiar with Off-Road Driving
It is a good idea to practice in an area that is safe
and close to home before you go into the wilderness.
Off-roading requires some new and different skills.
Tune your senses to different kinds of signals. Your eyes
need to constantly sweep the terrain for unexpected
obstacles. Your ears need to listen for unusual tire or
engine sounds. Use your arms, hands, feet, and body to
respond to vibrations and vehicle bounce.
Controlling the vehicle is the key to successful off-road
driving. One of the best ways to control the vehicle
is to control the speed. At higher speeds:
You approach things faster and have less time to
react.
There is less time to scan the terrain for obstacles.
The vehicle has more bounce when driving over
obstacles.
More braking distance is needed, especially on an
unpaved surface.
{CAUTION:
When you are driving off-road, bouncing and quick
changes in direction can easily throw you out of
position. This could cause you to lose control and
crash. So, whether you are driving on or off the
road, you and your passengers should wear
safety belts.
Scanning the Terrain
Off-road driving can take you over many different kinds
of terrain. Be familiar with the terrain and its many
different features.
Surface Conditions:Off-roading surfaces can be
hard-packed dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand, mud, snow,
or ice. Each of these surfaces affects the vehicle’s
steering, acceleration, and braking in different ways.
Depending on the surface, slipping, sliding, wheel
spinning, delayed acceleration, poor traction, and longer
braking distances can occur.
4-16