check engine CHEVROLET COLORADO 2009 1.G Owners Manual

Testing the Alarm
To test the alarm:
1. From inside the vehicle, activate the system by
locking the doors with the RKE transmitter.
2. Unlock the door with the manual door lock and
open the door. This should set off the alarm.
3. To turn the alarm off, press the unlock button on
the RKE transmitter or start the engine.
If the alarm does not sound when it should but the lights
ash, check to see if the horn works. The horn fuse
may be blown. To replace the fuse, seeFuses
and Circuit Breakers on page 5-110.
If the alarm does not sound or the front turn signal
lamps do not ash, see your dealer/retailer for service.
Passlock®(U. S. Only)
Passlock®is a passive theft-deterrent system that
enables fuel if the vehicle is started with a valid key.
If an incorrect key is used or the ignition lock cylinder is
tampered with, the fuel system is disabled and the
vehicle does not start.
The security light turns off approximately ve seconds
after the engine is started. SeeSecurity Light on
page 3-34.
If the engine stalls and the security light ashes, wait
about 10 minutes until the light stops ashing before
trying to restart the engine. Release the key from
START as soon as the engine starts.
If the engine does not start after three tries, the vehicle
needs service.
If the engine is running and the security light comes on,
the engine restarts if you turn the engine off. However,
the Passlock
®system is not working properly and
must be serviced by your dealer/retailer. The vehicle is
not protected by Passlock
®at this time. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
In an emergency, call the Roadside Assistance Center.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-7.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms or
deactivates the theft deterrent system in the vehicle.
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If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to be
undamaged, try another ignition key. Check the fuse. See
Fuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-110. If the engine
still does not start with the other key, the vehicle needs
service. If the vehicle does start, the rst key may be
faulty. See your dealer/retailer who can service the
theft-deterrent system and have a new key made.
It is possible for the theft-deterrent system decoder to
learn the transponder value of a new or replacement
key. Up to 10 keys can be programmed for the vehicle.
The following procedure is for programming additional
keys only.
Canadian Owners:If the keys are lost or damaged,
only a dealer/retailer can service the theft-deterrent
system to have new ones made. Two current driver’s
keys are required to program additional keys.
To program a new key:
1. Verify that the new key has PK3+ stamped on it.
2. Insert the current driver’s key in the ignition
and start the engine. If the engine does not start see
your dealer/retailer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key to
LOCK/OFF, and remove the key.4. Insert the second current driver’s key in the ignition
and start the engine within ten seconds of removing
the previous key. If the engine does not start see
your dealer/retailer for service.
5. After the engine has started, turn the key to
LOCK/OFF, and remove the key. Insert the key to
be programmed and turn it to ON/RUN within
ten seconds of removing the previous key.
The security light turns off once the key has been
programmed.
6. Repeat the Steps 1 through 5 if additional keys are
to be programmed.
If the security light comes on and stays on while driving,
the engine will restart if you turn it off. However, the
theft-deterrent system is not working properly and must
be serviced by your dealer/retailer. The vehicle is
not protected by the theft-deterrent system at this time.
In an emergency, contact Roadside Assistance. See
Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-7.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms or
deactivates the theft deterrent system in the vehicle.
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Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go
of the key. The idle speed will go down as the engine
warms. Do not race the engine immediately after
starting it. Operate the engine and transmission
gently to allow the oil to warm up and lubricate all
moving parts.
The vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in starting the engine
and protects components. If the ignition key is turned
to the START position, and then released when the
engine begins cranking, the engine will continue
cranking for a few seconds or until the vehicle starts.
If the engine does not start and the key is held in
START for many seconds, cranking will be stopped
after 15 seconds to prevent cranking motor damage.
To prevent gear damage, this system also prevents
cranking if the engine is already running. Engine
cranking can be stopped by turning the ignition
switch to ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the key to the START position
immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat
and damage the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try,
to let the cranking motor cool down.2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or−18°C),
it could be ooded with too much gasoline. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the oor and holding
it there as you hold the key in START for a maximum
of 15 seconds. Wait at least 15 seconds between
each try, to allow the cranking motor to cool. When
the engine starts, let go of the key and accelerator. If
the vehicle starts briey but then stops again, repeat
the procedure. This clears the extra gasoline from
the engine. Do not race the engine immediately after
starting it. Operate the engine and transmission
gently until the oil warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.
Notice:The engine is designed to work with the
electronics in the vehicle. If you add electrical parts
or accessories, you could change the way the
engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,
check with your dealer/retailer. If you do not, the
engine might not perform properly. Any resulting
damage would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
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The recirculation mode cannot be used with oor/defog,
defrost, or defogging modes. If recirculation is selected in
these modes, the indicator will ash or not come on.
Outlet Adjustment
Use the thumbwheel on the outlets to change the
direction of the air ow.
Lift up or push down on the thumbwheel located in
the center of the outlet to direct the air up or down,
or slide the thumbwheel to the left or right to direct the
airow from side-to-side.
Operation Tips

Clear away any ice, snow or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the windshield that may
block the ow of air into the vehicle.
Use of non-GM approved hood deectors may
adversely affect the performance of the system.
Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects
to help circulate the air inside of the vehicle more
effectively.
Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
Warning lights and gages 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 gages could prevent injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of the vehicle’s functions. Some
warning lights come on briey when the engine is
started to indicate they are working.
Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of the vehicle’s functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to indicate a problem with
the vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
while driving, or when one of the gages shows there may
be a problem, check the section that explains what to do.
Follow this manual’s advice. Waiting to do repairs can be
costly and even dangerous.
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Speedometer and Odometer
The speedometer shows the speed in both miles per
hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h).
The odometer shows how far the vehicle has been
driven, in either miles (used in the United States)
or kilometers (used in Canada).
The odometer mileage can be checked without the
vehicle running by pressing the trip information stem.
See “Odometer” underDIC Operation and Displays
on page 3-35for more information.
If the cluster is replaced the new one will automatically
detect and update the vehicle’s accumulated mileage.
Trip Odometer
The vehicle has a trip odometer that indicates how far
the vehicle has been driven since the trip odometer was
last set to zero.
See “Trip Odometer” underDIC Operation and Displays
on page 3-35for more information.
Tachometer
The tachometer displays the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (rpm).Notice:If the engine is operated with the
tachometer in the shaded warning area, the vehicle
could be damaged, and the damages would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not operate
the engine with the tachometer in the shaded
warning area.
Safety Belt Reminders
Driver Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the engine is started, a chime sounds for
several seconds to remind the driver to fasten the safety
belt, unless the driver safety belt is already buckled.
The driver safety belt light
comes on and stays on
for several seconds, then
ashes for several more.
This chime and light are repeated if the driver remains
unbuckled and the vehicle is in motion. If the driver’s
safety belt is already buckled, neither the chime nor the
light comes on.
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Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light
Several seconds after the engine is started,
a chime sounds for several seconds to remind the
front passenger to buckle their safety belt. This only
occurs if the passenger airbag is enabled. See
Passenger Sensing System on page 1-70for more
information. The passenger safety belt light, located
on the instrument panel, comes on and stays on for
several seconds and then ashes for several more.
This chime and light are
repeated if the passenger
remains unbuckled and
the vehicle is in motion.
If the passenger safety belt is buckled, neither the
chime nor the light comes on.
Airbag Readiness Light
The system checks the airbag’s electrical system for
possible malfunctions. If the light stays on it indicates
there is an electrical problem. The system check includes
the airbag sensor, the pretensioners, the airbag modules,
the wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module.
For more information on the airbag system, seeAirbag
System on page 1-62.
The airbag readiness light
ashes for a few seconds
when the engine is started.
If the light does not come
on then, have it xed
immediately.
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If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on the passenger
airbag status indicator, it means that the right front
passenger frontal airbag is enabled (may inate).
If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on the airbag
status indicator, it means that the passenger sensing
system has turned off the right front passenger
frontal airbag.
If, after several seconds, both status indicator lights
remain on, or if there are no lights at all, there may
be a problem with the lights or the passenger sensing
system. See your dealer/retailer for service.
{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light ever comes on and
stays on, it means that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. To help avoid injury to
yourself or others, have the vehicle serviced right
away. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on page 3-24
for more information, including important safety
information.
Charging System Light
This light comes on briey
when the ignition key is
turned to START, but
the engine is not running,
as a check to show it
is working.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer.
The light should go out once the engine starts. If it stays
on, or comes on while driving, there could be a problem
with the charging system. A charging system message
in the Driver Information Center (DIC) can also appear.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-39for more
information. This light could indicate that there are
problems with a generator drive belt, or that there is an
electrical problem. Have it checked right away. If the
vehicle must be driven a short distance with the light
on, turn off accessories, such as the radio and air
conditioner.
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Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with a tire
pressure light, this light
comes on briey when
the engine is started and
provides information about
tire pressures and the
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System.
When the Light is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the tires is signicantly
underinated.
A tire pressure message in the Driver Information
Center (DIC), can accompany the light. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-39for more
information. Stop and check the tires as soon as it is
safe to do so. If a tire is underinated, inate to the
proper pressure. SeeTires on page 5-56for more
information.
When the Light Flashes First and Then is
On Steady
This indicates that there could be a problem with the
Tire Pressure Monitor System. The light ashes for about
a minute and stays on steady for the remainder of the
ignition cycle. This sequence repeats with every ignition
cycle. SeeTire Pressure Monitor System on page 5-65
for more information.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
A computer system called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) monitors operation
of the fuel, ignition, and emission control systems.
It ensures that emissions are at acceptable levels
for the life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment.
This light should come on
when the ignition is on, but
the engine is not running,
as a check to show it
working. If it does not, have
the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer.
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If the check engine light comes on and stays on, while
the engine is running, this indicates that there is an
OBD II problem and service is required.
Malfunctions often are indicated by the system before
any problem is apparent. Being aware of the light
can prevent more serious damage to the vehicle.
This system assists the service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction.
Notice:If the vehicle is continually driven with
this light on, after a while, the emission controls
might not work as well, the vehicle’s fuel economy
might not be as good, and the engine might not
run as smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs
that might not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Notice:Modications made to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system
of the vehicle or the replacement of the original
tires with other than those of the same Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) can affect the vehicle’s
emission controls and can cause this light to come
on. Modications to these systems could lead to
costly repairs not covered by the vehicle warranty.
This could also result in a failure to pass a required
Emission Inspection/Maintenance test. See
Accessories and Modifications on page 5-3.This light comes on during a malfunction in one of
two ways:
Light Flashing:A misre condition has been detected.
A misre increases vehicle emissions and could
damage the emission control system on the vehicle.
Diagnosis and service might be required.
To prevent more serious damage to the vehicle:
Reduce vehicle speed.
Avoid hard accelerations.
Avoid steep uphill grades.
If towing a trailer, reduce the amount of cargo being
hauled as soon as it is possible.
If the light continues to ash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park the vehicle.
Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds, and restart
the engine. If the light is still ashing, follow the previous
steps and see your dealer/retailer for service as soon
as possible.
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Light On Steady:An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on the vehicle.
Diagnosis and service might be required.
An emission system malfunction might be corrected by
doing the following:
Make sure the fuel cap is fully installed. SeeFilling
the Tank on page 5-8. The diagnostic system
can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap
allows fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere.
A few driving trips with the cap properly installed
should turn the light off.
If the vehicle has been driven through a deep puddle
of water, the vehicle’s electrical system might be wet.
The condition is usually corrected when the electrical
system dries out. A few driving trips should turn the
light off.
Make sure to fuel the vehicle with quality fuel. Poor
fuel quality causes the engine not to run as efficiently
as designed and can cause: stalling after start-up,
stalling when the vehicle is changed into gear,
misring, hesitation on acceleration, or stumbling on
acceleration. These conditions might go away once
the engine is warmed up.
If one or more of these conditions occurs, change the
fuel brand used. It will require at least one full tank of
the proper fuel to turn the light off.
SeeGasoline Octane on page 5-5.
If none of the above have made the light turn off, your
dealer/retailer can check the vehicle. The dealer/retailer
has the proper test equipment and diagnostic tools to
x any mechanical or electrical problems that might have
developed.
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