check engine light CHEVROLET COLORADO 2004 1.G User Guide

Braking
Braking action involvesperception timeand
reaction time.
First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal.
That isperception time.Then you have to bring up your
foot and do it. That isreaction time.
Averagereaction timeis about 3/4 of a second. But that is
only an average. It might be less with one driver and as
long as two or three seconds or more with another. Age,
physical condition, alertness, coordination and eyesight
all play a part. So do alcohol, drugs and frustration. But
even in 3/4 of a second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph
(100 km/h) travels 66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of
distance in an emergency, so keeping enough space
between your vehicle and others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with the surface of the road (whether it is pavement
or gravel); the condition of the road (wet, dry, icy); tire
tread; the condition of your brakes; the weight of
the vehicle and the amount of brake force applied.
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in
spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is
a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool
between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much
faster if you do a lot of heavy braking.If you keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic
following distances, you will eliminate a lot of
unnecessary braking. That means better braking and
longer brake life.
If your engine ever stops while you are driving, brake
normally but do not pump your brakes. If you do, the
pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine stops,
you will still have some power brake assist. But you will
use it when you brake. Once the power assist is used up,
it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be
harder to push.
Anti-lock Brake System
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes. ABS is an advanced
electronic braking system that will help prevent a
braking skid.
When you start your engine and begin to drive away,
your anti-lock brake system will check itself. You
may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while
this test is going on. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system,
this warning light will
stay on. SeeAnti-Lock
Brake System Warning
Light on page 3-23.
4-6

{CAUTION:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your
vehicle. This can cause deadly CO (carbon
monoxide) gas to get inside. CO could
overcome you and kill you. You can not see it
or smell it, so you might not know it is in your
vehicle. Clear away snow from around the
base of your vehicle, especially any that is
blocking your exhaust pipe. And check around
again from time to time to be sure snow does
not collect there.
Open a window just a little on the side of the
vehicle that is away from the wind. This will
help keep CO out.Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little
faster than just idle. That is, push the accelerator
slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat that you get and
it keeps the battery charged. You will need a
well-charged battery to restart the vehicle, and possibly
for signaling later on with your headlamps. Let the
heater run for a while.
Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost all
the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine again and
repeat this only when you feel really uncomfortable from
the cold. But do it as little as possible. Preserve the fuel
as long as you can. To help keep warm, you can get out
of the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises
every half hour or so until help comes.
4-41

{CAUTION:
If you spill fuel and then something ignites it,
you could be badly burned. Fuel can spray out
on you if you open the fuel cap too quickly. This
spray can happen if your tank is nearly full, and
is more likely in hot weather. Open the fuel cap
slowly and wait for any “hiss” noise to stop.
Then unscrew the cap all the way.
{CAUTION:
If a re starts while you are refueling, do not
remove the nozzle. Shut off the ow of fuel by
shutting off the pump or by notifying the
station attendant. Leave the area immediately.Be careful not to spill fuel. Do not top off or overll your
tank and wait a few seconds after you have nished
pumping before you remove the nozzle. Clean fuel from
painted surfaces as soon as possible. SeeCleaning
the Outside of Your Vehicle on page 5-98. When lling
the tank do not overll by squeezing in much more
fuel after the pump shuts off.
When you put the fuel cap back on, turn it to the right
(clockwise) until you hear a clicking sound. Make
sure you fully install the cap. The diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly
installed. This would allow fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. If the fuel cap is not properly installed,
FUEL CAP will appear on the DIC and the check engine
light will be lit on instrument panel cluster. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-32andMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 3-24for more information.
Notice:If you need a new fuel cap, be sure to get the
right type. Your dealer can get one for you. If you get
the wrong type, it may not t properly. This may
cause your malfunction indicator lamp to light and
may damage your fuel tank and emissions system.
SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on page 3-24.
5-9

How to Check and Add Fluid
The proper uid should be added if the level does not
reach the bottom of the diaphragm when it’s in place in
the reservoir. See the instructions on the reservoir cap.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if you add
only DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating
on page 5-28.A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
5-25

4. Open the hoods and locate the batteries. Find the
positive (+) and negative (-) terminal locations on
each vehicle. SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for more information on location of
the battery.
{CAUTION:
Using a match near a battery can cause battery
gas to explode. People have been hurt doing
this, and some have been blinded. Use a
ashlight if you need more light.
Be sure the batteries have enough water. You
do not need to add water to the ACDelco
®
battery (or batteries) installed in your new
vehicle. But if a battery has ller caps, be sure
the right amount of uid is there. If it is low,
add water to take care of that rst. If you do
not, explosive gas could be present.
Battery uid contains acid that can burn you.
Do not get it on you. If you accidentally get it
in your eyes or on your skin, ush the place
with water and get medical help immediately.
{CAUTION:
Fans or other moving engine parts can injure
you badly. Keep your hands away from moving
parts once the engine is running.
5. Check that the jumper cables don’t have loose or
missing insulation. If they do, you could get a
shock. The vehicles could be damaged too.
Before you connect the cables, here are some
basic things you should know. Positive (+) will go to
positive (+) or to a remote positive (+) terminal if
the vehicle has one. Negative (-) will go to a heavy,
unpainted metal engine part or to a remote
negative (-) terminal if the vehicle has one.
Don’t connect positive (+) to negative (-) or you’ll
get a short that would damage the battery and
maybe other parts too. And don’t connect the
negative (-) cable to the negative (-) terminal on the
dead battery because this can cause sparks.
5-44

When you go to your GM Goodwrench dealer for your
service needs, you will know that GM-trained and
supported service technicians will perform the work
using genuine GM parts.
If you want to get service information, seeService
Publications Ordering Information on page 7-12.
Owner Checks and Services on page 6-8tells you what
should be checked, when to check it and what you can
easily do to help keep your vehicle in good condition.
The proper replacement parts, uids and lubricants to
use are listed inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-12andNormal Maintenance Replacement
Parts on page 6-14. When your vehicle is serviced,
make sure these are used. All parts should be replaced
and all necessary repairs done before you or anyone
else drives the vehicle. We recommend the use of
genuine GM parts.
Scheduled Maintenance
When the CHANGE OIL light comes on, it means that
service is required for your vehicle. Have your
vehicle serviced as soon as possible within the next
600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible that, if you are
driving under the best conditions, the engine oil life
system may not indicate that vehicle service is
necessary for over a year.However, your engine oil and lter must be changed at
least once a year and at this time the system must
be reset. Your GM Goodwrench dealer has GM-trained
service technicians who will perform this work using
genuine GM parts and reset the system.
If the engine oil life system is ever reset accidentally,
you must service your vehicle within 3,000 miles
(5 000 km) since your last service. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is changed. See
Engine Oil on page 5-13for information on the Engine
Oil Life System and resetting the system.
When the CHANGE OIL light appears, certain services,
checks and inspections are required. Required services
are described in the following for “MaintenanceI” and
“MaintenanceII.” Generally, it is recommended that your
rst service be MaintenanceI, your second service be
MaintenanceIIand that you alternate MaintenanceIand
MaintenanceIIthereafter. However, in some cases,
MaintenanceIImay be required more often.
MaintenanceI— Use MaintenanceIif the CHANGE
OIL light comes on within ten months since vehicle was
purchased or MaintenanceIIwas performed.
MaintenanceII— Use MaintenanceIIif the previous
service performed was MaintenanceI. Always use
MaintenanceIIwhenever the light comes on ten months
or more since the last service or if the light has not
come on at all for one year.
6-4

(d)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking.
Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged
or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced. Also look for any opened or broken air bag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air
bag system does not need regular maintenance.)
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, body door and fuel
door hinges, latches and locks (including glove box and
console doors), hood latch assembly, secondary
latch, pivots, spring anchor, release pawl and any
moving seat hardware. Lubricate hood safety lever pivot
and prop rod pivot and tailgate latch bolt, handle
assembly pivot points and hinges. More frequent
lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive
environment. Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them last longer, seal
better and not stick or squeak.
(g)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired
and the uid level checked. Add uid if needed.(h)Change automatic transmission uid and lter if
the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of
these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or
delivery service.
(i)Drain, ush and rell cooling system. See Engine
Coolant on page 5-25for what to use. Inspect hoses.
Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and ller neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure the safety,
dependability and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your GM Goodwrench dealer can assist you
with these checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
6-8

Cargo Lamps................................................... 3-9
CD Messages........................................3-47, 3-58
Center Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts.......1-24
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-53
Certication/Tire Label.....................................4-53
Chains, Tires..................................................5-72
CHANGE OIL.................................................3-33
Check Engine Light.........................................3-24
Checking Brake Fluid......................................5-40
Checking Coolant............................................5-27
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-13
Checking the Fluid Level..................................5-20
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-101
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-38
Infants and Young Children...........................1-34
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-46
Older Children.............................................1-31
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System................................1-48, 1-50
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat
Position..................................................1-51
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Front
Seat Position...........................................1-53
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...................................1-53, 1-58Child Restraints (cont.)
Top Strap...................................................1-42
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-44
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-41
Chime Level Adjustment..................................3-59
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-11
Cleaning
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-95
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-98
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-101
Weatherstrips..............................................5-97
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels............................5-100
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-98
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-95
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-97
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-97
Cleaning Leather............................................5-96
Cleaning the Mirror.........................................2-40
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-97
Cleaning the Windshield and Wiper Blades.........5-99
Cleaning Tires..............................................5-100
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-96
Climate Control System...................................3-12
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-14
Clutch, Hydraulic.............................................5-24
Compass Calibration.......................................2-39
3

Driving
At Night.....................................................4-28
City...........................................................4-32
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Freeway.....................................................4-33
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-36
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-29
Winter........................................................4-38
Driving Across an Incline..................................4-23
Driving Downhill..............................................4-22
Driving in Mud, Sand, Snow or Ice....................4-26
Driving in Water..............................................4-26
Driving On Grades..........................................4-67
Driving on Off-Road Hills.................................4-18
Driving on Snow or Ice....................................4-38
Driving Through Deep Standing Water...............4-31
Driving Through Flowing Water.........................4-32
Driving Uphill..................................................4-20
Driving with a Trailer.......................................4-66
E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment.....................................5-103
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-104Electrical System (cont.)
Power Windows and Other Power Options.......5-103
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-103
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs.................................3-26
ENG (Engine) HOT.........................................3-34
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-18
Battery.......................................................5-42
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-24
Coolant......................................................5-25
Coolant Heater............................................2-21
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-24
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-15
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-36
Fan Noise..................................................5-36
Oil .............................................................5-13
Overheating................................................5-28
Starting......................................................2-19
Engine Compartment Fuse Block.....................5-104
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-16
Environmental Concerns..................................4-16
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................7-10
Exit Lighting...................................................3-10
Express Down Windows..................................2-13
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-31
Exterior Lamps................................................. 3-6
5

H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-4
Head Restraints............................................... 1-7
Headlamps....................................................5-50
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-50
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime
Running Lamps........................................5-52
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-50
Heated Seats................................................... 1-5
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-28
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-35
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-36
Hitches..........................................................4-65
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-11
Horn............................................................... 3-5
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery
Tank ..........................................................5-32
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator..................5-34
How to Add Fluid....................................5-22, 5-23
How to Check and Add Fluid............................5-25
How to Check Lubricant..........................5-48, 5-49
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-37
How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.......5-18
How to Use This Manual...................................... iiHow to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-16
Hydraulic Clutch.............................................5-24
Hydroplaning..................................................4-31
I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-29
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-28
If the Light is Flashing.....................................3-25
If the Light Is On Steady.................................3-26
If You Are Caught in a Blizzard.........................4-40
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-42
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer.....................4-58
Ignition Positions.............................................2-18
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-34
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-64
Instrument Panel
Cluster.......................................................3-16
Overview..................................................... 3-2
Instrument Panel Brightness.............................3-10
Interior Lamps................................................3-10
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-43
7