check transmission fluid CHEVROLET COLORADO 2005 1.G Owners Manual

Service............................................................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle...........................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling the Tank..............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-10
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-13
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-16
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-18
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-19
Manual Transmission Fluid.............................5-22
Hydraulic Clutch...........................................5-24
Engine Coolant.............................................5-25
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-27
Engine Overheating.......................................5-28
Cooling System............................................5-29
Engine Fan Noise.........................................5-34Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-34
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-35
Brakes........................................................5-36
Battery........................................................5-39
Jump Starting...............................................5-40
Rear Axle.......................................................5-44
Four-Wheel Drive............................................5-44
Front Axle......................................................5-45
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-46
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-46
Headlamps..................................................5-46
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime
Running Lamps.........................................5-48
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL).........5-48
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps.........................................5-49
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-50
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-50
Tires..............................................................5-52
Tire Sidewall Labelling...................................5-53
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-56
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-58
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-60
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-61
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

A. Windshield Washer Fluid. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid on page 5-35.
B. Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-25.
C. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (low in engine
compartment). SeePower Steering Fluid on
page 5-34.
D. Transmission Fluid Dipstick. SeeAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-19.
E. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-13.
F. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 5-36.
G. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-39.
H. Hydraulic Clutch Fluid Reservoir (If Equipped).
SeeHydraulic Clutch on page 5-24.
I. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-18.
J. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-13.
K. Radiator Pressure Cap. SeeCooling System
on page 5-29.L. Remote Negative (−) Terminal. SeeJump Starting
on page 5-40.
M. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting
on page 5-40.
N. Engine Compartment Fuse Block. SeeEngine
Compartment Fuse Block on page 5-99.
Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5-13

{CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/lter
off can cause you or others to be burned.
The air cleaner not only cleans the air; it helps
to stop ame if the engine backres. If it is
not there and the engine backres, you could
be burned. Do not drive with it off, and be
careful working on the engine with the air
cleaner/lter off.
Notice:If the air cleaner/lter is off, a backre
can cause a damaging engine re. And, dirt
can easily get into your engine, which will damage
it. Always have the air cleaner/lter in place
when you are driving.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transmission Fluid
A good time to check your automatic transmission uid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change the uid and lter at the intervals listed in
Additional Required Services on page 6-6, and be sure
to use the transmission uid listed inRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
5-19

How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at the dealership service
department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
Notice:Too much or too little uid can damage
your transmission. Too much can mean that some
of the uid could come out and fall on hot engine
part or exhaust system parts, starting a re.
Too little uid could cause the transmission to
overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if
you check your transmission uid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transmission uid level if you have been driving:
When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic — especially in hot weather.
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the uid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 180°F to 200°F
(82°C to 93°C).Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about
15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures are
above 50°F (10°C). If it is colder than 50°F (10°C), drive
the vehicle in THIRD (3) until the engine temperature
gage moves and then remains steady for 10 minutes.
A cold uid check can be made after the vehicle
has been sitting for eight hours or more with the
engine off, but this is used only as a reference.
Let the engine run at idle for ve minutes if outside
temperatures are 50°F (10°C) or more. If it is colder than
50°F (10°C), you may have to idle the engine longer.
Should the uid level be low during this cold check,
you must check the uid hot before adding uid.
Checking the uid hot will give you a more accurate
reading of the uid level.
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare your vehicle as follows:
Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine
running.
With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in PARK (P).
With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift
lever in PARK (P).
Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more.
5-20

How to Add Automatic Transmission
Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission uid to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
Add uid only after checking the transmission uid
while it is hot. A cold check is used only as a reference.
If the uid level is low, add only enough of the proper
uid to bring the level up to the HOT area for a hot
check. It does not take much uid, generally less than
one pint (0.5 L). Do not overll.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
uid may damage your vehicle, and the damages
may not be covered by your warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
After adding uid, recheck the uid level as
described under “How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid,” earlier in this section.
When the correct uid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then ip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.
Manual Transmission Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is
changed. However, the uid in your manual transmission
does not require changing.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at your GM dealership
service department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading.
Notice:Too much or too little uid can damage
your transmission. Too little uid could cause
the transmission to overheat. Be sure to get an
accurate reading if you check your transmission
uid.
Check the uid level only when your engine is off, the
vehicle is parked on a level place and the transmission
is cool enough for you to rest your ngers on the
transmission case.
5-22

Engine Fan Noise
This vehicle has a clutched engine cooling fan. When
the clutch is engaged, the fan spins faster to provide
more air to cool the engine. In most everyday driving
conditions, the clutch is not engaged. This improves fuel
economy and reduces fan noise. Under heavy vehicle
loading, trailer towing and/or high outside temperatures,
the fan speed increases when the clutch engages.
So you may hear an increase in fan noise. This
is normal and should not be mistaken as the
transmission slipping or making extra shifts. It is merely
the cooling system functioning properly. The fan will
slow down when additional cooling is not required and
the clutch disengages.
You may also hear this fan noise when you start the
engine. It will go away as the fan clutch disengages.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering uid
reservoir is located near
the front of the engine
compartment, behind the
radiator. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for reservoir
location.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering uid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A uid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
1. Turn the key off and let the engine compartment
cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
5-34

Capacities and Specications
The following approximate conversion capacities are given in English and metric conversions. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12for more information.
Capacities and Specications
ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134a See Refrigerant Label on Vehicle
Cooling System
2.8L Engine 10.4 qt 9.8 L
3.5L Engine 10.6 qt 10.0 L
Differential Fluid
Rear Axle 3.4-3.8 pt 1.6-1.8 L
Front Axle 3.2 pt 1.5 L
Engine Oil with Filter
2.8 L Engine 5 qt 4.7 L
3.5 L Engine 6 qt 5.6 L
Fuel Tank 19.5 gal 76 L
Transmission (Drain and Rell)
Automatic 5.0 qt 4.7 L
Manual 2.5 qt 2.4 L
Wheel Nut Torque 100 ft lb 140Y
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to ll to the appropriate level or as recommended in this
manual. Recheck uid level after lling.
5-103

E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-98
Engine Compartment Fuse Block...................5-99
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-99
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-98
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-98
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-18
Battery.......................................................5-39
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-30
Coolant......................................................5-25
Coolant Heater............................................2-20
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-30
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-33
Fan Noise..................................................5-34
Oil .............................................................5-13
Oil Life System...........................................5-16
Overheating................................................5-28
Starting......................................................2-18
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-9
Exit Lighting...................................................3-17
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-31
Exterior Cargo Lamps......................................3-16
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-13
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-18
Finish Damage...............................................5-95
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-72
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-9
Flat Tire........................................................5-67
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-68
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-83
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-19
Manual Transmission....................................5-22
Power Steering...........................................5-34
Windshield Washer......................................5-35
Fog Lamps....................................................3-16
Four-Wheel Drive....................................2-25, 5-44
Front Armrest Storage Area..............................2-41
Front Axle......................................................5-45
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-10
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
Gage.........................................................3-35
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-5
5

Light (cont.)
Oil Pressure...............................................3-33
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-24
Security.....................................................3-34
Up-Shift.....................................................3-28
Lighting
Exit...........................................................3-17
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-42
Lockout Protection..........................................2-10
Locks
Door........................................................... 2-7
Lockout Protection.......................................2-10
Power Door.................................................. 2-8
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-8
Rear Door Security Locks............................... 2-9
Loss of Control...............................................4-13
Lumbar
Manual Controls............................................ 1-4
M
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-6
At Each Fuel Fill........................................... 6-9
At Least Once a Month.................................. 6-9
At Least Once a Year..................................6-10
Introduction.................................................. 6-2Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Maintenance Footnotes.................................. 6-7
Maintenance Record....................................6-15
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts.........6-14
Owner Checks and Services........................... 6-9
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-12
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using.......................................................... 6-3
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-30
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-4
Manual Seats................................................... 1-3
Manual Transmission
Fluid..........................................................5-22
Operation...................................................2-23
Manual Windows............................................2-12
Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-39
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview with Compass
and Temperature Display...........................2-36
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-35
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®.............2-35
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-39
Outside Manual Mirrors................................2-38
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-38
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-3
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