traction control CHEVROLET COLORADO 2007 1.G Owners Manual

The main components of your vehicle’s instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on
page 180.
B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 163.
C. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument
Panel Cluster on page 182.
D. Hazard Warning Flasher Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 162.
E. Passenger Side Airbag. SeeAirbag System
on page 77.
F. Exterior Lamp Controls. SeeExterior Lamps
on page 170. Fog Lamps (If Equipped).
SeeFog Lamps on page 173. Exterior
Cargo Lamps. SeeExterior Cargo Lamps
on page 174.
G. Parking Brake Release. SeeParking Brake
on page 133.H. Horn. SeeHorn on page 162.
I. Traction Control Button or Four-Wheel Drive
Buttons. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 253andFour-Wheel Drive on page 129.
J. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on
page 206.
K. Cigarette Lighter (If Equipped). SeeAshtray(s)
and Cigarette Lighter on page 177.
L. Climate Control System. SeeClimate Control
System on page 177.
M. Accessory Power Outlet. SeeAccessory
Power Outlet(s) on page 176.
N. Passenger Air Bag Status Indicator.
SeePassenger Airbag Status Indicator
on page 186.
O. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 153.
161

+ (Resume/Accelerate):Move the lever to this
position to make the vehicle accelerate or resume
to a previously set speed.
rT(Set):Press this button to set the speed.
With cruise control, the vehicle can maintain
a speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more
without keeping your foot on the accelerator.
This can really help on long trips. Cruise
control does not work at speeds below about
25 mph (40 km/h).
Cruise control will not work if the parking brake
is set, or if the master cylinder brake uid level
is low.
If the brakes are applied, the cruise control
will shut off.
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where
you cannot drive safely at a steady speed.
So, do not use your cruise control on
winding roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
excessive wheel slip, and you could lose
control. Do not use cruise control on
slippery roads.
If your vehicle has the Traction Control System
(TCS) and it begins to limit wheel spin while
the cruise control is on, the cruise control will
automatically disengage. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 253. When road conditions
allow you to safely use it again, you can turn
cruise control back on.
167

LOW FUEL
This message displays if the level of fuel in
the vehicle is low. Also check the fuel gage.
SeeFuel Gage on page 197for more information.
Rell the fuel tank as soon as possible.
LOW TIRE
This message displays if a low tire pressure is
detected in any of the vehicle’s tires. Press and
release the reset stem to acknowledge the message
and clear it from the display. The message appears
at each ignition cycle until the tires are inated to the
correct ination pressure. SeeTires on page 377
andInation - Tire Pressure on page 384for more
information on tires and the correct ination
pressures.
LOW TRAC (Traction)
If your vehicle has the Traction Control
System (TCS), this message displays when a
low traction condition is detected. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 253for more
information. Press and release the reset stem
to acknowledge the message and clear it from
the display.
OIL
This message displays when the oil pressure is
low. SeeOil Pressure Light on page 195and
Engine Oil on page 333for more information.
PARK BRK (Brake)
This message displays when the parking brake
is set. SeeParking Brake on page 133and
Brake System Warning Light on page 189for
more information. The message clears from the
display after the parking brake is released or
by pressing and releasing the reset stem.
REDUCED POWER
This message displays when the vehicle’s
engine power is reduced. Reduced engine power
can affect the vehicle’s ability to accelerate.
If this message is on, but there is no reduction
in performance, proceed to your destination.
The performance may be reduced the next time
the vehicle is driven. The vehicle may be driven
at a reduced speed while this message is on,
but acceleration and speed may be reduced.
204

TRACTION FAULT
If your vehicle has the Traction Control System
(TCS), this message may display if there is
a problem with the TCS. Check the TCS as soon
as possible and have your vehicle serviced by
your dealer. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 253for more information. Press and
release the reset stem to acknowledge the
message and clear it from the display.
TURN SIGNAL
This message displays when the turn signal is
on for about 0.75 miles (1.2 km) of travel. Press
and release the reset stem to acknowledge
the message and clear it from the display.
Audio System(s)
Determine which radio your vehicle has and then
read the pages following to familiarize yourself
with its features.
Driving without distraction is a necessity for a
safer driving experience. SeeDefensive Driving
on page 246. By taking a few moments to read
this manual and get familiar with your vehicle’s
audio system, you can use it with less effort,
as well as take advantage of its features.
While your vehicle is parked, set up your audio
system by presetting your favorite radio stations,
setting the tone and adjusting the speakers.
Then, when driving conditions permit, you can
tune to your favorite stations using the presets and
steering wheel controls if the vehicle has them.
206

{CAUTION:
This system provides you with a far greater
access to audio stations and song listings.
Giving extended attention to entertainment
tasks while driving can cause a crash
and you or others can be injured or killed.
Always keep your eyes on the road and
your mind on the drive — avoid engaging
in extended searching while driving.
Keeping your mind on the drive is important for
safe driving. Here are some ways in which you
can help avoid distraction while driving.
While your vehicle is parked:
Familiarize yourself with all of its controls.
Familiarize yourself with its operation.
Set up your audio system by presetting your
favorite radio stations, setting the tone, and
adjusting the speakers. Then, when driving
conditions permit, you can tune to your favorite
radio stations using the presets and steering
wheel controls if the vehicle has them.Notice:Before adding any sound equipment
to your vehicle, such as an audio system,
CD player, CB radio, mobile telephone,
or two-way radio, make sure that it can be
added by checking with your dealer/retailer.
Also, check federal rules covering mobile radio
and telephone units. If sound equipment can
be added, it is very important to do it properly.
Added sound equipment may interfere with
the operation of your vehicle’s engine, radio,
or other systems, and even damage them.
Your vehicle’s systems may interfere with
the operation of sound equipment that
has been added.
Notice:The chime signals related to safety
belts, parking brake, and other functions
of your vehicle operate through the radio/
entertainment system. If that equipment
is replaced or additional equipment is added
to your vehicle, the chimes may not work.
Make sure that replacement or additional
equipment is compatible with your vehicle
before installing it. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 324.
207

Your Driving, the Road, and
Your Vehicle............................................ 246
Defensive Driving...................................... 246
Drunken Driving........................................ 247
Control of a Vehicle.................................. 250
Braking...................................................... 250
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).................. 251
Braking in Emergencies............................. 253
Traction Control System (TCS).................. 253
Limited-Slip Rear Axle............................... 254
Steering.................................................... 255
Off-Road Recovery.................................... 257
Passing..................................................... 257
Loss of Control.......................................... 259
Off-Road Driving........................................ 260
Driving at Night......................................... 276
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads............ 278
City Driving............................................... 281Freeway Driving........................................ 282
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.................. 283
Highway Hypnosis..................................... 284
Hill and Mountain Roads........................... 284
Winter Driving........................................... 286
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow................................. 290
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out........... 291
Recovery Hooks........................................ 292
Loading Your Vehicle................................ 293
Truck-Camper Loading Information............ 299
Pickup Conversion to Chassis Cab............ 299
Towing........................................................ 299
Towing Your Vehicle................................. 299
Recreational Vehicle Towing...................... 300
Towing a Trailer........................................ 306
Trailer Recommendations.......................... 320
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
245

Remember: ABS does not change the time
you need to get your foot up to the brake pedal
or always decrease stopping distance. If you
get too close to the vehicle in front of you,
you will not have time to apply the brakes if that
vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave
enough room up ahead to stop, even though
you have ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down rmly and let anti-lock work for you.
You might feel the brakes vibrate or notice
some noise, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
With ABS, you can steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help
you more than even the very best braking.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Your vehicle may have a Traction Control
System (TCS) that limits wheel spin. This is
especially useful in slippery road conditions.
The system operates only if it senses that
one or both of the rear wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this happens,
the system reduces engine power and may
also upshift the transmission to limit wheel spin.
You may feel or hear the system working,
but this is normal.
The TCS button is
located on your
instrument panel.
Press this button
to turn the TCS
off and on.
When the traction control system is turned off,
an indicator light on the button will illuminate.
253

If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction
control system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise
control will automatically disengage. When road
conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may
re-engage the cruise control. SeeCruise Control
on page 166.
TCS operates in all transmission shift lever
positions. But the system can upshift the
transmission only as high as the shift lever position
you have chosen, so you should use the lower
gears only when necessary. SeeAutomatic
Transmission Operation on page 124and/or
Manual Transmission Operation on page 126
for more information.
If there is a problem with TCS, TRACTION FAULT
will be displayed on your Driver Information
Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 202for more information.
When this warning is displayed, the system will not
limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road
conditions, you should always leave TCS on.
But you can turn the system off if you ever need to.
You should turn the system off if your vehicle
ever gets stuck in sand, mud or snow and rocking
the vehicle is required. SeeRocking Your Vehicle
to Get It Out on page 291andIf Your Vehicle is
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 290for
more information.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modications on page 324for more information.
Limited-Slip Rear Axle
If your vehicle has this feature, your limited-slip
rear axle can give you additional traction on snow,
mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like a standard
axle most of the time, but when one of the
rear wheels has no traction and the other does,
this feature will allow the wheel with traction
to move the vehicle.
254

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.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned
on the news happen on curves. Here is why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is
subject to the same laws of physics when driving
on curves. The traction of the tires against the road
surface makes it possible for the vehicle to change
its path when you turn the front wheels. If there is
no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in
the same direction. If you have ever tried to steer
a vehicle on wet ice, you will understand this.
The traction you can get 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 you are in a curve, speed is the
one factor you can control.Suppose you are steering through a sharp curve.
Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control
systems — steering and acceleration — have
to do their work where the tires meet the road.
Adding the sudden acceleration can demand
too much of those places. You can lose control.
What should you do if this ever happens? Ease
up on the accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle
the way you want it to go, and slow down.
Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should
adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds
are based on good weather and road conditions.
Under less favorable conditions you will want
to go slower.
If you need to reduce your speed as you approach
a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while
the front wheels are straight ahead.
Try to adjust your 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.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can
affect your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories
and Modications on page 324.
255

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.
A cornering skid is best handled by easing your
foot off the accelerator pedal.
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 Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
helps avoid only the braking skid.
Off-Road Driving
This off-road guide is for vehicles that have
four-wheel drive. Also, seeBraking on page 250
andAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS) on page 251.
If your vehicle does not have four-wheel drive,
you should not drive off-road unless you are on
a level, solid surface.
260