check engine light CHEVROLET COLORADO 2008 1.G User Guide

FLUID
This message displays if the brake uid is low. Check
the brake uid as soon as possible and have your
vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer. SeeBrakes on
page 5-39for more information. Press and release
the reset stem to acknowledge the message and clear it
from the display.
FUEL CAP
This message displays if the vehicle’s fuel cap is either
off or loose. Pull over as soon as possible and check
to see if the fuel cap is secure. You may also see
the check engine light on the instrument panel cluster. If
the check engine light does come on when the fuel
cap was loose, it may take a few driving trips before the
light turns off. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 3-33for more information if the light still remains
on. Press and release the reset stem to acknowledge
the message and clear it from the display.
LOW FUEL
This message displays if the level of fuel in the vehicle
is low. Also check the fuel gage. SeeFuel Gage on
page 3-36for 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. See
Tires on page 5-59andInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-66for 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 4-5for 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 3-35andEngine Oil on
page 5-15for more information.
3-42

PARK BRK (Brake)
This message displays when the parking brake is set.
SeeParking Brake on page 2-32andBrake System
Warning Light on page 3-30for 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. Anytime this
message stays on, the vehicle should be taken to
your dealer/retailer for service as soon as possible.
Press and release the reset stem to acknowledge the
message and clear it from the display.
SERV (Service) 4WD (Four-Wheel
Drive)
This message displays when there is a problem with the
transfer case control system. Check the transfer case
on your vehicle and have it serviced by your dealer/
retailer. SeeFour-Wheel Drive on page 2-28for more
information about the transfer case. Press and release
the reset stem to acknowledge the message and
clear it from the display.
SERV (Service) TPM (Tire Pressure
Monitor)
This message displays if a part on the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) is not working properly. The tire
pressure light also ashes and then remains on during
the same ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Light on
page 3-32. Several conditions may cause this message
to appear. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 5-70for more information. If the warning comes on
and stays on, there may be a problem with the TPMS.
See your dealer/retailer.
3-43

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. The brakes might not have time to cool between
hard stops. The 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 vehicle’s engine ever stops while you are driving,
brake normally but do not pump the brakes. If you do,
the pedal could get harder to push down. If the
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 can take longer to stop and
the brake pedal will be harder to push.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3.Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS), an
advanced electronic braking system that will help
prevent a braking skid.
When you start the engine and begin to drive away,
ABS will check itself. You might hear a momentary
motor or clicking noise while this test is going on. This
is normal.
If there is a problem with
the ABS, this warning light
will stay on. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light on
page 3-31.
Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what
happens with ABS:
A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. If
one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each front wheel
and at both rear wheels.
4-4

You can run the engine to keep warm, but be careful.
{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 cannot 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
the 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
the headlamps. Let the heater run for a while.
4-30

{CAUTION:
Fuel can spray out on you if you open the fuel
cap too quickly. If you spill fuel and then
something ignites it, you could be badly burned.
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.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Do not top off or overll the
tank and wait a few seconds after you have nished
pumping before removing the nozzle. Clean fuel
from painted surfaces as soon as possible. See
Washing Your Vehicle on page 5-109.
When replacing the fuel cap, turn it clockwise until it
clicks. Make sure the cap is fully installed. 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, the FUEL CAP message
will appear on the Driver Information Center (DIC) and
the check engine light will be lit on the instrument
panel cluster. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-40andMalfunction Indicator Lamp on page 3-33
for more information.
{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.
Notice:If you need a new fuel cap, be sure to get
the right type. Your dealer/retailer 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 3-33.
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 is 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 ve 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 5-30.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
®can
cause premature engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at the rst maintenance
service after each 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or
24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in the vehicle.
5-27

4. Open the hoods and locate the positive (+) and
negative (−) terminal locations on the other
vehicle. Your vehicle has a remote positive (+) and
a remote negative (−) jump starting terminal.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12
for more information on the terminal locations.
{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 do not 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.
Do not connect positive (+) to negative (−)oryou
will get a short that would damage the battery
and maybe other parts too. And do not connect the
negative (−) cable to the negative (−) terminal on
the dead battery because this can cause sparks.
5-45

Audio System (cont.)
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-67
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-69
Audio System(s).............................................3-47
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-15
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..........................................................5-21
Operation...................................................2-24
B
Battery..........................................................5-43
Electric Power Management..........................3-17
Run-Down Protection...................................3-18
Brake
Emergencies................................................ 4-5
Brakes..........................................................5-39
System Warning Light..................................3-30
Braking........................................................... 4-3
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-5
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-19
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-51
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-54
Front Turn Signal, Parking and Daytime
Running Lamps........................................5-53
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-51
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-51
Headlamps.................................................5-52Bulb Replacement (cont.)
License Plate Lamps....................................5-56
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-56
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps........................................5-54
Buying New Tires...........................................5-76
C
Calibration.............................................2-40, 2-43
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements....... 5-4
California Proposition 65 Warning....................... 5-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications..........................5-119
Carbon Monoxide...........................2-10, 2-37, 4-28
Care of
Safety Belts..............................................5-108
CD, MP3 .......................................................3-63
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-50
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-54
Chains, Tire...................................................5-82
Charging System Light....................................3-29
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-33
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-112
2

Customer Assistance Information (cont.)
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-8
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-16
D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-14
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Diesel
Running Out of Fuel....................................2-38
Disc, MP3......................................................3-63
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Dome Lamp ...................................................3-17
Dome Lamp Override......................................3-17
Door
Locks.......................................................... 2-7
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-8
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-8
Rear Door Security Locks............................... 2-9
Rear Doors.................................................. 2-9
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-37
DIC Operation and Displays..........................3-37
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-40
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-24
Before a Long Trip......................................4-26
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2Driving (cont.)
Highway Hypnosis.......................................4-26
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-27
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-25
Off-Road ....................................................4-11
Recovery Hooks..........................................4-32
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-32
Winter........................................................4-28
E
EDR .............................................................7-17
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment.....................................5-114
Engine Compartment Fuse Block.................5-115
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-115
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-115
Electronic Immobilizer
PASS-Key
®III+...........................................2-17
Electronic Immobilizer Operation
PASS-Key
®III+...........................................2-17
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-20
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-33
Coolant......................................................5-27
Coolant Heater............................................2-23
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-32
4

G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-32
Fuel..........................................................3-36
Speedometer..............................................3-24
Tachometer.................................................3-24
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-5
Glove Box.....................................................2-50
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.................. 7-7
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-5
Head Restraints............................................... 1-7
Headlamp
Aiming .......................................................5-51
Headlamps....................................................5-52
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-51
Daytime Running Lamps...............................3-14
Exterior Lamps............................................3-13
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-51
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
On Reminder..............................................3-14Heated Seats................................................... 1-4
Heater...........................................................3-19
Engine Coolant...........................................2-23
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-36
High-Speed Operation, Tires.............................5-68
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-26
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-27
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-11
Horn ............................................................... 3-6
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-17
Hydraulic Clutch.............................................5-26I
Ignition Positions.............................................2-19
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-36
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-66
Instrument Panel
Brightness..................................................3-17
Cluster.......................................................3-23
Overview..................................................... 3-4
Interior Lamps................................................3-16
6