automatic transmission CHEVROLET COLORADO 2009 1.G Owners Manual

Keys...............................................................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System................2-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation...................................................2-5
Doors and Locks.............................................2-7
Door Locks....................................................2-7
Power Door Locks..........................................2-8
Programmable Automatic Door Locks................2-8
Rear Door Security Locks (Crew Cab)...............2-9
Lockout Protection..........................................2-9
Rear Doors (Extended Cab).............................2-9
Tailgate.......................................................2-10
Windows........................................................2-12
Manual Windows..........................................2-13
Power Windows............................................2-13
Sliding Rear Window.....................................2-14
Sun Visors...................................................2-14
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-15
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-15
Passlock
®(U. S. Only)..................................2-16
PASS-Key®III+ Electronic Immobilizer.............2-17
PASS-Key®III+ Electronic Immobilizer
Operation (Canada Only)............................2-17Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-19
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-19
Ignition Positions..........................................2-19
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-21
Starting the Engine.......................................2-21
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-23
Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-24
Manual Transmission Operation......................2-26
Four-Wheel Drive..........................................2-28
Parking Brake..............................................2-32
Shifting Into Park (Automatic Transmission)........2-34
Shifting Out of Park (Automatic Transmission).....2-36
Parking the Vehicle (Manual Transmission).........2-36
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-37
Engine Exhaust............................................2-37
Running the Vehicle While Parked..................2-38
Mirrors...........................................................2-39
Manual Rearview Mirror.................................2-39
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror................2-40
Compass.....................................................2-40
Outside Manual Mirrors..................................2-42
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-42
Outside Convex Mirror...................................2-43
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

Power Door Locks
If the vehicle has power
door locks, the switches
are located on the
driver and the front
passenger armrests.
Press L (lock) to lock all the doors at once. To unlock all
the doors, press U (unlock).
On crew cab models, use the manual door lock lever on
each rear door to lock or unlock the doors from the
rear seating areas.
Programmable Automatic Door
Locks
If the vehicle has power door locks and the remote
keyless entry system, it has an automatic lock/unlock
feature.
If the vehicle has an automatic transmission, it is
programmed from the factory to lock all doors
automatically when the shift lever is moved out of
P (Park). All the doors will unlock when the shift lever is
moved back into P (Park).
If the vehicle has a manual transmission, it is
programmed from the factory to lock all the doors when
the vehicle speed is greater than 15 mph (24 km/h).
The doors will unlock when the key is removed from the
ignition.
To change the automatic door lock and unlock settings,
see “Automatic Door Locks” underDIC Operation
and Displays on page 3-35. Driver Switch shown,
Front Passenger Switch
similar
2-8

(A) LOCK/OFF:This position locks the ignition. It also
locks the transmission on automatic transmission
vehicles. It locks the steering wheel on manual
transmission vehicles. The key can on be removed in
LOCK/OFF.
On vehicles with an automatic transmission, the shift
lever must be in P (Park) to turn the ignition switch
to LOCK/OFF.
The steering can bind with the wheels turned off center.
If this happens, move the steering wheel from right to
left while turning the key to ACC/ACCESSORY. If
this doesn’t work, then the vehicle needs service.
(B) ACC/ACCESSORY:This is the position in which
you can operate the electrical accessories or items
plugged into the accessory power outlets. On automatic
transmission vehicles, this position unlocks the
ignition. On manual transmission vehicles, it unlocks the
ignition and steering wheel. Use this position if the
vehicle must be pushed or towed.(C) ON/RUN:This position can be used to operate the
electrical accessories and to display some instrument
panel cluster warning and indicator lights. The switch
stays in this position when the engine is running.
The transmission is also unlocked in this position on
automatic transmission vehicles.
If you leave the key in the ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/
RUN position with the engine off, the battery could be
drained. You may not be able to start your vehicle if the
battery is allowed to drain for an extended period of time.
START (D):This is the position that starts the engine.
When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition
switch returns to ON/RUN for driving.
A warning tone will sound when the driver door is
opened, the ignition is in ACC/ACCESSORY or
LOCK/OFF and the key is in the ignition.
2-20

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can be used for up to
20 minutes after the engine is turned off:
Audio System
Wipers
Power Windows
These features work when the key is in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY. Once the key is turned from
ON/RUN to LOCK/OFF, power to these features
continue to work for up to 20 minutes or until a door is
opened.
Starting the Engine
Place the transmission in the proper gear.
Automatic Transmission
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral). The
engine will not start in any other position. To restart the
vehicle when it is already moving, use N (Neutral) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to P (Park) only when the vehicle
is stopped.
Manual Transmission
The shift lever should be in Neutral and the parking
brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal down to the oor
and start the engine. The vehicle will not start if the
clutch pedal is not all the way down.
2-21

Automatic Transmission Operation
The vehicle has a shift lever on the steering column.
It features an electronic shift position indicator within the
instrument cluster. This display is powered anytime
the shift lever is capable of being moved out of P (Park).
This means that if the ignition is turned off, but not in
LOCK/OFF, there will be a small current drain on
the battery which could discharge the battery over a
period of time. If you need to leave the key in the ignition
but not in LOCK/OFF for an extended period, it is
recommended that you disconnect the battery cable
from the battery to prevent discharging the battery.
There are several different positions for the shift lever.P (Park):This position locks the rear wheels. It is the
best position to use when you start the engine because
the vehicle cannot move easily.
{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift
lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake
rmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly
level ground, always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park). SeeShifting Into
Park (Automatic Transmission) on page 2-34.If
you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-47.
2-24

Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park) before
starting the engine. The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You must fully
apply the brake pedal before you can shift from P (Park)
when the ignition key is in ON/RUN. If you cannot
shift out of P (Park), ease pressure on the shift lever by
pushing the shift lever all the way into P (Park) as
you maintain brake application. Then move the shift
lever into another gear. SeeShifting Out of Park
(Automatic Transmission) on page 2-36.
R (Reverse):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice, or sand without damaging the transmission, see
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on
page 4-31.
N (Neutral):In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart the engine when the
vehicle is are already moving, use N (Neutral) only.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your
foot is rmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear
while the engine is running at high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may damage
the transmission. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is
not running at high speed when shifting the vehicle.
D (Drive):This position is for normal driving. It
provides the best fuel economy. If you need more
power for passing, and you are:
Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push the
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down.
The transmission will shift down to the next gear and
the vehicle will have more power.
2-25

4n(Four-Wheel Low):This setting also engages the
front axle to give you extra traction. It sends the maximum
power to all four wheels. You might choose four-wheel
low if you were driving off-road in sand, mud, or deep
snow and while climbing or descending steep hills.
Shifting into Four-Wheel Low will turn Traction Control
and StabiliTrak
®off. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 4-8andStabiliTrak®System on page 4-6for
more information.
Indicator lights in the buttons show you which setting you
are in. The indicator lights will come on briey when you
turn on the ignition and one will stay on the selected
setting. If the lights do not come on, you should take the
vehicle in for service. An indicator light will ash while
shifting. It will stay on when the shift is completed.
If the transfer case does not shift, it will return to the last
chosen setting.
Shifting from Two-Wheel High to
Four-Wheel High
Press and release the Four-Wheel High button. This
can be done at any speed, and the front axle will lock
automatically.
Shifting from Four-Wheel High to
Two-Wheel High
Press and release the Two-Wheel High button. This can
be done at any speed, and the front axle will unlock
automatically.
It is normal to hear and feel the vehicle’s transfer case
shift into Four-Wheel High. If you shift with the vehicle
stopped, the indicator light may still ash slowly. It may be
necessary to shift the transmission momentarily into
R (Reverse) and D (Drive), for an automatic transmission,
or R (Reverse) and 1 (First) for a manual transmission to
have the light stop ashing.
Shifting from Two-Wheel High or
Four-Wheel High to Four-Wheel Low
To shift from Two-Wheel High or Four-Wheel High to
Four-Wheel Low, the vehicle must be stopped or moving
less than 3 mph (5 km/h) with the transmission in
N (Neutral) for an automatic transmission or the clutch
pedal pressed for a manual transmission. The preferred
method for shifting into Four-Wheel Low is to have your
vehicle moving 1 to 2 mph (1.6 to 3.2 km/h).
Press and release the Four-Wheel Low button. You
must wait for the Four-Wheel Low indicator light to stop
ashing and stay on before shifting the transmission
into gear or releasing the clutch pedal.
2-30

If the Four-Wheel Low button is pressed when the
vehicle is in gear and/or moving faster than 3 mph
(5 km/h), the four-wheel low indicator light will ash for
30 seconds and not complete the shift.
Shifting from Four-Wheel Low to
Two-Wheel High or Four-Wheel High
To shift from Four-Wheel Low to Two-Wheel High or
Four-Wheel High, the vehicle must be stopped or
moving less than 3 mph (5 km/h) with the transmission
in N (Neutral) for an automatic transmission or the
clutch pedal pressed for a manual transmission. The
preferred method for shifting out of four-wheel low is to
have your vehicle moving 1 to 2 mph (1.6 to 3.2 km/h).
Press and release the Four-Wheel High or Two-Wheel
High button. You must wait for the Four-Wheel High
or Two-Wheel High indicator light to stop ashing and
stay on before shifting the transmission into gear or
releasing the clutch pedal.
If the Four-Wheel High or Two-Wheel High button is
pressed when the vehicle is in gear and/or moving faster
than 3 mph (5km/h), the Four-Wheel High or Two Wheel
High indicator light will ash for 30 seconds but not
complete the shift.
Shifting to Neutral
Use N (Neutral) when you plan to tow the vehicle. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-41for towing
instructions. To shift the transfer case into N (Neutral) do
the following:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Start the vehicle.
3. Press the regular brake pedal and shift the
transmission in N (Neutral), or press in the clutch for
vehicles with a manual transmission.
4. Shift the transfer case to Two-Wheel High.
5. Press and hold the Two-Wheel High and
Four-Wheel Low buttons at the same time for
10 seconds. The N (Neutral) light will come on when
the transfer case shift to N (Neutral) is complete.
6. Press and hold the regular brake pedal and shift the
transmission to R (Reverse) for one second, then
shift the transmission to D (Drive) for one second, or
1 (First) for vehicles with manual transmissions, and
let out the clutch to insure the transfer case is in
N (Neutral). If the transfer case is not in N (Neutral),
repeat this procedure starting at Step 3.
7. Turn the engine off by turning the key to
ACC/ACCESSORY.
2-31

8. Place the transmission shift lever in P (Park), or
1 (First) for vehicles that have a manual
transmission.
9. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
Shifting Out of Neutral
After towing the vehicle, you will have to shift out of
N (Neutral) in order to drive. To shift out of N (Neutral),
do the following:
1. Set the parking brake and apply the regular brake
pedal.
2. Start a vehicle with an automatic transmission in
P (Park). Use 1 (First) for vehicles with a manual
transmission.
3. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral), or press the
clutch pedal for vehicles with a manual
transmission.
4. Press the button for the desired transfer case shift
position (Two-Wheel High, Four-Wheel High, or
Four-Wheel Low).
5. After the transfer case has shifted out of N (Neutral),
the indicator light will go out.
6. Release the parking brake.
7. Shift the transmission to the desired position.
Parking Brake
The parking brake pedal is
located to the left of the
brake pedal, near the
driver door.
To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down,
then push the parking brake pedal down to its
fully-applied position.
2-32

Shifting Into Park
(Automatic Transmission)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake rmly set. The vehicle can roll. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are
on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow. If
you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-47.
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and
set the parking brake.
SeeParking Brake on page 2-32for more
information.
{CAUTION:
If you have four-wheel drive, the vehicle will be free
to roll — even if the shift lever is in P (Park) — if the
transfer case is in N (Neutral). So, be sure the
transfer case is in a drive gear, two-wheel
high (2H) or four-wheel high (4H) or four-wheel
low (4L) — not in N (Neutral).
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by pulling the
lever toward you and moving it up as far as it
will go.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave the vehicle with the key, the vehicle is in
P (Park).
2-34