warning CHEVROLET COLORADO 2011 1.G Owners Manual

Black plate (36,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
9-36 Driving and Operating
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 the Vehicle is Stuck on
page 9‑19.
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.
{WARNING
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
firmly 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 55 km/h
(35 mph), push the accelerator
pedal about halfway down.
.Going about 55 km/h (35 mph) 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.
Downshifting the transmission in
slippery road conditions could result
in skidding, see “Skidding”under
Loss of Control on page 9‑5.
3 (Third): This position is also used
for normal driving. However, it
reduces vehicle speed more than
D (Drive) without using the brakes.
You might choose 3 (Third) instead
of D (Drive) when driving on hilly,
winding roads, or when towing a
trailer, so there is less shifting
between gears and when going
down a steep hill.
2 (Second): This position reduces
vehicle speed even more than
3 (Third) without using the brakes.
You can use 2 (Second) to help
control vehicle speed on steep

Black plate (38,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
9-38 Driving and Operating
R (Reverse):To back up, press the
clutch pedal. After the vehicle stops,
shift into R (Reverse). Slowly let up
on the clutch pedal as you press the
accelerator pedal. If it is hard to
shift, let the shift lever return to
Neutral and release the clutch
pedal. Then press the clutch again
and shift into R (Reverse). Do not
attempt to shift into 5 (Fifth) prior to
shifting into R (Reverse). The
transmission has a lock out feature
which prevents a 5 (Fifth) gear to
R (Reverse) gear shift.
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.
Use R (Reverse), along with the
parking brake, for parking the
vehicle.Up-Shift Light
This light will show you when to shift
to the next higher gear for best fuel
economy.
When this light comes on, you can
shift to the next higher gear if
weather, road and traffic conditions
permit. For the best fuel economy,
accelerate slowly and shift when the
light comes on.
While you accelerate, it is normal for
the light to go on and off if you
quickly change the position of the
accelerator. Ignore the shift light
when you downshift.
If the vehicle has four-wheel drive
and has a manual transmission,
disregard the shift light when the
transfer case is in four-wheel low.
Shift Speeds
{WARNING
If you skip a gear when you
downshift, you could lose control
of the vehicle. You could injure
yourself or others. Do not shift
down more than one gear at a
time when you downshift.

Black plate (40,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
9-40 Driving and Operating
Recommended Transfer Case Settings
Driving ConditionsTransfer Case Settings
2m4m4nN
Normal YES Severe YES
Extreme YES
Vehicle in Tow* YES
*See Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 10‑90 orTowing the Vehicle on
page 10‑90 for further information.
Shifting into Four‐Wheel Low will
turn Traction Control and
StabiliTrak
®off. See Traction
Control System (TCS) on page 9‑46
and StabiliTrak
®System on
page 9‑47 for more information. Use these buttons to shift into and
out of four-wheel drive. You can
choose from the following:
2m(Two-Wheel High):
This setting
is for driving in most street and
highway situations. The front axle is
not engaged in two-wheel drive.
{WARNING
Shifting the transfer case to
N (Neutral) can cause the vehicle
to roll even if the transmission is
in P (Park). You or someone else
could be seriously injured. Be
sure to set the parking brake
before placing the transfer case in
N (Neutral). See Parking Brake on
page 9‑44.
N (Neutral): Shift the vehicle's
transfer case to N (Neutral) only
when towing the vehicle.
4
m(Four-Wheel High): This setting
engages the front axle to help drive
the vehicle. Use four-wheel high
when you need extra traction, such
as on snowy or icy roads, or in most
off-road situations.
4
n(Four-Wheel Low): This setting
also engages the front axle to give
you extra traction. It sends the
maximum power to all four wheels.

Black plate (43,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-43
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 applythe 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.Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has the Antilock Brake
System (ABS), an advanced
electronic braking system that helps
prevent a braking skid.
When the engine is started and the
vehicle begins to drive away, ABS
checks itself. A momentary motor or
clicking noise might be heard while
this test is going on, and it might
even be noticed that the brake
pedal moves a little. This is normal.If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
on page 5‑16.
If driving safely on a wet road and it
becomes necessary to slam on the
brakes and continue braking to
avoid a sudden obstacle, a
computer senses that the wheels
are slowing down. If one of the
wheels is about to stop rolling, the
computer will separately work the
brakes at each wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressure
to each wheel, as required, faster
than any driver could. This can help
the driver steer around the obstacle
while braking hard.

Black plate (44,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
9-44 Driving and Operating
As the brakes are applied, the
computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls
braking pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change
the time needed to get a foot up to
the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too
close to the vehicle in front of you,
there will not be enough time to
apply the brakes if that vehicle
suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room up ahead to
stop, even with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold
the brake pedal down firmly and let
ABS work. You might hear the ABS
pump or motor operating and feel
the brake pedal pulsate, but this is
normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows the driver to steer and
brake at the same time. In many
emergencies, steering can help
more than even the very best
braking.
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.
A chime will activate and the brake
warning light, located on the
instrument panel, will flash when the
parking brake is applied and the
vehicle is moving at least 5 km/h
(3 mph) for at least three seconds.
The chime will deactivate and the
light will turn off when the parking
brake is set and the vehicle is
moving below 5 km/h (3 mph). See
Brake System Warning Light on
page 5‑15.

Black plate (45,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-45
To release the parking brake, hold
the regular brake pedal down. Pull
the bottom edge of the lever,
located above the parking brake
pedal, with the parking brake
symbol, directly rearward to release
the parking brake.If the ignition is on when the parking
brake is released, the brake system
warning light will go off.
Notice:
Driving with the parking
brake on can overheat the brake
system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system
parts. Make sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the
brake warning light is off before
driving.
If you are towing a trailer and are
parking on any hill, see Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips on
page 9‑56.
Brake Assist
This vehicle has a brake assist
feature designed to assist the driver
in stopping or decreasing vehicle
speed in emergency driving
conditions. This feature uses the
stability system hydraulic brake
control module to supplement the
power brake system under
conditions where the driver has
quickly and forcefully applied the
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly
stop or slow down the vehicle. The
stability system hydraulic brake
control module increases brake
pressure at each corner of the
vehicle until the ABS activates.
Minor brake pedal pulsation or
pedal movement during this time
is normal and the driver should
continue to apply the brake pedal
as the driving situation dictates.
The brake assist feature will
automatically disengage when the
brake pedal is released or brake
pedal pressure is quickly
decreased.

Black plate (46,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
9-46 Driving and Operating
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control
System (TCS)
The Traction Control System (TCS)
is part of StabiliTrak. TCS limits
wheel slip which is especially useful
in slippery road conditions. The
system operates only if it senses
that any of the wheels are spinning
or beginning to lose traction. When
this happens, TCS applies the
brakes to limit wheel spin and also
reduces engine power. The system
may be heard or felt while it is
working. This is normal and does
not mean there is a problem with
the vehicle.
Notice:If the wheel(s) of one axle
is allowed to spin excessively
while the StabiliTrak
®, ABS, brake
warning lights, and any relevant
DIC messages are displayed, the
transfer case could be damaged.
The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Reduce
engine power and do not spin the wheel(s) excessively while these
lights and messages are
displayed.
TCS can operate on dry roads
under some conditions. When
this happens, the system may be
heard working or a reduction in
acceleration may be noticed. This
is normal and does not mean there
is a problem with the vehicle.
Examples of these conditions
include hard acceleration in a turn,
an abrupt upshift or downshift of the
transmission or driving on rough
roads.
If cruise control is being used when
TCS begins to limit wheel spin, the
cruise control automatically
disengages. The cruise control can
be re-engaged when road
conditions allow. See
Cruise Control
on page 9‑49.
The message TRACTION FAULT
appears in the Driver Information
Center (DIC) when a TCS or
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
problem has been detected and the vehicle needs service. When this
message is on, the system will not
limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving
accordingly. See
Ride Control
System Messages on page 5‑25.
The StabiliTrak/TCS light will flash
on the instrument panel cluster
when the TCS system or StabiliTrak
is both on and activated.
The StabiliTrak/TCS button is
located on the instrument panel.

Black plate (49,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-49
Cruise Control
With cruise control, a speed of
about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more can
be maintained without keeping your
foot on the accelerator. Cruise
control does not work at speeds
below about 40 km/h (25 mph).
If the brakes are applied, the cruise
control shuts off.
{WARNING
Cruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at
a steady speed. So, do not use
the 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 the vehicle's StabiliTrak
®/Traction
Control System (TCS) begins to limit
wheel spin while the cruise control
is on, the cruise control
automatically disengages. See
StabiliTrak
®System on page 9‑47 or
Traction Control System (TCS) on
page 9‑46. When road conditions
allow you to safely use it again, the
cruise control can be turned
back on.
These controls are located at the
end of the multifunction lever.
9(Off): Turns the system off.
R(On):Turns the system on.
+ (Resume/Accelerate): Use to
make the vehicle accelerate or
resume a previously set speed.
r T(Set): Press the button at
the end of the lever to set the
speed.
Setting Cruise Control
If the cruise button is on when not in
use, it could get bumped and go into
cruise when not desired. Keep the
cruise control switch off when cruise
is not being used.
1. Move the cruise control lever
to
R.
2. Get up to the speed desired.
3. Press
r Tat the end of the
lever and release it.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.

Black plate (54,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
9-54 Driving and Operating
Filling the Tank
{WARNING
Fuel vapor burns violently and a
fuel fire can cause bad injuries.
To help avoid injuries to you and
others, read and follow all the
instructions on the fuel pump
island. Turn off the engine when
refueling. Do not smoke near fuel
or when refueling the vehicle. Do
not use cellular phones. Keep
sparks, flames, and smoking
materials away from fuel. Do not
leave the fuel pump unattended
when refueling the vehicle. This is
against the law in some places.
Do not re-enter the vehicle while
pumping fuel. Keep children away
from the fuel pump; never let
children pump fuel.
The tethered fuel cap is located
behind a hinged fuel door on the
driver side of the vehicle.
To remove the fuel cap, turn it
slowly counterclockwise.
While refueling, hang the tethered
fuel cap from the hook on the
fuel door.
{WARNING
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 the 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 overfill the tank and wait a
few seconds after you have finished
pumping before removing the
nozzle. Clean fuel from painted
surfaces as soon as possible. See
“Washing the Vehicle” in
Exterior Care.
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

Black plate (55,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-55
allow fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. If the fuel cap is not
properly installed, the FUEL CAP
message appears on the Driver
Information Center (DIC) and the
check engine light will be lit on the
instrument panel cluster. SeeFuel
System Messages on page 5‑25
and Malfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 5‑12 for more information.
{WARNING
If a fire starts while you are
refueling, do not remove the
nozzle. Shut off the flow of fuel by
shutting off the pump or by
notifying the station attendant.
Leave the area immediately.
Notice: If a new fuel cap is
needed, be sure to get the right
type of cap from your dealer. The
wrong type fuel cap might not fit
properly, might cause the
malfunction indicator lamp to
light, and could damage the fuel tank and emissions system. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 5‑12.
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container
{WARNING
Never fill a portable fuel container
while it is in the vehicle. Static
electricity discharge from the
container can ignite the fuel
vapor. You can be badly burned
and the vehicle damaged if this
occurs. To help avoid injury to you
and others:
.Dispense fuel only into
approved containers.
.Do not fill a container while it
is inside a vehicle, in a
vehicle's trunk, pickup bed,
or on any surface other than
the ground.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
.Bring the fill nozzle in contact
with the inside of the fill
opening before operating the
nozzle. Contact should be
maintained until the filling is
complete.
.Do not smoke while
pumping fuel.
.Do not use a cellular phone
while pumping fuel.