fuel CHEVROLET COLORADO 2011 1.G Owner's Guide

Black plate (9,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-9
A.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 10‑17.
B. Air Filter Restriction Indicator (If Equipped). See Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 10‑17.
C. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid on
page 10‑26.
D. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. See Engine Coolant on
page 10‑19.
E. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick (If Equipped). See
“Checking the Fluid Level”
under Automatic Transmission
Fluid on page 10‑13.
F. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 10‑9.
G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 10‑9.
H. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid on page 10‑28. I.
Battery on page 10‑30.
J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See Power Steering Fluid on
page 10‑25.
K. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10‑41.
L. Radiator Pressure Cap. See Cooling System on page 10‑18.
Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.Always use engine oil approved
to the proper specification and of
the proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil.”
.Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil.”
.Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System on page 10‑12.
.Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do With
Used Oil.”
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine
oil level at each fuel fill. In order to
get an accurate reading, the vehicle
must be on level ground. The
engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow
loop. See Engine Compartment
Overview on page 10‑6 for the
location of the engine oil dipstick.
Obtaining an accurate oil level
reading is essential:
1. If the engine has been running recently, turn off the engine and
allow several minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
Checking your oil level too soon
after engine shut off will not
provide an accurate oil level
reading.

Black plate (25,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-25
3. In heavy traffic, let the engineidle in N (Neutral) while stopped.
If it is safe to do so, pull off the
road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral) and let the
engine idle.
If the temperature overheat gauge is
no longer in the overheat zone or an
overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven.
Continue to drive the vehicle slowly
for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the vehicle in
front. If the warning does not come
back on, continue to drive normally.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle
right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the
engine for three minutes while
parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it
cools down.Engine Fan
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.
This fan noise may also be heard
when the engine is started. It will go
away as the fan clutch disengages.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid reservoir is
located near the front of the engine
compartment, behind the radiator.
See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑6 for reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering
Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering fluid unless
there is a leak suspected in the
system or an unusual noise is
heard. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.

Black plate (42,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
10-42 Vehicle Care
The trailer brake relay is located on
the bottom side of the battery
harness.Fuses Usage
O2 SNSR Oxygen Sensors,
Air Injection
Reactor (AIR)
Relay
A/C Air Conditioning
Control Head,
Power Seats
A/C
CMPRSR Air Conditioning
Compressor Fuses Usage
ABS Antilock Brake
System (ABS),
ABS Module,
Four‐Wheel Drive,
Gravity Sensor
ABS 1 ABS 1 (ABS Logic)
ABS 2 ABS 2 (ABS Pump)
AUX PWR 1 Accessory Power 1
AUX PWR 2 Accessory Power 2
BCK/UP Back-up Lights
BLWR Climate
Control Fan
CLSTR Cluster
CNSTR
VENT Fuel Canister Vent
Solenoid
CRUISE Cruise Control
Switch, Inside
Rearview Mirror,
Transfer Case
Control Module,
Brake Switch,
Clutch Disable Fuses Usage
DR/LCK Power Door
Locks (If Equipped)
DRL Daylight Running
Lamps
ERLS Mass Air
Flow (MAF)
Sensor, Can Purge
Solenoid, Air
Injector
Reactor (AIR)
Relay
ETC Electronic Throttle
Control (ETC)
FOG/LAMP Fog Lamps
(If Equipped)
FRT
PRK LAMP Front Park/Turn
Lamps, Driver and
Passenger Side
Power Window
Switches Lighting
FRT/AXLE Front Axle Actuator
FSCM Fuel System
Control Module

Black plate (51,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-51
maximum capacity of fuel, oil,
and coolant, but without
passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings
:A code molded
into the sidewall of a tire
signifying that the tire is in
compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation
(DOT) motor vehicle safety
standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identification
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
designator which can also
identify the tire manufacturer,
production plant, brand, and
date of production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating. See Vehicle Load Limits
on page 9‑20.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the front axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits on
page 9‑20. GAWR RR
:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the rear axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits on
page 9‑20.
Intended Outboard Sidewall
:
The side of an asymmetrical tire,
that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa)
:The metric
unit for air pressure.
Light Truck (LT‐Metric) Tire
:A
tire used on light duty trucks and
some multipurpose passenger
vehicles.
Load Index
:An assigned
number ranging from 1 to 279
that corresponds to the load
carrying capacity of a tire.
Maximum Inflation Pressure
:
The maximum air pressure to
which a cold tire can be inflated.
The maximum air pressure is
molded onto the sidewall. Maximum Load Rating
:The
load rating for a tire at the
maximum permissible inflation
pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle
Weight
:The sum of curb
weight, accessory weight,
vehicle capacity weight, and
production options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight
:The
number of occupants a vehicle
is designed to seat multiplied by
68 kg (150 lbs). See Vehicle
Load Limits on page 9‑20.
Occupant Distribution
:
Designated seating positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall
:The
side of an asymmetrical tire that
has a particular side that faces
outward when mounted on a
vehicle. The side of the tire that
contains a whitewall, bears
white lettering, or bears
manufacturer, brand, and/or

Black plate (53,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-53
recommended inflation pressure.
See“Tire and Loading
Information Label” underVehicle
Load Limits on page 9‑20.
Tire Pressure
Tires need the correct amount of
air pressure to operate
effectively.
Notice: Do not let anyone tell
you that underinflation or
overinflation is all right. It is
not. If the tires do not have
enough air (underinflation),
you can get the following:
.Tire overloading and
over-heating which could
lead to a blowout.
.Premature or
irregular wear.
.Poor handling.
.Reduced fuel economy. If the tires have too much air
(overinflation), you can get the
following:
.Unusual wear.
.Poor handling.
.Rough ride.
.Needless damage from
road hazards.
A vehicle specific Tire and
Loading Information label is
attached to your vehicle. This
label shows your vehicle's
original equipment tires and the
correct inflation pressures for
your tires when they are cold.
The recommended cold tire
inflation pressure, shown on the
label, is the minimum amount of
air pressure needed to support
your vehicle's maximum load
carrying capacity. For additional information
regarding how much weight your
vehicle can carry, and an
example of the Tire and Loading
Information label, see
Vehicle
Load Limits on page 9‑20. How
you load your vehicle affects
vehicle handling and ride
comfort. Never load your vehicle
with more weight than it was
designed to carry.
When to Check
Check your tires once a month
or more. Also check the tire
pressure of the spare tire. If your
vehicle has a compact spare
tire, it should be at 60 psi
(420 kPa). See Compact Spare
Tire on page 10‑84 and
Full-Size Spare Tire on
page 10‑85 for additional
information.

Black plate (55,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-55
Loading Information label. See
Vehicle Load Limits on page 9‑20
andTire Pressure on page 10‑53.
Example:
You will find the maximum load and
inflation pressure molded on the
tire's sidewall, in small letters, near
the rim flange. It will read something
like this: Maximum load
690 kg (1521 lbs) 300 kPa (44 psi)
Max. Press.
For this example, you would set the
inflation pressure for high‐speed
driving at 35 psi (241 kPa).
Tire Pressure Monitor
System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) uses radio and sensor
technology to check tire pressure
levels. The TPMS sensors monitor
the air pressure in your tires and
transmit tire pressure readings to a
receiver located in the vehicle. Each tire, including the spare (if
provided), should be checked
monthly when cold and inflated to
the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or
tire inflation pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire
inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your
vehicle has been equipped with a
tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or
more of your tires is significantly
under‐inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them
to the proper pressure. Driving on a
significantly under‐inflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can
lead to tire failure. Under‐inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tiretread life, and may affect the
vehicle's handling and stopping
ability.
Please note that the TPMS is
not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver's
responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under‐inflation has
not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been
equipped with a TPMS malfunction
indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure
telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then
remain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start‐ups as
long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire

Black plate (99,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-99
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and
requires sheet metal repair or
replacement, make sure the body
repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion
protection.
Original manufacturer replacement
parts will provide the corrosion
protection while maintaining the
vehicle warranty.
Finish Damage
Any stone chips, fractures or deep
scratches in the finish should be
repaired right away. Bare metal will
corrode quickly and may develop
into major repair expense.
Minor chips and scratches can be
repaired with touch-up materials
available from your dealer. Larger
areas of finish damage can be
corrected in your dealer's body and
paint shop.Chemicals used for ice and snow
removal and dust control can collect
on the underbody. If these are not
removed, corrosion and rust can
develop on the underbody parts
such as fuel lines, frame, floor pan,
and exhaust system even though
they have corrosion protection.
At least every spring, flush these
materials from the underbody with
plain water. Clean any areas where
mud and debris can collect. Dirt
packed in close areas of the frame
should be loosened before being
flushed. Your dealer or an
underbody car washing system can
do this.
Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow
removal and dust control can collect
on the underbody. If these are not
removed, corrosion and rust can
develop on the underbody parts
such as fuel lines, frame, floor pan,
and exhaust system even though
they have corrosion protection.At least every spring, flush these
materials from the underbody with
plain water. Clean any areas where
mud and debris can collect. Dirt
packed in close areas of the frame
should be loosened before being
flushed. Your dealer or an
underbody car washing system can
do this.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Some weather and atmospheric
conditions can create a chemical
fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall
upon and attack painted surfaces on
the vehicle. This damage can take
two forms: blotchy, ring-shaped
discolorations, and small, irregular
dark spots etched into the paint
surface.
Although no defect in the paint job
causes this, we will repair, at no
charge to the owner, the surfaces of
new vehicles damaged by this
fallout condition within 12 months or
20 000 km (12,000 miles) of
purchase, whichever occurs first.

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
Service and Maintenance 11-1
Service and
Maintenance
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 11-1
Scheduled Maintenance
Scheduled Maintenance . . . . . 11-2
Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-6
Maintenance Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-9
Maintenance Records
Maintenance Records . . . . . . 11-10
General Information
Notice: Maintenance intervals,
checks, inspections,
recommended fluids, and
lubricants are necessary to keep
this vehicle in good working
condition. Damage caused by
failure to follow scheduled
maintenance might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
As the vehicle owner, you are
responsible for the scheduled
maintenance in this section. We
recommend having your dealer
perform these services. Proper
vehicle maintenance helps to keep
the vehicle in good working
condition, improves fuel economy,
and reduces vehicle emissions for
better air quality. Because of all the different ways
people use vehicles, maintenance
needs vary. The vehicle might need
more frequent checks and services.
Please read the information under
Scheduled Maintenance. To keep
the vehicle in good condition, see
your dealer.
The maintenance schedule is for
vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargo
within recommended limits on
the Tire and Loading Information
label. See
Vehicle Load Limits
on page 9‑20.
.Are driven on reasonable road
surfaces within legal driving
limits.

Black plate (2,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
11-2 Service and Maintenance
.Are driven off-road in the
recommended manner. See
Off-Road Driving on page 9‑6.
.Use the recommended fuel. See
Recommended Fuel on
page 9‑51.
{WARNING
Performing maintenance work can
be dangerous. Some jobs can
cause serious injury. Perform
maintenance work only if you
have the required know-how and
the proper tools and equipment.
If in doubt, see your dealer to
have a qualified technician do the
work. SeeDoing Your Own
Service Work on page 10‑4. At your dealer, you can be certain
that you will receive the highest
level of service available. Your
dealer has specially trained service
technicians, uses genuine
replacement parts, as well as,
up‐to‐date tools and equipment to
ensure fast and accurate
diagnostics.
The proper replacement parts,
fluids, and lubricants to use are
listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑6 and
Maintenance Replacement Parts on
page 11‑9. We recommend the use
of genuine parts from your dealer.
Rotation of New Tires
To maintain ride, handling, and
performance of the vehicle, it is
important that the first rotation
service for new tires be performed.
Tires should be rotated every
12 000 km/7,500 miles. See Tire
Rotation on page 10‑60.
Scheduled
Maintenance
When the Change Oil Message
Displays
Change engine oil and filter. See
Engine Oil on page 10‑9. An
Emission Control Service.
When the CHANGE OIL message
displays, service is required for the
vehicle as soon as possible, within
the next 1 000 km/600 miles.
If driving under the best conditions,
the engine oil life system might not
indicate the need for vehicle service
for more than a year. The engine oil
and filter must be changed at least
once a year and the oil life system
must be reset. Your dealer has
trained service technicians who will
perform this work and reset the
system. If the engine oil life system
is reset accidentally, service the
vehicle within 5 000 km/3,000 miles
since the last service. Reset the oil

Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2011
Service and Maintenance 11-3
life system whenever the oil is
changed. SeeEngine Oil Life
System on page 10‑12.
Every Engine Oil Change
.Change engine oil and filter.
Reset oil life system. See
Engine Oil on page 10‑9 and
Engine Oil Life System on
page 10‑12. An Emission
Control Service.
.Engine coolant level check. See
Engine Coolant on page 10‑19.
.Engine cooling system
inspection. Visual inspection of
hoses, pipes, fittings, and
clamps and replacement,
if needed.
.Windshield washer fluid level
check. See Washer Fluid on
page 10‑26.
.Windshield wiper blade
inspection for wear, cracking,
or contamination and windshield
and wiper blade cleaning,
if contaminated. See Exterior
Care on page 10‑95. Worn or damaged wiper blade
replacement. See
Wiper Blade
Replacement on page 10‑34.
.Tire inflation pressures check.
See Tire Pressure on
page 10‑53.
.Tire wear inspection. See Tire
Inspection on page 10‑59.
.Rotate tires if necessary. See
Tire Rotation on page 10‑60.
.Fluids visual leak check (or
every 12 months, whichever
occurs first). A leak in any
system must be repaired and the
fluid level checked.
.Engine air cleaner filter
inspection. See Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 10‑17.
.Brake system inspection (or
every 12 months, whichever
occurs first).
.Steering and suspension
inspection. Visual inspection for
damaged, loose, or missing
parts or signs of wear.
.Body hinges and latches, key
lock cylinders, and folding seat
hardware lubrication. Lubricate
hood safety lever pivot and prop
rod pivot and tailgate latch bolt,
handle assembly pivot points,
and hinges. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on
page 11‑6. More frequent
lubrication may be required
when the vehicle is exposed to a
corrosive environment. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth makes them
last longer, seal better, and not
stick or squeak.
.Restraint system component
check. See Safety System
Check on page 3‑24.
.Fuel system inspection for
damage or leaks.
.Exhaust system and nearby heat
shields inspection for loose or
damaged components.