display CHEVROLET COLORADO 2012 1.G Owners Manual

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2012
2012 Chevrolet Colorado Owner ManualM
In Brief. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-3
Vehicle Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Performance and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Keys, Doors, and Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Keys and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Exterior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Interior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20
Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34 Storage
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . 4-1
Instruments and Controls . . . . 5-1
Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Information Displays . . . . . . . . . . 5-19
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Lighting Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7
Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-15
Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-21
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 8-1
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3 Driving and Operating
. . . . . . . . 9-1
Driving Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Starting and Operating . . . . . . . 9-22
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-30
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 9-31
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . 9-34
Drive Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-36
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-40
Ride Control Systems . . . . . . . . 9-42
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-46
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-48
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-53
Conversions and Add-Ons . . . 9-63
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
Vehicle Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . 10-35
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-35
Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-38
Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-46
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-84
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-89
Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . 10-94

Black plate (15,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2012
In Brief 1-15
Vehicle Features
Radio(s)
Radio with CD (MP3/WMA)
PWR: Press to turn the system on
and off.
qVOLr: Turn to increase or
decrease the volume. BAND:
Press to switch between
FM1, FM2, AM, or XM1, or XM2
(if equipped). The selection
displays.
qTUNEr: Turn to select radio
stations.
qSEEKr: Press to go to the
previous or to the next station and
stay there.
For more information about these
and other radio features, see
Infotainment on page 7‑1.
Setting Preset Stations
Radio stations are stored as
presets.
For vehicles with an XM radio,
a maximum of 30 stations can
be stored as presets using the
six numbered pushbuttons.
If the radio does not have XM, up to
18 stations (six FM1, six FM2, and
six AM), can be programmed on the
six numbered buttons.
See “Setting Preset Stations” under
Operation on page 7‑3.

Black plate (16,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2012
1-16 In Brief
Setting the Clock
To set the time and date for the
radio with CD (MP3/WMA):
Press and hold the HR button until
the correct hour displays. Press and
hold the MN button until the correct
minute displays. The time can be
set with the ignition on or off.
To synchronize the time with an
FM station broadcasting Radio Data
System (RDS) information, press
and hold the HR and MN buttons
at the same time until RDS TIME
displays. To accept this time, press
and hold the HR and MN buttons,
at the same time, for another
two seconds. If the time is not
available from the station, NO
UPDAT (update) displays.
RDS time is broadcast once a
minute. After tuning to an RDS
broadcast station, it could take a
few minutes for the time to update.For detailed instructions on setting
the clock for your specific audio
system, see
Clock on page 5‑4.
Satellite Radio
XM is a satellite radio service
based in the 48 contiguous United
States and 10 Canadian provinces.
XM satellite radio has a wide
variety of programming and
commercial-free music, coast to
coast, and in digital-quality sound.
A fee is required to receive the
XM service.
For more information, refer to:
.www.xmradio.com or call
1-800-929-2100 (U.S.)
.www.xmradio.ca or call
1-877-438-9677 (Canada)
See Satellite Radio on page 7‑11.
Cruise Control
The cruise controls are located at
the end of the multifunction lever.
9:Turns the system off.
R: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.
For more information, see Cruise
Control on page 9‑46.

Black plate (17,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2012
In Brief 1-17
Driver Information
Center (DIC)
The DIC is located on the
instrument panel cluster. It displays
the status of many vehicle systems
and enables some features to be
personalized.
Use the trip reset stem located on
the instrument panel cluster to scroll
through the available functions.
For more information, seeDriver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5‑19.
Vehicle Personalization
Some vehicle features can be
personalized through the DIC.
These features include:
.Language: English, Spanish,
or French
.Automatic Door Locks
.RKE Feedback For more information, see
Driver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5‑19.
Power Outlets
The accessory power outlets can be
used to plug in electrical equipment,
such as a cell phone or MP3 player.
The vehicle may have an accessory
power outlet located below the
climate control system and on the
rear of the center console.
See Power Outlets on page 5‑5.
Performance and
Maintenance
Traction Control
System (TCS)
The traction control system limits
wheel spin. The system turns on
automatically every time the vehicle
is started.
.To turn off traction control, press
and release the TCS/StabiliTrak
button on the instrument panel.
gilluminates and the appropriate
DIC message is displayed. See
Ride Control System Messages
on page 5‑25.
.Press and release the TCS/
StabiliTrak button again to turn
on traction control.
For more information, see Traction
Control System (TCS) on
page 9‑42.

Black plate (18,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2012
1-18 In Brief
StabiliTrak®System
The StabiliTrak system assists with
directional control of the vehicle in
difficult driving conditions. The
system turns on automatically every
time the vehicle is started.
.To turn off both traction control
and StabiliTrak, press and hold
the TCS/StabiliTrak button
until
gilluminates and the
appropriate DIC message is
displayed. See Ride Control
System Messages on page 5‑25.
.Press and release the TCS/
StabiliTrak button again to turn
on both systems.
For more information, see
StabiliTrak
®System on page 9‑44.
Tire Pressure Monitor
This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
The TPMS warning light alerts you
to a significant loss in pressure of
one of the vehicle's tires. If the
warning light comes on, stop as
soon as possible and inflate the
tires to the recommended pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Vehicle Load
Limits on page 9‑16. The warning
light will remain on until the tire
pressure is corrected.
During cooler conditions, the low tire
pressure warning light may appear
when the vehicle is first started and
then turn off. This may be an early indicator that the tire pressures are
getting low and the tires need to be
inflated to the proper pressure.
The TPMS does not replace normal
monthly tire maintenance. It is the
driver
’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressures.
See Tire Pressure Monitor System
on page 10‑54.Engine Oil Life System
The engine oil life system calculates
engine oil life based on vehicle use
and displays a DIC message when
it is necessary to change the engine
oil and filter.
Resetting the Oil Life System
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN,
with the engine off.
2. Press and release the stem in the lower center of the
instrument cluster until the OIL
LIFE message is displayed.

Black plate (14,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2012
2-14 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Automatic Dimming
Rearview Mirror
The vehicle may have an automatic
dimming inside rearview mirror.
Automatic dimming reduces the
glare of lights from behind the
vehicle.
The mirror may also have OnStar
®
and/or a compass and outside
temperature display.
Control buttons for the OnStar
system are at the bottom of the
mirror. See the OnStar Owners
Guide for more information about
the services OnStar provides. See
Compass on page 5‑3for more
information about the compass
display. See “Temperature Display”
after, for more information about the
outside temperature display. AUTO/
(/O(On/Off):
Press
and hold AUTO/
(for about
three seconds or depending on the
mirror, press
Oto turn automatic
dimming on or off. The automatic
dimming feature comes on and the
indicator light illuminates each time
the vehicle is started.
Temperature Display
Y b/O(On/Off) : PressYbor
depending on the mirror, press
Oto
turn the display on or off.
To adjust between Fahrenheit and
Celsius:
1. Press and hold
Y b/Ofor a
few seconds. The current unit of
measure (C or F) flashes. 2. Press
Y
b/Oagain and
release to change the unit of
measure. Wait several seconds
and the compass/temperature
display returns with the selected
unit of measure.
It is normal under certain conditions
for the temperature update to be
delayed. If an incorrect temperature
displays for an extended period, see
your dealer.
Cleaning the Mirror
Do not spray glass cleaner directly
on the mirror. Use a soft towel
dampened with water.

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2012
Instruments and Controls 5-1
Instruments and
Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . 5-2
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . 5-2
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Cigarette Lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Chime Level Adjustment . . . . . . 5-6
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8 Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . 5-9
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . 5-10
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Charging System Light . . . . . . 5-12
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
StabiliTrak
®OFF Light . . . . . . . 5-16
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
®Light . . . . 5-17
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . 5-17
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . 5-18
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . 5-18
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . 5-19
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Battery Voltage and ChargingMessages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Brake System Messages . . . . 5-23
Door Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Engine Cooling System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Engine Oil Messages . . . . . . . . 5-24
Engine Power Messages . . . . 5-24
Fuel System Messages . . . . . . 5-24
Lamp Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25
Ride Control System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25
Service Vehicle Messages . . . 5-25
Tire Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26
Transmission Messages . . . . . 5-26

Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2012
Instruments and Controls 5-3
Move the band to one of the
following positions:
8(Mist):For a single wipe, move
the band to
8and then release it.
For several wipes, hold the band
on
8longer.
N(Adjustable Interval Wipes):
For adjustable interval wipes, turn
the band up for more frequent wipes
or down for less frequent wipes.
6(Low Speed): For slow
wipes, turn the band to the first solid
position past the delay settings.
1(High Speed): For fast wipes,
turn the band to the second solid
position past the delay settings.
9(Off): Use to turn the wipers off.
Clear snow and ice from the wiper
blades before using them. If frozen
to the windshield, carefully loosen or
thaw them. Damaged wiper blades
should be replaced.
Windshield Washer
{WARNING
In freezing weather, do not use
the washer until the windshield
is warmed. Otherwise the
washer fluid can form ice on the
windshield, blocking your vision.
Q L(Washer Fluid): Push the
paddle on top of the multifunction
lever to spray washer fluid on the
windshield. The wipers will clear
the window and then either stop or
return to your preset speed.
Compass
Compass Operation
PressY bor depending on the
mirror, press
Oonce to turn the
display on or off.
Compass Calibration
The compass may need
calibration if:
.CAL is displayed while driving in
the vehicle.
.After approximately five seconds,
the display does not show a
compass heading, N for North,
for example, there may be a
strong magnetic field interfering
with the compass. Interference
can be caused by a magnetic
antenna mount, magnetic note
pad holder, or a similar
magnetic item.
.The compass does not display
the correct heading and the
compass zone variance is set
correctly.
To calibrate, CAL must be displayed
in the mirror compass windows.
If CAL is not displayed, press and
hold
Y b/Ofor several seconds or
until CAL is displayed.

Black plate (4,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2012
5-4 Instruments and Controls
The compass can be calibrated by
driving the vehicle in circles at
8 km/h (5 mph) or less until the
display reads a direction.
Compass Variance
The mirror is set to zone eight.
If you do not live in zone eight or
drive out of the area, the compass
variance needs to be changed to
the appropriate zone.
To adjust for compass variance:
1. Find the current location andvariance zone number on the
following zone map.
2. Press and holdYb/Ountil Z
and/or a zone number displays.
3. Press
Y b/Orepeatedly until
the new zone number displays.
After you stop pressing the
button, the display shows a
compass direction within a
few seconds.
Clock
AM-FM Radio
Press and hold HR until the correct
hour displays. Press and hold MN
until the correct minute displays.
There is an initial two-second delay
before the clock goes into time-set
mode. To display the time with the
ignition off, press RCL, HR, or MN.
Radio with CD (MP3/WMA)
Press and hold the HR button until
the correct hour displays. Press and
hold the MN button until the correct
minute displays. The time can be
set with the ignition on or off.
To synchronize the time with an
FM station broadcasting Radio Data
System (RDS) information, press
and hold the HR and MN buttons
at the same time until RDS TIME
displays. To accept this time, press
and hold the HR and MN buttons,
at the same time, for another
two seconds. If the time is not
available from the station, NO
UPDAT (update) displays.

Black plate (6,1)Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual - 2012
5-6 Instruments and Controls
Ashtrays
The vehicle may have a removable
ashtray and cigarette lighter.
The ashtray is located in the center
console area. The ashtray can be
removed for cleaning. When the
ashtray is removed, this area can
also be used as a cupholder.
Notice:If papers, pins, or other
flammable items are put in the
ashtray, hot cigarettes or other
smoking materials could ignite
them and possibly damage the
vehicle. Never put flammable
items in the ashtray.
Warning Lights,
Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning lights and gauges can
signal that something is wrong
before it becomes serious enough
to cause an expensive repair or
replacement. Paying attention to the
warning lights and gauges could
prevent injury.
Warning lights come on when there
could be a problem with a vehicle
function. Some warning lights come
on briefly when the engine is started
to indicate they are working.
Gauges can indicate when there
could be a problem with a vehicle
function. Often gauges and warning
lights work together to indicate a
problem with the vehicle.
When one of the warning lights
comes on and stays on while
driving, or when one of the gauges
shows there may be a problem,
check the section that explains what to do. Follow this manual's advice.
Waiting to do repairs can be costly
and even dangerous.Chime Level Adjustment
The radio is used to adjust the
vehicle's chime level. To change the
volume level of the chime, press
and hold pushbutton 6 with the
ignition on and the radio power off.
The volume level will change from
the normal level to loud, and LOUD
will appear on the radio display.
To change back to the default or
normal setting, press and hold
pushbutton 6 again. The volume
level will change from the loud level
to normal, and NORMAL will appear
on the radio display. Each time the
chime volume is changed, three
chimes will sound to indicate the
new volume selected. Removing
the radio and not replacing it with a
factory radio or chime module will
disable vehicle chimes.