towing CHEVROLET COLORADO 2017 2.G Owners Manual

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
In Brief 17
Automatic Climate Control System
1. Fan Control
2. A/C (Air Conditioning)
3. Air Delivery Mode Controls
4. Defrost
5. Temperature Control
6. AUTO (Automatic Operation)
7. Rear Window Defogger
8. Air Recirculation
9. Power Button
SeeClimate Control Systems0208orAutomatic Climate ControlSystem0210(If Equipped).
Transmission
Range Selection Mode
Range Selection Mode helps controlthe vehicle's transmission andvehicle speed while driving downhillor towing a trailer by letting youselect a desired range of gears.
To e n a b l e :
1. Move the shift lever to theM(Manual Mode) position. Thecurrent range will display nextto the M. This is the highestattainable range with all lowergears accessible. For example,

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
18 In Brief
when 5 (Fifth) gear is selected,1(First) through 5(Fifth) gearsare available.
2. Press the plus/minus button onthe shift lever to select thedesired range of gears forcurrent driving conditions. SeeManual Mode0244.
Four-Wheel Drive
If the vehicle has four-wheel drive,the engine's driving power can besent to all four wheels for extratraction.
Electronic Transfer Case
Automatic Transfer Case
The transfer case knob is to the leftof the steering column. Use it toshift into and out of the differentfour-wheel drive modes.
The different drive options that maybe available are described following.
2m(Two-Wheel Drive High) :This
setting is used for driving in moststreet and highway situations.
AUTO (Automatic Four-WheelDrive) :This setting is ideal for usewhen road surface tractionconditions are variable.
4m(Four-Wheel Drive High) :Use
this setting when extra traction isneeded, such as on snowy or icyroads or in most off-road situations.
N(Neutral) :Shift to this settingonly when towing the vehicle. SeeRecreational Vehicle Towing0351orTr a i l e r To w i n g0272.
4n(Four-Wheel Drive Low) :
Choose 4nwhen driving in deep
sand, mud, or snow, and whileclimbing or descending steep hills.
SeeFour-Wheel Drive0247.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
Seats and Restraints 67
2. Remove any additional materialfrom the seat, such asblankets, cushions, seatcovers, seat heaters, or seatmassagers.
3. Place the seatback in the fullyupright position.
4. Have the person sit upright inthe seat, centered on the seatcushion, with legs comfortablyextended.
5. If the shoulder portion of thebelt is pulled out all the way,the child restraint lockingfeature will be engaged. Thismay unintentionally cause thepassenger sensing system toturn the airbag off for someadult-sized occupants. If thishappens, unbuckle the belt, letthe belt go back all the way,and then buckle the belt againwithout pulling the belt out allthe way.
6. Restart the vehicle and havethe person remain in thisposition for two tothree minutes after the onindicator is lit.
{Warning
If the front outboard passenger
airbag is turned off for an
adult-sized occupant, the airbag
will not be able to inflate and help
protect that person in a crash,
resulting in an increased risk of
serious injury or even death. An
adult-sized occupant should not
ride in the front outboard
passenger seat, if the passenger
airbag off indicator is lit.
Additional Factors Affecting
System Operation
Safety belts help keep thepassenger in position on the seatduring vehicle maneuvers andbraking, which helps the passengersensing system maintain thepassenger airbag status. See“Safety Belts”and“Child Restraints”in the Index for additionalinformation about the importance ofproper restraint use.
Athicklayerofadditionalmaterial,such as a blanket or cushion,or aftermarket equipment such asseat covers, seat heaters, and seatmassagers can affect how well thepassenger sensing systemoperates. We recommend that younot use seat covers or otheraftermarket equipment except whenapproved by GM for your specificvehicle. SeeAdding Equipment tothe Airbag-Equipped Vehicle068for more information aboutmodifications that can affect howthe system operates.
The on indicator may be lit if anobject, such as a briefcase,handbag, grocery bag, laptop,or other electronic device, is put onan unoccupied seat. If this is notdesired remove the object fromthe seat.
{Warning
Stowing of articles under the
passenger seat or between the
passenger seat cushion and
(Continued)

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
Instruments and Controls 119
Caution
If the vehicle is driven continually
with this light on, the emission
control system may not work as
well, the fuel economy may be
lower, and the vehicle may not
run smoothly. This could lead to
costly repairs that might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
Modifications to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake,
or fuel system, or the use of
replacement tires that do not
meet the original tire
specifications, can cause this light
to come on. This could lead to
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. This could also
affect the vehicle’sabilitytopass
an Emissions Inspection/
Maintenance test. See
Accessories and
Modifications0281.
If the light is flashing :Amalfunction has been detected thatcould damage the emission controlsystem and increase vehicleemissions. Diagnosis and servicemay be required.
To h e l p p r e v e n t d a m a g e , r e d u c evehicle speed and avoid hardaccelerations and uphill grades.If towing a trailer, reduce theamount of cargo being hauled assoon as possible.
If the light continues to flash, find asafe place to park. Turn the vehicleoff and wait at least 10 secondsbefore restarting the engine. If thelight is still flashing, follow theprevious guidelines and see yourdealer for service as soon aspossible.
If the light is on steady :Amalfunction has been detected.Diagnosis and service may berequired.
Check the following:
.If fuel has been added to thevehicle using the capless funneladapter, make sure that it has
been removed. See“Filling theTa n k w i t h a P o r t a b l e G a s C a n”underFilling the Tank0267.The diagnostic system candetect if the adapter has beenleft installed in the vehicle,allowing fuel to evaporate intothe atmosphere. A few drivingtrips with the adapter removedmay turn off the light.
.Poor fuel quality can causeinefficient engine operation andpoor driveability, which may goaway once the engine is warmedup. If this occurs, change thefuel brand. It may require atleast one full tank of the properfuel to turn the light off. SeeFuel0266.
If the light remains on, see yourdealer.
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
If the vehicle requires an EmissionsInspection/Maintenance test, thetest equipment will likely connect tothe vehicle's Data LinkConnector (DLC).

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
134 Instruments and Controls
ENGINE OVERHEATING, IDLE
ENGINE
This message displays when theengine coolant temperature is toohot. Stop and allow the vehicle toidle until it cools down. SeeEngineCoolant Temperature Gauge011 5.
When towing, use Tow/Haul Modeto prevent damage to the engine ortransmission. SeeTo w / H a u lMode0245.
ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP
ENGINE
This message displays and a chimemay sound if the engine coolingsystem reaches unsafetemperatures for operation. Stopand turn off the vehicle as soon as itis safe to do so to avoid severedamage. This message clears whenthe engine has cooled to a safeoperating temperature.
Engine Oil Messages
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
This message displays when theengine oil needs to be changed.When you change the engine oil, besure to reset the CHANGE ENGINEOIL SOON message. SeeEngineOil Life System0288forinformation on how to reset themessage. SeeEngine Oil0286andMaintenance Schedule0366.
ENGINE OIL LOW ADD OIL
On some vehicles, this messagedisplays when the engine oil levelmay be too low. Check the oil levelbefore filling to the recommendedlevel. If the oil is not low and thismessage remains on, take thevehicle to your dealer for service.SeeEngine Oil0286.
ENGINE OIL HOT IDLE
ENGINE
This message displays when theengine oil becomes hotter than thenormal operating temperature. Stop
and allow the vehicle to idle until itcools down. SeeEngine CoolantTe m p e r a t u r e G a u g e011 5.
OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP
ENGINE
This message displays if low oilpressure levels occur. Stop thevehicle as soon as safely possibleand do not operate it until the causeof the low oil pressure has beencorrected. Check the oil as soon aspossible and have the vehicleserviced by your dealer. SeeEngineOil0286.
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays and a chimemay sound when the cooling systemtemperature gets too hot and theengine further enters the enginecoolant protection mode. SeeEngine Overheating0296for moreinformation.
This message also displays whenthe vehicle's engine power isreduced. Reduced engine powercan affect the vehicle's ability to

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
Instruments and Controls 139
TO EXIT 4WD LOW SLOW
TO XXX
If a four-wheel drive shift out ofFour-Wheel Drive Low is requested,but the vehicle speed is too high,this message will display until thecorrect vehicle speed is reached.
TO EXIT 4WD LOW SHIFT TO
NEUTRAL
If a four-wheel drive shift out ofFour-Wheel Drive Low is requested,and the vehicle speed is correct, butthe transmission is not inN(Neutral), this message willdisplay until the transmission isshifted to N (Neutral).
TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE
ENGINE
This message displays and a chimemay sound if the transmission fluidin the vehicle gets hot. Driving withthe transmission fluid temperaturehigh can cause damage to thevehicle. Stop the vehicle and let itidle to allow the transmission tocool. This message clears and thechime stops when the fluidtemperature reaches a safe level.
When towing, use Tow/Haul Modeto prevent damage to the engine ortransmission. SeeTo w / H a u lMode0245.
VEHICLE IN 4WD LOW
This message will display if thevehicle is driven in Four-WheelDrive Low for about 10 minutesabove 72 km/h (45 mph).
Vehicle Reminder
Messages
ICE POSSIBLE DRIVE
WITH CARE
This message is displayed when iceconditions are possible.
Vehicle Speed Messages
REDUCE SPEED FOR HILL
DESCENT CONTROL
This message displays whenattempting to enable Hill DescentControl (HDC) when the vehiclespeed is too high. SeeHill DescentControl (HDC)0258.
Vehicle
Personalization
Use the audio system controls toaccess the personalization menusfor customizing vehicle features.
The following are all possiblepersonalization features. Dependingon the vehicle, some may not beavailable.
Base Radio Audio SystemControls
MENU :Press the center of theknob to enter menus and selectmenu items. Turn the knob to scrollthrough the menus.
oBACK :Press to return to theprevious menu or exit.
Uplevel Radio Audio SystemControls
1. Touch the desired feature todisplay a list of availableoptions.
2. Touch to select the desiredfeature setting.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
214 Driving and Operating
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . 215Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 216Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 217Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 222Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 223Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 225Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 226Truck-Camper LoadingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . 232Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 234Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235Retained AccessoryPower (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . 239Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239Parking over ThingsThat Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240Running the Vehicle WhileParked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 241Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244To w / H a u l M o d e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 4 5
Manual Transmission
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . 246
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . 255
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/ElectronicStability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256Hill Descent Control (HDC) . . . 258
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Driver Assistance Systems
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . 261Forward Collision Alert (FCA)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263Lane DepartureWarning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266California FuelRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 267Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Trailer Towing
General TowingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270Driving Characteristics andTo w i n g T i p s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 7 0Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272To w i n g E q u i p m e n t . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 7 5Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . 277
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On ElectricalEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
228 Driving and Operating
3.Subtract the combined
weight of the driver and
passengers from XXX kg or
XXX lbs.
4.The resulting figure equals
the available amount of
cargo and luggage load
capacity. For example, if the
"XXX" amount equals
1400 lbs. and there will be
five 150 lb passengers in
your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5 x 150) =
650 lbs.)
5.Determine the combined
weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing
atrailer,loadfromyour
trailer will be transferred to
your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how
this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle.”
SeeTr a i l e r To w i n g0272for
important information on towing
atrailer,towingsafetyrules,and
trailering tips.
Example 1
1. Vehicle Capacity Weight forExample 1 = (453 kg)(1,000 lb)
2. Subtract Occupant Weight@68kg(150lb)◊2=136 kg (300 lb)
3. Available Occupant andCargo Weight = 317 kg(700 lb)
Example 2
1. Vehicle Capacity Weight forExample 2 = 453 kg(1,000 lb)
2. Subtract Occupant Weight@68kg(150lb)◊5=340 kg (750 lb)
3. Available Cargo Weight =11 3 k g ( 2 5 0 l b )

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
232 Driving and Operating
Structural members (1) and (2) areincluded in the pickup box design.Additional accessories should usethese load points. Depending on theaccessory design, use a spacerunder the accessory at the loadpoints to remove gap. The holes forGM approved accessories (3) arenot intended for aftermarketequipment. See www.gmupfitter.comfor additional pickup box loadbearing structural information.
Truck-Camper Loading
Information
The vehicle was neither
designed nor intended to carry a
slide-in camper.
Caution
Adding a slide-in camper or
similar equipment to the vehicle
can damage it, and the repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Do not install a
slide-in camper or similar
equipment on the vehicle.
Starting and
Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
The vehicle does not need an
elaborate break-in. But it will
perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:
.Keep the vehicle speed at88 km/h (55 mph) or less forthe first 805 km (500 mi).
.Do not drive at any oneconstant speed, fast or slow,for the first 805 km (500 mi).Do not make full-throttlestarts. Avoid downshifting tobrake or slow the vehicle.
.Avoid making hard stops forthe first 322 km (200 mi) orso. During this time the newbrake linings are not yetbroken in. Hard stops withnew linings can mean
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
premature wear and earlierreplacement. Follow thisbreaking-in guideline everytime you get new brakelinings.
.Do not tow a trailer duringbreak-in. SeeTr a i l e r To w i n g0272for the trailer towingcapabilities of the vehicleand more information.
Following break-in, engine speed
and load can be gradually
increased.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122675) - 2017 - crc - 8/22/16
238 Driving and Operating
Shifting Into Park
{Warning
It can be dangerous to get out of
the vehicle if the shift lever is not
fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake firmly 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. With four-wheel drive,
if the transfer case is in
N(Neutral), the vehicle will be
free to roll, even if the shift lever
is in P (Park). Be sure the transfer
case is in a drive gear. If towing a
trailer, seeDriving Characteristics
and Towing Tips0270.
1. Hold the brake pedal down,then set the parking brake.
SeeParking Brake0254.
2. Hold the button on the shiftlever and push the lever towardthe front of the vehicle intoP(Park).
3. Be sure the transfer case (ifequipped) is in a drivegear—not in N (Neutral).
4. Turn the ignition key toLOCK/OFF.
5. Remove the key and take itwith you. If you can leave thevehicle with the ignition key inyour hand, the vehicle is inP(Park).
Leaving the Vehicle with the
Engine Running
{Warning
It can be dangerous to leave the
vehicle with the engine running.
The vehicle could move suddenly
if the shift lever is not fully in
P(Park) with the parking brake
firmly set.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
If you have four-wheel drive and
the transfer case is in N (Neutral),
the vehicle will be free to roll,
even if the shift lever is in
P(Park). So be sure the transfer
case is in a drive gear–not in
N(Neutral).
And, if you leave the vehicle with
the engine running, it could
overheat and even catch fire. You
or others could be injured. Do not
leave the vehicle with the engine
running unless you have to.
If you have to leave the vehicle withthe engine running, be sure thevehicle is in P (Park) and theparking brake is firmly set beforeyou leave it. After you move the shiftlever into P (Park), hold the regularbrake pedal down. Then, see if youcan move the shift lever away fromP(Park) without pressing the buttonon the shift lever. If you can, itmeans that the shift lever was notfully locked into P (Park).