check engine light CHEVROLET COLORADO 2018 User Guide

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349743) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
238 Driving and Operating
9. Place the transmission shiftlever in P (Park). See
Recreational Vehicle Towing
0348.
10. Turn the ignition off.
Shifting Out of N (Neutral)
To shift: 1. Set the parking brake and apply the brake pedal.
2. Turn the ignition on with the engine off.
3. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
4. Turn the transfer case knob to the desired setting.
After the transfer case has
shifted out of N (Neutral), the
N (Neutral) light will go out.
5. Release the parking brake.
6. Start the engine and shift the transmission to the
desired gear.Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has an Antilock Brake
System (ABS), an advanced
electronic braking system that helps
prevent a braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to drive
away, ABS checks itself.
A momentary motor or clicking noise
may be heard while this test is going
on, and it may 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
0 123. 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 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
you steer around the obstacle while
braking hard.
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.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 241
vehicle wheel brakes to assist the
driver in keeping the vehicle on the
intended path.
If cruise control is being used and
TCS or StabiliTrak begins to limit
wheel spin, cruise control will
disengage. Cruise control may be
turned back on when road
conditions allow.
Both systems come on
automatically when the vehicle is
started and begins to move. The
systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while
performing diagnostic checks. This
is normal and does not mean there
is a problem with the vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both
systems on for normal driving
conditions, but it may be necessary
to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
SeeIf the Vehicle Is Stuck 0209
and “Turning the Systems Off and
On” later in this section.
When the transfer case (if equipped)
is in 4
n, the stability system is
automatically disabled, and
g
comes on in the instrument cluster.
Both TCS and StabiliTrak are
automatically disabled.
The indicator light for both systems
is in the instrument cluster. This
light will:
. Flash when TCS is limiting
wheel spin.
. Flash when StabiliTrak is
activated.
. Turn on and stay on when either
system is not working.
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the
Driver Information Center (DIC), and
dcomes on and stays on to
indicate that the system is inactive
and is not assisting the driver in
maintaining control. The vehicle is
safe to drive, but driving should be
adjusted accordingly. If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine.
Drive the vehicle. If
dcomes on
and stays on, the vehicle may need
more time to diagnose the problem.
If the condition persists, see your
dealer.
Turning the Systems Off and
On (Except ZR2)
The button for TCS and StabiliTrak
is on the center stack.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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256 Driving and Operating
Caution (Continued)
.Fuel containing metals such
as methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT), which can damage
the emissions control
system and spark plugs.
. Fuel with a posted octane
rating of less than the
recommended fuel. Using
this fuel will lower fuel
economy and performance,
and may decrease the life of
the emissions catalyst.
California Fuel
Requirements
If the vehicle is certified to meet
California Emissions Standards, it is
designed to operate on fuels that
meet California specifications. See
the underhood emission control
label. If this fuel is not available in
states adopting California Emissions
Standards, the vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal specifications, but emission
control system performance may be
affected. The malfunction indicator
lamp could turn on and the vehicle
may not pass a smog-check test.
See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light) 0120. If this
occurs, return to your authorized
dealer for diagnosis. If it is
determined that the condition is
caused by the type of fuel used,
repairs may not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Fuels in Foreign
Countries
The U.S., Canada, and Mexico post
fuel octane ratings in anti-knock
index (AKI). For fuel not to use in a
foreign country, see “Prohibited
Fuels” inFuel 0255.
Fuel Additives
To keep fuel systems clean, TOP
TIER detergent gasoline is
recommended. See Fuel0255. If TOP TIER detergent gasoline is
not available, one bottle of GM Fuel
System Treatment Cleaner added to
the fuel tank at every engine oil
change, can help. GM Fuel System
Treatment Cleaner is the only
gasoline additive recommended by
General Motors. It is available at
your dealer.
Filling the Tank
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see
“Filling the Tank” in the
Duramax diesel supplement.
{Warning
Fuel vapors and fuel fires burn
violently and can cause injury or
death.
. 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.
(Continued)

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 271
and turn the ignition off. Check the
wiring connection to the trailer and
turn the ignition back on. If either of
these messages continues, either
the vehicle or trailer needs service.
A GM dealer may be able to
diagnose and repair problems with
the trailer. However, any diagnosis
and repair of the trailer is not
covered under the vehicle warranty.
Contact your trailer dealer for
assistance with trailer repairs and
trailer warranty information.
Trailer Sway
Control (TSC)
Vehicles with StabiliTrak have a
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) feature.
Trailer sway is unintended
side-to-side motion of a trailer while
being towed. If the vehicle is towing
a trailer and the TSC detects that
sway is increasing, the vehicle
brakes are selectively applied at
each wheel, to help reduce
excessive trailer sway. If the vehicle
is equipped with the Integrated
Trailer Brake Control (ITBC) system,and the trailer has the electric
actuated brake system, StabiliTrak
may also apply the trailer brakes.
If TSC is enabled, the Traction
Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
warning light will flash on the
instrument cluster. Vehicle speed
must be reduced. If trailer sway
continues, StabiliTrak can reduce
engine torque to help slow the
vehicle. See
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0240.
{Warning
Even if the vehicle is equipped
with TSC, trailer sway could result
in loss of control and the vehicle
could crash. If excessive trailer
sway is detected, slow down to a
safe speed. Check the trailer and
vehicle to help correct possible
causes. These could include an
improperly or overloaded trailer,
unrestrained cargo, improper
trailer hitch configuration,
excessive vehicle-trailer speed,
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
or improperly inflated or incorrect
vehicle or trailer tires. See Towing
Equipment 0264 for trailer ratings
and hitch setup
recommendations.
Adding non-dealer accessories can
affect the vehicle performance. See
Accessories and Modifications
0 276.
Electronic Trailer Sway Control
Devices
Some trailers may come equipped
with an electronic device designed
to reduce or control trailer sway.
Aftermarket equipment
manufacturers also offer similar
devices that connect to the wiring
between the trailer and the vehicle.
These devices may interfere with
the vehicle’ s trailer brake or other
systems, including integrated
anti-sway systems, if equipped.
Messages related to trailer
connections or trailer brakes could

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349743) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
272 Driving and Operating
appear on the Driver Information
Center (DIC). The effect that these
devices may have on vehicle
handling or trailer brake
performance is unknown.
{Warning
Use of electronic trailer sway
control devices could result in
reduced trailer brake
performance, loss of trailer
brakes, or other malfunctions, and
could cause a crash. You or
others could be injured or killed.
Before using one of these
devices:. Ask the device or trailer
manufacturer if the device
has been thoroughly tested
for compatibility with the
make, model, and year of
the vehicle as well as
optional equipment installed
on the vehicle.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Before driving on the open
roads, check that the trailer
brakes are working properly.
Drive the vehicle with the
trailer attached on a level
road surface that is free of
traffic at about 32-40 km/h
(20-25 mph) and fully apply
the manual trailer brake
apply lever. Also check that
the trailer brake lamps and
other lamps are functioning
correctly.
. If the trailer brakes are not
operating properly at any
time, or if a DIC message
indicates problems with the
trailer connections or trailer
brakes, carefully pull the
vehicle over to the side of
the road when traffic
conditions allow.
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC)
is used for vehicle service
and Emission Inspection/
Maintenance testing. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light) 0120.
A device connected to the DLC —
such as an aftermarket fleet or
driver-behavior tracking device —
may interfere with vehicle
systems. This could affect vehicle
operation and cause a crash.
Such devices may also access
information stored in the vehicle’s
systems.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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286 Vehicle Care
Do not remove the cap to check the
fluid level or to top-off the fluid level.
Remove the cap only when
necessary to add the proper fluid
until the level reaches the MIN line.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is in the
engine compartment on the
passenger side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0278.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing and
inspecting the engine air cleaner/
filter, see Maintenance Schedule
0 365.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have the
engine running with the engine air
cleaner/filter housing open. Before
removing the engine air cleaner/
filter, make sure that the engine air
cleaner/filter housing and nearby
components are free of dirt and debris. Remove the engine air
cleaner/filter. Lightly tap and shake
the engine air cleaner/filter (away
from the vehicle), to release loose
dust and dirt. Inspect the engine air
cleaner/filter for damage, and
replace if damaged. Do not clean
the engine air cleaner/filter or
components with water or
compressed air.
To inspect or replace the air cleaner/
filter:
2.5L L4 Gas Engine Shown, 2.8L
L4 Diesel Engine Similar
1. Screws
2. Electrical Connector 3. Air Duct Clamp
To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter:
1. Remove the screws (1) on top of the engine air cleaner/filter
housing.
2. Disconnect the electrical connector (2).
3. Disconnect the outlet duct by loosening the air duct
clamp (3).
4. Lift the filter cover housing away from the engine air
cleaner/filter housing.
5. Pull out the filter.
6. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter.
7. Reverse Steps 2–5 to reinstall the filter cover housing.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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294 Vehicle Care
heard all the time the vehicle is
moving, except when applying the
brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
a crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to torque
specifications in
Capacities and
Specifications 0379.
Brake linings should always be
replaced as complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal
does not return to normal height,
or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts
with new, approved replacement
parts. If this is not done, the brakes
may not work properly. The braking
performance expected can change
in many other ways if the wrong
replacement brake parts are
installed or parts are improperly
installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake/clutch master cylinder
reservoir is filled with GM approved
DOT 3 brake fluid as indicated on
the reservoir cap. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0278 for
the location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
Place the vehicle in P (Park) or
Neutral with the parking brake
applied if equipped with a manual
transmission. On a level surface,
the brake fluid level should be
between the minimum and
maximum marks on the brake fluid
reservoir.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Service and Maintenance 371
Additional
Maintenance and Care
Your vehicle is an important
investment and caring for it properly
may help to avoid future costly
repairs. To maintain vehicle
performance, additional
maintenance services may be
required.
It is recommended that your dealer
perform these services—their
trained dealer technicians know
your vehicle best. Your dealer can
also perform a thorough
assessment with a multi-point
inspection to recommend when your
vehicle may need attention.
The following list is intended to
explain the services and conditions
to look for that may indicate
services are required.
Battery
The 12-volt battery supplies power
to start the engine and operate any
additional electrical accessories. .
To avoid break-down or failure to
start the vehicle, maintain a
battery with full cranking power.
. Trained dealer technicians have
the diagnostic equipment to test
the battery and ensure that the
connections and cables are
corrosion-free.
Belts
. Belts may need replacing if they
squeak or show signs of
cracking or splitting.
. Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the belts and
recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are
crucial to safe driving.
. Signs of brake wear may include
chirping, grinding, or squealing
noises, or difficulty stopping. .
Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the brakes and
recommend quality parts
engineered for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved
fluids protect the vehicle’s systems
and components. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0374 for GM approved
fluids.
. Engine oil and windshield
washer fluid levels should be
checked at every fuel fill.
. Instrument cluster lights may
come on to indicate that fluids
may be low and need to be
filled.
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should
be regularly inspected to ensure
that there are no cracks or leaks.
With a multi-point inspection, your
dealer can inspect the hoses and
advise if replacement is needed.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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408 Index
IndexA
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 272
Additional Information OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
Adjustments
Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Agreements Trademarks and License . . . . . 185
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . 286
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . 191, 193
Air Filter, Passenger
Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
How Does an AirbagRestrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Passenger Sensing System . . . . 66
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Airbag System (cont'd)
When Should an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . 62
Airbags Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Passenger Status Indicator . . . .119
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Antenna Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . 238 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349743) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
Index 409
AudioBluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . . 151
Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . 193
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Shift Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Auxiliary Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Axle Locking Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Axle, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Axle, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
B
Battery Exterior Lighting BatterySaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 148 Battery (cont'd)
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Battery - North America . . . . 295, 345
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . 300
Blind Spot Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Bluetooth Overview . . . . . . . . . . . 172, 174, 178
Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . 122
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 216
Bulb Replacement Center High-MountedStoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and
Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303 Bulb Replacement (cont'd)
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
California Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Perchlorate Materials
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
California Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . .275, 295, 345,
Back Cover
Camera Rear Vision (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . 2
Capacities and
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . 2
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . 104