engine CHEVROLET COLORADO 2019 Repair Manual

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460274) - 2019 - CRC - 10/1/18
184 Driving and Operating
To rock the vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice, or sand without
damaging the transmission, seeIf
the Vehicle Is Stuck 0167.
N : In this position, the engine does
not connect with the wheels. To
restart the engine when the vehicle
is 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
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.
Caution
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.
Caution
A transmission hot message may
display if the automatic
transmission fluid is too hot.
Driving under this condition can
damage the vehicle. Stop and idle
the engine to cool the automatic
transmission fluid. This message
clears when the transmission fluid
has cooled sufficiently. D :
This position is for normal
driving. If more power is needed for
passing, press the accelerator
pedal down.
D (Drive) can be used when towing
a trailer, carrying a heavy load,
driving on steep hills, or driving
off-road. Shift the transmission to a
lower gear range selection if the
transmission shifts too often. See
Manual Mode 0185.
Downshifting the transmission in
slippery road conditions could result
in skidding. See “Skidding”under
Loss of Control 0159.
The vehicle has a shift stabilization
feature that adjusts the transmission
shifting to the current driving
conditions in order to reduce rapid
upshifts and downshifts. This shift
stabilization feature is designed to
determine, before making an
upshift, if the engine is able to
maintain vehicle speed by analyzing
things such as vehicle speed,
throttle position, and vehicle load.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460274) - 2019 - CRC - 10/1/18
Driving and Operating 185
If the shift stabilization feature
determines that a current vehicle
speed cannot be maintained, the
transmission does not upshift and
instead holds the current gear.
In some cases, this could appear to
be a delayed shift, however the
transmission is operating normally.
The transmission uses adaptive
shift controls. The adaptive shift
control process continually
compares key shift parameters to
pre-programmed ideal shifts stored
in the transmission’s computer. The
transmission constantly makes
adjustments to improve vehicle
performance according to how the
vehicle is being used, such as with
a heavy load or when the
temperature changes. During this
adaptive shift control process,
shifting might feel different as the
transmission determines the best
settings.When temperatures are very cold,
the transmission's gear shifting
could be delayed providing more
stable shifts until the engine warms
up. Shifts could be more noticeable
with a cold transmission. This
difference in shifting is normal.
L :
This position allows selection of
a range of gears appropriate for
current driving conditions. See
Manual Mode 0185.
Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill
using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the transmission.
The repair will not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. If the vehicle
is stuck, do not spin the tires.
When stopping on a hill, use the
brakes to hold the vehicle in
place.
Normal Mode Grade Braking
Normal Mode Grade Braking is
enabled when the vehicle is started,
but is not enabled in Range
Selection Mode. It assists in
maintaining desired vehicle speeds
when driving on downhill grades by
using the engine and transmission
to slow the vehicle.
Manual Mode
Range Selection Mode

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460274) - 2019 - CRC - 10/1/18
188 Driving and Operating
Low Traction Mode
If equipped, Low Traction Mode
assists in vehicle acceleration when
road conditions are slippery, such
as with ice or snow. While the
vehicle is at a stop, select L2 using
Range Selection Mode. This will
limit torque to the wheels and help
to prevent the tires from spinning.
Tow/Haul Mode
If equipped, Tow/Haul Mode adjusts
the transmission shift pattern to
reduce shift cycling. This provides
increased performance, vehicle
control, and transmission cooling
when driving down steep hills or
mountain grades, towing, or hauling
heavy loads.
Turn the Tow/Haul Mode on and off
by pressing the button on the center
stack. When the Tow/Haul Mode is
enabled, a light on the instrument
cluster will come on.
SeeTow/Haul Mode Light 0124 and
Hill and Mountain Roads 0165.
Also see “Tow/Haul Mode” under
Towing Equipment 0229.
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
the Tow/Haul button activates the
exhaust brake system
simultaneously. See “Exhaust
Brake” in the Duramax diesel
supplement.
Manual Transmission
If equipped with a manual
transmission, this is the shift
pattern.
Caution
Do not rest your hand on the shift
lever while driving. The pressure
could cause premature wear in
the transmission. The repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460274) - 2019 - CRC - 10/1/18
Driving and Operating 189
Caution
Do not rest your foot on the clutch
pedal while driving or while
stopped. The pressure can cause
premature wear in the clutch. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Caution
A transmission hot message may
display if the manual transmission
fluid is too hot. Driving at high
speed under this condition can
damage the vehicle. Drive at a
slower speed, or stop and idle the
engine to cool the manual
transmission fluid. The message
clears when the vehicle has
slowed and the transmission fluid
has cooled sufficiently.To operate the manual transmission:
1 (First) :
Press the clutch pedal
fully to the pedal stop and shift into
1 (First). Then, slowly let up on the
clutch pedal as you slowly press
down on the accelerator pedal.
You can shift into 1 (First) when you
are going less than 30 km/h
(20 mph). If you have come to a
complete stop and it is hard to shift
into 1 (First), put the shift lever in
Neutral and let up on the clutch.
Then press the clutch pedal back
down and shift into 1 (First).
2 (Second) : Press the clutch pedal
fully to the pedal stop while letting
up on the accelerator pedal and
shift into 2 (Second). Then, slowly
let up on the clutch pedal as you
press the accelerator pedal.
3 (Third), 4 (Fourth), 5 (Fifth) and
6 (Sixth) : Shift into 3 (Third),
4 (Fourth), 5 (Fifth) and 6 (Sixth) the
same way you do for 2 (Second).
Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as
you press the accelerator pedal. To stop, let up on the accelerator
pedal and press the brake pedal.
Just before the vehicle stops, press
the clutch pedal and the brake
pedal, and shift to Neutral.
Neutral :
Use this position when
you start or idle the engine.
R (Reverse) : To back up, with the
vehicle at a complete stop, press
the clutch pedal. Press down on
shift lever in the 3–4 Neutral
position, then shift into R (Reverse).
If it is hard to shift, let the shift lever
return to the 3–4 Neutral position
and release the clutch pedal. Then
follow the steps again to shift into
R (Reverse). Slowly let up on the
clutch pedal as you press the
accelerator pedal.
Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the
vehicle is moving forward could
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
(Continued)

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 191
.Cause tires to wear faster.
. Cause additional driveline noise.
{Warning
If equipped with four-wheel drive,
the vehicle will be free to roll if the
transfer case is in N (Neutral),
even when the shift lever is in
P (Park). You or someone else
could be seriously injured. Be
sure the transfer case is in a drive
gear —2
m, 4m, or 4n—or set the
parking brake before placing the
transfer case in N (Neutral). See
Shifting Into Park 0179.
Caution
Extended high-speed operation in
4
nmay damage or shorten the
life of the drivetrain. Engagement noise and bump when
shifting between 4
nand 4mor from
N (Neutral), with the engine running,
is normal.
Shifting into 4
nwill turn Traction
Control and StabiliTrak/Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) off. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0199.
Electronic Transfer Case
Use the transfer case shift knob,
next to the steering wheel, to shift
into and out of four-wheel drive for
extra traction. All of the lights will flash on then off
momentarily when the ignition is
turned on. The light that remains on
will indicate the state of the
transfer case.
If the indicator mark on the shift
knob does not match up with the
light then that likely means the knob
was moved when the ignition
was off.
The indicator mark on the shift knob
must line up with the indicator light
before a shift can be commanded.
To command a shift rotate the
transfer case shift knob to the new
desired position. The light will flash
meaning that the shift is in progress.
When the shift is completed the new
position will be illuminated. If the
transfer case cannot complete a
shift command, it will go back to its
last chosen setting.
In extreme cold weather it may be
necessary to slow or stop the
vehicle to shift from 2mto 4m.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460274) - 2019 - CRC - 10/1/18
Driving and Operating 193
Shifting Out of 4n
1. To shift out of 4nthe vehicle
must be stopped or moving
less than 5 km/h (3 mph) with
the transmission in N (Neutral)
and the ignition on. It is best for
the vehicle to be moving
1.6 to 3.2 km/h (1 to 2 mph).
2. Turn the knob to 4
mor 2m.
Wait for the 4
mor 2mindicator
light to stop flashing before
shifting the transmission
into gear.
If the transmission is in gear and/or
moving more than 5 km/h (3 mph),
the 4
mor 2mindicator light will flash
for 30 seconds, but will not complete
the shift. With the vehicle moving
less than 5 km/h (3 mph), and the
transmission in N (Neutral), attempt
the shift again.
Shifting Into N (Neutral)
To shift:
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface. 2. Set the parking brake and
press and hold the brake
pedal. See Parking Brake
0 198.
3. Start the vehicle or turn the ignition on.
4. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
5. Shift the transfer case to 2
m.
6. Turn the transfer case knob clockwise past the 4
ndetent to
N (Neutral) until it stops and
hold it there until the
N (Neutral) light starts flashing.
This will take at least
10 seconds. Then slowly
release the knob to the 4
n
position. The N (Neutral) light
will come on when the transfer
case shift to N (Neutral) is
complete.
7. With the engine running, verify that the transfer case is in
N (Neutral) by shifting the
transmission to R (Reverse), then to D (Drive). There should
be no movement of the vehicle
while shifting the transmission.
8. Turn the engine off, and the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY.
9. Place the transmission shift lever in P (Park). See
Recreational Vehicle Towing
0315.
Shifting Out of N (Neutral)
To shift: 1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition on with the engine off.
3. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
4. Turn the transfer case shift knob to 2
m.
After the transfer case has
shifted out of N (Neutral), the
N (Neutral) light will go out.
5. Shift to P (Park).

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460274) - 2019 - CRC - 10/1/18
196 Driving and Operating
the knob to 4mto display the
indicator. With the vehicle moving
less than 5 km/h (3 mph), and the
transmission in N (Neutral), attempt
the shift again.
Shifting Out of 4
n
To shift:
1. The vehicle must be stopped or moving less than 5 km/h
(3 mph) with the transmission
in N (Neutral) and the ignition
on. It is best for the vehicle to
be moving
1.6 to 3.2 km/h (1 to 2 mph).
2. Turn the knob to 4
m, AUTO,
or 2
m. Wait for the 4m, AUTO,
or 2
mindicator light to stop
flashing before shifting the
transmission into gear.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear
before the requested mode
indicator light has stopped
flashing could damage the
transfer case.
If the transmission is in gear and/or
moving more than 5 km/h (3 mph),
the 4
m, AUTO, or 2mindicator light
will flash for 30 seconds but will not
complete the shift. With the vehicle
moving less than 5 km/h (3 mph),
and the transmission in N (Neutral),
attempt the shift again.
Shifting Into N (Neutral)
To shift:
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Set the parking brake and press and hold the brake
pedal. See Parking Brake
0 198.
3. Start the vehicle or turn the ignition on. 4. Shift the transmission to
N (Neutral).
5. Shift the transfer case to 2
m.
6. Turn the transfer case shift knob clockwise past the 4
n
detent to N (Neutral) until it
stops and hold it there until the
N (Neutral) light starts flashing.
This will take at least
10 seconds. Then slowly
release the knob to the 4
n
position. The N (Neutral) light
will come on when the transfer
case shift to N (Neutral) is
complete.
7. With the engine running, verify that the transfer case is in
N (Neutral) by shifting the
transmission to R (Reverse),
then shift the transmission to
D (Drive). There should be no
movement of the vehicle while
shifting the transmission.
8. Turn the engine off, and the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY.
9. Place the transmission shift lever in P (Park).

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460274) - 2019 - CRC - 10/1/18
Driving and Operating 197
Shifting Out of N (Neutral)
To shift:1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition on with the engine off.
3. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
4. Turn the transfer case shift knob to 2
m.
After the transfer case has
shifted out of N (Neutral), the
N (Neutral) light will go out and
the new 2
mstate will be
displayed.
5. Place the transmission shift lever in P (Park).
6. Release the parking brake.
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 199
the driving situation dictates. The
Brake Assist feature will
automatically disengage when the
brake pedal is released or brake
pedal pressure is quickly
decreased.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
This vehicle has a Hill Start Assist
(HSA) feature, which may be useful
when the vehicle is stopped on a
grade sufficient enough to activate
HSA. This feature is designed to
prevent the vehicle from rolling,
either forward or rearward, during
vehicle drive off. After the driver
completely stops and holds the
vehicle in a complete standstill on agrade, HSA will be automatically
activated. During the transition
period between when the driver
releases the brake pedal and starts
to accelerate to drive off on a grade,
HSA holds the braking pressure for
a maximum of two seconds to
ensure that there is no rolling. The
brakes will automatically release
when the accelerator pedal is
applied within the two-second
window. It will not activate if the
vehicle is in a drive gear and facing
downhill, or if the vehicle is facing
uphill and in R (Reverse).
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) and StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
an electronic stability control
system. These systems help limit
wheel spin and assist the driver in
maintaining control, especially on
slippery road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any
of the drive wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this
happens, TCS applies the brakes to
the spinning wheels and reduces
engine power to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the
vehicle senses a difference between
the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling.
StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of the

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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200 Driving and Operating
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/ESC 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 0167
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/ESC 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/ESC 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/
ESC is on the center stack.