abs CHEVROLET COLORADO 2020 User Guide

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566640) - 2020 - CRC - 9/30/19
186 Driving and Operating
is accessible in all transfer case
modes and is turned off
automatically when the ignition is
turned off.
Transfer Case Knob withOff-Road Mode
Off-Road Mode facilitates limited
traction driving by:
. Modifying the sensitivity of the
accelerator pedal for fine linear
control of torque on uneven
terrain.
. Modifying the transmission shift
map to hold gears for longer, in
order to limit slip while driving
over obstacles. .
Optimizing the performance of
the antilock brake (ABS),
Traction Control System (TCS)
and StabiliTrak/Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) systems
on slippery surfaces.
For more information, on disabling
the TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC
systems see Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0182.
Off-Road Mode also interacts with
the axle locking system. It allows
the vehicle to travel at higher
speeds with a locked rear axle. See
Locking Rear Axle 0186.Limited-Slip Differential
If equipped, the limited-slip
differential can give more traction on
snow, mud, ice, sand, or gravel.
It works like a standard axle most of
the time, but when traction is low,
this feature allows the drive wheel
with the most traction to move the
vehicle. For vehicles with the
limited-slip differential, driven under
severe conditions, the rear axle fluid
should be changed. See
Maintenance Schedule 0315.
Locking Rear Axle
If equipped, the locking rear axle
can give the vehicle additional
traction from the rear wheels when
traveling in off-road situations such
as mud, snow, steep hills, and
uneven terrain.
Caution
If you try to lock the axle while the
vehicle is stuck and the tires are
spinning, the vehicle’ s drivetrain
could be damaged. The repairs
(Continued)

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566640) - 2020 - CRC - 9/30/19
188 Driving and Operating
Caution
If the vehicle’s axle is locked
while driving on pavement, the
drivetrain could be damaged.
Repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Do not use
the locking axle on pavement.
Before the front axle can be locked,
the rear axle must be locked and
the transfer case must be in 4
n.
To lock the front and rear axles:
1. Place the transfer case in 4
n.
This is the only mode that
allows the front axle to lock.
See Four-Wheel Drive 0173
for more information regarding
the transfer case and
four-wheel drive low operation.
2. Press the rear axle locking switch with the vehicle stopped
or moving less than 40 km/h
(25 mph). 3. Wait for the light in the switch
to stop flashing and remain
illuminated to show that the
rear axle is locked.
4. Press the front axle locking switch with the vehicle stopped
or moving less than 40 km/h
(25 mph).
5. Wait for the light in the switch to stop flashing and remain
illuminated to show that the
front axle is locked.
Engagement of the front axle
lock will disable the Antilock
Brake System (ABS) and
illuminate the ABS warning
light. Hill Decent Control (HDC)
will also be disabled.
The locking front axle will be
disengaged when the vehicle speed
exceeds 40 km/h (25 mph) or the
transfer case is shifted out of 4
n.
ABS will be automatically enabled
and the ABS warning light will turn
off when the locking front axle is
disengaged. If HDC was enabled prior to axle
lock, it will be automatically enabled
when the locking front axle is
disengaged.
After pressing the switch to unlock
the axle, it may remain locked due
to torque in the driveline. The axle is
more easily unlocked by turning the
steering wheel to the right and to
the left while traveling at a low
speed.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566640) - 2020 - CRC - 9/30/19
Driving and Operating 205
Making TurnsCaution
Turn more slowly and make wider
arcs when towing a trailer to
prevent damage to your vehicle.
Making very sharp turns could
cause the trailer to contact the
vehicle.
Make wider turns than normal when
towing, so trailer will not go over soft
shoulders, over curbs, or strike road
signs, trees, or other objects.
Always signal turns well in advance.
Do not steer or brake suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear before starting down a long or
steep downhill grade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes may overheat and result in
reduced braking efficiency. The vehicle can tow in D (Drive).
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear if the transmission shifts too
often under heavy loads and/or hilly
conditions.
When towing at higher altitudes,
engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at lower altitudes.
If the engine is turned off
immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the
vehicle could show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this,
let the engine run, preferably on
level ground, with the transmission
in P (Park) for a few minutes before
turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see
Engine Overheating
0239.Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and
trailer on a level surface when
possible. When parking your vehicle and your
trailer on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if
facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, gradually release the
brake pedal to allow the chocks
to absorb the load of the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
.Start the engine.
. Shift into a gear.
. Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566640) - 2020 - CRC - 9/30/19
206 Driving and Operating
3. Drive slowly until the trailer isclear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Launching and Retrieving
a Boat
Backing the Trailer into the Water
{Warning
.Have all passengers get out
of the vehicle before
backing onto the sloped part
of the ramp. Lower the
driver and passenger side
windows before backing
onto the ramp. This will
provide a means of escape
in the unlikely event the
vehicle slides into the water.
. If the boat launch surface is
slippery, have the driver
remain in the vehicle with
the brake pedal applied
while the boat is being
launched. The boat launch
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
can be especially slippery at
low tide when part of the
ramp was previously
submerged at high tide. Do
not back onto the ramp to
launch the boat if you are
not sure the vehicle can
maintain traction.
. Do not move the vehicle if
someone is in the path of
the trailer. Some parts of the
trailer might be underwater
and not visible to people
who are assisting in
launching the boat.
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer
before backing the trailer into the
water to prevent damage to the
electrical circuits on the trailer.
Reconnect the wiring to the trailer
after removing the trailer from the
water. If the trailer has electric
brakes that can function when the
trailer is submerged, it might help to leave the electrical trailer connector
attached to maintain trailer brake
functionality while on the boat ramp.
To back the trailer into the water:
1. If equipped, place the vehicle in four-wheel-drive high.
2. Slowly back down the boat ramp until the boat is floating,
but no further than necessary.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal, but do not shift into
P (Park) yet.
4. Have someone place chocks under the front wheels of the
vehicle.
5. Gradually release the brake pedal to allow the chocks to
absorb the load of the trailer.
6. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park).
7. Release the brake pedal.
Pulling the Trailer from the Water
To pull the trailer of the water:

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566640) - 2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
Vehicle Care 243
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a
level surface, the brake fluid level
should be between the minimum
and maximum marks on the brake
fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down:
.Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the
fluid level goes back up.
. A fluid leak in the brake
hydraulic system. Have the
brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done
on the brake hydraulic system.
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and
the vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic
system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See Brake System Warning
Light 0108.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time
which degrades the effectiveness of
the brake fluid. Replace brake fluid
at the specified intervals to prevent
increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0315.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid from a clean, sealed
container. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0325.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper GM approved brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the
paint finish can be damaged.
Immediately wash off any painted
surface.
Battery - North America
For diesel engine vehicles, see
“Battery” in the Duramax diesel
supplement.
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove
the cap and do not add fluid.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566640) - 2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
288 Vehicle Care
Rear Position
5. If the flat tire is on the rear, position the jack under the rear
axle about 5 cm (2 in) inboard
of the shock absorber bracket.
Make sure that the jack head is
positioned so that the rear axle
is resting securely between the
grooves that are on the
jack head.
{Warning
Getting under a vehicle when it is
lifted on a jack is dangerous.
If the vehicle slips off the jack,
you could be badly injured or
killed. Never get under a vehicle
when it is supported only by
a jack.
{Warning
Raising the vehicle with the jack
improperly positioned can
damage the vehicle and even
make the vehicle fall. To help
avoid personal injury and vehicle
damage, be sure to fit the jack lift
head into the proper location
before raising the vehicle.
6. Turn the wheel wrench clockwise to raise the vehicle.
Raise the vehicle far enough
off the ground so there is
enough room for the spare tire
to fit under the wheel well.
7. Remove all the wheel nuts andtake off the flat tire.
{Warning
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on
the parts to which it is
fastened, can make wheel
nuts become loose after time.
The wheel could come off and
cause a crash. When
changing a wheel, remove any
rust or dirt from places where
the wheel attaches to the
vehicle. In an emergency, a
(Continued)

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566640) - 2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
290 Vehicle Care
{Warning
Wheel nuts that are improperly or
incorrectly tightened can cause
the wheels to become loose or
come off. The wheel nuts should
be tightened with a torque wrench
to the proper torque specification
after replacing. Follow the torque
specification supplied by the
aftermarket manufacturer when
using accessory locking wheel
nuts. SeeCapacities and
Specifications 0330 for original
equipment wheel nut torque
specifications.
Caution
Improperly tightened wheel nuts
can lead to brake pulsation and
rotor damage. To avoid expensive
brake repairs, evenly tighten the
wheel nuts in the proper
sequence and to the proper
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
torque specification. See
Capacities and Specifications
0330 for the wheel nut torque
specification.
13. Tighten the nuts firmly in a crisscross sequence, as
shown, by turning the wheel
wrench clockwise.
When reinstalling the regular wheel
and tire, also reinstall the center
cap. Place the cap on the wheel
and push it into place until it seats. The cap may only go on one way.
Be sure to line up any tabs on the
center cap with corresponding
indentations on the wheel.
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire
and Tools
{Warning
Storing a jack, a tire, or other
equipment in the passenger
compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or
collision, loose equipment could
strike someone. Store all these in
the proper place.
{Warning
Failure to follow these tire storage
instructions carefully could result
in personal injury or property
damage if the hoist cable fails or
if the tire comes loose. Make sure
the tire is stored securely before
driving.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566640) - 2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
294 Vehicle Care
Check the inflation pressure
regularly. It should be 420 kPa
(60 psi).
Stop as soon as possible and check
that the spare tire is correctly
inflated after being installed on the
vehicle. The compact spare tire is
designed for temporary use only.
The vehicle will perform differently
with the spare tire installed and it is
recommended that the vehicle
speed be limited to 80 km/h
(50 mph). To conserve the tread of
the spare tire, have the standard tire
repaired or replaced as soon as
convenient and return the spare tire
to the storage area.
When using a compact spare tire,
the AWD (if equipped), ABS, and
Traction Control systems may
engage until the spare tire is
recognized by the vehicle,
especially on slippery roads. Adjust
driving to reduce possible
wheel slip.Caution
When the compact spare is
installed, do not take the vehicle
through an automatic car wash
with guide rails. The compact
spare can get caught on the rails
which can damage the tire, wheel,
and other parts of the vehicle.
Do not use the compact spare on
other vehicles.
Do not mix the compact spare tire or
wheel with other wheels or tires.
They will not fit. Keep the spare tire
and its wheel together.
Caution
Tire chains will not fit the compact
spare. Using them can damage
the vehicle and the chains. Do not
use tire chains on the compact
spare.
Caution
If the vehicle has four-wheel drive
and a different size spare tire is
installed, do not drive in
four-wheel drive until the flat tire
is repaired and/or replaced. The
vehicle could be damaged and
the repairs would not be covered
by the warranty. Never use
four-wheel drive when a different
size spare tire is installed on the
vehicle.
Full-Size Spare Tire
If this vehicle came with a full-size
spare tire, it was fully inflated when
new, however, it can lose air over
time. Check the inflation pressure
regularly. See Tire Pressure0268
and
Vehicle Load Limits 0153. For
instructions on how to remove,
install, or store a spare tire, see Tire
Changing 0284.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566640) - 2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
Vehicle Care 303
{Warning
Shifting a four-wheel-drive
vehicle's transfer case into
N (Neutral) can cause the vehicle
to roll even if the transmission is
in P (Park). You or others could
be injured. Set the parking brake
before shifting the transfer case
to N (Neutral).
5. Use a clamping device designed for towing to ensure
that the front wheels are locked
into the straight position.
6. Secure the vehicle to the dolly following the manufacturer's
instructions.
7. Shift the transfer case to N (Neutral). See “Shifting into
N (Neutral)” underFour-Wheel
Drive 0173 for the proper
procedure.
8. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle being towed is
firmly attached to the tow
vehicle. 9. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.Rear Towing (Rear Wheels Off
the Ground)
Caution
Towing the vehicle from the rear
could damage it. Also, repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Never have the
vehicle towed from the rear.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory.
Use a de-icing agent only when
absolutely necessary, and have the
locks greased after using. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
0325.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish,
wash it often and out of direct
sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based,
acidic, or abrasive cleaning
agents as they can damage the
vehicle's paint, metal, or plastic
parts. If damage occurs, it would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from
(Continued)

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566640) - 2020 - CRC - 9/30/19
356 Index
IndexA
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Active Fuel Management . . . . . . . 166
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 220
Additional Information OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . 234
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . 133, 135
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
How Does an Airbag
Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Passenger Sensing System . . . . 50
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Airbag System (cont'd)
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . 45
Airbags Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Passenger Status Indicator . . . 104
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . 180 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Assistance Systems for Parking and Backing . . . . . . . . . . 192
Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . 135
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168