engine coolant CHEVROLET COLORADO 2020 Owner's Manual

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566640) - 2020 - CRC - 9/30/19
Introduction 3
{Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result
in serious injury or death.
{Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that
could result in injury or death.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that
could result in property or vehicle
damage.
A circle with a slash through it is a
safety symbol which means“Do
not,” “Do not do this,” or“Do not let
this happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and
labels that use symbols instead of
text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or
information relating to a specific
component, control, message,
gauge, or indicator.
M: Shown when the owner ’s
manual has additional instructions
or information.
*: Shown when the service
manual has additional instructions
or information.
0: Shown when there is more
information on another page —
“see page.” Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. See the
features in this manual for
information.
u:
Air Conditioning System
G: Air Conditioning Refrigerant Oil
9:Airbag Readiness Light
!: Antilock Brake System (ABS)
$:Brake System Warning Light
9:Dispose of Used Components
Properly
P: Do Not Apply High Pressure
Water
B: Engine Coolant Temperature
g: First Responder
_:Flame/Fire Prohibited
H:Flammable
[:Forward Collision Alert
R:Fuse Block Cover Lock
Location

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566640) - 2020 - CRC - 9/30/19
Keys, Doors, and Windows 15
Remote Vehicle Start
If equipped, the engine can be
started from outside of the vehicle.
The climate controls and rear
window defogger may also
come on.
If the vehicle has heated seats and
the feature is turned on in vehicle
personalization, the heated seats
will turn on during colder outside
temperatures and will shut off when
the ignition is turned on. See
Heated Front Seats032.
Laws in some communities may
restrict the use of remote starters.
Check local regulations for any
requirements on remote starting of
vehicles.
If your vehicle is low on fuel, do not
use the remote start feature. The
vehicle may run out of fuel.
The vehicle cannot be remote
started if:
. The key is in the ignition.
. The hood is not closed. .
There is an emission control
system malfunction and the
malfunction indicator lamp is on.
. The hazard warning flashers
are on.
. Two remote vehicle starts, or a
single remote start with an
extension, have already
been used.
. The vehicle is not in P (Park).
The engine will turn off during a
remote vehicle start if:
. The coolant temperature gets
too high.
. The oil pressure gets low.
The RKE transmitter range may be
less while the vehicle is running.
Other conditions can affect the
performance of the transmitter. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System 012 or
Vehicle Personalization 0120.
Starting the Engine Using Remote
Start
1. Press and release
Q. 2. Immediately press and hold
/
until the turn signal lamps flash
or for at least four seconds.
When the vehicle starts, the
parking lamps will turn on. The
doors will be locked and the
climate control system may
come on.
The engine will continue to run for
15 minutes. Repeat the steps for
one 15-minute time extension. Turn
the ignition on to operate the
vehicle.
Extending Engine Run Time
The engine run time can be
extended by 15 minutes, for a total
of 30 minutes, if during the first
15 minutes Steps 1 and 2 are
repeated while the engine is still
running. An extension can be
requested 30 seconds after starting.
A maximum of two remote starts,
or a single start with an extension,
is allowed between ignition cycles.
The ignition must be turned on and
then back off to use remote start
again.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566640) - 2020 - CRC - 9/30/19
90 Instruments and Controls
Instruments and
Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . 91
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . 91
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . 91
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . 92
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Instrument Cluster (Base Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Instrument Cluster (Uplevel) . . . 99
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . 103
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . 104
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Charging System Light . . . . . . . 105
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light) . . . . . . . . 106
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Tow/Haul Mode Light . . . . . . . . . 109
Hill Descent Control Light . . . . 109
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . 109
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
StabiliTrak OFF Light . . . . . . . . . 110
Traction Control System (TCS)/ StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . . 111
Low Fuel Warning Light (Base Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Low Fuel Warning Light (Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 112
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . 113
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . 113 Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . 113
Door Ajar Light (Uplevel
Cluster) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC)(Base Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Engine Power Messages . . . . . 120
Vehicle Speed Messages . . . . . 120
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . 120

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566640) - 2020 - CRC - 9/30/19
Instruments and Controls 103
Engine Coolant
Temperature Gauge
Metric
English
This gauge shows the engine
coolant temperature.
If the pointer moves toward the
warning area at the high end of the
gauge, the engine is too hot.
This reading indicates the same
thing as the warning light. It means
that the engine coolant has
overheated. If the vehicle has been
operating under normal driving
conditions, pull off the road, stop the
vehicle, and turn off the engine as
soon as possible. See Engine
Overheating 0239.
Seat Belt Reminders
Driver Seat Belt Reminder
Light
There is a driver seat belt reminder
light on the instrument cluster.
When the vehicle is started, this
light flashes and a chime may come
on to remind the driver to fasten
their seat belt. Then the light stays
on solid until the belt is buckled.
This cycle may continue several
times if the driver remains or
becomes unbuckled while the
vehicle is moving.
If the driver seat belt is buckled,
neither the light nor the chime
comes on.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566640) - 2020 - CRC - 9/30/19
Driving and Operating 163
clears the extra gasoline from
the engine. Do not race the
engine immediately after
starting it. Operate the engine
and transmission gently until
the oil warms up and lubricates
all moving parts.
Engine Heater
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel
supplement.
{Warning
Do not plug in the engine block
heater while the vehicle is parked
in a garage or under a carport.
Property damage or personal
injury may result. Always park the
vehicle in a clear open area away
from buildings or structures.
If equipped, the engine heater can
provide easier starting and better
fuel economy during engine
warm-up in cold weather conditions
at or below −18 °C (0 °F). Vehicles
with an engine heater should be plugged in at least four hours before
starting. An internal thermostat in
the plug-end of the cord may exist,
which will prevent engine heater
operation at temperatures above
−18 °C (0 °F).
Heater Cord Near Engine Air
Cleaner, 2.5L L4 Engine Shown, 3.6L V6 Engine Similar
To Use the Engine Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap theelectrical cord. The cord is
secured near the coolant surge tank or to the engine air
cleaner. Carefully remove
the cord.
Check the heater cord for
damage. If it is damaged, do
not use it. See your dealer for
a replacement. Inspect the
cord for damage yearly.
3. Plug the cord into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord
or an extension cord can damage
the cord and may result in
overheating and fire.
. Plug the cord into a
three-prong electrical utility
receptacle that is protected
by a ground fault detection
function. An ungrounded
outlet could cause an
electric shock.
. Use a weatherproof,
heavy-duty, 15 amp-rated
extension cord if needed.
(Continued)

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 - 10/4/19
228 Vehicle Care
1. Coolant Surge Tank andPressure Cap. See Cooling
System 0236.
2. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0234.
3. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil 0230.
4. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 236.
5. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil 0230.
6. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0253.
7. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0242.
8. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 241.
9. Battery - North America 0243.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566640) - 2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
230 Vehicle Care
1. Coolant Surge Tank andPressure Cap. See Cooling
System 0236.
2. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0234.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil 0230.
4. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 236.
5. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil 0230.
6. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0253.
7. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0242.
8. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 241.
9. Battery - North America 0243.
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel
supplement.Engine Oil
For diesel engine vehicles, see
“Engine Oil” in the Duramax diesel
supplement.
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
. Use engine oil approved to the
proper specification and of the
proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
. Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
. Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System 0232.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly,
every 650 km (400 mi), especially
prior to a long trip. The engine oil
dipstick handle is a loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0227 for the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center
(DIC) message displays, check the
oil level.
Follow these guidelines:
. To get an accurate reading, park
the vehicle on level ground.
Check the engine oil level after
the engine has been off for at
least two hours. Checking the
engine oil level on steep grades
or too soon after engine shutoff
can result in incorrect readings.
Accuracy improves when

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566640) - 2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
236 Vehicle Care
Caution
If the air cleaner/filter is off, dirt
can easily get into the engine,
which could damage it. Always
have the air cleaner/filter in place
when driving.
Cooling System
The cooling system allows the
engine to maintain the correct
working temperature.
2.5L L4 Gas Engine Shown, 2.8LL4 Diesel Engine Similar
1. Coolant Surge Tank andPressure Cap
2. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View)
3.6L V6 Engine
1. Coolant Surge Tank andPressure Cap
2. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View)
{Warning
An underhood electric fan can
start up even when the engine is
not running and can cause injury.
Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood
electric fan.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566640) - 2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
Vehicle Care 237
{Warning
Do not touch heater or radiator
hoses, or other engine parts.
They can be very hot and can
burn you. Do not run the engine if
there is a leak; all coolant could
leak out. That could cause an
engine fire and can burn you. Fix
any leak before driving the
vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL engine
coolant mixture. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0325 and
Maintenance Schedule 0315.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating,
see Engine Overheating 0239.
What to Use
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such
as alcohol, can boil before the
proper coolant mixture will. With
plain water or the wrong mixture,
the engine could get too hot but
there would not be an overheat
warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be
burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. This mixture:
. Gives freezing protection down
to−37 °C (−34 °F) outside
temperature.
. Gives boiling protection up to
129 °C (265 °F) engine
temperature.
. Protects against rust and
corrosion.
. Will not damage aluminum parts. .
Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.Caution
Do not use anything other than a
mix of DEX-COOL coolant that
meets GM Standard
GMW3420 and clean, drinkable
water. Anything else can cause
damage to the engine cooling
system and the vehicle, which
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Never dispose of engine coolant by
putting it in the trash, or by pouring
it on the ground, or into sewers,
streams or, bodies of water. Have
the coolant changed by an
authorized service center, familiar
with legal requirements regarding
used coolant disposal. This will help
protect the environment and your
health.