transfer case CHEVROLET COLORADO 2023 User Guide

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15274222) - 2022 - CRC - 11/2/21
Driving and Operating 197
Shifting Into 2m
Turn the knob to 2mat any speed, except
when shifting from 4
n.
Shifting Into 4
n
When 4nis engaged, vehicle speed should
be kept below 72 km/h (45 mph).
1. The ignition must be on and the vehicle must be stopped or moving less than
5 km/h (3 mph) with the transmission in
N (Neutral). 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
n. Wait for the 4n
indicator 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
nindicator
light will flash for 30 seconds, but will not
complete the shift. After 30 seconds the
transfer case will shift to 4
m. Turn the knob
to 4
mto see 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
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 2m
indicator 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
0 201.
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
nposition. 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
0 301.
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).

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15274222) - 2022 - CRC - 11/2/21
198 Driving and Operating
4. Turn the transfer case shift knob to 2m.
After the transfer case has shifted out of
N (Neutral), the N (Neutral) light will
go out.
5. Shift to P (Park).
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear before
the requested mode indicator light has
stopped flashing could damage the
transfer case.
6. Release the parking brake.
Automatic Transfer Case
Except ZR2
ZR2 Only
For ZR2 locking axle information, see Locking
Rear Axle 0205 and
Locking Front Axle 0206.
For ZR2 Off-Road Mode information, see
Driver Mode Control 0205.
Use the transfer case shift knob next to the
steering wheel to shift into and out of
four-wheel drive.
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 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 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.
The settings are:
N (Neutral) :
Use only when the vehicle
needs to be towed. See Recreational Vehicle
Towing 0301 or
Towing the Vehicle 0300.
2
m(Two-Wheel Drive High) : Use for driving
on most streets and highways. The front
axle is not engaged. This setting provides
the best fuel economy.
AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel Drive) : Use
when road surface conditions are variable.
When driving in AUTO, the front axle is
engaged, and the vehicle's power is sent to
the front and rear wheels automatically

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15274222) - 2022 - CRC - 11/2/21
Driving and Operating 199
based on driving conditions. This setting
provides slightly lower fuel economy than
2
m.
Do not use AUTO mode, if equipped, to park
on a steep grade with poor traction such as
ice, snow, mud, or gravel. In AUTO mode
only the rear wheels will hold the vehicle
from sliding when parked. If parking on a
steep grade, use 4
mto keep all four wheels
engaged.
4
m(Four-Wheel Drive High) : This setting
engages the front axle. Use this position
when extra traction is needed, such as when
driving on snowy or icy roads, or when
off-roading.
4
n(Four-Wheel Drive Low) : This setting
engages the front axle and delivers extra
torque. Choose 4
nwhen driving off-road in
deep sand, deep mud, or deep snow, and
while climbing or descending steep hills.
Shifting into 4
nwill turn Traction Control
and StabiliTrak/ESC off. See Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0202. Shifting Into 4
mor AUTO
Turn the knob to the 4
mor AUTO position
at any speed, except from 4
n. The indicator
light will flash while shifting and will remain
on when the shift is completed.
Shifting Into 2
m
Turn the knob to 2mat any speed, except
when shifting from 4
n. The indicator light
will flash while shifting and will remain on
when the shift is completed.
Shifting Into 4
n
When 4nis engaged, keep vehicle speed
below 72 km/h (45 mph).
To shift into 4
n:
1. The ignition must be on and the vehicle must be stopped or moving less than
5 km/h (3 mph) with the transmission in
N (Neutral). 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
n. Wait for the 4n
indicator 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
nindicator
light will flash for 30 seconds, but will not
complete the shift. After 30 seconds the
transfer case will shift to 4
m. Turn the knob
to 4
mto 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 2m. Wait
for the 4
m, AUTO, or 2mindicator light
to stop flashing before shifting the
transmission into gear.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15274222) - 2022 - CRC - 11/2/21
200 Driving and Operating
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 2
mindicator 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
0 201.
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
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
nposition. 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).
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)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
prevent a braking skid and maintain steering
while braking hard.
ABS performs a system check when the
vehicle is first driven. A momentary motor
or clicking noise may be heard while this
test is going on, and the brake pedal may
move slightly. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning
light stays on. See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 089.
ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot on the brake pedal and does not
always decrease stopping distance. If you

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15274222) - 2022 - CRC - 11/2/21
202 Driving and Operating
pedal release to accelerator pedal apply. The
brakes release when the accelerator pedal is
applied or automatically release after a few
seconds. The brakes may also release under
other conditions. Do not rely on HSA to hold
the vehicle.
HSA is available when the vehicle is facing
uphill in a forward gear, or when facing
downhill in R (Reverse). The vehicle must
come to a complete stop on a grade for HSA
to activate.
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, TCSapplies 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 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. See
If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0177 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
gcomes 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.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15274222) - 2022 - CRC - 11/2/21
Driving and Operating 205
above 60 km/h (37 mph) for at least
30 seconds.
5must be pressed again to
re-enable HDC.
When enabled, if the vehicle is at a speed
above 30 km/h (19 mph) and less than
60 km/h (37 mph), a DIC message will
display instructing the driver to reduce
speed for HDC operation.
Cruise control will not function while HDC is
enabled and vehicle speed is below 40 km/h
(25 mph).
Driver Mode Control
Driver Mode Control (DMC) allows the driver
to adjust the overall driving character to
better suit preference or specific driving
scenarios by adjusting multiple sub-system
calibrations simultaneously. Mode
availability is dependent upon vehicle trim
level, region, and optional features.
Transfer Case Knob with Off-Road Mode
Off-Road Mode
Use this mode for off-road recreational
driving at moderate speeds, on grass, gravel,
dirt, unpaved roads, or snow-covered roads.
The accelerator pedal will be more sensitive
to provide finer control of the torque at the
wheels. StabiliTrak/Electroinic Stability
Control (ESC), the Antilock Brake System
(ABS), and the Traction Control System(TCS)
will change for optimal off-road
performance.
For more information on off-road driving.
See Off-Road Driving 0172 For more information, on disabling the TCS
and StabiliTrak/ESC systems. See
Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0202.
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 0205.
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 0314.
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.

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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206 Driving and Operating
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 would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always lock the axle
before attempting situations and/or
navigating terrain that could cause the
vehicle to become stuck.
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 rear axle: 1. Press the rear axle locking switch with the vehicle moving less than 40 km/h
(25 mph).
2. Wait for the light in the switch to stop flashing and remain illuminated to show
that the rear axle is locked.
The locking rear axle will be disengaged
when the vehicle speed exceeds 40 km/h
(25 mph). The Off-Road Mode allows the
axle lock to remain engaged at higher
vehicle speeds.
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.
Locking Front Axle
If equipped, the locking front axle can give
the vehicle additional traction 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 would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always lock the axle
(Continued)

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 207
Caution (Continued)
before attempting situations and/or
navigating terrain that could cause the
vehicle to become stuck.
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 0195 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.
Cruise Control
With cruise control a speed of about
40 km/h (25 mph) or more can be
maintained without keeping your foot on
the accelerator. Cruise control does not work
at speeds below about 40 km/h (25 mph).
{Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous where
you cannot drive safely at a steady
speed. Do not use cruise control on
winding roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
excessive wheel slip, and you could lose
control. Do not use cruise control on
slippery roads.
If the cruise control is being used and the
Traction Control (TCS) system or StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) begins to
limit wheel spin, the cruise control will

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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254 Vehicle Care
Extended Storage: Remove the black,
negative (−) cable from the battery or use a
battery trickle charger.
Four-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
When to Check Lubricant
Refer toMaintenance Schedule 0314 to
determine when to check the lubricant.
How to Check Lubricant
Automatic Transfer Case
1. Drain Plug
2. Fill Plug
Electronic Transfer Case
1. Drain Plug
2. Fill Plug
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle
should be on a level surface.
If the level is below the bottom of the fill
plug (2) hole, located on the transfer case,
some lubricant will need to be added. Add
enough lubricant to raise the level to the
bottom of the fill plug (2) hole. Use care not
to overtighten the plug.
When to Change Lubricant
Refer to Maintenance Schedule 0314 to
determine how often to change the
lubricant. What to Use
Refer to
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
0 323 to determine what kind of lubricant
to use.
Front Axle
When to Check Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check the
front axle fluid unless a leak is suspected or
an unusual noise is heard. A fluid loss could
indicate a problem. Have it inspected and
repaired. This service can be complex. See
your dealer.
Do not directly power wash the transfer
case and/or front/rear axle output seals.
High pressure water can overcome the seals
and contaminate the fluid. Contaminated
fluid will decrease the life of the transfer
case and/or drive axles and should be
replaced.
Rear Axle
When to Check Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check the
rear axle fluid unless a leak is suspected or
an unusual noise is heard. A fluid loss could

Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 255
indicate a problem. Have it inspected and
repaired. This service can be complex. See
your dealer.
Do not directly power wash the transfer
case and/or front/rear axle output seals.
High pressure water can overcome the seals
and contaminate the fluid. Contaminated
fluid will decrease the life of the transfer
case and/or drive axles and should be
replaced.
Starter Switch Check
{Warning
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the
vehicle moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room around the vehicle.
2. Apply both the parking brake and the regular brake.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be
ready to turn off the engine immediately
if it starts. 3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The
vehicle should start only in P (Park) or
N (Neutral). If the vehicle starts in any
other position, contact your dealer for
service.
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control Function Check
{Warning
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the
vehicle moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room around the vehicle.
It should be parked on a level surface.
2. Apply the parking brake. Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the ignition on, but do not start the engine. Without
applying the regular brake, try to move
the shift lever out of P (Park) with
normal effort. If the shift lever moves
out of P (Park), contact your dealer for
service.
Ignition Transmission Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake
set, try to turn the ignition off in each shift
lever position.
.The ignition should turn to off only when
the shift lever is in P (Park).
.The ignition key should come out only
when the ignition is off.
Contact your dealer if service is required.
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check
{Warning
When you are doing this check, the
vehicle could begin to move. You or
others could be injured and property
could be damaged. Make sure there is
room in front of the vehicle in case it
begins to roll. Be ready to apply the
regular brake at once should the vehicle
begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle
facing downhill. Keeping your foot on the
regular brake, set the parking brake.