Few questions about my new colorado

GMT355 · 05-05-2012, 01:20 AM

Just got a few quick questions,

1 - I was wondering what the traction control button does. It seems as if it is crossed out on the button, so I have come to the following conclusion

The traction control is ALWAYS on
By pressing the button, you enable the 'traction control off' to be engaged

Does this improve economy? By default, even if I have been driving with T/C off, the T/C will automatically come on the next time I start the car.

Ive also been getting about 17-18 MPG, this is fairly shitty for the 4 cylinder. I havent been booting it and it has been mixed highway/city with a bit of hauling.

2 - Also, does anyone know where I can get a copy of the factory service manual? I am approaching 60000 miles and have a feeling a bit tuneup is coming. I have owned the truck for about a month. Any other tips are appreciated!

3 - I have an LS Colorado, and I am interested in getting some options, fog lights, bull bar, I am wondering if these are a direct bolt on (the truck is pre-fabbed) or do I have to do my own fabrication. I am from the honda world so non-ac cars have a/c delete harnesses that just need to be plugged in.

4 - How hard is it to add the towing package to a LS that didn't come with it?

THANKS guys :)

GregDAP · 05-05-2012, 04:07 AM

Traction control is always on. You have to push the button to turn if off. Every time you start the truck it comes on automatically. It had no effect on fuel economy as far as I know.

A tune up will help your MPG. 17-18 is pretty bad. What year is the truck? After 60,000 miles the tranny(auto) should be serviced. Plugs, radiator flush maybe also. You should clean the throttle body and MAF sensor. Each takes a different kind of cleaner. Those should be cleaned every 10,000-15,000 miles. Also clean/replace air filter while your at it.

Bull bars bolt right on. Are you putting the fog lights on the bull bar?

Curt, Reese, ect... all make bolt on tow hitches, fairly easy to install. You will need a wiring harness for trailer lights, also easy to install. Just look on eBay.

You try the dealership for the service manual? Or do a Google search? Maybe some websites like gmpartsdirect.com.

cart7881 · 05-05-2012, 10:04 AM

Go to Helm for the "Official" Service Manual. Be prepared for sticker shock. You can get a subscription to Alldata relatively cheap and they also have all the Service Bulletins. Check Ebay. I recently got a CD that the seller listed for a 1998 Blazer. When I got it I found out that it is a GM disc and covers most GM vehicles from the early 1990s to 2009 including all the Colorados.

uncle sauce · 05-05-2012, 10:08 AM

i have an 05 pdf manual i can email to you...

someone posted a 2010 manual in the programming key fob thread right next to this one....

naskie18 · 05-05-2012, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uncle sauce

someone posted a 2010 manual in the programming key fob thread right next to this one....

That's the owners manual, not the service manual.

The service manual tells you how to perform service and remove/replace everything on your truck. It's significantly more in depth, doesn't come with the truck, and costs about $300 from Helm, if I remember right. Think of a Chilton/Haynes manual, except it's actually helpful, it's easily 4 times as thick, and it isn't wrong nearly as frequently.

uncle sauce · 05-05-2012, 11:51 AM

gothca, apparently i overlooked the word service

GMT355 · 05-06-2012, 02:41 AM

Also, I have nowhere to put my wallet and phone. I have been putting my phonein the doorjam and my wallet in the glovebox. I have the lining in the door but I don't like putting things in there, since I don't want them to fall out when I open my door. Also, my wallet is fairly fat so I cant fit it in the door *Not as bad as George from seinfeld....*

My friend owns a 2001 sonoma, and he has an overhead compartment where he can put his wallet and keys, sort of a slotted section. I looked at the roof of mine at it has 2 delete plugs, possibly for the same compartment. Was this an option? I want to go to the junkyard and see (if it is) and how hard it would be to install.

Thanks for all the tips guys!

GMT355 · 05-06-2012, 02:44 AM

The truck is

2005 Colorado
STD Cab, White
86000 Kilometers (Roughly 55k Miles)
Bought at a dealership, they did a major service (still waiting for detailed service record)
Automatic, 4cylinder (2800 I believe is 4cyl?)

I will take a look at the service record before I do anything. I think they did a huge tuneup, but I have basically spent all my kilometers hauling couches/furniture since I have been moving non-stop since I have owned it, so I'm hoping 18mpg is normal :(

uncle sauce · 05-06-2012, 09:04 AM

there's been a few overhead consoles installed, i don't know if there's an actual how-to but this may give you a few good ideas.

Another overhead console install - Chevrolet Colorado & GMC Canyon Forum

GMT355 · 05-06-2012, 12:14 PM

So the Colorado didn't come with a little one like the sonoma I guess. I'll run to the yard and find one from a Silverado or a Tahoe or something.

Anyone know if they all have to be fabbed? I was reading some threads and it seems like the same year (2005) Silverado should bolt right up.

I don't want the long crazy one, I just want the mini one for wallet/phone, nothing fancy :)

05-05-2012, 01:20 AM	#1 (permalink)
GMT355 Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 44	Few questions about my new colorado Just got a few quick questions, 1 - I was wondering what the traction control button does. It seems as if it is crossed out on the button, so I have come to the following conclusion The traction control is ALWAYS on By pressing the button, you enable the 'traction control off' to be engaged Does this improve economy? By default, even if I have been driving with T/C off, the T/C will automatically come on the next time I start the car. Ive also been getting about 17-18 MPG, this is fairly shitty for the 4 cylinder. I havent been booting it and it has been mixed highway/city with a bit of hauling. 2 - Also, does anyone know where I can get a copy of the factory service manual? I am approaching 60000 miles and have a feeling a bit tuneup is coming. I have owned the truck for about a month. Any other tips are appreciated! 3 - I have an LS Colorado, and I am interested in getting some options, fog lights, bull bar, I am wondering if these are a direct bolt on (the truck is pre-fabbed) or do I have to do my own fabrication. I am from the honda world so non-ac cars have a/c delete harnesses that just need to be plugged in. 4 - How hard is it to add the towing package to a LS that didn't come with it? THANKS guys :) Last edited by GMT355; 05-05-2012 at 01:24 AM.

05-05-2012, 04:07 AM	#2 (permalink)
GregDAP Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Colton, CA Posts: 2,084	Traction control is always on. You have to push the button to turn if off. Every time you start the truck it comes on automatically. It had no effect on fuel economy as far as I know. A tune up will help your MPG. 17-18 is pretty bad. What year is the truck? After 60,000 miles the tranny(auto) should be serviced. Plugs, radiator flush maybe also. You should clean the throttle body and MAF sensor. Each takes a different kind of cleaner. Those should be cleaned every 10,000-15,000 miles. Also clean/replace air filter while your at it. Bull bars bolt right on. Are you putting the fog lights on the bull bar? Curt, Reese, ect... all make bolt on tow hitches, fairly easy to install. You will need a wiring harness for trailer lights, also easy to install. Just look on eBay. You try the dealership for the service manual? Or do a Google search? Maybe some websites like gmpartsdirect.com. __________________ 2011 Colorado CC Z71 2LT 4X4 3.7L 3.73 gears/Snuglid/MBRP muffler/K&N Air Filter/Air Doc intake/Supermod PTB/SuperSparks/Z71 decals removed/4" Rancho Lift/Rancho RS5000series/ProComp 17" Alloys/285 70 17 Goodyear Duratracs/5000k HID lows and fogs/LED DRLs,tails,reverse lights/Super 2nd apply servo/tanny cooler/PCM tuned by Justin @ Black Bear Performance/Off road club #3/Lifted Club #440 Last edited by GregDAP; 05-05-2012 at 04:14 AM.

05-05-2012, 10:08 AM	#4 (permalink)
uncle sauce Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: san luis valley, colorado Posts: 237	i have an 05 pdf manual i can email to you... someone posted a 2010 manual in the programming key fob thread right next to this one.... __________________ 2005 Colorado Z71 LS 2WD 3.5L I5 1.75" TB Lift Rancho RS5000 x4 Homemade Intake 31x10.5R15 Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac 95K mi. Lifted member #435 never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience. - Mark Twain Last edited by uncle sauce; 05-05-2012 at 10:11 AM.

05-05-2012, 11:51 AM	#6 (permalink)
uncle sauce Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: san luis valley, colorado Posts: 237	gothca, apparently i overlooked the word service __________________ 2005 Colorado Z71 LS 2WD 3.5L I5 1.75" TB Lift Rancho RS5000 x4 Homemade Intake 31x10.5R15 Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac 95K mi. Lifted member #435 never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience. - Mark Twain

05-06-2012, 09:04 AM	#9 (permalink)
uncle sauce Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: san luis valley, colorado Posts: 237	there's been a few overhead consoles installed, i don't know if there's an actual how-to but this may give you a few good ideas. Another overhead console install - Chevrolet Colorado & GMC Canyon Forum __________________ 2005 Colorado Z71 LS 2WD 3.5L I5 1.75" TB Lift Rancho RS5000 x4 Homemade Intake 31x10.5R15 Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac 95K mi. Lifted member #435 never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience. - Mark Twain

05-05-2012, 10:04 AM	#3 (permalink)
cart7881 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Homestead, Florida Posts: 676	Go to Helm for the "Official" Service Manual. Be prepared for sticker shock. You can get a subscription to Alldata relatively cheap and they also have all the Service Bulletins. Check Ebay. I recently got a CD that the seller listed for a 1998 Blazer. When I got it I found out that it is a GM disc and covers most GM vehicles from the early 1990s to 2009 including all the Colorados.

05-06-2012, 02:41 AM	#7 (permalink)
GMT355 Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 44	Also, I have nowhere to put my wallet and phone. I have been putting my phonein the doorjam and my wallet in the glovebox. I have the lining in the door but I don't like putting things in there, since I don't want them to fall out when I open my door. Also, my wallet is fairly fat so I cant fit it in the door Not as bad as George from seinfeld.... My friend owns a 2001 sonoma, and he has an overhead compartment where he can put his wallet and keys, sort of a slotted section. I looked at the roof of mine at it has 2 delete plugs, possibly for the same compartment. Was this an option? I want to go to the junkyard and see (if it is) and how hard it would be to install. Thanks for all the tips guys!

05-06-2012, 02:44 AM	#8 (permalink)
GMT355 Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 44	The truck is 2005 Colorado STD Cab, White 86000 Kilometers (Roughly 55k Miles) Bought at a dealership, they did a major service (still waiting for detailed service record) Automatic, 4cylinder (2800 I believe is 4cyl?) I will take a look at the service record before I do anything. I think they did a huge tuneup, but I have basically spent all my kilometers hauling couches/furniture since I have been moving non-stop since I have owned it, so I'm hoping 18mpg is normal :(

05-06-2012, 12:14 PM	#10 (permalink)
GMT355 Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 44	So the Colorado didn't come with a little one like the sonoma I guess. I'll run to the yard and find one from a Silverado or a Tahoe or something. Anyone know if they all have to be fabbed? I was reading some threads and it seems like the same year (2005) Silverado should bolt right up. I don't want the long crazy one, I just want the mini one for wallet/phone, nothing fancy :)

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