2011 Chevrolet Colorado Extended Cab Owner's Manual - Page 269

Vehicle Care At any time during this procedure if coolant begins to flow out of the filler neck, reinstall the pressure cap. Notice: If the pressure cap is not tightly installed, coolant loss and possible engine damage may occur. Be sure the cap is properly and tightly secured. 10-23 If the decision is made to lift the hood, make sure the vehicle is parked on a level surface. Then check to see if the engine cooling fan is running. If the engine is overheating, the fan should be running. If it is not, do not continue to run the engine and have the vehicle serviced. The engine cooling fan speed should increase when idle speed is doubled by pushing the accelerator pedal down. If it does not, the vehicle needs service. Turn off the engine. Notice: Engine damage from running the engine without coolant is not covered by the warranty. Notice: If the engine catches fire because of being driven with no coolant, the vehicle can be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Engine Overheating 6. Start the engine and let it run until the upper radiator hose can be felt getting hot. Watch out for the engine cooling fan. 7. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator filler neck might be lower. If the level is lower, add more of the proper DEX‐COOL coolant mixture through the filler neck until the level reaches the base of the filler neck. 8. Replace the pressure cap. The vehicle has a coolant temperature gauge displayed on the instrument panel to warn if the engine is overheating. See Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge on page 5‑9. If the engine is too hot, the air conditioning might stop working. This is normal and helps cool the engine. If the decision is made not to lift the hood when the warning appears, but instead get service help right away. See Roadside Assistance Program (U.S. and Canada) on page 13‑7 or Roadside Assistance Program (Mexico) on page 13‑9.