🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Colorado

Year:

2006

Body Style:

Pickup Truck

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck

Key Competitors 2006:

Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier, Mitsubishi Raider

Attributes At Launch:

Offered in various configurations (regular cab, extended cab, crew cab), rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive options, selection of gasoline engines, capable towing and hauling for its class.

Function:

To provide owners with essential information for the safe and proper operation, maintenance, and care of their 2006 Chevrolet Colorado.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Topics:

Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for a 2006 owner's manual, though exact count not provided in product info)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, fluid checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid), fuel system, battery maintenance, air filter replacement.

Chassis:

Brake system overview, steering, suspension (basic information, not detailed repair).

Electrical:

Instrument cluster functions, lighting operation (headlights, taillights, interior lights), fuse identification (basic location and function).

Interior:

Climate control operation (HVAC), entertainment system basics, power locks, seat adjustments, safety restraint system (airbags, seatbelts).

Driver Interface:

Driver controls (steering wheel, pedals, gear selector), dashboard indicators, warning lights.

Basic Maintenance:

Checking and adding engine oil, coolant, windshield washer fluid, checking tire pressure, replacing wiper blades, basic cleaning procedures.

Safety Features Operation:

Proper use of seat belts, understanding airbag systems, child restraint system installation guidance.

Troubleshooting Basic:

Understanding dashboard warning lights and their meaning, basic on-road issues.

Vehicle Operation:

Starting and driving the vehicle, parking, engaging the parking brake, fuel filling procedures.

Depth:

Owner-focused, covering essential operation, maintenance, and safety. Does not provide detailed repair procedures or diagnostic schematics typically found in a Service Manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely searchable text due to PDF format, allowing for quick information retrieval.

Quality:

Digital reproduction of original factory manual. Print quality dependent on user's printer.

Type:

N/A (Digital download)

Type:

N/A (Digital download)

Requirement:

Requires a PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader, or comparable).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

2.8L (2770cc) Atlas LLM I4, 3.5L (3460cc) LL8 Vortec I5

2.8L I4 Horsepower:

Approx. 175 hp @ 5600 rpm

2.8L I4 Torque:

Approx. 185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

3.5L I5 Horsepower:

Approx. 201 hp @ 5600 rpm

3.5L I5 Torque:

Approx. 225 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm

Type:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline (for both engines)

Components Covered:

Identification of key engine components, fluid reservoirs, battery, air filter housing.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Options:

5-speed manual transmission (common with 2.8L I4), 4-speed automatic transmission (common with 3.5L I5, also available with 2.8L I4).

Transmission Options:

5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic

Drive Modes:

Includes information on engaging 2WD and 4WD (if equipped).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Examples:

Approx. 111.2 inches (regular cab), 126.2 inches (extended/crew cab)

Bed Length Examples:

Approx. 6.1 ft (short bed), 7.2 ft (long bed)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 3,800 - 4,300 lbs (varies by configuration)

Towing Capacity Range:

Up to approx. 5,300 - 6,000 lbs (with proper equipment and engine)

Payload Capacity Range:

Up to approx. 1,200 - 1,500 lbs (varies by configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-star rating (driver and passenger, for models equipped with airbags)

IIHS Small Overlap Front:

Not specifically tested or rated for this year's testing protocol by IIHS.

Braking System:

Standard front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) typically standard on most trims.

Traction Control:

Available on some models, particularly 4WD variants.

Airbags:

Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger.

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front seats.

Latch System:

Rear seating positions equipped with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.

💡 Technology Features

Audio Systems:

Base AM/FM stereo, optional CD player, and premium audio systems with multiple speakers. Some models may have steering wheel controls.

Climate Controls:

Manual HVAC system with fan speed and temperature controls. Recirculation mode available.

Cruise Control:

Typically available as an option or standard on higher trim levels.

Auxiliary Input:

Rare for this model year; most likely requires aftermarket installation for AUX input.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact conditions).

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000-45,000 miles depending on driving conditions).

Tire Rotation:

Recommended every 7,500 miles.

Engine Oil:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic (API certified).

Coolant:

GM P/N 12346162 (Dex-Cool) or equivalent orange ethylene glycol based coolant.

Transmission Fluid Auto:

GM P/N 88861950 (Dexron VI) or equivalent.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3.

Common Wear Items:

Brake pads/rotors, spark plugs, exhaust components, suspension bushings.

Potential Engine Concerns:

Some reports of head gasket issues on the 3.5L I5 engine, though not universal.

Potential Transmission Concerns:

Occasional reports of shifting issues with the automatic transmission, often related to fluid service or solenoids.

Example Air Filter:

ACDelco A3161C (verify specific application).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 5 quarts (with filter) for 2.8L I4; Approx. 6 quarts (with filter) for 3.5L I5.

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 10-11 quarts (varies by engine and radiator size).

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Trucks:

Chevrolet has a long history of producing trucks, dating back to the early 20th century, known for their utility and durability.

Colorado Debut:

The Chevrolet Colorado was introduced for the 2004 model year as a successor to the Chevrolet S-10 pickup.

Generation 1 Updates:

The 2006 model represents the second year of the first generation, with minor updates and potential package refinements.

Manufacturing Location:

Shreveport, Louisiana, USA (primary manufacturing plant for this generation).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:

The Colorado was a nominee and strong contender in its class, but did not win MotorTrend Truck of the Year in 2004 or 2006.