🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Colorado

Year:

2009

Platform:

GMT355

Body Style:

Mid-size Pickup Truck

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

Individuals and small businesses seeking a versatile, rugged, and relatively affordable pickup truck for work and recreation.

Key Competitors:

Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Ford Ranger (prior generations).

Vehicle Attributes:

Body-on-frame construction, available 4x4, good towing and payload capacity for its class, durable interior.

Purpose:

To inform owners about the operation, features, maintenance, and safety of their 2009 Chevrolet Colorado, enabling them to use and care for their vehicle effectively and prevent common issues caused by lack of knowledge.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Type:

Owner's Manual

Specific To:

2009 Chevrolet Colorado

Estimated Pages:

300-400 (typical for this era/model)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission (automatic and manual), driveline (RWD, 4WD).

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS), wheels and tires.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, gauges, warning indicators, fuses and relays, audio system, power accessories.

Comfort And Convenience:

HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), seats, seat belts, airbags, interior features, door locks, windows, mirrors.

Safety And Security:

Airbag system operation, seat belt usage, child restraint systems (LATCH), vehicle security system, lighting controls, emergency procedures.

Basic Operation:

Starting and stopping the engine, driving controls, shifting gears, using the parking brake, understanding dashboard indicators.

Routine Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, changing windshield wiper blades, refueling procedures.

Troubleshooting Basic:

Interpreting warning lights, basic electrical issues (blown fuses), minor fluid leaks.

Vehicle Care:

Cleaning exterior and interior, protecting paintwork.

Depth:

Designed for the vehicle owner, covering essential information for safe operation, routine checks, and understanding vehicle features. Does not typically include in-depth diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions found in service manuals.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content for efficient information retrieval.

Printability:

Printable pages, allowing users to print specific sections as needed.

Binding Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Option 1:

2.9L Inline-4 (LLR)

Displacement 1:

2921 cc (178.3 cubic inches)

Horsepower 1:

185 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque 1:

205 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm

Fuel System 1:

Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine Option 2:

3.7L Inline-5 (LLM)

Displacement 2:

3701 cc (225.8 cubic inches)

Horsepower 2:

242 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque 2:

242 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm

Fuel System 2:

Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)

Emissions Control:

Federal Tier 2 Bin 5 / California Low Emission Vehicle (LEV)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Option 1:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Option 2:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (4L60-E)

Drivetrain:

Available in Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and Four-Wheel Drive (4WD).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Short:

111.2 inches (approx.)

Wheelbase Long:

126.0 inches (approx.)

Overall Length Short:

176.7 inches (approx.)

Overall Length Long:

191.5 inches (approx.)

Bed Length Short:

72.2 inches (approx.)

Bed Length Long:

85.0 inches (approx.)

Curb Weight Base:

3,850 lbs (approx. for base model)

Max Payload Capacity:

Up to 1,500 lbs (varies by configuration)

Max Towing Capacity:

Up to 5,400 lbs (with 3.7L engine and proper towing package)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver:

5-Star

NHTSA Frontal Crash Passenger:

5-Star

IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Offset:

Good (for 2008-2009 models)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control System (TCS)

Stability Control:

Available StabiliTrak (Electronic Stability Control)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, available seat-mounted side-impact airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system for rear seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player and auxiliary input. Optional satellite radio (XM) and premium sound systems were available.

Climate Control:

Manual climate control standard, with available automatic climate control on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Rear Parking Assist:

Not typically available on this model year.

Bluetooth:

Not standard; available on some higher trims via upgraded audio systems or accessory packages.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic or synthetic blend oil recommended).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions (visual inspection recommended).

Spark Plug Replacement Llr:

2.9L I4: Iridium spark plugs, typically 100,000 miles.

Spark Plug Replacement Llm:

3.7L I5: Iridium spark plugs, typically 100,000 miles.

Coolant Flush:

Initial flush at 5 years or 100,000 miles, then every 3 years or 75,000 miles thereafter (GM DEX-COOL specified).

Engine Oil Type:

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

Engine Oil Capacity:

2.9L I4: 5.0 US quarts (4.7 L); 3.7L I5: 6.0 US quarts (5.7 L) (with filter change).

Coolant Type:

GM P/N 12346290 (or equivalent) Dex-Cool® Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Orange)

Transmission Fluid Auto:

Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Refer to specific manual for fluid type (often GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid

Power Steering Fluid:

GM P/N 12345499 (or equivalent) Dexron III H Automatic Transmission Fluid

Common Issues Engine 2 9L:

Occasional issues with spark plug threads (seizing/stripping), potential for exhaust manifold leaks over time.

Common Issues Engine 3 7L:

Some reports of camshaft position sensor issues, potential for lifter tick or noise if oil changes are neglected.

Common Issues Transmission Auto:

Overheating can be a concern under heavy load; ensuring regular fluid changes is crucial. Torque converter clutch shudder can occur if fluid is degraded.

Common Issues Suspension Steering:

Ball joint wear, tie rod end wear, and potential for front end shimmy or vibration if components are worn or alignment is off.

Common Issues Rust:

Like many vehicles of this era, particularly those in areas with road salt, frame and body panel rust can be a concern if not addressed.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Truck History:

Chevrolet has a long-standing reputation for producing durable and capable trucks since the 1910s, evolving from light-duty pickups to the diverse range offered today.

Colorado Generation 1:

The 2009 Colorado is part of the first generation (2004-2012), based on the GMT355 platform. It succeeded the Chevrolet S-10 and was marketed as a more modern and capable compact/mid-size pickup.

Manufacturing Locations:

General Motors' Shreveport, Louisiana, and Wentzville, Missouri, assembly plants.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Overall Reception Segment:

Competitively received within its segment for its capability and value proposition, though often outshone by the Toyota Tacoma in terms of long-term reliability perceptions and resale value.