How do you put a Chevy Colorado in tow mode?

To put a Chevy Colorado in tow mode, you need to follow a specific set of steps to ensure your vehicle is properly configured for towing. Tow mode is a feature that helps protect your transmission and other drivetrain components when your Colorado is being towed behind another vehicle.

Steps to Put a Chevy Colorado in Tow Mode

1. Engage the parking brake on the Chevy Colorado.


2. Shift the transmission into neutral (N).


3. Turn the ignition to the "Accessory" position, but do not start the engine.


4. Press and hold the tow/haul button on the dashboard for 5 seconds until the tow mode indicator light illuminates.


5. Your Chevy Colorado is now in tow mode and ready to be towed.

It's important to note that tow mode should only be used when your Colorado is being towed behind another vehicle. This mode disengages the transmission and allows the vehicle to be towed without causing damage to the drivetrain.

Reasons to Use Tow Mode

• Protect the Transmission: Tow mode prevents the transmission from being damaged by the spinning wheels during towing, which can occur if the vehicle is not in neutral.


• Prevent Drivetrain Damage: Tow mode helps protect other drivetrain components, such as the differential and transfer case, from being damaged during towing.


• Comply with Towing Regulations: Many states and municipalities require vehicles to be in tow mode when being towed to comply with local regulations.

By following these steps and using tow mode, you can safely and properly tow your Chevy Colorado without causing any damage to the vehicle's drivetrain.

Can I turn tow mode on while driving?

Can I Engage Tow/Haul Mode While Driving? Yes. You can activate this feature at any time with a simple button-press and turn it off the same way.

Should tow mode be used always when towing?

Yes, you should use tow/haul mode when pulling a trailer, especially with heavy loads or when driving in hilly or mountainous terrain, as it improves performance and reduces strain on your vehicle. This mode adjusts the transmission to hold lower gears longer for more power and uses engine braking to help slow down, which protects your brakes from overheating.
 
This video explains how tow/haul mode works and why it's recommended when towing: 55sChad's RV ReviewsYouTube · Apr 11, 2024
Benefits of using tow/haul mode

• Improved acceleration and control: The transmission stays in lower gears longer, providing more power for climbing hills and maintaining a steady speed. 
• Enhanced engine braking: It automatically selects lower gears when you slow down, helping to control speed without relying solely on your brakes. This is particularly useful on long descents to prevent brake overheating. 
• Reduced transmission strain: By limiting excessive shifting and keeping transmission fluid cooler, it helps protect the transmission, especially when under a heavy load. 
• Better response: It provides a more direct and responsive feel, which is beneficial for handling and quick adjustments on the road. 

This video demonstrates how tow/haul mode can help with engine braking when going downhill: 1mRV MilesYouTube · Jul 28, 2024
When to use it

• Always when towing: It is best to activate tow/haul mode as soon as you start towing and leave it on until you are done. 
• Hilly or mountainous areas: It's crucial for managing speed and power on inclines and declines. 
• Heavy loads: Use it any time the truck is working harder, such as when hauling a heavy load or towing a large trailer. 
• Heavy city traffic: It is beneficial in stop-and-go traffic to avoid excessive transmission shifting. 

You can watch this video to see how tow/haul mode works in different driving scenarios: 43sGeared Towards AutomotiveYouTube · Jan 9, 2025
When you can turn it off

• Empty trailer: You may be able to turn it off if the trailer is very light and you are driving on flat, open roads to potentially improve fuel economy. However, for maximum protection, many people recommend leaving it on when towing anything at all. 
• After towing: Turn the mode off once you are no longer towing to avoid unnecessary strain on the engine and transmission. 

How to turn on tow haul mode on Chevy Colorado?

So as you can see you got normal off-road tow hall terrain. And then back to off-road. So you can hit this little info button right here and it'll tell you kind of what each mode will change.

How to use Chevy tow haul mode?

Performance for towing. And not only that it also has something called flash to pass. So in every single GM vehicle when you lightly tap your turn signal.