The Chevy Colorado and its sister the GMC Canyon are GM’s compact pickup truck offerings. This post reviews the top 1st generation 2004 to 2012 Chevy Colorado problems owners have experienced.
Top 5 Issues with the 1st Gen Chevy Colorado (2004 to 2012)
1. Valve Seat Failure
Symptoms of Valve Seat Failure
- Check engine light
- Flashing check engine light
- Rough running engine
Causes of Valve Seat Problems on the 1st Gen Chevy Colorado
These symptoms may be caused by the valve seats causing a misfire. The valve seats are in the cylinder head and sometimes there isn’t enough of a seal when they open and close.
How to Fix Valve Seat Failure
Replace the cylinder head.
2. Blower Motor Resistor
Symptoms of a Bad Blower Motor Resistor
- Fan doesn’t work on all or any speeds with the A/C or heat on
Causes of a Bad Blower Motor Resistor
The blower motor resistor controls the speed of the blower motor. The blower motor resistor tends to fail on the 1st gen Colorado. Sometimes the resistor fails prematurely because the blower motor is drawing too much current through it.
How to Fix a Bad Blower Motor Resistor
The blower motor resistor is located underneath the glove box. We recommend also checking out the condition of the blower motor when replacing the blower motor resistor in case it’s drawing too much current through the resistor.
3. EVAP Vent Valve Failure
Symptoms of EVAP Vent Valve Failure
- Check engine light for an EVAP code
Causes of EVAP Vent Valve Failure
The EVAP system is an air-tight system, so if debris like dust or dirt collects inside the vent valve, it can cause the valve to not close properly. A loose or faulty gas cap might also trigger the check engine light for an EVAP code.
How to Fix EVAP Vent Valve Failure
The EVAP vent valve is located underneath the vehicle above the spare tire. Before replacing the vent valve, check the gas cap for looseness or a broken gasket. Check the fuel filler neck for excessive corrosion.
Fuel Level Sensor Failure
Symptoms of Fuel Level Sensor Failure
- Truck runs out of gas with about 1/8 to ¼ of gas in the fuel tank
Causes of Fuel Level Sensor Failure
Problems with the 1st gen Chevy Colorado running out of gas are usually caused by a faulty fuel sensor.
How to Fix Fuel Level Sensor Failure
Replace the fuel sensor. The steps include lowering the fuel tank, removing the sensor, and reinstalling the fuel tank.
5. Windshield Washer Pump Failure
Symptoms of a Bad Windshield Washer Pump
- Washer fluid doesn’t spray
Causes of a Bad Windshield Washer Pump
Issues with the washer fluid not spraying are usually caused by a faulty windshield washer pump.
How to Fix a Bad Windshield Washer Pump
Confirm the windshield washer tank has washer fluid and that the hoses and lines that go to the washer nozzles are in good condition and connected. If the reservoir has enough fluid and the lines are working, replace the windshield washer pump, which is located at the backside of the windshield washer reservoir.
Read more about how to inspect windshield washer nozzles not spraying
1st Generation Chevy Colorado Model Years
- 2004 Chevy Colorado
- 2005 Chevy Colorado
- 2006 Chevy Colorado
- 2007 Chevy Colorado
- 2008 Chevy Colorado
- 2009 Chevy Colorado
- 2010 Chevy Colorado
- 2011 Chevy Colorado
- 2012 Chevy Colorado
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- Most Common GMC and Chevy Truck Problems
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