Dinghy and/or Dolly Towing a Colorado or Canyon Pickup - keywords axle fuse operation propeller service shaft tow trailer

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

This PI pertains to 2004-2006 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickups with regard to recreational (dinghy) towing. The owner's manual incorrectly states that for manual transmission vehicles, make sure the wheels are straight before proceeding to the next step; and on automatic transmission vehicles, use an adequate clamping device to ensure that the front wheels are locked into the straight position.

To dinghy tow a four-wheel-drive vehicle correctly, the front wheels should not be locked in a forward facing position. The transfer case should be in neutral, and the front wheels allowed to follow (track) the towing vehicle. Automatic transmission Colorado and Canyon steering columns do not lock at key-out, so the keys may be out of the ignition when towing; manual transmission Colorado and Canyon steering columns do lock at key-out, and should be in the accessory mode for towing.

To dinghy tow with a two wheel drive vehicle equipped with a manual or automatic transmission, it will be necessary to remove the propeller shaft and allow the front wheels to follow (track) the towing vehicle. Automatic transmission Colorado and Canyon steering columns do not lock at key-out, so the keys may be out of the ignition when towing; manual transmission Colorado and Canyon steering columns do lock at key-out, and should be in the accessory mode for towing.

Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.