2011 Holden Colorado LT-R 4x4

I thought i might add a page detailing my latest tow car. We decided on the Holden Colorado 4x4.

We wanted a 4WD for our own tow car, up to now we had been using lease cars, as we have begun to enjoy fossicking and a 4WD would perform better in the bush than the Commodore did :)

This was the Colorado after its first wash, not long after arriving at home...

Since these photos were taken we have added an ARB tub liner and an ARB canopy to improve our storage options whilst traveling. We chose to have the drivers side canopy window a sliding unit and the passenger side a lift up.

Accessories Update 1/10/12

Well we finally performed another upgrade on the Colorado, being an ARB Deluxe Bull Bar. Not much to say about it except for the need now for a Winch to fill in the space at the front and to support the fact this car does not have "Snatch" rated front recovery points.

The Week after we had the Bullbar fitted we went on a 4WD training course with the Melbourne 4x4 Training and Proving Ground. It was our second try, as is shown below with the "Check 4WD" issue. We had a great day and the Colorado performed flawlessly, even if we did smash the passenger side step on one hill ascent.

Accessories Update 2/11/12
I finally purchased and installed my UHF. I ended up buying a GME 3540 from Prestige Communications. The shipping was fast and the unit was easy to install.... in the glove box. I am struggling to find a hidden void to hide it but i suspect there will be some space in behind the stereo. I have the hand piece just near the steering wheel. Easy to see and easy to reach.

GME hand piece

My other recent purchase was a Head unit and Reverse camera setup from Digoptions. When i get time i will install it and add an installation page.

Reverse Camera and Anderson Plug

Dig options head unit

Accessories Update 3/12/12
Finally, i think the car modifications have come to an end. I have now wired up an anderson plug to the rear of the car, through a Redarc relay. The cable used was 6B&S and i therefore have minimal voltage drop across the run. I also managed to wire up a double outlet plug in the tray to supply the Waeco with power as we drive. This also comes off of the Redarc relay so i should have no issues with a flat battery. I also put in an LED light bar into the canopy to improve on the ARB supplied light.

Baintech double socket (Cigarette / Merit)

Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy figures can be found here

Issues
So far we have had the car for around 9 months and in that time we have had only two warranty issues. Ill add any more here as they occur but i don't expect to have any :)

1. When performing a routine check of the oil we noticed a dark buildup on the passenger side of the engine, as the car was due for a service anyways we put in in to our dealer and it turned out that both the EGR valve and related gasket required changing.

2. At around the same time, ~10000Km, we noticed a high pitched whistle develope. The Whistle was around 2kHz in tone and came and went randomly. It did not ever change in pitch though. Well, turns out this is a known problem to do with insufficient lubrication of the wheel hubs at manufacture. We have so far had the car in with the dealer 4 times with both the front passenger and Driver sides having repair work carried out. At this stage (21/7/12) the issue has returned and we have booked it back into Holden for another Go. I have asked that they escalate the issue to help fix it properly.

Update (1/10/12) - At the last service Holden replaced both front hubs and seals, which has made a big difference. We had not heard the noise up to our 4WD course (8 weeks) however since the course i have heard a total of 3 short bursts and one lasting sequel. The noise then went away again so there is no point taking it in to Holden as yet. I will ask for an inspection at its next service. Seems the car may not like water.

3. We had the "Check 4WD" Light come on today. Well timed too as we were just starting our 4WD driver training course at the Melbourne 4x4 Training and Proving Ground. We had to pull out as we could not get 4L to engage. Not very happy. 

Anyway, a quick check on the internet when we got home, early, and i found a reset procedure that is not in the hand book...

SOLUTION1. Ignition off, hold all 3 buttons (2H, 4H & 4L) in together
2. Switch ignition on to 'reds' position (last position before start)
3. Hold in this state for 30 seconds 

Once i performed this the 4WD actuated correctly in both 2H, 4H and 4L. Since the car is going back into Holden for the issues above (23/7/12) i will have them investigate as well.
Update (1/10/12) - Holden were not able to find any fault with the 4WD system and since this single occurrence we have had not issues engaging into 4WD H or L. We also managed to finish the 4WD course this time.


I'll post updates to the car here as they occur. Feel free to ask any questions.