The Chevy Colorado is a well-rounded mid-size truck.
Similar to many vehicles, it features a range of beeps and chimes to notify the driver.
If your Colorado keeps beeping and you’re unsure why, this article is here to help.
Table of Contents
1. Items on Passenger Seat
Objects placed on the passenger seat, such as a laptop or even a hat, have been known to trigger the chime in some cases. The weight and movement of these items can sometimes be interpreted as if a passenger isn’t wearing their seatbelt, leading to the chime.
If you need to have an item on the passenger seat, you can simply buckle the seat belt.
“Do you have something in the front passenger seat? I hauled my shop-vac in my front seat shortly after I got my truck and was really confused by the dinging. Turns out it was the “seat belt alarm” – the shop vac was heavy enough to trip the airbag sensor in the seat, and since I didn’t buckle it in, it was triggering the “seat belt not buckled” warning.” – ColoradoFans.com
Faulty Seat Sensor
The passenger seat sensor might be faulty in which case you may even hear a beep when the passenger seat is empty.
A quick fix for this is to plug in the seatbelt whilst the long-term solution is to replace the sensor.
“Seatbelt light blinkin too? Maybe the sensor that says the seatbelt is latched is actin up… I’m TRYING to get in the habit of wearing my seatbelt, and this truck sure helps Damn thing beeps 3 times to remind me!” – 355Nation.com
2. Remote Alerts
Remote Left in Vehicle Alert
The Remote Left in Vehicle Alert feature is designed to sound an alert when the key fob is inadvertently left inside the vehicle.
When the vehicle is turned off and a fob remains in the vehicle, the horn will emit three beeps after all doors are closed.
Remote No Longer Left in Vehicle Alert
If the vehicle is on with a door open and then all doors are closed, the vehicle will check for key fobs inside.
If a key fob is not detected, the Driver Information Center (DIC) will display NO REMOTE DETECTED and the horn will chirp three times.
This occurs only once each time the vehicle is driven.
How To Toggle These Alerts
- Touch the Settings icon located on the Home Page of the infotainment display.
- Select “Vehicle” to reveal a list of available options.
- Choose ‘Remote Lock’ or ‘Remote Unlock’
- Use the “On” or “Off” options to toggle the alert feature.
Note that adjusting the “Remote Left in Vehicle Alert” setting also affects the “Remote No Longer In Vehicle Alert.”
3. Door Latch Issues
Faulty door latches or sticking mechanisms can cause the vehicle to incorrectly indicate that a door is open. Cleaning and lubricating all door mechanisms can solve this issue, ensuring smooth operation and correct signaling.
4. Door Sensor Issues
A faulty door sensor or hood latch sensor can cause beeping sounds in a vehicle because these sensors are integral to the car’s safety and security systems.
If these sensors malfunction and falsely indicate that a door or the hood is open, the vehicle’s system responds by alerting the driver through beeping sounds, aiming to prompt immediate action to ensure safety and security.
Related: Chevrolet Colorado Alarm Going Off? (12 Main Causes)
5. Weak Key Fob Battery
A low key fob battery can lead to unexplained beeping due to erratic signals sent to the vehicle’s electronic system, which interprets these signals as commands or alerts.
Replacing the key fob battery is a common solution to stop the beeping. Its best to buy a good quality battery, clean the inside of the fob and ensure the battery is inserted the correct way up.
6. Turn Signal Left On
Leaving the turn signal (blinker) on for an extended period, typically more than 3/4 of a mile, can result in a chime.
This serves as a safety reminder to prompt the driver to turn off the blinker after completing a turn or lane change.
“You will also get a ding if you leave blinker on too long.” – ColoradoFans.com
7. Weak 12V Battery
A weak 12V battery can cause a myriad of problems.
To rule this out of the equation, simply have a battery health check performed.
These can be done at AutoZone for free.
Also check to ensure the connections are tight and free of dirt and grime.
8. Aftermarket Devices
Often, mysterious beeping sounds stem from aftermarket electronic devices that don’t trigger any alerts on the dashboard or Driver Information Center (DIC).
Typical sources of such beeping noises include:
- Aftermarket alarm systems
- Bluetooth adapters
- Radar detectors
- Dashcams, particularly when driving over bumps
- GPS tracking devices
- Devices for tracking by insurance companies
“Maybe it’s some sort of aftermarket alarm ? Have you looked under the driver side dash to see if there are any spliced in boxes?” – ColoradoFans.com
“Geotab…Masternaut [vehicle tracking device brands] – there are others. Start looking around under the dash, near the fuse box for a box with little speaker holes in it.” – ColoradoFans.com
Related: 11 Common Chevrolet Colorado Problems (Explained)
9. Faulty Ignition Switch
A common issue causing continuous beeping in vehicles, even after the key is removed, is a faulty ignition switch. This often happens when the internal button, designed to sense the key’s presence, gets stuck, mistakenly indicating the key is still in the ignition.
“This [key in ignition chime keeps dinging after the key is removed when the driver door is open] turned out to be a bad ignition switch. The lock cylinder was fine. The igniton switch has a button in it that is pushed in while the key is in the ignition. The contacts for that button were stuck in the closed position.” – ChevroletForum.com
10. Teen Driver Speed Limit Alerts
The truck’s DIC includes a feature to set alerts for exceeding a specific speed, often under “teen driver” settings. Adjusting or disabling these alerts may require a PIN. However, these alerts are displayed on the DIC.
“The truck’s DIC includes a feature to set alerts for exceeding a specific speed, often under “teen driver” settings. Adjusting or disabling these alerts typically does not require a PIN, making it easy to manage or eliminate unexpected beeping related to speed.”
11. Phantom Beeps
Random beeps after ignition, such as three beeps with no dashboard alerts, are often benign. This occasional occurrence usually doesn’t signal any underlying problem.
“Mine does it every once in a while too [3 beeps after starting the truck], if there isn’t anything on the cluster I wouldn’t worry about it.” 355Nation.net
12. External Sources of Beeping
Sometimes, the source of beeping may not be the truck itself but other devices in or around the vehicle, like a wristwatch, a battery-operated electronic device, or alarms in your garage, indicating low battery or alerts.
13. On-Star Test Beep
Intermittent beeping might be the On-Star system performing a routine test, as some drivers notice it sporadically.
It is a benign signal from the On-Star service, indicating it’s functioning as intended. No action is typically required unless the beeps are accompanied by dashboard alerts.
“Hi, sounds like the On-Star test beep. I get it every so often” – 355Nation.com
14. Back Seat Reminder Alert
The under-dash ding you’re hearing could be the “check the back seat” reminder, designed to prevent leaving passengers behind.
- This alert is accompanied by a message on the DIC.
- You can disable and enable this feature via the DIC.
“I get an underdash ding after turning on the “check the back seat so you don’t forget them in the car” alarm.” – ColoradoFans.com
Additional Steps to Consider
Disconnect the Battery
Glitches in modern vehicles, which rely heavily on electronics, can cause mysterious beeps. Disconnecting the 12-volt battery’s negative (black) terminal for 10 to 20 minutes resets the vehicle’s systems.
Check All Fluid Levels
It’s worthwhile to verify the levels of various fluids, as discrepancies can trigger alerts:
- Engine Oil
- Coolant
- Brake Fluid
- Transmission Fluid
- Power Steering Fluid
- Windshield Washer Fluid
Consult a Mechanic or Dealership
For unresolved issues after basic troubleshooting, seek an experienced mechanic or a local Chevrolet dealership. They possess the necessary tools and experience. If under warranty, prioritize the dealership and inquire about free initial diagnostics. Auto parts stores may offer free scans and advice.
Check for Recalls or TSBs
Use Chevy’s recall page with your car’s VIN to check for recalls. Google searches for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) can reveal less serious issues causing beeps.
Use a Diagnostic Scanner
An OBD2 scanner, easily connected to the car’s OBD port, may help identify the issue. OBD apps allow smartphone connections for a convenient diagnosis. Research the codes online or consult vehicle-specific forums for advice.
Check the DIC (Driver Information Center)
When the beeping occurs can you see any lights come on at the same time on the DIC display? This can give a big clue as to what’s causing the beeping.
Related: 19 Best & Worst Chevrolet Colorado Years (Complete Guide)
