key CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 2002 1.G Owner's Manual

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Move the lever up as far as it will go.
3. Be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear
-- not
in NEUTRAL.
4. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
Leaving Your Vehicle With the
Engine Running
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with
the engine running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P)
with the parking brake firmly set. If you have
four
-wheel drive and your transfer case is in
NEUTRAL, your vehicle will be free to roll,
even if your shift lever is in PARK (P). So be
sure the transfer case is in a drive gear
-- not in
NEUTRAL. And, if you leave the vehicle with the
engine running, it could overheat and even catch
fire. You or others could be injured. Don't leave
your vehicle with the engine running unless you
have to.

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If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and the
parking brake is firmly set before you leave it. After you
move the shift lever into PARK (P), hold the regular
brake pedal down. Then, see if you can move the shift
lever away from PARK (P) without first pulling it toward
you. If you can, it means that the shift lever wasn't fully
locked into PARK (P).
Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you don't shift your
transmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in
the transmission. You may find it difficult to pull the
shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called ªtorque lock.º
To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then
shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the
driver's seat. To find out how, see ªShifting Into
PARK (P)º in the Index.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out
of PARK (P) before you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the
pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission,
so you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock
control system. You must apply your regular brakes
before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is
in RUN. See ªAutomatic Transmissionº in the Index.
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on
the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way up
into PARK (P) as you maintain brake application.
Then, move the shift lever into the gear you want.
If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can't
shift out of PARK (P), try this:
1. Turn the key to OFF.
2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4.
3. Shift the vehicle to NEUTRAL (N).
4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the drive gear
you want.
5. Have the system fixed as soon as you can.

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Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside, your automatic
headlamp system will turn on your headlamps at the
normal brightness along with other lamps such as the
taillamps, sidemarker, parking lamps and the instrument
panel lights. The radio lights will also be dim.
Your vehicle is equipped with a light sensor on the top
of the instrument panel under the radio speaker grill.
Be sure it is not covered or the system will be on
whenever the ignition is on.
The system may also turn on your headlamps when
driving through a parking garage, heavy overcast
weather or a tunnel. This is normal.
There is a delay in the transition between the daytime
and nighttime operation of the Daytime Running Lamps
(DRL) and the automatic headlamp systems so that
driving under bridges or bright overhead street lights
does not affect the system. The DRL and automatic
headlamp system will only be affected when the light
sensor sees a change in lighting lasting longer than
the delay.To idle your vehicle with the automatic headlamp
system off, set the parking brake while the ignition is
off. Then start your vehicle. The automatic headlamp
system will stay off until you release the parking brake.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when you need it.
You may be able to turn off your automatic headlamp
system. See ªDaytime Running Lamps (DRL)º later
in this section for more information.
Lamps On Reminder
A reminder chime will sound when your headlamps or
parking lamps are manually turned on, the driver's
door is opened and your ignition is in OFF, LOCK or
ACCESSORY. To turn the chime off, turn the knob all
the way to the left or turn the instrument panel dimmer
down to the fully dimmed position. In the automatic
mode, the headlamps turn off once the ignition key is
in OFF.

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Auxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp Switch
(If Equipped)
If your vehicle has this feature, this button includes
wiring provisions for a dealer or a qualified service
center to install an auxiliary roof lamp.
This button is located
on the center of the
instrument panel near
the comfort controls.
When the button wiring is connected to an auxiliary
roof
-mounted lamp, pressing the button will activate
the lamp and illuminate an indicator light near the
button. Pressing the button again will turn off the
roof mounted lamp.
If your vehicle has this button, your vehicle may have
the snow plow prep package. For further information
see ªSnow Plow Prep Packageº in the Index.
Cargo Lamps
You can use the cargo lamps if you need more light in the
cargo area of your vehicle or in the top
-box storage units.
Press this button, located
on the instrument panel to
turn the cargo lamps on.
Press the button again to
turn it off.
A message in the message
center will come on and
display CARGO LAMP ON
when the cargo lamp is
turned on and the ignition
key is turned to RUN.

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Interior Lamps
Instrument Panel Intensity Control
The instrument panel intensity control is located to the
right of the headlamp knob.
Turn the thumbwheel up to adjust the instrument panel
lights. To turn on the dome lamps (with the vehicle
doors closed) turn the thumbwheel all the way up.
Exit Lighting
With exit lighting, the interior lamps will come on when
you remove the key from the ignition. The lights will
not come on if the DOME OVERRIDE button is
pressed in.
Illuminated Entry
Your vehicle is equipped with an illuminated entry feature.
When the doors are opened, the dome lamps will come
on if the DOME OVERRIDE button is in the out
position. If the DOME OVERRIDE button is pressed in,
the lamps will not come on.
Front Reading Lamps
Press the button located
next to each lamp to turn
the lamp on. The lamps can
be adjusted to point in the
direction you want.
Press the button again to turn the lamp off.

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Storage Compartments
Your vehicle includes a number of storage
compartments for storage of often
-used items.
Some vehicles have storage areas in the instrument
panel. Use these spaces for items such as gloves or
small books. Some models have a storage pocket on
each of the front doors.
Glove Box
To open your glove box, pull the lever upward and
pull the door downward.
Center Overhead Console
Your vehicle has overhead console equipped with
reading lights and a small storage area.
Press the button next to the light to turn it on.
Press it again to turn it off.
Center Console Storage Area (If Equipped)
Your vehicle may have a console compartment between
the bucket seats.
To open it, insert the console key into the lock and unlock
the console. Press the button and swing the console lid
open. The console has a place to store tissues, pens and a
clip to hold business cards.
The rear of the console has a cupholder that swings down
for the rear seat passengers to use.
Your vehicle may have a compact disc holder in the console.

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Top-Box Storage
Your vehicle is equipped with Top-Box Storage units on
both sides of the vehicle. The passenger side Top Box
contains the tools you will need to change a flat tire.
Use the ignition/door key to unlock the Top Box lid if it
is locked. Press the key cylinder button and swing the
lid open. Turn on the cargo lamps if you need more
light inside the Top Boxes. See ªCargo Lampsº in
the Index for more information on cargo lamps.
Use the ignition/door key to lock the Top Boxes.
Tonneau Cover (If Equipped)
CAUTION:
Improperly stored tonneau cover component(s)
could be thrown about the vehicle during a
collision or sudden maneuver. You or others
could be injured. If you remove the cover, bows
and rails always store them properly in the cargo
area. When you put them back, always be sure
that they are securely reattached.
If your vehicle is equipped with a tonneau cover, it will
come installed from the factory. The main components
of the tonneau cover are the following:

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To remove a cargo panel(s), do the following:
1. Lower the tailgate. Use the ignition/door key to
unlock the tailgate if it is locked. See ªTailgateº in
the Index for more information on the tailgate.
Before removing the cargo panel(s), notice the numbers
embossed on the upper center portion of each panel. The
panels are labeled 1, 2 and 3. There are also numbered
labels on the bottom of the panels. The numbers on the
top and bottom of the panels will be used as reference
when removing, storing and reinstalling the panels.
2. Remove cargo panel 3 by pulling the left and right
cargo panel latches, located on the bottom of each
cargo panel, toward you to release (unlock) the cargo
panel latches.
3. Pull the cargo panel up and then out from the
side rails and set it aside. You only need to remove
as many cargo panels as needed for your cargo
carrying needs.

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Your vehicle also has a message center that works along
with warning lights and gages. See ªMessage Centerº in
the Index.
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the key is turned to RUN or START, a chime
will come on for about six seconds to remind people to
fasten their safety belts, unless the driver's safety belt is
already buckled.
The safety belt light will
also come on and stay on
for about 20 seconds,
then it will flash for
about 55 seconds.
If the driver's belt is already buckled, neither the chime
nor the light will come on.
Air Bag Readiness Light
There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows the air bag symbol. The system
checks the air bag's electrical system for malfunctions.
The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. The
system check includes the air bag sensors, the air bag
modules, the wiring, the passenger air bag suppression
circuit and the crash sensing and diagnostic module. For
more information on the air bag system, see ªAir Bagº
in the Index.
This light will come on
when you start your vehicle,
and it will flash for a few
seconds. Then the light
should go out. This means
the system is ready.

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If the air bag readiness light stays on after you start the
vehicle or comes on when you are driving, your air bag
system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.
CAUTION:
If the air bag readiness light stays on after you
start your vehicle, it means the air bag system
may not be working properly. The air bags in
your vehicle may not inflate in a crash, or they
could even inflate without a crash. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have your vehicle
serviced right away if the air bag readiness light
stays on after you start your vehicle.
The air bag readiness light should flash for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the
light doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there is a problem.
Voltmeter
United States Canada
When your engine is not running, but the ignition is in
RUN, this gage shows your battery's state of charge in
DC volts.
When the engine is running, the gage shows the
condition of the charging system. Readings between
the low and high warning zones indicate the normal
operating range.