tire pressure CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 2004 1.G Owners Manual

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-7
Horn.............................................................3-7
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-8
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-14
Interior Lamps..............................................3-20
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-21
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-22
Climate Controls............................................3-22
Automatic Climate Control System...................3-22
Dual Climate Control System..........................3-29
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-32
Climate Controls Personalization.....................3-32
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-33
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-34
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-35
Tachometer.................................................3-35
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-36Air Bag Readiness Light................................3-36
Passenger Air Bag Status Indicator.................3-38
Charging System Light..................................3-40
Voltmeter Gage............................................3-41
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-42
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-43
Low Tire Pressure Warning Light....................3-43
Traction Off Light..........................................3-44
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-45
Transmission Temperature Gage.....................3-45
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-47
Oil Pressure Gage........................................3-50
Security Light...............................................3-51
Cruise Control Light......................................3-51
Tow/Haul Mode Light....................................3-51
Fuel Gage...................................................3-52
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-52
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-53
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-54
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-65
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
Light
With the anti-lock brake
system, this light will come
on when you start your
engine and may stay on for
several seconds.
That’s normal. If the light doesn’t come on then, have it
xed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If the light stays on, or comes on when you’re driving,
your vehicle needs service. You will also hear a chime
sound when the light is on steady. If the regular brake
system warning light isn’t on, you still have brakes, but
you don’t have anti-lock brakes. If the regular brake
system warning light is also on you don’t have anti-lock
brakes and there’s a problem with your regular brakes. In
addition to both lights, you will also hear a chime sound
on the rst occurrence of a problem and each time the
vehicle is shut off and then restarted. SeeBrake System
Warning Light on page 3-42.
Low Tire Pressure Warning Light
This light and a chime will
come on along with the
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
message in the DIC
when one or more of your
tires is signicantly
under-inated.
This light will also come on briey when you turn the
ignition to RUN.
See “CHECK TIRE PRESSURE” underDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-65for more information.
Stop and check your tires as soon as possible,
and inate them to the proper pressure as indicated on
the vehicle’s certication/tire label. SeeTires on
page 5-68for more information on your vehicle’s tires.
3-43

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
If a low tire pressure is detected in any of the vehicle’s
tires, this message will appear on the DIC. Press
the select button or trip stem to acknowledge the
message and clear it from the DIC display.
SeeTires on page 5-68for more information on tires
and the correct ination pressures.
This message will appear at each ignition cycle until the
tires are inated to the correct ination pressure.
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR
This message will be displayed if any of the tire monitor
sensors have malfunctioned, or if the tire monitor
sensors have not been programmed correctly. For more
information on programming the tire pressure monitor
system seeTire Pressure Monitor System on page 5-77.
Press the select button to acknowledge the message
and clear it from the DIC display.
This message will appear at each ignition cycle until the
tire pressure monitor system has been serviced.
Audio System(s)
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment to your
vehicle, like a tape player, CB radio, mobile
telephone, or two-way radio, make sure that it can be
added by checking with your dealer. Also, check
federal rules covering mobile radio and telephone
units. If sound equipment can be added, it is very
important to do it properly. Added sound equipment
may interfere with the operation of your vehicle’s
engine, radio, or other systems, and even damage
them. Your vehicle’s systems may interfere with the
operation of sound equipment that has been added
improperly.
Figure out which audio system is in your vehicle, nd
out what your audio system can do, and how to operate
all of its controls.
Your vehicle may have a feature called Retained
Accessory Power (RAP). With RAP, the audio system
can be played even after the ignition is turned off.
See “Retained Accessory Power (RAP)” underIgnition
Positions on page 2-31.
3-72

Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here’s what
happens with ABS:
A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. If one
of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer will
separately work the brakes at each front wheel and at
both rear wheels.The anti-lock system can change the brake pressure
faster than any driver could. The computer is
programmed to make the most of available tire and road
conditions. This can help you steer around the obstacle
while braking hard.
As you brake, your computer keeps receiving updates on
wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly.
4-8

Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build up
under your tires that they can actually ride on the
water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and
you are going fast enough. When your vehicle is
hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road.
Hydroplaning does not happen often. But it can if your
tires do not have much tread or if the pressure in
one or more is low. It can happen if a lot of water is
standing on the road. If you can see reections
from trees, telephone poles or other vehicles, and
raindrops “dimple” the water’s surface, there could be
hydroplaning.
Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds. There
just is not a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning.
The best advice is to slow down when it is raining.
Driving Through Deep Standing Water
Notice:If you drive too quickly through deep
puddles or standing water, water can come in
through your engine’s air intake and badly damage
your engine. Never drive through water that is
slightly lower than the underbody of your vehicle.
If you can not avoid deep puddles or standing water,
drive through them very slowly.
Driving Through Flowing Water
{CAUTION:
Flowing or rushing water creates strong forces.
If you try to drive through owing water, as you
might at a low water crossing, your vehicle can
be carried away. As little as six inches of
owing water can carry away a smaller vehicle.
If this happens, you and other vehicle
occupants could drown. Do not ignore police
warning signs, and otherwise be very cautious
about trying to drive through owing water.
4-37

Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you are ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you are not fresh — such as after
a day’s work — do not plan to make too many miles that
rst part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing
and shoes you can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it is ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course, you
will nd experienced and able service experts in GM
dealerships all across North America. They will be ready
and willing to help if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:Have you checked
all levels?
Lamps:Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires:They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts:What is the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a
short time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps:Do you have up-to-date maps?
4-41

Tire and Loading Information LabelA. Vehicle Capacity Weight
The Tire and Loading Information label is attached to
the center pillar, near the driver’s door latch. Vehicles
without a center pillar will have the Tire and Loading
Information label attached to the driver’s door edge.
This label lists the number of people that can be in your
vehicle and the total weight it can carry. This weight
is called the vehicle capacity weight.
The Tire and Loading Information label also tells you
the size and recommended ination pressure for
the original equipment tires on your vehicle. For more
information on tires and ination seeTires on page 5-68
andInation - Tire Pressure on page 5-76.
If your vehicle does not have the Tire and Loading
Information label, the Certication/Tire label shows the
tire size and recommended ination pressures
needed to obtain the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) and the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for
the front and rear axles. See “Certication/Tire Label”
later in this section.
4-56

Certication/Tire Label
The Certication/Tire label is found on the rear edge of
the driver’s door.
The label shows the size of your original tires and the
ination pressures needed to obtain the gross weight
capacity of your vehicle. This is called the GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). The GVWR includes the
weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo.The Certication/Tire label also tells you the maximum
weights for the front and rear axles, called Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). To nd out the actual loads
on your front and rear axles, you need to go to a
weigh station and weigh your vehicle. Your dealer can
help you with this. Be sure to spread out your load
equally on both sides of the centerline.
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or the GAWR
for either the front or rear axle.
The Certication/Tire label also contains information
about your Front Axle Reserve Capacity. See
Four-Wheel Drive on page 5-56.
And, if you do have a heavy load, you should spread
it out.{CAUTION:
In the case of a sudden stop or collision,
things carried in the bed of your truck could
shift forward and come into the passenger
area, injuring you and others. If you put things
in the bed of your truck, you should make sure
they are properly secured.
4-60

Tires..............................................................5-68
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-76
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-77
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-81
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-82
Buying New Tires.........................................5-83
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-85
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-86
Wheel Replacement......................................5-86
Tire Chains..................................................5-88
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-89
Changing a Flat Tire.....................................5-90
Spare Tire.................................................5-110
Appearance Care..........................................5-111
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle...............5-111
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-114
Weatherstrips.............................................5-114Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle.............5-114
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-117
Finish Damage...........................................5-117
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-117
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-117
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-118
Vehicle Identication.....................................5-119
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)................5-119
Service Parts Identication Label...................5-119
Electrical System..........................................5-119
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-120
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-120
Fuses and Circuit Breakers..........................5-120
Capacities and Specications........................5-128
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-2

Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by
a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions
about your tire warranty and where to obtain service,
see your GM Warranty booklet for details. For additional
information refer to the tire manufacturer’s booklet
included with your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual.
{CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.
Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result of too much
friction. You could have an air-out and a
serious accident. See “Loading Your
Vehicle” in the Index.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)

Underinated tires pose the same danger
as overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.
Overinated tires are more likely to be cut,
punctured or broken by a sudden
impact — such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents.
If your tread is badly worn, or if your tires
have been damaged, replace them.
Tire Sidewall Labeling
Useful information about a tire is molded into the
sidewall. The following illustrations are examples of a
typical P-Metric and a LT-Metric tire sidewall.
5-68