engine coolant CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 2006 1.G Owners Manual

Keys...............................................................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry System.........................2-4
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation...........2-5
Doors and Locks.............................................2-8
Door Locks....................................................2-8
Power Door Locks..........................................2-9
Delayed Locking.............................................2-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks..............2-10
Rear Door Security Locks..............................2-10
Lockout Protection........................................2-11
Midgate
®.....................................................2-11
Tailgate.......................................................2-20
Windows........................................................2-22
Power Windows............................................2-23
Sun Visors...................................................2-24
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-24
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-24
Passlock
®....................................................2-26
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-27
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-27
Ignition Positions..........................................2-28
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-29
Starting the Engine.......................................2-29
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal................2-30Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-31
Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-32
Tow/Haul Mode............................................2-35
Four-Wheel Drive..........................................2-35
Parking Brake..............................................2-40
Shifting Into Park (P).....................................2-41
Shifting Out of Park (P).................................2-43
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-43
Engine Exhaust............................................2-44
Running the Engine While Parked...................2-44
Mirrors...........................................................2-45
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
OnStar
®and Compass...............................2-45
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
OnStar
®, Compass and Temperature
Display....................................................2-47
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
Compass.................................................2-50
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
Compass and Temperature Display...............2-52
Outside Camper-Type Mirrors.........................2-54
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-55
Outside Convex Mirror...................................2-56
Outside Heated Mirrors..................................2-56
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror with
Curb View Assist.......................................2-57
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

Engine Coolant Heater
Your vehicle may have an engine coolant heater.
In very cold weather, 0°F (−18°C) or colder, the engine
coolant heater can help. You will get easier starting
and better fuel economy during engine warm-up.
Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a
minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle. At
temperatures above 32°F (0°C), use of the coolant
heater is not required. Your vehicle may also have an
internal thermostat in the plug end of the cord. This will
prevent operation of the engine coolant heater when
the temperature is at or above 0°F (−18°C) as noted on
the cord.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The
cord is located on the driver’s side of the engine
compartment, near the power steering uid
reservoir.
3. Plug the cord into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC
outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the
wrong kind of extension cord could overheat
and cause a re. You could be seriously
injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded
three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will
not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine parts. If you do not, it could be
damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead
of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your dealer in the area where you will be parking
your vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice
for that particular area.
2-31

Brake System Warning Light..........................3-38
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-39
Low Tire Pressure Warning Light....................3-40
Traction Off Light..........................................3-40
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-41
Transmission Temperature Gage.....................3-41
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-43
Oil Pressure Gage........................................3-45
Security Light...............................................3-46
Cruise Control Light......................................3-47
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-47
Tow/Haul Mode Light....................................3-47
Cargo Lamp Light.........................................3-47
Fuel Gage...................................................3-48
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-48
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-49
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-50
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-53
DIC Vehicle Customization.............................3-64Audio System(s).............................................3-70
Setting the Time...........................................3-71
Radio with CD..............................................3-72
Radio with Six-Disc CD.................................3-83
Navigation/Radio System...............................3-98
Rear Seat Entertainment System....................3-98
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)................................3-110
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-112
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-112
Radio Reception.........................................3-113
Care of Your CDs and DVDs........................3-114
Care of the CD and DVD Player...................3-114
Fixed Mast Antenna....................................3-114
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-115
Chime Level Adjustment...............................3-115
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

If the driver’s and passenger’s temperature
settings are not the same, the opposite side
temperature setting will be displayed for an
additional ve seconds. To make the passenger’s
temperature the same as the driver’s press and hold
the AUTO button for about four seconds.
When auto is selected, the air conditioning operation
and air inlet will be automatically controlled. The
air conditioning compressor will run when the
outside temperature is over about 40°F (4°C). The
air inlet will normally be set to outside air. If it’s
hot outside, the air inlet may automatically switch to
recirculate inside air to help quickly cool down
your vehicle. The light on the button will illuminate
in recirculation.
2. Set the driver’s and passenger’s temperature.
To nd your comfort setting, start with a 74°F (23°C)
temperature setting and allow about 20 minutes
for the system to regulate. Turn the driver’s or
passenger’s side temperature knob to adjust the
temperature setting as necessary. If you choose the
temperature setting of 60°F (15°C) the system
will remain at the maximum cooling setting. If you
choose the temperature setting of 90°F (32°C)
the system will remain at the maximum heat setting.
Choosing either maximum setting will not cause
the vehicle to heat or cool any faster.Be careful not to cover the sensor located on the
top of the instrument panel near the windshield. This
sensor regulates air temperature based on sun
load, and also turns on your headlamps.
To avoid blowing cold air in cold weather, the
system will delay turning on the fan until warm air is
available. The length of delay depends on the
engine coolant temperature. Pressing the fan switch
will override this delay and change the fan to a
selected speed.
9(Off):Press this button to turn off the entire climate
control system. Outside air will still enter the vehicle,
and will be directed to the oor. This direction can
be changed by pressing the mode button. The
temperature can also be adjusted using either
temperature knob. Press the up or down arrows on the
fan switch, the defrost button, the AUTO button, or
the air conditioning button to turn the system on when it
is off.
3-26

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature.
It also provides an indicator of how hard your vehicle is
working. During a majority of the operation, the gage
will read 210°F (100°C) or less. If you are pulling a load
or going up hills, it is normal for the temperature to
uctuate and approach the 250°F (122°C) mark. If the
gage reaches the 260°F (125°C) mark, it indicates
that the cooling system is working beyond its capacity.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-30.
Transmission Temperature Gage
Your vehicle may be equipped with a transmission
temperature gage.
When your ignition is on, the gage shows the
temperature of the transmission uid. The normal
operating range is from 180°F (82°C) to about
200°F (93°C).
At approximately 265°F (130°C), the driver information
center will display a TRANSMISSION HOT message
and the transmission will enter a transmission protection
mode. When the transmission enters the protection
mode, you may notice a change in the transmission
shifting patterns. The transmission will return to normal
shifting patterns when the transmission uid temperature
falls below 260°F (127°C). United States
CanadaUnited StatesCanada
3-41

CHECK WASHER FLUID
If the washer uid level is low, this message will appear
on the DIC. Adding washer uid to the windshield
washer reservoir will clear the message. SeeWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-40. Pressing any of the four
DIC buttons will clear the message from the DIC display.
If your vehicle does not have the four DIC buttons,
pressing the trip odometer reset stem will clear
the message from the DIC display. If you do not clear
this message, it will clear itself after 10 seconds until the
next ignition cycle.
DRIVER DOOR AJAR
If the driver’s door is not fully closed and the vehicle is
in a drive gear, this message will appear on the
display and you will hear a chime. Stop and turn off the
vehicle, check the door for obstacles and close the
door again. Check to see if the message still appears
on the DIC. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons
will clear the message from the DIC display. If your
vehicle does not have the four DIC buttons, pressing the
trip odometer reset stem will clear the message from
the DIC display.
ENGINE COOLANT HOT
If the cooling system temperature gets hot, this message
will appear in the DIC. Turn off the air conditioning. If
the message is still on, or if the engine coolant
temperature gage continues to rise, pull the vehicle over
when it is safe to do so. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 3-41for more information.
Stop the vehicle and let the engine idle in PARK (P)
for a few minutes to allow the coolant to reach a
safe temperature. This message will clear when the
coolant temperature drops to a safe operating
temperature. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons will
clear the message from the DIC display. If your
vehicle does not have the four DIC buttons, pressing
the trip odometer reset stem will clear the message from
the DIC display.
3-56

LOW COOLANT LEVEL
Notice:Engine damage from running your engine
without coolant is not covered by your warranty. See
“Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode”
in the Index for information on driving to a safe
place in an emergency.
If your vehicle has a low coolant sensor and the engine
coolant level is low, this message will appear on the
DIC. Adding coolant to the coolant recovery tank
will clear the message. SeeCooling System on
page 5-32. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons will
clear the message from the DIC display. If your vehicle
does not have the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip
odometer reset stem will clear the message from
the DIC display.
OIL LIFE RESET
This message will appear on the display for about
10 seconds after resetting the change engine oil
message. See “Engine Oil Life System” underDIC
Operation and Displays on page 3-50andEngine Oil on
page 5-18for more information.
OIL PRESSURE LOW
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine
oil pressure is low, severe engine damage may
occur. If a low oil pressure warning appears on the
Driver Information Center (DIC), stop the vehicle
as soon as possible. Do not drive the vehicle until
the cause of the low oil pressure is corrected.
SeeEngine Oil on page 5-18for more information.
If low oil pressure levels occur, this message will
be displayed on the DIC and a chime will sound. Stop
the vehicle as soon as safely possible and do not
operate it until the cause of the low oil pressure has
been corrected. Check your oil as soon as possible and
have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer.
PASSENGER DOOR AJAR
If the passenger’s door is not fully closed and the
vehicle is in a drive gear, this message will appear on
the display and you will hear a chime. Stop and turn off
the vehicle, check the door for obstacles and close
the door again. Check to see if the message still
appears on the DIC. Pressing any of the four DIC
buttons will clear the message from the DIC display.
If your vehicle does not have the four DIC buttons,
pressing the trip odometer reset stem will clear
the message from the DIC display.
3-58

REDUCED ENGINE POWER
This message is displayed and a chime will sound when
the cooling system temperature gets too hot and the
engine further enters the engine coolant protection
mode. SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-30for further
information.
You may also see this message when the vehicle
determines a problem with the electronic throttle control.
See your GM dealer for service.
This message will also display when the vehicle’s
engine power is reduced. Reduced engine power can
affect the vehicle’s ability to accelerate. If this message
is on, but there is no reduction in performance,
proceed to your destination. The performance may be
reduced the next time the vehicle is driven. The
vehicle may be driven at a reduced speed while this
message is on, but acceleration and speed may
be reduced. Anytime this message stays on, the vehicle
should be taken to your GM dealer for service as
soon as possible.
RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR
If the passenger’s side rear door is not fully closed and
the vehicle is in a drive gear, this message will
appear on the display and you will hear a chime. Stop
and turn off the vehicle, check the door for obstacles and
close the door again. Check to see if the message
still appears on the DIC. Pressing any of the four DIC
buttons will clear the message from the DIC display.
If your vehicle does not have the four DIC buttons,
pressing the trip odometer reset stem will clear
the message from the DIC display.
SERVICE 4WD (Four-Wheel-Drive)
If a problem occurs with the four-wheel-drive system,
this message will appear on the DIC. If this message
appears, stop as soon as possible and turn off the
vehicle. Restart the vehicle and check for the message
on the DIC display. If the message is still displayed
or appears again when you begin driving, the
four-wheel-drive system needs service. See your
GM dealer. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons will
clear the message from the DIC display. If your vehicle
does not have the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip
odometer reset stem will clear the message from
the DIC display.
3-59

Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbeforeyou start
down a long or steep downgrade. If you don’t shift
down, you might have to use your brakes so much that
they would get hot and no longer work well.
You can tow in DRIVE (D). You may want to shift the
transmission to THIRD (3) or, if necessary, a lower gear
selection if the transmission shifts too often (e.g.,
under heavy loads and/or hilly conditions).
You may also want to activate the tow/haul mode if the
transmission shifts too often. See “Tow/Haul Mode”
earlier in this section.
When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades,
consider the following: Engine coolant at or near
sea level will boil at a lower temperature than at higher
altitudes. If you turn your engine off immediately
after towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades, your
vehicle may show signs similar to engine overheating.
To avoid this, let the engine run while parked (preferably
on level ground) with the automatic transmission in
PARK (P) for a few minutes before turning the engine
off. If you do get the overheat warning, seeEngine
Overheating on page 5-30.
Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
You really should not park your vehicle, with a
trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People
can be injured, and both your vehicle and the
trailer can be damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here’s
how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t shift into
PARK (P) yet.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer
wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your
parking brake and shift into PARK (P).
4-71

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle..............................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)..................................5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-8
Filling the Tank..............................................5-9
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-11
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-11
Hood Release..............................................5-12
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-14
Engine Oil...................................................5-18
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-21
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-23
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-25
Engine Coolant.............................................5-28
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-30
Engine Overheating.......................................5-30Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-32
Cooling System............................................5-32
Engine Fan Noise.........................................5-38
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-39
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-40
Brakes........................................................5-41
Battery........................................................5-44
Jump Starting...............................................5-45
Rear Axle.......................................................5-51
Four-Wheel Drive............................................5-52
Front Axle......................................................5-53
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-54
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-54
Headlamps..................................................5-55
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and
Parking Lamps..........................................5-57
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and
Daytime Running Lamps.............................5-59
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................5-61
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps.........................................5-61
License Plate Lamp......................................5-62
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-63
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-63
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1