warning light CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 2007 2.G User Guide

When the battery’s state of charge is low, the
voltage is raised slightly to quickly put the charge
back in. When the state of charge is high, the
voltage is lowered slightly to prevent overcharging.
If the vehicle has a voltmeter gage or voltage
display on the Driver Information Center (DIC),
you may see the voltage move up or down.
This is normal. If there is a problem, an alert will
be displayed.
The battery can be discharged at idle if the
electrical loads are very high. This is true for all
vehicles. This is because the generator (alternator)
may not be spinning fast enough at idle to
produce all the power that is needed for very
high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following loads are on: headlamps, high beams,
fog lamps, rear window defogger, climate
control fan at high speed, heated seats, engine
cooling fans, trailer loads, and loads plugged
into accessory power outlets.EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of
the battery. It does this by balancing the
generator’s output and the vehicle’s electrical
needs. It can increase engine idle speed to
generate more power, whenever needed.
It can temporarily reduce the power demands
of some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels,
without being noticeable. In rare cases at the
highest levels of corrective action, this action
may be noticeable to the driver. If so, a Driver
Information Center (DIC) message might be
displayed, such as Battery Saver Active or
Service Battery Charging System. If this message
is displayed, it is recommended that the driver
reduce the electrical loads as much as possible.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 267.
Battery Run-Down Protection
This feature shuts off the dome lamps if they
are left on for more than 10 minutes when
the ignition is in LOCK. This will help prevent
the battery from running down.
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The ultrasonic sensors are not kept clean.
So, be sure to keep your vehicle’s rear
bumper free of mud, dirt, snow, ice, and
slush. For cleaning instructions, seeWashing
Your Vehicle on page 541. If the DIC still
displays the PARKING ASSIST OFF
message after cleaning the bumper and
driving forward at a speed of at least
15 mph (25 km/h), see your dealer.
Other conditions that may affect system
performance include vibrations from a
jackhammer or the compression of air brakes
on a very large truck or other mechanical
devices that interfere with URPA performance.
When URPA is disabled without driver
action and the driver attempts to turn
URPA back on by pressing the rear park
aid button, the indicator light will ash
for 3 seconds and then stay lit to indicate
that URPA is off.As always, drivers should use care when
backing up a vehicle. Always look behind you,
being sure to check for other vehicles,
obstructions and blind spots.
For Driver Information Center messages
related to URPA, seeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 267.
If the vehicle bumper is damaged, the URPA
system may not work properly. Take the
vehicle to your dealer to repair the system.
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Warning Lights, Gages,
and Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages
on your vehicle. The pictures will help you
locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that
something is wrong before it becomes serious
enough to cause an expensive repair or
replacement. Paying attention to your warning
lights and gages could also save you or others
from injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or
is a problem with one of your vehicle’s functions.
As you will see in the details on the next few
pages, some warning lights come on briey when
you start the engine just to let you know they
are working. If you are familiar with this section,
you should not be alarmed when this happens.Gages can indicate when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle’s functions.
Often gages and warning lights work together
to let you know when there is a problem with your
vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and
stays on when you are driving, or when one of
the gages shows there may be a problem, check
the section that tells you what to do about it.
Please follow this manual’s advice. Waiting to
do repairs can be costly — and even dangerous.
So please get to know your warning lights and
gages. They are a big help.
Your vehicle also has a Driver Information
Center (DIC) that works along with warning lights
and gages. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 267.
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If, after several seconds, all status indicator lights
remain on, or if there are no lights at all, there
may be a problem with the lights or the passenger
sensing system. See your dealer for service.
{CAUTION:
If the off indicator and the airbag
readiness light ever come on together,
it means that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. If this ever
happens, have the vehicle serviced
promptly, because an adult-size person
sitting in the right front passenger seat
may not have the protection of the frontal
airbag. SeeAirbag Readiness Light
on page 242.
Charging System Light
The charging system
light will come on briey
when you turn on the
ignition, but the engine is
not running, as a check
to show you it is working.
It should go out once the engine is running. If it
stays on, or comes on while you are driving, you
may have a problem with the charging system.
It could indicate that you have problems with the
generator, the generator drive belt, or another
electrical problem. Have it checked right away.
Driving while this light is on could drain your battery.
When this light comes on, the Driver Information
Center (DIC) will also display the SERVICE
BATTERY NOT CHARGING SYSTEM message.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 267
for more information.
If you must drive a short distance with the light
on, be certain to turn off all your accessories,
such as the radio and air conditioner, to reduce
the drain on your battery.
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Voltmeter Gage
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. The charging
system regulates voltage based on the state of
the battery for improved fuel economy and battery
life. The gage may transition from a higher to
lower or a lower to higher reading, this is normal.
Readings between the low and high warning
zones indicate the normal operating range.Readings in the low warning zone may occur
when a large number of electrical accessories are
operating in the vehicle and the engine is left at
an idle for an extended period. This condition
is normal since the charging system is not able
to provide full power at engine idle. As engine
speeds are increased, this condition should
correct itself as higher engine speeds allow the
charging system to create full power. If there is
a problem with the battery charging system,
this light will come on or the SERVICE BATTERY
CHARGING SYSTEM DIC message will display.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 267
andCharging System Light on page 245for more
information.
Brake System Warning Light
With the ignition on, the brake system warning
light will come on when you set the parking brake.
If you try to drive with the parking brake engaged,
a chime will sound when the vehicle speed is
greater than 3 mph (5 km/h).
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Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided
into two parts. If one part is not working, the
other part can still work and stop you. For good
braking, though, you need both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on and a chime
sounds there could be a brake problem.
Have your brake system inspected right away.
This light may also come on due to low brake uid.
SeeBrakes on page 472for more information.
This light should come on briey when you
turn the ignition key to RUN. If it does not
come on then, have it xed so it will be ready
to warn you if there is a problem.
{CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working
properly if the brake system warning light
is on. Driving with the brake system
warning light on can lead to an accident.
If the light is still on after you have pulled
off the road and stopped carefully, have
the vehicle towed for service.
If the light comes on while you are driving, pull
off the road and stop carefully. You may notice
that the pedal is harder to push or may go closer
to the oor. It may take longer to stop. If the
light is still on, have the vehicle towed for service.
SeeTowing Your Vehicle on page 408.
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247

Anti-Lock Brake System
Warning Light
With the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS), this light
will come on when
you start your engine
and may stay on for
several seconds.
That is normal. If the light does not 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 are
driving, your vehicle needs service. A chime
will sound when the light stays on. If the regular
brake system warning light is not on, you still
have brakes, but you do not have ABS.If the regular brake system warning light is
also on you do not have ABS and there is 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 246.
The ABS warning light should come on briey
when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the light
does not come on then, have it xed so it will
be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
StabiliTrak®Indicator Light
This warning light
should come on
briey when the
engine is started.
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If the warning light does not come on then, have
it xed so it will be ready to warn you if there
is a problem. If it stays on, or comes on when
you are driving, there may be a problem with your
StabiliTrak
®system and your vehicle may need
service. When this warning light is on, the system
is off and will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your
driving accordingly.
This light will also ash when the StabiliTrak
®
system is active.
If the StabiliTrak
®system warning light comes on
and stays on for an extended period of time when
the system is turned on, your vehicle needs service.
SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 359for more
information.
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 460.
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Tire Pressure Light
This light will come on
briey when you turn
the ignition to RUN.
This light will also come on when one or more
of your tires are signicantly underinated.
If your vehicle has a Driver Information
Center (DIC), a CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
DIC message will accompany the light. See
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 267for
more information.
Stop and check your tires as soon as it is safe
to do so. If underinated, inate to the proper
pressure. SeeTires on page 492for more
information.This light will ash for 60 seconds and then
turn on solid if a problem is detected with the
Tire Pressure Monitor system.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor System on page 501
for more information.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
Your vehicle has
a computer which
monitors operation
of the fuel, ignition,
and emission
control systems.
This system is called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended
to assure that emissions are at acceptable levels
for the life of the vehicle, helping to produce a
cleaner environment. The check engine light comes
on to indicate that there is a problem and service
is required. Malfunctions often will be indicated
by the system before any problem is apparent.
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Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have
or may begin programs to inspect the emission
control equipment on your vehicle. Failure to
pass this inspection could prevent you from
getting a vehicle registration.
Here are some things you need to know to help
your vehicle pass an inspection:
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the
check engine light is on or not working properly.
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if
the OBD (on-board diagnostic) system determines
that critical emission control systems have not
been completely diagnosed by the system.
The vehicle would be considered not ready for
inspection. This can happen if you have recently
replaced your battery or if your battery has
run down. The diagnostic system is designed
to evaluate critical emission control systems
during normal driving. This may take several
days of routine driving. If you have done this and
your vehicle still does not pass the inspection
for lack of OBD system readiness, your dealer
can prepare the vehicle for inspection.
Oil Pressure Gage
The oil pressure gage shows the engine oil
pressure in psi (pounds per square inch) when
the engine is running. Canadian vehicles indicate
pressure in kPa (kilopascals).
Oil pressure may vary with engine speed,
outside temperature and oil viscosity, but readings
above the low pressure zone indicate the normal
operating range. When the oil pressure reaches
the low pressure zone, the OIL PRESSURE
LOW STOP ENGINE message will appear
in the Driver Information Center (DIC). See
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 267and
Engine Oil on page 446for more information.
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