overheating CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 2007 2.G Owners Manual

Accessory Power Outlet(s)
Your vehicle may have two accessory power
outlets located on the instrument panel.
Your vehicle may also have an outlet on the back
of the center console above the cupholder door.
Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to
your vehicle may damage it or keep other
components from working as they should. The
repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Do not use equipment exceeding maximum
amperage rating of 20 amperes. Check with
your dealer before adding electrical equipment.
Certain power accessory plugs may not be
compatible to the accessory power outlets and
could result in blown vehicle or adapter fuses.
If you experience a problem, see your dealer
for additional information on the accessory
power plugs.
Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can
cause damage not covered by your warranty.
Do not hang any type of accessory or accessory
bracket from the plug because the power outlets
are designed for accessory power plugs only.
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
If your vehicle has this feature it is located in the
center console or on the instrument panel. Pull up
on the ashtray door to open it if it is in the console or
pull the door open it if it is on the instrument panel.
Notice:If you put papers, pins, or other
ammable items in the ashtray, hot cigarettes
or other smoking materials could ignite them
and possibly damage your vehicle. Never put
ammable items in the ashtray.
To remove the ashtray, pull it out from the console
or from the slide out door. To reinstall the ashtray,
slide it back to the original position.
To use the cigarette lighter, if the vehicle has one,
push it in all the way, and let go. When it is ready
for use, it will pop back out by itself.
Do not use the lighter to plug in accessory devices.
Use the power outlets provided.
Notice:Holding a cigarette lighter in while it is
heating does not let the lighter back away from
the heating element when it is hot. Damage from
overheating can occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold
a cigarette lighter in while it is heating.
226

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.
United StatesCanada
249

ENGINE HOT A/C (Air Conditioning)
TURNED OFF
This message displays when the engine coolant
becomes hotter than the normal operating
temperature. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Gage on page 249. To avoid added strain on
a hot engine, the air conditioning compressor
automatically turns off. When the coolant
temperature returns to normal, the air conditioning
compressor turns back on. You can continue
to drive your vehicle.
If this message continues to appear, have the
system repaired by your dealer as soon as
possible to avoid damage to the engine.
ENGINE OIL LOW ADD OIL
If your vehicle has an oil level sensor, this
message displays if the oil level in the vehicle
is low. Check the oil level and correct it as
necessary. You may need to let the vehicle
cool or warm up and cycle the ignition to be
sure this message clears.This message clears itself after 10 seconds,
until the next ignition cycle. SeeEngine Oil
on page 446for additional information.
ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the
engine is overheating, severe engine damage
may occur. If an overheat warning appears
on the instrument panel cluster and/or
DIC, stop the vehicle as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 460for
more information.
This message displays when the engine coolant
temperature is too hot. Stop and allow the vehicle
to idle until it cools down. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 249.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode on page 463for information on driving to
a safe place in an emergency.
269

ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the
engine is overheating, severe engine damage
may occur. If an overheat warning appears
on the instrument panel cluster and/or
DIC, stop the vehicle as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 460for
more information.
This message displays and a chime sounds
if the engine cooling system reaches unsafe
temperatures for operation. Stop and turn off the
vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so to avoid
severe damage. This message clears when the
engine has cooled to a safe operating temperature.
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays and a chime sounds
when the cooling system temperature gets too
hot and the engine further enters the engine
coolant protection mode. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 460for further information.
This message also displays 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 dealer for service as
soon as possible.
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays and a chime sounds if
the fuel level is low. Refuel as soon as possible.
SeeFuel Gage on page 256andFuel on page 435
for more information.
HOOD OPEN
This message displays and a chime sounds if
the hood is not fully closed. Stop and turn off the
vehicle, check the hood for obstructions, and
close the hood again. Check to see if the message
still appears on the DIC.
270

SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak®, this message
displays when there is a problem with the Traction
Control System (TCS). When this message
displays, the system will not limit wheel spin.
Adjust your driving accordingly. See your dealer
for service. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 359
for more information.
STABILITRAK OFF
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak®, this message
displays when you turn off StabiliTrak®,or
when the stability control has been automatically
disabled. To limit wheel spin and realize the
full benets of the stability enhancement system,
you should normally leave StabiliTrak
®on.
However, you should turn StabiliTrak®off if your
vehicle gets stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow
and you want to rock your vehicle to attempt to
free it, or if you are driving in extreme off-road
conditions and require more wheel spin. See
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or
Snow on page 400. To turn the StabiliTrak
®
system on or off, seeStabiliTrak®System
on page 359.There are several conditions that can cause
this message to appear.
One condition is overheating, which could
occur if StabiliTrak®activates continuously
for an extended period of time.
The message also displays if the brake
system warning light is on. SeeBrake
System Warning Light on page 246.
The message could display if the stability
system takes longer than usual to complete its
diagnostic checks due to driving conditions.
The message displays if an engine or vehicle
related problem has been detected and the
vehicle needs service. See your dealer.
The message also displays if the vehicle is
shifted into 4LO.
The message turns off as soon as the conditions
that caused the message to be displayed are
no longer present.
275

TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while
the transmission uid is overheating and the
transmission temperature warning is displayed
on the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC,
you can damage the transmission. This
could lead to costly repairs that would not
be covered by your warranty. Do not drive
your vehicle with overheated transmission
uid or while the transmission temperature
warning is displayed.
This message displays along with a continuous
chime if the transmission uid in the vehicle
gets hot. Driving with the transmission uid
temperature high can cause damage to the
vehicle. Stop the vehicle and let it idle to allow
the transmission to cool. This message clears
and the chime stops when the uid temperature
reaches a safe level.
TURN SIGNAL ON
This message displays and a chime sounds if a
turn signal is left on for 3/4 of a mile (1.2 km).
Move the turn signal/multifunction lever to the
off position.
WASHER FLUID LOW ADD FLUID
This message displays when the windshield
washer uid is low. Fill the windshield washer uid
reservoir as soon as possible. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 444for the
location of the windshield washer uid reservoir.
Also, seeWindshield Washer Fluid on page 470
for more information.
277

Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbefore
you 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 higher altitudes will boil at a lower temperature
than at or near sea level. 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 460.
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.
424

Service........................................................ 432
Accessories and Modications................... 433
California Proposition 65 Warning.............. 433
Doing Your Own Service Work.................. 434
Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle...................................... 435
Fuel............................................................. 435
Gasoline Octane........................................ 436
Gasoline Specications.............................. 436
California Fuel........................................... 436
Additives................................................... 437
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)............................ 438
Fuels in Foreign Countries........................ 439
Filling the Tank......................................... 440
Filling a Portable Fuel Container............... 442
Checking Things Under the Hood.............. 442
Hood Release........................................... 443
Engine Compartment Overview.................. 444
Engine Oil................................................. 446
Engine Oil Life System.............................. 449Engine Air Cleaner/Filter............................ 451
Automatic Transmission Fluid.................... 454
Engine Coolant.......................................... 457
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap............ 460
Engine Overheating................................... 460
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode..................................... 463
Cooling System......................................... 464
Engine Fan Noise..................................... 469
Power Steering Fluid ................................. 469
Windshield Washer Fluid........................... 470
Brakes...................................................... 472
Battery...................................................... 475
Jump Starting............................................ 476
Rear Axle.................................................... 482
Four-Wheel Drive........................................ 483
Front Axle................................................... 484
Headlamp Aiming........................................ 485
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
429

The following explains your cooling system and
how to add coolant when it is low. If you have
a problem with engine overheating, seeEngine
Overheating on page 460.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®
may cause premature engine, heater core,
or radiator corrosion. In addition, the engine
coolant may require changing sooner, at
the rst maintenance service after each
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs rst. Any repairs would
not be covered by your warranty. Always
use DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in
your vehicle.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water
and one-half DEX-COOL®coolant which will
not damage aluminum parts. If you use this coolant
mixture, you do not need to add anything else.
{CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling
system can be dangerous. Plain water, or
some other liquid such as alcohol, can
boil before the proper coolant mixture will.
Your vehicle’s coolant warning system is
set for the proper coolant mixture. With
plain water or the wrong mixture, your
engine could get too hot but you would
not get the overheat warning. Your engine
could catch re and you or others could
be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.
458

Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper
DEX-COOL®coolant mixture at the surge tank,
but only when the engine is cool. SeeCooling
System on page 464.
{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant
on hot engine parts. Coolant contains
ethylene glycol, and it will burn if the
engine parts are hot enough. Do not
spill coolant on a hot engine.
When replacing the pressure cap, make sure
it is hand-tight and fully seated.
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and possible engine
damage may occur. Be sure the cap is properly
and tightly secured.
The coolant surge tank pressure cap must be fully
installed on the coolant surge tank. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 444for more
information on location.
Engine Overheating
You will nd a coolant temperature gage on your
vehicle’s instrument panel. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 249.
In addition, you will nd an ENGINE
OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE, ENGINE
OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE, and an ENGINE
POWER IS REDUCED message in the Driver
Information Center (DIC) on the instrument panel.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 267.
460