climate control CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 2008 2.G User Guide

Windshield Washer
{CAUTION:
In freezing weather, do not use your washer
until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the
washer uid can form ice on the windshield,
blocking your vision.
L(Washer Fluid):Push the paddle marked with the
windshield washer symbol at the top of the multifunction
lever, to spray washer uid on the windshield. The
wipers clear the window and then either stop or return
to the preset speed.
Heated Windshield Washer
For vehicles with the heated windshield washer uid
system it can be used to help clear ice, snow, tree sap,
or bugs from your windshield.The button is located in
the switchbank under the
climate controls.
Push the heated washer uid button to activate the
heated windshield washer uid system. The indicator
light will ash. This activation initiates four heated
wash/wipe cycles. The rst heated wash/wipe cycle may
take up to 40 seconds to occur, depending on outside
temperature. After the rst wash/wipe cycle, it may take
up to 20 seconds for each of the remaining cycles to
begin. Press the button again to turn off the heated
windshield washer uid system or it will automatically
turn off after four wipe cycles have been completed.
When the heated windshield washer uid system
is activated under certain outside temperature
conditions, steam may ow out of the washer nozzles
for a short period of time before washer uid is sprayed.
This is a normal condition.
3-11

Electric Power Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM) that
estimates the battery’s temperature and state of charge.
It then adjusts the voltage for best performance and
extended life of the battery.
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 a 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 3-59.
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.
3-19

Climate Controls
Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, defrost, defog and ventilation of
your vehicle can be controlled with this system.
Manual Operation
Turn the right knob clockwise or counterclockwise to
direct the airow inside of the vehicle.
To change the current mode, select one of the following:
H(Vent):This mode directs air to the instrument
panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level):This mode directs half of the air to the
instrument panel outlets and to the oor outlets. The
ow can be divided between vent and oor outlets
depending upon where the knob is placed between the
settings. A little air is directed towards the windshield
and side window outlets. Cooler air is directed to
the upper outlets and warmer air to the oor outlets.
6(Floor):This mode directs most of the air to
the oor outlets, with some of the air directed to the
windshield, side window outlets, and second row oor
outlets. In this mode, the system will automatically select
outside air. Recirculation cannot be selected when in
Floor Mode.
The right knob can also be used to select defog or
defrost mode. For more information, see “Defogging
and Defrosting” later in this section.
By positioning the right knob between two modes,
a combination of those two modes is selected.
The air conditioning compressor will be on unless the
outside temperature is close to freezing.
9(Fan):Turn the left knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
Turn the knob all the way counterclockwise to turn the
front system off.
:(Outside Air):Press this button to turn on the
outside air mode. When this mode is selected, air from
outside the vehicle will circulate throughout your vehicle.
An indicator light on the button comes on to show that it
is activated. The outside air mode can be used with
all modes, but it cannot be used with the recirculation
mode. Pressing this button again will cancel the
recirculation mode.
3-21

Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of the windows is a result of high
humidity (moisture) condensing on the cool window
glass. This can be minimized if the climate control
system is used properly. There are two modes to clear
fog or frost from your windshield. Turn the right knob
clockwise to select the defog or defrost mode.
-(Defog):The defog mode is used to clear the
windows of fog or moisture and warm the passengers.
This mode directs air to the windshield, oor outlets,
and side window vents. When this mode is selected,
the system turns off recirculation and runs the air
conditioning compressor unless the outside temperature
is close to freezing. The recirculation mode cannot be
selected while in the defog mode. Do not drive the
vehicle until all the windows are clear.
0(Defrost):The defrost mode is used to remove
fog or frost from the windshield more quickly. This mode
directs a portion of the air to the windshield and side
window vents and some to the oor vents. In this mode,
the system will automatically force outside air into the
vehicle. The recirculation mode cannot be selected while
in the defrost mode. The air conditioning compressor
will run automatically in this setting, unless the outside
temperature is close to freezing. Do not drive the vehicle
until all the windows are clear.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the rear window.
<(Rear Window Defogger):Press this button on
the right knob to turn on the rear window defogger.
The system will automatically turn off several minutes
after it has been activated. The defogger can also
be turned off by pressing the button again or by turning
off the engine. Do not drive the vehicle until all the
windows are clear.
If your vehicle has heated outside rearview mirrors,
the mirrors will heat to help clear fog or frost from the
surface of the mirror when the rear window defog button
is pressed.
Notice:Do not use anything sharp on the inside
of the rear window. If you do, you could cut or
damage the warming grid, and the repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not
attach a temporary vehicle license, tape, a decal
or anything similar to the defogger grid.
3-23

Dual Automatic Climate Control
System
With this system, you can control the heating, cooling
and ventilation in your vehicle. Your vehicle also has a
ow-through ventilation system described later in this
section.
You can select different climate control settings for the
driver and passengers.
Driver’s Side Temperature Control
The driver’s side temperature buttons are used to adjust
the temperature of the air coming through the system on
the driver’s side. The temperature can be adjusted even
if the system is turned off. This is possible since outside
air will always ow through the system as the vehicle is
moving forward unless it is set to recirculation mode.
See “Recirculation” later in this section.
Press the + or−buttons to increase or decrease the
cabin temperature. The driver side temperature display
will show the temperature setting decreasing or
increasing.
3-24

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. Use the
driver’s or passenger’s temperature buttons 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 solar 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. For more information
on the solar sensor, see “Sensors” later in this section.
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.O(On/Off):Press this button to turn off the 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. Recirculation can be
selected once you have selected vent or bi-level mode.
The temperature can also be adjusted using either
temperature button. If you adjust the air delivery mode or
temperature settings with the system off, the display will
illuminate briey to show you the settings and then return
off. Press the on/off button or the up down arrows on the
fan switch, the defrost button, AUTO button, or the air
conditioning button to turn the system on when it is off.
3-26

In order to prevent false temperature readings at
startup, the displayed temperature will not change until
the following occurs:
Vehicle speed is above 10 mph (16 kmh) for
5 minutes.
Vehicle speed is above 32 mph (51 kmh) for
2 and a half minutes.
The climate control system uses the information from
these sensors to maintain your comfort setting by
adjusting the outlet temperature, fan speed, and the air
delivery mode. The system may also supply cooler air to
the side of the vehicle facing the sun. The recirculation
mode will also be used as needed to maintain cool outlet
temperatures.
Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of the windows is a result of high
humidity (moisture) condensing on the cool window
glass. This can be minimized if the climate control
system is used properly. There are two modes to
clear fog or frost from your windshield.Use the mode up and down arrows to select the defog
or defrost modes.
-(Defog):The defog mode is used to clear the
windows of fog or moisture and warm the passengers.
This mode directs air to the windshield, oor outlets,
and side window vents. When you select this mode,
the system turns off recirculation and runs the air
conditioning compressor unless the outside temperature
is close to freezing. The recirculation mode cannot be
selected while in the defog mode. Do not drive the
vehicle until all the windows are clear.
0(Defrost):Press this button to remove fog or frost
from the windshield more quickly. This mode directs
a portion of the air to the windshield and side window
vents and some to the oor vents. In this mode, the
system will automatically force outside air into your
vehicle. The recirculation mode cannot be selected while
in the defrost mode. The air conditioning compressor
will run automatically in this setting, unless the outside
temperature is close to freezing. Do not drive the
vehicle until all the windows are clear.
3-30

The traction control disable
button is located on the
instrument panel below
the climate controls.
The traction control part of StabiliTrak
®can be turned
off by pressing and releasing the StabiliTrak®button
if both systems (traction control and StabiliTrak®) were
previously on. To disable both traction control and
StabiliTrak
®, press and hold the button for ve seconds.
Traction control and StabiliTrak
®can be turned on by
pressing and releasing the StabiliTrak®button if
not automatically shut off for any other reason.
When the TCS or StabiliTrak
®system is turned off,
the StabiliTrak®light and the appropriate TCS off or
StabiliTrak®off message will be displayed on the DIC to
warn the driver. Your vehicle will still have brake-traction
control when traction control is off, but will not be able
to use the engine speed management system. See
“Traction Control Operation” next for more information.
When the traction control system has been turned off,
you may still hear system noises as a result of the
brake-traction control coming on.It is recommended to leave the system on for normal
driving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn the
system off if your vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice or
snow, and you want to “rock” your vehicle to attempt to
free it. It may also be necessary to turn off the system
when driving in extreme off-road conditions where high
wheel spin is required. SeeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in
Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 4-34.
When the transfer case is in 4LO, the stability system is
automatically disabled, the StabiliTrak
®light will come
on and the STABILITRAK OFF message will appear
on the DIC. Both traction control and StabiliTrak
®
are automatically disabled in this condition.
Traction Control Operation
The traction control system is part of the StabiliTrak®
system. Traction control limits wheel spin by reducing
engine power to the wheels (engine speed management)
and by applying brakes to each individual wheel
(brake-traction control) as necessary.
The traction control system is enabled automatically
when you start your vehicle. It will activate and the
StabiliTrak
®light will ash if it senses that any of
the wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction
while driving. If you turn off traction control, only
the brake-traction control portion of traction control will
work. The engine speed management will be disabled.
4-7

Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specied
government test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and a half (1.5) times as well
on the government course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends upon the
actual conditions of their use, however, and may
depart signicantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices, and differences
in road characteristics and climate.
Traction – AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the tire’s
ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specied government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
Warning
:The traction grade assigned to this
tire is based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
Temperature – A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a
specied indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The
grade C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under the
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than
the minimum required by law.
Warning
:The temperature grade for this
tire is established for a tire that is properly
inated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underination, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
5-75

Instrument Panel Fuse Block
The instrument panel fuse block access door is located
on the driver side edge of the instrument panel.
Fuses Usage
1 Rear Seats
2 Rear Accessory Power Outlet
3 Steering Wheel Controls Backlight
4 Driver Door Module
Fuses Usage
5Dome Lamps, Driver Side Turn
Signal
6 Driver Side Turn Signal, Stoplamp
7 Instrument Panel Back Lighting
8Passenger Side Turn Signal,
Stoplamp
9 Passenger Door Module
10 Power Door Lock 2 (Unlock Feature)
11 Power Door Lock 2 (Lock Feature)
12Stoplamps, Center-High Mounted
Stoplamp
13 Rear Climate Controls
14 Not Used
15 Body Control Module (BCM)
16 Accessory Power Outlets
17 Interior Lamps
18 Power Door Lock 1 (Unlock Feature)
19 Rear Seat Entertainment
5-109