engine CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 2008 2.G Owner's Manual

Shifting into NEUTRAL
To shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL do the following:
1. Make sure the vehicle is parked so that it will not roll.
2. Set the parking brake and apply the regular brake
pedal. SeeParking Brake on page 2-44for more
information.
3. Start the vehicle or turn the ignition to ON/RUN.
4. Put the transmission in NEUTRAL (N).
5. Shift the transfer case to Two-Wheel Drive High.
6. Turn the transfer case dial clockwise to NEUTRAL
till it stops and hold it for 10 seconds. Then slowly
release the dial to the four low position. The
NEUTRAL light will come on when the transfer
case shift to NEUTRAL is complete.
7. If the engine is running, verify that the transfer case
is in NEUTRAL (N) by shifting the transmission to
REVERSE (R) for one second, then shift the
transmission to DRIVE (D) for one second.
8. Turn the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY, which will
turn the engine off.
9. Place the transmission shift lever in PARK (P).
10. Release the parking brake prior to moving
the vehicle.
11. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
Shifting Out of NEUTRAL
To shift out of NEUTRAL do the following:
1. Set the parking brake and apply the regular brake
pedal.
2. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL (N) and turn the
ignition to ON/RUN with the engine off.
3. Turn the transfer case dial to the desired transfer
case shift position (Two-Wheel Drive High,
Four-Wheel Drive High, AUTO).
After the transfer case has shifted out of NEUTRAL
the NEUTRAL light will go out.
4. Release the parking brake prior to moving the
vehicle.
Notice:Shifting the transmission into gear before
the Four-Wheel Drive Low indicator light has stopped
ashing could damage the transfer case. To help
avoid damaging your vehicle, always wait for the
Four-Wheel Drive Low indicator light to stop ashing
before shifting the transmission into gear.
5. Start the engine and shift the transmission to the
desired position.
Excessively shifting the transfer case into or out of the
different modes may cause the transfer case to enter the
shift protection mode. This will protect the transfer case
from possible damage and will only allow the transfer
case to respond to one shift per 10 seconds. The transfer
case may stay in this mode for up to three minutes.
2-43

Shifting Into Park
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. If you have left the engine running, the
vehicle can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will
not move, even when you are on fairly level
ground, use the steps that follow. With
four-wheel drive, if your transfer case is in
NEUTRAL, your vehicle will be free to roll,
even if your shift lever is in PARK (P).
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
So, be sure the transfer case is in a drive
gear — not in NEUTRAL. If you are pulling a
trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-47.
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and
set the parking brake.
SeeParking Brake on page 2-44for more
information.
2. Move the shift lever into the PARK (P) position by
pulling the shift lever toward you and moving it up
as far as it will go.
3. Be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear — not
in NEUTRAL (N).
4. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
2-45

Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with
the engine running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in PARK
(P) with the parking brake rmly set.
If you have four-wheel drive and your transfer
case is in NEUTRAL, your vehicle will be free
to roll, even if your shift lever is in PARK (P).
So be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear
— not in NEUTRAL.
And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine
running, it could overheat and even catch re.
You or others could be injured. Do not leave
your vehicle with the engine running unless
you have to.If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and the
parking brake is rmly set before you leave it. After you
move the shift lever into PARK (P), hold the regular brake
pedal down. Then, see if you can move the shift lever
away from PARK (P) without rst pulling it toward you.
If you can, it means that the shift lever was not fully
locked into PARK (P).
Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift your
transmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl
in the transmission. You may nd it difficult to pull the
shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called torque lock.
To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and
then shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the
driver’s seat. To nd out how, seeShifting Into Park
on page 2-45.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) before you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the
pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission, then
you will be able to pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
2-46

Engine Exhaust
{CAUTION:
Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas
carbon monoxide (CO), which you cannot see or
smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death.
You might have exhaust coming in if:
The exhaust system sounds strange or
different.
Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.
Your vehicle was damaged in a collision.
Your vehicle was damaged when driving
over high points on the road or over road
debris.
Repairs were not done correctly.
Your vehicle or the exhaust system has
been modied improperly.
If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into your
vehicle:
Drive it only with all the windows down to
blow out any CO.
Have your vehicle xed immediately.
Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust into
your vehicle. See the earlier caution under
Engine Exhaust on page 2-48.
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if
the climate control fan is at the highest setting.
One place this can happen is a garage.
Exhaust — with CO — can come in easily.
NEVER park in a garage with the engine
running.
Also see “If You Are Caught in a Blizzard”
underWinter Driving on page 4-31.
2-48

{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. Do not leave your vehicle when the engine
is running unless you have to. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured.
To be sure your vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground, always
set the parking brake and move the shift lever
to PARK (P).
{CAUTION:
Four-wheel drive vehicles with the transfer
case in NEUTRAL will allow the vehicle to roll,
even if the shift lever is in PARK (P). So, be
sure the transfer case is in a drive gear — not
in NEUTRAL. Always set the parking brake.Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into Park on page 2-45.
If you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-47.
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
with OnStar
®, Compass and
Temperature Display
Your vehicle may have this feature. When on, the
automatic dimming mirror dims to the proper level to
minimize glare from lights behind you after dark.
The mirror has a dual display in the upper right corner
of the mirror face that shows the compass reading
and the outside temperature.
Control buttons for the OnStar
®system, if equipped, are
at the bottom of the mirror. SeeOnStar®System on
page 2-61for more information about the services
OnStar
®provides.
P(On/Off):This is the on/off button.
2-49

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn .............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-9
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-9
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Rainsense™ II Wipers...................................3-10
Windshield Washer.......................................3-11
Cruise Control..............................................3-12
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-14
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-15
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-16
Automatic Headlamp System..........................3-16
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-17
Exterior Cargo Lamps....................................3-17
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-18
Dome Lamps ...............................................3-18
Dome Lamp Override....................................3-18
Entry/Exit Lighting.........................................3-18
Reading Lamps............................................3-18
Electric Power Management...........................3-19
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-19Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-20
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-20
Climate Controls............................................3-21
Climate Control System.................................3-21
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-24
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-31
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-32
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-33
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-34
Trip Odometer..............................................3-34
Tachometer.................................................3-34
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-34
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-35
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-36
Charging System Light..................................3-38
Voltmeter Gage............................................3-39
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-39
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light. . . .3-41
StabiliTrak
®Indicator Light.............................3-41
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-42
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-42
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-43
Oil Pressure Gage........................................3-46
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-47
Security Light...............................................3-47
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

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

?(Recirculation):Press this button to turn on the
recirculation mode. When the button is pressed, an
indicator light will come on.
This mode keeps outside air from entering the vehicle. It
can be used to reduce outside air and prevent odors from
entering the vehicle. Recirculation may also help cool the
air inside your vehicle more quickly once the temperature
inside the vehicle is less than the outside temperature.
The recirculation mode cannot be used with oor, defrost,
or defogging modes. If you try to select recirculation in
one of those modes, the indicator light will ash three
times and turn off. The air conditioning compressor will
also come on when this mode is activated. While in
recirculation mode the windows may fog when the
weather is cold and damp. To clear the fog, select either
the defog or defrost mode and increase the fan speed.
Recirculation mode can be turned off by pressing the
button again, or turning off the engine.Temperature Control:Rotate the thumbwheels up or
down to increase or decrease the temperature on the
driver’s side or the passenger side of the vehicle for the
dual zone system, if equipped. Otherwise, turn the center
knob clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the temperature inside the vehicle.
#(Air Conditioning):Press this button on the left
knob to turn the air conditioning system on or off. When
A/C is pressed, an indicator light comes on to show
that the air conditioning has been activated.
On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps to reduce the time
it takes for the vehicle to cool down. It also helps the
system to operate more efficiently.
The air conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so a small amount of water might drip underneath
the vehicle while idling or after turning off the engine.
This is normal.
3-22

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

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