transmission CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 2003 1.G User Guide

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 wasn't fully locked into PARK (P).
Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you don't 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 ªtorque
lock.º 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, see
Shifting Into Park
(P) on page 2-40.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
PARK (P)
beforeyou 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, so
you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
Shifting Out of Park (P)
Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock
control system. You have to fully apply your regular
brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the
ignition is in RUN. See
Automatic Transmission
Operation on page 2-31.
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on
the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way up into
PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then,
move the shift lever into the gear you want.
If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can't shift
out of PARK (P), try this:
1. Turn the key to OFF/ACCESSORY. There is no
shift interlock in this key position.
2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4.
3. Shift the vehicle to NEUTRAL (N).
4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the drive gear you
want.
5. Have the system ®xed as soon as possible.
2-42

Programming the HomeLinkž
Transmitter
Do not use the HomeLinkžTransmitter with any garage
door opener that does not have the ªstop and reverseº
feature. This includes any garage door opener model
manufactured before April 1, 1982. If you have a newer
garage door opener with rolling codes, please be
sure to follow steps 6 through 8 to complete the
programming of your HomeLink
žTransmitter.
Read the instructions completely before attempting to
program the HomeLink
žTransmitter. Because of
the steps involved, it may be helpful to have another
person available to assist you in programming the
transmitter.
Keep the original transmitter for use in other vehicles as
well as for future HomeLink
žprogramming. It is also
recommended that upon the sale of the vehicle,
the programmed HomeLink
žbuttons should be erased
for security purposes. Refer to ªErasing HomeLinkž
Buttonsº or, for assistance, contact HomeLinkžon the
internet at: www.homelink.com or by calling
1-800-355-3515.
Be sure that people and objects are clear of the garage
door or gate operator you are programming. When
programming a garage door, it is advised to park outside
of the garage.It is recommended that a new battery be installed in
your hand-held transmitter for quicker and more
accurate transmission of the radio frequency.
Your vehicle's engine should be turned off while
programming the transmitter. Follow these steps to
program up to three channels:
1. Press and hold down the two outside buttons,
releasing only when the indicator light begins to
¯ash, after 20 seconds. Do not hold down the
buttons for longer than 30 seconds and do not
repeat this step to program a second and/or third
transmitter to the remaining two HomeLink
žbuttons.
2. Position the end of your hand-held transmitter about
1 to 3 inches (3 to 8 cm) away from the HomeLink
ž
buttons while keeping the indicator light in view.
3. Simultaneously press and hold both the desired
button on HomeLink
žand the hand-held transmitter
button. Do not release the buttons until Step 4
has been completed.
Some entry gates and garage door openers may
require you to substitute Step 3 with the procedure
noted in ªGate Operator and Canadian
Programmingº later in this section.
4. The indicator light will ¯ash slowly at ®rst and then
rapidly after HomeLink
žsuccessfully receives the
frequency signal from the hand-held transmitter.
Release both buttons.
5. Press and hold the newly-trained HomeLink
žbutton
and observe the indicator light.
2-56

If the indicator light stays on constantly, programming
is complete and your device should activate when the
HomeLink
žbutton is pressed and released.
To program the remaining two HomeLinkžbuttons,
begin with Step 2 under ªProgramming HomeLinkž.º
Do not repeat Step 1 as this will erase all of the
programmed channels.
If the indicator light blinks rapidly for two seconds
and then turns to a constant light, continue with
Steps 6 through 8 following to complete the
programming of a rolling-code equipped device
(most commonly, a garage door opener).
6. Locate in the garage, the garage door opener
receiver (motor-head unit). Locate the ªLearnº
or ªSmartº button. This can usually be found where
the hanging antenna wire is attached to the
motor-head unit.
7. Firmly press and release the ªLearnº or ªSmartº
button. The name and color of the button may
vary by manufacturer.
You will have 30 seconds to start Step 8.
8. Return to the vehicle. Firmly press and hold the
programmed HomeLink
žbutton for two seconds,
then release. Repeat the press/hold/release
sequence a second time, and depending on the
brand of the garage door opener (or other rolling
code device), repeat this sequence a third time
to complete the programming.HomeLink
žshould now activate your rolling-code
equipped device.
To program the remaining two HomeLink
žbuttons,
begin with Step 2 of ªProgramming HomeLinkž.º Do not
repeat Step 1.
Gate Operator and Canadian
Programming
Canadian radio-frequency laws require transmitter
signals to ªtime outº or quit after several seconds of
transmission. This may not be long enough for
HomeLink
žto pick up the signal during programming.
Similarly, some U.S. gate operators are manufactured to
ªtime outº in the same manner.
If you live in Canada, or you are having difficulty
programming a gate operator by using the
ªProgramming HomeLink
žº procedures (regardless of
where you live), replace Step 3 under ªProgramming
HomeLink
žº with the following:
Continue to press and hold the HomeLinkžbutton while
you press and release every two seconds (cycle) your
hand-held transmitter until the frequency signal has been
successfully accepted by HomeLink
ž. The indicator light
will ¯ash slowly at ®rst and then rapidly. Proceed with
Step 4 under ªProgramming HomeLink
žº to complete.
2-57

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-7
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-13
Interior Lamps..............................................3-17
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-19
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-19
Climate Controls............................................3-20
Automatic Climate Control System...................3-20
Dual Climate Control System..........................3-26
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-28
Climate Controls Personalization.....................3-29
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators.............3-30
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-31
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-32
Tachometer.................................................3-33
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-33Air Bag Readiness Light................................3-33
Passenger Air Bag Status Indicator.................3-34
Charging System Light..................................3-36
Voltmeter Gage............................................3-36
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-37
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-38
Traction Off Light..........................................3-38
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-39
Transmission Temperature Gage.....................3-40
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-41
Oil Pressure Gage........................................3-43
Security Light...............................................3-44
Cruise Control Light......................................3-44
Tow/Haul Mode Light....................................3-45
Fuel Gage...................................................3-45
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-45
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-46
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-46
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-57
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

The main components of your instrument panel are the
following:
A. Air Outlets. See
Outlet Adjustment on page 3-28.
B. Exterior Lamps Control. See
Exterior Lamps
on page 3-13.
C. Cargo/Top-Box Lamps Button. See
Exterior Lamps
on page 3-13.
D. Automatic Transfer Case Buttons (If Equipped). See
Four-Wheel Drive on page 2-34. Traction Assist
System (If Equipped). SeeTraction Assist System
(TAS) on page 4-10. StabiliTrakžButton (If Equipped).
SeeStabilitrakžSystem on page 4-12.
E. OnStaržand Radio Steering Wheel Buttons (If
Equipped). SeeOnStaržSystem on page 2-53andAudio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-101.
F. Instrument Panel Cluster. See
Instrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-31.
G. Shift Lever/Tow/Haul Selector Button. See
Automatic
Transmission Operation on page 2-31.
H. Audio System. See
Audio System(s) on page 3-64.
I. Dome Override Button. See
Interior Lamps on
page 3-17.J. Fog Lamps Button. See
Exterior Lamps on
page 3-13.
K. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. See
Turn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
L. Hood Release. See
Hood Release on page 5-10.
M. Tilt Lever. See
Tilt Wheel on page 3-7.
N. Driver Information Center (DIC) Buttons. See
Driver
Information Center (DIC) on page 3-46.
O. Parking Brake Release. See
Parking Brake on
page 2-39.
P. Comfort Control Systems. See
Automatic Climate
Control System on page 3-20andDual Climate
Control System on page 3-26.
Q. Lighter (If Equipped) or Accessory Power Outlet (If
Equipped). See
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
on page 3-19andAccessory Power Outlets
on page 3-19.
R. Accessory Power Outlet (If Equipped). See
Accessory Power Outlets on page 3-19.
S. Glove Box. See
Glove Box on page 2-59.
3-5

Increasing Speed While Using Cruise
Control
There are two ways to go to a higher speed:
·Use the accelerator pedal to get to the higher
speed. Press the set button at the end of the lever,
then release the button and the accelerator
pedal. You'll now cruise at the higher speed.
·Move the cruise switch from on to
resume/accelerate. Hold it there until you get up to
the speed you want, and then release the switch.
To increase your speed in very small amounts,
move the switch brie¯y to resume/accelerate. Each
time you do this, your vehicle will go about
1 mph (1.6 km/h) faster.
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise
Control
·
Press in the button at the end of the lever until you
reach the lower speed you want, then release it.
·To slow down in very small amounts, brie¯y press
the set button. Each time you do this, you'll go
about 1 mph (1.6 km/h) slower.
Passing Another Vehicle While Using
Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase your speed.
When you take your foot off the pedal, your vehicle will
slow down to the cruise control speed you set earlier.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well your cruise control will work on hills depends
upon your speed, load and the steepness of the
hills. When going up steep hills, you may want to step
on the accelerator pedal to maintain your speed.
When going downhill, you may have to brake or shift to
a lower gear to keep your speed down. Of course,
applying the brake takes you out of cruise control. Many
drivers ®nd this to be too much trouble and don't use
cruise control on steep hills.
Ending Cruise Control
There are four ways to turn off the cruise control:
·Step lightly on the brake pedal,
·move the cruise control switch to off, or
·shift the transmission to NEUTRAL (N).
·If your vehicle has the Stabilitrakžfeature, cruise
control will deactivate if road conditions cause
Stabilitrak
žto activate.
The cruise control will turn off automatically if the
traction control system or Stabilitrak
žsystem activate, if
your vehicle is equipped with either feature.
Erasing Speed Memory
When you turn off the cruise control or the ignition, your
cruise control set speed memory is erased.
3-12

The DRL system will come on when the following
conditions are met:
·The ignition is on,
·the exterior lamps control is in AUTO,
·the transmission is not in PARK (P), and
·the light sensor determines it is daytime.
When the DRL are on, only your DRL lamps will be on.
The taillamps, sidemarker and other lamps won't be
on. The instrument panel won't be lit up either.
When it begins to get dark, the automatic headlamp
system will switch from DRL to the headlamps.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when you need it.
Puddle Lamps
Your vehicle may be equipped with puddle lamps to
help you see the area near the base of the front doors
when it is dark out. The puddle lamps will illuminate
when a door is opened or when you press the unlock
button on the keyless entry transmitter. The lamps
will time out or turn off once the engine is started.
You can program the puddle lamps not to come on if
you choose. See
Driver Information Center (DIC)
on page 3-46.
Fog Lamps
If your vehicle has fog lamps you can use them for
better vision in foggy or misty conditions. Your parking
lamps and/or low-beam headlamps must be on for
your fog lamps to work.
The fog lamp button is
located on the left side of
your instrument panel.
Press the button to turn the fog lamps on while the
headlamps or parking lamps are on. Press the button
again to turn them off. An indicator light will glow
near the button when the fog lamps are on.
Remember, fog lamps alone will not give off as much
light as your headlamps. Never use your fog lamps
in the dark without turning on the headlamps.
The fog lamps will go off whenever your high-beam
headlamps come on. When the high beams go off, the
fog lamps will come on again.
3-15

Transmission Temperature Gage
Your vehicle is 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 100ÉF (38ÉC) to about 265ÉF
(130ÉC).
At approximately 265ÉF (130ÉC), the DIC 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
260ÉF (127ÉC).See
Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-46for
further information.
If the transmission ¯uid reaches temperatures of
approximately 275ÉF (135ÉC) or greater, the DIC will
display a TRANS HOT IDLE ENGINE warning message
and a chime will sound. Pull the vehicle off the
roadway when it is safe to do so. Set the parking brake,
place the transmission in PARK (P) and allow the
engine to idle until the transmission temperature falls
below 260ÉF (127ÉC). If the transmission continues
to operate above 265ÉF (130ÉC), please contact your
nearest dealer or the GM Roadside Assistance Center.
Notice:If you keep driving your vehicle with the
transmission temperature gage above the normal
operating range, you can damage the transmission.
This could lead to costly repairs that may not be
covered under your warranty.
The following situations can cause the transmission to
operate at higher temperatures:
·Towing a trailer,
·hot outside air temperatures,
·hauling a large or heavy load,
·low transmission ¯uid level,
·high transmission ¯uid level,
·restricted air ¯ow to the radiator. United States
Canada
3-40

A temporary solution to hotter transmission operating
temperatures may be to let the transmission cool down.
If the transmission is operated at higher temperatures
on a frequent basis, see
Scheduled Maintenance
on page 6-5for the proper transmission maintenance
intervals.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
Your vehicle is equipped
with 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. This may prevent more
serious damage to your vehicle. This system is also
designed to assist your service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction.
Notice:If you keep driving your vehicle with this
light on, after a while, your emission controls
may not work as well, your fuel economy may not
be as good and your engine may not run as
smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs that may
not be covered by your warranty.
Notice:Modi®cations made to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake or fuel system of your
vehicle or the replacement of the original tires
with other than those of the same Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) can affect your vehicle's emission
controls and may cause this light to come on.
Modi®cations to these systems could lead to costly
repairs not covered by your warranty. This may
also result in a failure to pass a required Emission
Inspection/Maintenance test.
This light should come on, as a check to show you it is
working, when the ignition is on and the engine is
not running. If the light doesn't come on, have it
repaired. This light will also come on during a
malfunction in one of two ways:
·Light FlashingÐ A mis®re condition has been
detected. A mis®re increases vehicle emissions
and may damage the emission control system on
your vehicle. Diagnosis and service may be
required.
3-41

TRANSMISSION HOT
If the transmission ¯uid temperature becomes high, the
message center will display this message.
When the transmission enters the protection mode, you
may notice a change in the transmission shifting
patterns. When the transmission ¯uid temperature
returns to normal, the display will turn off and the
transmission shifting patterns will return to normal.
Notice:If you keep driving your vehicle with the
transmission TRANS FLUID HOT message
displayed, you can damage the transmission. This
could lead to costly repairs that may not be covered
under your warranty.
The following situations can cause the transmission to
operate at higher temperatures:
·Towing a trailer
·Hot outside air temperatures
·Hauling a large or heavy load
·Low transmission ¯uid level
·High transmission ¯uid level
·Restricted air ¯ow to the radiator.A temporary solution to hotter transmission operating
temperatures may be to let the transmission cool down.
If the transmission is operated at higher temperatures
on a frequent basis, see
Scheduled Maintenance
on page 6-5for the proper transmission maintenance
intervals.
TRANS HOT IDLE ENGINE
If the transmission ¯uid in the vehicle gets hot, this
message will appear on the DIC along with a continuous
chime. 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 will clear and the chime will stop when the ¯uid
temperature reaches a safe level.
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 the select button will acknowledge
this message and clear it from the DIC display.
3-61