check oil CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 2003 1.G Owner's Manual

If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must
change your oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your
last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed. See
Engine Oil on
page 5-15for information on resetting the system.
An Emission Control Service.
Lubricate chassis components with each engine oil
and ®lter change.
Lubricate the front suspension, ball joints, steering
linkage, transmission shift linkage and parking brake
cable guides. Ball joints should not be lubricated unless
their temperature is 10ÉF (-12ÉC) or higher, or they
could be damaged.
See the mileage intervals following for additional
services that may be performed with an engine oil
change and chassis lubrication. After the services are
performed, record the date, odometer reading and
who performed the service on the maintenance record
pages in Part E of this schedule.
7,500 Miles (12 500 km)
qCheck rear/front axle ¯uid level and add ¯uid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
qRotate tires. See
Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-62for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
15,000 Miles (25 000 km)
qInspect engine air cleaner ®lter or change indicator (if
equipped). If necessary, replace the ®lter. If vehicle is
driven in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect ®lter or
change indicator (if equipped) at every engine oil
change. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20for more information.An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote ².)
qCheck rear/front axle ¯uid level and add ¯uid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
qRotate tires. See
Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-62for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
22,500 Miles (37 500 km)
qCheck rear/front axle ¯uid level and add ¯uid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
qRotate tires. See
Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-62for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
30,000 Miles (50 000 km)
qCheck rear/front axle ¯uid level and add ¯uid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
6-6

qRotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-62for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
qReplace fuel ®lter.An Emission Control Service. (See
footnote ².)
qReplace engine air cleaner ®lter on vehicles without
a restriction indicator. If equipped with a change
indicator, inspect the indicator. If necessary, replace
the ®lter. If vehicle is driven in dusty/dirty conditions,
inspect the change indicator (if equipped) at every
engine oil change. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 5-20for more information.An Emission
Control Service. (See footnote ².)
37,500 Miles (62 500 km)
qCheck rear/front axle ¯uid level and add ¯uid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
qRotate tires. See
Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-62for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
45,000 Miles (75 000 km)
qInspect engine air cleaner ®lter or change indicator (if
equipped). If necessary, replace the ®lter. If vehicle is
driven in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect ®lter or
change indicator (if equipped) at every engine oilchange. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20for more information.An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote ².)
qCheck rear/front axle ¯uid level and add ¯uid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
qRotate tires. See
Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-62for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
50,000 Miles (83 000 km)
qChange automatic transmission ¯uid and ®lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
þ In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches 90ÉF (32ÉC) or
higher.
þ In hilly or mountainous terrain.
þ When doing frequent trailer towing.
þ Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change the ¯uid and ®lter at 100,000 miles
(166 000 km).
qChange transfer case ¯uid.
6-7

52,500 Miles (87 500 km)
qCheck rear/front axle ¯uid level and add ¯uid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
qRotate tires. See
Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-62for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
60,000 Miles (100 000 km)
qCheck rear/front axle ¯uid level and add ¯uid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
qRotate tires. See
Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-62for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
qReplace fuel ®lter.An Emission Control Service. (See
footnote ².)
qReplace engine air cleaner ®lter on vehicles without
a restriction indicator. If equipped with a change
indicator, inspect the indicator. If necessary, replace
the ®lter. If vehicle is driven in dusty/dirty conditions,
inspect the change indicator (if equipped) at every
engine oil change. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 5-20for more information.An Emission
Control Service. (See footnote ².)
qInspect Evaporative Control System. Check all fuel
and vapor lines and hoses for proper hook-up,
routing and condition. Check that the purge valve
works properly, if equipped. Replace as needed.
An
Emission Control Service. (See footnote ².)
67,500 Miles (112 500 km)
qCheck rear/front axle ¯uid level and add ¯uid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
qRotate tires. See
Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-62for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
75,000 Miles (125 000 km)
qInspect engine air cleaner ®lter or change indicator (if
equipped). If necessary, replace the ®lter. If vehicle is
driven in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect ®lter or
change indicator (if equipped) at every engine oil
change. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20for more information.An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote ².)
qCheck rear/front axle ¯uid level and add ¯uid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
qRotate tires. See
Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-62for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
6-8

82,500 Miles (137 500 km)
qCheck rear/front axle ¯uid level and add ¯uid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
qRotate tires. See
Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-62for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
90,000 Miles (150 000 km)
qCheck rear/front axle ¯uid level and add ¯uid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
qReplace fuel ®lter.
An Emission Control Service. (See
footnote ².)
qReplace engine air cleaner ®lter on vehicles without
a restriction indicator. If equipped with a change
indicator, inspect the indicator. If necessary, replace
the ®lter. If vehicle is driven in dusty/dirty conditions,
inspect the change indicator (if equipped) at every
engine oil change. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 5-20for more information.An Emission
Control Service. (See footnote ².)
qRotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-62for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
97,500 Miles (162 500 km)
qCheck rear/front axle ¯uid level and add ¯uid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
qRotate tires. See
Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-62for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
100,000 Miles (166 000 km)
qInspect spark plug wires.An Emission Control
Service.
qReplace spark plugs.An Emission Control Service.
qChange automatic transmission ¯uid and ®lter if
the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more
of these conditions:
þ In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches 90ÉF (32ÉC) or
higher.
þ In hilly or mountainous terrain.
þ When doing frequent trailer towing.
þ Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
qIf you haven't used your vehicle under severe service
conditions listed previously and, therefore, haven't
changed your automatic transmission ¯uid, change
both the ¯uid and ®lter.
6-9

qChange transfer case ¯uid.
qExcept 8.1L V8 Engine: Inspect Positive Crankcase
Ventilation (PCV) valve.
An Emission Control
Service.
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
·Drain, ¯ush and re®ll cooling system (or every
60 months since last service, whichever occurs
®rst). See
Engine Coolant on page 5-24for what to
use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap and neck. Pressure test the cooling
system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control
Service.
·Inspect engine accessory drive belt.An Emission
Control Service.
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed in this part are owner checks and services
which should be performed at the intervals speci®ed to
help ensure the safety, dependability and emission
control performance of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any ¯uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
in Part D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant to
perform these underhood checks at each fuel ®ll.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15for further
details.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOLž
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-24for further details.
6-10

Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
®ttings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser.
To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of
the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended
at least once a year.
Transfer Case and Front Axle
(Four-Wheel Drive) Inspection
Every 12 months or at engine oil change intervals,
check front axle and transfer case and add lubricant
when necessary. A ¯uid loss could indicate a problem;
check and have it repaired, if needed. On manual
shift transfer case, oil the control lever pivot point. Check
vent hose at transfer case for kinks and proper
installation. More frequent lubrication may be required
on off-road use.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
cha®ng, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect other brake parts,
including calipers, parking brake, etc. You may need to
have your brakes inspected more often if your driving
habits or conditions result in frequent braking.
6-16

Care of (cont.)
Your CDs and DVDs..................................3-103
Cargo Area, All-Weather..................................2-72
Cargo Area Floor Drains..................................2-76
Cargo Cover Panels........................................2-61
Cargo Lamps.................................................3-16
Cargo Panel Storage System............................2-64
Cargo Tie Downs............................................2-71
Cassette Tape Player Service...........................6-11
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-59
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-58
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block................5-100
Center Overhead Console................................2-59
Center Passenger Position, Safety Belts.............1-24
Chains, Tires..................................................5-68
CHANGE ENGINE OIL....................................3-57
Charging System Light....................................3-36
Check Engine Light.........................................3-41
CHECK OIL LEVEL.........................................3-57
CHECK WASHER FLUID.................................3-60
Checking Brake Fluid......................................5-40
Checking Coolant............................................5-26
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-15
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Checking Your Restraint Systems......................1-67
Check...........................................................3-41
Engine Light...............................................3-41
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-94
Child Restraints..............................................1-38
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-38Child Restraints (cont.)
Infants and Young Children...........................1-34
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-43
Older Children.............................................1-32
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat
Position..................................................1-45
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Front
Seat Position...........................................1-48
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...........................................1-48
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-43
Top Strap...................................................1-42
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-41
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-19
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-91
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-88
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-90
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-90
Cleaning Leather............................................5-90
Cleaning the Mirror.................................2-48, 2-51
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-90
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-90
Cleaning........................................................5-88
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-88
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-91
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-94
Video Screen............................................3-103
Weatherstrips..............................................5-91
Climate Control System...................................3-20
3

Driving Downhill..............................................4-26
Driving in Mud, Sand, Snow or Ice....................4-29
Driving in Water..............................................4-30
Driving On Grades..........................................4-66
Driving on Off-Road Hills.................................4-23
Driving on Snow or Ice....................................4-42
Driving Through Deep Standing Water...............4-35
Driving Through Flowing Water.........................4-35
Driving Uphill..................................................4-24
Driving with a Trailer.......................................4-64
Driving..........................................................4-32
At Night.....................................................4-32
City...........................................................4-36
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-3
Freeway.....................................................4-37
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-39
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-33
Winter........................................................4-41
Dual Climate Control System............................3-26
DVD Player....................................................3-90
DVD ............................................................3-103
Cleaning the Video Screen..........................3-103
Distortion..................................................3-102
Rear Seat Entertainment System...................3-90E
Easy Exit Seat...............................................2-86
Electrical System............................................5-96
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-97
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-97
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-97
Electrochromic Mirror Operation................2-46, 2-49
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-43
ENGINE COOLANT HOT.................................3-58
Engine Coolant Level Check.............................6-10
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-18
Engine Oil and Chassis Lubrication Scheduled
Maintenance................................................. 6-5
Engine Oil Level Check...................................6-10
ENGINE OVERHEATED..................................3-58
Engine..........................................................5-20
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-20
Battery.......................................................5-42
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-41
Compartment Overview................................5-12
Coolant Heater............................................2-30
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-39
Coolant......................................................5-24
Cooling System Inspection............................6-16
Exhaust.....................................................2-44
Fan Noise..................................................5-36
Oil .............................................................5-15
Overheating................................................5-27
5

G
Gage............................................................3-39
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-39
Fuel..........................................................3-45
Oil Pressure...............................................3-43
Speedometer..............................................3-32
Tachometer.................................................3-33
Transmission Temperature.............................3-40
Voltmeter Gage...........................................3-36
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-55
Gasoline......................................................... 5-5
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Speci®cations............................................... 5-5
Gate Operator and Canadian Programming........2-57
Getting Familiar with Off-Road Driving................4-21
Glove Box.....................................................2-59
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.................... 3-8
Headlamps....................................................5-52
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-52
Daytime Running Lamps...............................5-58Headlamps (cont.)
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime
Running Lamps........................................5-56
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Parking
Lamps....................................................5-55
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-52
Headphones...................................................3-96
Heated Seats................................................... 1-4
Heating.........................................................3-25
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-39
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-39
Hitches..........................................................4-63
HomeLink
žTransmitter, Programming................2-56
HomeLinkžTransmitter....................................2-55
Hood............................................................5-10
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-10
Horn............................................................... 3-7
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank......5-32
How to Add Fluid............................................5-24
How to Check Lubricant...................................5-49
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-37
How to Check........................................5-22, 5-62
How to Inspect...............................................5-20
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-16
Hydroplaning..................................................4-35
7

Using Cleaner on Fabric..................................5-89
Using HomeLinkž...........................................2-58
Using Song List Mode.....................................3-88
Using the Recovery Hooks...............................4-47
V
Vehicle Identi®cation........................................5-96
Number (VIN).............................................5-96
Service Parts Identi®cation Label...................5-96
Vehicle Personalization....................................2-85
Memory Seat..............................................2-85
Vehicle Storage..............................................5-42
Vehicle............................................................ 4-6
Control........................................................ 4-6
Damage Warnings........................................... iv
Loading......................................................4-51
Symbols......................................................... iv
Vehicles with Gray Body-Side Cladding.....5-52, 5-55
Vehicles with Gray Body-Side Cladding..............5-58
Vehicles with no Body±Side Cladding........5-54, 5-56
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-28
Video Screen.................................................3-93
Visors...........................................................2-24
Voltmeter Gage..............................................3-36
W
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators................3-30
Warnings.......................................................3-57
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-57
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-6
Other Warning Devices.................................. 3-6
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage.............................................. iv
Washing Your Vehicle......................................5-91
Weatherstrip Lubrication...................................6-12
Weight of the Trailer Tongue.............................4-62
Weight of the Trailer........................................4-61
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use........................5-17
What to Add..................................................5-40
What to Do with Used Oil................................5-19
What to Use..........................5-25, 5-37, 5-38, 5-49
Wheels..........................................................5-67
Alignment and Tire Balance..........................5-67
Replacement...............................................5-67
When to Add Engine Oil..................................5-16
When to Change Engine Oil (GM Oil Life
System).....................................................5-18
When to Check and Change............................5-22
When to Check Lubricant.................................5-49
When to Check Power Steering Fluid................5-37
16