brakes CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 2003 1.G Owner's Guide

Checking Brake Fluid
You can check the brake ¯uid without taking off the cap.
Just look at the brake ¯uid reservoir. The ¯uid level
should be above MIN. If it isn't have your brake system
checked to see if there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system, make
sure the level is above the MIN but not over the MAX
mark.
What to Add
When you do need brake ¯uid, use only DOT-3 brake
¯uid. Use new brake ¯uid from a sealed container
only. See
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-17.
Always clean the brake ¯uid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help
keep dirt from entering the reservoir.
{CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of ¯uid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or
they may not even work at all. This could
cause a crash. Always use the proper brake
¯uid.
5-40

Notice:
·Using the wrong ¯uid can badly damage brake
system parts. For example, just a few drops of
mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in your
brake system can damage brake system
parts so badly that they'll have to be replaced.
Don't let someone put in the wrong kind of ¯uid.
·If you spill brake ¯uid on your vehicle's painted
surfaces, the paint ®nish can be damaged. Be
careful not to spill brake ¯uid on your vehicle. If
you do, wash it off immediately. See
ªAppearance Careº in the Index.
Brake Wear
Your vehicle has four-wheel disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make
a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed. The sound
may come and go or be heard all the time your vehicle
is moving (except when you are pushing on the
brake pedal ®rmly).
{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that
soon your brakes won't work well. That could
lead to an accident. When you hear the brake
wear warning sound, have your vehicle
serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are ®rst applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to GM torque speci®cations.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
See
Brake System Inspection on page 6-16.
5-41

Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a brake stop, your disc brakes
adjust for wear.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your
vehicle was designed and tested with top-quality GM
brake parts. When you replace parts of your braking
system Ð for example, when your brake linings
wear down and you need new ones put in Ð be sure
you get new approved GM replacement parts. If
you don't, your brakes may no longer work properly. For
example, if someone puts in brake linings that are
wrong for your vehicle, the balance between your front
and rear brakes can change Ð for the worse. The
braking performance you've come to expect can change
in many other ways if someone puts in the wrong
replacement brake parts.
Battery
Your new vehicle comes with a maintenance free
ACDelcožbattery. When it's time for a new battery, get
one that has the replacement number shown on the
original battery's label. We recommend an ACDelco
ž
battery. SeeEngine Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for battery location.
Warning:Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after
handling.
Vehicle Storage
If you're not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or
more, remove the black, negative (-) cable from
the battery. This will help keep your battery from running
down.
5-42

Notice:The wrong wheel can also cause problems
with bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper height,
vehicle ground clearance and tire or tire chain
clearance to the body and chassis.
See
Changing a Flat Tire on page 5-70for more
information.
Used Replacement Wheels
{CAUTION:
Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is
dangerous. You can't know how it's been used
or how far it's been driven. It could fail
suddenly and cause a crash. If you have to
replace a wheel, use a new GM original
equipment wheel.
Tire Chains
{CAUTION:
If your vehicle is a 1500 Series, don't use tire
chains. They can damage your vehicle because
there's not enough clearance. Tire chains used
on a vehicle without the proper amount of
clearance can cause damage to the brakes,
suspension or other vehicle parts. The area
damaged by the tire chains could cause you to
lose control of your vehicle and you or others
may be injured in a crash.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer's
instructions. To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device if it's contacting your vehicle, and don't
spin your wheels.
If you do ®nd traction devices that will ®t,
install them on the rear tires.
5-68

*1Ð Gasoline Engine and Fuel Injection Rail #2.
*2Ð Gasoline Engine and Fuel Injection Rail #1.
*3Ð Gasoline Engine; Oxygen Sensors.
*4Ð Gasoline Engine; Oxygen Sensors.
*5Ð PCM Ignition
Fuses Usage
GLOW PLUG Not Used
CUST FEED Gasoline Accessory Power
STUD #1Auxiliary Power (Single
Battery and Diesels
Only)/Dual Battery (TP2) Do
not install fuse.
MBECMid Bussed Electrical Center
Power Feed, Front Seats,
Right Doors
BLOWER Front Climate Control Fan
LBECLeft Bussed Electrical Center,
Door Modules, Door Locks,
Auxiliary Power Outlet
STUD 2Accessory Power/Trailer
Wiring Brake Feed
ABS Anti-Lock Brakes
VSES/ECAS Vehicle Stability
Fuses Usage
IGN A Ignition Power
IGN B Ignition Power
LBEC 1Left Bussed Electrical Center,
Left Doors, Truck Body
Controller, Flasher Module
TRL PARK Parking Lamps Trailer Wiring
RR PARKRight Rear Parking and
Sidemarker Lamps
LR PARKLeft Rear Parking and
Sidemarker Lamps
PARK LP Parking Lamps Relay
STARTER Starter Relay
INTPARK Interior Lamps
STOP LP Stoplamps
TBC BATTTruck Body Controller Battery
Feed
SUNROOF Sunroof
SEO B2 Off-Road Lamps
4WSVent Solenoid
Canister/Quadrasteer Module
Power
RR HVAC Rear Climate Control
5-103

Scheduled Maintenance
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) should be repeated after 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) at the same intervals for the life of
this vehicle. The services shown at 150,000 miles
(240 000 km) should be repeated at the same interval
after 150,000 miles (240 000 km) for the life of this
vehicle.
See
Part B: Owner Checks and Services on page 6-10andPart C: Periodic MaintenanceInspections on
page 6-15.
Footnotes
²The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle's useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
+A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See Brake System Inspection on page 6-16.
Engine Oil and Chassis Lubrication
Scheduled Maintenance
Change engine oil and ®lter as indicated by the GM
Oil Life System (or every 12 months, whichever
occurs ®rst). Reset the system.
Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know
when to change the engine oil and ®lter. This is
based on engine revolutions and engine temperature,
and not on mileage. Based on driving conditions,
the mileage at which an oil change will be indicated can
vary considerably. For the oil life system to work
properly, you must reset the system every time the oil is
changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is
necessary. A CHECK ENGINE OIL message will come
on. Change your oil as soon as possible within the
next two times you stop for fuel. It is possible that, if you
are driving under the best conditions, the oil life
system may not indicate that an oil change is necessary
for over a year. However, your engine oil and ®lter
must be changed at least once a year and at this time
the system must be reset. Your dealer has GM-trained
service people who will perform this work using
genuine GM parts and reset the system.
It is also important to check your oil regularly and keep
it at the proper level.
6-5

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

Reporting Safety Defects to General
Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in
a situation like this, we certainly hope you'll notify us.
Please call us at 1-800-222-1020, or write:
Chevrolet Motor Division
Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33170
Detroit, MI 48232-5170
In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments, and speci®cations for GM
transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
7-11

Automatic Transmission Check..........................6-12
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control
System Check.............................................6-13
Automatic Transmission...................................5-22
Fluid..........................................................5-22
Operation...................................................2-31
Auxiliary Battery..............................................4-69
Auxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp Switch.................3-16
B
Backing Up....................................................4-65
BATTERY NOT CHARGING.............................3-58
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-6
Battery Run-Down Protection............................3-18
Battery..........................................................5-42
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-38
Before You Drive............................................3-90
Before You Go Off-Roading..............................4-19
Body Lubrication Service..................................6-12
Brake Adjustment............................................5-42
Brake Fluid....................................................5-39
Brake Pedal, Throttle.......................................2-29
Brake Pedal Travel.........................................5-42
Brake Wear...................................................5-41
Brake............................................................2-39
Parking......................................................2-39
System Inspection.......................................6-16
System Warning Light..................................3-37Brake (cont.)
Brakes..........................................................5-39
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-9
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-27
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-52
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-58
Daytime Running Lamps...............................5-58
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime
Running Lamps........................................5-56
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Parking
Lamps....................................................5-55
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-52
Headlamps.................................................5-52
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-59
Taillamps....................................................5-58
Buying New Tires...........................................5-64
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
Canada ± Customer Assistance.......................... 7-5
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-7
Capacities and Speci®cations..........................5-106
Carbon Monoxide...........4-41, 4-58, 2-12, 2-21, 2-44
Care of.........................................................5-91
Safety Belts................................................5-91
Your CD and DVD Player...........................3-103
2

Tires (cont.)
Inspection and Rotation................................5-62
Spare Tire..................................................5-87
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-65
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-67
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-67
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-64
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater....................2-30
Tonneau Cover...............................................2-77
Top Drain Grates ± Removal and Cleaning.........2-73
Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-43
Top Strap......................................................1-42
Top-Box Storage.............................................2-77
Torque Lock...................................................2-42
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires..................4-63
Tow/Haul Mode Light.......................................3-45
Tow/Haul Mode...............................................2-33
Towing..........................................................4-48
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-48
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-58
Your Vehicle...............................................4-48
TRACTION ACTIVE........................................3-63
Traction Control Operation................................4-13
Traction.........................................................4-10
Assist System (TAS)....................................4-10
Off Light.....................................................3-38
Stabilitrak
žSystem......................................4-12
Trailer Brakes.................................................4-64
Trailer Wiring Harness.....................................4-68
Trailer...........................................................4-58Recommendations.......................................4-58
TRANS HOT IDLE ENGINE.............................3-61
Transfer Case and Front Axle (Four-Wheel Drive)
Inspection...................................................6-16
Transfer Case................................................5-50
TRANSMISSION HOT.....................................3-61
Transmission Operation, Automatic....................2-31
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit
Repair Manual............................................7-11
Transmission..................................................5-22
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-22
Temperature Gage.......................................3-40
Transportation Options...................................... 7-8
Traveling to Remote Areas...............................4-21
Trip Information Button....................................3-47
Truck-Camper Loading Information....................4-57
Turn and Lane Change Signals.......................... 3-8
TURN SIGNAL ON.........................................3-60
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-7
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer..................4-65
U
Underbody Flushing Service.............................6-14
Underhood Fuse Block...................................5-101
Understanding Radio Reception.......................3-102
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-65
United States ± Customer Assistance.................. 7-4
Used Replacement Wheels..............................5-68
15