towing CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 2003 1.G Owner's Guide

If No Steam Is Coming From Your
Engine
An overheat warning, along with a low coolant message,
can indicate a serious problem. SeeLow Coolant
Level Warning MessageunderDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-57.
If you get an engine overheat warning but see or hear
no steam, the problem may not be too serious.
Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when you:
·Climb a long hill on a hot day.
·Stop after high-speed driving.
·Idle for long periods in traffic.
·Tow a trailer. SeeTowing a Trailer on page 4-58.
If you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam, try
this for a minute or so:
1. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan
speed and open the window as necessary.
2. If you're in a traffic jam, shift to NEUTRAL (N);
otherwise, shift to the highest gear while driving
± DRIVE (D).If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can
drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about 10 minutes.
If the warning doesn't come back on, you can drive
normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park your
vehicle right away.
If there's still no sign of steam, push down the
accelerator until the engine speed is about twice as fast
as normal idle speed for at least three minutes while
you're parked. If you still have the warning,
turn off the
engine and get everyone out of the vehicleuntil it
cools down. Also, see ªOverheated Engine Protection
Operating Modeº listed previously in this section.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.
5-29

5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the
pressure cap is hand-tight and fully seated.
Engine Fan Noise
Your vehicle has a clutched engine cooling fan. When
the clutch is engaged, the fan spins faster to provide
more air to cool the engine. In most everyday driving
conditions, the fan is spinning slower and the clutch is
not fully engaged. This improves fuel economy and
reduces fan noise. Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer
towing and/or high outside temperatures, the fan
speed increases as the clutch more fully engages.So you may hear an increase in fan noise. This is
normal and should not be mistaken as the transmission
slipping or making extra shifts. It is merely the cooling
system functioning properly. The fan will slow down
when additional cooling is not required and the clutch
disengages.
You may also hear this fan noise when you start the
engine. It will go away as the fan clutch partially
disengages.
Power Steering Fluid
8100 V8 Engine
5-36

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

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

This program can also provide you with free resource
information, such as area driver assessment centers and
mobility equipment installers. The program is available
for a limited period of time from the date of vehicle
purchase/lease. See your dealer for more details or call
the GM Mobility Assistance Center at 1-800-323-9935.
Text telephone (TTY) users, call 1-800-833-9935.
GM of Canada also has a Mobility Program. Call
1-800-GM-DRIVE (463-7483) for details. All TTY users
call 1-800-263-3830.
Roadside Assistance Program
To enhance Chevrolet's strong commitment to customer
satisfaction, Chevrolet is excited to announce the
establishment of the Chevrolet Roadside Assistance
Center. As the owner of a 2003 Chevrolet, membership
in Roadside Assistance is free.
Roadside Assistance is available 24 hours a day,
365 days a year, by calling 1-800-CHEV-USA
(243-8872). This toll-free number will provide you
over-the-phone roadside assistance with minor
mechanical problems. If your problem cannot be
resolved over the phone, our advisors have access to a
nationwide network of dealer recommended service
providers. Roadside membership is free; however some
services may incur costs.Roadside offers two levels of service to the customer,
Basic CareandCourtesy Care:
RoadsideBasic Careprovides:
·Toll-free number, 1-800-CHEV-USA (243-8872),
text telephone (TTY) users, call 1-888-889-2438
·Free towing for warranty repairs
·Basic over-the-phone technical advice
·Available dealer services at reasonable costs (i.e.,
wrecker services, locksmith/key service, glass
repair, etc.)
Roadside
Courtesy Careprovides:
·RoadsideBasic Careservices (as outlined
previously)
Plus:
·FREE Non-Warranty Towing (to the closest dealer
from a legal roadway)
·FREE Locksmith/Key Service (when keys are lost
on the road or locked inside)
·FREE Flat Tire Service (spare installed on the road)
·FREE Jump Start (at home or on the road)
·FREE Fuel Delivery ($5 of fuel delivered on
the road)
7-6

Automatic...................................................3-20
Climate Controls Personalization....................3-29
Dual..........................................................3-26
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-28
Compact Disc Messages..........................3-75, 3-89
Compass Calibration...............................2-48, 2-49
Compass Operation.........................................2-49
Compass Variance..................................2-47, 2-50
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-25
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-6
Coolant.........................................................3-39
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-39
Heater, Engine............................................2-30
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-27
Cooling System..............................................5-30
Cruise Control Light........................................3-44
Cruise Control................................................3-10
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-12
Customer Assistance Information........................ 7-7
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY)
Users....................................................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities................................................ 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors....7-11
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government............................................7-10Customer Assistance Information (cont.)
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States
Government............................................7-10
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-11
D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-14
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Defogging and Defrosting.........................3-25, 3-27
Delayed Locking............................................... 2-8
Dinghy Towing................................................4-49
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Dolly Towing..................................................4-50
Dome Lamps.................................................3-17
Door............................................................... 2-8
Delayed Locking........................................... 2-8
Locks.......................................................... 2-7
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-8
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-8
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-11
DRIVER DOOR AJAR.....................................3-61
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-46
DIC Operation and Displays..........................3-46
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-57
Driver............................................................1-16
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-16
Driving Across an Incline..................................4-28
4

Light (cont.)
Low Fuel Warning.......................................3-45
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-41
Passenger Air Bag Status Indicator................3-34
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-33
Security.....................................................3-44
Tow/Haul Mode...........................................3-45
Traction Off................................................3-38
Listening to a DVD.........................................3-89
Loading Your Vehicle for Off-Road Driving..........4-20
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-51
Locking Rear Axle...........................................4-11
Lockout Protection..........................................2-12
Locks............................................................. 2-8
Delayed Locking........................................... 2-8
Door........................................................... 2-7
Lockout Protection.......................................2-12
Power Door.................................................. 2-8
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-8
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-11
Loss of Control...............................................4-18
LOW COOLANT LEVEL..................................3-58
Low Fuel Warning Light...................................3-45
Luggage Carrier..............................................2-60
Lumbar........................................................... 1-3
Power Controls............................................. 1-3M
Maintenance and Cleaning...............................2-73
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts..........5-108
Maintenance Schedule.....................................6-10
At Each Fuel Fill.........................................6-10
At Least Once a Month................................6-11
At Least Once a Year..................................6-12
At Least Twice a Year..................................6-11
Brake System Inspection..............................6-16
Engine Cooling System Inspection.................6-16
Exhaust System Inspection...........................6-15
Fuel System Inspection................................6-15
How This Section is Organized....................... 6-3
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services......... 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services.............6-10
Part C - Periodic MaintenanceInspections......6-15
Part D - Recommended Fluids and Lubricants....6-17
Part E - Maintenance Record........................6-19
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-5
Steering and Suspension Inspection...............6-15
Transfer Case and Front Axle (Four-Wheel
Drive) Inspection......................................6-16
Using Your................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-67
Making Turns.................................................4-65
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-41
9

Reading Lamps..............................................3-18
Rear Axle......................................................5-49
Locking......................................................4-11
Rear Door Security Locks................................2-11
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-29
Rear Seat Audio Controls...............................3-100
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)....................................3-99
Rear Seat Entertainment System.......................3-90
Rear Seat Operation......................................... 1-8
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-26
Rear Storage Area..........................................2-61
Rear Window Defogger............................3-25, 3-28
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
Compass and Temperature Display................2-48
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
OnStar
ž, Compass and Temperature Display . . . 2-46
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-46
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-5
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-48
REDUCED ENGINE POWER...........................3-58
Reinstalling the Cargo Cover Panels..................2-68
Remote Control..............................................3-93
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-5
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-4
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-74
Removing the Front/Rear Rails and Bows..........2-81Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-70
Removing the Tonneau Cover...........................2-78
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-59
Replacing Brake System Parts..........................5-42
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash.....1-67
Reporting Safety Defects.................................7-10
Canadian Government..................................7-10
General Motors...........................................7-11
United States Government............................7-10
Reprogramming a Single HomeLink
žButton.......2-58
Resetting Defaults...........................................2-58
Restraint System Check...................................6-11
Checking Your Restraint Systems...................1-67
Replacing Restraint System Parts After
a Crash..................................................1-67
Restraint Systems...........................................1-67
Checking....................................................1-67
Replacing Parts...........................................1-67
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-28
RFA # BATTERY LOW....................................3-62
Right Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts......1-24
RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR..............................3-62
Roadside......................................................... 7-6
Assistance Program....................................... 7-6
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out...................4-46
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked.......2-44
12

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