4WD CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 2003 1.G Owners Manual

The transfer case buttons are located to the left of the
instrument panel cluster.
Use these switches to shift into and out of four-wheel
drive.
You can choose among four driving settings:
h(2HI):This setting is used for driving in most street
and highway situations. Your front axle is not engaged
in two-wheel drive. This setting also provides the
best fuel economy.AUTO 4WD:This setting is ideal for use when road
conditions are variable. When driving your vehicle
in AUTO 4WD, the front axle is engaged, but the
vehicle's power is sent only to the rear wheels. When
the vehicle senses a loss of traction, the system
will automatically engage four-wheel drive. Driving in
this mode results in slightly lower fuel economy
than 2HI.
G(4HI):Use the 4HI position when you need extra
traction, such as on snowy or icy roads or in most
off-road situations. This setting also engages your front
axle to help drive your vehicle. This is the best setting
to use when plowing snow.
5(4LO):This setting also engages your front axle
and delivers extra torque. You may never need this
setting. It sends maximum power to all four wheels. You
might choose 4LO if you are driving off-road in deep
sand, deep mud, deep snow and climbing or descending
steep hills.
2-35

{CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL can
cause your vehicle to roll even if the
transmission is in PARK (P). You or someone
else could be seriously injured. Be sure to set
the parking brake before placing the transfer
case in NEUTRAL. See²Parking Brake²in the
Index.
NEUTRAL:Shift the vehicle's transfer case to
NEUTRAL only when towing your vehicle. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-48orTowing
Your Vehicle on page 4-48for more information.
Indicator lights in the switches show which setting you
are in. The indicator lights will come on brie¯y when you
turn on the ignition and one will stay on. If the lights
do not come on, you should take your vehicle to your
dealer for service. An indicator light will ¯ash while
shifting the transfer case. It will remain illuminated when
the shift is complete. If for some reason the transfer
case cannot make a requested shift, it will return to the
last chosen setting.If the SERVICE 4WD message stays on, you should
take your vehicle to your dealer for service. See²Service
4WD message²under
Driver Information Center (DIC)
on page 3-46.
Shifting into 4HI or AUTO 4WD
Press and release the 4 hi or AUTO 4WD switch. This
can be done at any speed (except when shifting
from 4LO), and the indicator light will ¯ash while shifting.
It will remain illuminated when the shift is completed.
Shifting into 2HI
Press and release the 2 hi switch. This can be done at
any speed (except when shifting from 4LO).
Shifting into 4LO
To shift to the 4 lo position, the ignition must be in RUN
and the vehicle must be stopped or moving less than
3 mph (4.8 km/h) with the transmission in NEUTRAL (N).
The preferred method for shifting into 4LO is to have
your vehicle moving 1 to 2 mph (1.6 to 3.2 km/h). Press
and release the 4 lo switch. You must wait for the
4LO indicator light to stop ¯ashing and remain
illuminated before shifting your transmission in gear.
2-36

Notice:Shifting the transmission into gear before
the 4LO indicator light has stopped ¯ashing
could damage the transfer case. To help avoid
damaging your vehicle, always wait for the 4LO
indicator light to stop ¯ashing before shifting your
transmission into gear.
It is typical for your vehicle to exhibit signi®cant
engagment noise and bump when shifting between 4LO
and 4HI ranges or from NEUTRAL with the engine
running.
If the 4 lo switch is pressed when your vehicle is in gear
and/or moving, the 4LO indicator light will ¯ash for
30 seconds and not complete the shift unless your
vehicle is moving less than 3 mph (4.8 km/h) and the
transmission is in NEUTRAL (N). After 30 seconds
the transfer case will return to the setting last chosen.
Shifting Out of 4LO
To shift from 4LO to 4HI, AUTO 4WD or 2HI your
vehicle must be stopped or moving less than 3 mph
(4.8 km/h) with the transmission in NEUTRAL (N) and
the ignition in RUN. The preferred method for shifting out
of 4LO is to have your vehicle moving 1 to 2 mph
(1.6 to 3.2 km/h). Press and release the 4HI,
AUTO 4WD or 2HI switch. You must wait for the 4HI,
AUTO 4WD or 2HI indicator light to stop ¯ashing
and remain illuminated before shifting your transmission
into gear.
Notice:Shifting the transmission into gear before
the 4LO indicator light has stopped ¯ashing
could damage the transfer case. To help avoid
damaging your vehicle, always wait for the 4LO
indicator light to stop ¯ashing before shifting your
transmission into gear.
It is typical for your vehicle to exhibit signi®cant
engagment noise and bump when shifting between 4LO
and 4HI ranges or from NEUTRAL with the engine
running.
If the 4HI, AUTO 4WD or 2HI switch is pressed when
your vehicle is in gear and/or moving, the 4HI,
AUTO 4WD or 2HI indicator light will ¯ash for
30 seconds but will not complete the shift unless your
vehicle is moving less than 3 mph (4.8 km/h) and
the transmission is in NEUTRAL (N).
2-37

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.
3. Start the vehicle or turn the ignition to RUN.
4. Connect the vehicle to the towing vehicle.
5. Put the transmission in NEUTRAL (N).
6. Shift the transfer case to 2HI.
7. Simultaneously press and hold the 2HI and 4LO
buttons for 10 seconds. The red NEUTRAL light
will come on when the transfer case shift to
NEUTRAL is complete.
8. Shift the transmission to REVERSE (R) for one
second, then shift the transmission to DRIVE (D)
for one second.
9. Turn the ignition to LOCK.
10. Place the transmission shift lever in PARK (P).
11. Release the parking brake prior to towing.
Shifting Out of NEUTRAL
To shift out of NEUTRAL:
1. Set the parking brake and apply the regular brake
pedal.
2. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL (N) and turn the
ignition to RUN with the engine off.
3. Press the button for the desired transfer case shift
position (2HI, 4HI, AUTO 4WD OR 4 LO).
4. After the transfer case has shifted out of NEUTRAL
the red light will go out.
5. Release the parking brake.
6. You may start the engine and shift the transmission
to the desired position.
2-38

SERVICE 4WD
If a problem occurs with the four wheel drive system,
this message will appear on the DIC. If this message
appears, stop as soon as possible and turn off the
vehicle. Restart the vehicle and check for the message
on the DIC display. If the message is still displayed,
or appears again when you begin driving, the four wheel
drive system needs service. Pressing the select button
will acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC
display.
TURN SIGNAL ON
If a turn signal is left on for 3/4 of a mile (1.2 km), this
message will appear on the display and you will hear a
chime. Move the turn signal/multifunction lever to the
off position. Pressing the select button will acknowledge
this message and clear it from the DIC display.
FUEL LEVEL LOW
If the fuel level is low, this message will appear on the
DIC and you will hear a chime. Refuel as soon as
possible. Pressing the select button will acknowledge
this message immediately and clear it from the DIC
display. It will also clear itself after 10 seconds. The low
fuel light near the fuel gage will still remain on in
either case.
CHECK WASHER FLUID
If the washer ¯uid level is low, this message will appear
on the DIC. Adding washer ¯uid will clear the message.
Pressing the select button will acknowledge this
message and clear it from the DIC display. If you do not
clear this message, it will clear itself after 10 seconds
until the next igntion cycle.
3-60

Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For
example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature and how much your vehicle is used to pull
a trailer are all important. And, it can also depend
on any special equipment that you have on your vehicle.
Use one of the following charts to determine how
much your vehicle can weigh, based upon your vehicle
model and options.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming the
driver and one passenger are in the tow vehicle and it
has all the required trailering equipment. The weightof additional optional equipment, passengers and cargo
in the tow vehicle must be subtracted from the
maximum trailer weight.
Above the 5,000 lbs. (2 268 kg) trailer rating, the
handling/trailering suspension is required on C-1500
models and the handling/trailering or off-road suspension
is required on K-1500 models.
Notice:Your vehicle was not designed to be used
with a ®fth-wheel hitch device. Using such a
device could result in damage to the vehicle. These
damages would not be covered by your vehicle's
warranty.
Vehicle Axle Ratio *Maximum Trailer
Weight**GCWR
C-1500 (2WD)
5300 V83.73 7,200 lbs. (3 266 kg) 13,000 lbs. (5 897 kg)
4.10 8,200 lbs. (3 719 kg) 14,000 lbs. (6 350 kg)
K-1500 (4WD)
5300 V83.73 7,000 lbs. (3 175 kg) 13,000 lbs. (5 897 kg)
4.10 7,900 lbs. (3 583 kg) 14,000 lbs. (6 350 kg)
*Tongue weight should be 10% to 15% of trailer weight, up to 1,000 lb. (454 kg) maximum.
**The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicle
and trailer including any passengers, cargo, equipment and conversions. The GCWR for your vehicle should not
be exceeded.
4-61

Vehicle Axle Ratio *Maximum Trailer
Weight**GCWR
C-2500 (2WD)
8100 V83.73 10,200 lbs. (4 627 kg) 17,000 lbs. (7 711 kg)
4.10 12,000 lbs. (5 443 kg) 19,000 lbs. (8 618 kg)
K-2500 (4WD)
8100 V83.73 9,900 lbs. (4 491 kg) 17,000 lbs. (7 711 kg)
4.10 11,900 lbs. (5 398 kg) 19,000 lbs. (8 618 kg)
*Tongue weight should be 10% to 15% of trailer weight, up to 1,500 lb. (544 kg) maximum
**The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicle
and trailer including any passengers, cargo, equipment and conversions. The GCWR for your vehicle should not
be exceeded.
You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or
advice, or you can write us at the address listed in
your Warranty and Owner Assistance Information
Booklet.
In Canada, write to:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight
to measure because it affects the total or gross weight
of your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you
may carry in it, and the people who will be riding in
the vehicle. And if you will tow a trailer, you must add
the tongue load to the GVW because your vehicle will be
carrying that weight, too. See
Loading Your Vehicle
on page 4-51for more information about your vehicle's
maximum load capacity.
4-62

You may have spare fuses located behind the fuse
block access door. These can be used to replace a bad
fuse. However, make sure it is of the correct amperage.
Your vehicle may not have all of the features or
fuses listed in this section.
Fuses Usage
RR Wiper Rear Window Wiper Switch
SEO ACCYSpecial Equipment Option
Accessory
Fuses Usage
WS WPR Windshield Wipers
TBC ACCYTruck Body Controller
Accessory
IGN 3 Ignition, Heated Seats
4WDFour-Wheel Drive System,
Auxiliary Battery
HTR A/C Climate Control System
LOCKPower Door Lock Relay
(Lock Function)
HVAC 1Inside Rearview Mirror,
Climate Control System
L DOORDriver's Door Harness
Connection
CRUISE Cruise Control
UNLOCKPower Door Lock Relay
(Unlock Function)
RR FOG LP Rear Fog Lamp (Export Only)
BRAKE Anti-Lock Brake System
DRIVER UNLOCKPower Door Lock Relay
(Driver's Door Unlock
Function)
5-98

S
Safety Belt.....................................................3-33
Reminder Light............................................3-33
Safety Belts...................................................5-91
Care of......................................................5-91
Center Passenger Position............................1-24
Driver Position............................................1-16
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................1-16
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.....1-14
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children
and Small Adults......................................1-29
Rear Seat Passengers.................................1-26
Right Front Passenger Position......................1-24
Safety Belt Extender....................................1-31
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy.................1-23
Safety Belts Are for Everyone.......................1-10
Safety Chains.................................................4-64
Safety Warnings and Symbols.............................. iii
Scanning the Terrain.......................................4-22
Scheduled Maintenance..................................... 6-5
Seat............................................................... 1-7
Head Restraints............................................ 1-7
Seats.............................................................. 1-4
Heated Seats............................................... 1-4
Manual Passenger......................................... 1-2
Memory.....................................................2-85
Power Lumbar.............................................. 1-3
Power Seats................................................. 1-2
Rear Seat Operation...................................... 1-8Seats (cont.)
Reclining Seatbacks...................................... 1-5
Secondary Latch System.................................5-84
Securing a Child Restraint................................1-48
Center Front Seat Position............................1-48
Rear Seat Position......................................1-45
Right Front Seat Position..............................1-48
Security Light.................................................3-44
Select Button.................................................3-57
SERVICE 4WD...............................................3-60
SERVICE AIR BAG.........................................3-58
SERVICE BRAKE BOOSTER...........................3-59
SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM.............................3-59
Service Bulletins.............................................7-12
Service Manuals.............................................7-11
SERVICE STABILITY......................................3-63
Service........................................................... 5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle..................................................... 5-4
Doing Your Own Work................................... 5-4
Engine Soon Light.......................................3-41
Publications Ordering Information...................7-11
Setting Preset PTYs (RDS Only)...............3-70, 3-81
Setting Preset Stations............................3-68, 3-79
Setting the Time.............................................3-64
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)..................3-68, 3-79
Sheet Metal Damage.......................................5-93
Shifting Into Park (P).......................................2-40
Shifting Out of Park (P)...................................2-42
Side Impact Air Bags.......................................1-58
13