check engine CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 2004 1.G User Guide

Select Button
The select button is used to reset certain functions and
turn off or acknowledge messages on the DIC display.
The select button also toggles through the options
available in each personalization menu. For example, this
button will reset the trip odometers, turn off the FUEL
LEVEL LOW message, and toggle through the languages
you can select the DIC to display information in.
DIC Warnings and Messages
Warning messages are displayed on the DIC to notify the
driver that the status of the vehicle has changed and that
some action may be needed by the driver to correct the
condition. If there is more than one message that needs
to be displayed they will appear one after another. Some
messages may not require immediate action but you
should press the select button (if equipped) to
acknowledge that you received the message and clear it
from the display. Some messages cannot be cleared from
the display because they are more urgent; these
messages require action before they can be removed
from the DIC display. The following are the possible
messages that can be displayed and some information
about them.
CHANGE ENGINE OIL
This message is displayed when the engine oil needs to
be changed and service is required for your vehicle.
SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4andEngine
Oil on page 5-16for more information. Also see “GM Oil
Life System” previously in this section for information
on how to reset the message. This message will
clear itself after 10 seconds until the next ignition cycle.
OIL LIFE RESET
This message will appear on the display for about
10 seconds after resetting the change engine oil
message.
OIL PRESSURE LOW
If low oil pressure levels occur, this message will be
displayed on the DIC and a chime will sound. Stop the
vehicle as soon as safely possible and do not operate
it until the cause of the low oil pressure has been
corrected. Check your oil as soon as possible and have
your vehicle serviced.
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CHECK OIL LEVEL
If the oil level in the vehicle is low, this message will
appear on the DIC. Check the oil level and correct it as
necessary. You may need to let the vehicle cool or
warm up and cycle the ignition to be sure this message
will clear. This message will clear itself after 10 seconds
until the next ignition cycle.
LOW COOLANT LEVEL
If your vehicle has a low coolant sensor and the engine
coolant level is low, this message will appear on the
DIC. Adding coolant will clear the message. This
message will clear itself after 10 seconds until the next
ignition cycle.
ENGINE COOLANT HOT
If the cooling system temperature gets hot, this message
will appear in the DIC. Stop the vehicle and let the engine
idle in PARK (P) to allow the coolant to reach a safe
temperature. This message will clear when the coolant
temperature drops to a safe operating temperature.
Pressing the select button will acknowledge this message
and clear it from the DIC display.
ENGINE OVERHEATED
If the engine cooling system reaches unsafe
temperatures for operation, this message will appear in
the DIC and you will hear a chime. Stop and turn off
the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so to avoid severe
damage. This message will clear when the engine
has cooled to a safe operating temperature.
REDUCED ENGINE POWER
This message is displayed and a chime will sound when
the cooling system temperature gets too hot and the
engine further enters the engine coolant protection mode.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-29for further
information.
You may also see this message when the vehicle
determines a problem with the electronic throttle control.
See your dealer for service.
BATTERY NOT CHARGING
If the battery is not charging during operation, this
message will appear on the DIC. Driving with this
problem could drain your battery. Have the electrical
system checked as soon as possible. Pressing the
select button will acknowledge this message and clear it
from the DIC display.
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SERVICE AIR BAG
If there is a problem with the air bag system, this
message will be displayed on the DIC. Have a qualied
technician inspect the system for problems. Pressing
the select button or the trip stem will acknowledge this
message and clear it from the DIC display.
SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM
If a problem occurs with the brake 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 brake system needs service.
Pressing the select button will acknowledge this
message and clear it from the DIC display.
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.
SERVICE RIDE CONTROL
If a problem occurs with the suspension system, this
message will appear on the DIC. If this message
appears, stop 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 suspension system needs
service.
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.
TIGHTEN FUEL CAP
If the vehicle’s fuel cap is not tightened properly this
message may appear along with the check engine light
on the instrument panel. SeeMalfunction Indicator
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Lamp on page 3-47. Reinstall the fuel cap, making sure
to fully install the cap. SeeFilling Your Tank on
page 5-7. The diagnostic system can determine if the
fuel cap has been left off or improperly installed. A loose
or missing fuel cap will allow fuel to evaporate into
the atmosphere. A few driving trips with the cap properly
installed should turn the light and message off.
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 ignition cycle.
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 drive your vehicle while the
transmission uid is overheating and the
transmission temperature warning is displayed on
the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, youcan damage the transmission. This could lead to
costly repairs that would not be covered by
your warranty. Do not drive your vehicle with
overheated transmission uid or while transmission
temperature warning is displayed.
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, seeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4
for the proper transmission maintenance intervals.
TRANS HOT IDLE ENGINE
If the transmission uid 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
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STABILITY SYS ACTIVE
You may see the STABILITY SYS ACTIVE message on
the DIC. It means that an advanced computer-controlled
system has come on to help your vehicle continue to
go in the direction in which you’re steering.
For more information on the Stabilitrak
®system, see
Stabilitrak®System on page 4-11.
SERVICE STABILITY
If you ever see the SERVICE STABILITY message, it
means there may be a problem with your
Stabilitrak
®system. If you see this message try to reset
the system (stop; turn off the engine; then start the
engine again). If the SERVICE STABILITY message still
comes on, it means there is a problem. You should
see your dealer for service. The vehicle is safe to drive,
however, you do not have the benet of Stabilitrak
®,
so reduce your speed and drive accordingly.
For more information on the Stabilitrak
®system, see
Stabilitrak®System on page 4-11.
STABILITY SYS DISABLED
The STABILITY SYS DISABLED message will turn on
when you press the Stabilitrak®button, or when the
stability control has been automatically disabled. There
are four conditions that can cause this message to
appear. One condition is overheating, which could occur
if Stabilitrak
®activates continuously for an extended
period of time. The message will also be displayed if the
brake system warning light is on. SeeBrake System
Warning Light on page 3-42Brake System Warning
Light. The message could be displayed if the stability
system takes longer than usual to complete its
diagnostic checks due to driving conditions. Also, if an
engine or vehicle related problem has been detected,
and the vehicle needs service, the message will appear.
The message will turn off as soon as the conditions
that caused the message to be displayed are no longer
present.
For more information on the Stabilitrak
®system, see
Stabilitrak®System on page 4-11.
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CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
If a low tire pressure is detected in any of the vehicle’s
tires, this message will appear on the DIC. Press
the select button or trip stem to acknowledge the
message and clear it from the DIC display.
SeeTires on page 5-68for more information on tires
and the correct ination pressures.
This message will appear at each ignition cycle until the
tires are inated to the correct ination pressure.
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR
This message will be displayed if any of the tire monitor
sensors have malfunctioned, or if the tire monitor
sensors have not been programmed correctly. For more
information on programming the tire pressure monitor
system seeTire Pressure Monitor System on page 5-77.
Press the select button to acknowledge the message
and clear it from the DIC display.
This message will appear at each ignition cycle until the
tire pressure monitor system has been serviced.
Audio System(s)
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment to your
vehicle, like a tape player, CB radio, mobile
telephone, or two-way radio, make sure that it can be
added by checking with your dealer. Also, check
federal rules covering mobile radio and telephone
units. If sound equipment can be added, it is very
important to do it properly. Added sound equipment
may interfere with the operation of your vehicle’s
engine, radio, or other systems, and even damage
them. Your vehicle’s systems may interfere with the
operation of sound equipment that has been added
improperly.
Figure out which audio system is in your vehicle, nd
out what your audio system can do, and how to operate
all of its controls.
Your vehicle may have a feature called Retained
Accessory Power (RAP). With RAP, the audio system
can be played even after the ignition is turned off.
See “Retained Accessory Power (RAP)” underIgnition
Positions on page 2-31.
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Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in
spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a
mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool between
hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster if you
do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace with the traffic
and allow realistic following distances, you will eliminate a
lot of unnecessary braking. That means better braking
and longer brake life.
If your engine ever stops while you are driving, brake
normally but do not pump your brakes. If you do,
the pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine
stops, you will still have some power brake assist.
But you will use it when you brake. Once the power
assist is used up, it may take longer to stop and
the brake pedal will be harder to push.Anti-lock Brake System
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes. ABS is an advanced
electronic braking system that will help prevent a
braking skid.
When you start your engine and begin to drive away,
your anti-lock brake system will check itself. You
may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while
this test is going on. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system,
this warning light will
stay on. SeeAnti-Lock
Brake System Warning
Light on page 3-43.
Along with ABS, your vehicle has a Dynamic Rear
Proportioning (DRP) system. If there is a DRP problem,
both the brake and ABS warning lights will come on
accompanied by a 10-second chime. The lights and
chime will come on each time the ignition is turned on
until the problem is repaired. See your dealer for service.
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If desired, you can change the TAS automatic
engagement feature so that the system will not come on
automatically when the engine is started. To do so:
1. Park the vehicle with the ignition off and the
transmission in PARK (P).
2. Turn the ignition to RUN; do not start the engine.
3. Apply the brake pedal, shift into NEUTRAL (N),
press the accelerator pedal to the oor and then
press the TAS on/off button and hold it down for at
least six seconds.
4. Release the TAS button and both pedals.
5. Turn off the ignition and wait a few seconds.
The next time you start your vehicle, the TAS will not
automatically come on. You can restore the automatic
feature by using the same procedure. Whether the TAS is
set to come on automatically or not, you can always turn
the system on or off by pressing the TAS on/off button.
Locking Rear Axle
If your vehicle has this feature, it can give you additional
traction on snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like a
standard axle most of the time, but when one of the rear
wheels has no traction and the other does, this feature
will allow the wheel with traction to move the vehicle.
Stabilitrak®System
Your vehicle may be equipped with Stabilitrak®which
combines antilock brake, traction and stability control
systems and helps the driver maintain directional control
of the vehicle in most driving conditions.
When you rst start your vehicle and begin to drive
away, the system performs several diagnostic checks to
insure there are no problems. You may hear or feel
the system working. This is normal and does not mean
there is a problem with your vehicle. The system
should initialize before the vehicle reaches 20 mph (32
km/h). In some cases, it may take approximately
two miles of driving before the system initializes.
If the system fails to turn on or activate, the STABILITY
SYS DISABLED or SERVICE STABILITY message
will be displayed. If the vehicle has gone through heavy
acceleration or braking or multiple turns during the
rst two miles of driving after starting your vehicle, the
STABILITY SYS DISABLED message may appear.
If this is the case, your vehicle does not need servicing.
You will need to turn the vehicle off and then restart
it to initialize Stabilitrak
®. If either message appears on
the Driver Information Center (DIC), and your vehicle
hasn’t gone through hard acceleration, braking or
multiple turns in the rst two miles of driving, your
vehicle should be taken in for service.
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Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you are ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you are not fresh — such as after
a day’s work — do not plan to make too many miles that
rst part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing
and shoes you can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it is ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course, you
will nd experienced and able service experts in GM
dealerships all across North America. They will be ready
and willing to help if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:Have you checked
all levels?
Lamps:Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires:They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts:What is the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a
short time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps:Do you have up-to-date maps?
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Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as “highway hypnosis”?
Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it
highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch of road with the
same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the
road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the wind
against the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Do not let it
happen to you! If it does, your vehicle can leave the road
inless than a second,and you could crash and be
injured.
What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be
aware that it can happen.Then here are some tips:Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a
comfortably cool interior.
Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and
to the sides. Check your mirrors and your
instruments frequently.
If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest,
service or parking area and take a nap, get some
exercise, or both. For safety, treat drowsiness
on the highway as an emergency.
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