brakes CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 2004 1.G Owner's Guide

Open the cap with the washer symbol on it. Add washer
uid until the tank is full.
Notice:
When using concentrated washer uid, follow
the manufacturer’s instructions for adding
water.
Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer uid.
Water can cause the solution to freeze and
damage your washer uid tank and other parts
of the washer system. Also, water does not
clean as well as washer uid.
Fill your washer uid tank only three-quarters
full when it is very cold. This allows for
expansion if freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is completely full.
Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your
windshield washer. It can damage your washer
system and paint.
Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder reservoir is lled with DOT-3
brake uid. SeeEngine Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for the location of the reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake uid level in
the reservoir might go down. The rst is that the
brake uid goes down to an acceptable level during
normal brake lining wear. When new linings are put in,
the uid level goes back up. The other reason is
that uid is leaking out of the brake system. If it is, you
should have your brake system xed, since a leak
means that sooner or later your brakes will not work
well, or will not work at all.
5-43

What to Add
When you do need brake uid, use only DOT-3 brake
uid. Use new brake uid from a sealed container
only. SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-13.
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.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 will have to be replaced. Do not
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.
SeeAppearance Care on page 5-111.
5-45

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 will not 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 specications.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
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.
5-46

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 — for example, when your brake linings
wear down and you need new ones put in — be sure
you get new approved GM replacement parts. If you do
not, 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 — for the worse. The braking
performance you have 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
ACDelco®battery. When it is time for a new battery, get
one that has the replacement number shown on the
original battery’s label. We recommend an ACDelco
®
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 are 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.
{CAUTION:
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you
are not careful. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-48for tips on working around a battery
without getting hurt.
Contact your dealer to learn how to prepare your
vehicle for longer storage periods.
Also, for your audio system, seeTheft-Deterrent
Feature on page 3-114.
5-47

Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure
is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined weight
of optional accessories. Some examples of optional
accessories are, automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height to
its width.
Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is located
between the plies and the tread. Cords may be made
from steel or other reinforcing materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by
steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies are
laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.
Cold Ination Pressure:The amount of air pressure in
a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. SeeInation - Tire Pressure on page 5-76.Curb Weight:This means the weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional equipment including
the maximum capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:A code molded into the sidewall of a
tire signifying that the tire is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation motor vehicle safety
standards. The DOT code includes the Tire Identication
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator which can
also identify the tire manufacturer, production plant,
brand and date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, seeLoading
Your Vehicle on page 4-55.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front
axle, seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-55.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle,
seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-55.
Intended Outboard Sidewall:The side of an
asymmetrical tire, that must always face outward when
mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa):The metric unit for air pressure.
There are 6.9 kPa’s to one psi.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:A tire used on light duty
trucks and some multipurpose passenger vehicles.
5-74

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.Notice:If your vehicle is a 2500 Series, use tire
chains only where legal and only when you must.
Use chains that are the proper size for your
tires. Install them on the tires of the rear axle. Don’t
use chains on the tires of the front axle. Tighten
them as tightly as possible with the ends securely
fastened. Drive slowly and follow the chain
manufacturer’s instructions. If you can hear the
chains contacting your vehicle, stop and retighten
them. If the contact continues, slow down until
it stops. Driving too fast or spinning the wheels with
chains on will damage your vehicle.
5-88

*1— Gasoline Engine and Fuel Injection Rail #2.
*2— Gasoline Engine and Fuel Injection Rail #1.
*3— Gasoline Engine; Oxygen Sensors.
*4— Gasoline Engine; Oxygen Sensors.
*5— PCM Ignition
Fuses Usage
GLOW PLUG Not Used
CUST FEED Accessory Power
STUD #1 Auxiliary Power
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—Rear
Cargo Area and Instrument
Panel
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
5-125

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 specications for GM
transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
7-13

Audio System(s) (cont.)
Setting the Time..........................................3-73
Theft-Deterrent Feature...............................3-114
Understanding Radio Reception...................3-115
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System...........3-117
Automatic Climate Control System.....................3-22
Automatic Dimming Mirror Operation..........2-50, 2-53
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-16
Automatic Transfer Case..................................2-38
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..........................................................5-23
Operation...................................................2-34
Auxiliary Battery..............................................4-82
Auxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp Switch.................3-19
B
Backing Up....................................................4-76
Battery..........................................................5-47
BATTERY NOT CHARGING.............................3-66
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-6
Battery Run-Down Protection............................3-21
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-41
Before You Drive...........................................3-100
Before You Go Off-Roading..............................4-20Brake
Parking......................................................2-42
System Warning Light..................................3-42
Brake Adjustment............................................5-46
Brake Fluid....................................................5-43
Brake Pedal, Throttle.......................................2-33
Brake Pedal Travel.........................................5-46
Brake Wear...................................................5-46
Brakes..........................................................5-43
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-9
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-30
BUCKLE PASSENGER....................................3-69
BUCKLE SEATBELT.......................................3-69
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-58
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-65
Daytime Running Lamps...............................5-65
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime
Running Lamps........................................5-63
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Parking
Lamps....................................................5-62
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-58
Headlamps.................................................5-58
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-66
Taillamps....................................................5-65
Buying New Tires...........................................5-83
2

T
Tachometer....................................................3-35
Tailgate.........................................................2-23
Tailgate Removal............................................2-24
Taillamps.......................................................5-65
Temperature and Compass Display....................2-50
Temperature Display........................................2-53
Testing the Alarm............................................2-28
Theft-Deterrent, Radio....................................3-114
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-27
Content Theft-Deterrent................................2-27
Passlock
®...................................................2-29
Throttle, Adjustable..........................................2-33
TIGHTEN FUEL CAP......................................3-67
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-7
Tire Sidewall Labeling......................................5-68
Tire Size.......................................................5-72
Tire Terminology and Denitions........................5-74
Tires...................................................5-68, 5-116
Buying New Tires........................................5-83
Chains.......................................................5-88
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-90
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-89
Ination - Tire Pressure................................5-76
Inspection and Rotation................................5-81
Pressure Monitor System..............................5-77
Spare Tire................................................5-110
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-85
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-86Tires (cont.)
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-86
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-82
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater....................2-34
Tonneau Cover...............................................2-83
Top Drain Grates – Removal and Cleaning.........2-79
Top Strap......................................................1-40
Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-41
Top-Box Storage.............................................2-82
Torque Lock...................................................2-45
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires..................4-74
Tow/Haul Mode...............................................2-37
Tow/Haul Mode Light.......................................3-51
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-52
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-68
Your Vehicle...............................................4-52
Traction
Assist System (TAS)...................................... 4-9
Off Light.....................................................3-44
Stabilitrak
®System......................................4-11
TRACTION ACTIVE........................................3-70
Traction Control Operation................................4-13
TRACTION SYS LIMITED................................3-70
Trailer
Recommendations.......................................4-67
Trailer Brakes.................................................4-75
Trailer Wiring Harness.....................................4-79
TRANS HOT IDLE ENGINE.............................3-68
Transfer Case................................................5-56
16