maintenance CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 2007 2.G Owner's Manual

Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master
cylinder reservoir is
lled with DOT-3 brake
uid. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 444for 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.So, it is not a good idea to top off your brake uid.
Adding brake uid will not correct a leak. If you
add uid when your linings are worn, then you
will have too much uid when you get new brake
linings. You should add or remove brake uid,
as necessary, only when work is done on
the brake hydraulic system.
{CAUTION:
If you have too much brake uid, it can
spill on the engine. The uid will burn
if the engine is hot enough. You or others
could be burned, and your vehicle could
be damaged. Add brake uid only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic
system. See “Checking Brake Fluid”
in this section.
When the brake uid falls to a low level, the brake
warning light will come on. SeeBrake System
Warning Light on page 246.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
when to check your brake uid. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 563.
472

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 vehicle has a maintenance free 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
®
replacement battery. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 444for 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 the
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 476for tips on working
around a battery without getting hurt.
475

What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
what kind of lubricant to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 574.
Four-Wheel Drive
Lubricant checks in this section also apply to
these vehicles. There are two additional systems
that need lubrication.
Transfer Case
When to Check Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check transfer case
uid unless you suspect there is a leak, or you
hear an unusual noise. A uid loss could indicate
a problem. Have it inspected and repaired.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should
be on a level surface.
If the level is below the bottom of the ller plug
hole, you will need to add some lubricant.
Add enough lubricant to raise the level to the
bottom of the ller plug hole. Use care not
to overtighten the plug.
Automatic Transfer Case
483

When to Change Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
how often to change the lubricant. See
Scheduled Maintenance on page 563.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
what kind of lubricant to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 574.
Front Axle
When to Check and Change Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check front axle
uid unless you suspect there is a leak or you hear
an unusual noise. A uid loss could indicate a
problem. Have it inspected and repaired.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be
on a level surface.A:Fill Plug
B:Drain Plug
If the level is below the bottom of the ller plug
hole, located on the front axle, you may need
to add some lubricant:When the differential is cold, add enough
lubricant to raise the level from 0 (0 mm)
to 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) below the ller plug hole.
When the differential is at operating
temperature (warm), add enough lubricant
to raise the level to the bottom of the ller
plug hole.
484

What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
what kind of lubricant to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 574.
Headlamp Aiming
The vehicle has a visual optical headlamp aiming
system. The aim of the headlamps have been
preset at the factory and should need no further
adjustment.
However, if the vehicle is damaged in an accident,
the aim of the headlamps may be affected and
adjustment may be necessary.
If oncoming vehicles ash their high beams at
you, this may mean the vertical aim of your
headlamps needs to be adjusted.
It is recommended that the vehicle is taken to
your dealer/retailer/retailer for service if the
headlamps need to be adjusted. It is possible
however, to re-aim the headlamps as described
in the following procedure.The vehicle should be properly prepared as
follows:
The vehicle should be placed so the headlamps
are 25 ft. (7.6 m) from a light colored wall.
The vehicle must have all four tires on a level
surface which is level all the way to the wall.
The vehicle should be placed so it is
perpendicular to the wall.
The vehicle should not have any snow, ice,
or mud on it.
The vehicle should be fully assembled and all
other work stopped while headlamp aiming is
being performed.
The vehicle should be normally loaded
with a full tank of fuel and one person or
160 lbs (75 kg) sitting on the driver’s seat.
Tires should be properly inated.
The spare tire is in its proper location in the
vehicle.
Headlamp aiming is done with the vehicle’s
low-beam headlamps. The high-beam headlamps
will be correctly aimed if the low-beam headlamps
are aimed properly.
485

Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected for
wear or cracking. SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 563.
Replacement blades come in different types and
are removed in different ways. To replace the
wiper blade assembly, do the following:
1. Pull the windshield wiper arm connector away
from the windshield.
2. Squeeze the grooved areas on each side of
the blade, and rotate the blade assembly
away from the arm connector.3. Install the new blade onto the arm connector
and make sure the grooved areas are fully set
in the locked position.
For the proper type and size, seeNormal
Maintenance Replacement Parts on page 576.
491

Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale
illuminates, you should stop and check your tires
as soon as possible, and inate them to the
proper pressure. Driving on a signicantly
under-inated tire causes the tire to overheat and
can lead to tire failure. Under-ination also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may
affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute
for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,
even if under-ination has not reached the level to
trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure
telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly. The TPMS
malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire
pressure telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will ash for approximately
one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the
malfunction exists.When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the
system may not be able to detect or signal low
tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may
occur for a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from
functioning properly. Always check the TPMS
malfunction telltale after replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow
the TPMS to continue to function properly.
The CHECK TIRE PRESSURE warning message
and low tire pressure light (telltale) will come
on each time the vehicle is started until the tires
are inated to the correct ination pressure.
The Tire and Loading Information label (tire
information placard) shows the size of your
vehicle’s original tires and the correct ination
pressure for your vehicle’s tires when they
are cold. SeeInation - Tire Pressure on
page 500. For the location of the tire and loading
information label, seeLoading Your Vehicle
on page 402.
503

Your vehicle’s TPMS can alert you about a low
tire pressure condition but it does not replace
normal tire maintenance. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 506andTires on page 492.
Notice:Do not use a tire sealant if your
vehicle has Tire Pressure Monitors. The liquid
sealant can damage the tire pressure monitor
sensors.
Resetting the TPMS Identication Codes
Each TPMS sensor has a unique identication
code. Any time you rotate your vehicle’s tires
or replace one or more of the TPMS sensors,
the identication codes will need to be matched
to the new tire/wheel position. The sensors
are matched to the tire/wheel positions in the
following order: driver’s side front tire, passengers
side front tire, passengers side rear tire, and
driver’s side rear tire using a TPMS diagnostic tool.
See your GM dealer for service.The TPMS sensors may also be matched to each
tire/wheel position by increasing or decreasing
the tire’s air pressure. If increasing the tire’s
air pressure, do not exceed the maximum ination
pressure indicated on the tire’s sidewall.
You will have two minutes to match the rst
tire/wheel position, and ve minutes overall to
match all four tire/wheel positions. If it takes longer
than two minutes, to match the rst tire and
wheel, or more than ve minutes to match all
four tire and wheel positions the matching process
stops and you will need to start over.
The TPMS sensor matching process is outlined
below:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition switch to RUN with the
engine off.
3. Using the DIC, press the vehicle information
button until the RELEARN TIRE POSITIONS
message displays. If your vehicle does not
have the DIC buttons, press the trip odometer
reset stem located on the instrument panel
cluster until the RELEARN TIRE POSITIONS
message displays.
504

Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) and Industry
and Science Canada
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
operates on a radio frequency and complies with
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful
interference.
2. This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
operates on a radio frequency and complies with
RSS-210 of Industry and Science Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other
than an authorized service facility could void
authorization to use this equipment.
Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles
(8 000 to 13 000 km).
Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your
tires as soon as possible and check wheel
alignment. Also check for damaged tires or wheels.
SeeWhen It Is Time for New Tires on page 508
andWheel Replacement on page 512for
more information.
Make sure the spare tire is stored securely. Push,
pull, and then try to rotate or turn the tire. If it
moves, use the ratchet/wheel wrench to tighten the
cable. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 516.
The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve
more uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle.
The rst rotation is the most important. See
Scheduled Maintenance on page 563.
506

If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout while you are
driving, especially if you maintain your vehicle’s
tires properly. If air goes out of a tire, it is
much more likely to leak out slowly. But if you
should ever have a blowout, here are a few tips
about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the at tire will create a drag
that pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take
your foot off the accelerator pedal and grip the
steering wheel rmly. Steer to maintain lane
position, and then gently brake to a stop well
out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much
like a skid and may require the same correction
you would use in a skid. In any rear blowout
remove your foot from the accelerator pedal.
Get the vehicle under control by steering the
way you want the vehicle to go. It may be very
bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop, well off the road if possible.{CAUTION:
Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to
do maintenance or repairs is dangerous
without the appropriate safety equipment
and training. The jack provided with your
vehicle is designed only for changing a
at tire. If it is used for anything else, you
or others could be badly injured or killed
if the vehicle slips off the jack. Use the
jack provided with your vehicle only for
changing a at tire.
If a tire goes at, the next part shows how to use
the jacking equipment to change a at tire safely.
515