four wheel drive CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 2008 2.G Owners Manual

Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Rear Seats
..............................................1-12
Safety Belts
.............................................1-14
Child Restraints
.......................................1-35
Airbag System
.........................................1-60
Restraint System Check
............................1-76
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-3
Doors and Locks
......................................2-10
Windows
.................................................2-23
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-26
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-30
Mirrors
....................................................2-49
Object Detection Systems
..........................2-58
OnStar
®System
......................................2-61
Universal Home Remote System
................2-64
Storage Areas
.........................................2-71
Sunroof
..................................................2-96
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-21
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-32
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-50
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-75Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
..... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-42
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-12
Rear Axle
...............................................5-47
Four-Wheel Drive
.....................................5-48
Front Axle
...............................................5-49
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-50
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-53
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-55
Tires
......................................................5-56
Appearance Care
.....................................5-99
Vehicle Identication
...............................5-107
Electrical System
....................................5-108
Capacities and Specications
...................5-115
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance Information.................... 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-14
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
...........7-16
Index................................................................ 1
2008 Chevrolet Avalanche Owner ManualM

Keys...............................................................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System................2-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation...................................................2-5
Remote Vehicle Start......................................2-7
Doors and Locks............................................2-10
Door Locks..................................................2-10
Power Door Locks........................................2-10
Delayed Locking...........................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks..............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks..............................2-11
Lockout Protection........................................2-12
Midgate
®.....................................................2-12
Tailgate.......................................................2-22
Power Running Boards..................................2-22
Windows........................................................2-23
Power Windows............................................2-24
Sun Visors...................................................2-25
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-26
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-26
PASS-Key
®III+ Electronic Immobilizer.............2-28
PASS-Key®III+ Electronic Immobilizer
Operation.................................................2-28Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-30
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-30
Ignition Positions..........................................2-30
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-32
Starting the Engine.......................................2-32
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal................2-33
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-34
Active Fuel Management™.............................2-35
Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-35
Tow/Haul Mode............................................2-38
Four-Wheel Drive..........................................2-39
Parking Brake..............................................2-44
Shifting Into Park..........................................2-45
Shifting Out of Park......................................2-47
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-47
Engine Exhaust............................................2-48
Running the Vehicle While Parked..................2-48
Mirrors...........................................................2-49
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
OnStar
®, Compass and Temperature
Display....................................................2-49
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
Compass and Temperature Display..............2-52
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-54
Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors.....................2-56
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:
Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or less for
the rst 500 miles (805 km).
Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or
slow, for the rst 500 miles (805 km). Do not
make full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake or slow the vehicle.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst 200 miles
(322 km) or so. During this time the new brake
linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops with
new linings can mean premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this breaking-in guideline
every time you get new brake linings.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeTowing
a Trailer on page 4-47for the trailer towing
capabilities of your vehicle and more
information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can be
gradually increased.
Ignition Positions
Use the key to turn the
ignition switch to four
different positions.
In order to shift out of PARK (P), ignition must be in the
ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY and the regular brake
pedal must be applied.
A (LOCK/OFF):This position locks the ignition and
transmission. It is a theft-deterrent feature. The key
can only be removed when the ignition is turned to
LOCK/OFF.
Notice:Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break the key.
Use the correct key and turn the key only with your
hand. Make sure the key is all the way in. If it is, turn
the steering wheel left and right while you turn the
key hard. If none of this works, then your vehicle
needs service.
2-30

PARK (P):This position locks your rear wheels. It is
the best position to use when you start your engine
because your vehicle cannot move easily.
{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure your
vehicle will not move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, always set your parking
brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P).
SeeShifting Into Park on page 2-45. If you are
pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-47.
{CAUTION:
If you have four-wheel drive, your vehicle
will be free to roll — even if your shift lever
is in PARK (P) — if your transfer case is in
NEUTRAL. So, be sure the transfer case is
in a drive gear, two-wheel high, four-wheel
high or four-wheel low — not in NEUTRAL.
SeeShifting Into Park on page 2-45.
REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice, or sand without damaging your transmission, seeIf
Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on
page 4-34.
NEUTRAL (N):In this position, your engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart when you are
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL (N) when your two-wheel drive vehicle
is being towed.
2-36

Four-Wheel Drive
If your vehicle has four-wheel drive, you can send
your engine’s driving power to all four wheels for
extra traction. Read the part that follows before
using four-wheel drive.
Notice:Driving on clean, dry pavement in
Four-Wheel-Drive High or Four-Wheel-Drive Low for
an extended period of time may cause premature
wear on your vehicle’s powertrain. Do not drive on
clean, dry pavement in Four-Wheel-Drive High or
Four-Wheel-Drive Low for extended periods of time.
While driving on clean dry pavement and during tight
turns, you may experience a vibration in the steering
system.
Front Axle
The front axle engages and disengages automatically
when you shift the transfer case. Some delay for
the axle to engage or disengage is normal.
Automatic Transfer Case
The transfer case knob is
located to the left of the
instrument panel cluster.
Your vehicle has Four Wheel Drive with StabiliTrak
®.
For information on StabiliTrak®, seeStabiliTrak®System
on page 4-6.
Use this dial to shift into and out of four-wheel drive.
2-39

You can choose among ve driving settings:
Indicator lights in the switches show you which setting
you are in. The indicator lights will come on briey when
you turn on the ignition and the last chosen setting will
stay on. If the lights do not come on, you should take your
vehicle in for service. An indicator light will ash while
shifting. Fast ashing means the conditions were not met
to make the desired shift, typically the vehicle was going
too fast, the automatic transmission was not in neutral.
Slow ashing means the shift is in progress. It will stay
on when the shift is completed. If for some reason the
transfer case cannot make a requested shift, it will return
to the last chosen setting.
2
m(Two-Wheel Drive High):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 (Automatic Four-Wheel Drive):This setting is
ideal for use when road surface traction conditions are
variable. When driving your vehicle in AUTO, the front
axle is engaged, but the vehicle’s power is primarily
sent to the rear wheels. When the vehicle’s software
determines a need for more traction, the system will
transfer more power to the front wheels. Driving in
this mode results in slightly lower fuel economy than
Two-Wheel Drive High.4
m(Four-Wheel Drive High):Use the four-wheel
high 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.
4
n(Four-Wheel Drive Low):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 Four-Wheel
Drive Low if you are driving off-road in deep sand,
deep mud, deep snow, and while climbing or descending
steep hills. StabiliTrak
®will not engage in this mode.
SeeStabiliTrak®System on page 4-6for more
information.
{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. SeeParking Brake on
page 2-44.
2-40

NEUTRAL (N):Shift the vehicle’s transfer case to
NEUTRAL only when towing your vehicle. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-42orTowing
Your Vehicle on page 4-42for more information.
If the SERVICE 4 WHEEL DRIVE message stays on,
you should take your vehicle to your dealer for service.
See “SERVICE 4 WHEEL DRIVE message” under
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-59.
Shifting Into Four-Wheel Drive High or
AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel Drive)
Turn the knob to the Four-Wheel High or AUTO position.
This can be done at any speed, except when shifting
from Four-Wheel Drive Low. The indicator light will
ash while shifting. It will remain on when the shift is
completed.
Shifting Into Two-Wheel Drive High
Turn the knob to the Two-Wheel High position. This can
be done at any speed, except when shifting from
Four-Wheel Drive Low.
See shifting out of Four-Wheel Drive Low later in this
section for more information.
Shifting Into Four-Wheel Drive Low
When Four-Wheel Low is engaged, vehicle speed
should be kept below 45 mph. Extended high-speed
operation in 4L may damage or shorten the life of
the drivetrain.
To shift to the Four-Wheel Drive Low position, the
ignition must be in ON/RUN and the vehicle must be
stopped or moving less than 3 mph (5 km/h) with the
transmission in NEUTRAL (N). The preferred method for
shifting into Four-Wheel Drive Low is to have your vehicle
moving 1 to 2 mph (1.6 to 3.2 km/h). Turn the knob to the
Four-Wheel Drive Low position. You must wait for the
Four-Wheel Drive Low indicator light to stop ashing and
remain on before shifting your transmission in gear.
Notice:Shifting the transmission into gear before
the Four-Wheel Drive Low indicator light has stopped
ashing could damage the transfer case. To help
avoid damaging your vehicle, always wait for the
Four-Wheel Drive Low indicator light to stop ashing
before shifting the transmission into gear.
The vehicle may have signicant engagement noise and
bump when shifting between Four-Wheel Drive Low
and Four-Wheel Drive High ranges or from NEUTRAL
while the engine is running.
2-41

If the knob is turned to the Four-Wheel Drive Low
position when your vehicle is in gear and/or moving,
the Four-Wheel Drive Low indicator light will ash
for 30 seconds and not complete the shift unless your
vehicle is moving less than 3 mph (5 km/h) and the
transmission is in NEUTRAL (N). After 30 seconds the
transfer case will shift to Four-Wheel Drive High mode.
Shifting Out of Four-Wheel Drive Low
To shift from Four-Wheel Drive Low to Four-Wheel
Drive High, AUTO, or Two-Wheel Drive High, your
vehicle must be stopped or moving less than 3 mph
(5 km/h) with the transmission in NEUTRAL (N) and the
ignition in ON/RUN. The preferred method for shifting out
of Four-Wheel Drive Low is to have your vehicle moving
1 to 2 mph (1.6 to 3.2 km/h). Turn the knob to the
Four-Wheel Drive High, AUTO, or Two-Wheel Drive High
position. You must wait for the Four-Wheel Drive High,
AUTO, or Two-Wheel Drive High indicator light to stop
ashing and remain on before shifting your transmission
into gear.Notice:Shifting the transmission into gear before
the Four-Wheel Drive Low indicator light has stopped
ashing could damage the transfer case. To help
avoid damaging your vehicle, always wait for the
Four-Wheel Drive Low indicator light to stop ashing
before shifting the transmission into gear.
The vehicle may have signicant engagement noise and
bump when shifting between Four-Wheel Drive Low
and Four-Wheel Drive High ranges or from NEUTRAL
while the engine is running.
If the knob is turned to the Four-Wheel Drive High,
AUTO, or Two-Wheel Drive High switch position when
your vehicle is in gear and/or moving, the Four-Wheel
Drive High, AUTO or Two-Wheel Drive High indicator
light will ash for 30 seconds but will not complete
the shift unless your vehicle is moving less than 3 mph
(5 km/h) and the transmission is in NEUTRAL (N).
2-42

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 and apply the regular brake
pedal. SeeParking Brake on page 2-44for more
information.
3. Start the vehicle or turn the ignition to ON/RUN.
4. Put the transmission in NEUTRAL (N).
5. Shift the transfer case to Two-Wheel Drive High.
6. Turn the transfer case dial clockwise to NEUTRAL
till it stops and hold it for 10 seconds. Then slowly
release the dial to the four low position. The
NEUTRAL light will come on when the transfer
case shift to NEUTRAL is complete.
7. If the engine is running, verify that the transfer case
is in NEUTRAL (N) by shifting the transmission to
REVERSE (R) for one second, then shift the
transmission to DRIVE (D) for one second.
8. Turn the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY, which will
turn the engine off.
9. Place the transmission shift lever in PARK (P).
10. Release the parking brake prior to moving
the vehicle.
11. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
Shifting Out of NEUTRAL
To shift out of NEUTRAL do the following:
1. Set the parking brake and apply the regular brake
pedal.
2. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL (N) and turn the
ignition to ON/RUN with the engine off.
3. Turn the transfer case dial to the desired transfer
case shift position (Two-Wheel Drive High,
Four-Wheel Drive High, AUTO).
After the transfer case has shifted out of NEUTRAL
the NEUTRAL light will go out.
4. Release the parking brake prior to moving the
vehicle.
Notice:Shifting the transmission into gear before
the Four-Wheel Drive Low indicator light has stopped
ashing could damage the transfer case. To help
avoid damaging your vehicle, always wait for the
Four-Wheel Drive Low indicator light to stop ashing
before shifting the transmission into gear.
5. Start the engine and shift the transmission to the
desired position.
Excessively shifting the transfer case into or out of the
different modes may cause the transfer case to enter the
shift protection mode. This will protect the transfer case
from possible damage and will only allow the transfer
case to respond to one shift per 10 seconds. The transfer
case may stay in this mode for up to three minutes.
2-43

Shifting Into Park
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. If you have left the engine running, the
vehicle can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will
not move, even when you are on fairly level
ground, use the steps that follow. With
four-wheel drive, if your transfer case is in
NEUTRAL, your vehicle will be free to roll,
even if your shift lever is in PARK (P).
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
So, be sure the transfer case is in a drive
gear — not in NEUTRAL. If you are pulling a
trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-47.
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and
set the parking brake.
SeeParking Brake on page 2-44for more
information.
2. Move the shift lever into the PARK (P) position by
pulling the shift lever toward you and moving it up
as far as it will go.
3. Be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear — not
in NEUTRAL (N).
4. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
2-45