service CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 2009 2.G Owners Manual

Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle
has a safety defect, notify Transport Canada
immediately, in addition to notifying General Motors of
Canada Limited. Call them at 1-800-333-0510 or write to:
Transport Canada
Road Safety Branch
2780 Sheffield Road
Ottawa, Ontario K1B 3V9
Reporting Safety Defects to General
Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in a
situation like this, please notify General Motors.
Call 1-800-222-1020, or write:
Chevrolet Motor Division
Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33170
Detroit, MI 48232-5170
In Canada, call 1-800-263-3777 (English) or
1-800-263-7854 (French), or write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, CA1-163-005
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.
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give additional technical service
information needed to knowledgeably service General
Motors cars and trucks. Each bulletin contains
instructions to assist in the diagnosis and service of
your vehicle.
Owner Information
Owner publications are written specically for owners
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The owner manual includes the
Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner Manual, and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00 (U.S.) plus processing fee
Without Portfolio: Owner Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00 (U.S.) plus processing fee
7-15

Current and Past Model Order Forms
Technical Service Bulletins and Manuals are available
for current and past model GM vehicles. To request
an order form, specify year and model name of
the vehicle.
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. on the
World Wide Web at: helminc.com
Or you can write to:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change without notice and without
incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.
Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are
quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make
checks payable in U.S. funds.
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy
Your GM vehicle has a number of sophisticated
computers that record information about the vehicle’s
performance and how it is driven. For example,
your vehicle uses computer modules to monitor and
control engine and transmission performance, to monitor
the conditions for airbag deployment and deploy
airbags in a crash and, if so equipped, to provide
antilock braking to help the driver control the vehicle.
These modules may store data to help your
dealer/retailer technician service your vehicle. Some
modules may also store data about how you operate the
vehicle, such as rate of fuel consumption or average
speed. These modules may also retain the owner’s
personal preferences, such as radio pre-sets, seat
positions, and temperature settings.
7-16

OnStar®
If your vehicle has OnStar and you subscribe to the
OnStar services, please refer to the OnStar Terms and
Conditions for information on data collection and
use. See alsoOnStar
®System on page 2-66in this
manual for more information.
Navigation System
If your vehicle has a navigation system, use of the
system may result in the storage of destinations,
addresses, telephone numbers, and other trip
information. Refer to the navigation system operating
manual for information on stored data and for deletion
instructions.
Radio Frequency
Identication (RFID)
RFID technology is used in some vehicles for functions
such as tire pressure monitoring and ignition system
security, as well as in connection with conveniences
such as key fobs for remote door locking/unlocking and
starting, and in-vehicle transmitters for garage door
openers. RFID technology in GM vehicles does not use
or record personal information or link with any other
GM system containing personal information.
7-18

A
Accessories and Modications............................ 5-3
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-19
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-77
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-7
Add-On Electrical Equipment...........................5-107
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal..................2-35
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-19
Air Conditioning......................................3-20, 3-23
Airbag
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-33
Readiness Light..........................................3-32
Airbag System................................................1-62
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-77
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-68
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-70
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-76
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-68
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?....1-69
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-67
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-65
Antenna, Fixed Mast......................................3-132
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System . . . 3-132
Antilock Brake System (ABS)............................. 4-5
Antilock Brake, System Warning Light................3-37Appearance Care
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels.............5-105
Care of Safety Belts...................................5-102
Chemical Paint Spotting..............................5-106
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses..................5-103
Fabric/Carpet............................................5-101
Finish Care...............................................5-104
Finish Damage..........................................5-106
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces...............................................5-102
Interior Cleaning........................................5-100
Leather....................................................5-102
Sheet Metal Damage..................................5-106
Tires........................................................5-105
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-106
Washing Your Vehicle.................................5-103
Weatherstrips............................................5-103
Windshield and Wiper Blades......................5-104
Appointments, Scheduling Service.....................7-10
Ashtray.........................................................3-20
Audio System.................................................3-76
Audio Steering Wheel Controls....................3-130
Fixed Mast Antenna...................................3-132
Navigation/Radio System, see Navigation
Manual.................................................3-108
Radio Reception........................................3-131
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)...............................3-128
1

Customer Assistance Information (cont.)
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government............................................7-15
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government.........................7-14
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-7
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-15
D
Daytime Running Lamp...................................3-15
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Delayed Locking.............................................2-11
DIC Compass.................................................3-55
Disc, MP3............................................3-96, 3-101
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Dome Lamp Override......................................3-18
Dome Lamps .................................................3-17
Door
Delayed Locking..........................................2-11
Locks........................................................2-10
Power Door Locks.......................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-12
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-46
DIC Operation and Displays..................3-46, 3-52
DIC Vehicle Customization............................3-67
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-58Driving
At Night.....................................................4-26
Before a Long Trip......................................4-28
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-3
Highway Hypnosis.......................................4-28
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-28
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-27
Off-Road ....................................................4-12
Recovery Hooks..........................................4-33
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-32
Winter........................................................4-29
Driving for Better Fuel Economy......................... 4-2
Dual Automatic Climate Control System.............3-23
DVD
Rear Seat Entertainment System..................3-119
E
EDR .............................................................7-16
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment.....................................5-107
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block.............5-111
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-108
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-109
Power Windows and Other Power Options....5-108
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-112
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-108
4

Electronic Immobilizer
PASS-Key®III+...........................................2-30
Electronic Immobilizer Operation
PASS-Key
®III+...........................................2-30
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-19
Check and Service Engine Soon Lamp...........3-39
Coolant......................................................5-25
Coolant Heater............................................2-36
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-38
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-16
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-14
Exhaust.....................................................2-53
Fan Noise..................................................5-33
Oil .............................................................5-15
Oil Life System...........................................5-18
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-33
Overheating................................................5-30
Starting......................................................2-34
Entry/Exit Lighting...........................................3-18
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-17
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-37
Exterior Cargo Lamps......................................3-17
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-14
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-19
Finish Damage.............................................5-106
Fixed Mast Antenna.......................................3-132
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-6
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................5-79
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-80
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-95
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-21
Power Steering...........................................5-34
Windshield Washer......................................5-35
Fog Lamp
Fog ...........................................................3-16
Fog Lamp Light..............................................3-43
Four-Wheel Drive....................................2-43, 5-46
Front Armrest Storage Area..............................2-76
Front Axle......................................................5-47
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-7
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
Driving for Better Economy............................. 4-2
5

Light (cont.)
Safety Belt Reminders..................................3-31
Security.....................................................3-43
StabiliTrak
®Indicator....................................3-37
Tire Pressure..............................................3-38
Tow/Haul Mode ...........................................3-44
Lighting
Entry/Exit...................................................3-18
Lights
Exterior Lamps............................................3-14
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
On Reminder..............................................3-15
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-34
Locking Rear Axle............................................ 4-9
Lockout Protection..........................................2-13
Locks
Delayed Locking..........................................2-11
Door ..........................................................2-10
Lockout Protection.......................................2-13
Power Door ................................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-12
Loss of Control...............................................4-11
Low Fuel Warning Light...................................3-45Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children.............1-49
Luggage Carrier..............................................2-77
Lumbar
Manual Controls............................................ 1-5
Power Controls............................................. 1-6
M
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-6
At Each Fuel Fill.........................................6-10
At Least Once a Month................................6-10
At Least Once a Year..................................6-11
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Footnotes.................................. 6-8
Maintenance Record....................................6-17
Maintenance Replacement Parts....................6-15
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Owner Checks and Services.........................6-10
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-13
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using.......................................................... 6-3
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Malfunction Indicator Lamp...............................3-39
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-5
8

Manual Seats................................................... 1-3
Memory Seat, Mirrors, and Pedals...................... 1-8
Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-58
Midgate
®.......................................................2-13
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview........................2-55
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-55
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-57
Outside Heated Mirrors................................2-58
Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors....................2-56
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-56
Park Tilt .....................................................2-57
MP3 ....................................................3-96, 3-101
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-5
N
Navigation System, Privacy..............................7-18
Navigation/Radio System, see Navigation
Manual.....................................................3-108
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-32
O
Odometer......................................................3-31
Odometer, Trip...............................................3-31
Off-Road Driving.............................................4-12
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-11Oil
Engine.......................................................5-15
Pressure Gage............................................3-41
Pressure Light.............................................3-42
Oil, Engine Oil Life System..............................5-18
Older Children, Restraints................................1-37
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-5
OnStar, Privacy..............................................7-18
OnStar
®System, see OnStar®Manual...............2-66
Operation, Universal Home Remote System........2-70
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-29
Outlets
Accessory Power.........................................3-19
Outside
Convex Mirror.............................................2-57
Heated Mirrors............................................2-58
Power Foldaway Mirrors...............................2-56
Power Mirrors.............................................2-56
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . 5-33
Owner Checks and Services.............................6-10
Owners, Canadian.............................................. iii
P
Paint, Damage..............................................5-106
Park
Shifting Into................................................2-50
Shifting Out of............................................2-52
Park Aid................................................2-58, 2-61
9

Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-86
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-81
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-53
Replacement Parts, Maintenance......................6-15
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-15
General Motors...........................................7-15
United States Government............................7-14
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems....................1-78
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a
Crash.....................................................1-79
Retained Accessory Power...............................2-34
Roadside
Assistance Program....................................... 7-7
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out....................4-32
Routing, Engine Drive Belt...............................6-16
Running the Vehicle While Parked.....................2-54
S
Safety Belt Reminders.....................................3-31
Safety Belts
Care of ....................................................5-102
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................1-20
Lap Belt.....................................................1-35
Lap-Shoulder Belt........................................1-29Safety Belts (cont.)
Safety Belt Extender....................................1-37
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy.................1-35
Safety Belts Are for Everyone.......................1-15
Safety Warnings and Symbols.............................. iv
Scheduled Maintenance..................................... 6-4
Seats
Center Seat................................................1-13
Heated and Cooled Seats.............................. 1-7
Heated Seats............................................... 1-7
Manual Lumbar............................................. 1-5
Memory, Mirrors and Pedals........................... 1-8
Power Lumbar .............................................. 1-6
Power Seats................................................. 1-4
Rear Seat Operation....................................1-13
Reclining Seatbacks.....................................1-10
Secondary Latch System.................................5-92
Securing a Child Restraint
Center Front Seat Position............................1-58
Rear Seat Position......................................1-56
Right Front Seat Position..............................1-59
Security Light.................................................3-43
Service........................................................... 5-3
Accessories and Modications......................... 5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the
Vehicle..................................................... 5-5
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . 5-4
California Proposition 65 Warning.................... 5-4
11

Service (cont.)
Doing Your Own Work................................... 5-4
Engine Soon Lamp......................................3-39
Publications Ordering Information...................7-15
Service, Scheduling Appointments.....................7-10
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..............1-76
Setting the Clock............................................3-77
Sheet Metal Damage.....................................5-106
Shifting Into Park............................................2-50
Shifting Out of Park........................................2-52
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change.......................... 3-7
Spare Tire.....................................................5-99
Installing....................................................5-86
Removing...................................................5-81
Storing.......................................................5-95
Specications, Capacities...............................5-116
Speedometer..................................................3-31
StabiliTrak
®Indicator Light...............................3-37
StabiliTrak®System.......................................... 4-6
Start Vehicle, Remote....................................... 2-7
Starting the Engine.........................................2-34
Steering.......................................................... 4-9
Steering Wheel Controls, Audio.......................3-130
Steering Wheel, Tilt Wheel................................. 3-6
Steps
Power Assist...............................................2-24
Storage Areas
All-Weather Cargo Area................................2-87
Center Console Storage Area........................2-76
Center Overhead Console.............................2-76Storage Areas (cont.)
Cupholders.................................................2-76
Front Armrest Storage Area...........................2-76
Glove Box..................................................2-76
Luggage Carrier..........................................2-77
Top-Box Storage..........................................2-92
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow.....................4-32
Sun Visors.....................................................2-27
Sunroof.........................................................2-93
T
Tachometer....................................................3-31
Tailgate.........................................................2-23
Taillamps
Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps, and
Back-Up Lamps.......................................5-51
Theft-Deterrent, Radio....................................3-130
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-28
Content Theft-Deterrent................................2-28
PASS-Key
®III+ Electronic Immobilizer............2-30
PASS-Key®III+ Electronic Immobilizer
Operation................................................2-30
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-6
Time, Setting..................................................3-77
Tire
Pressure Light.............................................3-38
Tires.............................................................5-55
12