check engine CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 2009 2.G Workshop Manual

Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15. Reset oil life
system. SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 5-18.An Emission Control
Service.••
Lubricate chassis components.See footnote #.••
Visually check for any leaks or damage.See footnote (j).••
Inspect engine air cleaner lter or change indicator (if equipped). If necessary,
replace lter. SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-19.See footnote (l).•
Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 5-69and “Tire Wear Inspection” inAt Least Once a Month on
page 6-10.••
Inspect brake system.See footnote (a).••
Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid levels and add uid as
needed.••
Perform any needed additional services. See “Additional Required Services” in
this section.••
Inspect suspension and steering components.See footnote (b).•
Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (c).•
Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (d).•
Inspect restraint system components.See footnote (e).•
Lubricate body components.See footnote (f).•
Check transmission uid level and add uid as needed.•
6-5

(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood latch assembly,
secondary latch, pivots, spring anchor, release pawl,
midgate hinges, side storage box door hinges, tailgate
hinges, tailgate linkage, outer tailgate handle pivot
points, latch bolt, fuel door hinge, locks, and folding seat
hardware. More frequent lubrication may be required
when exposed to a corrosive environment. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips with a clean cloth will
make them last longer, seal better, and not stick or
squeak.
(g)Check vent hose at transfer case for kinks and
proper installation. Check to be sure vent hose
is unobstructed, clear, and free of debris. During any
maintenance, if a power washer is used to clean
mud and dirt from the underbody, care should be taken
to not directly spray the transfer case output seals.
High pressure water can overcome the seals and
contaminate the transfer case uid. Contaminated uid
will decrease the life of the transfer case and should
be replaced.
(h)Change automatic transmission uid and lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.
(i)Drain, ush, and rell cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-25
for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator,
condenser, pressure cap, and ller neck. Pressure test
the cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the uid level checked. Add uid if needed.
(k)Inspect system. Check all fuel and vapor lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, routing, and condition. Check
that the purge valve works properly, if equipped.
Replace as needed.
(l)If driving regularly under dusty conditions, inspect the
lter at each engine oil change.
(m)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.
(n)Severe Service: Change transfer case uid if the
vehicle is mainly used for trailer towing or driven in city
traffic, wet environment, or high ambient temperatures.
6-9

Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be
performed at the intervals specied to help ensure
vehicle safety, dependability, and emission control
performance. Your dealer/retailer can assist with these
checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to the
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel ll.
Engine Oil Level Check
Notice:It is important to check the engine oil
regularly and keep it at the proper level. Failure to
keep the engine oil at the proper level can cause
damage to the engine not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-25.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in the windshield
washer uid reservoir and add the proper uid if
necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Inspect the vehicle’s tires and make sure they are
inated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to check
the spare tire. SeeInation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-63. Check to make sure the spare tire is stored
securely. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-80.
Tire Wear Inspection
Tire rotation may be required for high mileage highway
drivers prior to the Engine Oil Life System service
notication. Check the tires for wear and, if necessary,
rotate the tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-69.
6-10

At Least Once a Year
Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the vehicle
could move suddenly. If the vehicle moves, you or
others could be injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough
room around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-48.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to
turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The vehicle
should start only in P (Park) or N (Neutral). If the
vehicle starts in any other position, contact
your dealer/retailer for service.
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control System Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the vehicle
could move suddenly. If the vehicle moves, you or
others could be injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough
room around the vehicle. It should be parked on a
level surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake. SeeParking Brake
on page 2-48.
Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the ignition to ON/RUN,
but do not start the engine. Without applying the
regular brake, try to move the shift lever out
of P (Park) with normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of P (Park), contact your dealer/retailer
for service.
6-11

Ignition Transmission Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition to LOCK/OFF in each shift lever position.
The ignition should turn to LOCK/OFF only
when the shift lever is in P (Park).
The ignition key should come out only in
LOCK/OFF.
Contact your dealer/retailer if service is required.
Parking Brake and Automatic
Transmission P (Park) Mechanism
Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
begin to move. You or others could be injured and
property could be damaged. Make sure there is
room in front of the vehicle in case it begins to roll.
Be ready to apply the regular brake at once should
the vehicle begin to move.Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.
To check the parking brake’s holding ability: With
the engine running and transmission in N (Neutral),
slowly remove foot pressure from the regular
brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the
parking brake only.
To check the P (Park) mechanism’s holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to P (Park). Then
release the parking brake followed by the regular
brake.
Contact your dealer/retailer if service is required.
6-12

Hood Support Gas Strut Service
Visually inspect gas strut for signs of wear, corrosion,
cracks, loss of lubricant, or other damage. Check
the hold open ability of gas strut. If necessary, replace
with genuine parts from your dealer/retailer.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to ush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name, part
number, or specication can be obtained from your
dealer/retailer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil which meets GM
Standard GM6094M and displays
the American Petroleum Institute
Certied for Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. To determine the
proper viscosity for your vehicle’s
engine, seeEngine Oil on
page 5-15.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
®
Coolant. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-25.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco
®Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake uid.
Windshield
WasherOptikleen
®Washer Solvent.
6-13

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

Center Seat...................................................1-13
Chains, Tire...................................................5-78
Charging System Light....................................3-34
Check
Engine Lamp..............................................3-39
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-12
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-106
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-45
Infants and Young Children...........................1-41
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-49
Older Children.............................................1-37
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat
Position..................................................1-56
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Center Front Seat Position........................1-58
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position..........................1-59
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-48
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-20
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels.............5-105
Exterior Lamps/Lenses................................5-103
Fabric/Carpet............................................5-101
Finish Care...............................................5-104
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces...............................................5-102
Interior.....................................................5-100
Leather....................................................5-102
Tires........................................................5-105Cleaning (cont.)
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-106
Washing Your Vehicle.................................5-103
Weatherstrips............................................5-103
Windshield and Wiper Blades......................5-104
Climate Control System...................................3-20
Dual Automatic............................................3-23
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-29
Clock, Setting.................................................3-77
Collision Damage Repair..................................7-11
Compass.......................................................3-55
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-28
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-3
Coolant
Engine.......................................................5-25
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-38
Cooled Seats................................................... 1-7
Cooling System..............................................5-24
Cruise Control................................................3-11
Cruise Control Light........................................3-43
Cupholders....................................................2-76
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation................................7-10
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY)
Users....................................................... 7-6
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-6
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program............... 7-7
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors....7-15
3

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

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