2002 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE fuel type

4-46
Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little faster
than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly. This
uses less fuel for the heat that you get and it keeps the
battery charged. You will need a well
-charged battery to
restart the vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on
with your headlamps. Let the heater run for a while.
Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost
all the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine again
and repeat this only when you feel really uncomfortable
from the cold. But do it as little as possible. Preserve the
fuel as long as you can. To help keep warm, you can get
out of the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises
every half hour or so until help comes.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing your vehicle
behind another vehicle
-- such as behind a motorhome.
The two most common types of recreational vehicle towing
are known as ªdinghy towingº (towing your vehicle with
all four wheels on the ground) and ªdolly towingº
(towing your vehicle with two wheels on the ground and
two wheels up on a device known as a ªdollyº).
With the proper preparation and equipment, many
vehicles can be towed in these ways. See ªDinghy
Towingº and ªDolly Towing,º following.
Here are some important things to consider before you
do recreational vehicle towing:

What's the towing capacity of the towing
vehicle? Be sure you read the tow vehicle
manufacturer's recommendations.

How far will you tow? Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how long they can tow.

Do you have the proper towing equipment? See your
dealer or trailering professional for additional advice
and equipment recommendations.

Is your vehicle ready to be towed? Just as you would
prepare your vehicle for a long trip, you'll want to
make sure your vehicle is prepared to be towed.
See ªBefore Leaving on a Long Tripº in the Index.

4-57
Q:What is total vehicle reserve capacity?
A:This is the difference between your GVWR and the
weight of your truck with full fuel and passengers.
It's the amount of weight you can add to your
vehicle before reaching your GVWR.
Keep in mind that reserve capacity numbers are
intended as a guide when selecting the amount of
equipment or cargo your truck can carry. If you
are unsure of your truck's front, rear or total
weight, go to a weigh station and weigh your
vehicle. Your dealer can also help you with this.
See your dealer for additional advice and
information about using a snow plow on your
vehicle. Also, see ªLoading Your Vehicleº earlier
in this section.
Truck Camper Loading Information
Your vehicle was neither designed nor intended to carry
a slide
-in type camper.
NOTICE:
Adding a slide-in camper or similar equipment to
your vehicle can damage it, and the repairs wouldn't
be covered by warranty. Don't install a slide
-in
camper or similar equipment on your vehicle.

6-4 Gasoline Specifications
It is recommended that gasoline meet specifications
which were developed by the American Automobile
Manufacturers Association and endorsed by the
Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association for better
vehicle performance and engine protection. Gasolines
meeting these specifications could provide improved
driveability and emission control system performance
compared to other gasolines.
In Canada, look for the
ªAuto Makers' Choiceº
label on the fuel pump.
Canada Only
California Fuel
If your vehicle is certified to meet California Emission
Standards (see the underhood emission control label),
it is designed to operate on fuels that meet California
specifications. If this fuel is not available in states
adopting California emissions standards, your vehicle
will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal
specifications, but emission control system performance
may be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp may
turn on (see ªMalfunction Indicator Lampº in the
Index) and your vehicle may fail a smog
-check test.
If this occurs, return to your authorized GM dealer for
diagnosis. If it is determined that the condition is caused
by the type of fuel used, repairs may not be covered by
your warranty.
Additives
Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions may contain an octane
-enhancing additive
called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT); ask the attendant where you buy gasoline
whether the fuel contains MMT. General Motors
does not recommend the use of such gasolines.

6-7
CAUTION:
If you get gasoline on yourself and then
something ignites it, you could be badly burned.
Gasoline can spray out on you if you open the
fuel cap too quickly. This spray can happen if
your tank is nearly full, and is more likely in hot
weather. Open the fuel cap slowly and wait for
any ªhissº noise to stop. Then unscrew the cap
all the way.
Be careful not to spill gasoline. Clean gasoline from
painted surfaces as soon as possible. See ªCleaning the
Outside of Your Vehicleº in the Index.When you put the fuel cap back on, turn it to the right
(clockwise) until you hear a clicking sound. Make sure
you fully install the cap. The diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly
installed. This would allow fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. See ªMalfunction Indicator Lampº in
the Index.
NOTICE:
If you need a new fuel cap, be sure to get the
right type. Your dealer can get one for you.
If you get the wrong type, it may not fit properly.
This may cause your malfunction indicator lamp
to light and may damage your fuel tank and
emissions system. See ªMalfunction Indicator
Lampº in the Index.

6-45 Inflation -- Tire Pressure
The Certification/Tire label, which is on the rear edge of
the driver's door, shows the correct inflation pressures
for your tires when they're cold. ªColdº means your
vehicle has been sitting for at least three hours or driven
no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
NOTICE:
Don't let anyone tell you that underinflation or
overinflation is all right. It's not. If your tires
don't have enough air (underinflation), you can
get the following:

Too much flexing

Too much heat

Tire overloading

Bad wear

Bad handling

Bad fuel economy
NOTICE: (Continued)
NOTICE: (Continued)
If your tires have too much air (overinflation),
you can get the following:

Unusual wear

Bad handling

Rough ride

Needless damage from road hazards
When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more.
Also, check the tire pressure of the spare tire.
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket
-type gage to check tire
pressure. You can't tell if your tires are properly inflated
simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they're underinflated.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve
stems. They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt
and moisture.

6-72
Capacities and Specifications
Please refer to ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº
in the Index for more information. All capacities
are approximate.
When adding refrigerant, see the refrigerant charge label
under the hood for charge capacity information
and requirements.
Engine TypeVIN
Code Spark Plug Gap
VORTEC 5300 V8 T 0.060 inches
(1.52 mm)
VORTEC 8100 V8 G 0.060 inches
(1.52 mm)
Wheels and Tires
Model Description Torque
C/K 1500 6 bolts (14 mm)
140 lb
-ft (190 N´m)
C/K 2500 8 bolts (14 mm)
140 lb
-ft (190 N´m)
Tire Pressure See the Certification/Tire label on the
rear edge of the driver's door.
Cooling System Capacity
After refill, the level must be rechecked. See ªCooling
Systemº in the Index.
Engine Quantity
VORTEC 5300 V8 16.5 quarts (15.6 L)
VORTEC 8100 V8 24.0 quarts (23.0 L)
Engine Oil with Filter Capacity
After refill, the level must be rechecked. Add enough
engine oil so that the fluid is within the proper operating
range. See ªEngine Oilº in the Index.
Engine Quantity
VORTEC 5300 V8
VIN Code T6.0 quarts (5.7 L)
VORTEC 8100 V8
VIN Code G6.5 quarts (6.1 L)
Fuel Tank Capacity
Type Quantity
1500/2500 31.0 U.S. gallons (117.0 L)

6-73
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
Replacement part numbers listed in this section are based on the latest information available at the time of printing,
and are subject to change. If a part listed in this manual is not the same as the part used in your vehicle when it was
built, or if you have any questions, please contact your GM dealer.
These specifications are for information only. If you have any questions, see the service manual.
VIN Code T G
Oil Filter* PF59 PF59
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter* A1518C A1518C
Passenger Compartment Air Filter Kit** 52485513 52485513
PCV Valve* CV948C None
Spark PlugsPTZ14R15***/
PZTR5A15/41
-974*PTJ16R15***/
PZTR5A15/41-974*
Fuel Filter* GF626 GF626
Wiper Blades** 15706394 15706394
Wiper Blade Type ITTA ITTA
Wiper Blade Length 22 inches (56.0 cm) 22 inches (56.0 cm)
*ACDelco

part number
**GM part number
***Denso part number
 Spark Plug Gap is 0.060 inches
 NGK part number