2002 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE midgate

1-8 Rear Seats
The rear seat is a 60/40 split rear seat that can be folded
to give you more cargo space and access to the folding
midgate. See ªMidgateº in the Index for more
information on operation of the folding midgate.
To fold either side of the seat do the following:
1. Push the rear head restraints all the way down.
Driver's Side
2. Place the seat belt
buckles through the
loops/pockets on the
seatback(s). This way,
the seat belts will be
easy to access when
the seats are returned
to the upright position.
Passenger Side
3. Pull the seat loop located
where the seatback and
seat cushion meet.
The seat will release
and allow you to tilt
it toward the front of
the vehicle.

2-
2-1
Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is
working properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
2
-2 Windows
2
-4 Keys
2
-6 Door Locks
2
-10 Keyless Entry System
2
-13 Midgate
2
-23 Tailgate
2
-24 Theft
2
-25 Content Theft-Deterrent
2
-26 Passlock

2-27 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2
-27 Ignition Positions
2
-29 Starting Your Engine
2
-30 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
2
-32 Automatic Transmission Operation
2
-35 Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
2
-40 Parking Brake
2
-41 Shifting Into PARK (P)
2
-43 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
2
-44 Parking Over Things That Burn2
-44 Engine Exhaust
2
-45 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
2
-46 Locking Rear Axle
2
-46 Horn
2
-47 Tilt Wheel
2
-47 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-53 Exterior Lamps
2
-58 Interior Lamps
2
-59 Mirrors
2
-64 Storage Compartments
2
-66 Tonneau Cover (If Equipped)
2
-73 Cargo Cover Panels (If Equipped)
2
-91 OnStar
System (If Equipped)
2
-98 The Instrument Panel - Your
Information System
2
-100 Instrument Panel Cluster
2
-101 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
2
-116 Message Center

2-13
Midgate
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the cargo area
covered and the tailgate and Midgate open
because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come
into your vehicle. You can't see or smell CO.
It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
If you must drive with the cargo area covered
and the tailgate and Midgate open or if electrical
wiring or other cable connections must pass
through the seal between the body and
the Midgate:

Make sure all other windows are shut.

Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed with the setting
on OUTSIDE AIR. That will force outside air
into your vehicle. See ªComfort Controlsº in
the Index.

If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
See ªEngine Exhaustº in the Index.
Midgate Operation
Your vehicle is equipped with a Midgate and a removable
rear glass panel. The Midgate allows you to extend the
length of your vehicle's cargo area.
The following are the main components of the
Midgate system:
A. Latch Levers
B. Grab Handles
C. Glass
-Catch
Release ButtonD. Glass Lock Knobs
E. Window Retaining Tabs
F. Midgate Release Handle
G. Window Alignment Arrows

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Rear Glass Removal and Storage
CAUTION:
If the removable rear glass is not stored properly,
it could be thrown about the vehicle in a crash or
sudden maneuver. People in the vehicle could be
injured. Whenever you store the rear glass in the
vehicle, always be sure that it is stored securely in
the Midgate storage pocket.
Do not remove the rear glass when the rear defroster
is on. If you remove the rear glass with the rear defroster
on, you may see a discharge spark coming from the
latch area.
To remove the rear glass do the following:
1. Fold the rear seats. See ªRear Seatsº in the Index
for more information. The front seats will have to
be moved forward slightly to allow the rear seats to
fold completely.
Although the rear glass can be removed without
folding the rear seats, you will not be able to access
the rear glass storage pocket. Be sure to fold the
seats before removing the rear glass.

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4. With the rear glass tilted toward you, lift it out
from the lower window frame channel. Use the grab
handles to assist you in removing the rear glass.
5. Load the rear glass in its storage pocket in the
midgate using the lower edge of the rear glass to
guide it behind the three rear glass retaining tabs (E).
Hold the rear glass flat against the storage pocket
(with grab handles facing you) until the next step.

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Lowering the Midgate
The Midgate can be lowered to allow the cargo area
of your vehicle to extend into the cab. The rear glass
can be either installed in its normal position, or it can
be removed and stored in the rear glass storage pocket.
To lower the Midgate, do the following:
1. Fold the rear seats. The front seats will have to
be moved forward slightly to allow the rear seats
to fold. See ªRear Seatsº in the Index for
more information.
At this point you may choose to remove the rear
glass following the instructions given previously
or leave the rear glass in place.
Rear Glass in Normal Position
2. Standing outside of the vehicle, place one hand
against the Midgate so it does not fall forward
unexpectedly. Turn the Midgate handle clockwise
and pull the Midgate toward you.

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3. Lower the Midgate until it is flat.Rear Glass Stored in Glass Storage Pocket
Standing outside of the vehicle, place one hand against
the crossbar so the Midgate does not fall forward
unexpectedly. Turn the Midgate handle clockwise and
pull the Midgate toward you.

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If you lower the Midgate with the rear glass in the stored
position, you will notice that the entire crossbar (the bar
with the release handle) will lower with the Midgate. This is completely normal; however, since the crossbar
lowers with the Midgate, it will be heavier. As you
lower the Midgate in this configuration be ready for the
extra weight and be careful not to let the midgate fall out
of your hands as you lower it.
Raising the Midgate
To return the Midgate to its normal position, raise the
Midgate up with a slight swinging motion (this will help
to ensure that the Midgate closes with enough force to
engage the latches) until it latches into place securely.
If the rear glass is removed and you would like to put it
back, do so using the instructions given previously.