2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE oil pressure

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20.
B. Coolant Surge Tank. See
Cooling System on
page 5-30andCoolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
on page 5-27.
C. Air Filter Restriction Indicator (If Equipped). See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20.
D. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
Engine Oil on page 5-15.
E. Automatic Transmission Dipstick. See
Automatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-22.
F. Engine Oil Fill. See
Engine Oil on page 5-15.
G. Fan. See
Cooling System on page 5-30andEngine
Fan Noise on page 5-36.
H. Remote Negative (-) Terminal (GND). See
Jump
Starting on page 5-43.
I. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. See
Jump Starting on
page 5-43.
J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See
Power Steering
Fluid on page 5-36.
K. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See
Brakes on page 5-39.
L. Underhood Fuse Block. See ªUnderhood Fuse Blockº
under
Fuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-97.
M. Battery. See
Battery on page 5-42.
N. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See
Windshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-38.
Engine Oil
If the CHECK OIL LEVEL light appears on the
instrument cluster, it means you need to check your
engine oil level right away.
For more information, see ªCHECK OIL LEVELº under
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-57.
You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is
an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It's a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick has
a ring handle and is
located on the passenger's
side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12for
more information on
location.
5-15

{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don't spill coolant on a hot engine.
When replacing the pressure cap, make sure it is
hand-tight.
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
The coolant surge tank pressure cap must be fully
installed on the coolant surge tank. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-12for more
information on location.
Notice:Your pressure cap is a pressure-type cap
and must be tightly installed to prevent coolant loss
and possible engine damage from overheating.
See ªCapacities and Speci®cationsº for more
information.
Engine Overheating
You will ®nd a coolant temperature gage on your
vehicle's instrument panel. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 3-39. In addition, you will
®nd a LOW COOLANT, ENGINE COOLANT HOT,
ENGINE OVERHEATED and a REDUCED ENGINE
POWER message in the DIC on the instrument panel.
See
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-57.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
If an overheated engine condition exists and the
REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is displayed, an
overheat protection mode which alternates ®ring
groups of cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In
this mode, you will notice a loss in power and engine
performance. This operating mode allows your vehicle to
be driven to a safe place in an emergency. Driving
extended miles (km) and/or towing a trailer in the
overheat protection mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil and
reset the oil life system. See ªEngine Oilº in the
Index.
5-27

Cooling System
When you decide it's safe to lift the hood, here's what
you'll see:
A. Coolant Surge Tank
B. Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
C. Engine Fan
If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is boiling,
don't do anything else until it cools down. 5300 V8 Engine
8100 V8 Engine
5-30

Capacities and Speci®cations (cont'd)
ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Engine Oil with Filter
VORTECŸ 5300 V8 (VIN Code T)
VORTECŸ 8100 V8 (VIN Code G)6.0 quarts
6.5 quarts5.7 L
6.1 L
Fuel Tank Capacity
1500
250031.0 gallons
37.5 gallons117.0 L
142.0 L
Air Conditioning Refrigerat R-134a 1.6 lbs. 0.7 kg
Wheels and Tires
Model Description Torque
C/K 1500 6 bolts (14 mm) 140 lb ft (190Y)
C/K 2500 8 bolts (14 mm) 140 lb ft (190Y)
Tire Pressure See the Certi®cation/Tire label on the rear edge of the driver's door.
5-107

qChange transfer case ¯uid.
qExcept 8.1L V8 Engine: Inspect Positive Crankcase
Ventilation (PCV) valve.
An Emission Control
Service.
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
·Drain, ¯ush and re®ll cooling system (or every
60 months since last service, whichever occurs
®rst). See
Engine Coolant on page 5-24for what to
use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap and neck. Pressure test the cooling
system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control
Service.
·Inspect engine accessory drive belt.An Emission
Control Service.
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed in this part are owner checks and services
which should be performed at the intervals speci®ed to
help ensure the safety, dependability and emission
control performance of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any ¯uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
in Part D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant to
perform these underhood checks at each fuel ®ll.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15for further
details.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOLž
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-24for further details.
6-10

Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
®ttings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser.
To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of
the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended
at least once a year.
Transfer Case and Front Axle
(Four-Wheel Drive) Inspection
Every 12 months or at engine oil change intervals,
check front axle and transfer case and add lubricant
when necessary. A ¯uid loss could indicate a problem;
check and have it repaired, if needed. On manual
shift transfer case, oil the control lever pivot point. Check
vent hose at transfer case for kinks and proper
installation. More frequent lubrication may be required
on off-road use.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
cha®ng, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect other brake parts,
including calipers, parking brake, etc. You may need to
have your brakes inspected more often if your driving
habits or conditions result in frequent braking.
6-16

G
Gage............................................................3-39
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-39
Fuel..........................................................3-45
Oil Pressure...............................................3-43
Speedometer..............................................3-32
Tachometer.................................................3-33
Transmission Temperature.............................3-40
Voltmeter Gage...........................................3-36
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-55
Gasoline......................................................... 5-5
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Speci®cations............................................... 5-5
Gate Operator and Canadian Programming........2-57
Getting Familiar with Off-Road Driving................4-21
Glove Box.....................................................2-59
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.................... 3-8
Headlamps....................................................5-52
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-52
Daytime Running Lamps...............................5-58Headlamps (cont.)
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime
Running Lamps........................................5-56
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Parking
Lamps....................................................5-55
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-52
Headphones...................................................3-96
Heated Seats................................................... 1-4
Heating.........................................................3-25
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-39
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-39
Hitches..........................................................4-63
HomeLink
žTransmitter, Programming................2-56
HomeLinkžTransmitter....................................2-55
Hood............................................................5-10
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-10
Horn............................................................... 3-7
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank......5-32
How to Add Fluid............................................5-24
How to Check Lubricant...................................5-49
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-37
How to Check........................................5-22, 5-62
How to Inspect...............................................5-20
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-16
Hydroplaning..................................................4-35
7

Manual Passenger Seat.................................... 1-2
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-6
Memory Seat.................................................2-85
Message.......................................................3-57
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-57
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/
Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin
Islands) ± Customer Assistance....................... 7-5
Midgate Drain Grate Removal and Cleaning.......2-75
Midgate Operation...........................................2-12
Midgate.........................................................2-12
Mirrors..........................................................2-48
Automatic Dimming Rearview with Compass
and Temperature Display...........................2-48
Automatic Dimming Rearview with OnStar
ž,
Compass and Temperature Display.............2-46
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-46
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror with Curb
View Assist.............................................2-53
Outside Camper-Type Mirrors........................2-51
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-52
Outside Heated Mirrors................................2-52
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-51
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-4
N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-27
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts...........5-108
O
Odometer......................................................3-32
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-16
OIL LIFE RESET............................................3-57
OIL PRESSURE LOW.....................................3-57
Oil ................................................................5-15
Engine.......................................................5-15
Pressure Gage............................................3-43
Older Children, Restraints................................1-32
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-4
OnStar
žPersonal Calling.................................2-54
OnStaržServices............................................2-54
OnStaržSteering Wheel Controls......................2-55
OnStaržSystem.............................................2-53
OnStaržVirtual Advisor....................................2-54
Operating Your All-Wheel-Drive Vehicle Off
Paved Roads..............................................4-19
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-6
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-28
Outside.........................................................2-53
Automatic Dimming Mirror with Curb View
Assist.....................................................2-53
Camper-Type Mirrors....................................2-51
Convex Mirror.............................................2-52
Heated Mirrors............................................2-52
Power Mirrors.............................................2-51
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . 5-27
Overseas ± Customer Assistance........................ 7-5
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
Owner's Information........................................7-12
10