2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE Midgate

Reinstalling the Cargo Cover Panels
You only need to reinstall as many cargo panels
as you wish.
1. Remove the cargo panel(s) from the storage bag.
You can either leave the bag attached to the side
of the cargo area while it is not in use, or you
can store it outside of the vehicle.
2. Starting with cargo panel 1, place the latches in the
unlocked position. Place cargo panel 1 on the cargo
area rails while holding the back of the cargo
panel up.Push the panel forward until it is snug against the
midgate and then let the back of the panel down
being sure that the pegs align with the receivers.
Left Side Shown, Right Side Similar
2-74

All-Weather Cargo Area
Your vehicle has the ability to operate in many different
congurations (cargo panels on or off, midgate up or
down, rear glass in or out), allowing the cargo and
passenger area to be open to the environment. To allow
the vehicle to operate in these congurations, it is
equipped with features to help it resist the elements and
protect cargo inside the cargo area. Parts of the
water management system, which is designed to quickly
direct water out of the cargo box, are the top drain
grates, side rail channels, catch cups, midgate drain,
cargo area oor drains and the rubber cargo mat.
Even when the water management system is working
properly and the cover system is on, there may be some
instances (heavy rains, automated car washes, etc.)
when water may be present in the following areas:
A. Top drain grates
B. Removable front drain grate (Midgate drain gate)
C. Side rail channels and catch cups
D. Front drains
E. Water drainage area (around both sides of the box
and the tailgate side)
F. Rear drains
G. Cargo oor
H. Cargo mat (central area of mat is intended to be dry)
2-78

Maintenance and Cleaning
To ensure that the water management system performs
properly, be sure that the midgate, tailgate and cover
system are fully closed and that each element of
the water management system is clean and not blocked
with debris. Follow the instruction given next in this
section for the proper procedures on cleaning each item
of the water management system.
Top Drain Grates – Removal and
Cleaning
The top drain grates are located near the rear glass on
both sides of the vehicle. You may need to clean the
grates and drains if there seems to be blockage.
To remove each drain grate, do the following:
1. Remove the cargo panels or tonneau cover. See
Cargo Cover Panels on page 2-67orTonneau
Cover on page 2-83for more information.
2. Grasp the edges of the grate and pull it out from
the vehicle. Flush the drain with clean water.
2-79

Midgate Drain Grate Removal and
Cleaning
The midgate drain grate is located near the base of the
midgate in the cargo area. You will nd a removable
drain grate covering the drain.After hauling dirt, wood chips, pebbles etc. you will need
to ush the midgate drain with water. But rst you will
have to remove the drain grate by using the following
steps:
1. Lower the midgate. SeeMidgate on page 2-14for
more information.
2. Pull up on the rear sidr of the drain grate.
3. Tilt the drain grate away from you and pull it
straight out.
Reverse the procedure to reinstall the drain grate.
2-81

Removing the Front/Rear Rails
and Bows
Before moving on to the next step, you will want to
attach the storage bag to the cargo tie downs, if it is not
already attached, so you will have a place ready to
store the front and back rails and the two bows.
1. Remove the rear rail by pulling it straight out from
the side rails. Set the rail aside.2. Remove the two bows
by gently pushing them
against the
spring-loaded end. Set
the bow aside.
3. With the midgate lowered, enter the rear passenger
compartment of the vehicle. SeeMidgate on
page 2-14.
2-87

4. Remove the front rail by rst twisting up the edge
nearest you, to clear the midgate seals, and then
pulling it out from the side rails.5. Stow both bows and the front and rear rails in the
storage bag. When all components of the tonneau
cover are secured in the bag properly, zip the
bag shut.
2-88

(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)Add uid as needed. A uid loss could indicate a
problem; repair as needed. Check vent hose at transfer
case for kinks and proper installation.
(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. See Engine
Coolant on page 5-26for 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.
6-9

Locks (cont.)
Power Door.................................................. 2-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-10
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-13
Loss of Control...............................................4-19
LOW COOLANT LEVEL..................................3-66
Low Fuel Warning Light...................................3-52
Luggage Carrier..............................................2-66
Lumbar
Power Controls............................................. 1-3
M
Maintenance and Cleaning...............................2-79
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....................................6-17Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts.........6-15
Owner Checks and Services.........................6-10
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-13
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using Your................................................... 6-3
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-79
Making Turns.................................................4-76
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-47
Manual Passenger Seat.................................... 1-2
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-6
Memory Seat.................................................2-90
Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-65
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/
Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin
Islands) – Customer Assistance........................ 7-5
Midgate.........................................................2-14
Midgate Drain Grate Removal and Cleaning.......2-81
10