2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE coolant level

Open the cap with the washer symbol on it. Add washer
uid until the tank is full.
Notice:
When using concentrated washer uid, follow
the manufacturer’s instructions for adding
water.
Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer uid.
Water can cause the solution to freeze and
damage your washer uid tank and other parts
of the washer system. Also, water does not
clean as well as washer uid.
Fill your washer uid tank only three-quarters
full when it is very cold. This allows for
expansion if freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is completely full.
Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your
windshield washer. It can damage your washer
system and paint.
Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder reservoir is lled with DOT-3
brake uid. SeeEngine Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for the location of the reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake uid level in
the reservoir might go down. The rst is that the
brake uid goes down to an acceptable level during
normal brake lining wear. When new linings are put in,
the uid level goes back up. The other reason is
that uid is leaking out of the brake system. If it is, you
should have your brake system xed, since a leak
means that sooner or later your brakes will not work
well, or will not work at all.
5-43

Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and lter. Reset oil life system. SeeEngine Oil on
page 5-16.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 5-21.An Emission Control
Service. See footnote †.••
Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear. SeeTires on page 5-68.••
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)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

Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure the safety,
dependability and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your GM Goodwrench dealer can assist you
with these checks and services.
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
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
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-16for further
details.
Notice:It is important to check your oil regularly
and keep it at the proper level. Failure to keep your
engine oil at the proper level can cause damage
to your engine not covered by your warranty.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add
DEX-COOL®coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-26for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in the windshield
washer tank and add the proper uid if necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Visually inspect your tires and make sure tires are
inated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to check
your spare tire. SeeTires on page 5-68for further
details. Check to make sure the spare tire is stored
securely. Push, pull and then try to rotate or turn
the spare tire. If it moves, tighten it. SeeChanging a
Flat Tire on page 5-90.
6-10

C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
Canada – Customer Assistance.......................... 7-5
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-8
Capacities and Specications..........................5-128
Carbon Monoxide...........2-14, 2-23, 2-47, 4-44, 4-68
Care of
Safety Belts..............................................5-114
Your CD and DVD Player...........................3-116
Your CDs and DVDs..................................3-116
Cargo Area, All-Weather..................................2-78
Cargo Area Floor Drains..................................2-82
Cargo Cover Panels........................................2-67
Cargo Lamps.................................................3-19
Cargo Panel Storage System............................2-70
Cargo Tie Downs............................................2-77
CD Messages........................................3-85, 3-99
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-66
Center Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts....1-23
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-65
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block................5-122
Center Overhead Console................................2-65
Chains, Tire...................................................5-88CHANGE ENGINE OIL....................................3-65
Charging System Light....................................3-40
Check Engine Light.........................................3-47
CHECK OIL LEVEL.........................................3-66
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE...............................3-72
CHECK WASHER FLUID.................................3-68
Checking Brake Fluid......................................5-44
Checking Coolant............................................5-28
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-16
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-117
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-36
Infants and Young Children...........................1-32
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-42
Older Children.............................................1-30
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-44
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat
Position..................................................1-44
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Front
Seat Position...........................................1-46
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...........................................1-47
3

Child Restraints (cont.)
Top Strap...................................................1-40
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-41
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-38
Chime Level Adjustment.................................3-117
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-22
Cleaning
Inside of Your Vehicle.................................5-111
Outside of Your Vehicle..............................5-114
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-117
Weatherstrips............................................5-114
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses......................5-115
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet...................................5-111
Cleaning Glass Surfaces................................5-113
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components...............5-113
Cleaning Leather...........................................5-113
Cleaning the Mirror.................................2-52, 2-55
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel.........5-113
Cleaning the Video Screen.............................3-112
Cleaning Vinyl..............................................5-113
Climate Control System
Automatic...................................................3-22
Climate Controls Personalization....................3-32
Dual..........................................................3-29
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-32
Compass Calibration...............................2-52, 2-54
Compass Operation.........................................2-53Compass Variance..................................2-51, 2-54
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-27
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-6
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-45
Heater, Engine............................................2-33
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-29
Cooling System..............................................5-33
Cruise Control................................................3-11
Cruise Control Light........................................3-51
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-14
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-8
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY)
Users....................................................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities................................................ 7-6
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors....7-13
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government............................................7-12
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States
Government............................................7-12
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-13
4

Four-Wheel Drive....................................2-38, 5-56
Front Armrest Storage Area..............................2-65
Front Axle......................................................5-57
Front Axle Locking Feature...............................2-38
Frontal Air Bags.............................................1-57
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
Gage.........................................................3-52
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-5
Low Warning Light.......................................3-52
Fuel Information Button....................................3-56
FUEL LEVEL LOW.........................................3-67
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-120
Windshield Wiper.......................................5-120G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-45
Fuel..........................................................3-52
Oil Pressure...............................................3-50
Speedometer..............................................3-35
Tachometer.................................................3-35
Transmission Temperature.............................3-45
Voltmeter Gage...........................................3-41
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-61
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-5
Gate Operator and Canadian Programming........2-64
Getting Familiar with Off-Road Driving................4-22
Glove Box.....................................................2-65
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-6
7

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