2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE power steering

Power Steering Fluid
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering uid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A uid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired. SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for reservoir location. 5.3 5300 Engine
8100 V8 Engine
5-41

How to Check Power Steering Fluid
Turn the key off, let the engine compartment cool down,
wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean, then
unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
Replace the cap and completely tighten it. Then
remove the cap again and look at the uid level on the
dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark.
If necessary, add only enough uid to bring the
level up to the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of uid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
Always use the proper uid. Failure to use the proper
uid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer uid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will
be operating your vehicle in an area where the
temperature may fall below freezing, use a uid that has
sufficient protection against freezing. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-12for reservoir
location.
Adding Washer Fluid
Your vehicle has a low washer uid message that
comes on when the washer uid is low. The message is
displayed for 15 seconds at the start of each ignition
cycle. When the LOW WASHER FLUID message
is displayed, you will need to add washer uid to the
windshield washer uid reservoir.
The windshield washer
uid reservoir is located in
the engine compartment
toward the front of the
vehicle on the driver’s side.
5-42

Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure
is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined weight
of optional accessories. Some examples of optional
accessories are, automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height to
its width.
Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is located
between the plies and the tread. Cords may be made
from steel or other reinforcing materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by
steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies are
laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.
Cold Ination Pressure:The amount of air pressure in
a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. SeeInation - Tire Pressure on page 5-76.Curb Weight:This means the weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional equipment including
the maximum capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:A code molded into the sidewall of a
tire signifying that the tire is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation motor vehicle safety
standards. The DOT code includes the Tire Identication
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator which can
also identify the tire manufacturer, production plant,
brand and date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, seeLoading
Your Vehicle on page 4-55.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front
axle, seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-55.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle,
seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-55.
Intended Outboard Sidewall:The side of an
asymmetrical tire, that must always face outward when
mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa):The metric unit for air pressure.
There are 6.9 kPa’s to one psi.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:A tire used on light duty
trucks and some multipurpose passenger vehicles.
5-74

Fuses Usage
VEH CHMSLVehicle and Trailer High
Mounted Stoplamp
LT TRLR ST/TRN Left Turn Signal/Stop Trailer
LT TRNLeft Turn Signals and
Sidemarkers
VEH STOPVehicle Stoplamps, Brake
Module, Electronic Throttle
Control Module
Body Harness Connector
RT TRLR ST/TRN Right Turn Signal/Stop Trailer
RT TRNRight Turn Signals and
Sidemarkers
DDM Driver Door Module
AUX PWR 2Rear Cargo Area Power
Outlets
LOCKS Power Door Lock System
ECCRear Electronic Climate
Control, Liftgate
TBC 2C Truck Body Controller
FLASH Flasher Module
CB LT DOORSLeft Power Window Circuit
Breaker
TBC 2B Truck Body Controller
TBC 2A Truck Body ControllerCenter Instrument Panel Fuse Block
The center instrument panel utility block is located
underneath the instrument panel, to the left of the
steering column.
Device Usage
SEO Special Equipment Option
TRAILER Trailer Brake Wiring
UPFIT Uptter (Not Used)
SL RIDERide Control Harness
Connection
5-122

Maintenance Footnotes
†The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
#Lubricate the front suspension, ball joints, steering
linkage, transmission shift linkage and parking
brake cable guides. Ball joints should not be lubricated
unless their temperature is 10°F (-12°C) or higher,
or they could be damaged.
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chang, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect other brake parts, including calipers,
parking brake, etc.
(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts,
signs of wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect power
steering lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding,
leaks, cracks, chang, etc. Visually check constant
velocity joints, rubber boots and axle seals for leaks.(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
ttings and clamps; replace with genuine GM parts as
needed. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test
of the cooling system and pressure cap and cleaning the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
(d)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking.
Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged
or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced. Also look for any opened or broken air bag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air
bag system does not need regular maintenance.)
6-8

Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name, part
number or specication may be obtained from your
dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil which meets GM
Standard GM6094M and displays
the American Petroleum Institute
Certied for Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. GM Goodwrench
oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle. To determine the
proper viscosity for your vehicle’s
engine, seeEngine Oil on
page 5-16.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only
DEX-COOL
®Coolant. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-26.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake uid.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021184, in
Canada 89021186).
Automatic
TransmissionDEXRON
®-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Chassis
LubricationChassis Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12377985, in
Canada 88901242) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Front AxleSAE 80W-90 Axle Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 1052271,
in Canada 10950849).
Rear AxleSAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle
Lubricant (GM Part No. U.S.
12378261, in Canada 10953455)
meeting GM Specication 9986115.
6-13

A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-21
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment.........4-63
Adding Washer Fluid.......................................5-42
Additional Program Information.........................7-10
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Equipment..........................................4-62
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal..................2-33
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)......3-77, 3-89
After Off-Road Driving.....................................4-33
Air Bag
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-38
Readiness Light..........................................3-36
Air Bag Systems.....................................1-51, 1-58
Adding Equipment to Your Air
Bag-Equipped Vehicle...............................1-66
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?....................1-59
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-62
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle.........1-66
What Makes an Air Bag Inate?....................1-59
What Will You See After an Air Bag Inates?......1-60
When Should an Air Bag Inate?...................1-57
Where Are the Air Bags?..............................1-54
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-21
Air Conditioning..............................................3-27
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)....7-10
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels................5-116AM .............................................................3-115
Antenna, Fixed Mast......................................3-116
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System . . . 3-117
Anti-lock Brake System..................................... 4-7
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-43
Appearance Care..........................................5-111
Care of Safety Belts...................................5-114
Chemical Paint Spotting..............................5-117
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle..............5-111
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle............5-114
Finish Damage..........................................5-117
Sheet Metal Damage..................................5-117
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-117
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials...............5-118
Weatherstrips............................................5-114
Approaching a Hill..........................................4-24
Ashtrays........................................................3-22
Audio Output................................................3-102
Audio System(s).............................................3-72
Audio Steering Wheel Controls....................3-114
Care of Your CD and DVD Player................3-116
Care of Your CDs and DVDs.......................3-116
Chime Level Adjustment.............................3-117
Fixed Mast Antenna...................................3-116
Radio with CD............................................3-73
Radio with Six-Disc CD................................3-85
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)...............................3-112
1

E
Easy Exit Seat...............................................2-92
Electrical System...........................................5-119
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-120
Power Windows and Other Power Options....5-120
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-120
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-49
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-21
Battery.......................................................5-47
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-47
Coolant......................................................5-26
Coolant Heater............................................2-33
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-45
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-16
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-47
Fan Noise..................................................5-40
Oil .............................................................5-16
Overheating................................................5-29
Starting......................................................2-32
ENGINE COOLANT HOT.................................3-66
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-19
ENGINE OVERHEATED..................................3-66
Entry Lighting and Exit Lighting.........................3-20Environmental Concerns..................................4-21
Erasing HomeLink
®Buttons..............................2-64
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................7-10
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-29
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-14
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-21
Finding a Program Type (PTY) Station
(RDS and XM™).................................3-77, 3-89
Finding a Station....................................3-75, 3-87
Finish Care..................................................5-115
Finish Damage.............................................5-117
Fixed Mast Antenna.......................................3-116
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-9
Flat Tire........................................................5-89
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-90
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-23
Power Steering...........................................5-41
Windshield Washer......................................5-42
FM Stereo....................................................3-115
Fog Lamps....................................................3-18
Following Distance..........................................4-76
6