2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE Owners Manual

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.
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To replace the drain grate do the following:
1. Line up the clips on the vehicle with the slots
in the grate.
2. When you are sure that the clips are aligned with
the slots, push the grate down rmly.
The grate should clip into place. Don’t force the grate if
it won’t clip into place; realign the clips with the holes
and try again.Side Rail Channels
The side rail channels are located on top of both sides
of the cargo area. You may want to ush them out
with clean water if you notice any debris collecting inside
of them.
When loading cargo into the cargo area, be careful not
to damage the rails.
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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.
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Cargo Area Floor Drains
Your vehicle also has four cargo-area oor drains
located under the cargo mat near the sides of the cargo
area. These drains should be cleaned periodically to
allow water to exit the cargo area.
The cargo mat has cutouts for the drains. You can ush
the drains through the cutouts, but if the cargo area
is extremely dirty you can lift up the edges of the cargo
oor mat or take the whole mat out and ush the
drains with water.
Top-Box Storage
Your vehicle is equipped with top-box storage units on
both side of the vehicle. The passenger side top box
contains the tools you will need to change a at tire.
Use the ignition/door key to unlock/lock it. Press the key
cylinder button and swing the lid open. Turn on the
cargo lamps (if equipped) if you need more light inside.
See “Cargo Lamps” underExterior Lamps on
page 3-14for more information on cargo lamps.
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Tonneau Cover
{CAUTION:
Improperly stored tonneau cover components
could be thrown about the vehicle during a
collision or sudden maneuver. You or others
could be injured. If you remove the cover,
bows and rails, always store them properly in
the cargo area.
When you put them back, always be sure that
they are securely reattached.Your vehicle may be equipped with a tonneau cover.
The main components of the tonneau cover are
the following:
A. Front Rail
B. Bows
C. Side RailsD. Rear Rail
E. Plastic Lip
F. Loop
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Removing the Tonneau Cover
1. Starting at the rear corner of the driver’s side of the
vehicle, pull the loop (F) toward you and then pull
up so the plastic lip (E) releases from the channel in
the rear rail (D) and the side rail (C).2. Pull the back of the cover out from the rear rail (D).
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3. Roll the cover toward the front of the vehicle. The
plastic lip (E) will release from the siderails (C) as
you roll the cover forward.4. Stow the cover using the buckles and the straps
attached to the front rail.
You can also store the tonneau cover outside of the
vehicle or use the storage bag included.
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To use the storage bag, do the following:
1. Attach the bag to the cargo tie downs as shown.
Unzip the top of the storage bag.2. With the tonneau cover rolled up, place it in the
proper compartment in the bag and zip the bag shut.
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