2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE steering

{CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL can
cause your vehicle to roll even if the
transmission is in PARK (P). You or someone
else could be seriously injured. Be sure to set
the parking brake before placing the transfer
case in NEUTRAL. SeeParking Brake on
page 2-42.
6. Shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL (N). See
Four-Wheel Drive on page 2-38for the proper
procedure to select the neutral position for your
vehicle.
7. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle
being towed is rmly attached to the towing
vehicle.
8. Turn the ignition off and lock the steering column.
Loading Your Vehicle
It is very important to know how much weight your
vehicle can carry. This weight is called the vehicle
capacity weight and includes the weight of all occupants,
cargo and all nonfactory-installed options. Two labels
on your vehicle show how much weight it may properly
carry, the Tire and Loading Information label and the
Certication/Tire label.
{CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear
GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can
break, and it can change the way your vehicle
handles. These could cause you to lose
control and crash. Also, overloading can
shorten the life of your vehicle.
4-55

Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer.
And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connector, lamps,
tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric
brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then
apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer.
This can help you avoid situations that require
heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when
you’re towing a trailer. And, because you’re a good deal
longer, you’ll need to go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so your trailer won’t strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
4-76

Service............................................................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle...........................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling Your Tank............................................5-7
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.......................5-9
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-10
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-16
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-21
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-23
Engine Coolant.............................................5-26
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-29
Engine Overheating.......................................5-29
Cooling System............................................5-33Engine Fan Noise.........................................5-40
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-41
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-42
Brakes........................................................5-43
Battery........................................................5-47
Jump Starting...............................................5-48
Rear Axle.......................................................5-55
Four-Wheel Drive............................................5-56
Front Axle......................................................5-57
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-58
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-58
Headlamps..................................................5-58
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and
Parking Lamps..........................................5-62
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and
Daytime Running Lamps.............................5-63
Daytime Running Lamps................................5-65
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL).........5-65
Taillamps.....................................................5-65
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-66
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-67
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

Checking Things Under
the Hood
{CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts
and start a re. These include liquids like fuel,
oil, coolant, brake uid, windshield washer and
other uids, and plastic or rubber. You or
others could be burned. Be careful not to drop
or spill things that will burn onto a hot engine.
Hood Release
To open the hood, do the following:
1. Pull the handle located
inside the vehicle to
the lower left of
the steering wheel.
5-10

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-21.
B. Coolant Surge Tank. SeeCooling System on
page 5-33andCoolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
on page 5-29.
C. Air Filter Restriction Indicator (If Equipped). See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-21.
D. Engine Oil Fill. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-16.
E. Engine Oil Dipstick. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-16.
F. Automatic Transmission Dipstick. SeeAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-23.
G. Fan. SeeCooling System on page 5-33andEngine
Fan Noise on page 5-40.H. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (GND). SeeJump
Starting on page 5-48.
I. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Out of View). See
Power Steering Fluid on page 5-41.
J. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-48.
K. Brake Fluid Reservoir. SeeBrakes on page 5-43.
L. Underhood Fuse Block. See “Underhood Fuse Block”
underFuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-120.
M. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-47.
N. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. SeeWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-42.
5-13

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-21.
B. Coolant Surge Tank. SeeCooling System on
page 5-33andCoolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
on page 5-29.
C. Air Filter Restriction Indicator (If Equipped). See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-21.
D. Engine Oil Dipstick. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-16.
E. Automatic Transmission Dipstick. SeeAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-23.
F. Engine Oil Fill. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-16.
G. Fan. SeeCooling System on page 5-33andEngine
Fan Noise on page 5-40.
H. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (GND). SeeJump
Starting on page 5-48.I. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-48.
J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-41.
K. Brake Fluid Reservoir. SeeBrakes on page 5-43.
L. Underhood Fuse Block. See “Underhood Fuse Block”
underFuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-120.
M. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-47.
N. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. SeeWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-42.
5-15

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