2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE tailgate

Keys...............................................................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry System.........................2-4
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation...........2-5
Doors and Locks.............................................2-8
Door Locks....................................................2-8
Power Door Locks..........................................2-9
Delayed Locking...........................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks..............2-10
Rear Door Security Locks..............................2-13
Lockout Protection........................................2-13
Midgate.......................................................2-14
Tailgate.......................................................2-23
Windows........................................................2-25
Power Windows............................................2-26
Sun Visors...................................................2-26
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-27
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-27
Passlock
®....................................................2-29
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-30
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-30
Ignition Positions..........................................2-31
Starting Your Engine.....................................2-32Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal................2-33
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-33
Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-34
Four-Wheel Drive..........................................2-38
Parking Brake..............................................2-42
Shifting Into Park (P).....................................2-43
Shifting Out of Park (P).................................2-46
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-46
Engine Exhaust............................................2-47
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked. . . .2-48
Mirrors...........................................................2-49
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
OnStar
®, Compass and Temperature
Display....................................................2-49
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
Compass and Temperature Display..............2-52
Outside Camper-Type Mirrors.........................2-56
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-56
Outside Convex Mirror...................................2-57
Outside Heated Mirrors..................................2-58
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror with Curb
View Assist..............................................2-58
OnStar
®System.............................................2-59
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

Your vehicle has one
double-sided key for the
ignition, all door locks,
tailgate and side storage
boxes.
If you ever lose your keys, your dealer will be able to
assist you with obtaining replacements.
In an emergency contact roadside assistance. See
Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-6for more
information.
If you ever lock your keys in your vehicle, you may be
able to have your doors unlocked automatically with the
OnStar
®system if you have an active OnStar®
subscription. For more information seeOnStar®
System on page 2-59.
Remote Keyless Entry System
Your keyless entry system operates on a radio
frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
2-4

Midgate
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the cargo
area covered and the tailgate and the midgate
open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You can not see or
smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and
even death. If you must drive with the cargo
covers on and the tailgate and midgate open
or if electrical wiring or other cable
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
connections must pass through the seal
between the body and the midgate:
Make sure all windows are shut.
Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed on the setting
that brings in outside air. This will force
outside air into your vehicle. See
Automatic Climate Control System on
page 3-22.
If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-47.
Midgate Operation
Your vehicle is equipped with a midgate and a
removable rear glass panel. The midgate allows you to
extend the length of your vehicle’s cargo area.
2-14

This procedure works the same as the procedure
described previously (with the rear glass installed), but
when you lower the midgate with the rear glass in
the stored position, you will notice that the entire
crossbar (the bar with the release handle) will lower with
the midgate. This is completely normal; however,
since the crossbar lowers with the midgate, it will be
heavier. As you lower the midgate in this conguration
be ready for the extra weight and be careful not to
let the midgate fall as you lower it.
Raising the Midgate
To return the midgate to its normal position, raise the
midgate up with a rm swinging motion (this will help to
ensure that the midgate closes with enough force to
engage the latches) until it latches into place securely.
If the rear glass is removed and you would like to
put it back, do so using the instructions given previously.
Tailgate
Use the ignition/door key to unlock/lock the tailgate.
Open the tailgate by lifting up on its handle while pulling
the tailgate toward you.
To shut the tailgate, rmly push it upward until it
latches. Push and pull on the tailgate to be sure it is
latched securely. Midgate Lowered with Crossbar Attached
2-23

Tailgate Removal
The tailgate can be removed to allow for different
loading situations. Although the tailgate can be removed
without assistance, you may want someone to assist
you with the removal to avoid possible damage to
the vehicle.
To remove the tailgate, do the following:
1. Hold the tailgate up, slightly raised.
2. Release the retaining
cable clip by lifting the
cable so it is level
with the ground and
then push the cable clip
toward the vehicle.
3. Raise the tailgate at a slight upward angle, pull back
on the tailgate at the right edge so it releases from
the block hinge (arrow) and then move the tailgate to
the right to release the left edge.
Reverse the above procedure to reinstall. Make sure the
tailgate is secure.
2-24

To remove a cargo panel(s), do the following:
1. Lower the tailgate. Use the ignition/door key to
unlock the tailgate if it is locked. SeeTailgate on
page 2-23for more information on the tailgate.
Before removing the cargo panel(s), notice the
numbers embossed on the upper center portion of
each panel. The panels are labeled 1, 2 and 3.
There are also numbered labels on the bottom of
the panels. The numbers on the top and bottom of
the panels will be used as reference when
removing, storing and reinstalling the panels.2. Remove cargo panel 3 by pulling the left and right
cargo panel latches, located on the bottom of each
cargo panel, toward you to unlock the cargo
panel latches.
3. Pull the cargo panel up and then out from the side
rails and set it aside. You only need to remove as
many cargo panels as needed for your cargo
carrying needs.
2-68

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