2006 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE Owners Manual

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 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.
2-21

Windows
{CAUTION:
Leaving children, helpless adults, or pets in a
vehicle with the windows closed is dangerous.
They can be overcome by the extreme heat
and suffer permanent injuries or even death
from heat stroke. Never leave a child, a
helpless adult, or a pet alone in a vehicle,
especially with the windows closed in warm or
hot weather.
2-22

Power Windows
The controls for the power windows are located on the
armrest on each of the side doors. The switches
operate the windows when the ignition is in RUN,
ACCESSORY or while Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) is active. SeeRetained Accessory Power (RAP)
on page 2-29.
The driver’s door also has a switch for each of the
passenger’s windows.
Press the top of the switch to lower the window. Pull up
the top of the switch to raise the window.
Express-Down Windows
The driver and front passenger windows also have an
express-down feature that allows the windows to
be lowered without holding the switch. Press down fully
on the window switch, then release, to activate the
express-down mode. This mode can be canceled at any
time by pulling up on the switch. To open the window
partway, press the switch to the rst position until
the window is at the desired position.
Window Lockout
o
(Window Lockout):Press the lockout switch to
prevent passengers from operating the power windows
from their switches. A light in the lockout switch will
come on to show that the switch has been activated.
Press the lockout switch again to return to normal
operation.
2-23

Sun Visors
Sun Visors with Slide Rod
Your vehicle may have this feature. Pull the sun visor
down to block glare. Detach the sun visor from the
center mount and slide it along the rod from side-to-side
to cover the driver or passenger side of the front
window. Swing the sun visor to the side to cover the
side window. It can be moved along the rod from
side-to-side in this position also.
Sun Visors with Fixed Rod and Pull-out
Extension
Your vehicle may have this feature. Pull the sun visor
down to block glare. Pull the sun visor extender out
for additional coverage. Detach the sun visor from the
center mount and swing it to the side to cover the
side window.
Lighted Visor Vanity Mirror
Your vehicle has lighted visor vanity mirrors on both the
driver’s and passenger’s sun visors. Pull the sun
visor down and lift the mirror cover to turn the lamps on.
Theft-Deterrent Systems
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it
impossible to steal.
Content Theft-Deterrent
Your vehicle is equipped with a content theft-deterrent
alarm system.
With this system, the
security light in the
instrument panel cluster will
ash as you open the door
if your ignition is off.
This light reminds you to activate the theft-deterrent
system. Here is how to do it:
1. Open the door.
2. Lock the door with the power door lock switch or
the remote keyless entry transmitter. The security
light will illuminate to inform the driver the system is
arming. If a door is open when the doors are
locked, the security light will ash.
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3. Close all doors. The security light should go off
after about 30 seconds. The alarm is not armed
until the security light goes off.
If the delayed locking feature is turned on, the
theft-deterrent system will not start the arming
process until the last door is closed and the delay
timer has expired. SeeDelayed Locking on
page 2-9.
If a locked door is opened without the key or the remote
keyless entry transmitter, the alarm will go off. The
headlamps and parking lamps will ash for two minutes,
and the horn will sound for 30 seconds, then will turn
off to save the battery power. You can choose different
feedback options for the alarm. SeeDIC Vehicle
Customization on page 3-64.Remember, the theft-deterrent system will not activate if
you lock the doors with the vehicle’s key or use the
manual door lock. It activates only if you use a power
door lock switch with the door open, or with the remote
keyless entry transmitter. You should also remember
that you can start your vehicle with the correct ignition
key if the alarm has been set off.
Here is how to avoid setting off the alarm by accident:
If you do not want to activate the theft-deterrent
system, the vehicle should be locked with the
door keyafterthe doors are closed.
Always unlock a door with a key, or use the remote
keyless entry transmitter. Unlocking a door any
other way will set off the alarm.
If you set off the alarm by accident, unlock any door
with the key. You can also turn off the alarm by pressing
unlock on the remote keyless entry transmitter. The
alarm will not stop if you try to unlock a door any
other way.
2-25

Testing the Alarm
The alarm can be tested by following these steps:
1. From inside the vehicle, lower the driver’s window
and open the driver’s door.
2. Activate the system by locking the doors with the
power door lock switch while the door is open, or
with the remote keyless entry transmitter.
3. Get out of the vehicle, close the door and wait for
the security light to go out.
4. Then reach in through the window, unlock the door
with the manual door lock and open the door. This
should set off the alarm.
While the alarm is set, the power door unlock switch is
not operational.
If the alarm does not sound when it should but the
headlamps ash, check to see if the horn works. The
horn fuse may be blown. To replace the fuse, see
Instrument Panel Fuse Block on page 5-114and
Underhood Fuse Block on page 5-117.
If the alarm does not sound or the headlamps do not
ash, the vehicle should be serviced by your dealer.
Passlock®
Your vehicle is equipped with the Passlock®
theft-deterrent system.
Passlock
®is a passive theft-deterrent system. Passlock®
enables fuel if the ignition lock cylinder is turned with
a valid key. If a correct key is not used or the ignition
lock cylinder is tampered with, the fuel system is
disabled and the vehicle will not start.
During normal operation, the security light will turn off
approximately ve seconds after the key is turned
to RUN.
If the engine stalls and the security light ashes, wait
about 10 minutes until the light stops ashing before
trying to restart the engine. Remember to release
the key from START as soon as the engine starts.
If the engine does not start after three tries, the vehicle
needs service.
If the engine is running and the security light comes on,
you will be able to restart the engine if you turn the engine
off. However, your Passlock
®system is not working
properly and must be serviced by your dealer. Your
vehicle is not protected by Passlock
®at this time. You
may also want to check the fuse. SeeFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-113. See your dealer for service.
In an emergency, call the Roadside Assistance Center.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-5.
2-26

Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:
Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or less for
the rst 500 miles (805 km).
Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or
slow, for the rst 500 miles (805 km). Do not
make full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake, or slow, the vehicle.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst 200 miles
(322 km) or so. During this time your new
brake linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops
with new linings can mean premature wear
and earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get new brake
linings.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeTowing
a Trailer on page 4-62for the trailer towing
capabilities of your vehicle and more
information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can be
gradually increased.
2-27

Ignition Positions
Use the key to turn the ignition switch to four different
positions.
A (LOCK):This position locks the ignition and
transmission. It is a theft-deterrent feature. You will only
be able to remove the key when the ignition is turned
to LOCK.Notice:Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break the
key. Use the correct key and turn the key only with
your hand. Make sure the key is all the way in. If
it is, turn the steering wheel left and right while you
turn the key hard. If none of this works, then
your vehicle needs service.
B (ACCESSORY):This position lets you use things like
the radio and the windshield wipers when the engine
is off.
Notice:Lengthy operation of features such as the
radio in the accessory ignition position may drain the
battery and prevent your vehicle from starting. Do not
operate your vehicle in the accessory ignition
position for a long period of time.
C (RUN):This is the position for driving. It is the
position the switch returns to after the engine starts, and
you release the key.
D (START):This position starts the engine.
2-28