2006 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE coolant temperature

Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for ve years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if you add only
DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-30.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at the rst maintenance
service after each 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or
24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
one-half DEX-COOL®coolant which will not damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you do
not need to add anything else.
{CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling
system can be dangerous. Plain water, or
some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil
before the proper coolant mixture will. Your
vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the
proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the
wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot
but you would not get the overheat warning.
Your engine could catch re and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.
Notice:If you use an improper coolant mixture,
your engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core, and
other parts.
5-28

Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and tightly
secured.
The coolant surge tank pressure cap must be fully
installed on the coolant surge tank. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-14for more
information on location.
Engine Overheating
You will nd a coolant temperature gage on your
vehicle’s instrument panel. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 3-41.
In addition, you will nd an ENGINE COOLANT HOT,
ENGINE OVERHEATED and a REDUCED ENGINE
POWER message in the Driver Information Center (DIC)
on the instrument panel. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-53.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
{CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn
you badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay
away from the engine if you see or hear steam
coming from it. Just turn it off and get
everyone away from the vehicle until it cools
down. Wait until there is no sign of steam or
coolant before you open the hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch re. You
or others could be badly burned. Stop your
engine if it overheats, and get out of the
vehicle until the engine is cool.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode on page 5-32for information on driving
to a safe place in an emergency.
5-30

Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL®may
cause premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
If your vehicle is equipped with an electric engine
cooling fan, check the coolant temperature gage. If the
coolant temperature is approximately 232°F (111°C),
the electric cooling fan should be running. If it is
not, your vehicle needs service. Turn off the engine.
If your vehicle is equipped with an engine-driven cooling
fan, start the engine again and see if the fan speed
increases when idle speed is doubled by pushing the
accelerator pedal down. If it does not, your vehicle
needs service. Turn off the engine.
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank
If you have not found a problem yet, check to see if
coolant is visible in the surge tank. If coolant is visible
but the coolant level is not at the FULL COLD mark,
add a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant at the coolant surge tank, but be
sure the cooling system, including the coolant surge tank
pressure cap, is cool before you do it. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-28for more information.
5-35

4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start
the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper
radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fan.
By this time, the coolant level inside the coolant
surge tank may be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper mixture to the coolant surge tank
until the level reaches the FULL COLD mark.
5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the
pressure cap is hand-tight and fully seated.
Engine Fan Noise
If your vehicle has a clutched engine cooling fan, when
the clutch is engaged, the fan spins faster to provide
more air to cool the engine. In most everyday driving
conditions, the fan is spinning slower and the clutch is
not fully engaged. This improves fuel economy and
reduces fan noise. Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer
towing, and/or high outside temperatures, the fan
speed increases as the clutch more fully engages, so
you may hear an increase in fan noise. This is
normal and should not be mistaken as the transmission
slipping or making extra shifts. It is merely the cooling
system functioning properly. The fan will slow down
when additional cooling is not required and the clutch
disengages.
You may also hear this fan noise when you start the
engine. It will go away as the fan clutch partially
disengages.
If your vehicle has electric cooling fans, you may hear
the fans spinning at low speed during most everyday
driving. The fans may turn off if no cooling is required.
Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing, and/or
high outside temperatures, or if you are operating your
air conditioning system, the fans may change to
high speed and you may hear an increase in fan noise.
This is normal and indicates that the cooling system
is functioning properly. The fans will change to low
speed when additional cooling is no longer required.
5-38

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.
Adding Washer Fluid
Your vehicle has a 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
CHECK WASHER FLUID message is displayed, you
will need to add washer uid to the windshield washer
uid reservoir. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-53for more information.Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it. Add
washer uid until the
tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-14for reservoir
location.
Notice:
When using concentrated washer uid, follow
the manufacturer’s instructions for adding
water.
Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer uid.
Water can cause the solution to freeze and
damage your washer uid tank and other parts
of the washer system. Also, water does not
clean as well as washer uid.
Fill your washer uid tank only three-quarters
full when it is very cold. This allows for
expansion if freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is completely full.
Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your
windshield washer. It can damage your washer
system and paint.
5-40

(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 wiper blades 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 airbag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced.
The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood latch
assembly, secondary latch, pivots, spring anchor,
release pawl, midgate hinges, side storage box door
hinges, tailgate hinges, tailgate linkage, outer tailgate
handle pivot points, latch bolt, fuel door hinge, locks, and
folding seat hardware. More frequent lubrication may
be required when exposed to a corrosive environment.Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips with a clean
cloth will make them last longer, seal better, and
not stick or squeak.
(g)Check vent hose at transfer case for kinks and
proper installation.
(h)Change automatic transmission uid and lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.
(i)Drain, ush, and rell cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer perform
this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-28 for
what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap, and ller neck. Pressure test the
cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the uid level checked. Add uid if needed.
6-8

Cargo Cover Panels........................................2-65
Cargo Lamp Light...........................................3-47
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-64
Center Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts....1-23
Center Overhead Console................................2-63
Chains, Tire...................................................5-83
Charging System Light....................................3-37
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-43
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-11
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-110
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-35
Infants and Young Children...........................1-31
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-41
Older Children.............................................1-29
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat
Position..................................................1-47
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Front
Seat Position...........................................1-49
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...........................................1-50
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-40
Chime Level Adjustment.................................3-115
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-21
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels.............5-109
Exterior Lamps/Lenses................................5-107
Fabric/Carpet............................................5-105Cleaning (cont.)
Finish Care...............................................5-107
Inside of Your Vehicle.................................5-103
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces...............................................5-106
Leather....................................................5-105
Tires........................................................5-109
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-110
Washing Your Vehicle.................................5-107
Weatherstrips............................................5-106
Windshield and Wiper Blades......................5-108
Climate Control System
Dual ..........................................................3-22
Dual Automatic............................................3-24
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-30
Collision Damage Repair..................................7-11
Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt.....................1-27
Compass...............................2-45, 2-47, 2-50, 2-52
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-24
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-41
Heater, Engine............................................2-31
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-30
Cooling System..............................................5-32
Cruise Control................................................3-11
Cruise Control Light........................................3-47
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-63
3

E
Electrical System...........................................5-113
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block.............5-116
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-113
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-114
Power Windows and Other Power Options....5-113
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-117
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-113
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-23
Battery.......................................................5-44
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-43
Coolant......................................................5-28
Coolant Heater............................................2-31
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-41
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-15
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-14
Exhaust.....................................................2-44
Fan Noise..................................................5-38
Oil .............................................................5-18
Oil Life System...........................................5-21
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-32
Overheating................................................5-30
Starting......................................................2-29
Entry/Exit Lighting...........................................3-20
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-9
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-28Exterior Cargo Lamps......................................3-19
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-14
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-23
Finish Damage.............................................5-110
Fixed Mast Antenna.......................................3-114
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-6
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-9
Flat Tire........................................................5-84
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-84
Flat Tire, Storing...........................................5-100
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-25
Power Steering...........................................5-39
Windshield Washer......................................5-40
Fog Lamps ....................................................3-17
Four-Wheel Drive....................................2-35, 5-52
Front Armrest Storage Area..............................2-64
Front Axle......................................................5-53
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
E85 (85% Ethanol)........................................ 5-7
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-11
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-9
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-8
5