2006 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE tow

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.............................................2-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks..............2-10
Rear Door Security Locks..............................2-10
Lockout Protection........................................2-11
Midgate
®.....................................................2-11
Tailgate.......................................................2-20
Windows........................................................2-22
Power Windows............................................2-23
Sun Visors...................................................2-24
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-24
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-24
Passlock
®....................................................2-26
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-27
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-27
Ignition Positions..........................................2-28
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-29
Starting the Engine.......................................2-29
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal................2-30Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-31
Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-32
Tow/Haul Mode............................................2-35
Four-Wheel Drive..........................................2-35
Parking Brake..............................................2-40
Shifting Into Park (P).....................................2-41
Shifting Out of Park (P).................................2-43
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-43
Engine Exhaust............................................2-44
Running the Engine While Parked...................2-44
Mirrors...........................................................2-45
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
OnStar
®and Compass...............................2-45
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
OnStar
®, Compass and Temperature
Display....................................................2-47
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
Compass.................................................2-50
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
Compass and Temperature Display...............2-52
Outside Camper-Type Mirrors.........................2-54
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-55
Outside Convex Mirror...................................2-56
Outside Heated Mirrors..................................2-56
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror with
Curb View Assist.......................................2-57
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

3. While holding the rear glass in place, press the
glass-catch release button (C) and pull the top of
the rear glass toward you using the grab
handle(s) (B) located at the top of the rear glass.4. With the rear glass tilted toward you, lift it out from
the lower window frame channel. Use the grab
handles to assist you in removing the rear glass.
2-14

6. Push the rear glass at against the window frame
and push each latch lever up until it locks. You
should hear a click when each latch lever locks
correctly.
Lowering the Midgate with the Rear Glass
in Place
The midgate can be lowered to allow the cargo area of
your vehicle to extend into the cab. The rear glass
can be either installed in its normal position, or it can be
removed and stored in the rear glass storage pocket.To lower the midgate, do the following:
1. Fold the rear seats. The front seats might have to
be moved forward slightly to allow the rear seats to
fold. SeeRear Seat Operation on page 1-8for
more information.
2. Standing outside of the vehicle, hold the midgate
securely so it does not fall forward. Turn the
midgate handle clockwise and pull the midgate
toward you.
Rear Glass in Normal Position
2-18

This procedure works the same as the procedure
described previously, but when you lower the midgate
with the rear glass in the stored position, you will notice
that the entire crossbar 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 be ready for the extra weight and do
not 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 until it latches
into place securely. This will help to ensure that the
midgate closes with enough force to engage the latches.
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
2-20

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

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

Automatic Transmission Operation
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission
and features an electronic shift position indicator
located within the instrument panel cluster.
There are several different positions for your shift lever.
PARK (P):This position locks your drive wheels. It
is the best position to use when you start your engine
because your vehicle cannot move easily.
{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To
be sure your vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground, always set your
parking brake and move the shift lever to
PARK (P). SeeShifting Into Park (P) on
page 2-41. If you are pulling a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-62.
2-32

DRIVE (D) can be used when towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, driving on steep hills or for off-road
driving. You may want to shift the transmission to
THIRD (3) or, if necessary, a lower gear selection if the
transmission shifts too often.
THIRD (3):This position is also used for normal driving,
however it offers more power and lower fuel economy
than DRIVE (D).
SECOND (2):This position gives you more power but
lower fuel economy. You can use SECOND (2) on
hills. It can help control your speed as you go down
steep mountain roads, but then you would also want to
use your brakes off and on.
If you manually select SECOND (2), the transmission
will drive in second gear. You may use this feature
for reducing the speed of the rear wheels when you are
trying to start your vehicle from a stop on slippery
road surfaces. Once the vehicle is moving, shift into
DRIVE (D).FIRST (1):This position gives you even more power,
but lower fuel economy than SECOND (2). You can use
it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the
shift lever is put in FIRST (1) while the vehicle is moving
forward, the transmission will not shift into rst gear
until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transmission. If you are
stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill,
use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
On cold days, approximately 32°F (0°C) or colder, your
transmission is designed to shift differently until the
engine reaches normal operating temperature. This is
intended to improve heater performance.
2-34