2007 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE ignition

PASS-Key®III+ uses a radio frequency
transponder in the key that matches a decoder
in your vehicle.
PASS-Key®III+ Operation
Your vehicle has PASS-Key®III+ (Personalized
Automotive Security System) theft-deterrent
system. PASS-Key
®III+ is a passive theft-deterrent
system. This means you do not have to do anything
special to arm or disarm the system. It works when
you transition the key to RUN, ACCESSORY or
START from the OFF position.
When the PASS-Key
®III+ system senses that
someone is using the wrong key, it prevents
the vehicle from starting. Anyone using a
trial-and-error method to start the vehicle will be
discouraged because of the high number of
electrical key codes.
If the engine does not start and the security light on
the instrument panel cluster comes on when trying
to start the vehicle, the key may have a damaged
transponder. Turn the ignition off and try again.If the engine still does not start, and the key
appears to be undamaged, try another ignition
key. At this time, you may also want to check
the fuse, seeFuses and Circuit Breakers on
page 548. If the engine still does not start with
the other key, your vehicle needs service.
If your vehicle does start, the rst key may be
faulty. See your dealer who can service the
PASS-Key
®III+ to have a new key made.
In an emergency, contact Roadside Assistance.
It is possible for the PASS-Key
®III+ decoder
to learn the transponder value of a new or
replacement key. Up to nine additional keys may
be programmed for the vehicle. The following
procedure is for programming additional keys only.
If all the currently programmed keys are lost or
do not operate, you must see your dealer or
a locksmith who can service PASS-Key
®III+ to
have keys made and programmed to the system.
See your dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III+ to get a new key blank that is cut
exactly as the ignition key that operates the system.
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To program the new additional key do the
following:
1. Verify that the new key has a
1stamped on it.
2. Insert the original, already programmed, key in
the ignition and start the engine. If the engine
will not start, see your dealer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key
to OFF, and remove the key.
4. Insert the new key to be programmed
and turn it to the RUN position within
ve seconds of removing the original key.
5. The security light will turn off once the
key has been programmed.
6. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 if additional
keys are to be programmed.
If you are driving and the security light comes on
and stays on, you may be able to restart your
engine. Your PASS-Key
®III+ system, however,
may not be working properly and must be serviced
by your dealer.
If you lose or damage your PASS-Key
®III+ key,
see your dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III+ to have a new key made.
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. See
Towing a Trailer on page 414for the trailer
towing capabilities of your vehicle and more
information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can
be gradually increased.
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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.
Lengthy operation of features such as the radio
in the accessory ignition position and the
RUN 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.
The battery could be drained if you leave the
key in the ACCESSORY or RUN position with
the engine off. You may not be able to start your
vehicle if the battery is allowed to drain for an
extended period of time.
D (START):This position starts the engine.
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Key In the Ignition
Never leave your vehicle with the keys inside,
as it is an easy target for joy riders or thieves.
If you leave the key in the ignition and park your
vehicle, a chime will sound, when you open
the driver’s door. Always remember to remove
your key from the ignition and take it with you.
This will lock your ignition and transmission.
Also, always remember to lock the doors.
The battery could be drained if you leave the
key in the ignition while your vehicle is parked.
You may not be able to start your vehicle after
it has been parked for an extended period
of time.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
Your vehicle has a Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) feature which will allow certain
features on your vehicle to continue to work
up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is
turned to LOCK.The radio, power windows, if the vehicle has a
sunroof and the OnStar
®System, will work when
the ignition key is in RUN or ACCESSORY.
Once the key is turned from RUN to LOCK, these
features will continue to work for up to 10 minutes
or until a door is opened.
Starting the Engine
To place the transmission in the proper gear:
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N). Your engine will not start in
any other position -- this is a safety feature.
To restart when you are already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn
the ignition key to START. When the engine
starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go
down as your engine gets warm. Do not
race the engine immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and transmission gently to
allow the oil to warm up and lubricate all
moving parts.
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Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled
Cranking System. This feature assists in
starting the engine and protects components. If
the ignition key is turned to the START position,
and then released when the engine begins
cranking, the engine will continue cranking for a
few seconds or until the vehicle starts. If the
engine does not start and the key is held in
START for many seconds, cranking will be
stopped after 15 seconds to prevent cranking
motor damage. To prevent gear damage, this
system also prevents cranking if the engine is
already running. Engine cranking can be
stopped by turning the ignition switch to the
ACCESSORY or LOCK position.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods
of time, by returning the key to the START
position immediately after cranking has
ended, can overheat and damage the cranking
motor, and drain the battery. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow
the cranking motor to cool down.2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F
or−18°C), it could be ooded with too
much gasoline. Try pushing the accelerator
pedal all the way to the oor and holding
it there as you hold the key in START for
up to a maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow the
cranking motor to cool down. When the engine
starts, let go of the key and accelerator.
If the vehicle starts briey but then stops
again, do the same thing. This clears the extra
gasoline from the engine. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it. Operate
the engine and transmission gently until the
oil warms up and lubricates all moving parts.
Notice:Your engine is designed to work with
the electronics in your vehicle. If you add
electrical parts or accessories, you could
change the way the engine operates. Before
adding electrical equipment, check with your
dealer. If you do not, your engine might not
perform properly. Any resulting damage would
not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty.
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You can choose among ve driving settings:
Indicator lights in the switches show you which
setting you are in. The indicator lights will come on
briey when you turn on the ignition and the last
chosen setting will stay on. If the lights do not come
on, you should take your vehicle in for service. An
indicator light will ash while shifting. Fast ashing
means the conditions were not met to make the
desired shift, typically the vehicle was going too
fast, the automatic transmission was not in neutral.
or the clutch pedal was not fully pressed. Slow
ashing means the shift is in progress. It will stay on
when the shift is completed. If for some reason the
transfer case cannot make a requested shift, it will
return to the last chosen setting.
2
m(Two-Wheel Drive High):This setting is
used for driving in most street and highway
situations. Your front axle is not engaged in
two-wheel drive. This setting also provides the
best fuel economy.
AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel Drive):This
setting is ideal for use when road surface traction
conditions are variable. When driving your
vehicle in AUTO, the front axle is engaged,but the vehicle’s power is primarily sent to the
rear wheels. When the vehicle’s software
determines a need for more traction, the system
will transfer more power to the front wheels.
Driving in this mode results in slightly lower fuel
economy than Two-Wheel Drive High.
4
m(Four-Wheel Drive High):Use the
four-wheel high position when you need extra
traction, such as on snowy or icy roads or in most
off-road situations. This setting also engages
your front axle to help drive your vehicle. This is
the best setting to use when plowing snow.
4
n(Four-Wheel Drive Low):This setting also
engages your front axle and delivers extra torque.
You may never need this setting. It sends maximum
power to all four wheels. You might choose
Four-Wheel Drive Low if you are driving off-road
in deep sand, deep mud, deep snow, and while
climbing or descending steep hills. StabiliTrak
®
will not engage in this mode. SeeStabiliTrak®
System on page 359for more information.
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Shifting Into Four-Wheel Drive Low
When Four-Wheel Low is engaged, vehicle
speed should be kept below 45 mph. Extended
high-speed operation in 4L may damage or
shorten the life of the drivetrain.
To shift to the Four-Wheel Drive Low position, the
ignition must be in RUN and the vehicle must
be stopped or moving less than 3 mph (5 km/h)
with the transmission in NEUTRAL (N). The
preferred method for shifting into Four-Wheel Drive
Low is to have your vehicle moving 1 to 2 mph
(1.6 to 3.2 km/h). Turn the knob to the Four-Wheel
Drive Low position. You must wait for the
Four-Wheel Drive Low indicator light to stop
ashing and remain on before shifting your
transmission in gear.Notice:Shifting the transmission into gear
before the Four-Wheel Drive Low indicator light
has stopped ashing could damage the
transfer case. To help avoid damaging your
vehicle, always wait for the Four-Wheel
Drive Low indicator light to stop ashing
before shifting the transmission into gear.
The vehicle may have signicant engagement noise
and bump when shifting between Four-Wheel Drive
Low and Four-Wheel Drive High ranges or from
NEUTRAL while the engine is running.
If the knob is turned to the Four-Wheel Drive Low
position when your vehicle is in gear and/or
moving, the Four-Wheel Drive Low indicator light
will ash for 30 seconds and not complete the
shift unless your vehicle is moving less than 3 mph
(5 km/h) and the transmission is in NEUTRAL (N).
After 30 seconds the transfer case will shift to
Four-Wheel Drive High mode.
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Shifting Out of Four-Wheel Drive Low
To shift from Four-Wheel Drive Low to Four-Wheel
Drive High, AUTO, or Two-Wheel Drive High, your
vehicle must be stopped or moving less than 3 mph
(5 km/h) with the transmission in NEUTRAL (N) and
the ignition in RUN. The preferred method for
shifting out of Four-Wheel Drive Low is to have your
vehicle moving 1 to 2 mph (1.6 to 3.2 km/h). Turn
the knob to the Four-Wheel Drive High, AUTO, or
Two-Wheel Drive High position. You must wait for
the Four-Wheel Drive High, AUTO, or Two-Wheel
Drive High indicator light to stop ashing and
remain on before shifting your transmission
into gear.
Notice:Shifting the transmission into gear
before the Four-Wheel Drive Low indicator light
has stopped ashing could damage the
transfer case. To help avoid damaging your
vehicle, always wait for the Four-Wheel
Drive Low indicator light to stop ashing
before shifting the transmission into gear.
The vehicle may have signicant engagement noise
and bump when shifting between Four-Wheel Drive
Low and Four-Wheel Drive High ranges or from
NEUTRAL while the engine is running.If the knob is turned to the Four-Wheel Drive High,
AUTO, or Two-Wheel Drive High switch position
when your vehicle is in gear and/or moving,
the Four-Wheel Drive High, AUTO or Two-Wheel
Drive High indicator light will ash for 30 seconds
but will not complete the shift unless your
vehicle is moving less than 3 mph (5 km/h) and
the transmission is in NEUTRAL (N).
Shifting into NEUTRAL
To shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL do the
following:
1. Make sure the vehicle is parked so that it will
not roll.
2. Set the parking brake and apply the regular
brake pedal. SeeParking Brake on page 138
for more information.
3. Start the vehicle or turn the ignition to RUN.
4. Put the transmission in NEUTRAL (N).
5. Shift the transfer case to Two-Wheel
Drive High.
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