2008 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE audio

Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Rear Seats
..............................................1-12
Safety Belts
.............................................1-14
Child Restraints
.......................................1-35
Airbag System
.........................................1-60
Restraint System Check
............................1-76
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-3
Doors and Locks
......................................2-10
Windows
.................................................2-23
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-26
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-30
Mirrors
....................................................2-49
Object Detection Systems
..........................2-58
OnStar
®System
......................................2-61
Universal Home Remote System
................2-64
Storage Areas
.........................................2-71
Sunroof
..................................................2-96
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-21
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-32
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-50
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-75Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
..... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-42
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-12
Rear Axle
...............................................5-47
Four-Wheel Drive
.....................................5-48
Front Axle
...............................................5-49
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-50
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-53
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-55
Tires
......................................................5-56
Appearance Care
.....................................5-99
Vehicle Identication
...............................5-107
Electrical System
....................................5-108
Capacities and Specications
...................5-115
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance Information.................... 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-14
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
...........7-16
Index................................................................ 1
2008 Chevrolet Avalanche Owner ManualM

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
The following vehicle accessories can be used for up to
10 minutes after the engine is turned off:
Audio System
Power Windows
OnStar®System (if equipped)
Sunroof (if equipped)
These features work when the key is in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY. Once the key is turned from
ON/RUN to LOCK/OFF, the windows and sunroof
continue to work up to 10 minutes until any door
is opened. The radio continues to work for up to
10 minutes or until the driver’s door is opened.
Starting the Engine
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.
Notice:Do not try to shift to PARK (P) if your
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage
the transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when
your vehicle is stopped.
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.
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 ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF
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 let the cranking motor cool down.
2-32

OnStar Steering Wheel Controls
Your vehicle may have a Talk/Mute button that can
be used to interact with OnStar Hands-Free Calling.
SeeAudio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-118for
more information.
On some vehicles, you may have to hold the button for
a few seconds and give the command “ONSTAR” to
activate the OnStar Hands-Free Calling.
On some vehicles, the mute button can be used to
dial numbers into voicemail systems, or to dial phone
extensions. See the OnStar Owner’s Guide for more
information.
How OnStar Service Works
Your vehicle’s OnStar system has the capability
of recording and transmitting vehicle information.
This information is automatically sent to an OnStar Call
Center at the time of an OnStar button press, Emergency
button press or if your airbags or AACN system deploys.
The vehicle information usually includes your GPS
location and, in the event of a crash, additional
information regarding the accident that your vehicle
has been involved in (e.g. the direction from which your
vehicle was hit). When you use the Virtual Advisor feature
of OnStar Hands-Free Calling, your vehicle also sends
OnStar your GPS location so that we can provide you
with location-based services.OnStar service cannot work unless your vehicle is in a
place where OnStar has an agreement with a wireless
service provider for service in that area. OnStar service
also cannot work unless you are in a place where the
wireless service provider OnStar has hired for that area
has coverage, network capacity and reception when the
service is needed, and technology that is compatible
with the OnStar service. Not all services are available
everywhere, particularly in remote or enclosed areas,
or at all times.
Location information about your vehicle is only available
if the GPS satellite signals are unobstructed and
available.
Your vehicle must have a working electrical system
(including adequate battery power) for the OnStar
equipment to operate. There are other problems OnStar
cannot control that may prevent OnStar from providing
OnStar service to you at any particular time or place.
Some examples are damage to important parts of your
vehicle in an accident, hills, tall buildings, tunnels,
weather or wireless phone network congestion.
Your Responsibility
Increase the radio volume if you cannot hear the OnStar
advisor. If the light next to the OnStar buttons is red,
this means that your system is not functioning properly
and should be checked by your dealer/retailer. If the
light appears clear (no light is appearing), your OnStar
subscription has expired. You can always press the
OnStar button to conrm that your OnStar equipment
is active.
2-63

Fog Lamp Light............................................3-48
Cruise Control Light......................................3-48
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-48
Tow/Haul Mode Light....................................3-48
Fuel Gage...................................................3-49
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-50
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-50
DIC Operation and Displays
(With DIC Buttons)....................................3-51
DIC Operation and Displays
(Without DIC Buttons)................................3-56
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-59
DIC Vehicle Customization
(With DIC Buttons)....................................3-66Audio System(s).............................................3-75
Setting the Clock..........................................3-76
Radio(s) (MP3).............................................3-78
Using an MP3 (Radio with CD or
Six-Disc CD Player)...................................3-96
Using an MP3 (Radio with CD and
DVD Player)...........................................3-101
XM Radio Messages...................................3-106
Navigation/Radio System..............................3-107
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System.........3-107
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)................................3-116
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-118
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-118
Radio Reception.........................................3-119
Fixed Mast Antenna....................................3-120
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-120
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-31.
B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
C. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-33.
D. Hazard Warning Flasher Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
E. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation
on page 2-35.
F. Tow/Haul Selector Button (If Equipped).
SeeTow/Haul Mode on page 2-38.
G. Driver Information Center Controls. SeeDriver
Information Center (DIC) on page 3-50.
H. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-75.
I. Exterior Lamps Control. SeeExterior Lamps on
page 3-14.
J. Dome Lamp Override Button. SeeDome Lamp
Override on page 3-18.
K. Automatic Transfer Case Control. (If Equipped).
SeeFour-Wheel Drive on page 2-39.
L. Cruise Control Buttons. SeeCruise Control on
page 3-12.M. Tilt Wheel Lever. SeeTilt Wheel on page 3-7.
N. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
O. Audio Steering Wheel Controls. SeeAudio Steering
Wheel Controls on page 3-118.
P. Climate Control System or Dual Automatic Climate
Control System (If Equipped). SeeClimate Control
System on page 3-21orDual Automatic Climate
Control System on page 3-24.
Q. Accessory Power Outlets. SeeAccessory
Power Outlet(s) on page 3-20. Cigarette Lighter
(If Equipped). SeeAshtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
on page 3-20.
R. StabiliTrak
®Button. SeeStabiliTrak®System
on page 4-6. Pedal Adjust Button (If Equipped).
SeeAdjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal on
page 2-33. Rear Park Assist Disable Button
(If Equipped). SeeUltrasonic Rear Parking Assist
(URPA) on page 2-58. Heated Windshield Washer
Fluid Button (If Equipped). SeeWindshield Washer
on page 3-11. Power Running Boards Disable Button
(If Equipped). SeePower Running Boards on
page 2-22.
S. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-71.
3-5

Audio System(s)
Determine which radio your vehicle has and then
read the pages following to familiarize yourself with
its features.
{CAUTION:
This system provides you with far greater
access to audio stations and song listings.
Giving extended attention to entertainment
tasks while driving can cause a crash and you
or others can be injured or killed. Always keep
your eyes on the road and your mind on the
drive — avoid engaging in extended searching
while driving.
Keeping your mind on the drive is important for
safe driving. SeeDefensive Driving on page 4-2.
Here are some ways in which you can help avoid
distraction while driving.While your vehicle is parked:
Familiarize yourself with all of its controls.
Familiarize yourself with its operation.
Set up your audio system by presetting your
favorite radio stations, setting the tone, and
adjusting the speakers. Then, when driving
conditions permit, you can tune to your favorite
radio stations using the presets and steering
wheel controls if the vehicle has them.
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment to
your vehicle, such as an audio system, CD player,
CB radio, mobile telephone, or two-way radio, make
sure that it can be added by checking with your
dealer/retailer. Also, check federal rules covering
mobile radio and telephone units. If sound equipment
can be added, it is very important to do it properly.
Added sound equipment may interfere with the
operation of your vehicle’s engine, radio, or other
systems, and even damage them. Your vehicle’s
systems may interfere with the operation of sound
equipment that has been added.
Your vehicle has a feature called Retained Accessory
Power (RAP). With RAP, the audio system can be played
even after the ignition is turned off. SeeRetained
Accessory Power (RAP) on page 2-32for more
information.
3-75

Radio(s) (MP3)
The vehicle has one of these radios as its audio
system. Radio with CD shown, Radio with Six-Disc CD
similar
Radio with CD and DVD
3-78

Radios with CD and DVD
Radios with CD and DVD have a Bose®Surround
Sound System. Some of its features are explained
later in this section under, “Adjusting the Speakers
(Balance/Fade)”.
If the vehicle has a Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE)
system, it has a CD/DVD radio. SeeRear Seat
Entertainment (RSE) System on page 3-107
The DVD player is the top slot on the radio faceplate.
The player is capable of reading the DTS programmed
DVD Audio or DVD Video media, (DTS and DTS
Digital Surround are registered trademarks of Digital
Theater Systems, Inc.).
Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.
Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby
Laboratories.
Radio Data System (RDS)
The audio system has a Radio Data System (RDS).
The RDS feature is available for use only on FM stations
that broadcast RDS information. This system relies
upon receiving specic information from these stations
and only works when the information is available.
While the radio is tuned to an FM-RDS station, the
station name or call letters displays. In rare cases,
a radio station could broadcast incorrect information
that causes the radio features to work improperly.
If this happens, contact the radio station.
Playing the Radio
O
(Power/Volume):Press to turn the system on
and off.
Turn clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the volume.
Speed Compensated Volume (SCV):Radios with
Speed Compensated Volume (SCV) automatically
adjusts the radio volume to compensate for road and
wind noise as the vehicle speeds up or slows down.
The volume level should be consistent while driving.
To activate SCV:
1. Set the radio volume to the desired level.
2. Press the MENU button to display the radio
setup menu.
3. Press the pushbutton under the AUTO VOLUM
(automatic volume) label on the radio displays.
4. Press the pushbutton under the desired Speed
Compensated Volume setting (OFF, Low, Med,
or High) to select the level of radio volume
compensation. The display times out after
approximately 10 seconds. Each higher setting
increases the audio volume to compensate for
faster vehicle speeds.
3-79