2008 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE climate control

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

To replace the battery in the RKE transmitter:
1. Separate the halves of the transmitter with a at,
thin object inserted into the notch on the side.
2. Remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object.
3. Insert the new battery, positive side facing down.
Replace with a CR2032 or equivalent battery.
4. Put the transmitter back together tightly.
Remote Vehicle Start
Your vehicle may have a remote starting feature.
This feature allows you to start the engine from outside
of the vehicle. It may also start up the vehicle’s
heating or air conditioning systems and rear window
defogger. Normal operation of the system will return
after the key is turned to the ON/RUN position.
If your vehicle has an automatic climate control system,
the climate control system will default to a heating or
cooling mode depending on the outside temperatures.
If your vehicle does not have an automatic climate control
system, the system will turn on at the setting the vehicle
was set to when the vehicle was last turned off.
During a remote start, if your vehicle has an automatic
climate control system and heated seats, the heated
seats will turn on during colder outside temperatures
and will shut off when the key is turned to ON/RUN.
If your vehicle does not have an automatic climate
control system, during remote start, you will need to
manually turn the heated seats on and off. SeeHeated
Seats on page 1-5for additional information.
2-7

When you want to open a rear door when the security
lock is on, do the following:
1. Unlock the door by lifting the rear door manual lock,
using the power door lock switch, or the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter, if the vehicle
has one.
2. Open the door from the outside.
To cancel the rear door security lock, do the following:
1. Unlock the door and open it from the outside.
2. Insert the key into the security lock slot and turn it
so the slot is in the vertical position.
Lockout Protection
This feature protects you from locking your key in the
vehicle when the key is in the ignition and a door
is open.
If the power lock switch is pressed when a door is open
and the key is in the ignition, all of the doors will lock
and then the driver’s door will unlock.
Midgate®
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the cargo
area covered and the tailgate and the Midgate®
open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You can not see or
smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and
even death. If you must drive with the cargo
covers on and the tailgate and Midgate
®
open or if electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass through the seal
between the body and the Midgate
®:
Make sure all windows are shut.
Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed on the setting
that brings in outside air. This will force
outside air into your vehicle. SeeDual
Automatic Climate Control System on
page 3-24.
If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-48.
2-12

Tailgate
{CAUTION:
It is extremely dangerous to ride on the
tailgate, even when the vehicle is operated at
low speeds. People riding on the tailgate can
easily lose their balance and fall in response
to vehicle maneuvers. Falling from a moving
vehicle may result in serious injuries or death.
Do not allow people to ride on the tailgate. Be
sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a safety belt properly.
Use the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter or
power door lock switch to lock and unlock the tailgate.
Open the tailgate by lifting up on its handle while pulling
the tailgate toward you.
To shut the tailgate, push it rmly upward until it
latches. Push and pull on the tailgate to be sure it is
latched securely.
Tailgate Removal
The tailgate is not to be removed. This may cause
damage to electrical connector resulting in loss
of lock/unlock and rear vision camera function.
Power Running Boards
Your vehicle may have power running boards.
The power running boards automatically extend from
beneath the vehicle on the side in which the door
has been opened. Once the door is closed, the running
boards will automatically move back under the vehicle
after a brief delay. The vehicle must not be moving
for the running boards to extend or retract.
The switch used to disable
the power running boards
is located on the center
console below the climate
control system.
The running boards cannot be disabled in the extended
position.
2-22

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:The 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/retailer. If you do not, your
engine might not perform properly. Any resulting
damage would not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranty.Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal
On vehicles with this feature, you can change the
position of the throttle and brake pedals.
This feature is designed for shorter drivers, since the
pedals cannot move farther away from the standard
position, but can move toward the driver for better
pedal reach.
No adjustment to the pedals can be made when the
vehicle is in REVERSE (R) or while using the cruise
control.
The switch used to adjust
the pedals is located on the
instrument panel below the
climate control system.
Press the arrow at the bottom of the switch to move the
pedals closer to your body. Press the arrow at the top of
the switch to move the pedals away from your body.
2-33

Engine Exhaust
{CAUTION:
Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas
carbon monoxide (CO), which you cannot see or
smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death.
You might have exhaust coming in if:
The exhaust system sounds strange or
different.
Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.
Your vehicle was damaged in a collision.
Your vehicle was damaged when driving
over high points on the road or over road
debris.
Repairs were not done correctly.
Your vehicle or the exhaust system has
been modied improperly.
If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into your
vehicle:
Drive it only with all the windows down to
blow out any CO.
Have your vehicle xed immediately.
Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust into
your vehicle. See the earlier caution under
Engine Exhaust on page 2-48.
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if
the climate control fan is at the highest setting.
One place this can happen is a garage.
Exhaust — with CO — can come in easily.
NEVER park in a garage with the engine
running.
Also see “If You Are Caught in a Blizzard”
underWinter Driving on page 4-31.
2-48

Manual Folding
The mirrors can be manually folded inward to prevent
damage when going through an automatic car wash.
To fold, push the mirror toward the vehicle. To return the
mirror to its original position, push outward. Be sure
to return both mirrors to their original unfolded position
before driving.
Heated Mirrors
The button to turn the heated mirrors on or off is located
on the climate control panel. Press this button to warm
the driver’s and passenger’s outside rearview mirrors to
help clear them of ice, snow, and condensation.
See “Rear Window Defogger” underDual Automatic
Climate Control System on page 3-24for more
information.
Convex Mirror
The passenger’s side mirror may have convex glass.
A convex mirror’s surface is curved so more can
be seen from the driver’s seat.
{CAUTION:
A convex mirror can make things (like other
vehicles) look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you
could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your
inside mirror or glance over your shoulder
before changing lanes.
2-55

Park Tilt Mirrors
If your vehicle has the memory package, the outside
mirrors are able to perform the park tilt function. This
feature may be useful in allowing the driver to view the
curb when parallel parking. This feature will cause the
passenger’s and/or driver’s mirror to tilt to a preselected
position when the vehicle is in REVERSE (R).
The passenger’s and/or driver’s mirror will return to
its original position when the vehicle is shifted out
of REVERSE (R), or the ignition is turned off or to
OFF/LOCK.
This feature can be turned on or off through the
Driver Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Vehicle
Customization (With DIC Buttons) on page 3-66.
Heated Mirrors
The button to turn the heated mirrors on or off is located
on the climate control panel. Press this button to warm
the driver’s and passenger’s outside rearview mirrors to
help clear them of ice, snow, and condensation.
See “Rear Window Defogger” underDual Automatic
Climate Control System on page 3-24for more
information.
Convex Mirror
{CAUTION:
A convex mirror can make things (like other
vehicles) look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you
could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your
inside mirror or glance over your shoulder
before changing lanes.
The passenger’s side mirror may have convex glass.
A convex mirror’s surface is curved so more can
be seen from the driver’s seat.
Your vehicle may also have a turn signal indicator on
the mirror. An arrow on the mirror will ash in the
direction of the turn or lane change.
2-57