2011 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE four wheel drive

Black plate (22,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2011
9-22 Driving and Operating
Repeat this until help arrives
but only when you feel really
uncomfortable from the cold.
Moving about to keep warm
also helps.
If it takes some time for help to
arrive, now and then when you run
the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs
faster than the idle speed. This
keeps the battery charged to restart
the vehicle and to signal for help
with the headlamps. Do this as little
as possible to save fuel.
If the Vehicle is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the
wheels to free the vehicle when
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
See“Rocking Your Vehicle to
Get It Out” later in this section.
If the vehicle has a traction system,
it can often help to free a stuck
vehicle. Refer to the vehicle's
traction system in the Index. If stuck too severely for the traction
system to free the vehicle, turn the
traction system off and use the
rocking method.
{WARNING
If the vehicle's tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you
or others could be injured. The
vehicle can overheat, causing an
engine compartment fire or other
damage. Spin the wheels as little
as possible and avoid going
above 55 km/h (35 mph).
For information about using tire
chains on the vehicle, see Tire
Chains on page 10‑72.
Rocking the Vehicle to Get
it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and
right to clear the area around the
front wheels. For four-wheel-drive
vehicles with a two‐speed automatic
transfer case, shift into Four‐Wheel
High. For vehicles with StabiliTrak,
turn the traction control part of the
system off. Shift back and forth
between R (Reverse) and a forward
gear, spinning the wheels as little as
possible. To prevent transmission
wear, wait until the wheels stop
spinning before shifting gears.

Black plate (35,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-35
Shifting Into Park
{WARNING
It can be dangerous to get out of
the vehicle if the shift lever is not
fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake firmly set. The vehicle can
roll. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure the vehicle will
not move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, use the steps
that follow. If you have a
four-wheel drive transfer case
with a N (Neutral) position, and
the transfer case is in N (Neutral),
the vehicle will be free to roll,
even if the shift lever is in
P (Park). So, be sure the transfer
case is in a drive gear—not in
N (Neutral). If you are pulling a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips on page 9‑75.
Always set the parking brake. 1. Hold the brake pedal down,
then set the parking brake.
See Parking Brake on page 9‑53
for more information.
2. Move the shift lever into the P (Park) position by pulling the
shift lever toward you and
moving it up as far as it will go.
3. Be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear —not in N (Neutral).
4. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can leave the vehicle
with the ignition key in your
hand, the vehicle is in P (Park).
Leaving the Vehicle With the
Engine Running
{WARNING
It can be dangerous to leave the
vehicle with the engine running.
The vehicle could move suddenly
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
if the shift lever is not fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set.
If you have four-wheel drive and
the transfer case is in N (Neutral),
the vehicle will be free to roll,
even if the shift lever is in
P (Park). So be sure the transfer
case is in a drive gear —not in
N (Neutral).
And, if you leave the vehicle
with the engine running, it could
overheat and even catch fire. You
or others could be injured. Do not
leave the vehicle with the engine
running unless you have to.
If you have to leave the vehicle with
the engine running, be sure your
vehicle is in P (Park) and the
parking brake is firmly set before
you leave it. After you move the shift
lever into P (Park), hold the regular
brake pedal down.

Black plate (39,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-39
{WARNING
It can be dangerous to get out of
the vehicle if the automatic
transmission shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the 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 the
vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park).
{WARNING
If the vehicle has a four-wheel
drive transfer case with a
N (Neutral) position, and the
transfer case is in N (Neutral), the
vehicle may roll, even if the
automatic transmission shift lever
is in P (Park). So, be sure the
transfer case is in a drive
gear—not in N (Neutral).
Always set the parking brake.
Follow the proper steps to be sure
the vehicle will not move. See
Shifting Into Park on page 9‑35.
If parking on a hill and pulling a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips on page 9‑75.
Automatic
Transmission
The vehicle has a
Hydra-Matic®6L80 automatic
transmission, and has an electronic
shift position indicator within the
instrument panel cluster. The
electronic shift position indicator
displays when the shift lever is
moved out of P (Park).
There are several different positions
for the shift lever.
See “Range Selection Mode” under
Manual Mode on page 9‑42.
P (Park): This position locks your
rear wheels. It is the best position to
use when you start the engine
because the vehicle cannot move
easily.

Black plate (40,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2011
9-40 Driving and Operating
When parked on a hill, especially
when the vehicle has a heavy load,
you may notice an increase in the
effort to shift out of P (Park). See
“Torque Lock”underShifting Into
Park on page 9‑35 for more
information.
{WARNING
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the 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 the
vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park).
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
SeeShifting Into Park on
page 9‑35. If you are pulling a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips on page 9‑75.
{WARNING
If the vehicle has a four-wheel
drive transfer case with a
N (Neutral) position, and the
transfer case is in N (Neutral), the
vehicle will be free to roll —even
if the shift lever is in P (Park). Be
sure the transfer case is in a drive
gear, Two-Wheel Drive High or
Four-Wheel Drive High or
Four-Wheel Drive Low —not in
N (Neutral). See Shifting Into Park
on page 9‑35. Always set the
parking brake. R (Reverse):
Use this gear to
back up.
Notice: Shifting to R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving
forward could damage the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only
after the vehicle is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice, or sand without
damaging the transmission, see If
the Vehicle is Stuck on page 9‑22.
N (Neutral): In this position,
the engine does not connect with
the wheels. To restart the engine
when the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only. Also, use
N (Neutral) when the vehicle is
being towed.

Black plate (44,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2011
9-44 Driving and Operating
Cruise Grade Braking operates
while Cruise Control is engaged
in Tow/Haul Mode to assist in
maintaining vehicle speed under
loaded vehicle conditions. It utilizes
vehicle acceleration and deviation
from desired speed to determine
the correct gear for the operating
condition. If vehicle speed is above
the desired speed the transmission
will downshift to slow the vehicle.
If vehicle speed is near or below
desired speed the trans will upshift,
allowing vehicle speed to increase.
While in the Range Selection Mode,
Cruise Grade Braking is not
available.
See“Range Selection Mode” under
Manual Mode on page 9‑42.Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive
(Two Speed Automatic
Transfer Case)
If the vehicle has four-wheel drive,
you can send the engine's driving
power to all four wheels for extra
traction. Read the following before
using four-wheel drive.
Notice: Driving on clean, dry
pavement in Four-Wheel Drive
High or Four-Wheel Drive Low for
an extended period of time may
cause premature wear on the
vehicle's powertrain. Do not drive
on clean, dry pavement in
Four-Wheel Drive High or
Four-Wheel Drive Low for
extended periods of time. While driving on clean dry pavement
and during tight turns, you may
experience a vibration in the
steering system.
The vehicle has StabiliTrak
®.
Shifting into Four-Wheel Drive Low
will turn Traction Control and
StabiliTrak off. See StabiliTrak
®
System on page 9‑54.
Front Axle
The front axle engages and
disengages automatically when you
shift the transfer case. Some delay
for the axle to engage or disengage
is normal.

Black plate (45,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-45
Automatic Transfer Case
The transfer case knob is located to
the left of the instrument panel
cluster.
Use this dial to shift into and out of
four-wheel drive.You can choose among five driving
settings:
Indicator lights in the switches show
you which setting you are in. The
indicator lights will come on briefly
when you turn on the ignition and
the last chosen setting will stay on.
If the lights do not come on, you
should take the vehicle to your
dealer for service. An indicator light
will flash while shifting. 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.
The 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 the vehicle in AUTO, the
front axle is engaged, and the
vehicle's power is sent to the front
and rear wheels automatically
based on driving conditions. 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 Drive 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 the vehicle. This is the best
setting to use when plowing snow.

Black plate (46,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2011
9-46 Driving and Operating
4n(Four-Wheel Drive Low):This
setting also engages the 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.
The vehicle has StabiliTrak. Shifting
into Four-Wheel Drive Low will turn
Traction Control and StabiliTrak off.
See StabiliTrak
®System on
page 9‑54.
{WARNING
Shifting the transfer case to
N (Neutral) can cause the vehicle
to roll even if the transmission is
in P (Park). You or someone else
could be seriously injured. Be
sure to set the parking brake
before placing the transfer case in
N (Neutral). See Parking Brake on
page 9‑53. N (Neutral):
Shift the vehicle's
transfer case to N (Neutral) only
when towing the vehicle. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing on
page 10‑93 orTowing the Vehicle
on page 10‑93 for more information.
If the SERVICE 4 WHEEL DRIVE
message stays on, you should take
the vehicle to your dealer for
service. See “SERVICE 4 WHEEL
DRIVE” message under
Transmission Messages on
page 5‑45.
Shifting Into Four-Wheel Drive
High or AUTO (Automatic
Four-Wheel Drive)
Turn the knob to the Four-Wheel
Drive High or AUTO position. This
can be done at any speed, except
when shifting from Four-Wheel
Drive Low. The indicator light will
flash while shifting. It will remain on
when the shift is completed. Shifting Into Two-Wheel
Drive High
Turn the knob to the Two-Wheel
Drive High position. This can be
done at any speed, except when
shifting from Four-Wheel Drive Low.
See
“Shifting Out of Four-Wheel
Drive Low” in this section for more
information.
Shifting Into Four-Wheel
Drive Low
When Four-Wheel Drive Low is
engaged, vehicle speed should be
kept below 72 km/h (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
ON/RUN and the vehicle must be
stopped or moving less than 5 km/h
(3 mph) with the transmission in
N (Neutral). The preferred method
for shifting into Four-Wheel Drive
Low is to have the vehicle moving
1.6 to 3.2 km/h (1 to 2 mph).

Black plate (47,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-47
Turn the knob to the Four-Wheel
Drive Low position. You must wait
for the Four-Wheel Drive Low
indicator light to stop flashing and
remain on before shifting the
transmission into gear.
Notice:Shifting the transmission
into gear before the Four-Wheel
Drive Low indicator light has
stopped flashing could damage
the transfer case. To help avoid
damaging the vehicle, always wait
for the Four-Wheel Drive Low
indicator light to stop flashing
before shifting the transmission
into gear.
The vehicle may have significant
engagement noise and bump when
shifting between Four-Wheel Drive
Low and Four-Wheel Drive High
ranges or from N (Neutral) while the
engine is running. If the knob is turned to the
Four-Wheel Drive Low position
when the vehicle is in gear and/or
moving more than 1.6 to 3.2 km/h
(1 to 2 mph), the Four-Wheel Drive
Low indicator light will flash for
30 seconds and not complete the
shift. After 30 seconds the transfer
case will shift to Four-Wheel Drive
High mode. With the vehicle moving
less than 5 km/h (3 mph) and the
transmission in N (Neutral), attempt
the shift again.
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, the
vehicle must be stopped or moving
less than 5 km/h (3 mph) with the
transmission in N (Neutral) and the
ignition in ON/RUN. The preferred
method for shifting out ofFour-Wheel Drive Low is to have
your vehicle moving 1.6 to 3.2 km/h
(1 to 2 mph). 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
flashing and remain on before
shifting the transmission into gear.
Notice:
Shifting the transmission
into gear before the Four-Wheel
Drive Low indicator light has
stopped flashing could damage
the transfer case. To help avoid
damaging the vehicle, always wait
for the Four-Wheel Drive Low
indicator light to stop flashing
before shifting the transmission
into gear.
The vehicle may have significant
engagement noise and bump when
shifting between Four-Wheel Drive
Low and Four-Wheel Drive High
ranges or from N (Neutral) while the
engine is running.