2011 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE engine

Black plate (8,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2011
6-8 Lighting
When the state of charge is high,
the voltage is lowered slightly to
prevent overcharging. If the vehicle
has a voltmeter gauge or a voltage
display on the Driver Information
Center (DIC), you may see the
voltage move up or down. This is
normal. If there is a problem, an
alert will be displayed.
The battery can be discharged at
idle if the electrical loads are very
high. This is true for all vehicles.
This is because the generator
(alternator) may not be spinning fast
enough at idle to produce all the
power that is needed for very high
electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when
several of the following are on,
such as: headlamps, high beams,
fog lamps, rear window defogger,
climate control fan at high speed,
heated seats, engine cooling fans,
trailer loads, and loads plugged into
accessory power outlets.EPM works to prevent excessive
discharge of the battery. It does this
by balancing the generator's output
and the vehicle's electrical needs.
It can increase engine idle speed to
generate more power, whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce
the power demands of some
accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in
steps or levels, without being
noticeable. In rare cases at the
highest levels of corrective action,
this action may be noticeable to the
driver. If so, a Driver Information
Center (DIC) message might be
displayed, such as BATTERY LOW
START VEHICLE . If this message
displays, it is recommended that the
driver reduce the electrical loads as
much as possible and restart the
vehicle. See
Battery Voltage and
Charging Messages on page 5‑37.Battery Power Protection
This feature shuts off the dome
lamps if they are left on for more
than 10 minutes when the ignition is
in LOCK/OFF. This helps to prevent
the battery from running down.

Black plate (2,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2011
7-2 Infotainment System
Introduction
Determine which radio the vehicle
has and read the following pages to
become familiar with its features.
{WARNING
Taking your eyes off the road for
extended periods could cause a
crash resulting in injury or
death to you or others. Do not
give extended attention to
entertainment tasks while driving.
This system provides access to
many audio and non‐audio listings. To minimize taking your eyes off the
road while driving, do the following
while the vehicle is parked:
.Become familiar with the
operation and controls of the
audio system.
.Set up the tone, speaker
adjustments, and preset
radio stations.
For more information, see Defensive
Driving on page 9‑2.
Notice: Contact your dealer
before adding any equipment.
Adding audio or communication
equipment could interfere with
the operation of the vehicle's
engine, radio, or other systems,
and could damage them. Follow
federal rules covering mobile
radio and telephone equipment. The vehicle has Retained
Accessory Power (RAP). With RAP,
the audio system can be played
even after the ignition is turned off.
See
Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) on page 9‑34 for more
information.Navigation/Radio System
For vehicles with a navigation radio
system, see the separate Navigation
System Manual.
Theft-Deterrent Feature
TheftLock®is designed to
discourage theft of the vehicle's
radio by learning a portion of the
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
The radio does not operate if it is
stolen or moved to a different
vehicle.

Black plate (2,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2011
8-2 Climate Controls
Air Delivery Mode Control:Turn
clockwise or counterclockwise to
change the direction of the airflow
inside the vehicle. The knob can be
positioned between two modes, for
a combination of those modes.
To change the current mode, select
one of the following:
H(Vent): Air is directed to the
instrument panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level): Air is divided
between the instrument panel and
floor outlets. Some air is directed
towards the windshield and side
window outlets. Cooler air is
directed to the upper outlets and
warmer air to the floor outlets.
6(Floor): Air is directed to the
floor outlets, with some of the air
directed to the windshield, side
window, and second row floor
outlets. In this mode, the system
automatically selects outside air.
Recirculation cannot be selected
when in Floor Mode.
-(Defog): The defog mode is
used to clear the windows of fog or
moisture. Air is directed to the
windshield, floor outlets, and side
window vents. In this mode, the
system turns off recirculation and
runs the air conditioning compressor
unless the outside temperature is
close to freezing. The recirculation
mode cannot be selected while in
the defog mode.
0(Defrost): The defrost mode is
used to remove fog or frost from the
windshield more quickly. Air is
directed to the windshield and side
window vents, with some directed to
the floor vents. In this mode, the
system automatically forces outside
air into the vehicle. The recirculation
mode cannot be selected while in
the defrost mode. The air
conditioning compressor runs
automatically in this setting,
unless the outside temperature is
close to freezing.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the
windows are clear.
#(Air Conditioning): Press this
button to turn the air conditioning
system on or off. An indicator light
comes on to show that the air
conditioning is on. The air
conditioning can be selected in any
mode as long as the fan control
is on.
On hot days, open the windows to
let hot inside air escape; then close
them. This helps to reduce the time
it takes for the vehicle to cool down.
It also helps the system to operate
more efficiently.
The air conditioning system
removes moisture from the air, so a
small amount of water might drip
under the vehicle while idling or
after turning off the engine.
This is normal.

Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2011
Climate Controls 8-3
:(Outside Air):Press to turn
the outside air mode on. An
indicator light comes on to show
that outside air is on. Air from
outside the vehicle is circulated
throughout the vehicle. The outside
air mode can be used with all
modes, but it cannot be used with
the recirculation mode. Pressing this
button again will cancel the
recirculation mode.
?(Recirculation): Press to turn
the recirculation mode on or off. An
indicator light comes on to show
that recirculation is on.
This mode recirculates and helps to
quickly cool the air inside the
vehicle. It can be used to help
prevent outside air and odors from
entering the vehicle. The recirculation mode cannot be
used with floor, defrost, or defogging
modes. If recirculation is selected
while in one of those modes, the
indicator flashes three times and
turns off. The air conditioning
compressor will also come on when
this mode is activated. While in
recirculation mode the windows may
fog when the weather is cold and
damp. To clear the fog, select either
the defog or defrost mode and
increase the fan speed. The
recirculation mode can also be
turned off by turning off the engine.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a
warming grid to remove fog from the
rear window.
<(Rear Window Defogger):
Press this button on the right knob
to turn the rear window defogger on
or off. The system automatically
turns off several minutes after it has
been activated. The defogger can also be turned off by turning off the
engine. Do not drive the vehicle until
all the windows are clear.
For vehicles with heated outside
rearview mirrors, the mirrors will
heat to help clear fog or frost from
the surface of the mirror when the
rear window defog button is
pressed.
Notice:
Do not use anything
sharp on the inside of the rear
window. If you do, you could cut
or damage the warming grid, and
the repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Do not
attach a temporary vehicle
license, tape, a decal, or anything
similar to the defogger grid.

Black plate (6,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2011
8-6 Climate Controls
Automatic Operation
AUTO (Automatic):When
automatic operation is active the
system will control the inside
temperature, the air delivery, and
the fan speed.
Use the steps below to place the
entire system in automatic mode:
1. Press the AUTO button.
When AUTO is selected, the
display will change to show the
current temperature(s) and
AUTO will be lit on the display.
The current delivery mode and
fan speed will also be displayed
for approximately 5 seconds.
When AUTO is selected, the air
conditioning operation and air
inlet will be automatically
controlled. The air conditioning
compressor will run when the
outside temperature is over
about 4°C (40°F). The air inlet
will normally be set to outside air. If it is hot outside, the air
inlet may automatically switch to
recirculate inside air to help
quickly cool down the vehicle.
The light on the button comes
on in recirculation.
2. Set the driver and passenger temperature.
To find your comfort setting, start
with a 23°C (74°F) temperature
setting and allow about
20 minutes for the system to
regulate. Use the driver or
passenger temperature buttons
to adjust the temperature setting
as necessary. If a temperature
setting of 15°C (60°F) is chosen,
the system remains at the
maximum cooling setting. If a
temperature setting of 32°C
(90°F) is chosen, the system
remains at the maximum heat
setting. Choosing either
maximum setting will not
cause the vehicle to heat or
cool any faster. Do not cover the solar sensor
located on the top of the instrument
panel near the windshield. This
sensor regulates air temperature
based on sun load and also turns
on the headlamps. For more
information on the solar sensor, see
“Sensors”
later in this section.
To avoid blowing cold air in cold
weather, the system will delay
turning on the fan until warm air is
available. The length of delay
depends on the engine coolant
temperature. Pressing the fan
switch will override this delay and
change the fan to a selected speed.
Manual Operation
D C(Fan Control): Press these
buttons to increase or decrease the
fan speed.
Pressing either fan button while in
automatic control places the fan
under manual control. The fan
setting remains displayed and the
AUTO light turns off. The air
delivery mode remains under
automatic control.

Black plate (8,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2011
8-8 Climate Controls
#(Air Conditioning):Press to
turn the air conditioning (A/C)
compressor on and off. An indicator
light comes on to show that the air
conditioning is on.
If this button is pressed when the
air conditioning compressor is
unavailable, the indicator flashes
three times and then turns off.
If the air conditioning is on and the
outside temperature drops below a
temperature which is too cool for air
conditioning to be effective, the air
conditioning light turns off to show
that the air conditioning mode has
been canceled.
On hot days, open the windows long
enough to let hot inside air escape.
This helps to reduce the time it
takes for the vehicle to cool down.
It also helps the system to operate
more efficiently. The air conditioning system
removes moisture from the air, so a
small amount of water might drip
under the vehicle while idling or
after turning off the engine.
This is normal.
@(Recirculation):
Press to turn
the recirculation mode on. An
indicator light comes on to show
that the recirculation is on.
This mode recirculates and helps to
quickly cool the air inside the
vehicle. It can be used to help
prevent outside air and odors from
entering the vehicle.
The recirculation mode cannot be
used with floor, defog, or defrost
modes. If recirculation is selected
with one of those modes, the
indicator light flashes three times
and then turns off. The air
conditioning compressor also comes
on when this mode is activated. While in recirculation mode the
windows may fog when the weather
is cold and damp. To clear the fog,
select either the defog or defrost
mode and increase the fan speed.
The recirculation mode can be
turned off by pressing the outside
air button, or by turning off the
ignition.
;(Outside Air):
Press to turn the
outside air mode on. An indicator
light on the button comes on to
show that outside is on. Air from
outside the vehicle is circulated
throughout the vehicle. The outside
air mode can be used with all
modes, but it cannot be used with
the recirculation mode.
Pressing this button again will
cancel the recirculation mode.

Black plate (9,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2011
Climate Controls 8-9
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a
warming grid to remove fog from the
rear window.
<(Rear Window Defogger):
Press to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. It automatically
turns off several minutes after it has
been activated. The defogger can
also be turned off by turning off the
engine. Do not drive the vehicle until
all the windows are clear.
Notice: Do not use a razor blade
or sharp object to clear the inside
rear window. Do not adhere
anything to the defogger grid
lines in the rear glass. These
actions may damage the rear
defogger. Repairs would not be
covered by your warranty.
Heated Mirrors: For vehicles with
heated outside rearview mirrors, the
mirrors heat to help clear fog or frost
from the surface of the mirror when
the rear window defog button is
pressed. See Power Mirrors on
page 2‑20.
Sensors
The solar sensor, located in
the defrost grille, middle of the
instrument panel, monitors the
solar heat. Do not cover the solar
sensor or the system will not work
properly.
There is also an interior temperature
sensor located next to the steering
wheel that measures the
temperature of the air inside
your vehicle.

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-1
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . 9-18
Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . 9-19
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 9-19
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-20
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . 9-22
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Truck-Camper LoadingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-29
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . 9-30
Adjustable Throttle and BrakePedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-30
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-31
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . 9-32
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-33
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-34
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-35
Shifting Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . 9-36
Parking Over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-37
Active Fuel Management™ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-37
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-38
Running the Vehicle While
Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-38
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . 9-39
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-42
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-43
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive(Two Speed Automatic
Transfer Case) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-44
Four-Wheel Drive (Single Speed Automatic
Transfer Case) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-50
Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-52
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-53
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-53
Ride Control Systems
StabiliTrak®System . . . . . . . . . 9-54
Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . 9-56
Continuous Damping Control (CDC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-57
Automatic Level Control . . . . . 9-57
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-58
Object Detection Systems
Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . 9-60
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-62