
Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2011
Keys, Doors and Windows 2-1
Keys, Doors and
Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Doors
Midgate®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Power Assist Steps . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Vehicle Security
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Anti-Theft Alarm System . . . . . 2-17
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . 2-18
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22
Park Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22
Interior Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . 2-22
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23
Windows
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-24
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-24
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25
Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26

Black plate (24,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2011
2-24 Keys, Doors and Windows
Windows
{WARNING
Leaving children, helpless adults,
or pets in a vehicle with the
windows closed is dangerous.
They can be overcome by the
extreme heat and suffer
permanent injuries or even
death from heat stroke. Never
leave a child, a helpless adult,
or a pet alone in a vehicle,
especially with the windows
closed in warm or hot weather.
The vehicle aerodynamics are
designed to improve fuel economy
performance. This may result in a
pulsing sound when either rear
window is down and the front
windows are up. To reduce the
sound, open either a front window
or the sunroof (if equipped).
Power Windows
{WARNING
Leaving children in a vehicle with
the keys is dangerous for many
reasons. Children or others could
be badly injured or even killed.
They could operate the power
windows or other controls or even
make the vehicle move. The
windows will function and they
could be seriously injured or killed
if caught in the path of a closing
window. Do not leave keys in a
vehicle with children.
When there are children in the
rear seat use the window lockout
button to prevent unintentional
operation of the windows.

Black plate (26,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2011
2-26 Keys, Doors and Windows
Roof
Sunroof
On vehicles with a sunroof, there
are two sunroof switches on the
overhead console above the
rearview mirror.The sunroof only operates when the
ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/
ACCESSORY, or in Retained
Accessory Power (RAP). See
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
on page 9‑34.
To open or close the sunroof, press
the open or close sunroof switch (A)
to the first detent position.
To express open or close the
sunroof, press the open or close
sunroof switch (A) to the second
detent position and release.
To stop the movement, press the
switch again.
The sunroof has a comfort stop
feature which stops the sunroof from
opening to the full-open position.
From the comfort stop position,
press the open or close sunroof
switch (A) a second time to open
the sunroof to the full-open position.
To automatically vent or close the
sunroof, press the vent open or
close sunroof switch (B).
When the sunroof is opened, an air
deflector will automatically raise.
The air deflector will retract when
the sunroof is closed.

Black plate (27,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2011
Keys, Doors and Windows 2-27
The sunroof also has a sunshade
which can be pulled forward to block
sun rays. The sunshade must be
opened and closed manually.
If an object is in the path of the
sunroof while it is closing, the
anti-pinch feature will detect the
object and stop the sunroof.
Dirt and debris may collect on the
sunroof seal or in the track. This
could cause an issue with sunroof
operation, noise, or plugging the
water drainage system.Periodically open the sunroof and
remove any obstacles or loose
debris. Wipe the sunroof seal and
roof sealing area using a clean
cloth, mild soap, and water.
Do not remove grease from
the sunroof.

Black plate (7,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2011
Instruments and Controls 5-7
4. Press the trip/fuel button untilthe vehicle heading, for
example, N for North, is
displayed in the DIC. Or, if the
vehicle does not have DIC
buttons, press and hold the
trip odometer reset stem for
two seconds to select the next
available variance zone. Repeat
this step until the appropriate
variance zone is displayed.
5. If calibration is necessary, calibrate the compass.
See “Compass Calibration
Procedure” following. Compass Calibration
The compass can be manually
calibrated. Only calibrate the
compass in a magnetically clean
and safe location, such as an
open parking lot, where driving the
vehicle in circles is not a danger.
It is suggested to calibrate away
from tall buildings, utility wires,
manhole covers, or other industrial
structures, if possible.
If CAL should ever appear in the
DIC display, the compass should be
calibrated.
If the DIC display does not show a
heading, for example, N for North,
or the heading does not change
after making turns, there may be a
strong magnetic field interfering with
the compass. Such interference
may be caused by a magnetic CB or
cell phone antenna mount, a
magnetic emergency light, magnetic
note pad holder, or any other
magnetic item. Turn off the vehicle, move the magnetic item, then turn
on the vehicle and calibrate the
compass.
To calibrate the compass, use the
following procedure:
Compass Calibration Procedure
1. Before calibrating the compass,
make sure the compass zone
is set to the variance zone in
which the vehicle is located.
See “Compass Variance (Zone)
Procedure” earlier in this
section.
Do not operate any switches
such as window, sunroof,
climate controls, or seats during
the calibration procedure.
2. Press the vehicle information button until PRESS
VTO
CALIBRATE COMPASS
displays. Or, if the vehicle does
not have DIC buttons, press the
trip odometer reset stem until
CALIBRATE COMPASS
displays.

Black plate (13,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2011
Infotainment System 7-13
Static can also occur when things
like storms and power lines interfere
with radio reception. When this
happens, try reducing the treble on
the radio.
FM Stereo
FM signals only reach about
16 to 65 km (10 to 40 miles).
Although the radio has a built-in
electronic circuit that automatically
works to reduce interference, some
static can occur, especially around
tall buildings or hills, causing the
sound to fade in and out.
XM™Satellite Radio Service
XM Satellite Radio Service gives
digital radio reception from coast to
coast in the 48 contiguous United
States, and in Canada. Just as
with FM, tall buildings or hills can
interfere with satellite radio signals,
causing the sound to fade in and
out. In addition, traveling or standing
under heavy foliage, bridges,
garages, or tunnels may cause loss
of the XM signal for a period of time.
Cellular Phone Usage
Cellular phone usage may cause
interference with the vehicle's radio.
This interference may occur when
making or receiving phone calls,
charging the phone's battery,
or simply having the phone on. This
interference causes an increased
level of static while listening to the
radio. If static is received while
listening to the radio, unplug the
cellular phone and turn it off.
Fixed Mast Antenna
The fixed mast antenna can
withstand most car washes without
being damaged as long as it is
securely attached to the base.
If the mast becomes slightly bent,
straighten it out by hand. If the mast
is badly bent, replace it.
Occasionally check to make sure
the antenna is tightened to its base.
If tightening is required, tighten by
hand until fully seated plus
one quarter turn.
Satellite Radio Antenna
The XM Satellite Radio antenna is
located on the roof of the vehicle.
Keep the antenna clear of
obstructions for clear radio
reception.
If the vehicle has a sunroof, the
performance of the XM system
(if equipped) may be affected if the
sunroof is open.

Black plate (34,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2011
9-34 Driving and Operating
To Use the Engine Coolant
Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap theelectrical cord. The cord is
secured to the Engine
Compartment Fuse Block with a
clip. Carefully remove the wire
tie which secures the electrical
cord. Do not cut the
electrical cord.
3. Plug the cord into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{WARNING
Plugging the cord into an
ungrounded outlet could cause an
electrical shock. Also, the wrong
kind of extension cord could
overheat and cause a fire.
You could be seriously injured.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
Plug the cord into a properly
grounded three-prong 110-volt AC
outlet. If the cord will not reach,
use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least
15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the
cord as it was before to keep it
away from moving engine parts.
If you do not, it could be
damaged.
The length of time the heater should
remain plugged in depends on
several factors. Ask a dealer in the
area where you will be parking the
vehicle for the best advice on this.
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 door is opened.

Black plate (44,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2011
10-44 Vehicle Care
FusesUsage
30 Passenger Side
High-Beam
Headlamp
31 Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL)
(If Equipped)
32 Driver Side
High-Beam
Headlamp
33 Daytime Running
Lamps 2
(If Equipped)
34 Sunroof
35 Key Ignition
System, Theft
Deterrent System
36 Windshield Wiper
37 SEO B2 Upfitter
Usage (Battery)
38 Electric Adjustable
Pedals Fuses
Usage
39 Climate Controls
(Battery)
40 Airbag System
(Ignition)
41 Amplifier
42 Audio System
43 Miscellaneous
(Ignition), Cruise
Control
44 Liftgate Release
45 Airbag System
(Battery)
46 Instrument Panel
Cluster
47 Not Used
48 Auxiliary Climate
Control (Ignition)
49 Center
High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL) Fuses
Usage
50 Rear Defogger
51 Heated Mirrors
52 SEO B1 Upfitter
Usage (Battery)
53 Cigarette Lighter,
Auxiliary Power
Outlet
54 Automatic Level
Control
Compressor Relay
55 Climate Controls
(Ignition)
56 Engine Control
Module, Secondary
Fuel Pump
(Ignition)