
Black plate (4,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 8/27/12
11-4 Service and Maintenance
.Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of
wear. SeeExterior Care on
page 10‑88.
.Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check on page 3‑19.
.Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks.
.Visually inspect exhaust system
and nearby heat shields for
loose or damaged parts.
.Lubricate body components. See
Exterior Care on page 10‑88.
.Check starter switch. See Starter
Switch Check on page 10‑27.
.Check automatic transmission
shift lock control function. See
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function Check on
page 10‑28.
.Check ignition transmission lock.
See Ignition Transmission Lock
Check on page 10‑28.
.Check parking brake and
automatic transmission park
mechanism. See Park Brake and
P (Park) Mechanism Check on
page 10‑29.
.Check accelerator pedal for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed.
.Visually inspect gas strut for
signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage. Check the hold open
ability of the strut. See your
dealer if service is required.
.Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof on
page 2‑25.
.Verify spare tire key lock
operation and lubricate as
needed. See Tire Changing on
page 10‑66.

Black plate (10,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 8/27/12
11-10 Service and Maintenance
Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control
for a smoother ride.
.Signs of wear may include
steering wheel vibration, bounce/
sway while braking, longer
stopping distance, or uneven
tire wear.
.As part of the multi‐point
inspection, trained dealer
technicians can visually inspect
the shocks and struts for signs
of leaking, blown seals,
or damage, and can advise
when service is needed.Tires
Tires need to be properly inflated,
rotated, and balanced. Maintaining
the tires can save money, fuel, and
can reduce the risk of tire failure.
.Signs that the tires need to be
replaced include three or more
visible treadwear indicators; cord
or fabric showing through the
rubber; cracks or cuts in the
tread or sidewall; or a bulge or
split in the tire.
.Trained dealer technicians can
inspect and recommend the
right tires. Your dealer can also
provide tire/wheel balancing
services to ensure smooth
vehicle operation at all speeds.
Your dealer sells and services
name brand tires.
Vehicle Care
To help keep the vehicle looking
like new, vehicle care products are
available from your dealer. For
information on how to clean and
protect the vehicle’s interior and
exterior, see Interior Care on
page 10‑91 andExterior Care on
page 10‑88.

Black plate (12,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 8/27/12
11-12 Service and Maintenance
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number, or specification can be obtained from your dealer.Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specfication, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is
recommended. SeeEngine Oil on page 10‑6.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL Coolant. SeeEngine Coolant on page 10‑15.
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 12377967, in Canada 89021320).
Windshield Washer Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection requirements.
Power Steering System GM Power Steering Fluid (GM Part No. 89021184, in Canada 89021186).
Automatic Transmission DEXRON
®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock Cylinders Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. 12346241, in Canada 10953474).
Chassis Lubrication Chassis Lubricant (GM Part No. 12377985, in Canada 88901242) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.

Black plate (17,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 8/27/12
Customer Information 13-17
If another party's insurance
company is paying for the repairs,
you are not obligated to accept a
repair valuation based on that
insurance company's collision policy
repair limits, as you have no
contractual limits with that company.
In such cases, you can have control
of the repair and parts choices as
long as the cost stays within
reasonable limits.
Service Publications
Ordering Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis
and repair information on the
engines, transmission, axle,
suspension, brakes, electrical,
steering, body, etc.
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give additional
technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service
General Motors cars and trucks.Each bulletin contains instructions
to assist in the diagnosis and
service of the vehicle.
Owner Information
Owner publications are written
specifically for owners and intended
to provide basic operational
information about the vehicle. The
Owner Manual includes the
Maintenance Schedule for all
models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio,
Owner Manual, and Warranty
Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$35.00 (U.S.) plus handling and
shipping fees.
Without Portfolio: Owner
Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$25.00 (U.S.) plus handling and
shipping fees.
Current and Past Models
Technical Service Bulletins and
Manuals are available for current
and past model GM vehicles.
ORDER TOLL FREE:
1-800-551-4123 Monday
–Friday
8:00 AM –6:00 PM Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit
Helm, Inc. at: www.helminc.com.
Or write to:
Helm, Incorporated
Attention: Customer Service
47911 Halyard Drive
Plymouth, MI 48170
Prices are subject to change without
notice and without incurring
obligation. Allow ample time for
delivery.
All listed prices are quoted in U.S.
funds. Make checks payable in U.S.
funds.

Black plate (4,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 8/27/12
i-4 INDEX
Driving (cont'd)Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 9-15
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-10
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-12
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
DVD Rear Seat EntertainmentSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-36
DVD/CD Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-20
E
E85 Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-57
Electrical Equipment, Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-76
Electrical System
Engine CompartmentFuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-39
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33
Emergency OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-2 Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13
Check and Service Engine
Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 10-5
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14
Cooling System Messages . . . 5-36
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-4
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28
Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-20
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-9
Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-37
Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
Overheated Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . 10-20
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-18
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-38
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 9-29
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-23
Entry/Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-67 Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . 13-19
Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
Exterior Cargo Lamps . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 6-3
F
Fan
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-20
Features Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . 10-13
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 6-5
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-64 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-66
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-95
Fluid
Automatic Transmission . . . . 10-10
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-23
Four-Wheel DriveTransfer Case . . . . . . . . . 9-34, 9-39
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-20
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-21

Black plate (9,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 8/27/12
INDEX i-9
Power (cont'd)Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-20
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23
Power Assist Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Pregnancy, Using Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
Privacy Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) . . . . . . . 13-20
Program Courtesy Transportation . . . . 13-13
Proposition 65 Warning, California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
R
Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) . . . . . . . . 13-20
Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-21
Radios
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10
CD/DVD Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-20
Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14
Satellite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11 Reading Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27
Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-46
Rear Seat Audio (RSA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-46
Rear Seat Entertainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-36
Rear Seat Audio (RSA) . . . . . . . 7-46
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . 9-51
Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22 Automatic Dimming . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-55
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-12
Records Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-15
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-83
Reimbursement Program, GM Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-7
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 Replacement
Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32
Replacement Parts Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-14
Replacing Airbag System . . . . . . 3-34
Replacing LATCH System
Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . 3-49
Replacing Safety Belt System Parts after a Crash . . . 3-20
Reporting Safety Defects Canadian Government . . . . . . 13-18
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-19
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . 13-18
Restraints
Where to Put . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-41
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25
Ride Control Systems Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-39
Roads Driving, Wet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-10
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-7, 13-11

Black plate (11,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 8/27/12
INDEX i-11
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-23
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4Fluid, Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-20
Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Steps Power Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Stoplamps and Back-Up Lamps Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-31
Storage Areas Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Cargo Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Center Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Roof Rack System . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
Top-Box Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-14
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-24
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
System Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Roof Rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11T
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
TaillampsBulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-31
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . 13-6
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . 2-17 Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Throttle, Adjustable . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-21
Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Tires Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-58
Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-63
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-66
Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-46
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-60
Full-Size Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-77
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . 10-64
Inflation Monitor System . . . . 10-53
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-56
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-41
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Pressure Monitor System . . . 10-52
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-56
Secondary Latch System . . . 10-75
Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44 Tires (cont'd)
Terminology and
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-48
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-61
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-62
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . 10-62
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-58
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-43
Top-Box Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-33
Tow/Haul Mode Light . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Towing Driving Characteristics . . . . . . . . 9-60
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-67
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 9-60
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . 10-83
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-63
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . 9-76
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-83
Traction
Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
®Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22