Black plate (8,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 8/27/12
2-8 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Lockout Protection
If the driver side power door lock
switch is pressed when the driver
door is open and the key is in the
ignition, all of the doors will lock and
then the driver door will unlock.
If the passenger side power door
lock switch is pressed when the
front passenger door is open and
the key is in the ignition, all of the
doors will lock and then the front
passenger door will unlock.
Safety Locks
The vehicle has rear door security
locks to prevent passengers from
opening the rear doors from the
inside.
Open the rear doors to access the
security locks on the inside edge of
each door.
To set the locks, insert a key into
the slot and turn it to the horizontal
position. The door can only be
opened from the outside with the
door unlocked. To return the door to
normal operation, turn the slot to the
vertical position.
Doors
Midgate®
{WARNING
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
(Continued)
Black plate (33,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 8/27/12
Seats and Restraints 3-33
keep the airbag system from
working properly. Changing or
moving any parts of the front
seats, safety belts, the airbag
sensing and diagnostic module,
steering wheel, instrument
panel, roof-rail airbag modules,
ceiling headliner or pillar garnish
trim, overhead console, front
sensors, side impact sensors,
or airbag wiring can affect the
operation of the airbag system.
In addition, the vehicle may have
a passenger sensing system for
the right front passenger
position, which includes sensors
that are part of the passenger
seat. The passenger sensing
system may not operate properly
if the original seat trim is
replaced with non-GM covers,
upholstery or trim, or with GM
covers, upholstery or trim
designed for a different vehicle.
Any object, such as an
aftermarket seat heater or a
comfort enhancing pad or
device, installed under or on topof the seat fabric, could also
interfere with the operation of
the passenger sensing system.
This could either prevent proper
deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the
passenger sensing system from
properly turning off the
passenger airbag(s). See
Passenger Sensing System on
page 3‑28.
If you have any questions, call
Customer Assistance. The
phone numbers and addresses
for Customer Assistance are in
Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in this
manual. See
Customer
Satisfaction Procedure (U.S. and
Canada) on page 13‑2 or
Customer Satisfaction
Procedure (Mexico) on
page 13‑4.
If the vehicle has rollover
roof-rail airbags, see Different
Size Tires and Wheels on
page 10‑60 for additional
important information. Q: Because I have a disability,
I have to get my vehicle
modified. How can I find out
whether this will affect my
airbag system?
A: If you have questions, call
Customer Assistance. The
phone numbers and addresses
for Customer Assistance are in
Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in this
manual. See Customer
Satisfaction Procedure (U.S. and
Canada) on page 13‑2 or
Customer Satisfaction
Procedure (Mexico) on
page 13‑4.
In addition, your dealer and the
service manual have information
about the location of the airbag
sensors, sensing and diagnostic
module and airbag wiring.
Black plate (15,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 8/27/12
Instruments and Controls 5-15
When the vehicle is started, this
light flashes and a chime may come
on to remind the driver to fasten
their safety belt. Then the light stays
on solid until the belt is buckled.
This cycle may continue several
times if the driver remains or
becomes unbuckled while the
vehicle is moving.
If the driver safety belt is buckled,
neither the chime nor the light
comes on.
Passenger Safety Belt
Reminder Light
There is a passenger safety belt
reminder light near the passenger
airbag status indicator. See
Passenger Sensing System on
page 3‑28.
When the vehicle is started, this
light flashes and a chime may come
on to remind passengers to fasten
their safety belt. Then the light stays
on solid until the belt is buckled.
This cycle continues several times if
the passenger remains or becomes
unbuckled while the vehicle is
moving.
If the passenger safety belt is
buckled, neither the chime nor the
light comes on.
The front passenger safety belt
warning light and chime may turn on
if an object is put on the seat such
as a briefcase, handbag, grocery
bag, laptop, or other electronic
device. To turn off the warning light
and/or chime, remove the object
from the seat or buckle the
safety belt.
Airbag Readiness Light
This light shows if there is an
electrical problem with the airbag
system. The system check includes
the airbag sensor(s), passenger
sensing system (if equipped), the
pretensioners, the airbag modules,
the wiring, and the crash sensing
and diagnostic module. For more
information on the airbag system,
seeAirbag System on page 3‑20.
The airbag readiness light comes
on for several seconds when the
vehicle is started. If the light does
not come on then, have it fixed
immediately.
Black plate (35,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 8/27/12
Instruments and Controls 5-35
SERVICE BATTERY
CHARGING SYSTEM
On some vehicles, this message
displays if there is a problem with
the battery charging system.
Under certain conditions, the
charging system light may also turn
on in the instrument panel cluster.
SeeCharging System Light on
page 5‑17. Driving with this problem
could drain the battery. Turn off all
unnecessary accessories. Have the
electrical system checked as soon
as possible. See your dealer.
Brake System Messages
SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM
This message displays along with
the brake system warning light if
there is a problem with the brake
system. See Brake System Warning
Light on page 5‑20. If this message
appears, stop as soon as possible
and turn off the vehicle. Restart the
vehicle and check for the message
on the DIC display. If the message
is still displayed or appears again when you begin driving, the brake
system needs service as soon as
possible. See your dealer.
SERVICE BRAKES SOON
This message displays if there is a
problem with the brake system.
If this message appears, stop as
soon as possible and turn off the
vehicle. Restart the vehicle and
check for the message on the DIC
display. If the message is still
displayed or appears again when
you begin driving, the brake system
needs service. See your dealer.
SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE
SYSTEM
On vehicles with the Integrated
Trailer Brake Control (ITBC) system,
this message displays and a chime
sounds when there is a problem
with the ITBC system.
When this message displays, power
is no longer available to the trailer
brakes.
As soon as it is safe to do so,
carefully pull your vehicle over to
the side of the road and turn the
ignition off. Check the wiring
connection to the trailer and turn the
ignition back on. If this message still
displays, either your vehicle or the
trailer needs service. See your
dealer.
See
“Integrated Trailer Brake
Control System” underTowing
Equipment on page 9‑67 for more
information.
Door Ajar Messages
DRIVER DOOR OPEN
This message displays and a
chime sounds if the driver door is
not fully closed and the vehicle is
shifted out of P (Park). Stop and turn
off the vehicle, check the door for
obstructions, and close the door
again. Check to see if the message
still appears on the DIC.
Black plate (43,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 8/27/12
Instruments and Controls 5-43
Vehicle Reminder
Messages
CHECK TRAILER WIRING
On vehicles with the Integrated
Trailer Brake Control (ITBC) system,
this message may display and a
chime may sound when one of the
following conditions exists:
.A trailer with electric brakes
becomes disconnected from the
vehicle.
‐If the disconnect occurs while
the vehicle is stopped, this
message clears itself after a
short time.
‐ If the disconnect occurs while
the vehicle is moving, this
message stays on until the
ignition is turned off.
.There is a short in the wiring to
the electric trailer brakes.
When this message displays, power
is no longer available to the trailer
brakes. As soon as it is safe to do so,
carefully pull the vehicle over to the
side of the road and turn the ignition
off. Check the wiring connection to
the trailer and turn the ignition back
on. This message clears if the trailer
is reconnected. This message also
clears if you acknowledge it. If this
message still displays, either the
vehicle or the trailer needs service.
See your dealer.
See
“Integrated Trailer Brake
Control System” underTowing
Equipment on page 9‑67 for more
information.
ICE POSSIBLE DRIVE
WITH CARE
This message displays when ice
conditions are possible.
TRAILER CONNECTED
On vehicles with the Integrated
Trailer Brake Control (ITBC) system,
this message displays briefly when
a trailer with electric brakes is first
connected to the vehicle. This message clears itself after
several seconds. This message also
clears if you acknowledge it. After
this message clears, the TRAILER
GAIN/OUTPUT display appears in
the DIC.
See
“TRAILER GAIN/OUTPUT”
under Driver Information Center
(DIC) on page 5‑25 and“Integrated
Trailer Brake Control System” under
Towing Equipment on page 9‑67 for
more information.
Washer Fluid Messages
WASHER FLUID LOW ADD
FLUID
This message displays when the
windshield washer fluid is low. Fill
the windshield washer fluid reservoir
as soon as possible. See Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 10‑5 for the location of the
windshield washer fluid reservoir.
Also, see Washer Fluid on
page 10‑21 for more information.
Black plate (68,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 8/27/12
9-68 Driving and Operating
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the
vehicle and the trailer. Cross the
safety chains under the tongue of
the trailer to help prevent the tongue
from contacting the road if it
becomes separated from the hitch.
Instructions about safety chains
may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer
manufacturer. If the trailer being
towed weighs up to 2 271 kg
(5,000 lbs) with a factory-installed
step bumper, safety chains may be
attached to the attaching points on
the bumper, otherwise, safety
chains should be attached to holes
on the trailer hitch platform. Always
leave just enough slack so the
combination can turn. Never allow
safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
A loaded trailer that weighs more
than 900 kg (2,000 lbs) needs to
have its own brake system that is
adequate for the weight of the
trailer. Be sure to read and followthe instructions for the trailer brakes
so they are installed, adjusted, and
maintained properly.
Do not tap into the vehicle's
hydraulic system.
Auxiliary Battery
The auxiliary battery provision can
be used to supply electrical power
to additional equipment that may be
added, such as a slide-in camper.
If the vehicle has this provision, this
relay will be located on the driver
side of the vehicle, next to the
underhood electrical center.
Be sure to follow the proper
installation instructions included with
any electrical equipment that is
installed.
Notice:
Leaving electrical
equipment on for extended
periods will drain the battery.
Always turn off electrical
equipment when not in use and
do not use equipment that exceeds the maximum amperage
rating of 40 amperes for the
auxiliary battery provision.
Trailer Wiring Harness
Heavy-Duty Trailer Wiring Harness
Package
The vehicle has a seven-pin
universal heavy-duty trailer
connector attached to the rear
bumper beam next to the integrated
trailer hitch.
Black plate (69,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 8/27/12
Driving and Operating 9-69
The seven-wire harness contains
the following trailer circuits:
.Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal
.Dark Green: Right Stop/Turn
Signal
.Brown: Taillamps
.White: Ground
.Light Green: Back-up Lamps
.Red: Battery Feed
.Dark Blue: Trailer Brake
If charging a remote (non-vehicle)
battery, press the tow/haul mode
button located at the end of the shift
lever. This will boost the vehicle
system voltage and properly charge
the battery. If the trailer is too light
for Tow/Haul Mode, turn on the
headlamps as a second way to
boost the vehicle system and
charge the battery.
Electric Brake Control Wiring
Provisions
These wiring provisions are
included with the vehicle as part of
the trailer wiring package. These
provisions are for an electric brake
controller. The instrument panel
contains blunt cut wires near the
data link connector for the trailer
brake controller. The harness
contains the following wires:
.Dark Blue: Brake Signal to
Trailer Connector
.Red/Black: Battery
.Light Blue/White: Brake Switch
.White: Ground
The harness should be installed by
your dealer or a qualified service
center.
If the vehicle is equipped with an
Integrated Trailer Brake Control
(ITBC) System, the blunt cuts exist,
but are not connected further in the
harness. If an aftermarket trailer
brake controller is installed, the ITBC must be disconnected. Do not
power both ITBC and aftermarket
controllers to control the trailer
brakes at the same time.
Tow/Haul Mode
Pressing this button at the end of
the shift lever turns on and off the
Tow/Haul Mode.
This indicator light on the instrument
panel cluster comes on when the
Tow/Haul Mode is on.
Black plate (73,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 8/27/12
Driving and Operating 9-73
The Trailer Output will indicate
“- - - - - -”on the Trailer Brake
Display Page whenever the
following occur:
.No trailer is connected
.A trailer without electric brakes
is connected (no DIC message
is displayed)
.A trailer with electric brakes has
become disconnected (a
CHECK TRAILER WIRING
message will also be displayed
on the DIC)
.There is a fault present in the
wiring to the electric trailer
brakes (a CHECK TRAILER
WIRING message will also be
displayed on the DIC)
.There is a fault in the ITBC
system (a SERVICE TRAILER
BRAKE SYSTEM message will
also be displayed in the DIC) Manual Trailer Brake Apply
The Manual Trailer Brake Apply
Lever is located on the Trailer
Brake Control Panel and is used to
apply the trailer
’s electric brakes
independent of the vehicle’s brakes.
This lever is used in the Trailer Gain
Adjustment Procedure to properly
adjust the power output to the trailer
brakes. Sliding the lever to the left
will apply only the trailer brakes.
The power output to the trailer is
indicated in the Trailer Brake
Display Page on the DIC. If the
vehicle’s service brakes are applied
while using the Manual Trailer Brake
Apply Lever, the trailer output power
will be the greater of the two.
The trailer's and the vehicle's brake
lamps will come on when either
vehicle braking or manual trailer
brakes are applied.
Trailer Gain Adjustment Procedure
Trailer Gain should be set for
a specific trailering condition
and must be adjusted any time vehicle loading, trailer loading,
or road surface conditions
change.
Setting the Trailer Gain properly is
needed for the best trailer stopping
performance. A trailer that is
over-gained may result in locked
trailer brakes. A trailer that is
under-gained may result in not
enough trailer braking. Both of these
conditions may result in poorer
stopping and stability of the vehicle
and trailer.
Use the following procedure to
correctly adjust Trailer Gain for each
towing condition:
1. Make sure the trailer brakes are
in proper working condition.
2. Connect a properly loaded trailer to the vehicle and make all
necessary mechanical and
electrical connections. See
Vehicle Load Limits on
page 9‑15 for more information.