Chevrolet 2010 Avalanche User manual

2010 Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual M
In Brief ............................................ 1-1
Instrument Panel ................................. 1-2
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Vehicle Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Performance and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Seats and Restraint System ...................... 2-1
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Front Seats ....................................... 2-4
Rear Seats ...................................... 2-13
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-37
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-61
Restraint System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-78
Features and Controls ............................ 3-1
Keys ............................................. 3-3
Doors and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-27
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-31
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-56
Object Detection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-59
Universal Home Remote System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-67
Storage Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-74
Sunroof ......................................... 3-92
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . 4-25
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-43
Audio System(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-77
Driving Your Vehicle .............................. 5-1
Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-39
Service and Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Service ........................................... 6-3
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Checking Things Under the Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-45
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-46

2010 Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual M
Front Axle ....................................... 6-47
Headlamp Aiming ............................... 6-48
Bulb Replacement .............................. 6-50
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . 6-53
Tires ............................................ 6-54
Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-96
Vehicle Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-103
Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-104
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-112
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
Customer Assistance Information ............... 8-1
Customer Assistance and Information . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-15
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-17
Index .................................... i-1

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem,
CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET Emblem, and the
names AVALANCHE and Z71 are registered trademarks
of General Motors.
This manual describes features that may or may not
be on your specific vehicle either because they are
options that you did not purchase or due to changes
subsequent to the printing of this owner manual.
Please refer to the purchase documentation relating to
your specific vehicle to confirm each of the features
found on your vehicle. For vehicles first sold in Canada,
substitute the name “General Motors of Canada
Limited”for Chevrolet Motor Division wherever it
appears in this manual.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for quick reference.
Canadian Owners
Propriétaires Canadiens
A French language copy of this manual can be obtained
from your dealer/retailer or from:
On peut obtenir un exemplaire de ce guide en français
auprès du concessionnaire ou à l'adresse suivante:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
1-800-551-4123
Numéro de poste 6438 de langue française
www.helminc.com
Index
To quickly locate information about the vehicle, use the
index in the back of the manual. It is an alphabetical list
of what is in the manual and the page number where it
can be found.
iii
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 25854758 A First Printing ©2009 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

Safety Warnings and Symbols
Warning messages found on vehicle labels and in this
manual describe hazards and what to do to avoid or
reduce them.
Danger indicates a hazard with a high level of risk
which will result in serious injury or death.
Warning or Caution indicates a hazard that could result
in injury or death.
{WARNING:
These mean there is something that could hurt
you or other people.
Notice: This means there is something that could
result in property or vehicle damage. This would not
be covered by the vehicle's warranty.
A circle with a slash
through it is a safety
symbol which means “Do
Not,” “Do not do this,”or
“Do not let this happen.”
Vehicle Symbols
The vehicle has components and labels that use
symbols instead of text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or information relating
to a specific component, control, message, gage,
or indicator.
M:This symbol is shown when you need to see your
owner manual for additional instructions or information.
*:This symbol is shown when you need to see a
service manual for additional instructions or information.
iv

Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may be found on
the vehicle and what they mean. For more information
on the symbol, refer to the index.
0:Adjustable Pedals
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel Controls or OnStar
®
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gage
+:Fuses
i:Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
g:Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
_:Tow/Haul Mode
F:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
v

2NOTES
vi

Section 1 In Brief
Instrument Panel ................................... 1-2
Initial Drive Information ........................... 1-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Midgate
®
........................................ 1-6
Tailgate ......................................... 1-6
Windows ........................................ 1-6
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Heated and Cooled Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Head Restraint Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Safety Belt ..................................... 1-11
Sensing System for Passenger Airbag . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Mirror Adjustment .............................. 1-12
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Throttle and Brake Pedal Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Vehicle Features .................................. 1-17
Radio(s) ....................................... 1-17
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Portable Audio Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
Bluetooth
®
..................................... 1-19
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Cruise Control ................................. 1-21
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Universal Remote System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Performance and Maintenance .................. 1-23
StabiliTrak
®
.................................... 1-23
Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
OnStar
®
....................................... 1-26
1-1

Instrument Panel
1-2

A. Outlet Adjustment on page 4‑25.
B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 4‑4.
C. Instrument Panel Cluster on page 4‑26.
D. Hazard Warning Flashers
on page 4‑3 .
E. Shift Lever. See Automatic Transmission Operation
on page 3‑37 .
F. Tow/Haul Mode
on page 3‑42 (If Equipped).
G. Driver Information Center (DIC) Buttons. See
Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 4‑43.
H. Audio System(s) on page 4‑77.
I. Exterior Lamps on page 4‑10.
J. Dome Lamp Override
on page 4‑14 .Instrument
Panel Brightness
on page 4‑13 .Fog Lamps on
page 4‑13
(If Equipped).
K. Automatic Transfer Case Control. (If Equipped).
See Four-Wheel Drive (Two Speed Automatic
Transfer Case)
on page 3‑43 or Four-Wheel Drive
(Single Speed Automatic Transfer Case)
on
page 3‑48
.
L. Cruise Control on page 4‑7.
M. Tilt Wheel on page 4‑3.
N. Horn on page 4‑3.
O. Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 4‑136.
P. Climate Control System
on page 4‑16 or Dual
Automatic Climate Control System
on page 4‑19
(If Equipped).
Q. Accessory Power Outlet(s)
on page 4‑15 .
Cigarette Lighter (If Equipped). See Ashtray(s) and
Cigarette Lighter
on page 4‑16 .
R. StabiliTrak
®
System on page 5‑6 . Pedal
Adjust Button (If Equipped). See Adjustable
Throttle and Brake Pedal
on page 3‑35 .
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)
on
page 3‑59
(If Equipped). Heated Windshield
Washer Fluid Button (If Equipped). See Windshield
Washer
on page 4‑6 .Power Assist Steps on
page 3‑23
(If Equipped).
S. Glove Box on page 3‑74.
1-3

Initial Drive Information
This section provides a brief overview about some of
the important features that may or may not be on your
specific vehicle.
For more detailed information, refer to each of the
features which can be found later in this owner manual.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
The RKE transmitter is used to remotely lock and
unlock the doors from up to 60 m (195 feet) away from
the vehicle.
Press Kto unlock the
driver door. Press K
again within five seconds
to unlock all remaining
doors.
Press Qto lock all doors.
Lock and unlock feedback can be personalized.
Press Land release to locate the vehicle.
Press Land hold for three seconds to sound
the panic alarm.
Press Lagain to cancel the panic alarm.
See Keys
on page 3‑3 and Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 3‑4.
1-4

Remote Vehicle Start
With this feature the engine can be started from outside
of the vehicle.
Starting the Vehicle
1. Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle.
2. Press Q.
3. Immediately after completing Step 2, press and
hold /until the turn signal lamps flash.
When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps will turn on
and remain on as long as the engine is running.
The doors will be locked and the climate control system
may come on.
The engine will continue to run for 10 minutes. Repeat
the steps for a 10-minute time extension. Remote start
can be extended only once.
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start:
.Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle and press
and hold /until the parking lamps turn off.
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Turn the ignition on and then back off.
See Remote Vehicle Start on page 3‑7.
Door Locks
There are several ways to lock and unlock the vehicle.
From outside, use the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter or the key in the driver door. From inside,
use the power door locks or the manual door locks.
To lock or unlock the door with the manual locks, push
down or pull up on the manual lock knob.
Power Door Locks
If available, these switches are located on the front
doors.
K:Press to unlock the doors.
Q:Remove the key from the ignition and press
to lock the doors.
For more information, see:
.Programmable Automatic Door Locks
on
page 3‑11
.
.Rear Door Security Locks on page 3‑12.
1-5

Midgate
®
This vehicle is equipped with a Midgate
®
and a
removable rear glass panel. The Midgate allows you to
extend the length of the vehicle's cargo area.
For more information see Midgate
®
on page 3‑13.
Tailgate
Use the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter or
power door lock switch to lock and unlock the tailgate.
Open the tailgate by lifting up on its handle while pulling
the tailgate toward you.
To close the tailgate, push it firmly upward until it
latches. Push and pull on the tailgate to be sure it is
latched securely.
Tailgate Removal
The tailgate is not to be removed. This may cause
damage to the electrical connector resulting in a loss of
lock/unlock and rear vision camera function.
See Tailgate on page 3‑22.
Windows
The power window
switches are located
on the driver door.
In addition, each
passenger door has a
switch for its own window.
Press the switch to lower the window. Pull the switch up
to raise it.
For more information, see:
.Windows on page 3‑24.
.Power Windows on page 3‑25.
1-6

Seat Adjustment
Front Seats
Manual Seats
If the vehicle has a manual seat, it can be moved
forward or rearward.
1. Lift the bar to unlock
the seat.
2. Slide the seat to the
desired position and
release the bar.
Try to move the seat with your body to be sure the seat
is locked in place.
See Manual Seats on page 2‑4.
Power Seats
If equipped, the power seat controls are located on the
outboard side of the front seats.
Move the seat forward or rearward by sliding the control
forward or rearward.
Raise or lower the front or rear part of the cushion by
moving the front or rear part of the control up or down.
Raise or lower the entire seat by moving the entire
control up or down.
See Power Seats on page 2‑5.
1-7

Manual Lumbar
If equipped, this control is
located on the outboard
side of the seat.
Increase or decrease lumbar support by turning the
knob forward or rearward.
Power Lumbar
If equipped, this control is located on the outboard side
of the seat.
On vehicles with two-way lumbar, press and hold the
top of the control to increase lumbar support. To
decrease, press and hold the bottom of the control.
On vehicles with four-way lumbar, press and hold
the front of the control to increase lumbar support.
To decrease, press and hold the rear of the control.
To raise the height of the support, press and hold the
top of the control. To lower, press and hold the bottom
of the control. See Power Lumbar on page 2‑6.
1-8

Manual Reclining Seatbacks
If equipped, this control is located on the outboard side
of the seat.
To recline the seatback:
1. Lift the recline lever.
2. Move the seatback to the desired position, then
release the lever to lock the seatback in place.
3. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is
locked.
See Reclining Seatbacks on page 2‑10.
Power Reclining Seatbacks
If available, this control is located on the outboard side
of the seat.
To recline the seatback, tilt the top of the control
rearward.
To bring the seatback forward, tilt the top of the control
forward.
See Reclining Seatbacks on page 2‑10.
1-9

Memory Features
This vehicle may have the memory package.
The controls for this
feature are located on the
driver door, and are used
to program and recall
memory settings for the
driver seat, outside
mirrors, and the
adjustable throttle and
brake pedal feature.
For more information, see Memory Seat, Mirrors, and
Pedals on page 2‑8.
Heated and Cooled Seats
On vehicles with heated front seats, or heated and
cooled front seats, the controls are located on the driver
and passenger doors.
{(If Equipped): Press to cool the entire seat.
+:Press to heat the seatback only.
z:Press to heat the seat and seatback.
Continue to press the desired button to cycle through
the temperature settings: high (three indicator lights),
medium (two indicator lights), low (one indicator light),
and off (no lights).
See Heated Seats
on page 2‑7 and Heated and
Cooled Seats on page 2‑8.
Head Restraint Adjustment
Do not drive until the head restraints for all occupants
are installed and adjusted properly.
For more information see Head Restraints
on
page 2‑2
.
1-10

Safety Belt
Refer to the following sections for important information
on how to use safety belts properly.
.Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone on page 2‑15.
.How to Wear Safety Belts Properly on page 2‑20.
.Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 2‑29.
.Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)
on page 2‑47 .
Sensing System for Passenger
Airbag
The passenger sensing system, if equipped, will turn off
the right front passenger frontal airbag under certain
conditions. The driver airbags, seat‐mounted side
impact airbags and roof‐rail airbags are not affected
by this.
If the vehicle has one of the indicators pictured in the
following illustrations, then the vehicle has a passenger
sensing system for the right front passenger position.
The passenger airbag status indicator, if equipped, will
be visible on the overhead console when the vehicle is
started.
United States Canada
See Passenger Sensing System
on page 2‑71 for
important information.
1-11

Mirror Adjustment
Exterior Mirrors
Vehicles with outside
power mirrors and
foldaway mirrors have
controls located on the
driver door.
1. Press (A) or (B) to select the driver or passenger
side mirror.
2. Press one of the four arrows located on the control
pad to adjust the mirror.
3. Press either (A) or (B) again to deselect the mirror.
Power Foldaway Mirrors
To fold the mirrors:
1. Press (C) to fold the mirrors out to the driving
position.
2. Press (D) to fold the mirrors in to the folded
position.
Manual Foldaway Mirrors
Manually fold the mirrors inward to prevent damage
when going through an automatic car wash. To fold,
push the mirror toward the vehicle. Push the mirror
outward, to return to its original position.
Interior Mirror
Vehicles with a manual rearview mirror can be adjusted
to see clearly behind the vehicle. Hold the mirror in
the center to move it up or down and side to side.
To reduce headlamp glare during nighttime use, move
the lever at the bottom of the mirror to the right. Move it
to the left for daytime use.
Vehicles with the automatic dimming feature will
automatically reduce the glare of lights from behind the
vehicle. The dimming feature comes on and the
indicator light illuminates each time the vehicle is
started.
See Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
on page 3‑56
for more information.
1-12

Steering Wheel Adjustment
The tilt lever is located on the lower left side of the
steering column.
To adjust the steering wheel:
1. Hold the steering wheel and pull the lever.
2. Move the steering wheel to a comfortable position.
3. Release the lever to lock the wheel in place.
See Tilt Wheel on page 4‑3.
Throttle and Brake Pedal Adjustment
On vehicles with this feature, you can change the
position of the throttle and brake pedals.
The switch used to adjust the pedals is located on the
instrument panel below the climate control system.
Press the arrow at the bottom of the switch to move the
pedals closer to your body. Press the arrow at the top of
the switch to move the pedals away from your body.
See Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal on page 3‑35.
1-13

Interior Lighting
Dome Lamps
The dome lamps come on when any door is opened.
They turn off after all the doors are closed.
The dome lamps can also be turned on by turning the
instrument panel brightness knob, located on the
instrument panel to the left of the steering column,
clockwise to the farthest position. In this position, the
dome lamps remain on whether a door is opened or
closed.
k:The dome lamp override button is located next to
the exterior lamps control.
Press the button in and the dome lamps remain off
when a door is opened. Press the button again to return
it to the extended position so that the dome lamps come
on when a door is opened.
Reading Lamps
For vehicles with reading lamps in the overhead
console, press the button located next to the lamp to
turn it on or off.
The vehicle may also have reading lamps in other
locations. The lamps cannot be adjusted.
For more information about interior lamps, see:
.Dome Lamps on page 4‑14.
.Reading Lamps on page 4‑14.
.Instrument Panel Brightness on page 4‑13.
1-14