CHEVROLET Avalanche 2010 User Manual

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Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2012
2012 Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual M
In Brief . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Instrument Panel . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4
Performance and
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
Keys, Doors, and
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Keys and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Exterior Mirrors . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Interior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-23
Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Front Seats . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Rear Seats . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Safety Belts . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
Airbag System . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .3-22
Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Storage Compartments . . .. . . . . 4-1
Luggage/Load Locations . . .. . . . 4-2
Additional Storage Features .. . 4-6
Roof Rack System .. . . . . . . . . . 4-13
Instruments and Controls . . . . 5-1
Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Information Displays . . .. . . . . . . 5-26
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-35
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . 5-45
Universal Remote System . . . . 5-53
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Exterior Lighting . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Lighting Features . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-1
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8
Audio Players . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14
Rear Seat Infotainment . . . . . . . 7-35
Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-47
Trademarks and License
Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-54
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 8-1
Air Vents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . 9-1
Driving Information . . .. . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Starting and Operating .. . . . . . 9-22
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-31
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 9-32
Drive Systems . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-37
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-44
Ride Control Systems .. . . . . . . 9-46
Cruise Control . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .9-51
Object Detection Systems . . . . 9-54
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-60
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-66
Conversions and Add-Ons . . . 9-84
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Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2012
2012 Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual M
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
Vehicle Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Headlamp Aiming . . .. . . . . . . . 10-35
Bulb Replacement . . .. . . . . . . 10-38
Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-40
Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-49
Jump Starting . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 10-86
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-91
Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . 10-96
Service and Maintenance . . . 11-1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 11-1
Maintenance Schedule . . .. . . . 11-3
Special Application
Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-8
Additional Maintenance
and Care . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-9
Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants, and Parts . . . . . . 11-12
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . 11-15
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1
Vehicle Identification . . . . . . . . . 12-1
Vehicle Data . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 12-2
Customer Information . . . . . . . 13-1
Customer Information . . .. . . . . 13-1
Reporting Safety Defects .. . . 13-17
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-19
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1
OnStar Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1
OnStar Services . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 14-2
OnStar Additional
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-5
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i-1
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Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2012

Introduction iii

The names, logos, emblems, slogans, vehicle model names, and vehicle body designs appearing in this manual including, but not limited to, GM, the GM logo, CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET Emblem, AVALANCHE, and Z71 are trademarks and/or service marks of General Motors LLC, its subsidiaries, affiliates, or licensors.
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.
Litho in U.S.A. Part No. 20902915 A First Printing
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 Limitedfor Chevrolet Motor Division wherever it appears in this manual.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for quick reference.
©
2011 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Canadian Vehicle Owners

Propriétaires Canadiens
A French language copy of this manual can be obtained from your dealer 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
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Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2012
iv Introduction

Using this Manual

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.

Danger, Warnings, and Cautions

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.

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, gauge, 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.
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Introduction v
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) % : 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 Gauge
+ : Fuses
3 : Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer
( : Heated Steering Wheel 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 d : Traction Control/StabiliTrak
M : Windshield Washer Fluid
®
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Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2012
vi Introduction
2 NOTES
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In Brief 1-1

In Brief

Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Midgate
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Second Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Heated and Ventilated
Head Restraint
®
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Passenger Sensing
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Steering Wheel
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Throttle and Brake Pedal
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . 1-15
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Vehicle Features
Radio(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Portable Audio Devices . . . . . . 1-21
Bluetooth
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . 1-21
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
®
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Navigation System . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Rear Vision
Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . 1-24
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
Universal Remote System . . . 1-24
Performance and Maintenance
StabiliTrak®System . . . . . . . . . 1-25
Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . 1-25
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . 1-25
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) . . . . . 1-26
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26
Roadside Assistance
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27
®
OnStar
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27
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1-2 In Brief

Instrument Panel

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In Brief 1-3
A. Air Vents on page 810.
B. Turn and LaneChange Lever.
See Turn and Lane-Change
Signals on page 65.
Windshield Wiper/Washer on page 55.
C. Instrument Cluster on
page 511.
D. Hazard Warning Flashers on
page 65 (Out of View).
E. Shift Lever. See Automatic
Transmission on page 932.
F. Tow/Haul Mode on page 936
(If Equipped).
G. Driver Information Center (DIC)
Buttons. See Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 526.
H. AM-FM Radio on page 78.
I. Exterior Lamp Controls on
page 61.
J. Dome Lamp Override. See
Dome Lamps on page 67.
Instrument Panel Illumination Control on page 67.
Fog Lamps on page 66
(If Equipped).
K. Automatic Transfer Case
Control (If Equipped). See
Four-Wheel Drive (Two Speed Automatic Transfer Case) on page 937 or Four-Wheel Drive (Single Speed Automatic Transfer Case) on page 942.
L. Data Link Connector (DLC)
(Out of View). See Malfunction Indicator Lamp on page 519.
M. Cruise Control on page 951.
N. Steering Wheel Adjustment on
page 52.
O. Horn on page 55.
P. Steering Wheel Controls on
page 53.
Q. Climate Control Systems on
page 81 (If Equipped).
Dual Automatic Climate Control System on page 84
(If Equipped).
R. Power Outlets on page 59.
S. StabiliTrak
®
System on
page 946.
Pedal Adjust Control (If Equipped). See Adjustable
Throttle and Brake Pedal on page 922.
Ultrasonic Parking Assist on page 954 (If Equipped).
Power Assist Steps on page 216 (If Equipped).
T. Glove Box on page 41.
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1-4 In Brief

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 ft) away from the vehicle.
K : Press to unlock the driver door.
K again within three seconds
Press to unlock all remaining doors.
Q : Press to lock all doors. Lock
and unlock feedback can be personalized. See Vehicle
Personalization (With DIC Buttons) on page 545.
L : Press and release to locate
the vehicle. Press more than two seconds to sound the
panic alarm. Press cancel the panic alarm.
See Keys on page 22 and Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 23.
L and hold for
L again to
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In Brief 1-5

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 and release
3. Immediately after completing Step 2, press and hold
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.
Q.
/ until
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 25.
/

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, the switches are on the front doors.
K : Press to unlock the doors. Q : Press to lock the doors.
See Door Locks on page 27.
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1-6 In Brief
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 29.
®
®

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. Removing the tailgate may cause damage to the electrical connector resulting in a loss of lock/unlock and rear vision camera function.
See Tailgate on page 216.

Windows

The power window controls are located on each of the side doors.
The driver door also has switches that control the front passenger and rear windows. The power windows work when the ignition is in ON/ RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY, or in Retained Accessory Power (RAP). See Retained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 928.
Press the switch to lower the window. Pull the switch up to raise it.
For more information, see:
.
Windows on page 223.
.
Power Windows on page 224.
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In Brief 1-7

Seat Adjustment

Manual Seats
To adjust the seat:
1. Lift the bar to unlock the seat.
2. Slide the seat to the desired position and release the bar.
3. Try to move the seat back and forth to be sure the seat is locked in place.
See Seat Adjustment on page 33 for more information.
Power Seats
To adjust a power seat, if equipped:
.
Move the seat forward or rearward by sliding the control forward or rearward.
.
If available, raise or lower the front or rear part of the seat cushion by moving the front or rear of the control up or down.
.
If available, raise or lower the entire seat by moving the entire control up or down.
See Power Seat Adjustment on page 34 for more information.
Lumbar Adjustment
Manual Lumbar
If equipped, increase or decrease manual lumbar support by turning the knob forward or rearward.
See Lumbar Adjustment on page 34 for more information.
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1-8 In Brief
Power Lumbar
To adjust the power lumbar support, if equipped:
.
On vehicles with two-way lumbar, press and hold the top or bottom of the control to increase or decrease lumbar support.
.
On vehicles with four-way lumbar, press and hold the front or rear of the control to increase or decrease lumbar support. To raise or lower the height of the support, press and hold the top or bottom of the control.
See Lumbar Adjustment on page 34 for more information.
Reclining Seatbacks
Manual Reclining Seatbacks
To recline a manual seatback:
1. Lift the lever.
2. Move the seatback to the desired position, and then release the lever to lock the seatback in place.
3. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is locked.
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In Brief 1-9
To return the seatback to the upright position:
1. Lift the lever fully without applying pressure to the seatback, and the seatback will return to the upright position.
2. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is locked.
See Reclining Seatbacks on page 35 for more information.
Power Reclining Seatbacks
To adjust a power seatback, if equipped:
.
Tilt the top of the control rearward to recline.
.
Tilt the top of the control forward to raise.
See Reclining Seatbacks on page 35 for more information.

Memory Features

On vehicles with the memory feature, the controls on the driver door are used to program and recall memory settings for the driver seat, outside mirrors, and the adjustable throttle and brake pedals, if equipped.
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1-10 In Brief
Storing Memory Positions
To save into memory:
1. Adjust the driver seat and seatback recliner, both outside mirrors, and the throttle and brake pedals, if equipped.
See Power Mirrors on page 220 and Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal on page 922 for more information.
Not all mirrors and adjustable throttle and brake pedals will have the ability to save and recall their positions.
2. Press and hold 1until two beeps sound.
3. Repeat for a second driver position using 2.
To recall, press and release 1or 2.The vehicle must be in P (Park). A single beep will sound. The seat, outside mirrors, and adjustable throttle and brake pedals, if equipped, will move to the position previously stored for the identified driver.
See Memory Seats on page 37 and
Vehicle Personalization (With DIC Buttons) on page 545 for more
information.
Easy Exit Driver Seat
This feature can move the seat rearward to allow extra room to exit the vehicle.
B : Press to recall the easy exit
seat position. The vehicle must be in P (Park).
See Memory Seats on page 37 and
Vehicle Personalization (With DIC Buttons) on page 545 for more
information.

Second Row Seats

The rear seatbacks can be folded to provide more cargo space and access to the midgate.
For detailed instructions see Rear Seats on page 310.
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In Brief 1-11

Heated and Ventilated Seats

Heated and Cooled Seat Buttons
Shown, Heated Seat Buttons
Similar
If available, the buttons are on the front doors.
H : If available, press to cool
the seat.
I : Press to heat the
seatback only.
J : Press to heat the seat and
seatback.
Press the button once for the highest setting. With each press of the button, the seat will change to the next lower setting, and then to the off setting. The lights indicate three for the highest setting and one for the lowest.
See Heated and Ventilated Front Seats on page 39.

Head Restraint Adjustment

Do not drive until the head restraints for all occupants are installed and adjusted properly.
To achieve a comfortable seating position, change the seatback recline angle as little as necessary while keeping the seat and the head restraint height in the proper position.
For more information see Head
Restraints on page 32 and Seat Adjustment on page 33.

Safety Belts

Refer to the following sections for important information on how to use safety belts properly.
.
Safety Belts on page 312.
.
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly on page 313.
.
Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 314.
.
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 345.
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1-12 In Brief

Passenger Sensing System

The passenger sensing system, if equipped, turns off the front outboard passenger frontal airbag under certain conditions. No other airbag is affected by the passenger sensing system.
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 and Mexico
See Passenger Sensing System on page 329 for important information.

Mirror Adjustment

Exterior Mirrors
Vehicles with outside power mirrors and foldaway mirrors have controls 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.
See Power Mirrors on page 220.
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In Brief 1-13
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, pull the mirror toward the vehicle. Push the mirror outward, to return to its original position.
See Folding Mirrors on page 221.
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, push the tab forward for daytime use and pull it for nighttime use.
Vehicles with the automatic dimming feature will automatically reduce the glare of headlamps 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 222 for more information.

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 up or down.
3. Release the lever to lock the wheel in place.
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving.

Throttle and Brake Pedal Adjustment

On vehicles with this feature, you can change the position of the throttle and brake pedals.
The control used to adjust the pedals is located on the instrument panel below the climate control system.
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1-14 In Brief
Press the bottom of the control to move the pedals closer to your body. Press the top of the control to move the pedals away.
See Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal on page 922.

Interior Lighting

Dome Lamps
The dome lamps are located in the overhead console.
They come on when any door is opened and turn off after all the doors are closed.
Turn the instrument panel brightness knob located below the dome lamp override button, clockwise to the farthest position to manually turn on the dome lamps. The dome lamps remain on until the knob is turned counterclockwise.
Dome Lamp Override
The dome lamp override button is located next to the exterior lamps control.
k : 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. To turn the lamps on or off, press the button located next to the lamp.
For more information about interior lamps, see:
.
Dome Lamps on page 67.
.
Reading Lamps on page 67.
.
Instrument Panel Illumination Control on page 67.

Exterior Lighting

The exterior lamps control is located on the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel.
P : Turns off the automatic
headlamps and Daytime Running Lamps (DRL). Turn the headlamp
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In Brief 1-15
control to the off position again to turn the automatic headlamps or DRL back on.
For vehicles first sold in Canada, the off position will only work when the vehicle is shifted into P (Park).
AUTO : Automatically turns on the headlamps, parking lamps, instrument panel lights, license plate lamps, and taillamps.
; : Turns on the parking lamps,
instrument panel lights, license plate lamps, and taillamps.
2 : Turns on the headlamps,
parking lamps, instrument panel lights, license plate lamps, and taillamps.
For more information, see:
.
Exterior Lamp Controls on page 61.
.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) on page 63.
.
Fog Lamps on page 66.

Windshield Wiper/Washer

The front wiper control is located on the turn and lanechange lever.
The windshield wipers are controlled by turning the band with
z on it.
8 : For a single wipe, turn to 8,
then release. For several wipes, hold the band on
8 longer.
9 : Turns the windshield
wipers off.
6 : Turn the band up for more
frequent wipes or down for less frequent wipes.
6 : Slow wipes. ? : Fast wipes. L : Push the paddle at the top of
the lever to spray washer fluid on the windshield.
See Windshield Wiper/Washer on page 55.
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Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2012
1-16 In Brief

Climate Controls

The heating, cooling, defrost, defog and ventilation of the vehicle can be controlled with these systems.
A. Fan Control
B. Outside Air
C. Air Recirculation
D. Air Delivery Mode Control
E. Air Conditioning
F. Driver and Passenger
Temperature Controls
G. Rear Window Defogger
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Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2012
A. Driver and Passenger
Temperature Controls
B. Fan Control
C. AUTO
D. Defrost
E. Air Recirculation
F. Outside Air
G. Air Delivery Mode Control
H. Display
I. Power Button
J. Rear Window Defogger
K. Air Conditioning
L. PASS
See Climate Control Systems on
page 81 and Dual Automatic Climate Control System on page 84.
In Brief 1-17

Transmission

Range Selection Mode
If available, the Range Selection Mode switch is located on the shift lever.
To use the Range Selection feature:
1. Move the column shift lever to the M (Manual) position. The current range will appear next to the M. This is the highest attainable range with all lower gears accessible. As an example, when 5 (Fifth) gear is selected, 1 (First) through 5 (Fifth) gears are available.
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1-18 In Brief
2. Press the plus/minus buttons, located on the steering column shift lever, to select the desired range of gears for current driving conditions. See Manual Mode on page 935.
While using Range Selection Mode, cruise control and the Tow/Haul mode can be used.
Grade Braking is not available when Range Selection Mode is active. See Tow/Haul Mode on page 936.

Four-Wheel Drive

If the vehicle has Four-Wheel Drive, you can send the engine's driving power to all four wheels for extra traction.
Automatic Transfer Case
Two Speed Transfer Case
Single Speed Transfer Case
The transfer case knob is located to the left of the instrument panel cluster. Use this knob to shift into and out of the different Four-Wheel Drive modes.
m : This setting is used for driving
2
in most street and highway situations.
AUTO: This setting is ideal for use when road surface traction conditions are variable.
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In Brief 1-19
4 m : Use the Four-Wheel-Drive
High position when extra traction is needed, such as on snowy or icy roads or in most off-road situations.
n : Vehicles with a two speed
4
transfer case have a Four-Wheel-Drive Low position. This setting sends maximum power to all four wheels. You might choose Four-Wheel-Drive Low if you are driving off-road in deep sand, deep mud, deep snow, and while climbing or descending steep hills.
N (Neutral): Vehicles with a two speed transfer case have a N (Neutral) position. Shift the transfer case to N (Neutral) only when towing the vehicle. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 1091 or Towing the Vehicle on page 1091.
See Four-Wheel Drive (Two Speed Automatic Transfer Case) on page 937 or Four-Wheel Drive (Single Speed Automatic Transfer Case) on page 942.

Vehicle Features

Radio(s)

Radio with USB, CD, and DVD (MP3)
O : Press to turn the system on
and off. Turn to increase or decrease the volume.
BAND: Press to choose between FM, AM, or XM, if equipped.
f : Select radio stations.
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1-20 In Brief
© SEEK or ¨ SEEK: Seek or scan
stations.
4 : Press to switch the display
between the radio station frequency and the time. While the ignition is off, press this button to display the time. Press to display additional text information related to the current FM-RDS or XM station; or CD, MP3, or WMA song. If information is available during XM, CD, MP3, or WMA playback, the song title information displays on the top line of the display and artist information displays on the bottom line. When information is not available, NO INFOdisplays.
For more information about these and other radio features, see Operation on page 73.
For vehicles with a Rear Seat Entertainment System (RSE) and Rear Seat Audio System (RSA), see
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System on page 735 and Rear Seat Audio (RSA) System on page 745 for more information.
Storing Radio Stations
A maximum of 36 stations can be stored as favorites using the six softkeys located below the radio station frequency tabs and by using the radio FAV button. Press FAV to go through up to six pages of favorites, each having six favorite stations available per page. Each page of favorites can contain any combination of AM, FM, or XM stations.
For more information, see Storing Radio Stationsin AM-FM Radio on page 78.
Setting the Clock
To set the time and date:
1. Turn the ignition key to ACC/ ACCESSORY or ON/RUN, then
press
O, to turn the radio on.
2. Press
H to display HR, MIN,
MM, DD, and YYYY (hour, minute, month, day, and year).
3. Press the softkey located under any one of the labels to be changed.
4. To increase or decrease the time or date, turn
counterclockwise.
For detailed instructions on setting the clock for the vehicle's specific audio system, see Clock on page 58.
f clockwise or

Satellite Radio

XM is a satellite radio service based in the 48 contiguous United States and 10 Canadian provinces. XM satellite radio has a wide variety of programming and commercial-free music, coast to coast, and in digital-quality sound.
A fee is required to receive the XM service.
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In Brief 1-21
For more information, refer to:
.
www.xmradio.com or call 1-800-929-2100 (U.S.)
.
www.xmradio.ca or call 1-877-438-9677 (Canada)
See Satellite Radio on page 79.

Portable Audio Devices

This vehicle has an auxiliary input, located on the audio faceplate, and a USB port located in the center
console. External devices such as iPod
®
, laptop computers, MP3 players, CD changers, USB storage device, etc. can be connected to the auxiliary port using a 3.5 mm (1/8 in) input jack or the USB port depending on the audio system.
See Auxiliary Devices on page 730 for further information.
Bluetooth
®
For vehicles with a Bluetooth system, it allows users with a Bluetoothenabled cell phone to make and receive hands-free calls using the vehicles audio system and controls.
The Bluetoothenabled cell phone must be paired with the Bluetooth system before it can be used in the vehicle. Not all phones will support all functions. For more information, visit www.gm.com/bluetooth.
For more information, see Bluetooth on page 747.

Steering Wheel Controls

If available, some audio controls can be adjusted at the steering wheel.
w : Press to go to the next favorite
radio station, track on a CD, or folder on an iPod device.
®
or USB
c / x : Press to go to the
previous favorite radio station, track on a CD, or folder on an iPod USB device. Press to reject an incoming call, or to end a call.
®
or
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1-22 In Brief
b / g : Press to silence the vehicle
speakers only. Press again to turn the sound on. Press and hold longer than two seconds to interact with
®
OnStar if equipped.
+
SRCE: Press to switch between the radio and CD, and for equipped vehicles, the DVD, front auxiliary, and rear auxiliary.
or Bluetooth systems,
e : Press to increase volume.
e : Press to decrease volume.
¨ : Press to seek the next radio
station, the next track or chapter while sourced to the CD or DVD slot, or to select tracks and folders on an iPod or USB device.
For more information, see Steering Wheel Controls on page 53.

Cruise Control

T : Press to turn the system on
or off. The indicator light is on when cruise control is on and turns off when cruise control is off.
+ RES : Press briefly to make the vehicle resume to a previously set speed, or press and hold to accelerate.
SET : Press to set the speed and activate cruise control or make the vehicle decelerate.
[ : Press to disengage cruise
control without erasing the set speed from memory.
See Cruise Control on page 951.

Navigation System

If the vehicle has a navigation system, there is a separate navigation system manual that includes information on the radio, audio players, and navigation system.
The navigation system provides detailed maps of most major freeways and roads. After a destination has been set, the system provides turn-by-turn instructions for reaching the destination. In addition, the system can help locate a variety of points of interest (POIs), such as banks, airports, restaurants, and more.
See the navigation system manual for more information.
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In Brief 1-23

Driver Information Center (DIC)

The DIC display is located at the bottom of the instrument panel cluster. It shows the status of many vehicle systems and enables access to the personalization menu.
The DIC buttons are located on the instrument panel, next to the steering wheel.
Some vehicles do not have the buttons shown, however some of the menus can be viewed by using the trip odometer reset stem.
3 : Press to display the
odometer, trip odometer, fuel range, average economy, fuel used, timer, instantaneous economy and Active Fuel Managementindicator, and transmission temperature. The compass and outside air temperature will also be shown in the display. The temperature will be shown in °C or °F depending on the units selected.
T : Press to display the oil life,
units, tire pressure readings for vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), trailer brake gain and output information for vehicles with the Integrated Trailer Brake Control (ITBC) system, engine hours, compass zone setting, and compass recalibration.
U : Press to customize the feature
settings on your vehicle. See
Vehicle Personalization (With DIC Buttons) on page 545 for more
information.
V : Press to set or reset certain
functions and to turn off or acknowledge messages on the DIC.
For more information, see Driver
Information Center (DIC) on page 526.
Vehicle Customization
Some vehicle features can be programmed by using the DIC buttons next to the steering wheel. These features include:
.
Language
.
Door Lock and Unlock Settings
.
RKE Lock and Unlock Feedback
.
Lighting
.
Chime Volume
.
Memory Features
See Vehicle Personalization (With DIC Buttons) on page 545.
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1-24 In Brief

Rear Vision Camera (RVC)

If available, the RVC displays a view of the area behind the vehicle when the vehicle is shifted into R (Reverse). This is displayed on the inside rearview mirror or the navigation screen, if equipped.
To clean the camera lens, located in the bezel of the tailgate handle, rinse it with water and wipe it with a soft cloth.
For more information, see Rear Vision Camera (RVC) on page 956.

Ultrasonic Parking Assist

If available, Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA) system uses sensors on the rear bumper to assist with parking and avoiding objects while in R (Reverse). It operates at speeds less than 8 km/h (5 mph). URPA uses audible beeps to provide distance and system information.
Keep the sensors on the vehicle's rear bumper clean to ensure proper operation.
See Ultrasonic Parking Assist on page 954 for more information.

Power Outlets

Accessory power outlets can be used to plug in electrical equipment, such as a cell phone or MP3 player.
The vehicle may have two accessory power outlets located on the instrument panel and one inside the center floor console.
The vehicle may also have an outlet on the rear of the center floor console above the cupholder door.
The accessory power outlet is operational at all times.
See Power Outlets on page 59.

Universal Remote System

Vehicles with the Universal Remote System will have these buttons located in the headliner.
This system provides a way to replace up to three remote control transmitters used to activate devices such as garage door openers, security systems, and home automation devices.
Read the instructions completely before attempting to program the transmitter. Because of the steps involved, it may be helpful to have another person assist with programming the transmitter.
See Universal Remote System on page 553.
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