Segment:
Full-Size Sport Utility Truck (SUT)
Competitors:
Ford Explorer Sport Trac, Toyota FJ Cruiser (as a niche SUV), Dodge Ram (as a traditional pickup alternative with passengers)
Unique Selling Proposition:
Midgate (Midgate cargo system) allowing the rear cabin to open to the truck bed, providing versatile cargo capacity and a longer bed when needed.
Design:
Unique styling with the composite body panels on the sides, a signature of the Avalanche model.
Geographic Coverage:
North America (USA, Canada, Mexico)
Model Variants Covered:
All trim levels (LS, LT, LTZ)
Estimated Page Count:
500-700
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Completeness Level:
Comprehensive for owner operation and basic maintenance. This is an owner's manual, not a repair manual, so it focuses on user guidance rather than detailed repair procedures or diagnostic codes.
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Cooling System, Fuel System, Exhaust System
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, Power Accessories, Body Control Module (BCM), Chassis Control Module (CCM)
Body And Interior:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Seats, Seat Belts, Airbags, Climate Control, Convertible Top Mechanism (if applicable for specific sub-models)
Instrumentation And Controls:
Dashboard layout, gauges, warning indicators, driver information center (DIC), steering wheel controls, climate controls, audio controls, lighting controls, power controls.
Maintenance:
Fluid Level Checks, Tire Pressure Monitoring, Wiper Blade Replacement, Bulb Replacement, Battery Maintenance, Filter Replacement Procedures
Operation:
Driver Information Center (DIC) Navigation, Climate Control Operation, Audio System Functions, Power Tailgate Operation, Trailer Towing Procedures, Midgate Operation
Troubleshooting:
Warning Lamp Interpretation, Basic Diagnostic Steps for Common Issues
Vehicle Care:
Cleaning interior and exterior, paint care, upholstery care, corrosion protection.
Depth:
Comprehensive owner-level information, including operational guidance, maintenance schedules, safety features explanation, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures or repair instructions typically found in service manuals.
Diagnostic Focus:
Focuses on interpreting dashboard warning lights and messages, and provides basic steps for owners to address common issues (e.g., checking fluid levels, tire pressure). Does not provide diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) or detailed repair procedures.
Engine Type:
Vortec 5.3L V8 SFI Flex Fuel
Displacement:
5.3 Liters (325 cubic inches)
Horsepower:
310 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
335 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Engine Technology:
Active Fuel Management (AFM) for cylinder deactivation, Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
Engine Type:
Vortec 6.0L V8 SFI Flex Fuel
Displacement:
6.0 Liters (364 cubic inches)
Horsepower:
355 hp @ 5400 rpm
Torque:
382 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
Fuel Compatibility:
Unleaded gasoline, E85 Ethanol
Cargo Volume Bed Only:
5.3 feet (with Midgate closed)
Cargo Volume Midgate Open:
7.5 feet (with Midgate open)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 5,600 - 5,900 lbs (depending on configuration)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 7,000 - 7,300 lbs
Towing Capacity:
Up to 9,600 lbs (when properly equipped with Max Trailering Package)
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
4 out of 5 stars (for 2WD and 4WD models)
Traction Control:
StabiliTrak (Electronic Stability Control)
Braking:
4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Driver Assistance:
Rear Parking Assist
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger, Side-impact airbags (optional), Curtain airbags (optional)
Seat Belts:
3-point safety belts for all seating positions
Audio System:
Available AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with auxiliary audio input, USB port, Bluetooth connectivity, and available Bose premium audio system.
Navigation:
Optional DVD-based navigation system with touchscreen interface.
Rear View Camera:
Available rear vision camera integrated into the rearview mirror or infotainment screen.
Bluetooth:
Standard or available Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Climate Control:
Manual or available dual-zone automatic climate control.
Remote Start:
Available remote vehicle start system.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil and filter, as recommended by oil life monitoring system)
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 45,000 miles (or as needed based on driving conditions)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (for Iridium-tipped spark plugs)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (meeting GM specification GMW16324 or API SN)
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.0 Quarts (5.7 Liters) with filter for 5.3L V8
Coolant Type:
Dex-Cool (GM 6247M) or equivalent orange long-life coolant
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Common Concerns:
Active Fuel Management (AFM) lifter issues leading to engine noise, dashboard warning lights, or oil consumption (often requiring AFM delete or repair). Potential for water pump leaks. Flex-fuel sensor issues may arise in E85 vehicles.
Chevrolet Truck Legacy:
Chevrolet has a long-standing history in the truck market, dating back to the Chevrolet Suburban and Task Force trucks.
First Generation:
2002-2006
Second Generation:
2007-2013
Key Update 2011:
While no major redesign occurred for 2011, minor feature shuffling and option packaging updates are typical.
Assembly Location:
Janesville, Wisconsin, USA (until December 2008), Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA (subsequent production)
