🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Avalanche

Year:

2004

Chassis Code:

GMT800

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size SUV with a unique convertible Midgate system, blurring lines between pickup truck and traditional SUV.

Competitors:

Ford Excursion, Dodge Ramcharger (discontinued), Lincoln Navigator, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban.

Unique Selling Proposition:

The innovative Midgate system, which allows the rear passenger cabin to fold down, extending the cargo bed length from 5'2" to 8'6", offering unparalleled cargo flexibility for its class.

Body Styles:

Two-mode design: SUV cabin with a Midgate that opens to a truck bed.

Target Audience:

Families needing SUV space, individuals requiring pickup truck utility, those seeking versatility for recreational activities and hauling.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

2004 Chevrolet Avalanche

Secondary Coverage:

N/A (Specific to 2004 model year)

Estimated Pages:

~350-400

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Electronic (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system.

Drivetrain:

Transmission operation (automatic), transfer case (4WD models), driveshafts, axles.

Chassis:

Steering, suspension, brakes (ABS, traction control), wheels, tires.

Electrical:

Lighting, instruments, gauges, power outlets, audio system, climate control basics, power accessories.

Body And Interior:

Seating, cargo management (Midgate system), interior controls, exterior features (doors, hood, tailgate, bed cover), windshield wipers, mirrors.

Operation:

Starting and driving, parking, using lights, wipers, climate control, infotainment, cruise control, trailer towing information.

Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic exterior/interior care, fuel recommendations.

Troubleshooting:

Understanding dashboard warning lights and messages, basic troubleshooting for common operational issues.

Depth:

Owner-level operational and basic maintenance information. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions typical of a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchability:

Typically text-searchable for easy content location.

Printable:

Yes, printable on standard home/office printers.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Vortec 5.3L V8 (LM7)

Displacement:

5.3 Liters (323 cubic inches)

Horsepower:

295 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque:

335 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Block Material:

Cast Iron

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum

Fuel Induction:

Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)

Valvetrain:

Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder

Engine Management System:

GM ECM (Engine Control Module)

Engine Type:

Vortec 6.0L V8 (LQ4)

Displacement:

6.0 Liters (364 cubic inches)

Horsepower:

325 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque:

375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Type Recommendation:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane or higher (5.3L), 87 octane (6.0L)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic (4L60-E)

Drive Type:

RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive)

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic (4L60-E)

Drive Type:

4WD (Four-Wheel Drive) with Autotrac electronic transfer case

Overdrive:

Yes (4th gear)

Tow Haul Mode:

Typically included on models equipped for towing.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

~227.7 inches

Width:

~79.8 inches

Height:

~77.0 inches

Wheelbase:

~143.5 inches

Ground Clearance:

~8.0 inches (approx.)

Standard Bed Length:

5 feet 2 inches (with Midgate up)

Extended Bed Length:

8 feet 6 inches (with Midgate down)

Curb Weight:

~5,500 - 6,000 lbs (depending on configuration)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

~7,000 - 7,400 lbs (depending on configuration)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 8,200 lbs (with appropriate trailering package and engine)

Payload Capacity:

~1,200 - 1,500 lbs (depending on configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

5 Stars

NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:

5 Stars

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

3 Stars (4WD models generally higher)

Antilock Braking System ABS:

Standard

Traction Control:

Standard (often integrated with ABS)

Electronic Stability Control Esc:

N/A for 2004 model year

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side-impact airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts for all outboard seating positions.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Top tethers for CHildren) in rear seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional Bose premium audio system, rear seat entertainment system.

Navigation:

Optional factory-installed navigation system.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Parking Assistance:

Rear parking assist system was an available option.

Phone Integration:

OnStar communication system was available.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for specific guidance based on oil life monitoring system).

Tire Rotation:

Every 7,500 miles or as recommended based on wear.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Check at 60,000 miles; replace fluid and filter as needed based on service history and inspection.

Coolant Flush:

First change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles.

Engine Oil Type:

API Certified SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend or Synthetic (refer to manual for specific viscosity and Dexos compliance for later models, but 5W-30 is typical for this era).

Engine Oil Capacity:

6 quarts (with filter) for 5.3L, 6.5 quarts (with filter) for 6.0L.

Coolant Type:

GM P/N 12378330, Dex-Cool Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Orange).

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III H Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3.

Common Complaints:

Intermittent ABS/Traction Control lights (wheel speed sensors), potential for AFM/DOD issues in later years (not applicable to most 2004 models), exhaust manifold leaks, fuel pump failures, occasional transmission issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Chevrolet, a division of General Motors (GM), known for its trucks and broad range of vehicles.

First Generation Launch:

Introduced for the 2002 model year.

Mid Cycle Refresh:

The 2004 model year was part of the first generation, with minor updates rather than a full refresh.

Assembly Location:

Janesville, Wisconsin, USA

Production Period:

2002-2006 (First Generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Award Type:

KBB.com's 'Most Significant Vehicles of 2002' (recognized for innovation of the Midgate).