🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Avalanche

Year:

2006

Product Name:

‘06 Chevrolet Avalanche 2006 Owners Manual

Product Description:

Electronic (PDF) owner’s manual for the 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche. Enhances vehicle enjoyment by explaining operation of driving controls and convenience items. Designed for reference within the vehicle.

👋 Introduction

Category:

Full-size Sport Utility Truck (SUT)

Segment Description:

The Avalanche bridged the gap between a traditional SUV and a pickup truck, featuring a composite plastic composite cargo bed and the innovative Midgate. It offered the passenger comfort of an SUV with the utility of a truck.

Direct Competitors:

Ford Explorer Sport Trac, Cadillac Escalade EXT (its platform sibling).

Unique Selling Proposition:

Midgate system allowing for an extended cargo bed, composite bed material for durability and corrosion resistance.

Platform:

GMT825 platform (shared with Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra).

📋 Manual Details

Model Years Covered:

2006

Trim Levels Covered:

All available trim levels for the 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 350-400 pages (typical for this model year and vehicle type)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Electronic (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

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

Chassis:

Braking system (ABS, DRL), steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires.

Electrical:

Lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), instrument panel and gauges, warning indicators, battery, charging system, starting system, electrical accessories.

Comfort Convenience:

Climate control (HVAC), audio system, power features (windows, locks, seats), mirrors, cruise control, remote keyless entry, security system.

Safety Security:

Airbags, seat belts, child restraints (LATCH system), vehicle security, child safety locks.

Driving Operation:

Starting and driving the vehicle, parking brake, transmission selector, towing information, trailer towing guidelines.

Instrumentation:

Dashboard layout, instrument cluster explanation, gauges, warning lights and their meanings.

Maintenance Care:

Fluid checks and top-offs, tire pressure checks, washer fluid, basic care and cleaning.

Special Features:

Midgate functionality, StabiliTrak (if equipped), information on specific options.

Operation:

Detailed instructions on operating all vehicle features and controls.

Maintenance:

Guidelines for routine checks and fluid level maintenance. Does NOT include detailed repair procedures.

Troubleshooting:

Explanation of dashboard warning lights and basic actions to take.

Safety Precautions:

Important safety warnings and guidance for operating the vehicle safely.

Emergency Procedures:

Guidance on what to do in various emergency situations (e.g., flat tire, engine overheating - basic guidance).

Driving Techniques:

Tips for efficient driving and understanding vehicle behavior.

Depth:

Designed for the end-user. Covers operational and basic maintenance information. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams, or component-level repair instructions typically found in a Service Manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if the PDF is well-generated from OCR or native digital source.

Compatibility:

Windows, Mac, Linux

Printability:

Printable on standard home or office printers.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

L59 (RPO)

Engine Type:

5.3L (5328cc) V8 Vortec 5300

Engine Configuration:

OHV, 90-degree V8

Bore X Stroke:

3.78 in x 3.62 in (96 mm x 92 mm)

Compression Ratio:

9.5:1

Horsepower:

295 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque:

335 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)

Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended). Capable of running on E85 FlexFuel.

Displacement On Demand:

Active Fuel Management (AFM) not standard on this specific engine for 2006 Avalanche.

Cooling System Type:

Pressurized, liquid-cooled

Emissions Control:

Catalytic converter, On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD-II).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed automatic overdrive

Transmission Model:

4L60-E (RPO M30)

Optional Transmission:

N/A for 2006 Avalanche.

Drive Type:

Available in 2WD (RWD) or 4WD (AWD) configuration.

Transfer Case 4Wd:

Autotrac active transfer case with electronic push-button controls (4WD models).

Gear Ratios:

Typical ratios for 4L60-E: 1st: 3.06, 2nd: 1.63, 3rd: 1.00, 4th: 0.70; Reverse: 2.29

📐 Dimensions

Length:

222.0 inches (5639 mm)

Width:

79.8 inches (2027 mm)

Height:

77.8 inches (1976 mm) (with roof rack)

Wheelbase:

130.0 inches (3302 mm)

Front Track:

67.9 inches (1725 mm)

Rear Track:

66.3 inches (1684 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approximately 8.6 inches (218 mm)

Seating Capacity:

5-6 passengers (depending on seating configuration)

Cargo Volume Min:

Approximately 56.3 cubic feet (with Midgate up)

Cargo Volume Max:

Approximately 138.4 cubic feet (with Midgate down and rear seats folded)

Cargo Bed Length Min:

6.5 feet (78.0 inches / 1981 mm) (with Midgate up)

Cargo Bed Length Max:

8.25 feet (99.0 inches / 2515 mm) (with Midgate down)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 5,700 - 6,000 lbs (2585 - 2722 kg) depending on configuration.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:

Approximately 7,000 - 7,200 lbs (3175 - 3265 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 8,000 - 8,200 lbs (3629 - 3719 kg) (with proper equipment and configuration)

Payload Capacity:

Approximately 1,300 - 1,500 lbs (590 - 680 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver Rating:

Five Stars (2006 Model Year)

NHTSA Frontal Passenger Rating:

Five Stars (2006 Model Year)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver Rating:

Five Stars (2006 Model Year)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger Rating:

Five Stars (2006 Model Year)

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver Rating:

Five Stars (2006 Model Year)

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger Rating:

Five Stars (2006 Model Year)

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Four Stars (2006 Model Year)

Stability Control:

StabiliTrak electronic stability control system (often optional or standard on higher trims)

Traction Control:

Standard traction control system

ABS:

Four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Airbags Front:

Driver and front passenger airbags

Airbags Side:

Available front seat-mounted side-impact airbags (optional)

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts for all occupants, pretensioners for front seats.

Child Restraints:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system for rear outboard seating positions.

Child Safety Locks:

Rear door child safety locks.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium sound system, optional rear-seat entertainment system.

Navigation:

Available factory-installed navigation system (optional).

Parking Assist:

Available rear parking assist sensors (optional).

Remote Start:

Available factory-installed remote start system (optional).

Onstar:

Available OnStar telematics system (subscription required).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions may require more frequent changes.

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or at every oil change.

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or at 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum-tipped spark plugs.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Initial drain and fill at 5 years or 150,000 miles, then every 2 years or 30,000 miles thereafter.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30, API certified.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 6 quarts (5.7 liters) with filter change.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). Refer to manual for specific DEXRON designation for 2006; DEXRON-VI replaced DEXRON-III. Early 2006 may have used DEXRON-III. Consult manual for definitive spec.

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 10.7 quarts (10.1 liters) for a complete refill.

Coolant Type:

GM recommended 'Orange' or 'Pink' Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant (GMC 6277M/Dex-Cool compatible).

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 16.4 quarts (15.5 liters) for 4WD models.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 Premium Heavy Duty Brake Fluid.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

GM Power Steering Fluid or equivalent.

Common Problems First Gen:

Early models sometimes experienced issues with the Active Fuel Management system (if equipped on later years, but less common on '06 5.3L), occasional transmission solenoid issues, and potential for the plastic body panels to fade or crack over time if not maintained.

Midgate Seal Wear:

Seals around the Midgate can wear, potentially leading to water intrusion into the cabin.

Oil Filter:

ACDelco PF48 or equivalent.

Air Filter:

ACDelco A1312C or equivalent.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet History:

Chevrolet, founded in 1911, is one of America's oldest and most recognizable automotive brands, known for a wide range of vehicles from compact cars to heavy-duty trucks.

Avalanche Generations:

First Generation (2002-2006), Second Generation (2007-2013). This manual covers the final year of the first generation.

First Gen Updates:

The 2006 model year represented the culmination of the first generation, which was introduced with the innovative Midgate concept and offered various updates over its production run, including engine and feature enhancements.

Assembly Location:

Janesville, Wisconsin, USA (GM Assembly Division)

Production Years:

2002-2006

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Self Appointed Recognition:

Praised for its innovative Midgate system and versatility, though often criticized for its fuel economy and large exterior dimensions.

Fuel Economy Est Mpg:

Approximately 13 MPG city / 17 MPG highway (2WD), 12 MPG city / 16 MPG highway (4WD).

Emission Certification:

Meets or exceeds all applicable EPA and California emission standards for the model year.