2003 Chevrolet Avalanche Owner's Manual
Year:
2003
Make:
Chevrolet
Model:
Avalanche
Rating:
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
2
Seats and Restraint Systems
8
Front Seats
9
Manual Passenger Seat
9
Power Seats
9
Power Lumbar
10
Heated Seats
11
Reclining Seatbacks
12
Head Restraints
14
Rear Seats
15
Rear Seat Operation
15
Safety Belts
17
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone
17
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts
21
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
23
Driver Position
23
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
30
Right Front Passenger Position
31
Center Passenger Position
31
Rear Seat Passengers
33
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults
36
Safety Belt Extender
38
Child Restraints
39
Older Children
39
Infants and Young Children
41
Child Restraint Systems
45
Where to Put the Restraint
48
Top Strap
49
Top Strap Anchor Location
50
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System)
50
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position
52
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Front Seat Position
54
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position
55
Air Bag Systems
59
Where Are the Air Bags?
61
When Should an Air Bag Inflate?
64
What Makes an Air Bag Inflate?
65
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?
65
What Will You See After an Air Bag Inflates?
66
Passenger Sensing System
68
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle
72
Adding Equipment to Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle
72
Restraint System Check
73
Checking Your Restraint Systems
73
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash
73
Features and Controls
74
Keys
76
Remote Keyless Entry System
77
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation
78
Doors and Locks
80
Door Locks
80
Power Door Locks
81
Delayed Locking
81
Programmable Automatic Door Locks
81
Rear Door Security Locks
84
Lockout Protection
85
Midgate
85
Tailgate
94
Windows
96
Power Windows
97
Sun Visors
97
Theft-Deterrent Systems
98
Content Theft-Deterrent
98
Passlock
99
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
100
New Vehicle Break-In
100
Ignition Positions
100
Starting Your Engine
101
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal
102
Engine Coolant Heater
103
Automatic Transmission Operation
104
Four-Wheel Drive
107
Parking Brake
111
Shifting Into Park (P)
112
Shifting Out of Park (P)
114
Parking Over Things That Burn
115
Engine Exhaust
116
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked
116
Mirrors
118
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with OnStar, Compass and Temperature Display
118
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with Compass and Temperature Display
120
Outside Camper-Type Mirrors
123
Outside Power Mirrors
123
Outside Convex Mirror
124
Outside Heated Mirrors
124
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror with Curb View Assist
125
OnStar System
126
HomeLink Transmitter
128
Programming the HomeLink Transmitter
128
Storage Areas
132
Glove Box
132
Center Overhead Console
132
Front Armrest Storage Area
132
Center Console Storage Area
132
Luggage Carrier
133
Rear Storage Area
134
Cargo Cover Panels
134
All-Weather Cargo Area
145
Top-Box Storage
150
Tonneau Cover
150
Sunroof
157
Vehicle Personalization
158
Memory Seat
158
Instrument Panel
160
Instrument Panel Overview
163
Hazard Warning Flashers
165
Other Warning Devices
165
Horn
166
Tilt Wheel
166
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
166
Exterior Lamps
172
Interior Lamps
176
Accessory Power Outlets
178
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
178
Climate Controls
179
Electronic Climate Control System
179
Dual Climate Control System
185
Outlet Adjustment
187
Climate Controls Personalization
188
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
189
Instrument Panel Cluster
190
Speedometer and Odometer
191
Tachometer
191
Safety Belt Reminder Light
191
Air Bag Readiness Light
191
Passenger Air Bag Status Indicator
192
Charging System Light
194
Voltmeter Gage
194
Brake System Warning Light
195
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
196
Traction Off Light
197
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
198
Transmission Temperature Gage
198
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
199
Oil Pressure Gage
202
Security Light
203
Cruise Control Light
203
Tow/Haul Mode Light
203
Fuel Gage
204
Low Fuel Warning Light
204
Driver Information Center (DIC)
205
DIC Operation and Displays
205
DIC Warnings and Messages
215
Audio System(s)
223
Setting the Time
223
Radio with CD
224
Radio with Six-Disc CD
235
Rear Seat Entertainment System
249
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)
258
Theft-Deterrent Feature
260
DVD Distortion
260
Understanding Radio Reception
260
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
261
Care of Your CDs and DVDs
262
Care of Your CD and DVD Player
262
Cleaning the Video Screen
263
Fixed Mast Antenna
263
XM Satellite Radio Antenna System
263
DAB Radio Antenna System
263
Driving Your Vehicle
264
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
265
Defensive Driving
265
Drunken Driving
266
Control of a Vehicle
269
Braking
269
Traction Assist System (TAS)
272
Locking Rear Axle
274
Stabilitrak System
274
Steering
277
Off-Road Recovery
279
Passing
279
Loss of Control
281
Off-Road Driving with Your Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicle
282
Driving at Night
295
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
296
City Driving
299
Freeway Driving
300
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
301
Highway Hypnosis
302
Hill and Mountain Roads
302
Winter Driving
304
If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
308
Towing
311
Towing Your Vehicle
311
Recreational Vehicle Towing
311
Loading Your Vehicle
314
Level Control
316
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment
317
Truck-Camper Loading Information
320
Trailer Recommendations
321
Towing a Trailer
321
Service and Appearance Care
334
Service
336
Doing Your Own Service Work
337
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle
337
Fuel
338
Gasoline Octane
338
Gasoline Specifications
338
California Fuel
339
Additives
339
Fuels in Foreign Countries
340
Filling Your Tank
340
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
342
Checking Things Under the Hood
343
Hood Release
343
Engine Compartment Overview
345
Engine Oil
348
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
352
Automatic Transmission Fluid
355
Engine Coolant
357
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
360
Engine Overheating
360
Cooling System
363
Engine Fan Noise
369
Power Steering Fluid
369
Windshield Washer Fluid
371
Brakes
372
Battery
375
Jump Starting
376
Rear Axle
382
Four-Wheel Drive
383
Bulb Replacement
385
Halogen Bulbs
385
Headlamps
385
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Parking Lamps
387
Daytime Running Lamps
388
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
388
Taillamps
388
Replacement Bulbs
389
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
390
Tires
391
Inflation -- Tire Pressure
392
Tire Inspection and Rotation
392
When It Is Time for New Tires
394
Buying New Tires
394
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
395
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
397
Wheel Replacement
397
Tire Chains
398
If a Tire Goes Flat
399
Changing a Flat Tire
400
Spare Tire
417
Appearance Care
418
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
418
Care of Safety Belts
421
Weatherstrips
421
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
421
Sheet Metal Damage
423
Finish Damage
423
Underbody Maintenance
424
Chemical Paint Spotting
424
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
424
Vehicle Identification
426
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
426
Service Parts Identification Label
426
Electrical System
427
Windshield Wiper Fuses
427
Power Windows and Other Power Options
427
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
428
Capacities and Specifications
437
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
439
Maintenance Schedule
440
Maintenance Schedule
441
Introduction
441
Your Vehicle and the Environment
441
Maintenance Requirements
441
How This Section is Organized
442
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services
443
Using Your Maintenance Schedule
443
Scheduled Maintenance
444
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
449
At Each Fuel Fill
449
At Least Once a Month
449
At Least Twice a Year
450
At Least Once a Year
451
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections
454
Steering and Suspension Inspection
454
Exhaust System Inspection
454
Fuel System Inspection
454
Engine Cooling System Inspection
455
Transfer Case and Front Axle (Four-Wheel Drive) Inspection
455
Brake System Inspection
455
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
456
Part E: Maintenance Record
458
Customer Assistance Information
462
Customer Assistance Information
463
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
463
Online Owner Center
465
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users
465
Customer Assistance Offices
465
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities
466
Roadside Assistance Program
467
Courtesy Transportation
468
Reporting Safety Defects
471
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government
471
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government
471
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors
472
Service Publications Ordering Information
472
Index
474
2003 Chevrolet Avalanche Overview
Introduction
The 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche stands out as a versatile vehicle that seamlessly blends the functionality of a pickup truck with the comfort and styling of an SUV. Designed for adventure and practicality, the Avalanche is perfect for both urban commuting and off-road excursions. Its unique mid-gate system allows for an extendable cargo bed, making it an ideal choice for those who need hauling capacity without sacrificing passenger comfort.
Powertrains
The 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche offers a robust performance with its two available powertrains. The base model is equipped with a 5.3-liter V8 engine delivering a potent 285 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, providing the strength needed for heavy-duty tasks. For even greater power, an optional 6.0-liter V8 engine is available, enhancing performance with 345 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a smooth-shifting 4-speed automatic transmission and offer optional four-wheel drive, ensuring capabilities that impress on any terrain.
Trims
Features
Standard features on the 2003 Avalanche include a removable rear seat for additional cargo space, cruise control, and air conditioning. Optional features such as a navigation system, heated seats, and a premium sound system elevate the user experience, making it both practical and comfortable for daily use or long adventures.
Owner's Manual
The 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche owner's manual provides valuable insights into vehicle maintenance, operations, and safety features. It serves as an indispensable guide to ensure owners can maximize their experience with the Avalanche, keeping it running smoothly throughout the years. Comprehensive information on troubleshooting, recommended service schedules, and detailed specifications make it a go-to resource for any Avalanche owner.
User manual download
The Chevrolet Avalanche owner manual for the 2003 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2003 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.
Posted by, John Mana
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