Chevrolet Avalanche Problems & Solutions

ygmn

I have read a lot about this on other forums....and no real definitive answer...

Some have had body mounts greased...lower control arms greased/replaced/tightened....New sway bar bushings...New shocks...New intermediate steering shafts....

I suggest searching the web as I have not read too much about it here...also take to dealer and do not let up....

As the undercarriage is based on suburban I figure they may have similar problems too....

HTH

twoteks

I can't figure out how to wire up an aftermarket aux. brake light that mounts in the trailer hitch. I followed the instructions and it flashes with the right turn signal in addition to when the brake is depressed. Not acceptable.
The AV is a 03 with trailer tow pkg.
The owners' manual (a work of fiction) says there is an additional light blue wire that runs along with the trailer harness that is for a high mounted stop light; but I can't find it.
Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks

ygmn

If you have the stock trailer wiring plug...the front cover will tell you what each plug is for....so look at it and find the one fore the brake light and connect your trailer hitch wire to it....you also can look at some trailer supply places as they sell a T connectors that mount on the back of the plug and will give you the standard 4 wire trailer connector.....

Also have you ever seen the LINE OF FIRE it is a great mod....it is a red LED light bar that mount under the tailgate and will work with the blinkers, running light and brake light.....

HTH

zonk

Well, I certainly feel dumb. I took my Av to the local Chevy dealer, fully expecting to have some type of suspension or shock problem. They sent a mechanic out to listen while we drove it. He heard it right off the bat, we went back, and he went to the right side and looked at the frame. Apparently the brace, or bracket, on the aftermarket step assist bar on that side was rubbing against the frame causing the creaking noise we heard. I took it back to where we had it installed, and about 10 minutes later drove it out of the shop. No creaks! I have never had an assist bar before on any of my other vehicles, so I wasn't even thinking about that as a cause.

ygmn

I have heard of that as a common problem with the nerf bars......

Glad you have it fixed

midlifecrisis

Was there ever any complaints of noises from the stock assist steps?

ygmn

Hello midlife...

do you mean the plastic ones.....that match cladding....I have never heard anyone complain about them....

dcrisler

Midgate. a week of so after I bought it the grey knob on the drivers side of the midgate fell off. (one of 2 that hold the window in place when storing the window on the midgate) I finally got around to calling the dealer... they said they had never had that problem before but would order a knob. After about a week they called and said they had a new midgate for me... I was very surprised... but after looking at it, there does not appear to be an easy way to replace it. So basically Chevy just paid almost a grand to replace a $5.00 part! I think maybe they should have designed in some small amount of maintainability.

ygmn

I have seen pics of this...and well since the two skins are glued together.....and they use a snap ring to hold on the glass holder...once two skins glued....no way to get to snap ring....

loguek

My situation is similar to post #316. Recently purchased a '03 Z-66 AV. I too experienced creaking noises from underneath the truck but mine were during turns and going over bumps. I took back to dealer and they tightened up the body mounts which solved the problem for the most part. There is still a small squeaking sound when turning corners that I need to have looked at.

My question is regarding a pinging noise that pings from what seems to be the muffler upon cooling down from driving. I told the dealership and they installed a "heat shield" on the muffler that came up as a bulletin for the AV in their computers. The pinging continues however and pings about every 6 seconds (very loudly) until it cools down. I was told that this is normal, but I've never had this noise on any of my other vehicles. Has anyone ever heard of this before and is it normal or have I just been lucky not to experience it in the past? Do I have a poorly manufactured muffler maybe? Thanks!

ygmn

From my readings on other sites....yes this is issue with 2003....some say it is very loud....and GM was aware and replacing mufflers I think....

good luck

loguek

I took it in for this problem and they installed heat shield retaining straps on the muffler per a bulletin that came up, but it didn't help at all.

I did find many others who are experiencing this problem on the avalanche fan club site. One person had his muffler replaced (after 4 visits to the dealer!) and the problem went away. They finally determined he had a defective muffler. Probably what I'm going to do because I can't get used to the noise. It's also embarrassing at times. Thanks for the reply!

greg3815

hey i just brought me an red 02 avalanche z66 i have 2 problems with this avalanche that i dont know how to fix #1 the tail gate cables that hold it up off the bumper both of em are broke

#2 when me or my dad is driven at speeds around 40-60 i here ratteln noise like the wind sheild is rattelin what do i do it drives me crazy
oh yea i wanting to know if i should put ture dual exaught on my av iv herd from about 4 other people they tell me dont becuase you will lose back preshure is this ture if so how can i avoid it

ygmn

Tailgate cables....I have been reading about this...and I think there is a problem with the silverado as well...nothing you can do but get them replaced...I do suggest trying a dealer to see if they fix under warranty...as it should not break...

Bugs hitting windshield is due to having a bug deflector and not doing the double sided tape under the windshield side moldings....try a web search on this tons of info on other sites....

Exhaust....lots have changed them and have changed them to many different brands...some have duals some kept single....to each their own as no one has proven one is better then another

brucecr_ms

I also have the pinging noise as the exhaust system cools down (you could hear it in the house). My dealership mentioned it was normal. Well, the sound has stopped after about a year. Wonder if I should take a look underneath and make sure nothing is missing.

penguin59

My dealer looked at problem today and found two sources of noises. First was both front cross frames loose. They tightened them and also tightened lower arms. Additionally found bad spool valve inside steering gear which will have to be fixed later when new steering gear arrives. Says tightening stopped noises when turning to right. Apparently spool valve will fix noise when turning to left. Will test drive myself tomorrow and keep you posted on progress (hopefully).

robertte

I have a 2003 2500 with the 8.1 L I noticed shortly after we bought it there is a lifter type clatter when it is started and set idle for about 3 minutes. Once warm it goes away. Now that it has about 12,000 miles it seems a little worse. It still goes away when warm but I hear it very clearly when coasting when the engine is cold. My oil pressure runs about 40-50. Does any one else have this noise???

mitzij

Your windshield rattle at higher speeds may be the molding around the outside and/or cowl panel. We (I work for a Chevy dealer) have resealed several windshield moldings on trucks for this complaint, with no comebacks.

greg3815

hey mitzij how do i reseasle the molding or do i need double sided tape

greg3815

hey what is this i hear that the chevy is get rid of the 5.3 and bringen back the 4.8

ygmn

04 motor = 03 motor + 10 hp

jhalll

Have 2004 AV hear clucking noise from 1st to 2nd. Dealer gave me Document Info-Drivetrain characteristics for four wheel drive. Does any one else have this clucking noise or problem.

rovercash

I own a 2002 4wd avalanche....does anyone else have problems with their front seat passenger seat belts. It constantly keeps retracting after repeated applications of the brake during normal driving. It never releases like the driver side, giving you freedom of movement... thus the only way to solve the problem is to unhook the seat belt and start over until it gets too tight again.

ygmn

I have heard of this problem and most got it replaced under warranty.......

Good luck

mitzij

Silicone. I think they pull the edges up, silicone underneath, then tape the w/s down till the sealer sets and tell the customer to leave tape on overnight.

tebbook

I am considering a 04 AV 1500 4WD(no clading) Has anyone tried to lower the rear so it would sit level? Thats the only thing I have aganist the truck, sits too high in the rear. Thanks

rovercash

no..have heard of cranking up the torsion bars on the front...but not recommended...they said it drove funny afterwards....but it did level it out.....so??

txyank1

lower the rear about 2". Read recently Eibach also recommnends shocks be replaced as stock are little too soft. There's a thread or two on the Av site about this.

vending101

Has anybody put a lift kit on their AV?

I'm looking at putting a lift kit on an 04 AV. I know nothing about lifts. One of the best features of the AV is the incredible driving performance and agility. Will this be altered dramatically due to the replacement of the parts etc...?

Also, I would like to put much bigger tires on the AV but it appears that there's not enough space in front and behind the tires in the wheel well. With the lift, I'll have enough clearance above, but will this help the problem of clearance in front and behind the tire?

If not, is there any way to modify the wheel wells/body?

chuckie3

I have an '03 AV that has been getting electrical gremlins. Remote locks work then don't work. When I open the glove box or the sun visor vanity light, the "idiot" indicator light for the bed light illuminates for a second on the dash. Yesterday, 4 wheel drive wouldn't engage - none of the push button controls (2 hi, 4 hi, 4 lo)worked. The dealer has no clue! Anyone having these types of problems?

marsha7

and quite impressed...it seems that by the time you take a new car discount and GM rebates, a new AV is almost the cost of a one year old used vehicle...I am somewhat confused about the Z66 package that is on a number of AVs...the Z71 is well explained in the brochure, an off-road suspension designed for rough and tumble...the Z66 package is a "road suspension" (???) that is not well explained in the brochure...is the Z66 just the stock suspension that comes on all of them, or is it an improved suspension over the "base" suspension???...if it is an "upgraded" suspension, can you tell a difference from the base, is it worth what they want for it (a few thousand, I believe) or is it just a decal on the rear quarter panel and a waste of money???... also, if you delete the Body Hardware (WBH Package) can you still install full-length running boards along the doors (I prefer black full boards instead of the chrome ones that just have a skinny bar in place of a 6 inch board)...
lastly, is the midgate a "weak point" over time, meaning as you regularly remove and replace the window, or move and replace the bottom board, does the space between them open up and begin to leak wind or water, or is the system solid for years (I assume the folks with 2002s might have an answer for that having had their vehicles for a few years now)...thanks

ygmn

z66 is explained...

Tuned suspension with load leveling rear shocks
17" alloy wheels with road tires
Agressive rubber floor mats
Traction control
Locker rear differential
Z66 decal

Check the Chevy website...it has a spec page which will show ya what you get with the Z66 option...

marsha7

is it worth it for the cost, or does it really change the ride...smoother or rougher???...also, does load leveling rear shocks imply additional springs on the shocks for weight support (good idea) or old fashioned type air shocks (bad idea, system continually leaks air, pump runs too often to be a good system)

One other BIG safety factor that I do not understand its pros and cons...I noticed GM vehicles, Avalanche and Sierra, have the seat belt mounted to the seat above the shoulder instead of the door frame...while it may fit the person better, is it possibly inherently dangerous???...I see many rear end victims where the seatback breaks from the impact and they fall straight back ( the seat mounted belt may improve here) and also sometimes the seat is totally dislodged from its track ( now you have a flying occupant virtually tied to the seat and the weight of the seat flying with them, creating a heavy weight when it hurls around the cabin)...is it better or worse to have the belt mounted to the seat???

ygmn

Yes the Z66 is worth it to me....The load leveling shocks work on internal pressure and the bumps make the shock pump it up....so nothing external...the ride is superiorly smoother.....

the seatbelts in the seat are comfy and pass govt tests....so hard to say it not safe? They have specs set forth to design the safety systems.....so how can one say one is better...

Good luck also you may want to search internet for more info on the web

txyank1

of a Tahoe or Suburban (or Avalanche), they ride soooo much better than a pickup. So unless you feel you really need something the Z66 package has, you will be more than happy with the ride of the Base model, as I am. FWIW, Personally I've never ridden in a Z66.

hopster1

I just took delivery on a used 03 1500 Z71 WBH. It's a beautiful vehicle and came with everything but onStar. But I have noticed a significant Wobble noise when traveling between 40 and 70 MPH. It's more of a vibration that I can actually feel through the floor board and in my right foot when on the gas pedal. The actual sound is more of a "Wahhhmm, .....Wahhmm" sound. I took it to the dealer as I've only had it for two weeks and it only has 18,000 miles on it. He rotated and balanced the tires but that didn't fix the problem. Anyone have any ideas on what it is? The Tech at the dealership said that due to the aggressive tread on the GoodYear Wrangler ATS tires I should expect some noise. But I've been in other trucks and SUVs with similar sized wheels and tires and did not notice this kind of vibration or sound.

stakeout

I've had similar noise on my Z71 burban... the Avalanche has same guts as a Suburban.. so this may be your problem..

 you might want to check the tires visually and see if they have worn on the inside treads.. mainly a 'cupping' type wear... the 4wd Chevys are noted for that..first they blamed the 17" tires..not so.. no matter what they do to the tires won't change it.. balance.. rotate.. front end alignment..

  we have two '01 Subns.. my wife's is a 4wd LT.. does the same thing with 16" tires especially if you forget to rotate frequently and do it at 7-8K miles between.. Chevy won't do anything about it either even if you follow the recommended rotate at 7500 miles.... service mgrs say to rotate even sooner.. at every other oil change or at every 6K miles .. both Suburbans track straight as an arrow.. no pulling, etc.. never had any tracking problem with them from the beginning.. both have about 43K miles on them near the end of their leases

spoke to a couple of front end places.. two mechanics both said that Chevy changed suspension in 2000 with the new version of the Suburban and that is what is causing the problem..smaller tie rods, etc.. I guess it makes sense. my old '99 Suburban never had this problem..

now and then I check the wear on Subns, Tahoes and Avalanche's in parking lots.. the 4x4's seem to wear the tires with that cupping.. and most people don't even know it..

hopster1

Thanks for the information. I'll check the tread wear and see if there is a "cupping" happening. Based on your response I'm assuming that there is nothing I can do about the problem, correct?

Hopster1

stakeout

I've tried talking to a couple of service mgrs.. tried calling Chevy.. still no good.. looked at the NHTSA site for service and technical bulletins.. nada..

I posted about it on Edmunds a couple of times.. outside of a few people advising me to seek a front end pro, still n/g..

not sure if that's your problem but if it is, maybe go the same route I did .. maybe get a service mgr who might know something about it.. Chevy is useless..

my thing is.. there is no way that a front end should act like that and cause that tire noise just because of tire rotation especially when followed pretty closely like I've done.. .. there has go to be something inherently wrong with Chevy's front ends on these 4x4's....

if you locate what your problem is please post back.. thanx..

hopster1

Brought my 03 Avalanche back to the dealer and had a service tech ride with me so he could feel the vibration between 40 - 70 MPH. He noted it and I left it with the dealership. The tech couldn't figure it out. They changed tires and wheels with another Avalanche and the problem was still there. He called into GM and told them the problem and said what they tried. GM said there is a TSB on the problem. Now, I'm no wrenchhead so I might not explain this correctly but what I got from the Tech was that Chevy changed the Transfer case for the AV in 03. Since this change the spider gears for the front differential will start spinning on their own backwards at certain speeds. The tech said that the TSB says that they need to replace the case for the spider gears with a newly designed case so that the gears won't spin on their own. The repair will be done free of charge but it may take a while to get the part as a lot of dealers are trying to get them.

If I get more information I'll post it.

Hopster1

stakeout

thanx.. sounds then to be a different problem than the cupping and noise from it...

let us all know when you get it fixed and IF it solves the problem.. hope it does.. good luck..

hopster1

To Stakeout and anyone else,

The Service Technicians at my Chevy dealership replaced the Front Differential case per bulletin #030419004 on my 2003 1500 Avalanche and the wobble noise in my front end has dissappeared. This is a known problem by GM for all 2003 Avalanches and is easily repaired under warranty. If you need further background please see previous posts. Thanks.

Hopster1

seek1kg

I have 04 Z66, fully loaded. I have been pleased with the truck, except for one thing, which is very annoying. After driving truck, I hear a popping noise. I was told it was the heat shield cooling down and that this is common with all trucks.

Is anyone Else experiencing this problem? Was what I was told true? Is there any solution?

ygmn

there is a known problem with 2003 and 2004 exhausts making a lotta of racket.....some have heatshields that are loose..others have had the muffle replaced to fix problem.....

most call it a bong like noise...

now cars and trucks will go tink tink like water dripping on in a pot of water...but very subtle and ya have to be kinda close...

those with exhaust noise hear when at redlights inside the truck...

take to a dealer I say

greg3815

Hey people its ben awhile but im back an i have an serious issue wit my 02 avalanche i got my dual pipes but the porblem is every time i start it up the abs light comes on an the e break light comes on i have 2 restart the car 3/4 time to get em to stay off it never start doing this till summer any help people

socalal

Bad News--- I had the same intermittent issue and dealer pulled codes and first diagnosis was "ground fault". Fix was new ground for EBS computer ( electronic brake I think) . We did not even get out of the driveway and it re asserted same lights ( ABS & Brake). New diagnosis 'faulty EBS' New computer was recommended...$800 whoa..back the truck up.

If the first diagnosis did not fix it why should I believe replacing the computer will? I have had an ongoing leak problem with this vehicle ( thank goodness it doesn't rain often in Southern California) so I have lost faith that Chevy can fix a problem.

Hope you are still under warranty (I'm not), love to compare notes. I opted not to fix the computer and I had to sign in 3 different places that I acknowledged the truck's braking will not be as good as when ABS is on.

ygmn

DO yall have extra large tires?

greg3815

hey ygmn no we dont we have the 17s that came with it on there

txyank1

shaft replaced and they had to "resecure" the crossmember (already had the "fix" done). Now it rides like it's got 80lbs of air in the front tires and I don't like it! Anybody else experience this?

quest4suv

I have an 03 Av WBH and it too clunks from 1st to 2nd gear. I have not taken it in to get looked at yet.