Chevrolet Avalanche

jcody1

I think this is a common problem with the 5.3L Engine. Mine has been smoking at start up since it was new. It has 3500 miles now, and is still doing it. It seems to becomming less, but I did take it to the dealer anyway. They are "monitoring" the oil consumption. From what I can tell it is "using" about 1 quart every 1000 miles. I checked the oil yesterday (500 miles since the dealer visit) and it is only slightly down, so I am hoping the engine is breaking in and the oil consumption problem will go away.

ricsch

I don't think the smoking is "common" in 5.3's. Our family has 4 trucks with the engine and have no sign of it. I haven't heard of anybody mention this problem other than on this forum. But if you have this condition, I'd make the dealer aware, as well as GM's customer service just in case it continues or worsens.

ryanbab

"think this is a common problem with the 5.3L Engine. Mine has been smoking at start up since it was new"

Its not common mine doesnt do it and i have almost 23K miles

It puffs white smoke when it is cold out but thats normal on any vehicle

whitevette01

Called to let Service Manager be aware of the
condition. Since not placing a lot of miles
at moment its hard to gauge the oil.

My 00 Silverado with 4.8 and almost 30K
has never shown this condition. That why
was such a surprise. Since still have this
truck racking most of the miles up on it.

Didn't pay much attention but a couple of
times after running the AV than putting up
notice what might call a warm oil smell.
No leaks on ground. But going to have it
looked into.

gerrick

This TSB was recently published for the 5.3L:

Higher Than Expected Engine Oil Consumption (Replace PCV Valve) #01-06-01-029

Higher than Expected Engine Oil Consumption (Replace PCV Valve)

1999-2002 Chevrolet and GMC C/K Models

2002 Cadillac Escalade

with 5.3L or 6.0L Engine (VINs T, N, U - RPOs LM7, LQ9, LQ4)

Condition

Some customers may comment on higher than expected engine oil consumption. They may further comment on consumption in the range of 2,000 miles (3,200 km) or less per quart (0.946 liter) of oil under normal driving conditions.

Cause

The condition may be due to the PCV Valve flow rate under certain engine operating conditions.

Correction

Verify that the oil consumption is not the result of an oil leak or other engine concern.

Dealer should perform an oil consumption test. The vehicle should have accumulated over 4,000 miles (6,450 km) before establishing the oil consumption rate. Reference Service Bulletin #01-06-01-011, Information on Engine Oil Consumption Guideline, for details.

Remove the PCV Valve and inspect the hose going to the intake manifold for signs of excessive oil being present.

If excessive oil is present in the PCV hose, replace the PCV Valve Type 948C (2) with a new-style fixed orifice PCV Valve Type CV2001-C (1). See Fig. 1 - PCV Valve Identification.

For the full report, goto:

http://www.geocities.com/crackeregg/bulletins/01-06-01-029.html

I am having the same smoke at start-up issue, but it is not every time. My oil consumption has jumped in the last 1,000 miles to. 3400 miles so far.

Gerrick

hultzger

I'm looking at a 1500 w/Z66. Does any one think that the convenience package is worth it? I don't think I want or need On-Star. So it seems the only thing missing would be the electronic climate control.

Any thoughts?

Rick

minikin

just the climate control would be worth it. I got spoiled after 8-9 years of having it on all my vehicles and now really miss it; on my Silverado.
-- Don

whitevette01

Had a cell on a two year emergency contract.
I never used it once. What limited calls do
can wait till get home.

So for me On Star was something wanted to try.

The climate control is a ??. The vette has it
and last weekend was trying to over ride since
had the top off. Wasn't that easy. On the
Silverado just turn the knob. So Mixed had on
cars and trucks for the last 15years. Folks
Cadillac's as long as can remember. If a good
deal wouldn't past up for the feature.

skidmarks

And don't forget the Homelink included in the con package. I really hate looking for that garage door opener!

skidmarks

I have put 4600 miles on my 5.3L Av without any signs of excessive oil consumption.

truckdude

Noticed a couple of local dealers (Denver) advertising $7k off MSRP on 2002 Avalanches, if anyone is looking to buy. Looks like they have a lot of inventory.

sonjaab

Just announced $1000 rebate on AV AND 0% 36 mth
interest plus dealer $4500 off sticker.
also on 1500 pu trucks too.............Geo

skidmarks

I just installed a Lund shield on my AV's hood. Now the windshield molding rattles at highway speed. I read somewhere on this site about a fix for such a problem. Can anyone shed some light?

gandolphxx

Welcome to the the bug deflector "bug" - you need to reseal the molding - the GM one has two pieces of tape, my dealer threw them away, thought that was nonsense. I thought the Lund also provided some.

In any event either use 3m tape or RTV and re-seal the fron windshield and your noise will dissapear.

timfarn

Not a rattle if installed properly. Mark the windshield, remove the moulding on each side and apply the double-sided tape - it should have been supplied with the kit.

gandolphxx

Check out this thread:

http://www.gm-trucks.com/cgi-bin/ib3/ikonboard.cgi?s=3c2c93d2506fffff;act=ST;f=3;t=1170;hl=windshield

gandolphxx

DETROIT, Dec. 28 — Despite some misgivings over its exterior appearance — specifically, its plastic side cladding — the editors of Motor Trend Magazine have chosen the Chevrolet Avalanche as its “Truck of the Year.”

Full story:

http://www.msnbc.com/news/678806.asp?0na=x232K260A

Not too shabby?

f1jules

Motor Trend just went down a few notches in my book...

gandolphxx

You really need to get a life - cant live vicariously all your life.

timfarn

...he's the cloud on my parade.

whitevette01

Read about it on the Corvette Forum. Haven't
seen anything on the newstand.

Naturally the majority of the vette owners are
acting like pricks. Calling it ugly and so on.
Cost to much for a truck, like what we spent
on the vette really make since too.

Chevy came up with a good idea, innovations,
good choice for an award.

f1jules

Yes, clearly I have no life. I post in here what? Every couple weeks?

midlifecrisis

....you post every couple weeks - but your posts have no useful info. And on how many other forums do you post "every couple weeks", ragging on other vehicles?

Does anybody have info on when and if the Av will be crash tested by the government or the insurance institute? Is there any talk of when the 2003 model will be issued, and if so, what changes will be on tap?

belljo

Mine continues to smoke only after start up, after 8K miles. Short trips around town, no problem, drive to work , 100 miles one direction, start it up to go home, smokes like it's choking to death...all blue smoke. 1500 series. My neighbor has the 2500 series and it does the same thing.

dcrisler

and f1... funny name for someone full of hot air. Seriously ding the AV for it's looks all you want. I, like MT and others feel nothing else comes close to it for what it does. It is not the pure truck of the HD2500 nor the bus that the Excursion is... but for those that want a 5 passenger SUV that also can work like a full size truck. Bam ... Chevy built the truck of the year!!

f1jules

I disagree; I think the new Dodge Ram would be a better (certainly a more aesthetically pleasing) choice. Even though I'm not really a big Dodge fan it is a far better looking truck than the ugly duckling av.

ryanbab

its not just looks that make a truck

lspangler1

I was at a Holiday party over the weekend and there happened to be a few designers from GM there and they were talking about how glad they were that they were finally able to remove the cladding from the Avalanche for '03. He said that it will now look like a large trail blazer from the front with no lower cladding, just sheet metal. I might just be in the market for one of these now.

timfarn

Jules - so you've got an opinion and have made it known - over and over. It was old weeks ago. I don't care for the styling of the BMW or the Tundra - but I can respect others' choices. At the same time, however, you won't find me trolling the BMW or Tundra boards. Trolling may just be a release of some inner jealousy. Come back when you can think of something new.

timfarn

Linc - do you really think they'll jump in with a change after only one model year? There were a number of surveys asking about the styling early on; a good number of responses asked for 'rado styling and a different treatment for the wheelwells. Maybe the General is listening.

lspangler1

I think Lutz has cut the designers loose and given them some ability to do rational things. The '03 or '04 pickups are going to get the new front end also so it's not new tooling and I'm sure there isn't much changing needed to the dies that stamp the sides to get rid of the cladding attachments. Previously GM seemed to do it all backwards. THey took a platform, designed an interior and then asked styling to package it and make it different. Now Lutz is forcing the two groups to work together, I think we'll see some more attractive vehicles in the future.

dsw7311

You can post all you want about the styling of the Av. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I have over 17K on my Av and have had no problems with smoking or anything other than replacement of an over stretched headrest cover. I have added the Vent visors and hood protector. and yes I used the adhesive tape on ws molding. Also added the factory Brush guard and chrome side steps. Only thing I want to add is the tent setup for the back (aka Aztec) when it is available.

cuss1

So, it's not simple to replace the stereo on the AV due to onstar. I'll try to replace the speakers first, and if not happy with that, wire in an external amp.

Crutchfield does not yet have the mastersheets on the AV. Have any of you guys replaced speakers? If you have, could you walk me through the door panel removal. Otherwise, I'll have to wait for Crutchfield to get caught up. Crutchfield is recommending Polk speakers.

Any other advice and experience on your stereo upgrades would be appreciated!

minikin

for the doors should be the same as the Suburban.
-- Don

madkaw

Picked up a pewter Z66 second week of Dec. and love the truck so far. Only problems: LR door glass was scratched, will be replaced. Small door ding on RR fender, dealer will fix. The truck was delivered without floor mats which were ordered and I installed. My question, the mats they gave me are a real nice carpet that fit perfect and match the truck carpet, I understand the Z66s are supposes to get a rubber mat with the Chevy logo. I've looked around to see if I could find a Z66 with the rubber mats with no success, (all the ones at the dealer have those paper throw-a-way mats). Has anybody seen the Z66 mats? Are they an up grade to the carpet ones? Should I [non-permissible content removed] or keep my mouth shut. Would appreciate any input. Thanks

timfarn

You should have the heavy rubber mats with the bowtie. The Z66 and Z71 packages include these mats. It should be itemized on your window sticker, also. Time to return to the dealer for what's yours.
BTW, the mats do a great job of keeping dirt contained and are easy to hose off and return to duty.

madkaw

My real question is, are the rubber mats a up grade over the carpet mats? I don't wont to ask for the Z66/Z71 mats and not like them when they come in

wingsit

I would not say they are an upgrade. They are a heavy rubber mat as timfarn says. I like them because they are easy to keep clean,more so than the carpet which after a year I would have to replace. I think the carpet looks better and the cost is similar.

whitevette01

Something rolled under AV today which required
a crawl under. The spare is a 16" while tires
are 17" and it a Firestone Wilderness AT was
this the tires in question. Doesn't the
spare match in size at least what's on the truck.

ryanbab

The spare rim is smaller but they put a larger tire i believe to make up for the difference. So even though the rim is different itll be the same with that spare

txyank1

in the Av are better than what comes n the Sierra/Silverado. I recently took mine out to scrub them (car wash not cutting it) and it's the first time I realized what a cheap crappy mat they are. Nothing like what we used to get in our GM Trucks.

timfarn

The rubber mats with the Z66/Z71 are definitely an upgrade. They are very heavy and wear well. No need to shop for aftermarket catchalls with these. They look fine against the black carpeting.

Z71 spares are the 16" Wilderness AT; they had to dispose of them somewhere!

whitevette01

Checked Spare is a P265 75 16
tires are P265 70 17

ygmn

Dayum with this cold spell I love them heated seats!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The rubber floor mats are better then weathertecs IMO. PLus they have a bowtie type design with the ridges.

jcody1

I replaced the speakers in my AV with Kicker components in the front, Kicker 2-ways in the back doors, and added Infinity tweeters in the front on the winshield pillars (facing frontwards towards the glass). I also added an aftermarker amp to power all of these speakers. I simply converted the factory speaker level output to RCA into the new amp. It sounds 150% better. I also built a small box for an 8" subwoofer which fits under the drivers side rear seat. I think I am done now, but I would love to replace the head unit and the factory amp. I think that would really clean up the quality of the sound. I am keeping an eye open for someone to come up with a solution to replace the factory system.

whitevette01

Have not been in a Z66/71 with upgraded mats
but the North Face appears heavy duty. My
Silverado came with a heavy grid pattern with
a bow tie on the lower side for drive and right
for passenger. In other trucks have been in
the mats appeared to be of a lighter material.

madkaw

Anybody catch the AV on Survivor 2night? Gave a blue one away as the reward.

lex227

Has anyone installed a nav system. Dealer offers an Alpine, although it is apparently stalk mounted.

imaniguana

I'm starting to get some minor stone dings on the front, so it's time for a bra. Has anyone gotten a bra yet? If you have, is it a one piece or two piece? Where did you get it?

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Z71, Forest Green Metallic, RR, steps, etc.

imaniguana

Has anyone installed one of those hitch brake lights? I've found a few so far, but can't decide on the bow-tie or plain. What I'd really like to get is an LED brake light, instead of normal bulbs.

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Z71, Forest Green Metallic, RR, steps, etc.