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Chevrolet Avalanche Problems & Solutions

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  • mikekotomikekoto Member Posts: 1
    Leaving for work, went to unlock doors with key fob, did not work. Tried back up key fob, nothing ther either. The front passenger door's window, lock, exterior mirror, all are dead. Cannot open window, adjust mirror, or lock doors from that side.And the key fob does nothing. All other electrical functions and windows are fine. Checked the fuses, wiring harnesses in the doors. Anyone heaqrd of this problem and a solution? Thanks
  • tallfreaktallfreak Member Posts: 1
    jcolonna:

    In a situation like this, if the first level of customer service won't fix the problem, you take it to the top, the CEO's office. I went to Jacques Nasser's office when he was CEO of that other domestic car company because my transmission went out on a fairly new car, although out of warranty, to get my issue resolved, and it was resolved to my overall satisfaction. Just go straight to the CEO's office, he'll probably have a team of customer service folks in his corner office that deal with issues like this. Good luck.
  • thom71gtthom71gt Member Posts: 1
    Im looking to buy a used Avalance. 2002 model, 4x4. I'll be buying one with 70 - 80k miles on it and wanted to know if there is anything wrong with this year, being that it is the first year for the Avalanche? Please give me your opinions as based on the response here will be a strong determining factor if I get an avalance or pass on to something else.

    Thanks in advance
  • sherdsherd Member Posts: 1
    Yes, I had to have the rotors turned at 11,000 with new pads and again at 20,000 new rotors with new pads. I live in the northeast and it sits sometimes for 2 weeks. They say that maybe the problem.
  • ralphralph Member Posts: 2
    Yes, be listening for any knocking type noise from the engine when it's cold. GM has had trouble with piston slap in the 8 cylinder engines. There are many discusions about the condition @ pistonslap.com. I have a 2004 with 24,000 miles and it seems the problem has quietly been corrected by GM. I personally love my Av and I'd recommend one to anyone.
  • funpilotfunpilot Member Posts: 66
    Did this forum go to sleep?
  • vbjohnsonvbjohnson Member Posts: 2
    I have been driving my husband's Avalanche and I noticed a strange noise coming from the back of the truck. After searching and trying to self diagnose my husband took the truck to the Chevy dealership in SC and he was told that the bearings in the differential in the pitted and that they needed to be replaced. My husband has had the truck for three years and it only has 28,000 miles on it. The warranty has expired and he was quoted a price of $1080.00. He was told if he did not get if fixed it would only get worse. Needless to say after countless phone calls to General Motors to complain about the problem and to the dealership they did reach an agreement with my husband to help cover the cost of the repairs. Just a word of advice, when you take your vehicle in for servicing have the dealership or mechanic check the differential.
  • mellowyellowmellowyellow Member Posts: 1
    The clunk in the drive train can be a loose steering worm gear. I have been complaining for over two years. They are rebuilding my steering box and the sound goes away for about two months and then returns. I live in the hills in SoCalif. as I brake to a stop I get a clunk as I let off my brake. Feels like my drive shaft has a bad carrier bearing. All it is, is the steering box. In two years they have repaired it 8 times. I am Pissed. I love my truck, but have a problem with noises that happen in a brand new car. Such a great looking truck, still has bugs in the design. :lemon:
  • av85226av85226 Member Posts: 1
    My 03 Avalanche has a knocking problem in the front suspension while I am making turns. I particularly hear and feel it on the driver side with a knock on the floor board at my feet. This is not the steering column problem I had that fixed. When I take it to the dealer they make cross arm adjustments which seems to fix the problem for a few weeks. But the problem always comes back. Has anyone else experienced this problem and found a solution? Or know what is causing it?
  • gforetgforet Member Posts: 1
    My 04 Avalanche also has a "knocking/clunking" noise problem when making sharp turns (especially right handed) at low speeds. It was repaired 4 times for this in less than 9000 miles. It now has nearly 24,000 and is making the same noises while turning. The dealer has "wollowed out holes as per bullentin" since it had approx. 1000 miles on it, replaced the crossmember bolts (they had overtorked then apparently during one repair). Love the truck but it sounds terrible when turning. Any suggestions?
    Thanks
  • txyank1txyank1 Member Posts: 1,010
    The steering shaft, the crossmember and also body bushings are the three repairs I've heard. I've had the steering box and crossmember fixes. Now all I have is lots of body creaks when it flexes. Used to have it just when the midgate was down but now it's always there. Maybe I need the body bushing fix now. :confuse:
  • 2500av2500av Member Posts: 3
    i own a 2002 2500 4x4 loaded - sunroof.i love this truck. very strong, very comfortable. i recently have been having trouble with it just quiting. i can be in the middle of a turn or just driving and it will quit. the gas guage also yesterday quit. i have checked fuses and relays. i really dont wanna drop gas tank do to all skid plates. is thier anything else i am missing. anyone know y the truck just quits?
  • lamjacklamjack Member Posts: 3
    I have had this problem in my 04 Av. I have also had a number of intermitent electrical problems and don't know if the batteries are just getting old or if it is related to my other elec troubles. Horn quit. Gas guage quit. Fog light dash indicator came on w/o me turnig on lights. Radio turned off by itself. Seats and pedals readjusted by themselves. Lights came on in dash that I cannot make come back on again and can't tell what they are. :confuse: (turn ignition on w/o starting engine...but same lights won't come on.)
  • minniemouseminniemouse Member Posts: 1
    04 Z71 Avalanche developed a creaking somewhere in the front end around 20,000 miles. When going over the slightest dip, roll or bump in the road, there is this creaky-squeaky sound. Something I'd expect from a junker, not a new truck. Heading back to the Chevy dealer for the 3rd time. 1st time, they replaced shock insulator per bulletin. 2nd time, they lubed front suspension cushions & torsion bar seats. Any one else have this experience or clue about what is going on?
  • bmonesbmones Member Posts: 1
    I've got a 2002 Avalanche 2500 4WD and it had a creaking front end, when it was new. I brought it to the dealer and they diagnosed my problem as torsion bars that were out of adjustment. They said that they adjusted the torsion bars and ground some metal, where the torsion bar was rubbing and I haven't had the problem since. The truck has had some other little problems, but nothing serious. The most irritating problem has been the plastic panels fading. The dealer sells a treatment that last about six to eight months on the plastic.
  • mrorangemrorange Member Posts: 1
    My 04 Avalanche has this knocking in the front end. My dealer has replaced the the steering column issue. Then they told me the transmission mount was loose and I still have the same problem. My truck has 28000 miles and this is 5 th time it has been in the shop. It is in there today as a matter of fact. I love my truck but the knocking has to go. I travel a lot with my job and I depend on this truck. I have fond that my State has a Lemon Law. If it is not resolved to day. I am going to give it back to them. One way or another. will let you know the status. tonight thanks..
  • blink3blink3 Member Posts: 74
    Been looking at the AV since it was first introduced. Like the looks and function of the truck. I travel about 1000 miles per week so I have to be concerned with fuel economy. I am currently in a GMC Envoy and like it but wish it had more power and a little larger cabin as I work on the road. I am currently getting a little over 21 MPG with the envoy and just installed a K&N today. Does anyone drive lots of hwy miles and could give an accurate, consistant reading of what they get MPG?

    Thanks!
  • txyank1txyank1 Member Posts: 1,010
    My trips are usually in the 19's. Only hit 20 once. That's an '03 2wd with 3.73 gears.
  • splatsplat Member Posts: 2
    I've had my 02 for a little over 3 years and have replaced REAR pads twice. The inside pads seem to wearing quicker than the outside. I do not pull a lot of weight. Could you or someone please help with this issue!
  • splatsplat Member Posts: 2
    I have an 02 Avalanche with approx. 70,000 miles. Within the last two years i've replaced the rear pads twice with the inside pads wearing quicker than the outside. I think the slides are sticking or could even be a caliper problem. Could someone please help with this problem.
  • blink3blink3 Member Posts: 74
    I thought I read somewhere that the Avalanche had Multi-displacement System where it would shut down some of the cylinders at a cruising speed to save fuel? If so, what year did that start? Does it work?

    Thanks!
  • txyank1txyank1 Member Posts: 1,010
    Not yet. GM calls it DOD (Dispacement on Demand) and I think it comes as part of the 2007 re-design. Only thing so far is flex-fuel.
  • qhearts132qhearts132 Member Posts: 1
    I have an 02 AV and am experiencing the "knocking" on the steering which is much more noticeable at lower speeds. Was there a recall notice for steering? This seems to be a rather common problem.
  • fleming1fleming1 Member Posts: 1
    I had one of the first 2002 Avalanche's. Never had any trouble. It now has 80,000 miles and my grandson has 20 inch wheels on this good looking dream.
    I bought me a 2003 to replace it when I gave the 2002 to him. It has been a wreck. It had pops and cracks in slow turns and made noises in the body /frame connection. I finally found out the noise in the body was rubber mounts. If you submerge the frome under water the noise will stop for a month or two. I finally found a dealer that put a new rack and pinion box on the steering and the poping and cracking stopped when making turns. Now its beginning to make a noise when it shifts .After coasting and you press on the acceleratorf it races the engine and nakes a noise as it shifts. It started this at about 15000 miles and it now has 37000 miles on it. I think it was waiting until the warranty expired before it falls apart. I sure like the truck but I will probably switch to the new Honda next year.
  • avegirlavegirl Member Posts: 1
    Does anyone have advice on what protectorants work well on the cladding? they all seem to wash off and/or seep off onto the paint. Any suggestions on brands that don't run, etc.
  • txyank1txyank1 Member Posts: 1,010
    Believe it or not the best so far seems to be Future Floor Polish. It's an acrylic, not a wax. Available at Wal Mart for about $5. Just BE SURE the cladding, and what you apply it with (cloth ot sponge) is DRY or you get some whitish splotches. If that happens strip it (per label instructions) and re-apply when dry. I haven't personally tried it yet, but that's what the experts on our favorite Av fan club site are saying. ;)
  • nick28nick28 Member Posts: 5
    Does anyone know anything about the 07 Avalanche? Will it have DOD? Any plans for a hybrid? New features?

    Thanks!
  • crutchescrutches Member Posts: 5
    Have had my Avalanche in 5 times to eliminate the knocking while turning, especially noticible turning left. The local dealer has replaced several parts, but can't fix problem. What can be done if anything?? Does this fall under the lemon law for product liability?
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    Lemon laws vary from state to state. Perhaps this article will be helpful:

    Getting Some Lemon-Aid From Your Lemon Maker
  • crutchescrutches Member Posts: 5
    What has happened since you decided to go back to the dealer about the noises?
    I am in the same position at this time. Did GM give you any help, or did they deny any problems? Please drop a line and let me hear the solution.
    Thanks,
    Crutches
  • tracy6tracy6 Member Posts: 1
    When I was test driving a 05 Avalanche I heard this noise that sound like a engine that had no oil but the oil says full. I have the truck for 24 hours I called the dealer and was told that the noise was part of the design. In other words get use to it. My question: is that something that all the Avalanches do or is this particular one having problems. At this point I'm not obligated to purchase but I need to know if this is usual or unusual for this vehicle. I was looking at the Excaulate and was told that the Avalanche had the same features. Has anyone experienced this noise.
  • txyank1txyank1 Member Posts: 1,010
    I have not noticed that with my '03. I was recently standing near an '05 backing into a parking space and heard it's engine making noise that I thought sounded odd from one that new.
  • crutchescrutches Member Posts: 5
    I have not heard the engine noise in my 05, but still having noises while turning. The sound is under the left side if the floor, and evryone hears the noise, but no solutions yet. Suggest you drive another new vehicle and ask dealer why it doesn't make the same sound if thats normal.
  • erwin888erwin888 Member Posts: 1
    day is Sept. 30, 2005 we hare having one of the worst Fire in San Fernando Valley. i was around northridge 5:30 PM

    i am the typed of guy that hardly complains. i usually give people chances.

    -First bought the car and when i drove the truck home Head light was not working.

    brought it back at the Dealer in Glendale and had it fixed. No Problem

    -Instruments started acting up. i would fill the gas tank full and the gas instruments would read Empty. It would start blinking in Yellow and would warn me of an empty Tank. Great!!!

    brought it back at Rydell Devonshire fixed it. No Problem

    -Truck would make a Clicking Sound when turning the steering wheel. it got really annoying and took it back at the dealership Rydell Devonshire. Fixed No Problem

    -after 1 year the truck would just burned a lot of gas. i dont drive the truck much since my work is only less than 20 miles back and forth. i began to smell GAS coming from the exhaust and could no longer park the truck inside the Garage.
    kids and my house were no longer safe.

    -after weeks i took the truck of a seat belt recall and mentioned about the gas leak somewhere. Mechanic at Rydell said no leak found and the seatbelt recalled was fixed.

    - brought the car to my mechanic for second opinion and found the fuel line is leaking.

    -took it at the dealer and showed them where its leaking along with the recall not being fixed.

    dealer fixed it NO PROBLEM. great.

    - A week later driving with my 4 year old daughter from School an everyday routine the car stalled at a stop light, luckily i cruised the truck to parked it on the side street. truck just died on me and suddenly it smelled GAS.

    the fuel just leaked on the streets and took my daughter out of the truck. car was towed by Chevy and i payed the tow truck $20.00 to clean up the mess.

    the 2004 Chevy Avalanche Vin # 3GNEC12T64G213487 is no longer a safe Vehicle and as a customer would no longer take the truck back. i mean the take my kid to school and my family with the truck. what would happen if the car just exploded or get caught in a fire? who would be liable? i would rather keep my family safe rather than winning a lawsuit with Chevrolet. my Families safety is my priority in life more than anything.
  • gene16gene16 Member Posts: 1
    HI I recently bought a 04 Tahoe. Now I am noticing a poping noise in the front end while turning slow or backing out of a parking spot. You mentioned a crossmember adjustment. Do you know exactly what they did to fix the crossmember? I was told my Tahoe was out of warranty, so i plan to fix it myself.
  • txyank1txyank1 Member Posts: 1,010
    When I had mine done the fix was to somehow slot and adjust the crossmember. It's my understanding that they now install a new crossmember and retorque the bolts.
  • crutchescrutches Member Posts: 5
    I have had a noise problem on my 05, and the dealer has never been able to fix it. The sound is under the front of truck. They have replace crossmembers, support beam, torqued bolts, new bolts, and even new torsion bars. Nothing has cured the problem. Most dealers know of the problem, but don't have any real true fixes. It is a hit and miss situation. My truck has been in the shop 5 times for the exact problem and stayed as long as 4 days each visit to dealership. I probably will try to get vehicle replaced under the lemon law in my state.
  • clutchdotcomclutchdotcom Member Posts: 3
    i have a 2004 Z71 after i installed a k/n filter i'am getting 13.5 city and 17 highway
    at 60mph
  • clutchdotcomclutchdotcom Member Posts: 3
    i have the same problem. since i have after market step bars they said that the cause was the step bars. i called gm to complain and i removed the step bars took it in and they now claim that they have to order the follwing parts (2) 15053229 and (2) 15772884 if this does not correct the situation i will go through the lemon law
  • bigpappagbigpappag Member Posts: 1
    I have an 04 with a popping sound in the front and also have a noise in the transmission when it shifts usually 2nd and 3rd gear. Only have 26000 miles on it. Bought it used with 10000 miles and have loved the truck, just hope they can fix the problem. It's at the dealer now and they haven't been able to figure it out. Today they did mention something about mounts being shipped. Did the rubber mounts correct the popping or did it take the rack and pinion?
  • bairdbaird Member Posts: 1
    I just experienced the exact same problem a few days ago. In the owners manual I discovered the breaker called 'RT Door'; and replaced it and it still didn't work.

    One of the service managers said I would need to make an appointment so they can hook up the truck to diagnostic machine. Said it may be the 'door module'.

    What have you found out?
  • vettesetvetteset Member Posts: 1
    I'm experiencing the infamous knocking/clicking/popping sound at low speeds while turning left in my '04 ... in addition, I can "feel" it in the steering wheel - I compare it to the feeling I got as a kid on my old Schwinn stingray if the forks were loose.

    Anyone getting anywhere with this? Hoping for a recall, but...???

    :lemon: ?
  • crutchescrutches Member Posts: 5
    I will be taking my truck in again this week, (6th time) to check on knocking sounds. They haven't fix the problem, but I have found that the cooler weather makes the sound harder to hear. The warmer the weather... the more noticable the sounds. This would lead me to believe that the bushings expand and make the connections loose or allow the bolts to move more.

    As I have previoulsy said.... no real fix.... just a hit and miss situation. The dealers know of the sound, the manufacture knows of the sound, and yet no real fix to eliminate the situation.
  • gemstickgemstick Member Posts: 4
    Just last week I got my dream truck... an orange avalanche. Not a new one but it in in great condition and has 28000 miles. (2003) The first tank of gas got me 17 mpg, mostly in town driving. I do however have a few noticeable "problems". One thing is the popping noise in the front drivers side window area at 70 mph. Where exactly does the 2 sided tape need to be applied? And my rear door will not lock with the autolocks but they will open. has anyone else had this problem. The dealer will fix it under warranty but I was just wondering if anyone else ever had this one.
  • txyank1txyank1 Member Posts: 1,010
    Congrats.....love the SOM.
  • gemstickgemstick Member Posts: 4
    I saw the orange Grand Prix a few years ago, and told my wife... my next truck will be ORANGE... and now I have it. I don't know what it will be like after a trip to the mountains, but it will wash off. It looks sharp when its all clean. Do you have an AV? I am just wondering if I should go back and get the warranty extension. Any recommendations?
  • txyank1txyank1 Member Posts: 1,010
    Yes, an '03 Pewter WBH. IMO the Orange is not only a sharp color, but it's not that bad for showing the dirt either. 'course you can't beat the Pewter on that count. Personally I've never been one for "extra" warranties, although I am considering it now. I want to retire in a few years and hoping my next Av (coming soon) will be my last new vehicle purchase.
  • gemstickgemstick Member Posts: 4
    Thanks for the insight. Have you ever had the popping sound that comes at about 70 MPH. Sounds like popping corn real fast. I know something is flapping around the drivers side windshield but I don't know where they have said to put the 2 sided tape. Is it on the plastic cowling or the little piece of rubber that covers the bolthead, or the actual windshield? I saw it mentioned before in the messages but i am not sure where to make the fix. The AV came with the bug shield already on so I do not have directions.
  • txyank1txyank1 Member Posts: 1,010
    I've heard of the problem, and the fix, but haven't had it myself so didn't pay a lot of attention. Do a search for "Chevy Avalanche Fan Clubs" and you'll find a club with all the answers. ;) Or maybe somebody here with chime in soon.
  • dugo1dugo1 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2003 Avalanche ( Z-66 ) with the same popping sound from front suspension. Took it to dealer and their was a problem with the steering column, that was giving me a vibration. They replaced parts inside the steering column, and vibration went away. But I still have the popping sound when turning left or right . . I bought the vehicle used with 21,000 miles on it. I have had vehicle for 1 year with 35,000 miles on it presently. The popping sound started around 26,000 miles on it. Can't figure out what it could be. Other that this problem, the truck rides & runs like a dream. I love this truck.
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