Options
Chevrolet Avalanche Problems & Solutions
This discussion has been closed.
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
PS - getting a little concerned about purchasing the AV versus leasing now that I have read some of these postings. Any comments on overall quality and you general experience welcomed!
I would reccomend purchasing because of the low interest rates available.
Thanks Bill
I though that I had a problem as well with the gas mileage, I was having problems getting anything over 13MPG (Z71 Av). I thought that I was driving a good mix of highway and city (about 50/50). What I found is that most, if not all, my trips never exceeded 15 miles. This past week I took the Av on a long 500+ mile trip, all highway at 75 miles per hour average. The mileage was over 18.5mpg running with a full passenger load and cargo. My guess is that getting a 6000lb truck moving takes more gas that expected, but once rolling seems to do ok.
Bear
GM's response so far has been embarrassing. First they made me leave it at the dealership for an entire day so the mechanic could "check out" the PCV valve. They would not let him order the "special" new valve for it until after this. On my second visit they installed the new valve which was just an empty PCV housing (no valve) with a smaller orifice.
After this, it started visibly burning oil. Before it just used it but didn't smoke. Now it throws a huge cloud of blue smoke when you start it. GM's response this time is to pull the heads off and install new valves (maybe just do the valves on one side). Basically, they are just guessing as to the cause but they don't seem to mind wasting my time and experimenting on my vehicle while they do so.
Roger
I had an ealier post about a "clunk" from the left front when turning sharply to the left. They found it as one of the cross members needed to be tightened and lubed. Mine is a 2wdr and apparently, all AVs are built on a 4X4 frame with 4x4 cross members. The 2wdr has an extra cross member and that was where they found the "clunk". All is well.
Both front doors were also adjusted to address a little wind noise. This too had been an issue on other AVs they had come back to the shop. Still a GREAT ride!
Roger
I purchased my AV from a dealership about 100 miles from my home. On the trip back home from the "selling" dealership I started noticing that my AV was pulling to the left. I hadn't noticed this in the 10 miles or so that I test drove on the unfamiliar roads near the dealership. But as got closer to home and the roads became more familiar I realized the pull I was experiencing was NOT the "crown" in the road. I had previously test drove 4 other AV's without any noticeable pull.
After I arrived home I decided to wash the AV since it had been hit with a few bugs. I knew that washing it would give me a up close look at the exterior and reveal any imperfections. It didn't take long to find one. I noticed on the very top several little rust spots? I pulled back the rubber molding at the top of the doors and found rust and metal shavings. I immediately took it to a body shop near my home. It was too late in the day to call the "selling" dealership. I just wanted to know if the rust was coming from underneath the finish. The body shop inspected it and told me that they thought that something had just fallen on it during transit. After I showed them the metal shaving under the rubber molding they concluded that the metal shavings were from the roof rack installation. Some Johnny Jackleg at the "selling" dealership didn't bother with cleaning or washing the AV after the roof rack was "dealer installed". Leaving the metal shavings on the finish soon rusted and stuck to the finish good enough that general washing would not remove them. They tested removing a couple of spots with some 3M compound. The rust spots would come off with a little elbow grease. The body shop showed me what they were using and I went and purchased the same. I spent 6 hours the next night holding a florescent light 2 inches above the finish with rubbing compound correcting the problem. I didn't have any faith that the "selling" dealership could fix to my satisfaction and I wasn't going to waste my time and 200 miles to find out.
I had also been in contact with the "selling" dealership and Corporate Chevrolet concerning the AV pulling problem. I was still waiting on return phone calls when I decided I didn't want to "wait" anymore. I took the AV to my local Chevrolet "servicing" dealership. Told them about the problem. They said normally GM will not pay for a front end alignment until after 7500 miles to give the vehicle a chance to settle down after being tied down during transport. I told them just drive it and see what "you" think. They did and they decided to check the alignment. I thought this wouldn't be any big deal, but I just happened to be at the service desk when the alignment technician walked up and start talking about this AV that has a serious problem. I spoke up and told him that it was mine, he asked me to come back to the shop area so he could show me what was going on. The front end was not out of alignment but one of the rear wheels was off 3 degrees. He told me that there was no adjustment for the rear end and didn't know what to do about it. He said, I am not saying it can't be fixed, just that we can't fix it here. Needless to say I was about as furious as someone could be. I couldn't wait to get home to get on the phone with Corporate Chevrolet and scream my head off!!! I was ready to give this AV back!!! It wasn't long before I had several Chevrolet Rep's calling. They asked me to take the vehicle back to the "servicing" dealership to let them check it again and call GM with the specs. A few days later I carried the AV back. For comparison they took another AV right off the lot and put it on the alignment rack, read and recorded the specs. Put my AV back on the alignment rack, read and recorded the specs. GM wanted the "servicing" dealership to try this first before proceeding with anything else. They told them to loosen the rear end then re-tighten. When they checked the alignment again it matched the AV off the lot. After test driving my AV I can say that it's 98% corrected and I am not sure if the other 2% is my paranoia or the "crown" in the road. I still spend a lot of time driving without touching the steering wheel constantly "checking".
During all this inspection and testing I noticed the body on my AV was about one to one and a half inch low on the left side after viewing it on the level alignment rack. They easily adjusted the height by turning a bolt underneath the frame with a air wrench. Only took a few seconds. Just thought I would mention that in case someone else has noticed the same problem.
I also noticed that several times after start-up a cloud of smoke from the exhaust. It doesn't happen everytime but often. I mentioned this to the "servicing" dealership and they tried to explain it as steam or condensation. This was NOT condensation, it oil burning smoke! So they convinced me to "give it time to break in". Well at 2400 miles my "check engine oil level" light came on. I was out of town on vacation but stopped at a Chevrolet dealership to find out that my AV was almost 2 quarts low on oil. They added oil and told me to "give it time to break in" claiming that it's not un-common for a new motor to use a little oil the first 10K to 12K miles. Back home, had my oil changed by the "servicing" dealership at 3090 miles, oil level was still at full. Mentioned to them about AV being 2 quarts low, they told me to check the level after driving 1000 miles and again after 2000 miles and record any problems. 300 miles since the oil change, AV has NOT produce smoke at start up one time. Stay tuned on this issue...
Despite these issues, I am happy with the AV. I hope that everything has been corrected or worked itself out. Only time will tell. My 1989 Chevy K1500 Z71 that I purchased new and still have, has not had one issue concerning quality or craftsmanship in 13 years. So, I've been fortunate with this one.
I plan to purchase several accessories soon. As I mentioned earlier, I have the assist steps/running boards and roof rack. I was somewhat uncertain about these, but now after having them for a while they come in pretty handy. The AV is much easier to hand wash/wax. The assist step provide sure footing the entire length of the cab and the roof rack gives you something to hold on to. But! I haven't seen any AV yet that I didn't like...
Has anyone noticed a rattle in their AV at highway speeds? It sounds like it's originating at/near the firewall. We noticed it after the bug shield was installed. Sounds like 1,000's of bugs hitting the windshield, and is most annoying. Dealer said it's the mirrors-it's not. We also ruled out the bug shield, rubber flaps over the hood hinges, and the plastic screen at the firewall.
Also-our hard bed cover leaks (pours) at the midgate in the car wash. There are also less severe leaks between panels and at the tailgate. Any ideas for fixes or dealing w/ GM?
I guess all the propaganda about buying genuine GM parts is wrong. It doesn't guarantee you proper fit and compatibility with your GM vehicle. You would think that someone from GM would have taken a vehicle for a drive after installing this stuff just to make sure it worked. The noise is very noticeable and quite annoying. But on the bright side, they seem to be able to fix it fairly easily.
This was posted earlier and I when I bought mine from GM parts I did not install it at first. I got the noise. I then installed the tape and noise is gone. Hope that helps.
I got the AV a week ago. Its a replacement for another. The first one had a bad (violent) intermittent clunk from the 1-2 shift. This was unacceptable and they fixed me up with another one with a few extra options, sunroof and roof-rack.
Is that sunroof noisy on all of them? There is considerable wind noise from up there before and after the roof rack was put on so its not that. Its like a hurricane when open at speed but still is loud when closed. Anyone else notice this?
The drivers door closes tight but has one pathetic sounding dull thunk sound. Whats the deal with that? I'm allways rechecking it to make sure it closed.
In 4X4 there is an awfull Metalic Grinding, yes Grinding sound, coming from the front when turning more than 15 degrees from center. Took it to the dealer and they said they first thought it was a big deal, then drove two off the lot and they were doing the same thing so..that means there is nothing wrong. right?. I've owned three other Z71s and never had this. Anyone else have this "normal sound". Its loud enough that it dominates the cab.
FYI and if you're interested. Idles smooth. Getting 15 MPG, 3.73 and at 80 MPH most of the time, Running at 19,500 RPM at that speed. Gets "on the power" at 2000 RPM and flies to 90 MPH really fast, makes me wish I had a 3.42 to get a little of that power down arround 75MPH. 2002 z71. Oil Preassure is at ~45 at idle, 50 at speed. Little leaking in the bed on the drivers side, looks like the second panel, No Big Deal. All the body lines line up fine and the hood closes like any other chevy I've had, easy.
Stearing wheel is off center a little but drives perfectly straight.
All in all, this truck Rules, Climate control, heated seats, rides smooth but firm. I'm going to use this machine Up.
Thanks for any replies to the queries,
AvMan
I have the sunroof and it is very quiet closed. When open and driving around town it is not loud but at highway speeds it can get loud depending on crosswinds.
Maybe it is sticking up a bit and needs to be adjusted. I think in the manual it tells you how to reset it by opening and closing in a certain order or something. Also check the wind deflector in front, it is spring loaded and kind of lowers as you go faster to decrease wind noise at highway speeds.
My door shuts great with a nice "thunk". Always shuts and fits great.
Z66 option so cannot help on front end noise. Maybe steering unit and/or front end joints.
If it is just a surface discolor from say a rubber bumper of another vehicle try cleaning with rubbing alcohol and/or 3M adhesive remover. Goo Gone, Naptha(lighter fluid) may work as well. Start mild and work your way up to harsh until the stain is gone.
Always check for colorfastness on an inconspicuous location. After it is clean then wash truck and protect with 303 or other UV protective product. 303 is a great product for the cladding.
Hope that helps!
Pretty excited about my new avalanche. I find when the seats are folded down but the midgate and window are up, there is quite a bit of play in the midgate (around the middle bar). I would have thought there would have been a pretty tight fit. Am I doing something wrong, or is there something wrong with my truck?
thanks,
scott
Under the matt I do get condensation. I say big deal and I wash it twice a year and wax as well..
Not a shill for gmparts direct but if anyone runs into the similar problem, there are apparently are other options than the dealer. Plus they will sell you the complete running board kit for about half of the dealer quote. Understand why a web site can sell the parts cheaper: don't understand why the dealer wouldn't/couldn't order the part. Won't be using the dealer for any more work going forward.
Had a Tahoe rear ended couple of years ago. Got to wonder how many unrequired parts the insurance company paid for in "kits" in that repair.
I always wash mine by hand. But I wonder if anything else such as trees curbs etc could damage it as well?
Hopefully they applied primer or another rust preventative where they drilled as well. I would definately make the dealer aware of the situation and have it documented in case something serious develops in the future.
Thanks
thanks-
Haven't taken it to the dealer yet
Going back to dealer next week.
Any info would be appreciated.
With the first single digit weather we've had recently, I've noticed the cladding pulling away from the door on the two rear doors. The sealing strip is stretched and half attached to the door and half to the cladding. Anyone else seeing this?
Seems a lot of folks are getting some wind noise at highway speed if they have the sunroof and the roof rack installed. This same problem has been heard/observed on the Trailblazer.
The solution is to take your forward rail and be sure it is at least six inches behind the sunroof (about where the second door starts). This will eliminate the whistling noise. When you need to use the rack simply move the support forward to where ever you need it.
I've never experienced this noise - but the dealer set my rack to this position before I left, and my salesman told me why.
Hope this helps some folks.
On the subject of water leaks - ran my Avalanche through a high pressure touchless carwash. Yup, a small amount of water got in between the liftgate and the third panel - but nothing serious. No water in the cabin or through the midgate.
For the person who had their running board damaged in the carwash. To the best of my knowledge - the carwash should be liable for the repair as this is a manufacturer approved option available at the time of purchase.
Good luck!!!
That seems to have stopped the problem although I'm not comfortable about having a vehicle with different PCV and lifters than all the others on the road. I know of one other vehicle purchased at the same dealer which had the same problems. Apparently both of our engines came from the same Mexican plant on the same day.
Anyone else having this problem?
Dennis