sesposit

I bought a Chevy Avalanche in May of 2002. To begin with I was very excited about purchasing a new vehicle, but very shortly after purchase I discovered I was wrong. The truck burns oil, the tail gate won't stay shut half the time, I've already had it in the shop numerous times AND am in the process of declaring the vehicle a LEMON! Don't buy one! The manufacturer needs to work out numerous bugs! THEY SUCK!

bowtiebandit

Can you tell me exactly what your having trouble with.? I'd love to try and help you out. The tailgate issue has an easy fix I wonder why they didnt handle it?

Shortbus

I like it.
Daring new design by GM. Of course all new models are going to have their problems. Warranty should easily correct any problems you may have with it. I know of a few issues with the bed side rails being defective but we have stocked the replacement parts for them and been able to correct all customer concerns, usually while they wait.

BowtieBandit What is the issue with the tailgate I have not heard of it yet. I don't work the backcounter so I am usually the last to hear of the new model problems.

If you have the bulletin number I could just read it there. Thanks.

Purpura Delujo

They dont suck, they are pimpin. They look phat as all hell! So you came onto these forums just to tell us the Avalanche sucks? Which it doesn't, hey everyone is more then entitled to their own opinion but you can't come bursting into here declaring Avas suck.

__________________

bowtiebandit

John,
Most of the info I got came straight from Engineering. There where a few bulletin's and PI's but I can't remember them and you can't view the PI's without a VIN. I had one with the tailgate issue and basically you had to make sure 1. Tailgate was adjusted properly, flush and what not.
2. The most important was to make sure both latches released at the same time, ie slowly pull on handle and listen for a simultaneous click, if not you have to synchronize the latched by adjusting the plastic lock rod retainer.

Shortbus

Hmmm. Looks like quite a few people voted that they like the Avalanche. If your going to dump on a carline with baseless, factless BS go do it somewhere else.
Thanks. Mgmt.

SuPeRcAr_MaN

Sometimes it is the owner and not the vehicle...

interceptor430

I liked the looks from the very first sighting on the web - and liked it even more when I saw it at the dealership. I would have bought one too if GM had put the 6.0L in the 2500 Series - I just don't need the 8.1L guzzler.....my 2000 Silverado has the 6.0L, and it will pull itself and a 4000 lb car on my trailer up I-77 from N.C. thru West Virgina will ease.
It never breaks a sweat....it's one tough engine/tranny.....too bad GM
missed a sale.....2 years in a row.:apoke:

Scott 02

Well said John.
Also what SuPeRcAr_MaN said is true. Alot of people don't take care of there cars. I know some ppl who just don't care. It makes me made everytime I see a new vehical just get the living guts ran out of it...

Carl F. Carson

2002 Chevrolet Avalance 4x4 8100 vortec v-8 engine burns between 1 1/2 to 2 quarts of oil between oil changes since purchase. Told service personnel at Ken Dixon's Chevrolet, Waldorf, MD. They never wrote down the fact it was using oil. Except at 15000 mile warranty service they wrote check for oil leak. October this year had 30,000 mile warranty and they said oh yes. We just received information that some owners of this type of truck reported using oil. Solution was to replace ten (10) bolts on the manifold. Apprantly, according to them oil vaopr was being sucked from crankcase into the manifold. This problem was posted by GM in October 2002. They told me they just received data. I don't think they are telling the truth. They waited until the 36,000 mile warrant expired before they brought it to my attention. Once they replaced the bolts the oil guage or sending unit went on the fritz. Currently, they are working on it. We will see if this fixes the problem. Beware gentleman. I think they are trying to avoid a recall on all vehicles. Will keep you posted.

99ssconv

Ditto super car man

99ssconv

Information on Engine Oil Consumption Guidelines
All 1996-2004 Passenger Cars and Gasoline Powered Light Duty Trucks Under 8500 LB GVW

except Chevrolet Corvette

This bulletin is being revised to update the Model Years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-06-01-011 (Section 6 -- Engine).

All engines require oil to lubricate and protect the load bearing and internal moving parts from wear including cylinder walls, pistons and piston rings. When a piston moves down its cylinder, a thin film of oil is left on the cylinder wall. During the power stroke, part of this oil layer is consumed in the combustion process. As a result, varying rates of oil consumption are accepted as normal in all engines.

Oil Consumption
The accepted rate of oil consumption for engines used in the vehicles referenced is 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 3200 km (2000 mi). This rate only applies to personal use vehicles, under warranty, maintained in accordance with the appropriate maintenance schedule, with less than 58,000 km (36,000 mi), or 80,450 km (50,000 mi) for Cadillac, driven at legal speeds in an unloaded (for trucks) condition.

Many factors can affect an owner's concern with oil consumption. Driving habits and vehicle maintenance vary from owner to owner. Thoroughly evaluate each case before deciding whether the vehicle in question has abnormal engine oil consumption.

Gasket and External Leaks
Inspect the oil pan and engine covers for leakage due to over-tightened, damaged, or out of place gaskets. Inspect oil lines and fittings for signs of leakage.

Improper Reading of the Oil Level Indicator (Dipstick)
Verify that the dipstick tube is fully seated in the block. When checking the oil level, make sure the dipstick is wiped clean before taking an oil level reading and fully depress the dipstick until the shoulder bottoms out on the dipstick tube. The dipstick should be the proper part number for the engine/vehicle that is being checked.

Not Waiting Long Enough After Running Engine to Check Oil Level
The vehicle should be allowed to sit for at least 5 minutes (20 minutes for the 3.4 L LQ1), after the engine has been shut off, before taking an oil level reading to assure the oil has had enough time to drain back into the crankcase. In order to ensure accurate results, the temperature of the oil should be close to the same temperature as the last time the oil level was checked.

Improper Oil Fill After an Oil Change
Following an oil change, verify that the proper amount and type of oil was put in the engine and that the oil level on the dipstick is not above the full mark or below the add marks. Refer to the Owner's Manual or Service Manual for information on recommended oil quantity, viscosity, and quality.

High Speed or High RPM Driving
Continuous driving at high speeds/high RPMs may increase oil consumption. Because this may not always be an everyday occurrence, it is hard to determine exactly how much the oil economy will be affected.

Towing or Heavy Usage
Towing a trailer will increase oil consumption and may cause oil consumption to fall below the normal accepted rate referenced in this bulletin for an unloaded vehicle in a personal use application. Large frontal area trailers will further increase the work required from the engine, especially at highway speeds, and thus increases the rate of oil consumption.

Crankcase Ventilation System
Verify that the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system is operating properly. Incorrect PCV valves, blockages, restrictions, or damage to the PCV system can result in increased oil use.

Oil Dilution (Fuel and Water)
On vehicles that are usually driven short distances, less than 8 km (5 mi), especially in colder weather, unburned fuel and condensation generated from cold engine operation may not get hot enough to evaporate out of the oil. When this occurs, the dipstick may indicate that the oil level is over-full. Subsequent driving on a trip of sufficient length to enable normal engine operating temperature for 30 minutes or more, in order to vaporize excess moisture and fuel, may give the customer the impression of excessive oil consumption.

Engine Temperature
If an engine is run at overheated temperatures (see Owner's Manual or Service Manual) for more than brief periods, oil will oxidize at a faster than normal rate. In addition, gaskets may distort, piston rings may stick, and excessive wear may result. Verify that all cooling system components are in proper working order.

Engine Wear
Piston scuffing, excessive piston-to-wall clearance, tapered or out of round cylinders, worn, damaged or improperly installed valve guides, seals and piston rings will all cause an increase in oil consumption.

Measurement of Oil Consumption
Engines require a period of time to BREAK IN so that moving parts are properly seated. Therefore, oil economy should not be tested until the vehicle has accumulated at least 6400 km (4000 mi). An exception would be allowed only if an engine is reported to be using more than 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 1600 km (1000 mi).

Verify that the engine has no external leaks. Repair as necessary.
Verify that the engine is at normal operating temperature (see Owner's Manual or Service Manual).
Park the vehicle on a level surface.
Wait at least 5 minutes (20 minutes for the 3.4 L LQ1), after the engine is shut off, before checking the oil level to make sure that most of the oil has had time to drain back into the crankcase.
Verify that the oil level is at, but not above, the full mark on the dipstick, and that the proper viscosity and quality oil are being used as recommended in the Owner's Manual.
Record the vehicle mileage, date, and exact oil level on the form included in this bulletin.
Ask the customer to verify the oil level, each time the vehicle is fueled, following steps 1-6 and return the vehicle to the dealership if the oil level is found at or below the add mark, 0.946 liter (1 qt) low. If the oil level remains above the add mark, the customer should continue to operate the vehicle and verify the engine oil level until 3200 km (2000 mi) has accumulated before returning to the dealership for a final evaluation.
If the final evaluation shows that the engine uses more than 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 3200 km (2000 mi), follow the published symptom diagnostics as described in the appropriate Service Manual. If the oil consumption test shows that the engine uses less than 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 3200 km (2000 mi), explain to the customer that their engine meets the guidelines for oil consumption.

rcpd34

I too had an issue w/oil use, but it's a minor annoyance considering the truck is awesome!

johnny rivers

(SESPOSIT) Mine sucks too.I have 2003 Z66 the front end makes a clunking noise . my gas gauge went out ,the steering was screwed up it was hard to keep the truck on the road,the tail gate came open on me a bunch of times with it locked ,All the plastic is faded . My wife brought it to the dealership to have it fixed they fixed the steering problem but it still makes a clunking noise they also fixed the gas gauge ,but its broken again .the ice chest lid will not lock or stay closed. The gas gauge problem is due to the great gas i got from SHELL good thing i filled up a gas can that day i got the gas for my truck ,so i have a fuel sample and i took a sample from my truck when i got it back from the dealership.I had a full tank when I brought it in that day to have it serviced.when i got it back it had a half of tank so the wife called the dealership to see what happened to our gas. the service manager said they spilled some wile taking the tank out .I can understand them spilling gas , but leaving the bad gas in there is stupid so now the gauge is out again .the truck is a little over a year old the plastic is faded I HATE THIS TRUCK YOU THINK FOR 33,500 $$$$ YOU COULD GET A SOUND TRUCK NOT THE CASE (THIS IS A BAD PRODUCT OF GM I have allways owned gm products this is the last one i will buy !!!! ONE PISSED-OFF CHEVY AVALANCHE OWNER JOHNNY RIVERS

TweakedGM

for your oil just switch to 10w30 oil it slowed down my oil consumption