2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 problems

General information about Chevrolet-Avalanche 2500
Overview of popular issues
Recalls list

The Chevrolet Avalanche is a four-door, five- or six-passenger pickup truck that was manufactured by General Motors. The Avalanche was a hybrid between the Chevrolet Suburban SUV and the Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, sharing the chassis with the Suburban. Unlike a typical pickup truck where the bed is mounted separately from the cab on the frame, the bed of the Avalanche was integrated with the cab body. It also featured a "midgate" behind the second row of seats that could be folded down, with the seats, to create a longer bed area. The Avalanche was produced across two generations starting in 2001 and ending in 2013.

Breaking with a long-standing tradition, the Avalanche was not available as a GMC, but only as a Chevrolet. Instead, Cadillac would sell a re-badged Avalanche; however, the midgate design would be adapted for use on the GMC Envoy XUV and Hummer H2 SUT.

First generation (2001–2006)

The Avalanche was launched in September 2001 as a 2002 model on the GMT800 platform. First year Avalanches featured light gray plastic body cladding, intended to provide visual distinction from the Suburban/Yukon XL. The Avalanche also gave the public an advance look at the next generation of front fascia designs for the entire GM line. A full-length chrome strip splits each lamp assembly and the grille, with a gold Chevrolet "bow tie" in the center. The hood and fenders featured aggressive folds, in contrast to the softer designs seen on other models built on the GMT800 platform.

Avalanche was nominated for the North American SUV of the Year award and was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year for 2002.

The Avalanche was originally marketed as being able to "change from an SUV to a super SUV." This was made possible by a plastic cover and an exclusive "midgate," called the Convert-a-Cab system by GM, which could open and close. The midgate was a divider behind the second row of seats that could be folded down, with the seats, to create a longer bed area, or folded up to make a larger cab area. A similar midgate was found on the Cadillac Escalade EXT (a rebadged Avalanche), Hummer H2 SUT, and GMC Envoy XUV.

The truck was offered as a half-ton 1500 series with a Vortec 5.3L V8 producing 285 hp (216 kW) or as a three-quarter-ton 2500 series with a Vortec 8.1L V8 with 340 hp (253 kW) and the 4L85-E four-speed transmission. The base layout is rear-wheel drive, but there is an available with selectable high/low four-wheel drive. Avalanche 2500 models from 2004–2006 were exclusively available with four-wheel drive.

For those who planned to go off-road in their Avalanche, a Z71 Off-Road package was available that added features such as off-road suspension, GM's AutoTrac full-time push-button four-wheel-drive system, all-terrain P265/70R17 white-lettered Goodyear tires, seventeen-inch alloy wheels, leather seating surfaces with waterproof accents, front dual power bucket seats, cloth door panel inserts, GM's OnStar telematics system, all-weather rubber floor mats, Chevrolet bowtie emblems embedded into the backrests of the seats (for 2002 models), dual-zone automatic climate controls with rear HVAC vents and remote controls, remote radio controls with headphone jacks for two pairs of headphones, a security system, gray-finished side running boards, power-adjustable, heated side-view mirrors, SRS side impact airbags. Aside from these details, a Z71 Off-Road decal on the rear side panels identified an Avalanche equipped with this package. Full leather seating surfaces were an available option, also removing the cloth door panel inserts, and also added heated front seats.

For those who preferred the styling of the Z71 Off-Road package but did not plan to take their Avalanche off-road, a Z66 Premium On-Road package was also available. The Z66 On-Road package featured all the equipment that the Z71 Off-Road package offered but replaced the off-road suspension with sport on-road suspension and did not offer four-wheel drive. Aside from these details, a Z66 On-Road sticker on the rear side panels identified an Avalanche equipped with this package. As with the Z71 Off-Road package, full leather seating surfaces without the cloth accents were an available option, also removing the cloth door panel inserts, and also added heated front seats.

To further distinguish it from its Silverado siblings, the Avalanche was practically fully equipped and only came with bodyside cladding. The Avalanche included features such as 16-inch alloy wheels and tires (chromed steel on the 2500 model), an AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player and six speakers, cloth seating surfaces, front bench seat with power front driver's seat, power windows, power door locks, keyless entry, full instrumentation, dual front airbags, and air conditioning. Options included OnStar telematics system, cassette player, leather seating surfaces, front dual power bucket seats that could be heated, and side airbags for the front seats. A North Face Edition, in partnership with the North Face brand included limited exterior color options, a unique Ebony/Green leather interior, special exterior ornamentation and decals, white-faced gauges, OnStar telematics system, specially colored door panel inserts and speaker grilles, and more.

For 2003, the Avalanche was slightly changed. 2003 models featured a darker cladding, but GM's new president, Rick Wagoner, demanded the removal of this "unpopular" trim (as did certain elements of the public). From mid-year, Avalanche could be ordered without cladding. The uncladded model, known as "Without Body Hardware" (or its initialism "WBH," which is also an RPO code), and alternatively called "slicksides" by GM marketers, resembled the 2003–2005 Silverado 1500 in the front. A new interior—shared with the Tahoe and Suburban—added a new, larger steering wheel with subsequent audio, cruise, and speed controls; an optional six-speaker premium Bose sound system with external amplifier; a new gauge cluster with information center and memory for the front driver's seat, brake and accelerator pedals, and side-view mirror position (on some models); new radio head units, which included an AM/FM stereo with either a single-disc or six-disc CD/MP3 changer, Radio Data System, and optional XM Satellite Radio; standard OnStar telematics system with steering wheel controls; new warning chimes that played through the vehicle's audio system instead of through a separate speaker behind the dashboard; and newly available 17-inch alloy wheels and tires. Optional features included rear audio controls with headphone jacks and a rear DVD entertainment system by Panasonic with wireless headphones. The WBH option was only available in the 1500 series.

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Common 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 problems

The Chevrolet Avalanche 2500, produced in 2004, is known for several common problems based on complaints from its owners. One of the most reported issues is the failure of the 4WD Transfer Case Position Sensor/Selector Switch. This problem can lead to the inability to change the transfer case position or the vehicle getting stuck in a specific mode. The failure of this sensor can also cause the 4WD system to malfunction, leading to poor traction and control, especially in adverse weather conditions.

Another significant problem with the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 is excessive oil consumption. This issue is commonly reported in the 2007 model year, but it can also affect other years, including 2004. Excessive oil consumption can lead to various problems, including reduced engine performance, increased engine wear, and the need for frequent oil changes. In some cases, this problem can be so severe that it requires engine replacement, which can be very costly.

The interior accessories of the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 are also known to have issues. Some owners have reported problems with the interior accessories, such as power windows, power locks, and climate control systems. These problems can range from minor annoyances, such as windows not rolling up or down properly, to more significant issues, such as the climate control system not working at all. These problems can be frustrating for owners and can also affect the overall functionality and comfort of the vehicle.

The 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 is also known for transmission problems. Some owners have reported issues with the transmission, such as slipping, jerking, and difficulty shifting. These problems can be caused by various factors, including worn-out transmission components, low transmission fluid levels, or problems with the transmission control module. Transmission problems can be very serious and can affect the overall performance and safety of the vehicle.

Finally, the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 is known for brake problems. Some owners have reported issues with the brakes, such as squeaking, grinding, and difficulty stopping. These problems can be caused by various factors, including worn-out brake pads, damaged brake rotors, or problems with the brake system components. Brake problems can be very serious and can affect the overall safety of the vehicle.

In summary, the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 is known for several common problems, including 4WD transfer case position sensor/selector switch failure, excessive oil consumption, interior accessory problems, transmission problems, and brake problems. These problems can be frustrating for owners and can also affect the overall performance and safety of the vehicle. It is essential to address these problems promptly to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the vehicle.

What are the problems with a 2004 Chevy Avalanche?

Top 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 Problems

4WD Transfer Case Position Sensor/Selector Switch May Fail. ...
Speedometer or Other Instrument Panel Gauge May Work Erratically. ...
Heating and AC Temperature and Air Delivery Mode Door Actuators May Fail. ...
Steering May Develop Clunk Noise From Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft.

Is 2004 Chevy Avalanche a good truck?

With its superior ride, quiet cabin and added versatility, the Avalanche scored the highest of any pickup we'd tested during that period of time. The folding midgate gives this model flexible cargo-carrying ability.

What are the flaws of the Chevy Avalanche?

The issues that arose with the Chevy Avalanche are items like interior accessory troubles, transmission failure, and excessive oil consumption, among other things. We'll talk more about these Chevy Avalanche years to avoid later so you can get a better idea of which model will work best for you.

What were the best years for the Chevy Avalanche?

There are several excellent choices from the Chevy Avalanche. We recommend the 2006, 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2013 versions.

What are the problems with a 2004 Chevy Avalanche?

Top 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 Problems

4WD Transfer Case Position Sensor/Selector Switch May Fail. ...
Speedometer or Other Instrument Panel Gauge May Work Erratically. ...
Heating and AC Temperature and Air Delivery Mode Door Actuators May Fail. ...
Steering May Develop Clunk Noise From Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft.

Why did the Chevy Avalanche fail?

Is Chevrolet Avalanche a good vehicle?

For a monster truck, the Avalanche drives pretty well, with good steering and brake-pedal feel. Based on the same platform as the Chevy Silverado full-size pickup, this truck has GM's innovative Midgate feature, which allows pass-through capability between the cargo box and the cabin, vastly increasing versatility.

How many miles can a 2004 Chevy Avalanche go?

Used 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche - Specs & Features

Fuel & MPG
EPA city/highway MPG	14/18 MPG
EPA combined MPG	15 MPG
Range in miles (city/hwy)	434/558 mi.
Fuel tank capacity	31 gal.

2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500.

2006-05-19

Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 problems:

Top 5 Problems Chevy Avalanche Truck 1st Generation 2002-06 ...

2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 Problems and Complaints - 19 Issues

https://repairpal.com/2004-chevrolet-avalanche-2500/problems

Top 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 Problems · 4WD Transfer Case Position Sensor/Selector Switch May Fail · Stalling or Low Engine Idle Speed Due to Dirty ...

Buying an Avalanche 02-05 ... What problems should I expect? : r ...

https://www.reddit.com/r/ChevyAvalanche/comments/ahs5sl/buying_an_avalanche_0205_what_problems_should_i/

Jan 20, 2019 ... It's either that or a 2500 Suburban (I'm ... It's a very common problem but besides that they are awesome cars. ... The Chevy dealership told me ...

Q&A: 2004 Chevy Avalanche 2500 - Common Issues & Solutions

https://www.justanswer.com/chevy/25qm4-2004-chevy-avalanche-2500-4x4-w-8-1l-engine-ran.html

Jun 2, 2009 ... Welcome. This is a common code to set on the trucks that drive on gravel or in dirty areas often. There is a carbon canister above the rear axle ...