New Avalanche owner

Canada19 · September 14, 2016

Hello all,

Figured I would stop in an introduce myself and also ask a few questions. I am new to the Avalanche world just got a 2009 LTZ with 118,000 mi on it. It was my fathers since it was new but the company he is working for has a policy that there trucks can not be older than 7 years old. So I bought his off him.

Overall it is a very nice truck.

I have been reading this forum for the last week and I have concerns about the AFM. Although the truck has none of the symptoms that have been described as a result of AFM I still feel it is in my best interest to disable it.

Originally I was going to do the Black Bear tune, but 599 USD is closer to 800 CAD. So I will probably just be using the range module. So my first question is, are there any other routes worth exploring that can disable my AFM other than the Range Module or BB tune?

Second question. I noticed there a pieces of paper shoved in the center of the dash by the windshield. When I take them out the dash rattles like crazy, does anyone have any solutions to this problem other than jamming it with paper?

Third question. A friend of mine is a heavy duty mechanic and said that overall the 6 speed transmissions in the avalanche is pretty good in terms of reliability as long at they don't get too hot. Can someone fill me in on what the acceptable operating temperatures are?

Fourth and final question, for now. I can not just plug in my Ipod and run it off the stock head unit, so I would like to change this out with an aftermarket one. Generally I just buy a head unit and a wiring harness and I am good to go. Is there anything specific to the Avalanche that I need to know about before swapping out the head unit?

Anyways, that's all I have for now. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

dsr611 · September 14, 2016

Hello all,

Figured I would stop in an introduce myself and also ask a few questions. I am new to the Avalanche world just got a 2009 LTZ with 118,000 mi on it. It was my fathers since it was new but the company he is working for has a policy that there trucks can not be older than 7 years old. So I bought his off him.

Overall it is a very nice truck.

I have been reading this forum for the last week and I have concerns about the AFM. Although the truck has none of the symptoms that have been described as a result of AFM I still feel it is in my best interest to disable it.

Originally I was going to do the Black Bear tune, but 599 USD is closer to 800 CAD. So I will probably just be using the range module. So my first question is, are there any other routes worth exploring that can disable my AFM other than the Range Module or BB tune?

IIRC, there are several custom tunes that can disable the AFM

Second question. I noticed there a pieces of paper shoved in the center of the dash by the windshield. When I take them out the dash rattles like crazy, does anyone have any solutions to this problem other than jamming it with paper?

Welcome to the world of the GM900 and all the wonderful creaks and rattles that come with it. You hate the rattles now, just wait until the dash cracks and you'll really hate it.

Third question. A friend of mine is a heavy duty mechanic and said that overall the 6 speed transmissions in the avalanche is pretty good in terms of reliability as long at they don't get too hot. Can someone fill me in on what the acceptable operating temperatures are?

150° to about 200°. Do you tow a lot? If so, you will want to install an aftermarket transmission cooler. If not, you probably won't ever see the upper range of the temperatures (I don't tow a lot anymore, and I don't think I've seen over 175° even in the dead middle of summer down here).

Fourth and final question, for now. I can not just plug in my Ipod and run it off the stock head unit, so I would like to change this out with an aftermarket one. Generally I just buy a head unit and a wiring harness and I am good to go. Is there anything specific to the Avalanche that I need to know about before swapping out the head unit?

It all depends on which system the Avalanche currently has in it. Bose or non-Bose system? With or without navigation? Short answer is it's not as simple as removing the factory head unit and installing the new one with the wiring harness to match up speaker wires.

From Crutchfield...

In order to connect a new stereo to your truck's electronics, you'll need a special integration adapter that retains your warning chimes, keeps the Bose amplifier working, and retains the OnStar functionality (if either of these are present). You might also need a relay to keep your audible turn signals working with your new car stereo. You'll also need an antenna adapter to connect the Chevy antenna plug to your new radio. And, if your Avalanche is equipped with the GM Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) system, you'll also need a separate adapter to connect it to the audio/video output on your new receiver.

Anyways, that's all I have for now. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

intheburbs · September 14, 2016

I'd just like to chime in about the transmission temperature. An aftermarket cooler is NOT necessary, even if the OP does plan to tow a lot. The "transmission hot - idle engine" warning comes on somewhere around 265°. I do tow a lot, and all I have is the factory trans cooler. A few times, under the worst conditions, have I seen 230-235°. Normal operating temperature on both of my GMT900 trucks is 180-200°.

Also, no rattles or cracked dashboards on my two trucks. Guess I'm just lucky.

Daryl LBZ · September 14, 2016

Welcome!

T1Kaiju · September 14, 2016

Several canned tunes that remove afm like a used supertuner off fleabay. You can change tire size and gear ratios too.

I changed out the head unit in my non bose 2011 avy and hammerhead is correct about all the harnesses/adapters. You will need to cut & solder wires. Plenty of install pics in various forums as the fs trucks/suvs have same head units (i pulled mine before selling it, and it plugged right into 2011 traverse as well). Once you start down that rabbit hole - especially with a bose - you will end up spending a lot to change out everything. If you're on a budget, get an ipod cable adapter and plug into front aux port. You will have to control by hand or just put the ipod on random. You may also find used units with adapters already soldered on...

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