Whether you’re working or playing hard, your Chevy Avalanche delivers the power, performance and dependability you need. Keeping it in great condition is vital, especially when it comes to regular care and prompt maintenance. This brief guide can help you spot and fix common Chevy Avalanche problems, plus learn a few parts shopping tips.
Improper Engine Firing Order
Your Avalanche’s engine is a complex system of components, and its firing order is key to proper operation. The key is for air and fuel to mix, compress into a tight space and then be ignited by a spark plug. This moves the appropriate pistons, turns the crankshaft and injects more fuel and air to keep the process going. When something goes wrong – for example, no fuel or air in a cylinder – a modern fuel-injected engine won’t even start. If you’re DIYing these types of repairs, resources like this Avalanche firing orders repair guide can be extremely helpful.
Battery and Electrical Issues
While battery, alternator, starter and electrical issues are possible for any vehicle, it’s wise to keep an eye out for them with your Chevy Avalanche. With a dead or low battery, you can usually jump and run the vehicle until the battery drains again. Alternator problems tend to manifest as flickering or dimming lights, growling noises, strangely behaving dash instruments or “burning rubber” type smells. Clicking noises when you turn the ignition key or the vehicle’s failure to start after a jump mean that you likely have a bad starter. One unusual yet commonly encountered problem with Chevy and GMC trucks involves the battery cables.
Water sometimes leaks into the cover of these cables, destroying them from inside out. Replacing them is a simple fix, with supplies available from your trusted parts dealer.
How to Fix a Bad Mass Air Flow Sensor on a Chevy Avalanche
As part of your Chevy Avalanche’s fuel delivery system, the mass air flow sensor helps ensure that its engine receives the correct balance of air and fuel. The MAF detects the air levels, then signals the engine control unit to match it with the proper amount of fuel. However, it can develop problems.
So, how do you know if you have a bad mass air flow sensor? Look for these common symptoms:
• Engine struggling to start or turn over
• Idling too rich or lean
• Hesitation or dragging while idling
• Engine hiccups or stalls right after starting
• Jerking and hesitation during acceleration
These signs mean that the MAF should be cleaned or replaced. Cleaning it just takes some standard tools, mass air flow sensor cleaner and microfiber towels. Replacing it also requires typical tools, plus a replacement sensor.
How To Find the Right Auto Parts for Your Chevy Avalanche
Locating the right Chevy Avalanche auto parts isn’t as difficult as you may think. You’ll need the vehicle’s exact specs, including its specific model and engine subtype. Most parts suppliers offer online shopping and offer search tools to locate the correct parts for your truck. Meanwhile, make sure you choose a reputable parts dealer when you shop. Key considerations include a large inventory, online help resources and staff expertise. To fix your Avalanche more quickly, choose a supplier with a “shop online, pickup in-store” option.
