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

These are the top problems for the Chevy Avalanche. The 1st generation Avalanche included model years 2001 to 2006. In this video, Andy Explains some of the most common issues you may find in your 2001 to 2006 Chevy Avalanche, such as the fading plastic trim, and the tail gate handle. Check out the video for the full list!

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How to Replace Vapor Canister Purge Valve:

0:00 Top Problems Chevy Avalanche 1st Gen 2002-06
0:20 Fading Plastic
1:42 Fuel Trim Codes P0101, P0171, P0174
3:00 Front Impact Sensors
4:05 Encoder Motor
5:29 EVAP Vent Valve P0449, P0455, P0446
6:54 Tail Gate Handle

⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video*
√ *Do it Yourself*
√ *Save Money*

[SingerAuto]

I’ve had about 200 vehicles…..my 02 Avalanche was prob the one I miss the most. Sold it with 365k miles and it was still running great

[ZukiChrome]

I have a 2002 Avalanche I bought as a demo model with 8000 miles on still have it now....390, 000+ miles on I'd hop in and drive from Georgia to California tonight if I needed to. I've had other vehicles during this the Avalanche is the one I've always trusted to get me there and I still pull a 24' pull-behind camper to Florida several times a year with it. The only big repair is that the transmission was replaced at around 250, 000 miles. I've also had it repainted the original color and replaced all the oxidized headlights. Awesome vehicle!!

[scottlong]

I have a 2002 Avalanche 2500 with the 8.1 liter. I'm the original owner and have 165, 000 great miles on it. Being a skier and my daughter an elite level ski racer, we've driven to just about every ski area, resort in the western US and Canada. Has never let me down through white out blizzards, sub zero temps and scorching sun. Plastics started fading after a few years, I just call it "petina" and the tailgate would freeze up and make it a bear to close. Other than the normal wear and tear, (fuel pump, water pump and front end stuff) I'll probably be buried in it!

[aydengriffeth]

I'm getting a 03 avalanche for my first car next year, we have it already, but I will definitely save this video in case I have any problems. Thanks.

[BubblyOne]

Love my 2004 issues aside and running great at 168, 000. Bought mine used in 2016 with 124 thousand miles. Issues: three power windows stuck in down position over a 4 year period, tailgate won't lock because of the loose parts as mentioned in video, fueling has to be hand held due to pump constantly shutting off. That said this is a great vehicle.

[FundDaCloud]

I have had my 2004 Avalanche for over 10 years now. Bought it with 94k miles on it, and now I'm still driving it at 182k. Great truck despite the issues that come with it and every vehicle sold to mankind. It's either get the maintenance done by a mechanic or DIY. As far as the trim goes, I use olive oil on it to coat away the fade look. I know it's cheesy and temporary, but it has worked for me over the years.

[TheGlobalTravelr]

I’ve had my 06 Avalanche since birth n she just rolled over 200K n aside from minor aches, she’s has been maintenance free. I’m still running the original brakes. One issue I’m beginning to experience is “check stability” message. Great overview! And yes I do treat her like a lady.

[dukecgsd]

I have a 2004 Southern comfort addition. 228, 000 miles I finally showed it some love with new platinum spark plugs, eddlbrok wires... Wire literally where brittle but it ran every day and never gave me a problem. One of the best and most reliable vehicles I've owned and it hauls feed for my livestock and is put to work. Its no garage queen

[gregwilson]

DO NOT USE A HEAT GUN.

I highly recommending either having them professionally sprayed or coated (linex or equivalent). The more economic route would be a plastic specific spray paint or bedliner style coating. The key is to take your time with the prep work if you do it yourself. Products such as Mothers Back to Black or Turtle Wax are very temporary and will last if your lucky a week or two.

I would also say one of the problems specific to the Avalanche is the rear window bezel cracks and may allow water to enter the cab. Also the cladding (plastics) hold moisture. Depending on the climate this can lead to different severity levels of rust.

Also the tonneau cover is not 100% waterproof. Good maintenance will help with drainage.

Hope this helps.

- An 04 cladded Avalanche Owner.

[tranfamily]

A proud original owner of the 2005 Avalanche 1500 with 45k mi. A true garage queen :D

[victorjohnson]

Used the Trim Restorer on my 05 Avalanche and it works GREAT! Thanks for the tip. GREAT TRUCK! Mine has 300k and looks and running strong.

[joshuahatton]

I love first gen avalanches. One day I want to buy a 2500. Great video by the way! 👍

[geraldrobinson]

Swapping the 5.3 to a 6.0 in my 02 avalanche 1500 was a Great move! Burning 93 octane no ethanol gives me 20 miles per gallon Very Satisfied with that👍

[flyurway]

Yep! Have had my '06 since it was 2 years old, have had all those problems. Still the nicest vehicle I've ever owned, pushing 200K and I'm not about to give it up!

[tonyb]

I just picked up an 05 Z71, this video covers the bases well with the issues I have to address. Instead of treating the plastics I plan to have them sanded and painted, the end result of rejuvenation of plastic is more fading so why bother? Awesome video though! Love the direct answers and the close shots of problem areas.

[missanthropy]

Bought a 2003 a few months ago. Had 4 of these 5 problems. I replaced the tailgate with a metal one(Amazon) my handle was plastic and broken and it locks now. Still working on the rest but I LOVE this truck.

[stevenjohnson]

Great list - I bought my 03 2500 in late 02 and have had a problem with each of these (except my EVAP problem wasn't a code, but stuck in the closed position from dirt buildup).

[trackman]

for restoring cladding..i just started using Flood* Penetrol ( paint section at Menards) on my bed panels. I scrubbed with Dawn* soap water with scrub brush and rinsed off. let dry completely. I wiped them down and let dry and then wiped down again. LOOKS GREAT ! Going to finish the truck tomorrow and see how long it last in Nov. and Dec. weather in S.East Missouri.

[albertmueller]

Oh yea, Well while these may be somewhat "kind of basic stuff" fixes I want everyone as well as 1A Auto to know that this short 5 min. video on the most COMMON problems with this model just gave me 2 not one but TWO fixes to repair the Avalanche I was considering purchasing. I think I will buy it now. Thanks so much A1