There is an OBD 2system equipped in the Chevrolet Avalanche. As we know OBD 2 universalized the equipment and adapters needed to diagnose check engine codes on all passenger cars and light-duty trucks. Before the implementation of OBD 2, computers in cars that would trigger Malfunction Indicator Light or MIL (also known as check engine lights) to appear (indicating an engine code) and often used custom equipment for deferent car makes and models. While OBD 2 scanners were expensive and cumbersome to use before, there are now affordable small tools for the home-mechanics to diagnose their own cars.
You'll Need OBD 2 pocket scanner with user manual, OBD 2 diagnostic codes, pen, and paper for this job.
Open the driver's side door of the Chevrolet Avalanche. Bend over under the driver's side dash and find out the diagnostic link connector (DLC). In general, it is on the left hand side of the steering wheel under the dash. This 16-pin trapezoidal-shaped connector matches the shape of the plug at the end of the cord on the OBD scanner.
Insert the OBD 2 pocket scanner into the DLC. Due to its shape, you can only insert it in one way. The battery of the Avalanche will supply power to the OBD 2 pocket scanner so an "On" button is not required in some model.
Put the ignition switch in the accessory power position or the key-on/engine-off position. The battery will supply power to all the accessories without the engine running.
Base on the user manual of the
OBD 2 pocket scanner. There are a lot of brands with deferent options and most of them function similarly. Operating most OBD 2 pocket type scanners is mostly self-explanatory.
Check the onscreen menu on the pocket scanner and use the available scroll button(s) to select the "DTC" (diagnostic trouble codes) or the "Read Codes" option and then press the "Enter" or "Send" button. It will about several seconds for the scanner to read any trouble codes or pending codes.
Write down the engine code numbers on a piece of paper with a pen. Most OBD 2 pocket scanners may supply a brief code translation or may simply show the number of the code. P-codes (stand for power train) are the most common, but you may see C-codes (stand for chassis), U-codes (stand for invalid or missing data) or B-codes (stand for body).
Base the number on the user manual for the OBD 2 pocket scanner. Most common codes are listed in numeric sequence and will give you a general description of the engine code. Know this description may not pinpoint the problem with the Avalanche car and more professional diagnostics may be required. For most P-codes (the most common), you can usually figure it out or ask an auto parts store mechanic for help diagnosing the engine code. If you are interested in OBD 2 scanner, I am glad to communicate with you.
