2002 Chevrolet Avalanche Owner's Manual - Page 185

Trans Fluid Hot The transmission temperature warning display is contained in the message center. If the transmission fluid temperature becomes high, the message center will display this message. NOTICE: If you keep driving your vehicle with the transmission TRANS FLUID HOT message displayed, you can damage the transmission. This could lead to costly repairs that may not be covered under your warranty. The following situations can cause the transmission to operate at higher temperatures: When the transmission enters the protection mode you may notice a change in the transmission shifting patterns. When the transmission fluid temperature returns to normal, the display will turn off and the transmission shifting patterns will return to normal. D D D D D D Towing a trailer Hot outside air temperatures Hauling a large or heavy load Low transmission fluid level High transmission fluid level Restricted air flow to the radiator and the auxiliary transmission oil cooler (if equipped). A temporary solution to hotter transmission operating temperatures may be to let the transmission cool down. If the transmission is operated at higher temperatures on a frequent basis, see "Scheduled Maintenance" in the Index for the proper transmission maintenance intervals. 2-117