2003 Chevrolet Avalanche Owner's Manual - Page 428

Fuses and Circuit Breakers The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from short circuits by a combination of fuses, circuit breakers and fusible thermal links. This greatly reduces the chance of fires caused by electrical problems. Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse. If the band is broken or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure you replace a bad fuse with a new one of the identical size and rating. Instrument Panel Fuse Block The fuse block access door is on the driver's side edge of the instrument panel. Pull off the cover to access the fuse block. If you ever have a problem on the road and don't have a spare fuse, you can borrow one that has the same amperage. Just pick some feature of your vehicle that you can get along without - like the radio or cigarette lighter - and use its fuse, if it is the correct amperage. Replace it as soon as you can. You can remove fuses with a fuse extractor which is mounted to the fuse block access door. To remove fuses if you don't have a fuse extractor, hold the end of the fuse between your thumb and index finger and pull straight out. 5-95