One problem related to battery has been reported for the 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Instrument panel - puff a smoke and very strong electrical burning smell came out from under the dash on the drivers side irritating drivers (my) eyes. Fuel, oil, battery charge, and water temp gauge needles all swung around to the 7 pm clock position. Indicating a short circuit and over current situation through the gauges. Driver information center (dic) went blank and then slowly came back on and would intermittently go blank. Transmission shift lever position indicator went blank and then came back on. Gm dealer removed and replaced instrument cluster panel. Gauges, dic and transmission shift lever indicators now work as they are suppose to. In test drive of 50 miles, still get and occasional smell of burning electrical odor, about 1/2 as strong as original when the instrument panel shorted out.