CHEVROLET IMPALA 2004 8.G Owners Manual

Reporting Safety Defects
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could
cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to notifying
General Motors.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an
investigation, and if it nds that a safety defect exists in
a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your dealer or
General Motors.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety
Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in
the Washington, D.C. area) or write to:
NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation
Washington, D.C. 20590
You can also obtain other information about motor
vehicle safety from the hotline.
Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle
has a safety defect, you should immediately notify
Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General
Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to:
Transport Canada
330 Sparks Street
Tower C
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5
Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in
a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us.
Please call us at 1-800-222-1020, or write:
Chevrolet Motor Division
Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33170
Detroit, MI 48232-5170
7-11

In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments, and specications for GM
transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars
and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to
assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
In Canada, information pertaining to Product
Service Bulletins can be obtained by contacting your
General Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE
(1-800-463-7483).
7-12

Owner’s Information
Owner publications are written specically for owners
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The owner’s manual will include
the Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual, and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00
Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00
Current and Past Model Order Forms
Service Publications are available for current and
past model GM vehicles. To request an order form,
please specify year and model name of the vehicle.
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. on the
World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com
Or you can write to:
Helm, Incorporated
P. O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change without notice and without
incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.
Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are
quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make
checks payable in U.S. funds.
7-13

✍NOTES
7-14

A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-19
Adding Washer Fluid.......................................5-46
Additional Program Information........................... 7-9
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment...........................5-103
Adjusting the Speakers
(Balance/Fade)............................3-60, 3-71, 3-82
Air Bag
Readiness Light..........................................3-32
Air Bag Systems.............................................1-51
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?....................1-57
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle.........1-60
What Makes an Air Bag Inate?....................1-57
What Will You See After an Air Bag Inates?......1-58
When Should an Air Bag Inate?...................1-56
Where Are the Air Bags?..............................1-54
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-25
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)....7-10
ALARM (Content Theft Operation).....................2-49
AM ...............................................................3-94
Antenna, Backglass.........................................3-96
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System.....3-97
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)............................ 4-6
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-35Appearance Care............................................5-94
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-97
Chemical Paint Spotting..............................5-100
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-94
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-97
Finish Damage..........................................5-100
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-99
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-100
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials...............5-101
Weatherstrips..............................................5-97
Arming with the Power Lock Switch...................2-15
Arming with the Remote Keyless Entry
Transmitter.................................................2-16
Ashtrays........................................................3-20
Audio System(s).............................................3-56
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-93
Backglass Antenna......................................3-96
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-94
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-96
Care of Your CDs........................................3-96
Chime Level Adjustment...............................3-97
Radio with Cassette.....................................3-57
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-78
Radio with CD............................................3-68
Setting the Time..........................................3-56
1

Audio System(s) (cont.)
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-92
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-94
Vehicle Customization Settings......................3-97
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-97
AUTOLOCK (Automatic Door Lock and Unlock) . . . 2-46
Automatic Transaxle
Fluid..........................................................5-26
Operation...................................................2-22
B
Backglass Antenna..........................................3-96
Backing Up....................................................4-41
Battery..........................................................5-50
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-7
Battery Rundown Protection.............................3-18
Battery Warning Message................................3-45
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-22
Brake
Low Fluid Warning Message.........................3-51
Parking......................................................2-26
System Warning Light..................................3-33
Brake Fluid....................................................5-47
Brake Wear...................................................5-49
Brakes..........................................................5-47
Braking........................................................... 4-6Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-17
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-58
Back-Up Lamps...........................................5-62
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-58
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-58
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,
and Parking Lamps..................................5-59
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-62
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Sidemarker Lamps...................................5-61
Buying New Tires...........................................5-76
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
Canada – Customer Assistance.......................... 7-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-7
Capacities and Specications..........................5-110
Carbon Monoxide...................4-25, 4-37, 2-11, 2-31
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-97
Your Cassette Tape Player............................3-94
Your CD Player...........................................3-96
Your CDs ...................................................3-96
2

Cassette Tape Messages.........................3-67, 3-89
Cassette Tape Player Service............................. 6-9
CD Adapter Kits.....................................3-67, 3-89
CD Messages........................................3-78, 3-92
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-42
Center Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts....1-23
Chains, Tires..................................................5-80
Change Engine Oil Message............................3-47
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-37
Check Engine Light.........................................3-37
Checking Coolant............................................5-30
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-18
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-100
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-37
Infants and Young Children...........................1-33
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-44
Older Children.............................................1-31
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-46
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat
Position..................................................1-46
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...........................................1-49Child Restraints (cont.)
Top Strap...................................................1-42
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-43
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-40
Chime Level Adjustment..................................3-97
CHIRP (Horn Chirp Timer)...............................2-51
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-20
Cleaning
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-94
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-97
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-100
Weatherstrips..............................................5-97
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels..............................5-99
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-98
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-94
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-96
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-96
Cleaning Leather............................................5-96
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-96
Cleaning Tires................................................5-99
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-96
Cleaning Windshield and Wiper Blades..............5-98
Climate Control System
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-25
Dual..........................................................3-20
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-24
3

Compact Spare Tire........................................5-93
Compass Variance..........................................3-53
Console Shift Lever.........................................2-28
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-15
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Convenience Net............................................2-42
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-36
Heater, Engine............................................2-20
Hot Temperature Warning Message................3-45
Cooling System..............................................5-35
Courtesy Lamps.............................................3-17
Cruise Control................................................3-11
Cruise Control Light........................................3-41
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-13
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users............................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities................................................ 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors....7-11Customer Assistance Information (cont.)
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government............................................7-11
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States
Government............................................7-11
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-12
D
Daytime Running Lamps/Automatic Headlamp
System......................................................3-15
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Defogging and Defrosting.................................3-23
Delayed Entry Lighting.....................................3-17
Delayed Exit Lighting.......................................3-18
Delayed Headlamps........................................3-16
Dinghy Towing................................................4-31
Disarming with the Remote Keyless Entry
Transmitter.................................................2-16
Disarming with Your Key..................................2-16
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Dolly Towing..................................................4-31
Dome Lamp...................................................3-18
4

Door
Ajar Warning Message.................................3-48
Locks.......................................................... 2-8
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-10
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-14
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-52
Driver’s Side Instrument Panel Fuse Block........5-104
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-15
City...........................................................4-20
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Freeway.....................................................4-21
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-23
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-17
Winter........................................................4-25
Driving On Grades..........................................4-42
Driving on Snow or Ice....................................4-26
Driving Through Deep Standing Water...............4-18
Driving Through Flowing Water.........................4-19
Driving with a Trailer.......................................4-41
Dual Climate Control System............................3-20E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment.....................................5-103
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-103
Headlamp Wiring.......................................5-103
Power Windows and Other Power Options....5-103
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-103
Emergency Trunk Release Handle.....................2-12
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-40
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-25
Battery.......................................................5-50
Change Oil Message...................................3-47
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-37
Coolant......................................................5-29
Coolant Heater............................................2-20
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-36
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-14
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-31
Low Oil Level Message................................3-47
Oil .............................................................5-18
5

Engine (cont.)
Overheating................................................5-32
Starting......................................................2-18
Supercharger Oil.........................................5-24
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing..................4-43
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-21
Entry Lighting.................................................3-17
Erasing HomeLink
®Buttons..............................2-41
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................7-10
EXIT (Exit Feature Customization Mode)..............2-52
Express-Down Window....................................2-14
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-30
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-14
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-25
Finding a Program Type (PTY) Station
(RDS and XM™).........................3-60, 3-71, 3-82
Finding a Station............................3-58, 3-69, 3-80
Finish Care....................................................5-98
Finish Damage.............................................5-100
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-9
Flat Tire........................................................5-81
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-82Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-26
Power Steering...........................................5-45
Windshield Washer......................................5-46
FM Stereo.....................................................3-94
FOB HORN (Remote Audible Verication)...........2-48
FOB LIGHT (Remote Visual Verication)............2-47
FOB PROG (Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter
Programming).............................................2-52
Fog Lamps....................................................3-16
Folding Rear Seat............................................ 1-6
Following Distance..........................................4-41
Front Storage Area.........................................2-42
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-10
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
Gage.........................................................3-42
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-5
Low Warning Message.................................3-50
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-103
Windshield Wiper.......................................5-103
6