traction control CHEVROLET IMPALA 2006 9.G Owners Manual

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn .............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-8
Windshield Washer.........................................3-9
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-12
Delayed Headlamps......................................3-14
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)/Automatic
Headlamp System......................................3-14
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-15
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-15
Courtesy Lamps...........................................3-15
Dome Lamp .................................................3-15
Entry Lighting...............................................3-16
Delayed Entry Lighting...................................3-16
Delayed Exit Lighting.....................................3-16
Parade Dimming...........................................3-17Reading Lamps............................................3-17
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-17
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-17
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-18
Climate Controls............................................3-19
Climate Control System.................................3-19
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-22
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-23
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-24
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-25
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-26
Tachometer.................................................3-26
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-26
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light.............3-26
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-27
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-28
Charging System Light..................................3-30
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-30
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-31
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light . . .3-32
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-32
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-33
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-33
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

The main components of your instrument panel are listed here:
A. Air Vent. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-22.
B. Remote Trunk Release Button. See “Remote Trunk
Release” underTrunk on page 2-13.
C. Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn Signal/Multifunction
Lever on page 3-7.
D. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-25.
E. Hazard Warning Flasher Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
F. Driver Information Center. (If your vehicle has this
feature). SeeDriver Information Center (DIC)
on page 3-39.
G. Passenger Air Bag status Indicator. SeePassenger
Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-28.
H. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-58.
I. Exterior Lamps Control. SeeExterior Lamps on
page 3-12.
J. Instrument Panel Brightness. SeeInstrument Panel
Brightness on page 3-15.
K. Traction Control On/Off Button (If your vehicle has
this feature). SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-9.L. Tilt Steering Wheel Lever. SeeTilt Wheel on
page 3-6.
M. Steering Wheel Cruise Control (If your vehicle has
this feature). SeeCruise Control on page 3-10.
N. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-11.
O. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
P. Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If your vehicle has
this feature). SeeAudio Steering Wheel Controls
on page 3-83.
Q. Ignition Switch. SeeIgnition Positions on page 2-21.
R. Climate Controls. SeeClimate Control System on
page 3-19.
S. Accessory Power Outlets. SeeAccessory Power
Outlet(s) on page 3-17.
T. Center Console Shift Lever (If your vehicle has this
feature). See “Console Shift Lever” underShifting
Into Park (P) on page 2-29.
U. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-42.
3-5

Cruise Control
With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of
about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more without keeping your
foot on the accelerator. This can really help on long trips.
Cruise control does not work at speeds below about
25 mph (40 km/h).
When you apply your brakes, cruise control is turned off.
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where you
cannot drive safely at a steady speed. So, do
not use your cruise control on winding roads
or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on slippery
roads. On such roads, fast changes in tire
traction can cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use cruise
control on slippery roads.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction
control system (if equipped) begins to limit wheel spin,
the cruise control will automatically disengage.SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-9. When
road conditions allow you to safely use it again, you
may turn the cruise control back on.
The cruise control buttons
are located on left side of
the steering wheel.
T(On/Off):Press this button to turn cruise control on
and off. The indicator will be lit when cruise control is on.
+ RES (Resume/Accelerate):Press this button to
make the vehicle accelerate or resume to a previously
set speed.
SET–:Press this button to set the speed or make the
vehicle decelerate.
[(Cancel):Press this button to cancel cruise control.
3-10

Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
For vehicles equipped with
the traction control system,
this warning light should
come on briey when
the engine is started.
If the warning light does not come on then, have it xed
so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If it stays on, or comes on when you are driving, there
may be a problem with your traction control system
and your vehicle may need service. When this warning
light is on, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust
your driving accordingly.
If the traction control system warning light comes on
and stays on for an extended period of time when
the system is turned on, your vehicle needs service.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-9
for more information.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
The engine coolant
temperature warning light
will come on when the
engine has overheated.
If this happens you should pull over and turn off the
engine as soon as possible. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-29for more information.
Notice:Driving with the engine coolant temperature
warning light on could cause your vehicle to
overheat. SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-29.
Your vehicle could be damaged, and it might not be
covered by your warranty. Never drive with the
engine coolant temperature warning light on.
This light will also come on when starting your vehicle.
If it doesn’t, have your vehicle serviced.
3-32

SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM
This message will display when service is required on
the brake system. Have the brake system serviced
by your GM dealer as soon as possible. The brake
system warning light will also appear on the instrument
panel cluster when this message appears on the
DIC. SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-30.
SERVICE POWER STEERING
This message will display when a problem is detected
with the power steering system. When this message
is displayed, you may notice that the effort required to
steer the vehicle increases or feels heavier, but you will
still be able to steer the vehicle. Have your vehicle
serviced by your GM dealer immediately.
SERVICE THEFT SYSTEM
This message will display when there is a problem
with the theft-deterrent system programmed in the key.
A fault has been detected in the system which means
that the system is disabled and it is not protecting
the vehicle. The vehicle usually restarts; however,
you may want to take the vehicle to your GM dealer
before turning off the engine. SeePASS-Key
®III+
Operation on page 2-19for more information.
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR SYSTEM
If your vehicle has a Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)
system, this message will display if a part on the system
is not working properly. If you drive your vehicle while
any of the four sensors are missing or inoperable,
the warning will come on in about 10 minutes. A sensor
would be missing, for example, if you put different
wheels on your vehicle without transferring the sensors.
If the warning comes on and stays on, there may be
a problem with the TPM. See your GM dealer.
SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL
If your vehicle has the traction control system, this
message will display when the system is not functioning
properly. A warning light will also appear on the
instrument panel cluster. SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) Warning Light on page 3-32. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-9for more information.
Have the traction control system serviced by your
GM dealer as soon as possible.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message will display when there is a problem with
the transaxle. See your GM dealer for service.
3-50

SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message will display when a non-emissions related
malfunction occurs. Have the vehicle serviced by your
GM dealer as soon as possible.
STARTING DISABLED SERVICE
THROTTLE
This message will display if the starting of the engine is
disabled due to the electronic throttle control system.
Have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer
immediately.
This message will only appear while the ignition is in
RUN, and will not disappear until the problem is resolved.
This message cannot be acknowledged.
THEFT ATTEMPTED
This message will display if the content theft-deterrent
system has detected a break-in attempt while you
were away from your vehicle. SeeContent
Theft-Deterrent on page 2-17for more information.
TIGHTEN GAS CAP
This message may be displayed if the gas cap is not
on, or is not fully tightened. Check the gas cap to ensure
that it is on properly. SeeFilling the Tank on page 5-8
for more information.
TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
If your vehicle has a Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)
system, this message will display when the system is
re-learning the tire positions. SeeTire Pressure Monitor
System on page 5-61. The tire positions must be
re-learned after rotating the tires or after replacing a tire
or sensor. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-64andInation - Tire Pressure on page 5-60for
more information.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
If your vehicle has the traction control system, this
message will display when the traction control system
turns off. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-9for more information.
This message will only display while the ignition is in
RUN and will disappear after 10 seconds, unless
it is acknowledged or an urgent warning appears.
Any of the following conditions may cause the traction
control system to turn off:
The traction control system is turned off by pressing
the traction control button. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-9for more information.
The battery is low.
There is a traction control system failure. See your
GM dealer for service.
3-51

DO NOT RESTORE:The customization features will
not be set to their factory default settings.
Select one of the available choices and press the set/
reset button while it is displayed on the DIC to select it.
EXIT FEATURE SETTINGS
This feature allows you to exit the FEATURE
SETTINGS menu.
Press the customization button until FEATURE
SETTINGS PRESS
VTO EXIT appears in the DIC
display. Press the set/reset button to exit the menu.
If you do not exit, pressing the customization button
again will return you to the beginning of the FEATURE
SETTINGS menu.
Exiting the Feature Settings Menu
The feature settings menu will be exited when any of
the following occurs:
The vehicle is shifted out of PARK (P).
The vehicle is no longer in RUN.
The trip/fuel or vehicle information DIC buttons are
pressed.
The end of the feature settings menu is reached
and exited.
A 40 second time period has elapsed with no
selection made.
Audio System(s)
Determine which radio your vehicle has and then read the
pages following to familiarize yourself with its features.
Driving without distraction is a necessity for a safer
driving experience. SeeDefensive Driving on page 4-2.
By taking a few moments to read this manual and
get familiar with your vehicle’s audio system, you can
use it with less effort, as well as take advantage of
its features. While your vehicle is parked, set up your
audio system by presetting your favorite radio stations,
setting the tone, and adjusting the speakers. Then,
when driving conditions permit, you can tune to
your favorite stations using the presets and steering
wheel controls if the vehicle has them.
{CAUTION:
This system provides you with a far greater
access to audio stations and song listings.
Giving extended attention to entertainment
tasks while driving can cause a crash and you
or others can be injured or killed. Always keep
your eyes on the road and your mind on the
drive — avoid engaging in extended searching
while driving.
3-58

Keeping your mind on the drive is important for safe
driving. Here are some ways in which you can help
avoid distraction while driving.
While your vehicle is parked:
Familiarize yourself with all of its controls.
Familiarize yourself with its operation.
Set up your audio system by presetting your
favorite radio stations, setting the tone, and
adjusting the speakers. Then, when driving
conditions permit, you can tune to your favorite
radio stations using the presets and steering wheel
controls if the vehicle has them.
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment to
your vehicle, such as an audio system, CD player,
CB radio, mobile telephone, or two-way radio, make
sure that it can be added by checking with your
dealer. Also, check federal rules covering mobile
radio and telephone units. If sound equipment can
be added, it is very important to do it properly.Added sound equipment may interfere with the
operation of your vehicle’s engine, radio, or other
systems, and even damage them. Your vehicle’s
systems may interfere with the operation of sound
equipment that has been added.
Notice:The chime signals related to safety belts,
parking brake, and other functions of your vehicle
operate through the radio/entertainment system.
If that equipment is replaced or additional equipment
is added to your vehicle, the chimes may not
work. Make sure that replacement or additional
equipment is compatible with your vehicle before
installing it. SeeAccessories and Modifications
on page 5-3.
Your vehicle has a feature called Retained Accessory
Power (RAP). With RAP, the audio system can be
played even after the ignition is turned off. SeeRetained
Accessory Power (RAP) on page 2-22for more
information.
3-59

Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle..........4-2
Defensive Driving...........................................4-2
Drunken Driving.............................................4-3
Control of a Vehicle........................................4-6
Braking.........................................................4-6
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).........................4-7
Braking in Emergencies...................................4-9
Traction Control System (TCS).........................4-9
Steering......................................................4-11
Off-Road Recovery.......................................4-13
Passing.......................................................4-13
Loss of Control.............................................4-15
Driving at Night............................................4-16
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................4-17City Driving..................................................4-19
Freeway Driving...........................................4-20
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................4-21
Highway Hypnosis........................................4-21
Hill and Mountain Roads................................4-22
Winter Driving..............................................4-24
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice, or Snow.............................................4-28
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................4-29
Loading Your Vehicle....................................4-29
Towing..........................................................4-34
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................4-34
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................4-34
Towing a Trailer...........................................4-36
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
4-1

Control of a Vehicle
You have three systems that make your vehicle go where
you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering, and
the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work at
the places where the tires meet the road.
Sometimes, as when you are driving on snow or ice,
it is easy to ask more of those control systems than the
tires and road can provide. That means you can lose
control of your vehicle. SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) on page 4-9.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modications
on page 5-3.
Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-30.
Braking action involves perception time and
reaction time.
First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal.
That is perception time. Then you have to bring up your
foot and do it. That is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a
second. But that is only an average. It might be less
with one driver and as long as two or three seconds
or more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness,
coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do
alcohol, drugs, and frustration.But even in three-fourths of a second, a vehicle moving
at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels 66 feet (20 m). That
could be a lot of distance in an emergency, so keeping
enough space between your vehicle and others is
important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with the surface of the road, whether it is pavement or
gravel; the condition of the road, whether it is wet, dry, or
icy; tire tread; the condition of the brakes; the weight of
the vehicle; and the amount of brake force applied.
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is
a mistake. The brakes may not have time to cool
between hard stops. The brakes will wear out much
faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace
with the traffic and allow realistic following distances,
you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking.
That means better braking and longer brake life.
If your vehicle’s engine ever stops while you are driving,
brake normally but do not pump the brakes. If you do,
the pedal may get harder to push down. If the engine
stops, you will still have some power brake assist.
But you will use it when you brake. Once the power
assist is used up, it may take longer to stop and
the brake pedal will be harder to push.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modications
on page 5-3.
4-6