service CHEVROLET IMPALA 2007 9.G Owners Manual

Seats and Restraint Systems
........................ 7
Front Seats
.............................................. 9
Rear Seats
............................................. 15
Safety Belts
............................................ 18
Child Restraints
...................................... 41
Airbag System
........................................ 68
Restraint System Check
......................... 84
Features and Controls
................................. 87
Keys
....................................................... 89
Doors and Locks
.................................... 98
Windows
............................................... 104
Theft-Deterrent Systems
....................... 107
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
..... 111
Mirrors
.................................................. 126
OnStar
®System
................................... 128
Universal Home Remote System
.......... 132
Storage Areas
...................................... 144
Sunroof
................................................ 145Instrument Panel
........................................ 147
Instrument Panel Overview
................... 150
Climate Controls
................................... 168
Warning Lights, Gages,
and Indicators
................................... 174
Driver Information Center (DIC)
............ 190
Audio System(s)
................................... 215
Driving Your Vehicle
.................................. 247
Your Driving, the Road, and
Your Vehicle
..................................... 248
Towing
................................................. 282
Service and Appearance Care
................... 293
Service
................................................. 296
Fuel
...................................................... 298
Checking Things Under the Hood
......... 304
Headlamp Aiming
................................. 343
Bulb Replacement
................................ 343
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
... 349
2007 Chevrolet Impala Owner ManualM
1

In many crashes severe enough to inate an
airbag, windshields are broken by vehicle
deformation. Additional windshield breakage may
also occur from the right front passenger airbag.
Airbags are designed to inate only once.
After an airbag inates, you will need some
new parts for the airbag system. If you do
not get them, the airbag system will not be
there to help protect you in another crash.
A new system will include airbag modules
and possibly other parts. The service manual
for your vehicle covers the need to replace
other parts.
Your vehicle has a crash sensing and
diagnostic module which records information
after a crash. SeeVehicle Data Recording
and Privacy on page 443andEvent Data
Recorders on page 443.
Let only qualied technicians work on the
airbag system. Improper service can mean
that your airbag system will not work properly.
See your dealer/retailer for service.
Passenger Sensing System
Your vehicle has a passenger sensing system.
The passenger airbag status indicator on the
instrument panel will be visible when you turn
your ignition key to RUN or START. The words
ON and OFF or the symbol for on and off,
will be visible during the system check.
If you use remote start to start your vehicle from
a distance, if your vehicle has this feature,
you may not see the system check. When the
system check is complete, either the word ON
or the word OFF, or the symbol for on or the
symbol for off will be visible. SeePassenger
Airbag Status Indicator on page 179.
United StatesCanada
77

Restart the vehicle and have the person remain
in this position for about two minutes. This
will allow the system to detect that person and
then enable the passenger’s airbag.
{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light in the
instrument panel cluster ever comes on
and stays on, it means that something
may be wrong with the airbag system.
If this ever happens, have the vehicle
serviced promptly, because an
adult-size person sitting in the right
front passenger’s seat may not have
the protection of the airbag(s). See
Airbag Readiness Light on page 178for
more on this, including important safety
information.
Aftermarket equipment, such as seat covers, can
affect how well the passenger sensing system
operates. You may want to consider not using
seat covers or other aftermarket equipment if
your vehicle has the passenger sensing system.
81

SeeAdding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 83for more information about
modications that can affect how the system
operates.
{CAUTION:
Stowing of articles under the passenger’s
seat or between the passenger’s seat
cushion and seatback may interfere with
the proper operation of the passenger
sensing system.
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle
Airbags affect how your vehicle should be
serviced. There are parts of the airbag
system in several places around your vehicle.You do not want the system to inate while
someone is working on your vehicle. Your dealer/
retailer and the service manual have information
about servicing your vehicle and the airbag system.
To purchase a service manual, seeService
Publications Ordering Information on page 441.
{CAUTION:
For up to 10 seconds, after the ignition is
turned off and the battery is disconnected,
an airbag can still inate during improper
service. You can be injured if you are
close to an airbag when it inates. Avoid
yellow connectors. They are probably part
of the airbag system. Be sure to follow
proper service procedures, and make
sure the person performing work for you
is qualied to do so.
The airbag system does not need regular
maintenance.
82

Changes or modications to this system by other
than an authorized service facility could void
authorization to use this equipment.
At times you may notice a decrease in range. This
is normal for any remote keyless entry system.
If the transmitter does not work or if you have to
stand closer to your vehicle for the transmitter
to work, try this:
Check the distance. You may be too far from
your vehicle. You may need to stand closer
during rainy or snowy weather.
Check the location. Other vehicles or objects
may be blocking the signal. Take a few steps
to the left or right, hold the transmitter
higher, and try again.
Check to determine if battery replacement or
resynchronization is necessary. See “Battery
Replacement” and “Resynchronization”
underRemote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 91.
If you are still having trouble, see your
dealer/retailer or a qualied technician
for service.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation
The vehicle’s doors can be locked and unlocked,
and the trunk can be unlatched from about
3 feet (1 m) up to 65 feet (20 m) away with the
remote keyless entry transmitter.
If your vehicle has the remote start feature you
can also start your vehicle with the remote keyless
entry transmitter. Your remote keyless entry
transmitter, with the remote start button, provides
an increased range of 195 feet (60 m) away.
However, the range may be less while the vehicle
is running. As a result, you may need to be
closer to your vehicle to turn it off than you were
to turn it on.
There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter. SeeRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System on page 90.
91

Changes or modications to this system by other
than an authorized service facility could void
authorization to use this equipment.
PASS-Key
®III+ uses a radio frequency
transponder in the key that matches a decoder in
your vehicle.
PASS-Key®III+ Operation
Your vehicle has PASS-Key®III+ (Personalized
Automotive Security System) theft-deterrent
system. PASS-Key
®III+ is a passive theft-deterrent
system. This means you do not have to do anything
special to arm or disarm the system. It works when
you transition the key to RUN, ACCESSORY or
START from the OFF position.
When the PASS-Key
®III+ system senses that
someone is using the wrong key, it prevents
the vehicle from starting. Anyone using a
trial-and-error method to start the vehicle will
be discouraged because of the high number
of electrical key codes.If the engine does not start and the security light on
the instrument panel cluster comes on when trying
to start the vehicle, the key may have a damaged
transponder. Turn the ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and the key
appears to be undamaged, try another ignition key.
At this time, you may also want to check the fuse,
seeFuses and Circuit Breakers on page 398.Ifthe
engine still does not start with the other key, your
vehicle needs service. If your vehicle does start, the
rst key may be faulty. See your dealer/retailer who
can service the PASS-Key
®III+ to have a new key
made. In an emergency, contact Roadside
Assistance.
It is possible for the PASS-Key
®III+ decoder
to learn the transponder value of a new or
replacement key. Up to nine additional keys may
be programmed for the vehicle. The following
procedure is for programming additional keys only.
If all the currently programmed keys are lost or do
not operate, you must see your dealer/retailer or a
locksmith who can service PASS-Key
®III+ to have
keys made and programmed to the system.
109

See your dealer/retailer or a locksmith who can
service PASS-Key®III+ to get a new key blank that
is cut exactly as the ignition key that operates
the system.
To program the new additional key:
1. Verify that the new key has a
1stamped
on it.
2. Insert the original, already programmed, key
in the ignition and start the engine. If the
engine will not start, see your dealer/retailer
for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key to
OFF, and remove the key.4. Insert the new key to be programmed
and turn it to the RUN position within
ve seconds of removing the original key.
The security light will turn off once the key has
been programmed.
5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 if additional keys
are to be programmed.
If you are driving and the security light comes on
and stays on, you may be able to restart your
engine. Your PASS-Key
®III+ system, however,
may not be working properly and must be serviced
by your dealer/retailer.
If you lose or damage your PASS-Key
®III+ key,
see your dealer/retailer or a locksmith who can
service PASS-Key
®III+ to have a new key made.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms or
deactivates the theft deterrent system in the
vehicle.
110

Ignition Positions
With the ignition key in the ignition, the key can be
turned to four different positions:
Notice:Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or
break the key. Use the correct key and turn the
key only with your hand. Make sure the key
is in all the way. If none of this works,
then your vehicle needs service.A (OFF):This is the only position in which the
ignition key can be inserted or removed. This
position locks the ignition and transaxle. It is a
theft-deterrent feature.
B (ACCESSORY):This position lets the radio and
windshield wipers operate while the engine is
off. To use ACCESSORY, turn the key clockwise.
C (RUN):This position is where the key returns
to after the vehicle is started. This position displays
some of the warning and indicator lights.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key
in the ACCESSORY or RUN position with the
engine off. You may not be able to start your
vehicle if the battery is allowed to drain for
an extended period of time.
D (START):This position starts the engine.
A warning chime will sound and the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will display DRIVER
DOOR OPEN when the driver’s door is opened if
the ignition is in OFF, ACCESSORY and the
key is in the ignition. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 199for more information.
112

NEUTRAL (N):In this position, your engine does
not connect with the wheels. To restart when
you are already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is
being towed.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while your
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is rmly on
the brake pedal, your vehicle could move
very rapidly. You could lose control and
hit people or objects. Do not shift into a
drive gear while your engine is running at
high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) while the engine is running at
high speed may damage the transaxle.
The repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Be sure the engine is not running at
high speeds when shifting your vehicle.DRIVE (D):This position is for normal driving.
It provides the best fuel economy for your vehicle.
If you need more power for passing, and you are:
Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push the
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push
the accelerator pedal all the way down.
You will shift down to the next gear and have
more power.
Downshifting the transaxle in slippery road
conditions could result in skidding, see “Skidding”
underLoss of Control on page 262.
Notice:Driving your vehicle if you notice that
it is moving slowly or not shifting gears as
you increase speed may damage the transaxle.
Have your vehicle serviced right away. You
can drive in SECOND (2) when you are driving
less than 35 mph (55 km/h) and DRIVE (D)
for higher speeds until then.
118

Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror
If the vehicle has this mirror, it has a lever located at
the bottom of the mirror between the two lamps.
The lever is used to change the mirror from the
day to the night position. To reduce glare from
headlamps behind you while driving at night, pull
the lever toward you. To return the mirror to the day
position, return the lever to its original position.
There are two map lamps located on the bottom of
the mirror. Press the button next to each lamp to
turn it on and off.
Manual Rearview Mirror with
OnStar
®
If the vehicle has this mirror, it has a lever located
at the bottom of the mirror between the two
lamps. The lever is used to change the mirror
from the day to the night position. To reduce glare
from headlamps behind you while driving at
night, pull the lever toward you. To return the
mirror to the day position, return the lever
to its original position.There are two map lamps located on the bottom of
the mirror. Press the button next to each lamp to
turn it on and off.
There are also OnStar
®buttons located at the
bottom of the mirror face. See your dealer for more
information on the system and how to subscribe to
OnStar
®. SeeOnStar®System on page 128for
more information about the services OnStar®
provides.
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
with OnStar
®
The vehicle may have an automatic dimming
rearview mirror with the OnStar®System.
Press the button located below the mirror, on the far
left, for up to three seconds to turn the automatic
dimming feature off and on.
There are two map lamps located on the bottom of
the mirror. Press the button next to each lamp to
turn it on and off.
There are also OnStar
®buttons located at the
bottom of the mirror. See your dealer for more
information on the system and how to subscribe to
OnStar
®. SeeOnStar®System on page 128for
more information about the service OnStar®
provides.
126