traction control CHEVROLET IMPALA 2007 9.G Owners Manual

Instrument Panel Overview........................ 150
Hazard Warning Flashers.......................... 152
Other Warning Devices............................. 152
Horn.......................................................... 152
Tilt Wheel.................................................. 153
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.................. 153
Turn and Lane-Change Signals................. 154
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.......... 155
Flash-to-Pass............................................ 155
Windshield Wipers..................................... 155
Windshield Washer.................................... 156
Cruise Control........................................... 157
Exterior Lamps.......................................... 160
Delayed Headlamps.................................. 162
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)/
Automatic Headlamp System.................. 162
Fog Lamps................................................ 163
Instrument Panel Brightness...................... 163
Courtesy Lamps........................................ 163
Dome Lamp.............................................. 164
Entry Lighting............................................ 164
Delayed Entry Lighting.............................. 164
Delayed Exit Lighting................................. 165
Parade Dimming........................................ 165
Reading Lamps......................................... 165Electric Power Management...................... 165
Battery Run-Down Protection..................... 166
Accessory Power Outlet(s)........................ 167
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter................ 168
Climate Controls......................................... 168
Climate Control System............................. 168
Outlet Adjustment...................................... 172
Passenger Compartment Air Filter............. 173
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators..... 174
Instrument Panel Cluster........................... 175
Speedometer and Odometer...................... 176
Tachometer............................................... 176
Safety Belt Reminder Light........................ 177
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light....... 177
Airbag Readiness Light............................. 178
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator............. 179
Charging System Light.............................. 181
Brake System Warning Light..................... 181
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light...... 182
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light........................................ 183
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light........................................ 183
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage............ 184
Section 3 Instrument Panel
147

The main components of your instrument panel are listed here:
A. Air Vent. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 172.
B. Remote Trunk Release Button. See “Remote
Trunk Release” underTrunk on page 102.
C. Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 153.
D. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 175.
E. Hazard Warning Flasher Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 152.
F. Driver Information Center. SeeDriver
Information Center (DIC) on page 190.
G. Passenger Air Bag status Indicator. See
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 179.
H. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on
page 215.
I. Exterior Lamps Control. SeeExterior Lamps on
page 160.
J. Instrument Panel Brightness. SeeInstrument
Panel Brightness on page 163.
K. Traction Control On/Off Button (If Equipped).
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 256.L. Tilt Steering Wheel Lever. SeeTilt Wheel on
page 153.
M. Steering Wheel Cruise Control. SeeCruise
Control on page 157.
N. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on
page 305.
O. Horn. SeeHorn on page 152.
P. Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped).
SeeAudio Steering Wheel Controls on
page 243.
Q. Ignition Switch. SeeIgnition Positions on
page 112.
R. Climate Controls. SeeClimate Control System
on page 168.
S. Accessory Power Outlets. SeeAccessory
Power Outlet(s) on page 167.
T. Center Console Shift Lever (If Equipped).
See “Console Shift Lever” underShifting Into
Park (P) on page 121.
U. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 144.
151

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).
{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.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
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 (TCS), if your vehicle
has this feature, begins to limit wheel spin,
the cruise control will automatically disengage.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 256.
When road conditions allow you to safely use
it again, the cruise control can be turned back on.
157

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 256for 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 323for more information.
Notice:Driving with the engine coolant
temperature warning light on could cause your
vehicle to overheat. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 323. 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 briey when starting
your vehicle. If it does not, have your vehicle
serviced.
183

SERVICE TIRE MONITOR SYSTEM
This message displays if a part on the Tire
Pressure Monitor (TPM) system is not working
properly. If you drive your vehicle while any of the
four sensors are missing or inoperable, the warning
comes on in about 20 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 dealer.
SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL
If your vehicle has the Traction Control System
(TCS), this message displays when the system is
not functioning properly. A warning light also
appears on the instrument panel cluster. See
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light on
page 183. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 256for more information. Have the TCS
serviced by your dealer as soon as possible.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message displays when there is a problem
with the transaxle. See your dealer for service.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message displays when a non-emissions
related malfunction occurs. Have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer as soon as possible.
STARTING DISABLED SERVICE
THROTTLE
This message displays if the starting of the engine
is disabled due to the electronic throttle control
system. Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer
immediately.
This message only appears while the ignition is in
RUN, and will not disappear until the problem
is resolved.
This message cannot be acknowledged.
THEFT ATTEMPTED
This message displays if the content theft-deterrent
system has detected a break-in attempt while
you were away from your vehicle. SeeContent
Theft-Deterrent on page 107for more information.
206

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 302for more information.
TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
This message displays when the Tire Pressure
Monitor (TPM) system is re-learning the tire
positions. SeeTire Pressure Monitor System on
page 360. The tire positions must be re-learned
after rotating the tires or after replacing a tire
or sensor. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 364andInation - Tire Pressure on page 359
for more information.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
If your vehicle has the Traction Control System
(TCS), this message displays when the TCS turns
off. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 256for more information.
This message only displays while the ignition is in
RUN and disappears after 10 seconds, unless
it is acknowledged or an urgent warning appears.Any of the following conditions may cause the
TCS to turn off:
The TCS is turned off by pressing the traction
control button. SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) on page 256for more information.
The battery is low.
There is a TCS failure. See your dealer for
service.
TRACTION CONTROL ON
If your vehicle has the Traction Control System
(TCS), this message displays when the TCS
is turned on. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 256for more information.
TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE ENGINE
This message displays when the transaxle uid in
your vehicle is too hot. Stop the vehicle and
allow it to idle until it cools down. If the warning
message continues to display, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer as soon as possible.
207

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 248. 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.
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.
215

Your Driving, the Road, and
Your Vehicle............................................ 248
Defensive Driving...................................... 248
Drunken Driving........................................ 249
Control of a Vehicle.................................. 252
Braking...................................................... 252
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).................. 253
Braking in Emergencies............................. 255
Traction Control System (TCS).................. 256
Steering.................................................... 257
Off-Road Recovery.................................... 260
Passing..................................................... 260
Loss of Control.......................................... 262
Driving at Night......................................... 263
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads............ 264City Driving............................................... 267
Freeway Driving........................................ 268
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.................. 269
Highway Hypnosis..................................... 270
Hill and Mountain Roads........................... 270
Winter Driving........................................... 272
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice, or Snow.......................................... 276
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out........... 277
Loading Your Vehicle................................ 277
Towing........................................................ 282
Towing Your Vehicle................................. 282
Recreational Vehicle Towing...................... 282
Towing a Trailer........................................ 284
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
247

Control of a Vehicle
The following three systems help to control your
vehicle while driving — brakes, steering, and
accelerator. At times, as when driving on snow
or ice, it is easy to ask more of those control
systems than the tires and road can provide.
Meaning, you can lose control of your vehicle.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 256.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can
affect your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories
and Modications on page 296.
Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 181.
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.
252

Traction Control System (TCS)
Your vehicle may have a traction control system
that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful
in slippery road conditions. The system operates
only if it senses that one or both of the front wheels
are spinning or beginning to lose traction. When
this happens, the system reduces engine
power and may also upshift the transmission
and apply the front brakes to limit wheel spin.
This light will ash
when your traction
control system is
limiting wheel spin.
You may feel or hear the system working, but this
is normal.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the
traction control system begins to limit wheel spin,
the cruise control will automatically disengage.
When road conditions allow you to safely
use it again, you may re-engage the cruise
control. SeeCruise Control on page 157.The traction control system operates in all
transmission shift lever positions. But the system
can upshift the transmission only as high as
the shift lever position you’ve chosen, so you
should use the lower gears only when necessary.
SeeAutomatic Transaxle Operation on page 116.
When the system is on,
this warning light will
come on and stay on to
let you know if there’s
a problem.
A SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL message will
also appear on the DIC. When this warning
light is on, the system will not limit wheel spin.
Adjust your driving accordingly. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 199for more information.
To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road
conditions, you should always leave the traction
control system on. But you can turn the system off
if you ever need to. You should turn the system
off if your vehicle ever gets stuck in sand, mud or
snow and rocking the vehicle is required.
256