windshield wipers CHEVROLET IMPALA 2009 9.G Owners Manual

Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has
four different positions.
To shift out of P (Park), the ignition must be in ON/RUN
and the brake pedal must be applied.
Notice:Using a tool to force the key to turn in the
ignition could cause damage to the switch or
break the key. Use the correct key, make sure it is
all the way in, and turn it only with your hand. If the
key cannot be turned by hand, see your
dealer/retailer.
A (LOCK/OFF):This position locks the ignition. It also
locks the transmission. This is the only position in
which the ignition key can be inserted or removed.The steering can bind with the wheels turned off center.
If this happens, move the steering wheel from left to
right while turning the key to ACC/ACCESSORY. If this
doesn’t work, then the vehicle needs service.
B (ACC/ACCESSORY):This is the position in which
you can operate the radio and windshield wipers
while the engine is off. To use ACC/ACCESSORY,
turn the key clockwise.
C (ON/RUN):This position can be used to operate the
electrical accessories and to display some instrument
panel cluster warning and indicator lights. The
switch stays in this position when the engine is running.
If you leave the key in the ACC/ACCESSORY or
ON/RUN position with the engine off, the battery could
be drained. You may not be able to start the vehicle
if the battery is allowed to drain for an extended period
of time.
D (START):This is the position that starts the engine.
When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition
switch returns to ON/RUN for driving.
A warning chime will sound and the Driver Information
Center (DIC) will display DRIVER’S DOOR AJAR
when the driver door is opened, the ignition is in
ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF and the key is in the
ignition. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-49for more information.
2-20

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................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................................................3-9
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-12
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)/Automatic
Headlamp System......................................3-14
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-14
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-15
Courtesy Lamps...........................................3-15
Dome Lamp .................................................3-15
Entry Lighting...............................................3-15
Delayed Entry Lighting...................................3-16
Delayed Exit Lighting.....................................3-16
Parade Dimming...........................................3-16
Reading Lamps............................................3-17
Mirror Reading Lamps...................................3-17
Electric Power Management...........................3-17Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-18
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-18
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-19
Climate Controls............................................3-20
Climate Control System.................................3-20
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-23
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 Reminders...................................3-27
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-28
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-29
Charging System Light..................................3-30
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-30
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light.....3-31
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning
Light........................................................3-32
Electronic Stability Control Indicator Light.........3-33
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-34
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-34
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-35
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-36
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
The lever on the left side of the steering column
includes the following:
G: Turn and Lane Change Signals
2: Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
N: Windshield Wipers
LQ: Windshield Washer
Flash-to-Pass.
For information on the headlamps, seeExterior Lamps
on page 3-12.
Information for these features is on the pages following.
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
An arrow on the instrument panel cluster ashes in the
direction of the turn or lane change.
Move the lever all the way up or down to signal a turn.
Raise or lower the lever until the arrow starts to ash to
signal a lane change. Hold it there until the lane change
is completed. If the lever is briey pressed and released,
the turn signal ashes three times.
The lever returns to its starting position whenever it is
released.
If after signaling a turn or lane change the arrow ashes
rapidly or does not come on, a signal bulb might be
burned out.
Have the bulbs replaced. If the bulb is not burned out,
check the fuse. SeeFuses and Circuit Breakers on
page 5-97.
3-7

Turn Signal On Chime
If either one of the turn signals are left on and the
vehicle has been driven more than 3/4 mile (1.2 km),
a chime will sound.
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
To change the headlamps from low beam to high beam,
push the turn signal/multifunction lever away from you.
This instrument panel cluster light
3comes on if the
high beam lamps are turned on while the ignition is in
ON/RUN.
To change the headlamps from high beam to low beam,
pull the turn signal lever toward you.
Flash-to-Pass
This feature is used to signal to the vehicle ahead that
you want to pass.
If the headlamps are off or in the low-beam position,
pull the turn signal lever toward you to momentarily
switch to high-beams.
Release the lever to turn the high-beam headlamps off.
Windshield Wipers
Turn the band with the wiper symbol to control the
windshield wipers.
8(Mist):Turn to mist for a single wiping cycle. Hold it
there until the wipers start. Then let go. The wipers stop
after one wipe. Hold the band on mist longer, for more
wipe cycles.
9(Off):Turns the wipers off.
6(Delay):Turn the band to adjust the delay time.
The delay between wiping cycles becomes shorter as
the band is moved to the top of the lever. This can
be very useful in light rain or snow.
6(Low Speed):For steady wiping at low speed.
?(High Speed):For high-speed wiping.
Clear ice and snow from the wiper blades before using
them. If they are frozen to the windshield, gently loosen
or thaw them. Damaged wiper blades may not clear the
windshield well, making it harder to see and drive safely.
If the blades do become damaged, install new blades or
blade inserts. For more information, seeWindshield
Wiper Blade Replacement on page 5-51.
Heavy snow or ice can overload the wiper motor.
A circuit breaker will stop the motor until it cools down.
Clear away snow or ice to prevent an overload.
3-8

Windshield Washer
At the top of the multifunction lever, there is a paddle
with the windshield washer symbol on it. Push the
paddle to spray washer uid on the windshield.
The wipers run for several sweeps and then either
stop or return to the preset speed. The ignition key
must be in ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN for this to
work. SeeWindshield Washer Fluid on page 5-35.
{CAUTION:
In freezing weather, do not use your washer until
the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer
uid can form ice on the windshield, blocking your
vision.
When the vehicle is low on washer uid, the
WASHER FLUID LOW ADD FLUID displays in the
Driver Information Center (DIC) for 60 seconds. When
the ignition is turned off, this message displays again for
three seconds to remind you that the uid level is low.
Until the uid reservoir is relled, every time the vehicle
is started, the WASHER FLUID LOW ADD FLUID
message displays in the Driver Information Center (DIC)
for 60 seconds. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-49.
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. 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 the
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 has the Traction Control System (TCS)
and the cruise control is on, TCS will begin to limit
wheel spin and the cruise control automatically turns off.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-8. When
road conditions allow you to safely use it again, the cruise
control can be turned back on.
3-9

Outlet Adjustment
Use the thumbwheel located below or to the side of the
outlet, to change the direction of the air ow.
Operation Tips
Clear away any ice, snow or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the windshield that may
block the ow of air into the vehicle.
Use of non-GM approved hood deectors may
adversely affect the performance of the system.
Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects
to help circulate the air inside the vehicle more
effectively.
If the airow seems low when the fan is at the
highest setting, the passenger compartment air
lter, if equipped, may need to replaced. For more
information, seePassenger Compartment Air Filter
on page 3-23andScheduled Maintenance on
page 6-4.
If fogging reoccurs while in vent or bi-level modes
with mild temperature throughout the vehicle, turn
on the air conditioner to reduce windshield fogging.
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
The vehicle has a passenger compartment particulate
air lter. It is located in the engine compartment,
below the air inlet grille on the passenger side.
The lter traps most of the pollen from air
entering the climate control system. It needs to be
changed periodically to ensure system performance.
For information on how often to change the passenger
compartment air lter, seeScheduled Maintenance on
page 6-4.
To change the passenger compartment air lter:
1. Turn off the ignition when the windshield wipers are
in the up position.
2. Raise the vehicle hood.
3. Pull back the hood weatherstrip from the
passengers side of the vehicle halfway to center.
3-23

Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield with glass cleaner.
Clean the rubber blades using a lint free cloth or
paper towel soaked with windshield washer uid or a
mild detergent. Wash the windshield thoroughly
when cleaning the blades. Bugs, road grime, sap, and a
buildup of vehicle wash/wax treatments may cause
wiper streaking. Replace the wiper blades if they are
worn or damaged.
Wipers can be damaged by:
Extreme dusty conditions
Sand and salt
Heat and sun
Snow and ice, without proper removal
Aluminum Wheels
Notice:Using strong soaps, chemicals, abrasive
polishes, cleaners, brushes, or cleaners that contain
acid on aluminum or chrome-plated wheels, could
damage the surface of the wheel(s). The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Use only approved cleaners on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels.Keep the wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with mild
soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After rinsing
thoroughly, dry with a soft clean towel. A wax may then
be applied.
Notice:Using chrome polish on aluminum wheels
could damage the wheels. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty. Use chrome
polish on chrome wheels only.
The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted
surface of the vehicle. Do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners, cleaners
with acid, or abrasive cleaning brushes on them because
the surface could be damaged. Do not use chrome polish
on aluminum wheels.
Notice:Driving the vehicle through an automatic car
wash that has silicone carbide tire cleaning brushes,
could damage the aluminum or chrome-plated
wheels. The repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Never drive a vehicle that has
aluminum or chrome-plated wheels through an
automatic car wash that uses silicone carbide tire
cleaning brushes.
5-94

W
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators...............3-24
Warnings
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-49
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-6
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Wheels
Alignment and Tire Balance..........................5-73
Different Size..............................................5-71
Replacement...............................................5-73
When It Is Time for New Tires..........................5-68
Where to Put the Child Restraint.......................1-43
Windows.......................................................2-14
Power ........................................................2-15Windshield
Washer........................................................ 3-9
Washer Fluid..............................................5-35
Wiper Blade Replacement.............................5-51
Wiper Blades, Cleaning................................5-94
Wiper Fuses...............................................5-97
Wipers......................................................... 3-8
Winter Driving................................................4-17
X
XM Radio Messages.......................................3-81
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System................3-96
Y
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................... 6-2
14