sensor CHEVROLET IMPALA 2001 8.G Owners Manual

1-8
When the seat is not in use, it should be kept in the
upright locked position. If you plan to load items into
the trunk through the split folding rear seat, you must
first turn off the trunk release sensor. See ªTrunk
Release Sensorº in the Index for more information.
CAUTION:
A safety belt that is improperly routed, not
properly attached, or twisted won't provide the
protection needed in a crash. The person wearing
the belt could be seriously injured. After raising
the rear seatback, always check to be sure that
the safety belts are properly routed and attached,
and are not twisted.
Safety Belts: They're for Everyone
This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts
properly. It also tells you some things you should not
do with safety belts.
And it explains the air bag system.
CAUTION:
Don't let anyone ride where he or she can't wear
a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and
you're not wearing a safety belt, your injuries
can be much worse. You can hit things inside the
vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously
injured or killed. In the same crash, you might
not be if you are buckled up. Always fasten your
safety belt, and check that your passengers' belts
are fastened properly too.

1-30
The parts of the bag that come into contact with you
may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There will be
some smoke and dust coming from the vents in the
deflated air bags. Air bag inflation doesn't prevent the
driver from seeing or being able to steer the vehicle,
nor does it stop people from leaving the vehicle.
CAUTION:
When an air bag inflates, there is dust in the air.
This dust could cause breathing problems
for people with a history of asthma or other
breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the
vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so.
If you have breathing problems but can't get out
of the vehicle after an air bag inflates, then get
fresh air by opening a window or a door.
Your vehicle has a feature that will automatically unlock
the doors and turn the interior lamps on when the air
bags inflate (if battery power is available). You can lock
the doors again and turn the interior lamps off by using
the door lock and interior lamp controls.In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air bag,
windshields are broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may also occur from
the right front passenger air bag.

Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After an
air bag inflates, you'll need some new parts for your
air bag system. If you don't get them, the air bag
system won't be there to help protect you in another
crash. A new system will include air bag modules
and possibly other parts. The service manual for
your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.

Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic frontal
sensor, which helps the sensing system distinguish
between a moderate frontal impact and a more severe
frontal impact. Your vehicle is also equipped with a
crash sensing and diagnostic module, which records
information about the frontal air bag system.
The module records information about the readiness
of the system, when the system commands air bag
inflation and driver's safety belt usage at deployment.
The module also records speed, engine rpm, brake
and throttle data.

Let only qualified technicians work on your air
bag systems. Improper service can mean that an
air bag system won't work properly. See your dealer
for service.

2-16 Trunk Release Sensor TrapAlert
System
(If Equipped)
Your vehicle may have a sensor located on the underside
of the filler panel inside the trunk.The sensor is designed to open the trunk automatically.
If the sensor detects motion and a difference in
temperature in the trunk, the sensor will sound the horn
if the ignition is in OFF. There will be three short chirps
and a pause repeated for up to two minutes. After one
minute, the trunk latch will release. If the ignition is not
in OFF, the trunk latch will not release automatically
and the horn will not sound.
To cancel the horn alarm and automatically release the
trunk lid before two minutes are up, turn the ignition
to ON.
Do not cover the sensor with items you put into the
trunk or with add
-on accessory equipment. If the
sensor's field of view is blocked, it will not detect
motion and will not function properly.
Be sure to secure items in your trunk so that they
won't move around and cause the trunk to open.

2-17
Disabling the Trunk Release Sensor
A. Sensor Lens
B. Disable Switch
Because the sensor detects motion, there are times when
you may want to turn off the trunk sensor so that the
motion of your vehicle or items in the trunk won't cause
the trunk to open, such as the following:

when your vehicle is transported on a car ferry,

when your vehicle is towed, or

when you will be loading items through the opening
in the split folding rear seat (if equipped).Next to the sensor lens, there is a disable switch you can
use to turn off the trunk release sensor. To turn off the
sensor, turn the ignition to ON and press the switch next
to the lens for two seconds. The horn will chirp once
when the sensor is turned off. When the sensor is off,
the light in the switch will flash. The TRUNK OPEN
message in the message center will flash for one minute
each time the ignition is turned on as a reminder that
the sensor is turned off. See ªTrunk Open Messageº in
the Index.
To turn the sensor on again, press the switch again or
open the trunk. When the trunk is opened, the sensor is
automatically turned back on. If the sensor is turned back
on with the disable switch, the horn will chirp once.
Servicing the Trunk Release Sensor
The sensor lens should be inspected periodically.
If the lens is dirty, wipe it gently with a clean, soft
cotton cloth.
If there is an electrical problem with the sensor, the
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON message will appear in the
message center. There are other possible reasons for this
message to appear. Be sure to see your dealer as soon as
possible. See ªService Vehicle Soon Messageº in the
Index for more information.

2-26
3. Scroll, using the PREV or NEXT buttons, through
the modes to change the current mode.
4. With your preference displayed, press the DISP
button to select. A chime will be heard to verify the
new setting. The new selection will be displayed
with an asterisk for one second.
The mode you selected is now set. You can either exit
the programming mode by following the instructions
later in this section or program the next feature available
on your vehicle.
TRNKJAMB (Trunk Jamb): This feature allows the
content theft system trunk lock sensor to be disabled
or enabled.
Programmable Modes
Mode 1: TRNK OFF
-- Turns feature off.
Mode 2: TRNK ON
-- Turns feature on.
When your vehicle was shipped from the factory, it was
programmed to Mode 2. The mode to which your
vehicle was programmed may have been changed since
it left the factory. To determine the mode to which your
vehicle is programmed or to program your vehicle to a
different mode, do the following:
1. Scroll, using the SEEK up or down arrows, until
TRNKJAMB appears on the display.2. Press the PREV or NEXT button to enter the
submenu. The current selection will have an asterisk
next to it. (If you do not wish to change the current
mode, you can either exit the programming mode by
following the directions later in this section or
program the next feature available on your vehicle.)
3. Scroll, using the PREV or NEXT buttons, through
the modes to change the current mode.
4. With your preference displayed, press the DISP
button to select. A chime will be heard to verify the
new setting. The new selection will be displayed
with an asterisk for one second.
The mode you selected is now set. You can either exit
the programming mode by following the instructions
later in this section or program the next feature available
on your vehicle.
CHIRP (Horn Chirp Timer): This feature allows you
to choose between short or long horn chirp sounds when
the remote keyless entry transmitter is used.
Programmable Modes
Mode 1: SHORT
-- Short Chirp (16 msec)
Mode 2: LONG
-- Long Chirp (32 msec)

2-37
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (
): This position is
for normal driving. If you need more power for passing,
and you're:

Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push your
accelerator pedal about halfway down.

Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator pedal all the way down.
You'll shift down to the next gear and have more power.
NOTICE:
If your vehicle seems to start up rather slowly, or
if it seems not to shift gears as you go faster,
something may be wrong with a transaxle system
sensor. If you drive very far that way, your
vehicle can be damaged. So, if this happens, have
your vehicle serviced right away. Until then, you
can use SECOND (2) when you are driving less
than 35 mph (55 km/h) and AUTOMATIC
OVERDRIVE (
) for higher speeds.
THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal
driving, but it offers more power and lower fuel
economy than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (
).
Here are some times you might choose THIRD (3)
instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (
):

When driving on hilly, winding roads.

When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting
between gears.

When going down a steep hill.

When driving in non
-highway scenarios
(i.e. city streets, etc.).

2-53
If you pull the knob out halfway, it will turn on your
parking lamps and your other operating lamps. If you
pull the knob all the way out, your headlamps will then
come on.
Push the knob in all the way to turn off the lamps.
A warning chime will sound if you open the driver's
door when you turn the ignition switch to OFF with
the lamps on.
Daytime Running Lamps / Automatic
Headlamp Control
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the day.
DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the
short periods after dawn and before sunset. Fully
functional daytime running lights are required on all
vehicles first sold in Canada.
A light sensor on top of the instrument panel makes the
DRL work, so be sure it isn't covered.The DRL system will make your high
-beam headlamps
come on at a reduced brightness when the following
conditions are met:

The ignition is on,

the headlamp switch is off and

the gearshift is not in PARK (P).
When the DRL are on, only your high
-beam
headlamps, at a reduced level of brightness, will be on.
The headlamps, taillamps, sidemarker and other lamps
won't be on. Your instrument panel and cluster won't be
lit up either.
When it's dark enough outside, your high
-beam
headlamps will turn off and the headlamps and parking
lamps will turn on. The other lamps that come on with
your headlamps will also come on.
When it's bright enough outside, your headlamps will go
off and your DRL will come on.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when you need it.

2-80 Air Bag Readiness Light
There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows the air bag symbol. The system
checks the air bag's electrical system for malfunctions.
The light tells you if there is an electrical problem.
The system check includes the air bag sensors, the
air bag modules, the wiring and the crash sensing and
diagnostic module. For more information on the air bag
system, see ªAir Bagº in the Index.
This light will come on
when you start your vehicle,
and it will flash for a few
seconds. Then the light
should go out. This means
the system is ready.
If the air bag readiness light stays on after you start the
vehicle or comes on when you are driving, your air bag
system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.
CAUTION:
If the air bag readiness light stays on after you
start your vehicle, it means the air bag system
may not be working properly. The air bags in
your vehicle may not inflate in a crash, or they
could even inflate without a crash. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have your vehicle
serviced right away if the air bag readiness light
stays on after you start your vehicle.
The air bag readiness light should flash for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition key to ON. If the
light doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there is a problem.

2-96
Service Vehicle Soon
United States Canada
This message will come on if you have engine problems.
These problems may not be obvious and may not
affect vehicle performance or durability. Consult a
qualified dealership for necessary repairs to maintain
top vehicle performance.
This message may also appear if there are electrical
problems with the trunk release sensor. See ªTrunk
Release Sensorº in the Index for more information.Trunk OpenUnited States Canada
This message will appear if the trunk is not completely
closed and the ignition is in ON.
If you are in a forward or reverse gear position you will
also hear four chimes.
If this message flashes for one minute after the ignition
is turned on, the trunk release sensor is turned off.
See ªTrunk Release Sensorº in the Index for
more information.

2-100
To calibrate the compass, in an area free from large
metal objects, make one to two 360
turns.
The calibration symbol will turn off and the compass
reading will be displayed.
Manual Compass Calibration
If the compass appears erratic and the calibration
symbol does not appear, you must manually put the
compass into the calibration mode.
Turn the ignition on and cycle the DIC to the
Compass/Temperature mode. Press the RESET button
for at least 10 seconds until the calibration symbol
appears and all segments of the compass display are
illuminated. A chime will sound to confirm that the
calibration mode is active. Release the button and
complete two or three 360
turns in an area free from
large metal objects. The calibration symbol will turn off
and the compass reading will be displayed. A chime will
sound to verify that the calibration is complete.
Error Displays

An error of the speed sensor or fuel sender will
cause
-E- to be displayed.

In the absence of vehicle communications, a
dash ª
--º is displayed.
If one of these error messages appear, see your dealer.
Trip Computer
There are five trip computer displays which may be
stepped through by pushing the MODE button.
The information will appear in the following order:

AVG ECON (Average Fuel Economy): This shows
the average fuel economy since the last reset.

INST ECON (Instantaneous Fuel Economy): This
shows fuel economy for the most recent second
of driving.

RANGE (Trip Range): This shows the estimated
distance that can be traveled with the remaining fuel.
The fuel economy used to calculate range is based on
the last few hours of driving. When in a low fuel
condition, the word ªLOº is displayed.

FUEL USED (Trip Fuel Used): This shows the
accumulated fuel used since the last reset.

AVG SPEED (Average Speed): This shows the
average speed since the last reset.
Resetting the Trip Computer
Press and hold the RESET button for at least three
seconds. The reset is acknowledged with all segments of
the display lit briefly and a chime. A reset can only be
done in AVG ECON, FUEL USED and AVG SPEED
displays. Each setting must be reset individually.