ECU CHEVROLET IMPALA 2002 8.G Owner's Manual

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.If your vehicle has this feature, the sensor is designed to
open the trunk automatically under certain conditions.
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.

2-30
Passlock
Your vehicle is equipped with the Passlock
theft
-deterrent system.
Passlock is a passive theft
-deterrent system. Passlock
enables fuel if the ignition lock cylinder is turned with a
valid key. If a correct key is not used or the ignition lock
cylinder is tampered with, fuel is disabled and the
engine will not start.
During normal operation, the SECURITY message will
be displayed after the key is turned to the ON ignition
position. See ªMessage Center, Securityº in the Index.
If the engine stalls and the SECURITY message flashes,
wait until the light stops flashing before trying to restart
the engine.
If the engine is running and the SECURITY message
comes on, you will be able to restart the engine if you turn
the engine off. However, your Passlock system is not
working properly and must be serviced by your dealer.
Your vehicle is not protected by Passlock at this time. You
may also want to check the fuse (see ªFuses and Circuit
Breakersº in the Index). See your dealer for service.
In an emergency, contact Chevrolet Roadside
Assistance. See ªRoadside Assistanceº in the Index for
more information.
New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
NOTICE:
Your vehicle doesn't need an elaborate
ªbreak
-in.º But it will perform better in
the long run if you follow these guidelines:

Don't drive at any one speed -- fast or
slow
-- for the first 500 miles (805 km).
Don't make full
-throttle starts.

Avoid making hard stops for the first
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
your new brake linings aren't yet broken
in. Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking
-in guideline every
time you get new brake linings.

Don't tow a trailer during break
-in.
See ªTowing a Trailerº in the Index for
more information.

2-71
Remote Diagnostics: If an instrument panel light comes
on, press the OnStar Services button. An advisor can
perform a check of the engine on
-board computer, and
recommend what action needs to be taken.
OnStar MED
-NET: Med-Net can store your personal
medical history and provide it to emergency personnel if
necessary. (Requires activation and additional fee).
Accident Assist: An advisor can provide step
-by-step
guidance following an accident.
Remote Door Unlock: To contact the center, call
1
-888-4-ONSTAR. You will be required to provide
your security information. An advisor will send a
command to your vehicle to unlock itself. The advisor
can delay unlocking your vehicle. Remote Door Unlock
is disabled 48 hours after the vehicle is parked to
maintain the battery charge.Vehicle Locator Service: To contact the center, call
1
-888-4-ONSTAR. You will be required to provide your
security information. An advisor will send a command
to your vehicle to sound the horn and/or flash the lamps.
Route Support: An advisor can provide directions or
guidance to most places you want to go. In addition,
they can help you locate gas stations, rest areas, ATMs,
hospitals, hotels, stores, eateries and more.
Ride Assist: An advisor can locate transportation in the
event that you are unable to drive.
Concierge Services: The concierge advisor can obtain
tickets, reservations, or help with vacation/trip planning
and other unique items and services.

2-99
Security
United States Canada
This message is displayed to monitor the
Passlock

system.
If the security message is displayed continuously while
driving and stays on, there may be a problem with the
Passlock system. Your vehicle will not be protected by
Passlock, and you should see your dealer for service.Low Brake Fluid
United States Canada
This message will be displayed when your vehicle has a
brake problem. The brake system warning light will also
be illuminated.
If this message appears, the brakes aren't working
properly. You should have your vehicle serviced
immediately. See ªBrake System Warning Lightº in the
Index for more information.

4-26
Winter Driving
Here are some tips for winter driving:

Have your vehicle in good shape for winter.

You may want to put winter emergency supplies in
your trunk.
Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, a supply
of windshield washer fluid, a rag, some winter outer
clothing, a small shovel, a flashlight, a red cloth and a
couple of reflective warning triangles. And, if you will
be driving under severe conditions, include a small bag
of sand, a piece of old carpet or a couple of burlap bags
to help provide traction. Be sure you properly secure
these items in your vehicle.

4-33
CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear
GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can
break, and it can change the way your vehicle
handles. These could cause you to lose control
and crash. Also, overloading can shorten the
life of your vehicle.
NOTICE:
Your warranty does not cover parts or
components that fail because of overloading.
If you put things inside your vehicle -- like suitcases,
tools, packages or anything else
-- they will go as fast
as the vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn quickly,
or if there is a crash, they'll keep going.
CAUTION:
Things you put inside your vehicle can strike
and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or
in a crash.

Put things in the trunk of your vehicle.
In a trunk, put them as far forward as
you can. Try to spread the weight evenly.

Never stack heavier things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle so that some of them are
above the tops of the seats.

Don't leave an unsecured child restraint in
your vehicle.

When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.

Don't leave a seat folded down unless
you need to.

4-38 Trailer Brakes
Does your trailer have its own brakes? Be sure to
read and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes
so you'll be able to install, adjust and maintain
them properly.

If your vehicle has anti
-lock brakes, do not try to
tap into your vehicle's brake system. If you do, both
brake systems won't work well, or at all.

Even if your vehicle doesn't have anti
-lock brakes,
don't tap into your vehicle's brake system if the
trailer's brake system will use more than 0.02 cubic
inch (0.3 cc) of fluid from your vehicle's master
cylinder. If it does, both braking systems won't work
well. You could even lose your brakes.

Will the trailer brake parts take 3,000 psi (20 650 kPa)
of pressure? If not, the trailer brake system must not be
used with your vehicle.

If everything checks out this far, then make the brake
fluid tap at the upper rear master cylinder port. But
don't use copper tubing for this. If you do, it will
bend and break off. Use steel brake tubing.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you'll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the
trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.

5-32
NOTICE:
Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead to
brake pulsation and rotor damage. To avoid
expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheel
nuts in the proper sequence and to the proper
torque specification.
Don't try to put the wheel cover on your compact
spare tire. It won't fit. Store the wheel cover in the
trunk until you have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
NOTICE:
Wheel covers won't fit on your compact spare.
If you try to put a wheel cover on your compact
spare, you could damage the cover or the spare.
Storing the Flat Tire and Tools
CAUTION:
Storing a jack, a tire or other equipment in the
passenger compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose
equipment could strike someone. Store all these
in the proper place.
After you've put the compact spare tire on your vehicle,
you'll need to store the flat tire in the trunk. Use the
following procedure to secure the flat tire in the trunk.

5-33
When storing a full-size tire, use the extension and
protector /guide located in the foam holder to help
prevent wheel surface damage.To store a full
-size tire do the following:
1. Place the tire in the trunk, valve stem facing down
with the protector/guide through a wheel bolt hole.
2. Remove the protector/guide and attach the
retainer securely. The cover will not fit over a
full
-size tire, so be sure to store the cover as far
forward as possible.
3. When you put the compact spare tire back in
the trunk, place the protector/guide back in the
foam holder.
4. Put the cover back over the compact spare tire and
tighten the center nut.

6-40
Windshield Wiper
Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear or cracking. See ªWindshield
Wipers, Blade Checkº in the Index for
more information.
Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. For proper type and length,
see ªNormal Maintenance Replacement Partsº in the
Index. Here's how to remove the wiper blades:
1. Turn on the wipers to the low wipe setting.
2. Turn off the ignition while the wipers are at the
outer positions of the wiper pattern. The blades are
more accessible for removal/replacement while in
this position.
3. Pull the windshield wiper arm away from
the windshield.
4. While holding the wiper arm away from the
glass, push the release clip from under the blade
connecting point and pull the old blade assembly
down toward the glass to remove it from the
wiper arm.
5. Push the new wiper blade securely on the wiper arm
until you hear the release clip ªclickº into place.