light CHEVROLET IMPALA 2002 8.G Owners Manual

iv
Vehicle Damage Warnings
Also, in this book you will find these notices:
NOTICE:
These mean there is something that could damage
your vehicle.
In the notice area, we tell you about something that
can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage
would not be covered by your warranty, and it could
be costly. But the notice will tell you what to do to help
avoid the damage.
When you read other manuals, you might see
CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different
colors or in different words.
You'll also see warning labels on your vehicle.
They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.
Vehicle Symbols
Your vehicle may be equipped with components and
labels that use symbols instead of text. Symbols,
used on your vehicle, are shown along with the text
describing the operation or information relating to a
specific component, control, message, gage or indicator.
If you need help figuring out a specific name of a
component, gage or indicator reference the following
topics in the Index:

ªEngine Compartment Overviewº

ªInstrument Panelº

ªComfort Controlsº

ªAudio Systemsº
Also see ªWarning Lights and Gagesº in the Index.

1-9
CAUTION:
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area,
inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision,
people riding in these areas are more likely to be
seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to
ride in any area of your vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure
everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a
safety belt properly.
Your vehicle has a light
that comes on as a reminder
to buckle up. See ªSafety
Belt Reminder Lightº in
the Index.In most states and Canadian provinces, the law says to
wear safety belts. Here's why: They work.
You never know if you'll be in a crash. If you do have
a crash, you don't know if it will be a bad one.
A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so
serious that even buckled up a person wouldn't survive.
But most crashes are in between. In many of them,
people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk
away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt
or killed.
After more than 30 years of safety belts in vehicles,
the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does
matter ... a lot!

1-14
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
Adults
This part is only for people of adult size.
Be aware that there are special things to know about
safety belts and children. And there are different
rules for smaller children and babies. If a child will
be riding in your vehicle, see the part of this manual
called ªChildren.º Follow those rules for
everyone's protection.
First, you'll want to know which restraint systems your
vehicle has.
We'll start with the driver position.
Driver Position
This part describes the driver's restraint system.
Lap-Shoulder Belt
The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here's how to wear
it properly.
1. Close and lock the door.
2. Adjust the seat so you can sit up straight.
To see how, see ªSeatsº in the Index.
3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.
Don't let it get twisted.
The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across
you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back
slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you
more slowly.

1-25
There is an air bag
readiness light on
the instrument panel,
which shows the
air bag symbol.
The system checks the air bag electrical system for
malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical
problem. See ªAir Bag Readiness Lightº in the Index
for more information.How the Air Bag Systems Work
Where are the air bags?
The driver's frontal air bag is in the middle of the
steering wheel.

1-33
Rear Seat Passengers
It's very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up!
Accident statistics show that unbelted people in the rear
seat are hurt more often in crashes than those who are
wearing safety belts.
Rear passengers who aren't safety belted can be thrown
out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others
in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts.
Rear Seat Passenger Positions
Lap-Shoulder Belt
All rear seating positions have lap
-shoulder belts.
Here's how to wear one properly.
1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.
Don't let it get twisted.
The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across
you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back
slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you
more slowly.
2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.

1-59
Safety Belt Extender
If the vehicle's safety belt will fasten around you,
you should use it.
But if a safety belt isn't long enough to fasten, your
dealer will order you an extender. It's free. When you go
in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the
extender will be long enough for you. The extender will
be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that
you choose. Don't let someone else use it, and use it
only for the seat it is made to fit. To wear it, just attach
it to the regular safety belt.
Checking Your Restraint Systems
Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light
and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and
anchorages are working properly. Look for any other
loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see
anything that might keep a safety belt system from
doing its job, have it repaired.
Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a
crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt
is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and
have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)

2-
2-1
Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is
working properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
2
-2 Windows
2
-4 Keys
2
-6 Door Locks
2
-9 Remote Keyless Entry (If Equipped)
2
-13 Trunk
2
-18 Theft
2
-19 Content Theft-Deterrent (Option)
2
-20 Vehicle Customization Settings
2
-30 Passlock

2-30 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2
-31 Ignition Positions
2
-32 Starting Your Engine
2
-34 Engine Coolant Heater (Option)
2
-36 Automatic Transaxle Operation
2
-40 Parking Brake
2
-41 Shifting Into PARK (P)
2
-44 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
2
-45 Parking Over Things That Burn2
-45 Engine Exhaust
2
-46 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
2
-47 Tilt Wheel
2
-47 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-54 Exterior Lamps
2
-57 Interior Lamps
2
-59 Mirrors
2
-66 Accessory Power Outlet
2
-68 Auxiliary Power Connection (Power Drop)
2
-69 OnStar
System (If Equipped)
2
-73 Power Sunroof (Option)
2
-74 HomeLink
Transmitter (Option)
2
-78 The Instrument Panel -- Your
Information System
2
-80 Instrument Panel Cluster
2
-83 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
2
-94 Message Center
2
-103 Driver Information Center (DIC) (Option)

2-15
NOTICE:
The trunk assist handle was not designed to be
used to tie down the trunk lid or as an anchor
point when securing items in the trunk. Improper
use of the trunk assist handle could damage it.
Pull down on the handle to lower the trunk lid. Then
close the trunk with your other hand. If the trunk is not
properly closed, the TRUNK OPEN message will
appear in the message center of your instrument panel
cluster. See ªTrunk Open Messageº in the Index for
more information.
Trunk Release Handle
There is a glow-in-the-dark trunk release handle located
inside the trunk on the latch. This handle will glow
following exposure to light. Pull the release handle
down to open the trunk from the inside.
Trap-Resistant Trunk Kit
To help prevent a child from becoming trapped in your
trunk, you can order a trap
-resistant trunk kit from your
dealer. This kit includes:

a modified trunk latch,

a lighted release handle, and

seatback tethers (for vehicles with folding
rear seatbacks).
See your dealer for additional information.

2-17
Disabling the Trunk Release Sensor
A. Sensor Lens
B. Disable SwitchBecause 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 twice.

2-18
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.
Theft
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft
-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make
it impossible to steal. However, there are ways you
can help.
Key in the Ignition
If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it's an
easy target for joy riders or professional thieves
-- so
don't do it.
When you park your vehicle and open the driver's door,
you'll hear a chime reminding you to remove your key
from the ignition and take it with you. Always do this.
Your ignition and transaxle will be locked. And
remember to lock the doors.
Parking at Night
Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your
vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight.
Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.
Parking Lots
Even if you park in a lot where someone will be
watching your vehicle, it's still best to lock it up and
take your keys. But what if you have to leave your
ignition key?

If possible, park in a busy, well
-lit area.

Put your valuables in a storage area, like your trunk
or glove box.

Be sure to close and lock the storage area.

Close all windows.

Lock the glove box.

Lock all the doors except the driver's.

Then take the door key and remote keyless entry
transmitter with you.