service CHEVROLET IMPALA 2003 8.G Owners Manual

In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments, and speci®cations for GM
transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars
and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to
assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service
Bulletins can be obtained by contacting your General
Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE
(1-800-463-7483).
Owner's Information
Owner publications are written speci®cally for owners
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The owner's manual will include
the Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner's Manual, and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00
Without Portfolio: Owner's Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00
7-11

Current and Past Model Order Forms
Service Publications are available for current and
past model GM vehicles. To request an order form,
please specify year and model name of the vehicle.
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Eastern
Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. on the
World Wide Web at: www.helminc.comOr you can write to:
Helm, Incorporated
P. O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change without notice and without
incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.
Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are
quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make
checks payable in U.S. funds.
7-12

Audio System(s) (cont.)
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-91
Vehicle Customization Settings......................3-94
XMŸ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-94
AUTOLOCK (Automatic Door Lock
and Unlock)................................................2-47
Automatic Transaxle Check..............................6-11
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control
System Check.............................................6-12
Automatic Transaxle........................................5-24
Fluid..........................................................5-24
Operation...................................................2-23
Auxiliary Power Connection (Power Drop)...........3-20
B
Backglass Antenna..........................................3-93
Backing Up....................................................4-38
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-7
Battery Rundown Protection.............................3-18
Battery Warning Message................................3-42
Battery..........................................................5-48
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-22
Body Lubrication Service..................................6-11
Brake Fluid....................................................5-45
Brake Wear...................................................5-47
Brake............................................................3-47
Low Fluid Warning Message.........................3-47
Parking......................................................2-27Brake (cont.)
System Inspection.......................................6-15
System Warning Light..................................3-34
Brakes..........................................................5-45
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-18
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-56
Back-Up Lamps...........................................5-59
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-56
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-55
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, and
Parking Lamps.........................................5-56
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-59
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Sidemarker Lamps...................................5-58
Buying New Tires...........................................5-67
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
Canada ± Customer Assistance.......................... 7-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-7
Capacities and Speci®cations..........................5-103
Carbon Monoxide...................4-25, 4-34, 2-10, 2-31
Care of.........................................................5-88
Safety Belts................................................5-88
Your Cassette Tape Player............................3-91
2

Care of (cont.)
Your CD Player...........................................3-92
Your CDs ...................................................3-92
Cassette Tape Messages.........................3-63, 3-86
Cassette Tape Player Service...........................6-10
CD Adapter Kits.....................................3-63, 3-87
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-43
Center Front Passenger Position,
Safety Belts................................................1-23
Chains, Tires..................................................5-71
Change Engine Oil Message............................3-44
Check Engine Light.........................................3-37
Checking Coolant............................................5-28
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-16
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Checking Your Restraint Systems......................1-61
Check...........................................................3-37
Engine Light...............................................3-37
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-91
Child Restraints..............................................1-37
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-37
Infants and Young Children...........................1-33
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-43
Older Children.............................................1-31
Securing a Child Restraint Designed
for the LATCH System..............................1-45
Securing a Child Restraint in a
Rear Seat Position...................................1-45Child Restraints (cont.)
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position..........................1-48
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-42
Top Strap...................................................1-41
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-40
Chime Level Adjustment..................................3-94
CHIRP (Horn Chirp Timer)...............................2-51
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-21
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels..............................5-90
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-88
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-85
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-87
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-87
Cleaning Leather............................................5-87
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-87
Cleaning Tires................................................5-90
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-87
Cleaning Windshield and Wiper Blades..............5-89
Cleaning........................................................5-85
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-85
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-88
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-91
Weatherstrips..............................................5-88
Climate Control System...................................3-26
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-26
Dual..........................................................3-22
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-25
Compact Disc Messages..........................3-75, 3-89
3

Compact Spare Tire........................................5-84
Compass Variance..........................................3-50
Console Shift Lever.........................................2-29
Content Theft-Deferrent....................................2-16
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Convenience Net............................................2-43
Coolant.........................................................3-36
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-36
Heater, Engine............................................2-22
Hot Temperature Warning Message................3-42
Cooling System..............................................5-33
Courtesy Lamps.............................................3-17
Cruise Control Light........................................3-39
Cruise Control................................................3-11
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-12
Customer Assistance Information........................ 7-7
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users............................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities................................................ 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors........................................7-10
Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government..............................7-10Customer Assistance Information (cont.)
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government.........................7-10
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-5
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-11
D
Daytime Running Lamps/Automatic Headlamp
System......................................................3-15
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Defogging and Defrosting.................................3-24
Delayed Entry Lighting.....................................3-17
Delayed Exit Lighting.......................................3-18
Delayed Headlamps........................................3-16
Dinghy Towing................................................4-31
Disarming with the Remote Keyless Entry
Transmitter.................................................2-17
Disarming with Your Key..................................2-17
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Dolly Towing..................................................4-32
Dome Lamp...................................................3-18
Door.............................................................3-45
Ajar Warning Message.................................3-45
Locks.......................................................... 2-8
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-9
4

Door (cont.)
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-49
Driver............................................................1-15
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-15
Driver's Side Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........5-96
Driving On Grades..........................................4-39
Driving on Snow or Ice....................................4-26
Driving Through Deep Standing Water...............4-19
Driving Through Flowing Water.........................4-19
Driving with a Trailer.......................................4-38
Driving..........................................................4-16
At Night.....................................................4-16
City...........................................................4-20
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Freeway.....................................................4-21
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-23
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-17
Winter........................................................4-25
Dual Climate Control System............................3-22
E
Electrical System............................................5-94
Add-On Equipment......................................5-94
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-95
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-94
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-95
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-94Electrical System (cont.)
Emergency Trunk Release Handle.....................2-12
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs.................................3-39
Engine Coolant Level Check.............................6-10
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing..................4-40
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-20
Engine Oil Level Check...................................6-10
Engine..........................................................5-22
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-22
Battery.......................................................5-48
Change Oil Message...................................3-44
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-37
Compartment Overview................................5-12
Coolant Heater............................................2-22
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-36
Coolant......................................................5-27
Cooling System Inspection............................6-15
Exhaust.....................................................2-31
Low Oil Level Message................................3-43
Oil .............................................................5-16
Overheating................................................5-30
Starting......................................................2-19
Entry Lighting.................................................3-17
Erasing HomeLinkžButtons..............................2-42
EXIT (Exit Feature Customization Mode)............2-53
Express-Down Window....................................2-14
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-30
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-14
5

Inspection (cont.)
Throttle System...........................................6-15
Instrument Panel Brightness.............................3-17
Instrument Panel.............................................3-29
Cluster.......................................................3-29
Overview..................................................... 3-4
Interior Lamps................................................3-17
J
Jump Stating..................................................5-49
Key Lock Cylinders Service..............................6-11
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-3
Keys............................................................... 2-2
L
Lamps...........................................................3-14
Exterior......................................................3-14
Interior.......................................................3-17
Lap Belt........................................................1-24
Lap-Shoulder Belt...................................1-15, 1-26
LATCH System...............................................1-43
Child Restraints...........................................1-43
Securing a Child Restraint Designed
for the LATCH System..............................1-45
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running . . . 2-29Leaving Your Vehicle.......................................2-10
Light.............................................................3-33
Air Bag Readiness.......................................3-33
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-35
Brake System Warning.................................3-34
Cruise Control.............................................3-39
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-37
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-32
TCS Warning Light......................................3-35
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning..........3-35
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-32
Lockout Protection..........................................2-10
Locks............................................................. 2-8
Door........................................................... 2-8
Leaving Your Vehicle....................................2-10
Lockout Protection.......................................2-10
Power Door.................................................. 2-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-9
Loss of Control...............................................4-14
Low Brake Fluid Warning Message....................3-47
Low Engine Oil Level Message.........................3-43
Low Fuel Warning Message.............................3-47
Low Oil Pressure Message...............................3-43
Low Tire Message..........................................3-44
Low Washer Fluid Warning Message.................3-46
LT DELAY (Delayed Headlamp Illumination)........2-47
Lumbar........................................................... 1-3
Manual Controls............................................ 1-3
8

M
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts..........5-105
Maintenance Schedule.....................................6-10
At Each Fuel Fill.........................................6-10
At Least Once a Month................................6-10
At Least Once a Year..................................6-11
At Least Twice a Year..................................6-11
Brake System Inspection..............................6-15
Engine Cooling System Inspection.................6-15
Exhaust System Inspection...........................6-14
Fuel System Inspection................................6-15
How This Section is Organized....................... 6-3
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services......... 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services.............6-10
Part C - Periodic MaintenanceInspections......6-14
Part D - Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . 6-16
Part E - Maintenance Record........................6-17
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-5
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection..........................6-14
Throttle System Inspection............................6-15
Using Your................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-40Making Turns.................................................4-38
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-37
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-3
Manual Operation...........................................3-22
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-6
Message.......................................................3-42
Battery Warning..........................................3-42
Center.......................................................3-40
Change Engine Oil......................................3-44
Door Ajar Warning.......................................3-45
Highbeam Out Warning................................3-48
Hot Coolant Temperature Warning..................3-42
Low Brake Fluid Warning..............................3-47
Low Engine Oil Level...................................3-43
Low Fuel Warning.......................................3-47
Low Oil Pressure.........................................3-43
Low Tire .....................................................3-44
Low Washer Fluid Warning...........................3-46
Security.....................................................3-46
Service Traction System Warning...................3-41
Service Vehicle Soon...................................3-48
Traction Active............................................3-41
Trunk Ajar Warning......................................3-45
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/
Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin
Islands) ± Customer Assistance....................... 7-5
9

Mirrors..........................................................2-35
Automatic Dimming Rearview with OnStarž.....2-35
Automatic Dimming Rearview........................2-34
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
ž.............2-33
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-33
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-36
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-36
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-3
N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-18
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts...........5-105
O
Odometer......................................................3-31
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-12
OIL LIFE (GM Oil Life System Reset)................2-46
Oil ................................................................5-16
Engine.......................................................5-16
Pressure Message.......................................3-43
Older Children, Restraints................................1-31
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-3
OnStar
žPersonal Calling.................................2-38
OnStaržServices............................................2-37
OnStaržSystem.............................................2-37
OnStaržVirtual Advisor....................................2-38
Operation Tips................................................3-26ORIG. SET (Return to the Original Settings).......2-52
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-6
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-25
Outside.........................................................2-36
Convex Mirror.............................................2-36
Power Mirrors.............................................2-36
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . 5-30
Overseas ± Customer Assistance........................ 7-4
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
Owner's Information........................................7-11
P
Parade Dimming.............................................3-18
Park (P)........................................................2-30
Shifting Out of............................................2-30
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle
Park (P) Mechanism Check...........................6-13
Parking on Hills..............................................4-39
Parking.........................................................2-27
Brake........................................................2-27
Over Things That Burn.................................2-31
Park(P).........................................................2-27
Shifting Into................................................2-27
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services............ 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services................6-10
Part C - Periodic MaintenanceInspections..........6-14
Part D - Recommended Fluids and Lubricants....6-16
Part E - Maintenance Record...........................6-17
10

Seat............................................................... 1-6
Head Restraints............................................ 1-6
Seats.............................................................. 1-4
Heated Seats............................................... 1-4
Manual Lumbar............................................. 1-3
Manual........................................................ 1-2
Reclining Seatbacks...................................... 1-4
Six-Way Power Seats.................................... 1-3
Split Folding Rear Seat.................................. 1-7
Securing a Child Restraint................................1-45
Designed for the LATCH System...................1-45
Rear Seat Position......................................1-45
Right Front Seat Position..............................1-48
Service Bulletins.............................................7-11
Service Manuals.............................................7-11
Service........................................................... 5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle.......................................... 5-4
Doing Your Own Work................................... 5-4
Engine Soon Light.......................................3-37
Message....................................................3-46
Publications Ordering Information...................7-11
Traction System Warning Message.................3-41
Vehicle Soon Message.................................3-48
Setting Preset Stations....................3-56, 3-66, 3-78
Setting the Time.............................................3-53
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)..........3-57, 3-67, 3-79
SETTINGS (Display Current Settings)................2-45
Sheet Metal Damage.......................................5-90
Shifting Into Park (P).......................................2-27Shifting Out of Park (P)...................................2-30
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster...........................1-17
Skidding........................................................4-15
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips.......................4-19
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems.....................5-86
Speci®cations, Capacities...............................5-103
Speedometer..................................................3-31
Split Folding Rear Seat..................................... 1-7
Starter Switch Check.......................................6-12
Starting Your 3400 V6 Engine...........................2-20
Starting Your 3800 Series II V6 Engine..............2-21
Starting Your Engine.......................................2-19
Steering Column Shift Lever.............................2-28
Steering in Emergencies..................................4-11
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection..............................6-14
Steering Tips..................................................4-10
Steering Wheel Controls, Audio.........................3-90
Steering........................................................4-10
Storage Areas................................................2-43
Center Console Storage Area........................2-43
Convenience Net.........................................2-43
Front Storage Area......................................2-43
Glove Box..................................................2-43
Rear Storage Area.......................................2-43
Storing the Flat Tire and Tools..........................5-81
Storing the Spare Tire and Tools.......................5-83
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow......................4-30
Sun Visors.....................................................2-15
Sunroof.........................................................2-44
13