engine oil CHEVROLET IMPALA 2003 8.G Owner's Guide

Part A: Scheduled Maintenance
Services
This part contains engine oil scheduled maintenance
which explains the engine oil life system and how
it indicates when to change the engine oil and ®lter.
Also, listed are scheduled maintenance services which
are to be performed at the mileage intervals speci®ed.
Using Your Maintenance Schedule
We at General Motors want to keep your vehicle in good
working condition. But we don't know exactly how
you'll drive it. You may drive short distances only a few
times a week. Or you may drive long distances all
the time in very hot, dusty weather. You may use your
vehicle in making deliveries. Or you may drive it to
work, to do errands or in many other ways.
Because of the different ways people use their vehicles,
maintenance needs may vary. You may need more
frequent checks and replacements. So please read
the following and note how you drive. If you have
questions on how to keep your vehicle in good condition,
see your dealer.This part tells you the maintenance services you should
have done and when to schedule them.
When you go to your dealer for your service needs,
you'll know that GM-trained and supported service
people will perform the work using genuine GM parts.
The proper ¯uids and lubricants to use are listed in
Part D. Make sure whoever services your vehicle uses
these. All parts should be replaced and all necessary
repairs done before you or anyone else drives
the vehicle.
This schedule is for vehicles that:·carry passengers and cargo within recommended
limits. You will ®nd these on your vehicle's
Tire-Loading Information label. See
Loading Your
Vehicle on page 4-32.
·are driven on reasonable road surfaces within legal
driving limits.
·use the recommended fuel. SeeGasoline Octane
on page 5-5
.
6-4

Engine Oil Scheduled Maintenance
Change engine oil and ®lter as indicated by the GM
Oil Life System (or every 12 months, whichever
occurs ®rst). Reset the system.
Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know
when to change the engine oil and ®lter. This is
based on engine revolutions and engine temperature,
and not on mileage. Based on driving conditions,
the mileage at which an oil change will be indicated can
vary considerably. For the oil life system to work
properly, you must reset the system every time the oil is
changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL message will
come on. Change your oil as soon as possible within
the next two times you stop for fuel. It is possible that, if
you are driving under the best conditions, the oil life
system may not indicate that an oil change is necessary
for over a year. However, your engine oil and ®lter
must be changed at least once a year and at this time
the system must be reset. Your dealer has GM-trained
service people who will perform this work using
genuine GM parts and reset the system.It is also important to check your oil regularly and keep
it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must
change your oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your
last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed. See
Engine Oil on
page 5-16for information on resetting the system.
An Emission Control Service.
See the mileage intervals following for additional
services that may be performed with an engine oil
change. After the services are performed, record the
date, odometer reading and who performed the service
on the maintenance record pages in Part E of this
schedule.
6-6

7,500 Miles (12 500 km)
qRotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-65for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote .) (See footnote +.)
15,000 Miles (25 000 km)
qInspect engine air cleaner ®lter. If necessary, replace
the ®lter. If vehicle is driven in dusty/dirty conditions,
inspect ®lter at every engine oil change. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-22for more
information.An Emission Control Service. (See
footnote ².)
qIf Equipped: Replace passenger compartment air
®lter. If you drive regularly under dusty conditions,
the ®lter may require replacement more often.
qRotate tires. See
Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-65for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote .) (See footnote +.)
22,500 Miles (37 500 km)
qRotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-65for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote .) (See footnote +.)
30,000 Miles (50 000 km)
qIf Equipped: Replace passenger compartment air
®lter. If you drive regularly under dusty conditions,
the ®lter may require replacement more often.qRotate tires. See
Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-65for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote .) (See footnote +.)
qReplace engine air cleaner ®lter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-22for more information.An Emission Control Service.
37,500 Miles (62 500 km)
qRotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-65for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote .) (See footnote +.)
45,000 Miles (75 000 km)
qInspect engine air cleaner ®lter. If necessary, replace
the ®lter. If vehicle is driven in dusty/dirty conditions,
inspect ®lter at every engine oil change. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-22for more
information.An Emission Control Service. (See
footnote ².)
qIf Equipped: Replace passenger compartment air
®lter. If you drive regularly under dusty conditions,
the ®lter may require replacement more often.
qRotate tires. See
Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-65for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote .) (See footnote +.)
6-7

50,000 Miles (83 000 km)
qChange automatic transaxle ¯uid and ®lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of
these conditions:
þ In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches 90ÉF (32ÉC) or
higher
þ In hilly or mountainous terrain.
þ When doing frequent trailer towing.
þ Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change the ¯uid and ®lter at 100,000 miles
(166 000 km).
52,500 Miles (87 500 km)
qRotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-65for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote .) (See footnote +.)
60,000 Miles (100 000 km)
qIf Equipped: Replace passenger compartment air
®lter. If you drive regularly under dusty conditions,
the ®lter may require replacement more often.
qRotate tires. See
Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-65for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote .) (See footnote +.)
qReplace engine air cleaner ®lter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-22for more information.An Emission Control Service.
67,500 Miles (112 500 km)
qRotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-65for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote .) (See footnote +.)
75,000 Miles (125 000 km)
qInspect engine air cleaner ®lter. If necessary, replace
the ®lter. If vehicle is driven in dusty/dirty conditions,
inspect ®lter at every engine oil change. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-22for more
information.An Emission Control Service. (See
footnote ².)
qIf Equipped: Replace passenger compartment air
®lter. If you drive regularly under dusty conditions,
the ®lter may require replacement more often.
qRotate tires. See
Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-65for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote .) (See footnote +.)
82,500 Miles (137 500 km)
qRotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-65for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote .) (See footnote +.)
6-8

Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed in this part are owner checks and services
which should be performed at the intervals speci®ed to
help ensure the safety, dependability and emission
control performance of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any ¯uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
in Part D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant to
perform these underhood checks at each fuel ®ll.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-16for
further details.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOLž
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-27for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer ¯uid level in the windshield
washer tank and add the proper ¯uid if necessary.
See
Windshield Washer Fluid on page 5-44for further
details.
At Least Once a Month
Tire In¯ation Check
Visually inspect your tires and make sure tires are
in¯ated to the correct pressures. Don't forget to check
your spare tire. See
Tires on page 5-61for further
details.
Cassette Tape Player Service
Clean cassette tape player. Cleaning should be done
every 50 hours of tape play. SeeAudio System(s)
on page 3-53for further details.
6-10

Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identi®ed below by name, part
number or speci®cation may be obtained from your
dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certi®ed for
Gasoline Engines starburst symbol
of the proper viscosity. To determine
the preferred viscosity for your
vehicle's engine, see
Engine Oil on
page 5-16.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
ž
Coolant. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-27.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake ¯uid.
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
žWasher Solvent or
equivalent.
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid (GM Part
No. U.S. 1052884, in Canada
993294, or equivalent).
Automatic
TransaxleDEXRON
ž-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474, or equivalent).
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Secondary
Latch, Pivots,
Spring Anchor
and Release
PawlLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM
Part No. U.S. 12346293, in Canada
992723, or equivalent) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Hood and Door
HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 109435474, or equivalent).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningDielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part
No. U.S. 12345579, in Canada
10953014, or equivalent).
6-16

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

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