maintenance CHEVROLET IMPALA 2003 8.G Owner's Guide

Part C: Periodic
MaintenanceInspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall).
You should let your dealer's
service department do these jobs. Make sure any
necessary repairs are completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. SeeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-11.
Steering, Suspension and Front
Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, cha®ng, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive
axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which
could cause a heat build-up in the ¯oor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See
Engine Exhaust
on page 2-31.
6-14

Part E: Maintenance Record
After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading and who performed the service and
any additional information from ªOwner Checks and Servicesº or ªPeriodic Maintenanceº on the following record
pages. Also, you should retain all maintenance receipts.
Maintenance Record
DateOdometer
ReadingServiced ByMaintenance Record
6-17

Maintenance Record (cont'd)
DateOdometer
ReadingServiced ByMaintenance Record
6-18

The BBB Auto Line Program is an out of court program
administered by the Council of Better Business
Bureaus to settle automotive disputes regarding vehicle
repairs or the interpretation of the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. Although you may be required to
resort to this informal dispute resolution program prior to
®ling a court action, use of the program is free of
charge and your case will generally be heard within
40 days. If you do not agree with the decision given in
your case, you may reject it and proceed with any other
venue for relief available to you.
You may contact the BBB using the toll-free telephone
number or write them at the following address:
BBB Auto Line
Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc.
4200 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1804
Telephone: 1-800-955-5100
This program is available in all 50 states and the District
of Columbia. Eligibility is limited by vehicle age,
mileage and other factors. General Motors reserves the
right to change eligibility limitations and/or discontinue
its participation in this program.Online Owner Center
The Owner Center is a resource for your GM ownership
needs. You can ®nd your speci®c vehicle information
all in one place.
The Owner Center allows you to:
·Get e-mail service reminders.
·Access information about your speci®c vehicle,
including tips and videos and an electronic
version of this owner's manual. (United States only)
·Keep track of your vehicle's service history and
maintenance schedule.
·Find GM dealers for service nationwide.
·Receive special promotions and privileges only
available to members. (United States only)
Refer to the web for updated information.
To register your vehicle, visit www.MyGMLink.com.
(United States) or My GM Canada within
www.gmcanada.com (Canada).
7-3

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

A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-19
Adding Washer Fluid.......................................5-44
Additional Program Information........................... 7-9
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-94
Adjusting the Speakers
(Balance/Fade)............................3-57, 3-67, 3-79
Air Bag Systems.............................................1-51
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?....................1-57
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle.........1-60
What Makes an Air Bag In¯ate?....................1-57
What Will You See After an Air
Bag In¯ates?...........................................1-58
When Should an Air Bag In¯ate?...................1-56
Where Are the Air Bags?..............................1-54
Air Bag .........................................................3-33
Readiness Light..........................................3-33
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-22
ALARM (Content Theft Operation).....................2-50
AM ...............................................................3-91
Antenna, Backglass.........................................3-93
Antenna, XMŸ Satellite Radio Antenna System . . 3-94
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)............................ 4-6
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-35Appearance Care............................................5-85
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-88
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-91
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-85
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-88
Finish Damage............................................5-90
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-90
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-91
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-91
Weatherstrips..............................................5-88
Arming with the Power Lock Switch...................2-16
Arming with the Remote Keyless
Entry Transmitter.........................................2-17
Ashtrays........................................................3-21
Audio System(s).............................................3-53
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-90
Backglass Antenna......................................3-93
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-91
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-92
Care of Your CDs........................................3-92
Chime Level Adjustment...............................3-94
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-75
Radio with Cassette.....................................3-54
Radio with CD............................................3-64
Setting the Time..........................................3-53
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-89
1

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

H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-6
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.................... 3-8
Headlamp Wiring............................................5-94
Headlamp......................................................5-55
Aiming.......................................................5-55
Headlamps....................................................5-56
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-56
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-56
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,
and Parking Lamps..................................5-56
Heated Outside Mirrors....................................2-36
Heated Seats................................................... 1-4
Highbeam Out Warning Message......................3-48
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-23
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-23
Hitches..........................................................4-37
HomeLink Transmitter, Programming..................2-39
HomeLink
žTransmitter....................................2-39
Hood............................................................5-10
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-10
Horn............................................................... 3-7
Hot Coolant Temperature Warning Message........3-42
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank............................................5-35
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator..................5-38
How to Add Fluid............................................5-26How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-43
How to Check........................................5-24, 5-62
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter..............................................5-22
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-14
Hydroplaning..................................................4-19
I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-32
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-31
If the Light Is Flashing.....................................3-38
If the Light Is on Steady..................................3-38
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-30
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer.....................4-35
If You're Caught in a Blizzard...........................4-28
Ignition Positions.............................................2-18
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check..........................6-13
Illumination on Remote Activation........................ 2-6
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-33
In¯ation -- Tire Pressure..................................5-62
Inspection......................................................6-15
Brake System.............................................6-15
Engine Cooling System................................6-15
Exhaust System..........................................6-14
Fuel System...............................................6-15
Part C - Periodic Maintenance.......................6-14
Steering, Suspension and Front
Drive Axle Boot and Seal..........................6-14
7

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