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
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Case Unit Repair Manual
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Service Bulletins give technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars
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In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service
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(1-800-463-7483).
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Owner publications are written speci®cally for owners
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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
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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

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

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

F
Filter.............................................................5-22
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-22
Finding a PTY Station
(RDS and XMŸ).........................3-58, 3-68, 3-80
Finding a Station............................3-56, 3-66, 3-78
Finish Care....................................................5-89
Finish Damage...............................................5-90
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-9
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-72
Flat Tire........................................................5-71
Fluid.............................................................5-24
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-24
Power Steering...........................................5-43
Windshield Washer......................................5-44
FM Stereo.....................................................3-91
FOB HORN (Remote Audible Veri®cation)...........2-49
FOB LIGHT (Remote Visual Veri®cation)............2-48
FOB PROG (Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter
Programming).............................................2-53
Fog Lamps....................................................3-16
Folding Rear Seat............................................ 1-7
Following Distance..........................................4-38
Front Storage Area.........................................2-43
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6Fuel (cont.)
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-6
Gage.........................................................3-40
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Speci®cations.................................. 5-5
Low Warning Message.................................3-47
System Inspection.......................................6-15
Fuses...........................................................5-95
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-95
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-94
G
Gage............................................................3-36
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-36
Fuel..........................................................3-40
Speedometer..............................................3-31
Tachometer.................................................3-32
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-39
Gasoline......................................................... 5-5
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Speci®cations............................................... 5-5
Gate Operator and Canadian Programming........2-41
Glove Box.....................................................2-43
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
6

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

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