steering CHEVROLET IMPALA 2004 8.G Owner's Guide

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. SeeWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-46.
B. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-50.
C. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-51.
D. Upper Underhood Fuse Block. See “Upperhood
Fuse Block (Upper)” underFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-103.
E. Lower Underhood Fuse Block. See “Underhood
Fuse Block (Lower)” underFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-103.
F. Radiator Pressure Cap. SeeRadiator Pressure Cap
on page 5-32.
G. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System
on page 5-35.
H. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-45.I. Electric Cooling Fan. SeeCooling System on
page 5-35.
J. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-18.
K. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-18.
L. Bleed Valves (underneath engine shield).
See “How to Add Coolant to the Radiator” under
Cooling System on page 5-35.
M. Transaxle Fluid Dipstick. SeeAutomatic Transaxle
Fluid on page 5-26.
N. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. SeeBrakes on
page 5-47.
O. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-25.
5-13

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. SeeWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-46.
B. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-50.
C. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-51.
D. Upper Underhood Fuse Block. See “Upperhood
Fuse Block (Upper)” underFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-103.
E. Lower Underhood Fuse Block. See “Underhood
Fuse Block (Lower)” underFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-103.
F. Radiator Pressure Cap. SeeRadiator Pressure Cap
on page 5-32.
G. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System
on page 5-35
H. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (low in engine
compartment). SeePower Steering Fluid on
page 5-45.I. Electric Cooling Fan. SeeCooling System on
page 5-35.
J. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-18.
K. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-18.
L. Bleed Valves (underneath engine shield).
See “How to Add Coolant to the Radiator” under
Cooling System on page 5-35.
M. Transaxle Fluid Dipstick. SeeAutomatic Transaxle
Fluid on page 5-26.
N. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. SeeBrakes on
page 5-47.
O. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-25.
5-15

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. SeeWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-46.
B. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-50.
C. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal. SeeBattery
on page 5-50.
D. Underhood Electrical Center. SeeFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-103.
E. Radiator Pressure Cap. SeeCooling System on
page 5-35.
F. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System
on page 5-35.
G. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Below Generator).
SeePower Steering Fluid on page 5-45.H. Electric Cooling Fan. SeeCooling System on
page 5-35.
I. Engine Oil Dipstick. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-18.
J. Engine Oil Fill Cap. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-18.
K. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick. SeeAutomatic
Transaxle Fluid on page 5-26.
L. Brake Fluid Reservoir. SeeAutomatic Transaxle
Fluid on page 5-26.
M. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-25.
5-17

What to Use
Use a mixture of one-halfclean, drinkable waterand
one-half DEX-COOL®coolant which won’t damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture,
you don’t need to add anything else.
{CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling
system can be dangerous. Plain water, or
some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil
before the proper coolant mixture will. Your
vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the
proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the
wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot
but you would not get the overheat warning.
Your engine could catch re and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.Notice:If you use an improper coolant mixture,
your engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and
other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
Notice:If you use the proper coolant, you do not
have to add extra inhibitors or additives which claim
to improve the system. These can be harmful.
Checking Coolant
The coolant recovery tank
is located between the
power steering uid
reservoir and the
underhood fuse block in
the engine compartment
on the passenger’s side of
the vehicle. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for more
information on location.
5-30

Power Steering Fluid
The power steering uid reservoir is located toward the
rear of the engine compartment, on the passenger’s
side of the vehicle.
It will have the above symbol on its cap. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-12.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering uid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A uid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired. SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for reservoir location.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
Turn the key off, let the engine compartment cool down,
wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean, then
unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
Replace the cap and completely tighten it. Then remove
the cap again and look at the uid level on the dipstick.
When the 3400 V6 engine compartment is hot, the level
should be at the H (hot) mark. When it’s cold, the level
should be at the C (cold) mark. If the uid is at the
ADD mark, you should add uid.
For the 3800 V6 engine, the level should be at the
HOT mark when the engine compartment is hot.
If the uid is at the ADD mark, you should add uid.
What to Use
To determine what kind of uid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
Always use the proper uid. Failure to use the proper
uid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
5-45

Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure
is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined weight
of optional accessories. Some examples of optional
accessories are, automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height to
its width.
Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is located
between the plies and the tread. Cords may be made
from steel or other reinforcing materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by
steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies are
laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.Cold Ination Pressure:The amount of air pressure in
a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) before a
tire has built up heat from driving. SeeInation - Tire
Pressure on page 5-72.
Curb Weight:This means the weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional equipment including
the maximum capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:A code molded into the sidewall of a
tire signifying that the tire is in compliance with the
U.S. Department of Transportation motor vehicle safety
standards. The DOT code includes the Tire Identication
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator which can
also identify the tire manufacturer, production plant,
brand and date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, seeLoading
Your Vehicle on page 4-32.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front
axle, seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-32.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle,
seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-32.
5-69

If a Tire Goes Flat
It’s unusual for a tire to “blowout” while you’re driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes
out of a tire, it’s much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if you should ever have a “blowout,” here are a few
tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the at tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel rmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you’d use
in a skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop, well off the road if possible.{CAUTION:
Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to do
maintenance or repairs is dangerous without
the appropriate safety equipment and training.
The jack provided with your vehicle is
designed only for changing a at tire. If it is
used for anything else, you or others could be
badly injured or killed if the vehicle slips off
the jack. Use the jack provided with your
vehicle only for changing a at tire.
If a tire goes at, the next part shows how to use your
jacking equipment to change a at tire safely.
5-81

Fuses Usage
ABS/PCM Anti-Lock Brake System, Powertrain
Control Module, Brake Switch,
Crank Relay, Canister Vent Solenoid
(Run, Crank)
STOPBrake Lamps, Body Control Module
(Run, Crank)
TURN SIGNAL Turn Signal Flashers
CRUISECruise Control Steering Column
Controls
AC/CRUISEHVAC Temp Door Motors & Module,
Cruise Control Module
A/C FAN HVAC Blower
STR COL Steering Wheel Lighting
DR LKBody Control Module, Door Lock
Controls
PWR MIR Power Mirrors
CLSTR/BCMCluster, Body Control Module,
Data Link Connector (Battery)
LH HTD
ST/BCMDriver’s Heated Seat, Body Control
Module, Battery Controlled LoadsCircuit
BreakersUsage
RETAINED
ACCESSORY
PWR BRKRPower Window, Sunroof Breaker
Relays Usage
HEADLAMP
RELAYHeadlamp Relay
RETAINED
ACCESSORY
PWR RELAYRetained Accessory Power Relay
5-105

Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and lter. Reset oil life system. SeeEngine Oil on
page 5-18.An Emission Control Service.••
Visually check for any leaks or damage.See footnote (k).••
Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace lter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-25.An Emission Control Service. See footnote †.••
Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear. SeeTires on page 5-64.••
Inspect brake system.See footnote (a).••
Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid levels and add uid as
needed.••
Perform any needed additional services. See “Additional Required Services” in
this section.••
Inspect suspension and steering components.See footnote (b).•
Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (c).•
Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (d).•
Inspect restraint system components.See footnote (e).•
Lubricate body components.See footnote (f).•
Check transaxle uid level and add uid as needed.•
Replace passenger compartment air lter (if equipped).See footnote (g).•
Inspect throttle system.See footnote (j).•
6-5

Additional Required Services (cont’d)
Service and Miles (Kilometers)25,000
(41 500)50,000
(83 000)75,000
(125 000)100,000
(166 000)125,000
(207 500)150,000
(240 000)
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark
plug wires.An Emission Control
Service.•
Engine cooling system service (or
every 5 years, whichever occurs
rst).An Emission Control Service.
See footnote (i).•
Inspect engine accessory drive belt.
An Emission Control Service.•
Maintenance Footnotes
†The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chang, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect other brake parts, including calipers,
parking brake, etc.
(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts or
signs of wear. Inspect power steering lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chang, etc.
(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
ttings and clamps; replace with genuine GM parts as
needed. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test
6-7