airbag CHEVROLET IMPALA 2006 9.G Owner's Manual

If a person of adult-size is sitting in the right front
passenger’s seat, but the off indicator is lit, it could be
because that person is not sitting properly in the seat.
If this happens, turn the vehicle off and ask the person to
place the seatback in the fully upright position, then sit
upright in the seat, centered on the seat cushion, with the
person’s legs comfortably extended. Restart the vehicle
and have the person remain in this position for about two
minutes. This will allow the system to detect that person
and then enable the passenger’s airbag.
{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light in the instrument
panel cluster ever comes on and stays on,
it means that something may be wrong with
the airbag system. If this ever happens, have
the vehicle serviced promptly, because an
adult-size person sitting in the right front
passenger’s seat may not have the protection
of the frontal airbag. SeeAirbag Readiness
Light on page 3-27for more on this, including
important safety information.
1-66

Aftermarket equipment, such as seat covers, can affect
how well the passenger sensing system operates.
You may want to consider not using seat covers or
other aftermarket equipment if your vehicle has
the passenger sensing system. SeeAdding Equipment
to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-68for
more information about modications that can affect how
the system operates.
{CAUTION:
Stowing of articles under the passenger’s seat
or between the passenger’s seat cushion and
seatback may interfere with the proper
operation of the passenger sensing system.
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle
Airbags affect how your vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the airbag system in several places
around your vehicle. You do not want the system to
inate while someone is working on your vehicle.
Your dealer and the service manual have information
about servicing your vehicle and the airbag system.
To purchase a service manual, seeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-15.
{CAUTION:
For up to 10 seconds after the ignition key is
turned off and the battery is disconnected, an
airbag can still inate during improper service.
You can be injured if you are close to an airbag
when it inates. Avoid yellow connectors.
They are probably part of the airbag system.
Be sure to follow proper service procedures,
and make sure the person performing work for
you is qualied to do so.
The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.
1-67

Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q:Is there anything I might add to the front or
sides of the vehicle that could keep the
airbags from working properly?
A:Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’s
frame, bumper system, height, front end or side
sheet metal, they may keep the airbag system from
working properly. Also, the airbag system may
not work properly if you relocate any of the airbag
sensors. If you have any questions about this,
you should contact Customer Assistance before you
modify your vehicle. The phone numbers and
addresses for Customer Assistance are in Step Two
of the Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this
manual. SeeCustomer Satisfaction Procedure on
page 7-2.
Q:Because I have a disability, I have to get my
vehicle modied. How can I nd out whether
this will affect my airbag system?
A:Changing or moving any parts of the front seats,
safety belts, the airbag sensing and diagnostic
module, steering wheel, instrument panel, ceiling
headliner, ceiling and pillar garnish trim,
roof-mounted airbag modules, or airbag wiring can
affect the operation of the airbag system. If you
have questions, call Customer Assistance.
The phone numbers and addresses for Customer
Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See
Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.
1-68

Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems
Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light
and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors
and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other
loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see
anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing
its job, have it repaired. SeeCare of Safety Belts on
page 5-87for more information.
Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a
crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt
is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.Also look for any opened or broken airbag covers, and
have them repaired or replaced. The airbag system
does not need regular maintenance.
Notice:If you damage the covering for the driver’s
or the right front passenger’s airbag, or the side
impact airbag covering (if equipped) on the ceiling
near the side windows, the airbag may not work
properly. You may have to replace the airbag
module in the steering wheel, both the airbag
module and the instrument panel for the right front
passenger’s airbag, or side impact airbag module
and ceiling covering for roof-mounted side impact
airbags (if equipped.) Do not open or break the
airbag coverings.
1-69

Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash
{CAUTION:
A crash can damage the restraint systems in
your vehicle. A damaged restraint system may
not properly protect the person using it,
resulting in serious injury or even death in a
crash. To help make sure your restraint
systems are working properly after a crash,
have them inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as possible.
If you have had a crash, do you need new belts or
LATCH system parts?
After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary.
But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if
worn during a more severe crash, then you need
new parts.If the LATCH system was being used during a more
severe crash, you may need new LATCH system parts.
If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision
damage also may mean you will need to have LATCH
system, safety belt or seat parts repaired or replaced.
New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the belt
or LATCH system was not being used at the time of
the collision.
If an airbag inates, you will need to replace airbag
system parts. See the part on the airbag system earlier
in this section.
If the frontal airbags inate you will also need to replace
the driver and front passenger’s safety belt retractor
assembly. Be sure to do so. Then the new retractor
assembly will be there to help protect you in a collision.
After a crash you may need to replace the driver and
front passenger’s safety belt retractor assemblies, even
if the frontal airbags have not deployed. The driver
and front passenger’s safety belt retractor assemblies
contain the safety belt pretensioners. Have your
safety belt pretensioners checked if your vehicle has
been in a collision, or if your airbag readiness light stays
on after you start your vehicle or while you are driving.
SeeAirbag Readiness Light on page 3-27.
1-70

OnStar®System
OnStar®uses several innovative technologies and live
advisors to provide you with a wide range of safety,
security, information, and convenience services. If your
airbags deploy, the system is designed to make an
automatic call to OnStar
®Emergency where we
can request emergency services be sent to your
location. If you lock your keys in the car, call OnStar
®
at 1-888-4-ONSTAR and they can send a signal to
unlock your doors. If you need roadside assistance,
press the OnStar
®button and they can contact
Roadside Service for you.
A complete OnStar
®Owner’s Guide and the Terms and
Conditions of the OnStar®Subscription Service
Agreement are included in the vehicle’s OnStar®
Subscriber Information packet located in your vehicle.For more information, visit www.onstar.com or
www.onstar.ca, contact OnStar
®at 1-888-4-ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827), or press the OnStar®button to speak
with an OnStar®advisor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
OnStar®Services
For new vehicles equipped with OnStar®, the Safe &
Sound Plan is included for one year from the date
of purchase. You can extend this plan beyond the rst
year, or upgrade to the Directions & Connections Plan to
meet your needs. For more information, press the
OnStar
®button to speak with an advisor.
Safe & Sound Plan

Advanced Automatic Crash Notication
Automatic Notication of Airbag Deployment
Emergency Services
Roadside Assistance
Stolen Vehicle Tracking
AccidentAssist
Remote Door Unlock/Vehicle Alert
OnStar®Vehicle Diagnostics
OnStar®Hands-Free Calling
OnStar®Virtual Advisor
2-36

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn .............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-8
Windshield Washer.........................................3-9
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-12
Delayed Headlamps......................................3-14
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)/Automatic
Headlamp System......................................3-14
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-15
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-15
Courtesy Lamps...........................................3-15
Dome Lamp .................................................3-15
Entry Lighting...............................................3-16
Delayed Entry Lighting...................................3-16
Delayed Exit Lighting.....................................3-16
Parade Dimming...........................................3-17Reading Lamps............................................3-17
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-17
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-17
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-18
Climate Controls............................................3-19
Climate Control System.................................3-19
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-22
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-23
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-24
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-25
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-26
Tachometer.................................................3-26
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-26
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light.............3-26
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-27
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-28
Charging System Light..................................3-30
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-30
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-31
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light . . .3-32
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-32
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-33
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-33
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

The main components of your instrument panel are listed here:
A. Air Vent. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-22.
B. Remote Trunk Release Button. See “Remote Trunk
Release” underTrunk on page 2-13.
C. Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn Signal/Multifunction
Lever on page 3-7.
D. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-25.
E. Hazard Warning Flasher Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
F. Driver Information Center. (If your vehicle has this
feature). SeeDriver Information Center (DIC)
on page 3-39.
G. Passenger Air Bag status Indicator. SeePassenger
Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-28.
H. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-58.
I. Exterior Lamps Control. SeeExterior Lamps on
page 3-12.
J. Instrument Panel Brightness. SeeInstrument Panel
Brightness on page 3-15.
K. Traction Control On/Off Button (If your vehicle has
this feature). SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-9.L. Tilt Steering Wheel Lever. SeeTilt Wheel on
page 3-6.
M. Steering Wheel Cruise Control (If your vehicle has
this feature). SeeCruise Control on page 3-10.
N. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-11.
O. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
P. Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If your vehicle has
this feature). SeeAudio Steering Wheel Controls
on page 3-83.
Q. Ignition Switch. SeeIgnition Positions on page 2-21.
R. Climate Controls. SeeClimate Control System on
page 3-19.
S. Accessory Power Outlets. SeeAccessory Power
Outlet(s) on page 3-17.
T. Center Console Shift Lever (If your vehicle has this
feature). See “Console Shift Lever” underShifting
Into Park (P) on page 2-29.
U. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-42.
3-5

Speedometer and Odometer
Your speedometer lets you see your speed in both
miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h).
Your odometer shows how far your vehicle has
been driven in either miles (used in the United States)
or in kilometers (used in Canada).
Your vehicle has a tamper-resistant odometer. If you
see ERROR, you’ll know someone has probably
tampered with it and the numbers may not be accurate.
You may wonder what happens if your vehicle needs a
new odometer installed. If the new one can be set to the
mileage total of the old odometer, then that will be done.
But if it can’t, then it will be set at zero and a label must be
put on the driver’s door to show the old mileage reading
when the new odometer was installed.
Tachometer
Notice:If you operate the engine with the
tachometer in the shaded warning area, your vehicle
could be damaged, and the damages would not
be covered by your warranty. Do not operate
the engine with the tachometer in the shaded
warning area.
The tachometer displays the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (rpm).
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the key is turned to RUN or START, a chime will be
provided for several seconds to remind people to buckle
their safety belts. The driver safety belt light will also be
provided and stay on for several seconds, then it will ash
for several more. You should buckle your seat belt.
This chime and light will be
repeated if the driver
remains unbuckled and the
vehicle is in motion.
If the driver’s belt is buckled, neither the chime nor the
light will be provided.
Passenger Safety Belt
Reminder Light
Several seconds after the key is turned to RUN or
START, a chime will sound for several seconds
to remind the front passenger to buckle their safety belt.
This would only occur if the passenger airbag is
enabled. SeePassenger Sensing System on page 1-63
for more information. The passenger safety belt light
will also come on and stay on for several seconds, then
it will ash for several more.
3-26

This chime and light will be
repeated if the passenger
remains unbuckled and
the vehicle is in motion.
If the passenger’s safety belt is buckled, neither the
chime nor the light will come on.
Airbag Readiness Light
There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows the airbag symbol. The system
checks the airbag’s electrical system for malfunctions.
The light tells you if there is an electrical problem.
The system check includes the airbag sensors, the
airbag modules, the wiring and the crash sensing and
diagnostic module. For more information on the
airbag system, seeAirbag System on page 1-55.
This light will come on
when you start your
vehicle, and it will ash for
a few seconds. Then the
light should go out. This
means the system is ready.If the airbag readiness light stays on after you start the
vehicle or comes on when you are driving, your
airbag system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.
{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light stays on after you
start your vehicle, it means the airbag system
may not be working properly. The airbags in
your vehicle may not inate in a crash, or they
could even inate without a crash. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have your vehicle
serviced right away if the airbag readiness light
stays on after you start your vehicle.
The airbag readiness light should ash for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the
light does not come on then, have it xed so it will
be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
3-27