check engine light CHEVROLET IMPALA 2007 9.G User Guide

Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic.
This is a mistake. The brakes may not have time to
cool between hard stops. The brakes will wear out
much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you
keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic
following distances, you will eliminate a lot of
unnecessary braking. That means better braking
and longer brake life.
If your vehicle’s engine ever stops while you are
driving, brake normally but do not pump the
brakes. If you do, the pedal may get harder to
push down. If the engine stops, you will still have
some power brake assist. But you will use it
when you brake. Once the power assist is used
up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal
will be harder to push.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modications on page 296.Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle might have the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS), an advanced electronic braking
system that will help prevent a braking skid.
If your vehicle has ABS,
this warning light on
the instrument
panel cluster will come
on briey when you
start your vehicle.
When you start the engine, or when you begin to
drive away, ABS will check itself. You might hear a
momentary motor or clicking noise while this test is
going on, and you might even notice that the brake
pedal moves or pulses a little. This is normal.
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Once you are moving on the freeway, make
certain you allow a reasonable following distance.
Expect to move slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway, move to the
proper lane well in advance. If you miss your
exit, do not, under any circumstances, stop and
back up. Drive on to the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite
sharply. The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce
your speed according to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any
distance at higher speeds, you may tend to think
you are going slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you are ready. Try to be well rested.
If you must start when you are not fresh — such as
after a day’s work — do not plan to make too
many miles that rst part of the journey. Wear
comfortable clothing and shoes you can easily
drive in.Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it is ready to go. If it
needs service, have it done before starting out.
Of course, you will nd experienced and able
service experts in GM dealerships all across North
America. They will be ready and willing to help
if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir
full? Are all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:Have you
checked all levels?
Lamps:Are they all working? Are the
lenses clean?
Tires:They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough
for long-distance driving? Are the tires
all inated to the recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts:What is the weather
outlook along your route? Should you
delay your trip a short time to avoid a major
storm system?
Maps:Do you have up-to-date maps?
269

You can run the engine to keep warm, but be
careful.
{CAUTION:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under
your vehicle. This can cause deadly CO
(carbon monoxide) gas to get inside.
CO could overcome you and kill you.
You cannot see it or smell it, so you might
not know it is in your vehicle. Clear away
snow from around the base of your
vehicle, especially any that is blocking
the exhaust pipe. And check around again
from time to time to be sure snow does
not collect there.
Open a window just a little on the side of
the vehicle that is away from the wind.
This will help keep CO out.
Run the engine only as long as you must.
This saves fuel. When you run the engine, make it
go a little faster than just idle. That is, push the
accelerator slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat
that you get and it keeps the battery charged.
275

Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle
Things you might add to the outside of your
vehicle can affect the airow around it. This may
cause wind noise and affect windshield washer
performance. Check with your dealer before
adding equipment to the outside of your vehicle.
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an important part
of the proper maintenance of your vehicle. To
help keep the engine clean and maintain optimum
vehicle performance, GM recommends the use
of gasoline advertised as TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline.
The 8th digit of the Vehicle Identication Number
(VIN) shows the code letter or number that
identies your vehicle’s engine. The VIN is at the
top left of the instrument panel. SeeVehicle
Identication Number (VIN) on page 396.
If your vehicle has the 3.5L V6 engine (VIN Code K
only), you can use either regular unleaded gasoline
or ethanol fuel containing up to 85% ethanol (E85);
also seeFuel E85 (85% Ethanol) on page 300.In
all other engines, use only regular unleaded
gasoline.
Gasoline Octane
For all vehicles except those with the 5.3L V8
engine (VIN Code C), use regular unleaded
gasoline with a posted octane rating of 87 or
higher. If the octane rating is less than 87,
you might notice an audible knocking noise
when you drive, commonly referred to as spark
knock. If this occurs, use a gasoline rated at
87 octane or higher as soon as possible.
If you are using gasoline rated at 87 octane
or higher and you hear heavy knocking,
the engine needs service.
If your vehicle has the 5.3L V8 engine
(VIN Code C), use premium unleaded gasoline
with a posted octane rating of 91 or higher.
You can also use regular unleaded gasoline
rated at 87 octane or higher, but your vehicle’s
acceleration could be slightly reduced, and you
might notice a slight audible knocking noise,
commonly referred to as spark knock. If the octane
is less than 87, you might notice a heavy knocking
noise when you drive. If this occurs, use a gasoline
rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as possible.
Otherwise, you could damage the engine. If you are
using gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher and you
hear heavy knocking, the engine needs service.
298

At a minimum, E85 should meet ASTM
Specication D 5798. By denition, this means
that fuel labeled E85 will have an ethanol content
between 70% and 85%. Filling the fuel tank with
fuel mixtures that do not meet ASTM specications
can affect driveability and could cause the check
engine light to come on.
To ensure quick starts in the wintertime, the E85
fuel must be formulated properly for your climate
according to ASTM specication D 5798. If you
have trouble starting on E85, it could be because
the E85 fuel is not properly formulated for your
climate. If this happens, switching to gasoline or
adding gasoline to the fuel tank can improve
starting. For good starting and heater efficiency
below 32°F (0°C), the fuel mix in the fuel tank
should contain no more than 70% ethanol. It is best
not to alternate repeatedly between gasoline and
E85. If you do switch fuels, it is recommended that
you add as much fuel as possible — do not add
less than three gallons (11 L) when refueling. You
should drive the vehicle immediately after refueling
for at least seven miles (11 km) to allow the vehicle
to adapt to the change in ethanol concentration.
E85 has less energy per gallon than gasoline,
so you will need to rell the fuel tank more often
when using E85 than when you are using gasoline.
SeeFilling the Tank on page 302.Notice:Some additives are not compatible
with E85 fuel and can harm your vehicle’s fuel
system. Do not add anything to E85. Damage
caused by additives would not be covered
by your new vehicle warranty.
Notice:Your vehicle was not designed for
fuel that contains methanol. Do not use
fuel containing methanol. It can corrode metal
parts in the fuel system and also damage
plastic and rubber parts. That damage would
not be covered under your warranty.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside
the United States or Canada, the proper fuel might
be hard to nd. Never use leaded gasoline or
any other fuel not recommended in the previous
text on fuel. Costly repairs caused by use of
improper fuel would not be covered by your
warranty.
To check the fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business
in the country where you will be driving.
301

How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
what kind of transaxle uid to use. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 417.
If the uid level is low, add only enough of the
proper uid to bring the level into the
cross-hatched area on the dipstick.
1. Pull out the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough uid at
the dipstick hole to bring it to the proper level.
It does not take much uid, generally less
than one pint (0.5 L). Do not overll.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic
transaxle uid may damage your vehicle, and
the damages may not be covered by your
warranty. Always use the automatic transaxle
uid listed inRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 417.
3. After adding uid, recheck the uid level as
described under “How to Check Automatic
Transaxle Fluid,” earlier in this section.
4. When the correct uid level is obtained, push
the dipstick back in all the way.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is
designed to remain in your vehicle for ve years or
150,000 miles (240 000 km), whichever occurs rst,
if you add only DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and
how to add coolant when it is low. If you have a
problem with engine overheating or if you need to
add coolant to the radiator, seeEngine Overheating
on page 323.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to
−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®
may cause premature engine, heater core, or
radiator corrosion. In addition, the engine
coolant may require changing sooner, at
the rst maintenance service after each
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
320

{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant
on hot engine parts. Coolant contains
ethylene glycol, and it will burn if the
engine parts are hot enough. Do not spill
coolant on a hot engine.
Occasionally check the coolant level in the
radiator. For information on how to add coolant to
the radiator, seeCooling System on page 326.
Pressure Cap
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and possible engine
damage may occur. Be sure the cap is properly
and tightly secured.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 306
for more information on location.
Engine Overheating
There is a coolant temperature gage and a
warning light on the instrument panel that indicate
an overheated engine condition. SeeEngine
Coolant Temperature Gage on page 184
andEngine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
on page 183.
In addition, you will nd an ENGINE
OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE and an ENGINE
OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE message
displayed on the vehicle’s Driver Information
Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 199for more information.
323

Notice:Ignoring these steps could result in
costly damage to your vehicle that would
not be covered by your warranty.
Trying to start your vehicle by pushing or
pulling it will not work, and it could damage
your vehicle.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a
12-volt battery with a negative ground system.
Notice:If the other vehicle’s system is not a
12-volt system with a negative ground,
both vehicles can be damaged. Only use
vehicles with 12-volt systems with negative
grounds to jump start your vehicle.
2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper
cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles are
not touching each other. If they are, it could
cause a ground connection you do not want.
You would not be able to start your vehicle, and
the bad grounding could damage the electrical
systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling,
set the parking brake rmly on both vehicles
involved in the jump start procedure. Put an
automatic transaxle in PARK (P) or a manual
transaxle in NEUTRAL before setting the
parking brake.Notice:If you leave your radio or other
accessories on during the jump starting
procedure, they could be damaged. The repairs
would not be covered by your warranty.
Always turn off your radio and other
accessories when jump starting your vehicle.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles.
Unplug unnecessary accessories plugged into
the cigarette lighter or the accessory power
outlets. Turn off the radio and all lamps
that are not needed. This will avoid sparks
and help save both batteries. And it could
save the radio!
4. Open the hoods and locate the batteries.
Find the positive (+) and negative (−)
terminal locations on each vehicle.
You will not need to access your battery for
jump starting. Your vehicle has a remote
positive (+) jump starting terminal for that
purpose. The remote positive (+) terminal is
located in the engine compartment on the
passenger’s side of the vehicle, on the
underhood fuse block. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 306
for more information on location.
339

C
Calibration................................................... 197
California Fuel............................................. 299
California Proposition 65 Warning................ 297
Canadian Owners........................................... 3
Capacities and Specications...................... 403
Carbon Monoxide..............102, 124, 272, 284
Care of
Safety Belts............................................. 390
Your CD Player........................................ 245
Your CDs ................................................. 245
CD, MP3 ..................................................... 236
Center Console Storage Area...................... 144
Center Front Passenger Position,
Safety Belts............................................... 34
Center Seat.................................................. 14
Chains, Tire................................................. 372
Charging System Light................................ 181
Check
Engine Light............................................ 185
Checking Things Under the Hood................ 304
Chemical Paint Spotting.............................. 394
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems............................. 47
Infants and Young Children........................ 43Child Restraints (cont.)
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..... 54
Older Children........................................... 41
Securing a Child Restraint in a
Rear Seat Position ................................. 61
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Center Front Seat Position..................... 63
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position........................ 64
Where to Put the Restraint........................ 52
Cigarette Lighter.......................................... 168
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels.................................... 392
Exterior Lamps/Lenses............................. 391
Fabric/Carpet........................................... 388
Finish Care.............................................. 391
Inside of Your Vehicle.............................. 386
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and
Other Plastic Surfaces.......................... 389
Leather.................................................... 389
Tires........................................................ 393
Underbody Maintenance........................... 394
Washing Your Vehicle.............................. 390
Weatherstrips........................................... 390
Windshield and Wiper Blades................... 392
447

Door
Automatic Door Lock................................ 100
Locks......................................................... 98
Power Door Locks..................................... 99
Programmable Automatic Door Unlock..... 100
Rear Door Security Locks........................ 100
Driver
Position, Safety Belt................................... 24
Driver Information Center (DIC)................... 190
DIC Operation and Displays..................... 191
DIC Vehicle Customization....................... 208
DIC Warnings and Messages................... 199
Driving
At Night................................................... 263
City.......................................................... 267
Defensive................................................. 248
Drunken................................................... 249
Freeway................................................... 268
Hill and Mountain Roads.......................... 270
In Rain and on Wet Roads...................... 264
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.......... 277
Winter...................................................... 272E
EDR ............................................................ 443
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment................................... 397
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...................... 398
Headlamp Wiring..................................... 397
Instrument Panel Fuse Block................... 398
Power Windows and Other
Power Options...................................... 398
Underhood Fuse Block............................. 400
Windshield Wiper Fuses........................... 397
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter...................................... 316
Check and Service Engine Soon Light..... 185
Coolant.................................................... 320
Coolant Heater......................................... 115
Coolant Temperature Gage...................... 184
Coolant Temperature Warning Light.......... 183
Drive Belt Routing.................................... 420
Engine Compartment Overview................ 306
Exhaust................................................... 124
449