instrument panel CHEVROLET IMPALA 2007 9.G Service Manual

ERROR
This message displays while viewing the odometer
or trip odometers if there is a problem with the
instrument panel cluster. See your dealer for
service.
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays when your vehicle is low
on fuel. Rell the fuel tank as soon as possible.
SeeFuel Gage on page 190andFilling the Tank
on page 302for more information.
HOOD OPEN
If your vehicle has the remote start feature, this
message displays when the hood is not closed
properly. When this message appears, make sure
that the hood is closed completely. SeeHood
Release on page 305.
ICE POSSIBLE DRIVE WITH CARE
This message displays when the outside air
temperature is cold enough to create icy road
conditions. Adjust your driving accordingly.
LEFT REAR DOOR OPEN
This message displays when the driver’s side rear
door is not closed properly. When this message
appears, make sure that the driver’s side rear door
is closed completely.
OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while
the engine oil pressure is low, severe engine
damage may occur. If a low oil pressure
warning appears on the Driver Information
Center (DIC), stop the vehicle as soon as
possible. Do not drive the vehicle until the
cause of the low oil pressure is corrected. See
Engine Oil on page 310for more information.
This message displays when the vehicle’s
engine oil pressure is low. The oil pressure light
also appears on the instrument panel cluster.
SeeOil Pressure Light on page 188.
Stop the vehicle immediately, as engine damage
can result from driving a vehicle with low oil
pressure. Have the vehicle serviced by your dealer
as soon as possible when this message is
displayed.
203

SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING
SYSTEM
This message displays when there is a problem
with the generator and battery charging systems.
Driving with this problem could drain the battery.
Turn off all unnecessary accessories. Stop
and turn off the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do
so. Have the electrical system checked by your
dealer immediately.
SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM
This message displays when service is required
on the brake system. Have the brake system
serviced by your dealer as soon as possible.
The brake system warning light also appears on
the instrument panel cluster when this message
appears on the DIC. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 181.
SERVICE POWER STEERING
This message displays when a problem is
detected with the power steering system. When
this message is displayed, you may notice that the
effort required to steer the vehicle increases or
feels heavier, but you will still be able to steer the
vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer immediately.
SERVICE THEFT SYSTEM
This message displays when there is a problem
with the theft-deterrent system programmed in the
key. A fault has been detected in the system
which means that the system is disabled and it is
not protecting the vehicle. The vehicle usually
restarts; however, you may want to take the
vehicle to your dealer before turning off the engine.
SeePASS-Key
®III+ Operation on page 109for
more information.
205

SERVICE TIRE MONITOR SYSTEM
This message displays if a part on the Tire
Pressure Monitor (TPM) system is not working
properly. If you drive your vehicle while any of the
four sensors are missing or inoperable, the warning
comes on in about 20 minutes. A sensor would be
missing, for example, if you put different wheels on
your vehicle without transferring the sensors. If the
warning comes on and stays on, there may be a
problem with the TPM. See your dealer.
SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL
If your vehicle has the Traction Control System
(TCS), this message displays when the system is
not functioning properly. A warning light also
appears on the instrument panel cluster. See
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light on
page 183. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 256for more information. Have the TCS
serviced by your dealer as soon as possible.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message displays when there is a problem
with the transaxle. See your dealer for service.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message displays when a non-emissions
related malfunction occurs. Have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer as soon as possible.
STARTING DISABLED SERVICE
THROTTLE
This message displays if the starting of the engine
is disabled due to the electronic throttle control
system. Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer
immediately.
This message only appears while the ignition is in
RUN, and will not disappear until the problem
is resolved.
This message cannot be acknowledged.
THEFT ATTEMPTED
This message displays if the content theft-deterrent
system has detected a break-in attempt while
you were away from your vehicle. SeeContent
Theft-Deterrent on page 107for more information.
206

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.
253

SeeRocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on
page 277andIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 276for more
information.
To turn the system on
or off, press the traction
control button located
on the left side of
the instrument panel.
When you turn the system off, a chime will sound,
the traction control warning light will come on
and stay on and a TRACTION CONTROL OFF
message will appear on the DIC. If the traction
control system is limiting wheel spin when
you press the button to turn the system off,
the warning light will come on and the system
will turn off right away.
You can turn the system back on at any time by
pressing the button again. The traction control light
should go off.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can
affect your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories
and Modications on page 296for more
information.Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the
engine stops or the system is not functioning,
you can steer but it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a
reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned
on the news happen on curves. Here is why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is
subject to the same laws of physics when driving on
curves. The traction of the tires against the road
surface makes it possible for the vehicle to change
its path when you turn the front wheels. If there is
no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in the
same direction. If you have ever tried to steer a
vehicle on wet ice, you will understand this.
257

Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead
as you would when driving your vehicle without
a trailer. This can help you avoid situations
that require heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when
you’re towing a trailer. And, because you’re a
good deal longer, you’ll need to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before you can
return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with
one hand. Then, to move the trailer to the left, just
move that hand to the left. To move the trailer
to the right, move your hand to the right. Always
back up slowly and, if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while
trailering could cause the trailer to come in
contact with the vehicle. Your vehicle could be
damaged. Avoid making very sharp turns
while trailering.
When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider
turns than normal. Do this so your trailer
won’t strike soft shoulders, curbs, road signs,
trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or sudden
maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle may
need additional wiring. Check with your
dealer/retailer. The arrows on your instrument
panel will ash whenever you signal a turn or lane
change. Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps
will also ash, telling other drivers you’re about to
turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your
instrument panel will ash for turns even if the bulbs
on the trailer are burned out. Thus, you may think
drivers behind you are seeing your signal when
they are not. It’s important to check occasionally to
be sure the trailer bulbs are still working.
289

Tires............................................................ 351
Tire Sidewall Labeling............................... 352
Tire Terminology and Denitions............... 356
Ination - Tire Pressure............................. 359
Tire Pressure Monitor System................... 360
Tire Inspection and Rotation...................... 364
When It Is Time for New Tires.................. 366
Buying New Tires...................................... 366
Different Size Tires and Wheels................ 368
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..................... 369
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance............ 370
Wheel Replacement.................................. 371
Tire Chains............................................... 372
If a Tire Goes Flat.................................... 373
Changing a Flat Tire................................. 374
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools.......... 375
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing
the Spare Tire....................................... 377
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools...... 383
Compact Spare Tire.................................. 385Appearance Care........................................ 386
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle.......... 386
Fabric/Carpet............................................. 388
Leather...................................................... 389
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces..................................... 389
Care of Safety Belts.................................. 390
Weatherstrips............................................ 390
Washing Your Vehicle............................... 390
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses................ 391
Finish Care............................................... 391
Windshield and Wiper Blades.................... 392
Aluminum Wheels...................................... 392
Tires......................................................... 393
Sheet Metal Damage................................. 393
Finish Damage.......................................... 393
Underbody Maintenance............................ 394
Chemical Paint Spotting............................ 394
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials............ 395
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
294

Vehicle Identication.................................. 396
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)........... 396
Service Parts Identication Label............... 396
Electrical System........................................ 397
Add-On Electrical Equipment..................... 397
Headlamp Wiring....................................... 397
Windshield Wiper Fuses............................ 397Power Windows and Other Power
Options.................................................. 398
Fuses and Circuit Breakers....................... 398
Instrument Panel Fuse Block..................... 398
Underhood Fuse Block.............................. 400
Capacities and Specications.................... 403
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
295

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

Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers
and ethanol, and reformulated gasolines may
be available in your area. General Motors
recommends that you use these gasolines if they
comply with the specications described earlier.
However, E85 (85% ethanol) and other fuels
containing more than 10% ethanol must not be
used in vehicles that were not designed for
those fuels.
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.
Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions may contain an octane-enhancing
additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT); ask the attendant where you
buy gasoline whether the fuel contains MMT.
General Motors recommends against the use of
such gasolines. Fuels containing MMT can reduce
the life of spark plugs and the performance of
the emission control system may be affected.
The malfunction indicator lamp may turn on.
If this occurs, return to your dealer for service.Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
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 on page 298.
In all other engines, including the 3.5L V6
(VIN Code N), use only regular unleaded gasoline.
Only vehicles that have the 3.5L V6 engine
(VIN Code K) can use 85% ethanol fuel (E85).
We encourage the use of E85 in vehicles that
are designed to use it. The ethanol in E85
is a “renewable” fuel, meaning it is made from
renewable sources such as corn and other crops.
Many service stations will not have an 85% ethanol
fuel (E85) pump available. The U. S. Department
of Energy has an alternative fuels website
(www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/infrastructure/
locator.html) that can help you nd E85 fuel.
Those stations that do have E85 should have a
label indicating ethanol content. Do not use the
fuel if the ethanol content is greater than 85%.
300