service CHEVROLET IMPALA 2008 9.G Owners Manual

If your vehicle cannot be driven, know where the
towing service will be taking it. Get a card from
the tow truck operator or write down the driver’s
name, the service’s name, and the phone number.
Remove any valuables from your vehicle before it is
towed away. Make sure this includes your insurance
information and registration if you keep these
items in your vehicle.
Gather the important information you will need from
the other driver. Things like name, address, phone
number, driver’s license number, vehicle license
plate, vehicle make, model and model year, Vehicle
Identication Number (VIN), insurance company
and policy number, and a general description of the
damage to the other vehicle.
If possible, call your insurance company from the
scene of the crash. They will walk you through
the information they will need. If they ask for
a police report, phone or go to the police
department headquarters the next day and you can
get a copy of the report for a nominal fee. In
some states/provinces with “no fault” insurance
laws, a report may not be necessary. This is
especially true if there are no injuries and both
vehicles are driveable.
Choose a reputable collision repair facility for your
vehicle. Whether you select a dealer/retailer or a
private collision repair facility to x the damage,
make sure you are comfortable with them.
Remember, you will have to feel comfortable with
their work for a long time.
Once you have an estimate, read it carefully and
make sure you understand what work will be
performed on your vehicle. If you have a question,
ask for an explanation. Reputable shops welcome
this opportunity.
7-13

Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your
vehicle has a safety defect, notify Transport Canada
immediately, in addition to notifying General Motors of
Canada Limited. Call them at 1-800-333-0510 or write to:
Transport Canada
Road Safety Branch
2780 Sheffield Road
Ottawa, Ontario K1B 3V9
Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in
a situation like this, please notify General Motors.
Call 1-800-222-1020, or write:
Chevrolet Motor Division
Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33170
Detroit, MI 48232-5170
In Canada, call 1-800-263-3777 (English) or
1-800-263-7854 (French), or write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, CA1-163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins’ give additional technical service
information needed to knowledgeably service General
Motors cars and trucks. Each bulletin contains
instructions to assist in the diagnosis and service of
your vehicle.
Owner Information
Owner publications are written specically for owners
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The owner manual includes the
Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner Manual, and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00 (U.S.) plus processing fee
Without Portfolio: Owner Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00 (U.S.) plus processing fee
7-15

Current and Past Model Order Forms
Technical Service Bulletins and Manuals are available
for current and past model GM vehicles. To request
an order form, 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
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. on the
World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com
Or you can write to:
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.
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy
Your GM vehicle has a number of sophisticated
computers that record information about the vehicle’s
performance and how it is driven. For example,
your vehicle uses computer modules to monitor and
control engine and transmission performance, to monitor
the conditions for airbag deployment and deploy
airbags in a crash and, if so equipped, to provide
antilock braking to help the driver control the vehicle.
These modules may store data to help your
dealer/retailer technician service your vehicle. Some
modules may also store data about how you operate the
vehicle, such as rate of fuel consumption or average
speed. These modules may also retain the owner’s
personal preferences, such as radio pre-sets, seat
positions, and temperature settings.
7-16

OnStar®
If your vehicle has OnStar®and you subscribe to
the OnStar®services, please refer to the OnStar®Terms
and Conditions for information on data collection and
use. See alsoOnStar
®System on page 2-38in
this manual for more information.
Navigation System
If your vehicle has a navigation system, use of the
system may result in the storage of destinations,
addresses, telephone numbers, and other trip
information. Refer to the navigation system operating
manual for information on stored data and for deletion
instructions.
Radio Frequency
Identication (RFID)
RFID technology is used in some vehicles for functions
such as tire pressure monitoring and ignition system
security, as well as in connection with conveniences
such as key fobs for remote door locking/unlocking and
starting, and in-vehicle transmitters for garage door
openers. RFID technology in GM vehicles does not use
or record personal information or link with any other
GM system containing personal information.
7-18

A
Accessories and Modications............................ 5-3
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-67
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-7
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-98
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-22
Air Conditioning..............................................3-22
Airbag
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-32
Readiness Light..........................................3-31
Airbag System................................................1-54
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?........1-60
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-59
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-57
Airbag Systems
Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle............................1-67
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-60
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-62
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-66
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-60
Antenna, Backglass.........................................3-88
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio
Antenna System..........................................3-88
Antilock Brake System (ABS)............................. 4-4
Antilock Brake, System Warning Light................3-35Appearance Care
Aluminum Wheels........................................5-95
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-93
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-96
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-94
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-91
Finish Care.................................................5-94
Finish Damage............................................5-96
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces.................................................5-92
Interior Cleaning..........................................5-90
Leather......................................................5-92
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-96
Tires
..........................................................5-96
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-96
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-97
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-93
Weatherstrips..............................................5-93
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-95
Appointments, Scheduling Service....................... 7-9
Ashtray.........................................................3-21
Audio System.................................................3-66
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-86
Backglass Antenna......................................3-88
Radio Reception..........................................3-87
Setting the Time..........................................3-67
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-85
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-88
1

Customer Assistance Information (cont.)
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors.......7-15
Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government..............................7-15
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government.........................7-14
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-15
D
Daytime Running Lamps/Automatic Headlamp
System......................................................3-16
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Delayed Entry Lighting.....................................3-18
Delayed Exit Lighting.......................................3-18
Delayed Headlamps........................................3-15
Delayed Locking.............................................2-11
DIC Compass.................................................3-49
Disc, MP3......................................................3-80
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Dome Lamp...................................................3-17
Door
Automatic Door Lock....................................2-12
Delayed Locking..........................................2-11
Locks........................................................2-10
Power Door Locks.......................................2-11
Programmable Automatic Door Unlock............2-12
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-12Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-44
DIC Operation and Displays..........................3-44
DIC Vehicle Customization............................3-60
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-52
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-13
Before a Long Trip......................................4-14
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Highway Hypnosis.......................................4-14
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-15
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-13
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-20
Winter........................................................4-16
E
EDR .............................................................7-16
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-98
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-99
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-99
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-99
Power Windows and Other Power Options.........5-99
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-100
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-99
Electronic Stability Control................................. 4-7
4

Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-22
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-39
Coolant......................................................5-26
Coolant Heater............................................2-25
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-38
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-37
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-14
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-14
Exhaust.....................................................2-34
Oil .............................................................5-17
Oil Life System...........................................5-20
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-31
Overheating................................................5-29
Running While Parked..................................2-34
Starting......................................................2-23
Entry Lighting.................................................3-17
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-17
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-30
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-14
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-22
Finish Damage...............................................5-96
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-6Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-9
Flat Tire........................................................5-77
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-78
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-87
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-24
Power Steering...........................................5-37
Windshield Washer......................................5-38
Fog Lamp
Fog ...........................................................3-16
Fog Lamp Light..............................................3-42
Folding Rear Seat............................................ 1-8
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-7
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
E85 (85% Ethanol)........................................ 5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-12
Filling the Tank...........................................5-10
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-9
Gage.........................................................3-43
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-6
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-6
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-99
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-99
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-100
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-99
5

Locks
Automatic Door Lock....................................2-12
Delayed Locking..........................................2-11
Door..........................................................2-10
Lockout Protection.......................................2-13
Power Door................................................2-11
Programmable Automatic Door Unlock............2-12
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-12
Loss of Control...............................................4-12
Lumbar
Manual Controls............................................ 1-3
M
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-6
At Each Fuel Fill........................................... 6-9
At Least Once a Month.................................. 6-9
At Least Once a Year..................................6-10
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Footnotes.................................. 6-7
Maintenance Record....................................6-15
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts.........6-13
Owner Checks and Services........................... 6-8
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-12Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using.......................................................... 6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-39
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-3
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Manual, Using.................................................... iii
Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-52
Mirror Reading Lamps.....................................3-19
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview with OnStar
®.....2-36
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-35
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®.............2-36
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-37
Outside Power Heated Mirrors.......................2-37
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-37
MP3 .............................................................3-80
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-4
N
Navigation System, Privacy..............................7-18
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-21
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............6-13
8

O
Odometer......................................................3-29
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-11
Oil
Engine.......................................................5-17
Pressure Light.............................................3-42
Oil, Engine Oil Life System..............................5-20
Older Children, Restraints................................1-31
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-4
OnStar, Privacy..............................................7-18
OnStar
®System, see OnStar®Manual...............2-38
Operation, Universal Home Remote System........2-42
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-6
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-25
Outlets
Accessory Power.........................................3-20
Outside
Convex Mirror.............................................2-37
Power Heated Mirrors..................................2-37
Power Mirrors.............................................2-37
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode.....5-31
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 6-8
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
P
Paint, Damage...............................................5-96
Parade Dimming.............................................3-18
Park Brake....................................................2-30
Park (P)
Shifting Into................................................2-30
Shifting Out of............................................2-32
Parking
Over Things That Burn.................................2-33
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator.....................3-32
Passenger Compartment Air Filter.....................3-26
Passenger Sensing System..............................1-62
Passing.........................................................4-11
PASS-Key
®III+..............................................2-19
PASS-Key®III+ Operation................................2-20
Perchlorate Materials Requirements, California...... 5-4
Power
Door Locks.................................................2-11
Electrical System.........................................5-99
Retained Accessory (RAP)............................2-23
Seat............................................................ 1-3
Steering Fluid.............................................5-37
Windows....................................................2-16
Pressure Cap.................................................5-29
9

S
Safety Belt
Reminder Light............................................3-30
Safety Belts
Care of......................................................5-93
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................1-15
Lap Belt.....................................................1-29
Lap-Shoulder Belt........................................1-24
Safety Belt Extender....................................1-30
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy.................1-29
Safety Belts Are for Everyone.......................1-10
Safety Warnings and Symbols.............................. iii
Scheduled Maintenance..................................... 6-4
Seats
Center Seat.................................................. 1-8
Head Restraints............................................ 1-7
Heated Seats............................................... 1-4
Manual Lumbar............................................. 1-3
Power Seats................................................. 1-3
Reclining Seatbacks...................................... 1-4
Split Folding Rear Seat.................................. 1-8
Securing a Child Restraint
Center Front Seat Position............................1-50
Rear Seat Position......................................1-47
Right Front Seat Position..............................1-50
Security Light.................................................3-42Service........................................................... 5-3
Accessories and Modications......................... 5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle.............................................. 5-5
California Pershlorate Materials Requirements..... 5-4
California Proposition 65 Warning.................... 5-4
Doing Your Own Work................................... 5-4
Engine Soon Light.......................................3-39
Publications Ordering Information...................7-15
Service, Scheduling Appointments....................... 7-9
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..............1-66
Sheet Metal Damage.......................................5-96
Shifting Into Park (P).......................................2-30
Shifting Out of Park (P)...................................2-32
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change.......................... 3-8
Spare Tire
Compact....................................................5-89
Installing....................................................5-81
Removing
...................................................5-79
Storing.......................................................5-87
Specications, Capacities...............................5-103
Speedometer..................................................3-29
Split Folding Rear Seat..................................... 1-8
StabiliTrak
®Control Indicator Light, Electronic......3-36
Start Vehicle, Remote....................................... 2-8
Starting the Engine.........................................2-23
Steering.......................................................... 4-9
11