automatic transmission CHEVROLET IMPALA 2009 9.G Owners Manual

Keys...............................................................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System................2-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation...................................................2-5
Remote Vehicle Start......................................2-7
Doors and Locks.............................................2-9
Door Locks....................................................2-9
Power Door Locks........................................2-10
Delayed Locking...........................................2-10
Automatic Door Lock.....................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Unlock.............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks..............................2-11
Lockout Protection........................................2-12
Trunk..........................................................2-12
Windows........................................................2-14
Power Windows............................................2-15
Sun Visors...................................................2-16
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-16
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-16
PASS-Key
®III+ Electronic Immobilizer.............2-17
PASS-Key®III+ Electronic Immobilizer
Operation.................................................2-18Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-19
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-19
Ignition Positions..........................................2-20
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-21
Starting the Engine.......................................2-21
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-22
Active Fuel Management™ (5.3L V8 Engine). . . .2-23
Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-24
Parking Brake..............................................2-26
Shifting Into Park..........................................2-27
Shifting Out of Park......................................2-29
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-30
Engine Exhaust............................................2-30
Running the Vehicle While Parked..................2-31
Mirrors...........................................................2-32
Manual Rearview Mirror.................................2-32
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror................2-32
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-32
Outside Convex Mirror...................................2-33
Outside Heated Mirrors..................................2-33
OnStar®System.............................................2-33
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

Automatic Transmission Operation
The automatic transmission has a shift lever on the
steering column or on the console between the seats.
There is a display, located on the instrument panel
cluster that will indicate the gear the vehicle is in.
Maximum engine speed is limited on automatic
transmission vehicles while in P (Park) or N (Neutral) to
protect driveline components from improper operation.
There are several different positions for the shift lever.
P (Park):This position locks the front wheels. It is
the best position to use when the engine is started
because the vehicle cannot move easily.{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake rmly set. The vehicle can roll. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are
on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow. If
you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-28.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park) before
starting the engine. The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You must fully
apply the brakes rst, then press the shift lever
button before you can shift from P (Park) while the
ignition is in ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out of P (Park),
ease pressure on the shift lever and push the shift
lever all the way into P (Park) as you maintain brake
application. Then press the shift lever button and move
the shift lever into another gear. SeeShifting Out of
Park on page 2-29.
2-24

If torque lock does occur, your vehicle may need to be
pushed uphill by another vehicle to relieve the parking
pawl pressure, so you can shift out of P (Park).
Shifting Out of Park
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
The vehicle has an electronic shift lock release system.
The shift lock release is designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift lever is
in P (Park)
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of P (Park),
unless the ignition is in ON/RUN and the regular
brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock is always functional except in the case of a
an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9 volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery with
low voltage, try charging or jump starting the battery.
SeeJump Starting on page 5-40.
Console Shift
If the console shift lever cannot be moved out of
P (Park):
1. Apply and maintain the regular brakes.
2. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN position. SeeIgnition
Positions on page 2-20for more information.3. Let up on the shift lever and make sure the shift
lever is pushed all the way into P (Park).
4. Press the shift lever button
5. Then, move the shift into the desired gear.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from P (Park),
consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing
service.
Column Shift
If the column shift lever cannot be moved out of
P (Park):
1. Apply and maintain the regular brakes.
2. Turn the ignition key to the ON/RUN position. See
Ignition Positions on page 2-20for more information.
3. Shift out of the P (Park) position to the N (Neutral)
position.
4. Move the vehicle to a safe location.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from P (Park),
consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing
service.
2-29

Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed area with poor
ventilation is dangerous. Engine exhaust may
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust contains Carbon
Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
Never run the engine in an enclosed area that has
no fresh air ventilation. For more information, see
Engine Exhaust on page 2-30.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
automatic transmission shift lever is not fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake rmly set. The
vehicle can roll. Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running unless you have to. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are
on fairly level ground, always set the parking
brake and move the shift lever to P (Park).
Follow the proper steps to be sure the vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into Park on page 2-27.
If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, seeTowing a
Trailer on page 4-28.
2-31

Driver Information Center (DIC)
Your vehicle has a Driver Information Center (DIC).
All messages will appear in the DIC display located
below the speedometer in the instrument panel cluster.
The DIC buttons are located on the instrument panel,
to the right of the instrument panel cluster.
The DIC comes on when the ignition is on. After a short
delay, the DIC will display the information that was
last displayed before the engine was turned off.
The DIC displays trip, fuel, and vehicle system
information, and warning messages if a system problem
is detected. The bottom line of the DIC shows the shift
lever position indicator. SeeAutomatic Transmission
Operation on page 2-24for more information.
If your vehicle has these features, the DIC also displays
the compass direction and the outside air temperature
when viewing the trip and fuel information. The compass
direction appears on the top right corner of the DIC
display. The outside air temperature automatically
appears in the bottom right corner of the DIC display.
If there is a problem with the system that controls the
temperature display, the numbers will be replaced with
dashes. If this occurs, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer.
The DIC also allows some features to be customized.
SeeDIC Vehicle Customization on page 3-57for
more information.
DIC Operation and Displays
The DIC has different displays which can be accessed
by pressing the DIC buttons located on the instrument
panel, to the right of the instrument panel cluster.
DIC Buttons
The buttons are
the trip/fuel, vehicle
information, customization,
and set/reset buttons.
The button functions are
detailed in the following
pages.
3(Trip/Fuel):Press this button to display the
odometer, trip odometers, fuel range, average economy,
instantaneous economy, Active Fuel Management™
indicator on vehicles with this feature, and average
speed.
3-42

If the problem does not clear after restarting the vehicle,
you should see your dealer/retailer for service. See
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-49for more
information.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3for more information.
Traction Control System (TCS)
The vehicle may have a Traction Control System (TCS)
that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. The system operates only if it senses
that one or both of the front wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the
system reduces engine power and may also upshift
the transmission and apply the front brakes to limit
wheel spin.
This light will ash
when the TCS is limiting
wheel spin.
The system may be heard or felt while it is working, but
this is normal.If cruise control is being used when TCS begins to limit
wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically
disengage. Cruise control may be reengaged when road
conditions allow. SeeCruise Control on page 3-9.
The TCS operates in all transmission shift lever
positions. But the system can upshift the transmission
only as high as the shift lever position chosen, so
use the lower gears only when necessary. See
Automatic Transmission Operation on page 2-24.
When the system is on,
this warning light comes
on and stays on if there is
a problem.
A SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL message also
appears on the DIC. When this warning light is on, the
system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving
accordingly. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-49for more information.
To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road
conditions, TCS should always be left on. But the
system can be turned off if needed.
4-8

Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal while you:
start the engine,
shift into a gear, and
release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when pulling a
trailer. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4
for more information. Things that are especially
important in trailer operation are automatic transmission
uid, engine oil, belts, cooling system and brake
system. It is a good idea to inspect these before and
during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-31.
Changing a Tire When Trailer Towing
If the vehicle gets a at tire while towing a trailer,
be sure to secure the trailer and disconnect it from the
vehicle before changing the tire.
4-34

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-4
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....5-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the
Vehicle......................................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)..................................5-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-9
Filling the Tank............................................5-10
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-12
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-12
Hood Release..............................................5-13
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-14
Engine Oil...................................................5-17
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-20
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-21
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-24
Cooling System............................................5-26
Engine Coolant.............................................5-28Pressure Cap...............................................5-31
Engine Overheating.......................................5-31
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-34
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-34
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-35
Brakes........................................................5-37
Battery........................................................5-40
Jump Starting...............................................5-40
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-45
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-45
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-45
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
and Parking Lamps....................................5-46
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps
and Back-up Lamps...................................5-49
License Plate Lamp......................................5-51
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-51
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-51
Tires..............................................................5-53
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-54
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-57
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-60
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-62
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-35.
B. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-40.
C. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-98.
D. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-40.
E. Coolant Recovery Tank. See “Checking Coolant”
underCooling System on page 5-26.
F. Pressure Cap. SeePressure Cap on page 5-31.
G. Power Steering Fluid Cap. SeePower Steering Fluid
on page 5-34.H. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-17.
I. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-17.
J. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick (Out of View).
See “Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-24.
K. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-37.
L. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-21.
5-15

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-35.
B. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-40.
C. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-98.
D. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-40.
E. Pressure Cap. SeePressure Cap on page 5-31.
F. Power Steering Fluid Cap. SeePower Steering Fluid
on page 5-34.
G. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-17.
H. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-17.
I. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick. See
“Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-24.
J. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-37.
K. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-21.
L. Coolant Recovery Tank. See “Checking Coolant”
underCooling System on page 5-26.Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil level at each
fuel ll. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-14for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If this is not done, the
oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5-17