CHEVROLET IMPALA 2010 9.G Owners Manual

Additional Factors Affecting System
OperationSafety belts help keep the passenger in position on the
seat during vehicle maneuvers and braking, which helps
the passenger sensing system maintain the passenger
airbag status. See “Safety Belts” and “Child Restraints” in
the Index for additional information about the importance
of proper restraint use.
A thick layer of additional material, such as a blanket or
cushion, or aftermarket equipment such as seat covers,
seat heaters, and seat massagers can affect how well the
passenger sensing system operates. We recommend
that you not use seat covers or other aftermarket
equipment except when approved by GM for your specific
vehicle. SeeAdding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 2-73for more information about
modifications that can affect how the system operates.A wet seat can affect the performance of the passenger
sensing system. Here is how:
•
The passenger sensing system may turn off the
passenger airbag when liquid is soaked into the
seat. If this happens, the off indicator will be lit,
and the airbag readiness light on the instrument
panel will also be lit.
•
Liquid pooled on the seat that has not soaked
in may make it more likely that the passenger
sensing system will enable (turn on) the passenger
airbag while a child restraint or child occupant is
on the seat. If the passenger airbag is turned on,
the on indicator will be lit.
2-71

If the passenger seat gets wet, dry the seat immediately.
If the airbag readiness light is lit, do not install a child
restraint or allow anyone to occupy the seat. SeeAirbag
Readiness Light on page 4-24for important safety
information.
The on indicator may be lit if an object, such as a
briefcase, handbag, grocery bag, laptop or other
electronic device, is put on an unoccupied seat.
If this is not desired, remove the object from the seat.
{
WARNING:
Stowing of articles under the passenger seat or
between the passenger seat cushion and seatback
may interfere with the proper operation of the
passenger sensing system.
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped
VehicleAirbags affect how the vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the airbag system in several places
around the vehicle. Your dealer/retailer and the
service manual have information about servicing the
vehicle and the airbag system. To purchase a service
manual, seeService Publications Ordering Information
on page 8-17.
{
WARNING:
For up to 10 seconds after the ignition is turned off
and the battery is disconnected, an airbag can still
inflate during improper service. You can be injured
if you are close to an airbag when it inflates. 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 qualified to do so.
2-72

Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped VehicleQ:
Is there anything I might add to or change
about the vehicle that could keep the airbags
from working properly?
A:
Yes. If you add things that change the vehicle’s
frame, bumper system, height, front end or side
sheet metal, they may keep the airbag system from
working properly. Changing or moving any parts
of the front seats, safety belts, the airbag sensing
and diagnostic module, steering wheel, instrument
panel, roof-rail airbag modules, ceiling headliner
or pillar garnish trim, front sensors, side impact
sensors, or airbag wiring can affect the operation of
the airbag system.
In addition, the vehicle has a passenger sensing
system for the right front passenger position, which
includes sensors that are part of the passenger’s
seat. The passenger sensing system may not
operate properly if the original seat trim is replaced
with non-GM covers, upholstery or trim, or with
GM covers, upholstery or trim designed for a
different vehicle. Any object, such as an aftermarket
seat heater or a comfort enhancing pad or device,
installed under or on top of the seat fabric,could also interfere with the operation of the
passenger sensing system. This could either
prevent proper deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the passenger sensing system
from properly turning off the passenger airbag(s).
SeePassenger Sensing System on page 2-66.
If you have any questions, call Customer
Assistance. 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 8-2.
Q:
Because I have a disability, I have to get
my vehicle modified. How can I find out whether
this will affect my airbag system?
A:
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 8-2.
In addition, your dealer/retailer and the service manual
have information about the location of the airbag
sensors, sensing and diagnostic module and airbag
wiring.
2-73

Restraint System CheckChecking the Restraint SystemsSafety BeltsNow and then, check that the safety belt reminder light,
safety belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and
anchorages are all working properly.
Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system
parts that might keep a safety belt system from doing
its job. See your dealer/retailer to have it repaired. 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.
Make sure the safety belt reminder light is working.
SeeSafety Belt Reminders on page 4-23for more
information.
Keep safety belts clean and dry. SeeCare of Safety
Belts on page 6-90.
AirbagsThe airbag system does not need regularly scheduled
maintenance or replacement. Make sure the airbag
readiness light is working. SeeAirbag Readiness Light
on page 4-24for more information.
Notice:If an airbag covering is damaged, opened,
or broken, the airbag may not work properly.
Do not open or break the airbag coverings. If there
are any opened or broken airbag covers, have
the airbag covering and/or airbag module replaced.
For the location of the airbag modules, seeWhat
Makes an Airbag Inflate? on page 2-63. See
your dealer/retailer for service.
2-74

Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash
{
WARNING:
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 the vehicle has been in a crash, do you need new
safety belts or LATCH system (if equipped) parts?
After a very minor crash, nothing may be necessary.
But the safety belt assemblies that were used during any
crash may have been stressed or damaged. See your
dealer/retailer to have the safety belt assemblies
inspected or replaced.
If the vehicle has the LATCH system and it was being
used during a crash, you may need new LATCH system
parts.
New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the
safety belt or LATCH system (if equipped), was
not being used at the time of the crash.
If an airbag inflates, you will need to replace airbag
system parts. See the part on the airbag system earlier
in this section.
Have the safety belt pretensioners checked if the
vehicle has been in a crash, if the airbag readiness light
stays on after the vehicle is started, or while you are
driving. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on page 4-24.
2-75

✍NOTES2-76

Keys...............................................................3-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System................3-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation . . .................................................3-4
Remote Vehicle Start......................................3-7
Doors and Locks.............................................3-9
Door Locks....................................................3-9
Power Door Locks........................................3-10
Delayed Locking...........................................3-10
Automatic Door Lock.....................................3-10
Programmable Automatic Door Unlock.............3-11
Rear Door Security Locks..............................3-11
Lockout Protection........................................3-12
Trunk . . . . . . ....................................................3-12
Windows........................................................3-14
Power Windows............................................3-15
Sun Visors...................................................3-16
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................3-16
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................3-17
PASS-Key
®
III+ Electronic Immobilizer.............3-18
PASS-Key
®
III+ Electronic Immobilizer
Operation . . ...............................................3-18Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................3-19
New Vehicle Break-In....................................3-19
Ignition Positions..........................................3-20
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................3-21
Starting the Engine.......................................3-21
Engine Coolant Heater ..................................3-23
Automatic Transmission Operation...................3-24
Parking Brake..............................................3-27
Shifting Into Park..........................................3-28
Shifting Out of Park......................................3-29
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................3-30
Engine Exhaust............................................3-31
Running the Vehicle While Parked..................3-32
Mirrors...........................................................3-33
Manual Rearview Mirror.................................3-33
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror................3-33
Outside Power Mirrors . . .................................3-34
Outside Convex Mirror . . .................................3-34
Outside Heated Mirrors ..................................3-34
Universal Home Remote System......................3-35
Universal Home Remote System Operation
(With Three Round LED)............................3-35
Section 3 Features and Controls
3-1

Storage Areas................................................3-42
Glove Box . ..................................................3-42
Cupholders . . . ...............................................3-42
Sunglasses Storage Compartment...................3-42
Center Console Storage.................................3-42Rear Storage Area........................................3-42
Rear Seat Armrest........................................3-42
Convenience Net..........................................3-42
Sunroof.........................................................3-43
Section 3 Features and Controls
3-2

Keys
{
WARNING:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key
is dangerous for many reasons, children or others
could be badly injured or even killed. They could
operate the power windows or other controls or
even make the vehicle move. The windows will
function with the keys in the ignition and children
could be seriously injured or killed if caught in the
path of a closing window. Do not leave the keys in
a vehicle with children.
The key can be used for the ignition and the driver’s door.
See your dealer/retailer if a replacement key or
additional key is needed.
Notice:If you ever lock your keys in the vehicle,
you may have to damage the vehicle to get in.
Be sure you have spare keys.
If you are locked out of your vehicle, contact Roadside
Assistance. SeeRoadside Assistance Program on
page 8-7for more information.
3-3

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
SystemSeeRadio Frequency Statement on page 8-20for
information regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and
RSS-210/211 of Industry and Science Canada.
Changes or modifications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
If there is a decrease in the RKE operating range,
try this:•
Check the distance. The transmitter may be too far
from the vehicle. Stand closer during rainy or
snowy weather.
•
Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may
be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the
left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and
try again.
•
Check the transmitter’s battery. See “Battery
Replacement” later in this section.
•
If the transmitter is still not working correctly, see
your dealer/retailer or a qualified technician for
service.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System OperationThe Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter functions
work up to 195 feet (60 m) away from the vehicle.
There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter. SeeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 3-4./
(Remote Vehicle Start):For vehicles with this
feature, press to start the engine from outside the vehicle
using the RKE transmitter. SeeRemote Vehicle Start on
page 3-7for additional information. With Remote Start
Shown, Without Remote
Start Similar
3-4