CHEVROLET IMPALA 2010 9.G Owners Manual

R (Reverse):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice, or sand without damaging the transmission,
seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice,
or Snow on page 5-19.
N (Neutral):In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart the engine when the
vehicle is already moving, use N (Neutral) only. Also,
use N (Neutral) when the vehicle is being towed.
{
WARNING:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your
foot is firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear
while the engine is running at high speed.Notice:Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may damage
the transmission. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is
not running at high speed when shifting the vehicle.
D (Drive):This position is for normal driving. It
provides the best fuel economy. If you need more
power for passing, and you are:
•
Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push the
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
•
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator pedal all the way down.
The transmission will shift down to the next gear and
the vehicle will have more power.
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Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions
could result in skidding, see “Skidding” underLoss of
Control on page 5-11.
Notice:Driving the vehicle if you notice that it is
moving slowly or not shifting gears as you increase
speed may damage the transmission. Have the
vehicle serviced right away. You can drive in
2 (Second) when you are driving less than 35 mph
(55 km/h) and D (Drive) for higher speeds until then.
3 (Third):This position is also used for normal
driving. However, it reduces vehicle speed more than
D (Drive) without using the brakes. You might choose
3 (Third) instead of D (Drive) when driving on hilly,
winding roads, when towing a trailer, so there is less
shifting between gears and when going down a
steep hill.
2 (Second):This position reduces vehicle speed even
more than 3 (Third) without using the brakes. You can
use 2 (Second) on hills. It can help control vehicle speed
as you go down steep mountain roads. You would also
want to use the brakes off and on.Notice:Driving in 2 (Second) for more than 25 miles
(40 km) or at speeds over 55 mph (90 km/h) may
damage the transmission. Also, shifting into
2 (Second) at speeds above 65 mph (105 km/h)
can cause damage. Drive in 3 (Third) or D (Drive)
instead of 2 (Second).
1 (First):This position reduces vehicle speed even
more than 2 (Second) without using the brakes. You
can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud.
If the shift lever is in 1 (First) while the vehicle is
moving forward, the transmission will not shift into first
gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle
in one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transmission. The repair
will not be covered by the vehicle warranty. If you
are stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on
a hill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
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Parking BrakeThe parking brake is located to the left of the brake
pedal, near the driver door.
To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down,
then push down the parking brake pedal.To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal
down and push the parking brake pedal. When you lift
your foot off the parking brake pedal, the pedal will
follow it to the released position.
A warning chime will sound and a brake warning light
located on the instrument panel cluster will come
on, if the parking brake is set, the ignition is on and
the vehicle speed is greater than 8 km/h (5 mph).
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure
that the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and parking on any hill, see
Towing a Trailer on page 5-28.
3-27

Shifting Into Park
{
WARNING:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake firmly 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 5-28.
Steering Column Shift LeverIf the vehicle has a steering column shift lever, use this
procedure to shift the vehicle into P (Park):
1. Hold the brake pedal down.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by pulling the shift
lever toward you and moving it up as far as it will go.3. With your foot still holding the brake pedal down,
set the parking brake. SeeParking Brake on
page 3-27for more information.
4. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave the vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, the vehicle is in P (Park).
Console Shift LeverIf the vehicle is equipped with a console shift lever, use
this procedure to shift the vehicle into P (Park):
1. Hold the brake pedal down.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by pushing the
lever all the way toward the front of the vehicle.
3. While keeping the brake pedal applied, set the
parking brake. SeeParking Brake on page 3-27
for more information.
4. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave the vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, the vehicle is in P (Park).
3-28

Leaving the Vehicle With the Engine
Running
{
WARNING:
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with the
engine running. The vehicle could move suddenly if
the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake firmly set. And, if you leave the vehicle with
the engine running, it could overheat and even
catch fire. You or others could be injured. Do not
leave the vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave the vehicle with the engine running,
be sure your vehicle is in P (Park) and the parking
brake is firmly set before you leave it. SeeParking Brake
on page 3-27for more information.
Torque LockTorque lock is when the weight of the vehicle puts too
much force on the parking pawl in the transmission.
This happens when parking on a hill and shifting the
transmission into P (Park) is not done properly and then it
is difficult to shift out of P (Park). To prevent torque lock,
set the parking brake and then shift into P (Park). To find
out how, see “Shifting Into Park” in this section.
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 ParkAutomatic Transmission Shift LockThe 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.
3-29

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 6-39.Console ShiftIf 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 3-20for 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 ShiftIf 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 3-20for 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.Parking Over Things That Burn
{
WARNING:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under the vehicle and ignite. Do not park
over papers, leaves, dry grass, or other things that
can burn.
3-30

Engine Exhaust
{
WARNING:
Engine exhaust contains Carbon Monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. Exposure to CO
can cause unconsciousness and even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
•
The vehicle idles in areas with poor ventilation
(parking garages, tunnels, deep snow that
may block underbody airflow or tail pipes).
•
The exhaust smells or sounds strange or
different.
•
The exhaust system leaks due to corrosion or
damage.
WARNING: (Continued)
WARNING: (Continued)
•
The vehicle’s exhaust system has been
modified, damaged or improperly repaired.
•
There are holes or openings in the vehicle
body from damage or after-market
modifications that are not completely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or if it is suspected
that exhaust is coming into the vehicle:
•
Drive it only with the windows
completely down.
•
Have the vehicle repaired immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the engine running in
an enclosed area such as a garage or a building
that has no fresh air ventilation.
3-31

Running the Vehicle While ParkedIt is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{
WARNING:
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 3-31.
{
WARNING:
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 firmly 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 3-28.
If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, seeTowing a
Trailer on page 5-28.
3-32

MirrorsManual Rearview MirrorHold the inside rearview mirror in the center to move it
for a clearer view behind your vehicle. Adjust the
mirror to avoid glare from the headlamps behind you.
Pull the lever, located at the bottom of the mirror
for nighttime use. Return the lever to its original position
for the day position.
If the vehicle has map lamps, press the buttons located
at the bottom of the mirror to turn them on or off.
Vehicles with OnStar
®
have three additional control
buttons located at the bottom of the mirror. See
your dealer/retailer for more information about OnStar
®
and how to subscribe to it. See the OnStar
®
owner’s
guide for more information about the services OnStar
®
provides.
Automatic Dimming Rearview MirrorThe vehicle may have an automatic dimming rearview
mirror with the OnStar
®
System.
Press the button located below the mirror, on the far
left, for up to three seconds to turn the dimming feature
off and on.
There are two map lamps located on the bottom of the
mirror. Press the button next to each lamp to turn it
on and off.
There are also OnStar®
buttons located at the bottom of
the mirror. See your dealer/retailer for more information
about OnStar
®
and how to subscribe to it. See the
OnStar
®
owner’s guide for more information about the
service OnStar
®
provides.
3-33

Outside Power Mirrors
Controls for the outside
power mirrors are located
on the driver door armrest.
1. Press the left or right side of the selector switch
located beneath the control pad, to select the
driver or passenger mirror.
2. Press one of the four buttons located on the control
pad to move the mirror to the desired direction.
3. Adjust each outside mirror so that a little of the
vehicle and the area behind it can be seen.
Keep the selector switch in the center position when not
adjusting either outside mirror.
Outside Convex Mirror
{
WARNING:
A convex mirror can make things, like other
vehicles, look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you could
hit a vehicle on the right. Check the inside mirror
or glance over your shoulder before changing
lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex shaped. A convex
mirror’s surface is curved so more can be seen from
the driver seat.
Outside Heated MirrorsFor vehicles with heated mirrors:=
(Rear Window Defogger):Press to heat the
outside rearview mirrors. See “Rear Window Defogger”
underClimate Control System on page 4-16for more
information.
3-34