engine CHEVROLET IMPALA 2010 9.G Owner's 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.
3-25

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

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

Instrument Panel Overview...............................4-3
Hazard Warning Flashers................................4-3
Horn.............................................................4-3
Tilt Wheel . . . ..................................................4-3
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................4-4
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................4-4
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................4-5
Flash-to-Pass.................................................4-5
Windshield Wipers..........................................4-5
Windshield Washer.........................................4-6
Cruise Control................................................4-6
Exterior Lamps...............................................4-9
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)/Automatic
Headlamp System......................................4-10
Fog Lamps..................................................4-11
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................4-11
Courtesy Lamps...........................................4-11
Dome Lamp . . ...............................................4-11
Entry Lighting...............................................4-12
Delayed Entry Lighting...................................4-12
Delayed Exit Lighting.....................................4-13
Parade Dimming...........................................4-13
Reading Lamps............................................4-13
Map Lamps . . ...............................................4-13
Electric Power Management...........................4-13Battery Run-Down Protection ..........................4-14
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................4-15
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................4-16
Climate Controls............................................4-16
Climate Control System.................................4-16
Outlet Adjustment.........................................4-20
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................4-20
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............4-21
Instrument Panel Cluster . . ..............................4-22
Speedometer and Odometer
...........................4-23
Tachometer.................................................4-23
Safety Belt Reminders . . .................................4-23
Airbag Readiness Light ..................................4-24
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................4-25
Charging System Light ..................................4-26
Brake System Warning Light ..........................4-27
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning
Light........................................................4-28
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning
Light........................................................4-28
Electronic Stability Control Indicator Light . . . . . . . . .4-29
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . . .4-30
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................4-30
Tire Pressure Light.......................................4-31
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................4-31
Section 4 Instrument Panel
4-1

;
(Parking Lamps):Turns on the parking lamps
together with the following:
•
Instrument Panel Lights
•
Taillamps
•
License Plate Lamps
2
(Headlamps):Turns on the headlamps together with
the following lamps listed below. When the headlamps
are turned on while the vehicle is on, the headlamps will
turn off automatically 10 minutes after the ignition is
turned off. When the headlamps are turned on while the
vehicle is off, the headlamps will stay on for 10 minutes
before automatically turning off to prevent the battery
from being drained. Turn the headlamp control to off
and then back to the headlamp on position to make
the headlamps stay on for an additional 10 minutes.•
Parking Lamps
•
Taillamps
•
License Plate Lamps
•
Instrument Panel Lights
#
(Fog Lamps) (If Equipped):Turns on the fog
lamps.
SeeFog Lamps on page 4-11.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)/
Automatic Headlamp SystemDaytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the day.
Fully functional daytime running lamps are required
on all vehicles first sold in Canada.
The DRL system makes the low-beam headlamps
come on at a reduced brightness when the following
conditions are met:•
The ignition is in the ON/RUN position.
•
The exterior lamps control is in AUTO.
•
The engine is running.
When the DRL are on, the regular headlamps, taillamps,
sidemarker, and other lamps are not on. The instrument
panel and cluster are also not on.
The headlamps automatically change from DRL to
the regular headlamps depending on the darkness of
the surroundings. The other lamps that come on with
the headlamps will also come on.
When it is bright enough outside, the headlamps go off
and the DRL come on.
The regular headlamp system should be turned on
when needed.
Do not cover the light sensor on top of the instrument
panel because it works with the DRL.
4-10

A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following are on, such as: headlamps, high beams,
fog lamps, rear window defogger, climate control fan at
high speed, heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer
loads, and loads plugged into accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the battery.
It does this by balancing the generator’s output and the
vehicle’s electrical needs. It can increase engine idle
speed to generate more power, whenever needed.
It can temporarily reduce the power demands of some
accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, without
being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels of
corrective action, this action may be noticeable to the
driver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC) message
might be displayed, such as BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE,
BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW, or LOW BATTERY. If this
message is displayed, it is recommended that the driver
reduce the electrical loads as much as possible. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 4-44.
Battery Run-Down ProtectionThis feature helps prevent the battery from being drained,
if the interior courtesy lamps, reading/map lamps, visor
vanity lamps or trunk lamp are accidentally left on. If any
of these lamps are left on, they automatically turn off after
10 minutes, if the ignition is off. The lamps will not come
back on again until one of the following occurs:•
The ignition is turned on.
•
The exterior lamps control is turned off, then on
again.
The headlamps will timeout after 10 minutes, if they are
manually turned on with the ignition on or off.
4-14

Using these settings together for long periods of time
may cause the air inside the vehicle to become too dry.
To prevent this from happening, after the air inside
the vehicle has cooled, turn the recirculation mode off.
The air conditioning system removes moisture from
the air, so a small amount of water may drip under
the vehicle while idling or after turning off the engine.
This is normal.:
(Outside Air):Press to turn on outside air.
An indicator light comes on to show that it is on.
Outside air will circulate throughout the vehicle.
?
(Recirculation):Press to turn on the recirculation
mode. An indicator light comes on to show that
it is on.
This mode helps to quickly heat or cool the air inside the
vehicle once the temperature inside the vehicle is equal
to or better than the outside temperature. It can be used
to prevent outside air and odors from entering the vehicle.
The recirculation mode is not available in outside air,
floor, defog or defrost modes. If the button is selected
while in these modes, the indicator flashes three times.
Rear Window DefoggerThe rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the rear window.<
(Rear Window Defogger):The rear window
defogger turns off automatically after it has been
activated for 10 minutes. It can be turned off manually,
by pressing the button again or by turning the ignition
to the LOCK/OFF position. The rear window defogger
can be turned on again for additional window clearing.
The length of defogger operation will increase if the
vehicle is being driven.
For vehicles with heated outside rearview mirrors, the
mirrors heat to help clear fog or frost from the surface of
the mirror when the rear window defog button is
pressed. SeeOutside Power Mirrors on page 3-34.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
Notice:Do not use anything sharp on the inside
of the rear window. If you do, you could cut or
damage the warming grid, and the repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not attach
a temporary vehicle license, tape, a decal or
anything similar to the defogger grid.
4-19

Outlet AdjustmentUse the thumbwheel located below or to the side of the
outlet, to change the direction of the air flow.Operation Tips•
Clear away any ice, snow or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the windshield that may
block the flow of air into the vehicle.
•
Use of non-GM approved hood deflectors may
adversely affect the performance of the system.
•
Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects
to help circulate the air inside the vehicle more
effectively.
•
If the airflow seems low when the fan is at the
highest setting, the passenger compartment
air filter, if equipped, may need to replaced.
For more information, seePassenger Compartment
Air Filter on page 4-20andScheduled Maintenance
on page 7-3.
•
If fogging reoccurs while in vent or bi-level modes
with mild temperature throughout the vehicle, turn
on the air conditioner to reduce windshield fogging.
Passenger Compartment Air FilterThe vehicle has a passenger compartment particulate
air filter. It is located in the engine compartment,
below the air inlet grille on the passenger side.
The filter traps most of the pollen from air entering
the climate control system. It needs to be changed
periodically to ensure system performance. For
information on how often to change the passenger
compartment air filter, seeScheduled Maintenance
on page 7-3.
To change the passenger compartment air filter:
1. Turn off the ignition when the windshield wipers are
in the up position.
2. Raise the vehicle hood.
3. Pull back the hood weatherstrip from the
passengers side of the vehicle halfway to center.
4-20