towing CHEVROLET IMPALA 2010 9.G Owner's Manual

Driving with a TrailerTowing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Get to know the rig before setting out for the open
road. Get acquainted with the feel of handling and
braking with the added weight of the trailer. And always
keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is now
longer and not as responsive as the vehicle is by itself.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
tires and mirror adjustments. If the trailer has electric
brakes, start the vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This checks the electrical
connection at the same time.
During the trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.Following DistanceStay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving the vehicle without a trailer. This
can help to avoid situations that require heavy braking
and sudden turns.
PassingMore passing distance is needed when towing a trailer.
Because the rig is longer, it is necessary to go much
farther beyond the passed vehicle before returning to
the lane.Backing UpHold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.Making TurnsNotice:Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. The vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so the trailer will not strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
5-32

Turn Signals When Towing a TrailerThe arrows on the instrument panel flash whenever
signaling a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the
trailer lamps also flash, telling other drivers the vehicle
is turning, changing lanes or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on the instrument
panel flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are
burned out. For this reason you may think other
drivers are seeing the signal when they are not. It is
important to check occasionally to be sure the
trailer bulbs are still working.Driving on GradesNotice:Do not tow on steep continuous grades
exceeding 6 miles (9.6 km). Extended, higher
than normal engine and transmission temperatures
may result and damage the vehicle. Frequent
stops are very important to allow the engine and
transmission to cool.
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbeforestarting
down a long or steep downgrade. If the transmission is
not shifted down, the brakes might have to be used so
much that they would get hot and no longer work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce the
vehicle’s speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce
the possibility of the engine and the transmission
overheating. If the engine does overheat, seeEngine
Overheating on page 6-29.
Parking on Hills
{
WARNING:
Parking the vehicle on a hill with the trailer
attached can be dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move. People can be
injured, and both the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always park the rig on a
flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park)
yet. Turn the wheels into the curb if facing downhill
or into traffic if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer
wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
brake pedal until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking
brake and shift the transmission into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
5-33

Leaving After Parking on a Hill1. 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 TowingThe vehicle needs service more often when pulling a
trailer. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 7-3for more
information. Things that are especially important in traileroperation are automatic transmission fluid, 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 TowingThe cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 6-29.Changing a Tire When Trailer TowingIf the vehicle gets a flat tire while towing a trailer,
be sure to secure the trailer and disconnect it from the
vehicle before changing the tire.
5-34

Overheated Engine Protection
Operating ModeThis emergency operating mode allows your vehicle
to be driven to a safe place in an emergency situation.
If an overheated engine condition exists, an overheat
protection mode which alternates firing groups of
cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode,
you will notice a significant loss in power and engine
performance. The coolant temperature gage will indicate
an overheat condition exists. Driving extended miles (km)
and/or towing a trailer in the overheat protection mode
should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil
and reset the oil life system. SeeEngine Oil
on page 6-15.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid
reservoir is located toward
the rear of the engine
compartment on the
passenger’s side of the
vehicle. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 6-14for reservoir
location.
When to Check Power Steering FluidIt is not necessary to regularly check power steering fluid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
6-32

First Engine Oil Change After Every
40 000 km/25,000 Miles
•
Fuel system inspection for damage or leaks.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
80 000 km/50,000 Miles
•
Engine air cleaner filter replacement. SeeEngine
Air Cleaner/Filter on page 6-19.
•
Automatic transmission fluid change (severe
service) for vehicles mainly driven in heavy
city traffic in hot weather, in hilly or mountainous
terrain, when frequently towing a trailer, or used for
taxi, police, or delivery service. SeeAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 6-22.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
160 000 km/100,000 Miles
•
Automatic transmission fluid change (normal
service). SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluid
on page 6-22.
•
Spark plug replacement and spark plug wires
inspection.An Emission Control Service.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
240 000 km/150,000 Miles
•
Engine cooling system drain, flush, and refill,
cooling system and cap pressure check, and
cleaning of outside of radiator and air conditioning
condenser (or every 5 years, whichever occurs
first). SeeEngine Coolant on page 6-25.
An Emission Control Service.
•
Engine accessory drive belt inspection for fraying,
excessive cracks, or obvious damage and
replacement, if needed.An Emission Control
Service.
7-6

Services Provided•
Emergency Fuel Delivery:Delivery of enough fuel
for the vehicle to get to the nearest service station.
•
Lock-Out Service:Service is provided to unlock the
vehicle if you are locked out. A remote unlock may
be available if you have OnStar
®. For security
reasons, the driver must present identification
before this service is given.
•
Emergency Tow From a Public Road or
Highway:Tow to the nearest Chevrolet dealer for
warranty service, or if the vehicle was in a crash
and cannot be driven. Assistance is also given when
the vehicle is stuck in the sand, mud, or snow.
•
Flat Tire Change:Service is provided to change a
flat tire with the spare tire. The spare tire, if equipped,
must be in good condition and properly inflated.
It is the owner’s responsibility for the repair or
replacement of the tire if it is not covered by the
warranty.
•
Battery Jump Start:Service is provided to jump
start a dead battery.
Services Not Included in Roadside
Assistance•
Impound towing caused by violation of any laws.
•
Legal fines.
•
Mounting, dismounting or changing of snow tires,
chains, or other traction devices.
•
Towing or services for vehicles driven on a
non-public road or highway.
8-9

Insuring Your VehicleProtect your investment in your GM vehicle with
comprehensive and collision insurance coverage.
There are significant differences in the quality of
coverage afforded by various insurance policy terms.
Many insurance policies provide reduced protection
to your GM vehicle by limiting compensation for damage
repairs by using aftermarket collision parts. Some
insurance companies will not specify aftermarket
collision parts. When purchasing insurance, we
recommend that you assure your vehicle will be repaired
with GM original equipment collision parts. If such
insurance coverage is not available from your current
insurance carrier, consider switching to another
insurance carrier.
If your vehicle is leased, the leasing company may
require you to have insurance that assures repairs with
Genuine GM Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
parts or Genuine Manufacturer replacement parts.
Read your lease carefully, as you may be charged at
the end of your lease for poor quality repairs.
If a Crash OccursHere is what to do if you are involved in a crash.•
Check to make sure that you are all right. If you are
uninjured, make sure that no one else in your
vehicle, or the other vehicle, is injured.
•
If there has been an injury, call emergency services
for help. Do not leave the scene of a crash until all
matters have been taken care of. Move your
vehicle only if its position puts you in danger or you
are instructed to move it by a police officer.
•
Give only the necessary and requested information
to police and other parties involved in the crash.
Do not discuss your personal condition, mental
frame of mind, or anything unrelated to the crash.
This will help guard against post-crash legal action.
•
If you need roadside assistance, call GM Roadside
Assistance. SeeRoadside Assistance Program on
page 8-7for more information.
•
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.
8-14

R
Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID).....................................8-20
Statement . . . . . . . ............................................8-20
Radio(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..........................................4-59
Radios
Reception . . . . . . . ............................................4-85
Setting the Clock.........................................4-58
Theft-Deterrent............................................4-84
Reading Lamps . . ............................................4-13
Rear Door Security Locks................................3-11
Rear Seat Armrest..........................................3-42
Rear Storage . . . . . . ...........................................3-42
Rearview Mirrors.............................................3-33
Automatic Dimming......................................3-33
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 2-6
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................7-10
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . ...........................5-26
Reimbursement Program, GM Mobility................. 8-7
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System.................. 3-4
Remote Vehicle Start........................................ 3-7
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire . . . . . . . ...........................................6-77
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................6-76
Replacement Bulbs.........................................6-49Replacement Parts
Maintenance...............................................7-11
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................8-16
General Motors...........................................8-16
U.S. Government.........................................8-16
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems....................2-74
Replacing Restraint System Parts After
a Crash..................................................2-75
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . ....................3-21
Ride Control Systems....................................... 5-6
Electronic Stability (ESC)................................ 5-6
Roadside Assistance Program............................ 8-7
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out....................5-20
Roof
Sunroof......................................................3-43
Running the Vehicle While Parked
.....................3-32
S
Safety Belts
Care of......................................................6-90
Extender....................................................2-31
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................2-17
10

Tires (cont.)
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools............6-83
Terminology and Definitions...........................6-56
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................6-70
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................6-71
Wheel Replacement.....................................6-71
When It Is Time for New Tires......................6-67
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................5-26
Towing a Trailer..........................................5-28
Your Vehicle...............................................5-26
Traction
Control System (TCS).................................... 5-7
Control System Warning Light .......................4-28
Transmission
Fluid, Automatic...........................................6-22
Transmission Operation, Automatic . . ..................3-24
Transportation Program, Courtesy......................8-11
Trunk............................................................3-12
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 4-4
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 4-4
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................6-70
Universal Home Remote System .......................3-35
Operation ...................................................3-35
V
Vehicle
Control........................................................ 5-3
Loading......................................................5-20
Remote Start................................................ 3-7
Running While Parked..................................3-32
Symbols......................................................... iv
Vehicle Customization, DIC..............................4-51
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy . . . ...............8-18
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN).............................................6-95
Service Parts Identification Label . . .................6-95
Ventilation Adjustment......................................4-20
Visors...........................................................3-16
W
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators...............4-21
Warnings
DIC Warnings and Messages........................4-44
Hazard Flashers............................................ 4-3
Safety and Symbols......................................... iv
Wheels
Alignment and Tire Balance..........................6-71
Different Size..............................................6-69
Replacement...............................................6-71
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