traction control CHEVROLET IMPALA 2010 9.G Owner's Manual

ServiceFor service and parts needs, visit your dealer/retailer.
You will receive genuine GM parts and GM-trained and
supported service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of these marks:
Accessories and ModificationsWhen non-dealer/non-retailer accessories are added to
the vehicle, they can affect vehicle performance and
safety, including such things as airbags, braking, stability,
ride and handling, emissions systems, aerodynamics,
durability, and electronic systems like antilock brakes,
traction control, and stability control. Some of these
accessories could even cause malfunction or damage
not covered by the vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle components resulting from the
installation or use of non-GM certified parts, including
control module modifications, is not covered under
the terms of the vehicle warranty and may affect
remaining warranty coverage for affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to complement and
function with other systems on the vehicle. Your GM
dealer/retailer can accessorize the vehicle using
genuine GM Accessories. When you go to your GM
dealer/retailer and ask for GM Accessories, you
will know that GM-trained and supported service
technicians will perform the work using genuine GM
Accessories.
Also, seeAdding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 2-73.
6-3

Buying New TiresGM has developed and matched specific tires for
your vehicle. The original equipment tires installed
on your vehicle, when it was new, were designed to
meet General Motors Tire Performance Criteria
Specification (TPC Spec) system rating. If you need
replacement tires, GM strongly recommends that
you get tires with the same TPC Spec rating. This
way, your vehicle will continue to have tires that are
designed to give the same performance and vehicle
safety, during normal use, as the original tires.
GM’s exclusive TPC Spec system considers over
a dozen critical specifications that impact the
overall performance of your vehicle, including
brake system performance, ride and handling,
traction control, and tire pressure monitoring
performance. GM’s TPC Spec number is molded
onto the tire’s sidewall near the tire size. If the
tires have an all-season tread design, the
TPC Spec number will be followed by an MS for
mud and snow. SeeTire Sidewall Labeling on
page 6-52for additional information.GM recommends replacing tires in sets of four.
This is because uniform tread depth on all tires will
help keep your vehicle performing most like it
did when the tires were new. Replacing less than
a full set of tires can affect the braking and
handling performance of your vehicle. SeeTire
Inspection and Rotation on page 6-65for
information on proper tire rotation.
{
WARNING:
Mixing tires could cause you to lose control
while driving. If you mix tires of different
sizes, brands, or types (radial and bias-belted
tires), the vehicle may not handle properly,
and you could have a crash. Using tires of
different sizes, brands, or types may also
cause damage to your vehicle. Be sure to
use the correct size, brand, and type of tires
on all wheels. It is all right to drive with your
compact spare temporarily, as it was
developed for use on your vehicle. See
Compact Spare Tire on page 6-86.
6-68

{
WARNING:
If you use bias-ply tires on the vehicle, the
wheel rim flanges could develop cracks after
many miles of driving. A tire and/or wheel
could fail suddenly, causing a crash. Use only
radial-ply tires with the wheels on the vehicle.
If you must replace your vehicle’s tires with those
that do not have a TPC Spec number, make
sure they are the same size, load range, speed
rating, and construction type (radial and
bias-belted tires) as your vehicle’s original tires.
Vehicles that have a tire pressure monitoring
system could give an inaccurate low-pressure
warning if non-TPC Spec rated tires are installed
on your vehicle. Non-TPC Spec rated tires
may give a low-pressure warning that is higher or
lower than the proper warning level you would
get with TPC Spec rated tires. SeeTire Pressure
Monitor System on page 6-60.
Your vehicle’s original equipment tires are listed
on the Tire and Loading Information Label.
SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 5-20, for more
information about the Tire and Loading Information
Label and its location on your vehicle.
Different Size Tires and WheelsIf you add wheels or tires that are a different size than
your original equipment wheels and tires, this may
affect the way your vehicle performs, including its
braking, ride and handling characteristics, stability,
and resistance to rollover. Additionally, if your vehicle
has electronic systems such as, antilock brakes, traction
control, and electronic stability control, the performance
of these systems can be affected.
{
WARNING:
If you add different sized wheels, your vehicle may
not provide an acceptable level of performance and
safety if tires not recommended for those wheels
are selected. You may increase the chance that you
will crash and suffer serious injury. Only use GM
specific wheel and tire systems developed for your
vehicle, and have them properly installed by a GM
certified technician.
SeeBuying New Tires on page 6-68andAccessories
and Modifications on page 6-3for additional information.
6-69

Uniform Tire Quality GradingQuality grades can be found where applicable on
the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:Treadwear 200 Traction AA
Temperature AThe following information relates to the system
developed by the United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which
grades tires by treadwear, traction, and
temperature performance. This applies only to
vehicles sold in the United States. The grades are
molded on the sidewalls of most passenger car
tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG)
system does not apply to deep tread, winter-type
snow tires, space-saver, or temporary use
spare tires, tires with nominal rim diameters
of 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm), or to some
limited-production tires.
While the tires available on General Motors
passenger cars and light trucks may vary with
respect to these grades, they must also conform
to federal safety requirements and additional
General Motors Tire Performance Criteria (TPC)
standards.
TreadwearThe treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and a half (1.5) times
as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from
the norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices, and differences in road characteristics
and climate.Traction – AA, A, B, CThe traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA,
A, B, and C. Those grades represent the tire’s
ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
6-70

Tire Chains
{
WARNING:
If your vehicle has P225/55R17 or P235/50R18
size tires, do not use tire chains, there is not
enough clearance.
Tire chains used on a vehicle without the proper
amount of clearance can cause damage to the
brakes, suspension, or other vehicle parts. The
area damaged by the tire chains could cause you
to lose control of your vehicle and you or others
may be injured in a crash.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
WARNING: (Continued)
WARNING: (Continued)conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s instructions.
To help avoid damage to your vehicle, drive
slowly, readjust, or remove the device if it is
contacting your vehicle, and do not spin your
wheels.
If you do find traction devices that will fit, install
them on the front tires.
Notice:If your vehicle has a tire size other than
P225/55R17 or P235/50R18 size tires, use tire chains
only where legal and only when you must. Use
only SAE Class S-type chains that are the proper
size for your tires. Install them on the front tires and
tighten them as tightly as possible with the ends
securely fastened. Drive slowly and follow the chain
manufacturer’s instructions. If you can hear the
chains contacting your vehicle, stop and retighten
them. If the contact continues, slow down until
it stops. Driving too fast or spinning the wheels with
chains on will damage your vehicle.
6-73

Lights (cont.)
Security .....................................................4-35
Tire Pressure . . ............................................4-31
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning..........4-28
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................5-20
Locks
Automatic Door Lock....................................3-10
Delayed Locking..........................................3-10
Door . . . ........................................................ 3-9
Lockout Protection.......................................3-12
Power Door . . . . ............................................3-10
Programmable Automatic Door Unlock............3-11
Rear Door Security Locks . . . . . ........................3-11
Loss of Control...............................................5-11
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . ............2-43
Lumbar
Manual Controls............................................ 2-5
M
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Record....................................7-13
Maintenance Replacement Parts....................7-11
Owner Checks and Services........................... 7-8
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . ............7-10
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 7-3
Malfunction Indicator Lamp...............................4-31
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 2-5Manual Seats................................................... 2-4
Map Lamps....................................................4-13
Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................4-44
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview........................3-33
Manual Rearview.........................................3-33
Outside Convex Mirror.................................3-34
Outside Heated Mirrors................................3-34
Outside Power Mirrors..................................3-34
MP3 .............................................................4-68
N
Navigation System, Privacy..............................8-20
Net, Convenience...........................................3-42
New Vehicle Break-In......................................3-19
O
Odometer......................................................4-23
Off-Road
Recovery....................................................5-11
Oil
Engine.......................................................6-15
Engine Oil Life System.................................6-18
Pressure Light.............................................4-34
8

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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