check engine CHEVROLET IMPALA 2010 9.G Owner's Guide

Checking CoolantThe vehicle must be on a level surface when checking
the coolant level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in the coolant recovery
tank. If the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank
is boiling, do not do anything else until it cools down.
If coolant is visible but the coolant level is not at or above
the COLD FILL line, add a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant at the coolant
recovery tank, but be sure the cooling system is cool
before this is done. See Engine Coolant Engine Coolant
for more information.
If your vehicle has one of the V6 engines, the coolant
recovery tank is located in the rear of the engine
compartment on the passenger’s side of the vehicle.
If your vehicle has the 5.3L V8 engine, the coolant
recovery tank is located in the rear of the engine
compartment on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 6-14.
When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be at
or above the COLD FILL line on the coolant recovery
tank. To check the coolant level, look for the COLD FILL
line on the side of the coolant recovery tank that
faces the engine. If the level is not correct, there may
be a leak in the cooling system.
How to Add Coolant to the
Recovery Tank
{
WARNING:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough.
Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
Notice:This vehicle has a specific coolant fill
procedure. Failure to follow this procedure could
cause the engine to overheat and be severely
damaged.
If coolant is needed, add the proper DEX-COOL
®
coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank.
When the coolant level in the coolant recovery tank is at
the COLD FILL line, start the vehicle.
If the overheat warning continues, there is one more
thing you can try. You can add the proper coolant
mixture directly to the cooling system through the
coolant fill neck on the engine, but be sure the system
is cool before you do it.
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4. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to the
COLD FILL line.
5. Install the coolant recovery tank cap and the
pressure cap. After a day or two of driving, when the
engine is cold, check the coolant level in the recovery
tank. If it is low, refill it to the COLD FILL line.If the coolant in the recovery tank is constantly low,
you should have a dealer/retailer service department
inspect the vehicle for leaks.
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and possible engine damage may occur.
Be sure the cap is properly and tightly secured.
Engine OverheatingThe vehicle has several indicators to warn of engine
overheating.
There is a coolant temperature gage and a warning light
on the instrument panel that indicate an overheated
engine condition. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Gage on page 4-30Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
andEngine Coolant Temperature Warning Light on
page 4-30Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light.
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In addition, you will find an ENGINE OVERHEATED
IDLE ENGINE and an ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP
ENGINE message displayed on the vehicle’s Driver
Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 4-44DIC Warnings and Messages
for more information.
You may decide not to lift the hood when this warning
appears, but instead get service help right away.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 8-7.
If you do decide to lift the hood, make sure the vehicle
is parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine cooling fans are
running. If the engine is overheating, both fans should
be running. If they are not, do not continue to run
the engine and have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Engine damage from running the engine
without coolant is not covered by the warranty.
Notice:If the engine catches fire while driving with
no coolant, the vehicle can be badly damaged.
The costly repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. SeeOverheated Engine
Protection Operating Mode on page 6-32for
information on driving to a safe place in an
emergency.
If Steam Is Coming From The Engine
Compartment
{
WARNING:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn you
badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam coming
from it. Turn it off and get everyone away from the
vehicle until it cools down. Wait until there is no sign
of steam or coolant before you open the hood.
If you keep driving when the vehicles engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch fire. You or
others could be badly burned. Stop the engine if it
overheats, and get out of the vehicle until the
engine is cool.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
on page 6-32for information on driving to a safe
place in an emergency.
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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

How to Check Power Steering FluidTo check the power steering fluid, do the following:
1. Turn the key off and let the engine compartment
cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a
clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Remove the cap again and look at the fluid level on
the dipstick.
The fluid level should be somewhere within the
cross-hatched area on the dipstick. If the fluid is at the
ADD mark, you should add fluid.
What to UseTo determine what kind of fluid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-10.
Always use the proper fluid.
Notice:Use of the incorrect fluid may damage the
vehicle and the damages may not be covered by
the vehicle’s warranty. Always use the correct fluid
listed inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 7-10.Windshield Washer FluidWhat to UseWhen you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
6-33

{
WARNING:
Using a match near a battery can cause battery
gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if
you need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough water. You do not
need to add water to the battery installed in your
new vehicle. But if a battery has filler caps, be
sure the right amount of fluid is there. If it is low,
add water to take care of that first. If you do not,
explosive gas could be present.
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you.
Do not get it on you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush the place with
water and get medical help immediately.
{
WARNING:
Fans or other moving engine parts can injure you
badly. Keep your hands away from moving parts
once the engine is running.
5. Check that the jumper cables do not have loose
or missing insulation. If they do, you could get a
shock. The vehicles could be damaged too.
Before you connect the cables, here are some
basic things you should know. Positive (+) will go to
positive (+) or to a remote positive (+) terminal if
the vehicle has one. Negative (−) will go to a heavy,
unpainted metal engine part or to a remote
negative (−) terminal if the vehicle has one.
Do not connect positive (+) to negative (−), or you
will get a short that would damage the battery
and maybe other parts too. And do not connect the
negative (−) cable to the negative (−) terminal on
the dead battery because this can cause sparks.
6-41

Vehicle IdentificationVehicle Identification Number (VIN)This legal identifier is in the front corner of the
instrument panel, on the driver side. It can be seen
through the windshield from outside. The VIN also
appears on the Vehicle Certification and Service Parts
labels and certificates of title and registration.Engine IdentificationThe eighth character in the VIN is the engine code.
This code identifies the vehicle’s engine, specifications,
and replacement parts. See “Engine Specifications”
underCapacities and Specifications on page 6-100for
the vehicle’s engine code.
Service Parts Identification LabelThis label, in the trunk, has the following information:•
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
•
Model designation
•
Paint information
•
Production options and special equipment
Do not remove this label from the vehicle.
Electrical SystemAdd-On Electrical EquipmentNotice:Do not add anything electrical to the
vehicle unless you check with your dealer/retailer
first. Some electrical equipment can damage
the vehicle and the damage would not be covered
by the vehicle’s warranty. Some add-on electrical
equipment can keep other components from
working as they should.
Add-on equipment can drain the vehicle battery, even if
the vehicle is not operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting to
add anything electrical to the vehicle, seeServicing Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 2-72andAdding
Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on
page 2-73.
6-95

Capacities and SpecificationsThe following approximate capacities are given in Metric and English conversions. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 7-10for more information.
ApplicationCapacities
Metric English
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134aFor the air conditioning system refrigerant charge
amount, see the refrigerant caution label located
under the hood. See your dealer/retailer for more
information.
Automatic Transmission (Bottom Pan Removal) 7.0 L 7.4 qt
Cooling System Including Reservoir
3.5L V6, 3.5L and 3.9L V6 Flexible Fuel Engines 9.6 L 10.1 qt
Engine Oil with Filter
3.5L V6, 3.5L and 3.9L V6 Flexible Fuel Engines 3.8 L 4.0 qt
Fuel Tank
3.5L V6 Engine (with NU6 emissions) 64.4 L 17.0 gal
3.5L V6 Engine (without NU6 emissions) 66.2 L 17.5 gal
3.9L V6 Engine 66.2 L 17.5 gal
Wheel Nut Torque 140Y100 lb ft
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck fluid level after filling.
6-100

Maintenance Schedule......................................7-2
Introduction . . .................................................7-2
Scheduled Maintenance...................................7-3
Owner Checks and Services............................7-8Recommended Fluids and Lubricants...............7-10
Maintenance Replacement Parts . . ...................7-11
Engine Drive Belt Routing..............................7-12
Maintenance Record.....................................7-13
Section 7 Maintenance Schedule
7-1

Rotation of New TiresTo maintain ride, handling, and performance of the
vehicle, it is important that the first rotation service for
new tires be performed when they have 8 000 to
13 000 km (5,000 to 8,000 miles). SeeTire Inspection
and Rotation on page 6-65.Scheduled MaintenanceWhen the Change Engine Oil Soon
Message DisplaysChange engine oil and filter. SeeEngine Oil on
page 6-15.An Emission Control Service.
When the Change Engine Oil Soon message displays,
service is required for the vehicle as soon as possible,
within the next 1 000 km/600 miles. If driving under
the best conditions, the engine oil life system might not
indicate the need for vehicle service for more than ayear. The engine oil and filter must be changed at least
once a year and the oil life system must be reset.
Your dealer/retailer has trained service technicians who
will perform this work and reset the system. If the
engine oil life system is reset accidentally, service the
vehicle within 5 000 km/3,000 miles since the last
service. Reset the oil life system whenever the oil is
changed. SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 6-18.
When the Change Engine Oil Soon message displays,
certain services, checks, and inspections are required.
The services described for MaintenanceIshould be
performed at every engine oil change. The services
described for MaintenanceIIshould be performed when:
•
MaintenanceIwas performed the last time the
engine oil was changed.
•
It has been 10 months or more since the Change
Engine Oil Soon message has displayed or since the
last service.
7-3