instrument panel CHEVROLET IMPALA 2010 9.G Service Manual

DRIVER DOOR OPENThis message displays when the driver door is not
closed properly. Make sure that the door is closed
completely.ENGINE HOT A/C
(Air Conditioning) OFFThis message displays when the engine coolant
becomes hotter than the normal operating temperature.
To avoid added strain on a hot engine, the air
conditioning compressor is automatically turned off.
When the coolant temperature returns to normal, the A/C
operation automatically resumes. You can continue to
drive your vehicle. If this message continues to appear,
have the system repaired by your dealer/retailer as soon
as possible to avoid compressor damage.ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINENotice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine
is overheating, severe engine damage may occur.
If an overheat warning appears on the instrument
panel cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon as
possible. Do not increase the engine speed above
normal idling speed. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 6-29for more information.This message displays when the engine coolant
temperature is too hot. Stop and allow the vehicle to
idle until it cools down.
ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINENotice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine
is overheating, severe engine damage may occur.
If an overheat warning appears on the instrument
panel cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon
as possible. SeeEngine Overheating on page 6-29
for more information.
This message displays along with a continuous chime
when the engine has overheated. Stop and turn the
engine off immediately to avoid severe engine damage.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 6-29.ENGINE POWER IS REDUCEDThis message displays when the vehicle’s engine power
is reduced. Reduced engine power can affect the
vehicle’s ability to accelerate. If this message is on, but
there is no reduction in performance, proceed to your
destination. The performance may be reduced the next
time the vehicle is driven. The vehicle may be driven at a
reduced speed while this message is on, but acceleration
and speed may be reduced. Anytime this message stays
on, the vehicle should be taken to your dealer/retailer for
service as soon as possible.
4-45

ERRORThis message displays while viewing the odometer or
trip odometers if there is a problem with the instrument
panel cluster. See your dealer/retailer for service.FUEL LEVEL LOWThis message displays when your vehicle is low on
fuel. Refill the fuel tank as soon as possible. SeeFuel
Gage on page 4-36andFilling the Tank on page 6-10
for more information.HOOD OPENIf your vehicle has the remote start feature, this
message displays when the hood is not closed
properly. Make sure that the hood is closed completely.
SeeHood Release on page 6-13.ICE POSSIBLE DRIVE WITH CAREThis message displays when the outside air temperature
is cold enough to create icy road conditions. Adjust
your driving accordingly.LEFT REAR DOOR OPENThis message displays when the driver side rear door is
not closed properly. Make sure that the door is closed
completely.
OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP ENGINENotice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine
oil pressure is low, severe engine damage may
occur. If a low oil pressure warning appears on the
Driver Information Center (DIC), stop the vehicle
as soon as possible. Do not drive the vehicle until
the cause of the low oil pressure is corrected.
SeeEngine Oil on page 6-15for more information.
This message displays when the vehicle’s engine
oil pressure is low. The oil pressure light also appears
on the instrument panel cluster. SeeOil Pressure
Light on page 4-34.
Stop the vehicle immediately, as engine damage can
result from driving a vehicle with low oil pressure.
Have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer as
soon as possible when this message is displayed.PASSENGER DOOR OPENThis message displays when the front passenger door
is not closed properly. Make sure that the door is closed
completely.
4-46

REMOTE KEY LEARNING ACTIVEThis message displays while you are matching a
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter to your vehicle.
See “Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle” under
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
on page 3-4andDIC Operation and Displays on
page 4-37for more information.REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEYThis message displays when the battery in the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter needs to be replaced.
To replace the battery, see “Battery Replacement” under
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on
page 3-4.RIGHT REAR DOOR OPENThis message displays when the passenger side rear
door is not closed properly. Make sure that the door
is closed completely.SERVICE A/C (Air Conditioning)
SYSTEMThis message displays when the electronic sensors that
control the air conditioning and heating systems are
no longer working. Have the climate control system
serviced by your dealer/retailer if you notice a drop
in heating and air conditioning efficiency.
SERVICE AIR BAGThis message displays when there is a problem with
the airbag system. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer immediately. SeeAirbag Readiness
Light on page 4-24for more information.SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING
SYSTEMThis message displays when there is a problem with the
generator and battery charging systems. Driving with this
problem could drain the battery. Turn off all unnecessary
accessories. Stop and turn off the vehicle as soon as it is
safe to do so. Have the electrical system checked by your
dealer/retailer immediately.SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEMThis message displays when service is required on the
brake system. Have the brake system serviced by
your dealer/retailer as soon as possible. The brake
system warning light also appears on the instrument
panel cluster when this message appears on the DIC.
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 4-27.
4-47

SERVICE POWER STEERINGThis message displays when a problem is detected
with the power steering system. When this message is
displayed, you may notice that the effort required to steer
the vehicle increases or feels heavier, but you will still be
able to steer the vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer immediately.SERVICE STABILITRAKIf your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
this message displays if there has been a problem
detected with ESC. The ESC/TCS light also appears
on the instrument panel cluster. SeeElectronic Stability
Control (ESC) on page 5-6for more information.
If this message turns on while you are driving, pull off the
road as soon as possible and stop carefully. Try resetting
the system by turning the ignition off and then back on.
If this message still stays on or turns back on again while
you are driving, your vehicle needs service. Have the
system inspected by your dealer/retailer as soon as
possible.SERVICE THEFT SYSTEMThis message displays when there is a problem with the
theft-deterrent system programmed in the key. A fault
has been detected in the system which means that the
system is disabled and it is not protecting the vehicle.The vehicle usually restarts; however, you may want to
take the vehicle to your dealer/retailer before turning off
the engine. SeePASS-Key
®III+ Electronic Immobilizer
Operation on page 3-18for more information.
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR SYSTEMOn vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS), this message displays if a part on the TPMS is
not working properly. The tire pressure light also flashes
and then remains on during the same ignition cycle. See
Tire Pressure Light on page 4-31. Several conditions may
cause this message to appear. SeeTire Pressure Monitor
Operation on page 6-62for more information. If the
warning comes on and stays on, there may be a problem
with the TPMS. See your dealer/retailer.SERVICE TRACTION CONTROLIf your vehicle has the Traction Control System (TCS),
this message displays when the system is not functioning
properly. A warning light also appears on the instrument
panel cluster. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light on page 4-28. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 5-7for more information. Have
the TCS serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon as
possible.
4-48

SERVICE TRANSMISSIONThis message displays when there is a problem with the
transmission. See your dealer/retailer for service.SERVICE VEHICLE SOONThis message displays when a non-emissions related
malfunction occurs. Have the vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.STABILITRAK NOT READYIf your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
this message may display and the ESC/TCS light on the
instrument panel cluster may be on after first driving the
vehicle and exceeding 19 mph (30 km/h) for 30 seconds.
The ESC system is not functional until the light has turned
off. SeeElectronic Stability Control (ESC) on page 5-6for
more information.STARTING DISABLED SERVICE
THROTTLEThis message displays if the starting of the engine is
disabled due to the electronic throttle control system.
Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer
immediately.This message only appears while the ignition is in
ON/RUN, and will not disappear until the problem is
resolved.
This message cannot be acknowledged.
THEFT ATTEMPTEDThis message displays if the content theft-deterrent
system has detected a break-in attempt while you were
away from your vehicle. SeeContent Theft-Deterrent
on page 3-17for more information.TIGHTEN GAS CAPThis message may be displayed if the gas cap is not
on, or is not fully tightened. Check the gas cap to ensure
that it is on properly. SeeFilling the Tank on page 6-10
for more information.TIRE LEARNING ACTIVEOn vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS), this message displays when the TPMS is
re-learning the tire positions on your vehicle. The tire
positions must be re-learned after rotating the tires or
after replacing a tire or sensor. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 6-65,Tire Pressure Monitor System on
page 6-60, andInflation - Tire Pressure on page 6-59for
more information.
4-49

Antilock Brake System (ABS)The vehicle might have the Antilock Brake System
(ABS), an advanced electronic braking system that helps
prevent a braking skid.
If the vehicle has ABS, this
warning light on the
instrument panel cluster
comes on briefly when the
vehicle is started.
When the engine is started, or when the vehicle begins
to drive away, ABS checks itself. A momentary motor
or clicking noise might be heard while this test is going
on, and it might even be noticed that the brake pedal
moves or pulses a little. This is normal.Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what
happens with ABS:
A computer senses that the wheels are slowing down.
If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each front wheel
and at both rear wheels.
ABS can change the brake pressure to each wheel, as
required, faster than any driver could. This can help
the driver steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the computer keeps
receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking
pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in
front of you, there will not be enough time to apply
the brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops.
Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even
with ABS.
5-5

Using ABSDo not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down firmly and let antilock work. A slight brake pedal
pulsation might be felt or some noise might be
heard, but this is normal.Braking in EmergenciesABS allows the driver to steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help more than
even the very best braking.Electronic Stability Control (ESC)Your vehicle may have an Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) system which combines antilock brake, traction
and stability control systems and helps the driver
maintain directional control of the vehicle in most driving
conditions.
When you first start your vehicle and begin to drive
away, the system performs several diagnostic checks to
ensure there are no problems. You may hear or feel
the system working. This is normal and does not mean
there is a problem with your vehicle. The system
should initialize before the vehicle reaches 20 mph
(32 km/h).If the system fails to turn on or activate, the ESC/TCS
light will be on solid, and the SERVICE STABILITRAK
message will be displayed.
For more information, seeDriver Information Center
(DIC) on page 4-37.
This light will flash on the
instrument panel cluster
when the ESC system
is both on and activated.
You may also feel or hear the system working; this is
normal.
When the light is on solid and the SERVICE
STABILITRAK message is displayed, the system will not
assist the driver in maintaining directional control of
the vehicle. Adjust your driving accordingly. See
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 4-44.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is
automatically enabled whenever you start your vehicle.
To assist the driver with vehicle directional control,
especially in slippery road conditions, you should always
leave the system on. But, you can turn ESC off if you ever
need to.5-6

If the vehicle is in cruise control when the system begins
to assist the driver maintain directional control of the
vehicle, the ESC/TCS light will flash and the cruise
control will automatically disengage. When road
conditions allow you to use cruise again, you may
re-engage the cruise control. SeeCruise Control on
page 4-6.
The ESC/TCS button is
located on the instrument
panel.
The traction control system can be turned off or back on
by pressing the ESC/TCS button. To disable both traction
control and ESC, press and hold the button briefly.
When the ESC system is turned off, the TRACTION
CONTROL OFF message will appear, and the ESC/TCS
light will be on solid to warn the driver that both
traction control and ESC are disabled.
It is recommended to leave the system on for normal
driving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn the
system off if your vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice or
snow, and you want to “rock” your vehicle to attempt tofree it. It may also be necessary to turn off the system
when driving in extreme off-road conditions where high
wheel spin is required. SeeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in
Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 5-19.
ESC may also turn off automatically if it determines that
a problem exists with the system. The SERVICE
STABILITRAK message and the ESC/TCS light will be
on solid to warn the driver that ESC is disabled and
requires service. If the problem does not clear after
restarting the vehicle, you should see your dealer/retailer
for service. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 4-44for more information.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 6-3for more information.
Traction Control System (TCS)The vehicle may have a Traction Control System (TCS)
that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. The system operates only if it senses
that one or both of the front wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the
system reduces engine power and may also upshift
the transmission and apply the front brakes to limit
wheel spin.
5-7

To turn the system on or
off, press the Traction
Control button located on
the instrument panel.
When the system is turned off, the traction control
warning light comes on and TRACTION CONTROL OFF
appears on the DIC. If the traction control system is
limiting wheel spin when the button is pressed to turn the
system off, the warning light comes on and the system
will turn off right away.
Press the Traction Control button again to turn the
system back on. The Traction Control warning light
should go off.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
the vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 6-3for more information.
SteeringPower SteeringIf power steering assist is lost because the engine stops
or the system is not functioning, the vehicle can be
steered but it will take more effort.Steering TipsIt is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tires
and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is
banked, and vehicle speed. While in a curve, speed is
the one factor that can be controlled.
If there is a need to reduce speed, do it before entering
the curve, while the front wheels are straight.
Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait
to accelerate until out of the curve, and then accelerate
gently into the straightaway.
5-9

Blizzard ConditionsBeing stuck in snow can be in a serious situation. Stay
with the vehicle unless there is help nearby. If possible,
use theRoadside Assistance Program on page 8-7.To
get help and keep everyone in the vehicle safe:•
Turn on theHazard Warning Flashers on page 4-3.
•
Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.{
WARNING:
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the vehicle.
This may cause exhaust gases to get inside.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in the snow:
•
Clear away snow from around the base of
your vehicle, especially any that is blocking
the exhaust pipe.
•
Check again from time to time to be sure
snow does not collect there.
WARNING: (Continued)
WARNING: (Continued)
•
Open a window about 5 cm (two inches) on
the side of the vehicle that is away from the
wind to bring in fresh air.
•
Fully open the air outlets on or under the
instrument panel.
•
Adjust the Climate Control system to a setting
that circulates the air inside the vehicle and
set the fan speed to the highest setting. See
Climate Control System in the Index.
For more information about carbon monoxide, see
Engine Exhaust on page 3-31.
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle.
This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas
to get inside. CO could overcome you and kill you.
You cannot see it or smell it, so you might not
know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from
around the base of your vehicle, especially any
that is blocking the exhaust.
Run the engine for short periods only as needed to
keep warm, but be careful.
To save fuel, run the engine for only short periods as
needed to warm the vehicle and then shut the engine off
and close the window most of the way to save heat.
5-18