engine CHEVROLET IMPALA 2010 9.G Workshop Manual

TIRE LOW ADD AIR TO TIREOn vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS), this message displays when the pressure in one
or more of the vehicle’s tires is low. This message also
displays LEFT FRT (left front), RIGHT FRT (right front),
LEFT RR (left rear), or RIGHT RR (right rear) to indicate
the location of the low tire. The low tire pressure warning
light will also come on. SeeTire Pressure Light on
page 4-31. You can receive more than one tire pressure
message at a time. To read the other messages that may
have been sent at the same time, press the set/reset
button. If a tire pressure message appears on the DIC,
stop as soon as you can. Have the tire pressures
checked and set to those shown on the Tire Loading
Information label. SeeTires on page 6-51,Loading the
Vehicle on page 5-20, andInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 6-59. The DIC also shows the tire pressure values.
SeeDIC Operation and Displays on page 4-37.TRACTION CONTROL OFFIf your vehicle has the Traction Control System (TCS),
this message displays when the TCS turns off.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 5-7
for more information.
This message only displays while the ignition is in
ON/RUN and disappears after 10 seconds, unless
it is acknowledged or an urgent warning appears.Any of the following conditions may cause the TCS to
turn off:
•
The TCS is turned off by pressing the traction
control button. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 5-7for more information.
•
The battery is low.
•
There is a TCS failure. See your dealer/retailer for
service.
TRACTION CONTROL ONIf your vehicle has the Traction Control System (TCS),
this message displays when the TCS is turned on.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 5-7
for more information.TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE ENGINEThis message displays when the transmission fluid in
your vehicle is too hot. Stop the vehicle and allow it to idle
until it cools down. If the warning message continues to
display, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer
as soon as possible.TRUNK OPENThis message displays when the trunk is not closed
completely. Make sure that the trunk is closed
completely. SeeTrunk on page 3-12.
4-50

TURN SIGNAL ONThis message displays as a reminder to turn off the turn
signal if you drive your vehicle for more than about
0.75 mile (1.2 km) with a turn signal on. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 4-4.
This message displays and a chime sounds only
when the ignition is in ON/RUN. The message will not
disappear until the turn signal is manually turned off,
or a turn is completed.WASHER FLUID LOW ADD FLUIDThis message displays when the windshield washer
fluid is low. Fill the windshield washer reservoir as soon
as possible. SeeEngine Compartment Overview on
page 6-14for the location of the windshield washer
reservoir. Also, seeWindshield Washer Fluid on
page 6-33for more information.
DIC Vehicle CustomizationYour vehicle has customization capabilities that allow
you to program certain features to one preferred setting.
Customization features can only be programmed to
one setting on the vehicle and cannot be programmed
to a preferred setting for two different drivers.
All of the customization options may not be available
on your vehicle. Only the options available will be
displayed on the DIC.
The default settings for the customization features were
set when your vehicle left the factory, but may have
been changed from their default state since then.
The customization preferences are automatically
recalled.
To change customization preferences, use the following
procedure.
4-51

REMOTE STARTIf your vehicle has this feature, it allows you to turn the
remote start off or on. The remote start feature allows you
to start the engine from outside of the vehicle using the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. SeeRemote
Vehicle Start on page 3-7for more information.
Press the customization button until REMOTE START
appears on the DIC display. Press the set/reset
button once to access the settings for this feature.
Then press the customization button to scroll through
the following settings:
OFF:The remote start feature will be disabled.
ON (default):The remote start feature will be enabled.
NO CHANGE:No change will be made to this
feature. The current setting will remain.
To select a setting, press the set/reset button while the
desired setting is displayed on the DIC.
FACTORY SETTINGSThis feature allows you to set all of the customization
features back to their factory default settings.
Press the customization button until FACTORY
SETTINGS appears on the DIC display. Press the
set/reset button once to access the settings for
this feature. Then press the customization button
to scroll through the following settings:
RESTORE ALL (default):The customization features
will be set to their factory default settings.
DO NOT RESTORE:The customization features will
not be set to their factory default settings.
To select a setting, press the set/reset button while the
desired setting is displayed on the DIC.EXIT FEATURE SETTINGSThis feature allows you to exit the FEATURE
SETTINGS menu.
Press the customization button until FEATURE
SETTINGS PRESS
V
TO EXIT appears in the
DIC display. Press the set/reset button once to
exit the menu.
If you do not exit, pressing the customization button
again will return you to the beginning of the FEATURE
SETTINGS menu.
4-56

Exiting the Feature Settings MenuThe feature settings menu will be exited when any of
the following occurs:•
The vehicle is shifted out of P (Park).
•
The vehicle is no longer in ON/RUN.
•
The trip/fuel or vehicle information DIC buttons are
pressed.
•
The end of the feature settings menu is reached
and exited.
•
A 40 second time period has elapsed with no
selection made.
Audio System(s)Determine which radio the vehicle has and read the
following pages to become familiar with its features.
{
WARNING:
Taking your eyes off the road for extended periods
could cause a crash resulting in injury or death to
you or others. Do not give extended attention to
entertainment tasks while driving.This system provides access to many audio and non
audio listings.
To minimize taking your eyes off the road while driving,
do the following while the vehicle is parked:
•
Become familiar with the operation and controls of
the audio system.
•
Set up the tone, speaker adjustments, and preset
radio stations.
For more information, seeDefensive Driving on
page 5-2.
Notice:Contact your dealer/retailer before adding
any equipment.
Adding audio or communication equipment could
interfere with the operation of the vehicle’s engine,
radio, or other systems, and could damage them.
Follow federal rules covering mobile radio and
telephone equipment.
The vehicle has Retained Accessory Power (RAP).
With RAP, the audio system can be played even after
the ignition is turned off. SeeRetained Accessory Power
(RAP) on page 3-21for more information.
4-57

BrakingSeeBrake System Warning Light on page 4-27.
Braking action involves perception time and reaction
time. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a second.
But that is only an average. It might be less with one
driver and as long as two or three seconds or more with
another. Age, physical condition, alertness, coordination,
and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol, drugs, and
frustration. But even in three-fourths of a second, a
vehicle moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20 m
(66 feet). That could be a lot of distance in an emergency,
so keeping enough space between the vehicle and others
is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with the surface of the road, whether it is pavement or
gravel; the condition of the road, whether it is wet, dry, or
icy; tire tread; the condition of the brakes; the weight of
the vehicle; and the amount of brake force applied.Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is
a mistake. The brakes might not have time to cool
between hard stops. The brakes will wear out much
faster with a lot of heavy braking. Keeping pace with the
traffic and allowing realistic following distances
eliminates a lot of unnecessary braking. That means
better braking and longer brake life.
If the engine ever stops while the vehicle is being driven,
brake normally but do not pump the brakes. If the brakes
are pumped, the pedal could get harder to push down.
If the engine stops, there will still be some power brake
assist but it will be used when the brake is applied. Once
the power assist is used up, it can take longer to stop and
the brake pedal will be harder to push.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
vehicle performance. SeeAccessories and Modifications
on page 6-3.
5-4

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

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

Before Leaving on a Long TripTo prepare your vehicle for a long trip, consider having
it serviced by your dealer/retailer before departing.
Things to check on your own include:•
Windshield Washer Fluid:Reservoir full? Windows
clean — inside and outside?
•
Wiper Blades:In good shape?
•
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:All levels checked?
•
Lamps:Do they all work and are lenses clean?
•
Tires:Are treads good? Are tires inflated to
recommended pressure?
•
Weather and Maps:Safe to travel? Have
up-to-date maps?
Highway HypnosisAlways be alert and pay attention to your surroundings
while driving. If you become tired or sleepy, find a
safe place to park your vehicle and rest.
Other driving tips include:•
Keep the vehicle well ventilated.
•
Keep interior temperature cool.
•
Keep your eyes moving — scan the road ahead
and to the sides.
•
Check the rearview mirror and vehicle instruments
often.
5-15

Hill and Mountain RoadsDriving on steep hills or through mountains is different
than driving on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for driving
in these conditions include:•
Keep the vehicle serviced and in good shape.
•
Check all fluid levels and brakes, tires, cooling
system, and transmission.
•
Going down steep or long hills, shift to a
lower gear.{
WARNING:
If you do not shift down, the brakes could get so
hot that they would not work well. You would then
have poor braking or even none going down a hill.
You could crash. Shift down to let the engine
assist the brakes on a steep downhill slope.
{
WARNING:
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with the ignition
off is dangerous. The brakes will have to do all the
work of slowing down and they could get so hot
that they would not work well. You would then
have poor braking or even none going down a hill.
You could crash. Always have the engine running
and the vehicle in gear when going downhill.•
Stay in your own lane. Do not swing wide or cut
across the center of the road. Drive at speeds
that let you stay in your own lane.
•
Top of hills: Be alert — something could be in your
lane (stalled car, accident).
•
Pay attention to special road signs (falling rocks
area, winding roads, long grades, passing or
no-passing zones) and take appropriate action.
5-16