TPMS CHEVROLET IMPALA 2010 9.G Owners Manual

Tire Pressure MonitorThis vehicle may have a Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS).
The Tire Pressure Monitor
alerts you when a
significant reduction in
pressure occurs in one or
more of the vehicle’s tires
by illuminating the low tire
pressure warning light on
the instrument cluster.
The warning light will remain on until the tire pressure
is corrected. The proper tire pressures for your
vehicle are listed on the Tire and Loading Information
label located on the driver side center pillar (B pillar).
SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 5-20.
You may notice during cooler conditions that the low tire
pressure warning light will appear when the vehicle is first
started and then turn off as you drive. This may be an
early indicator that your tire pressures are getting low
and the tires need to be inflated to the proper pressure.
Note:The Tire Pressure Monitor can alert you about low
tire pressure, but it does not replace normal monthly
tire maintenance. It is the driver’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressures.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor System on page 6-60and
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation on page 6-62.
Engine Oil Life SystemThe engine oil life system calculates engine oil life
based on vehicle use and displays a DIC message
when it is necessary to change the engine oil and filter.
The oil life system should be reset to 100% only
following an oil change.Resetting the Oil Life System1. Display the OIL LIFE REMAINING on the DIC.
2. Press and hold the SET/RESET button on the DIC
for more than five seconds. The oil life will change
to 100%.
SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 6-18.Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)If the vehicle has the 3.5L V6 engine (VIN Code K)
or the 3.9L V6 engine (VIN Code M), you can use either
unleaded gasoline or ethanol fuel containing up to
85% ethanol (E85). SeeFuel on page 6-5. In all other
engines, use only the unleaded gasoline described
underGasoline Octane on page 6-6.
Vehicles that have the 3.5L V6 engine (VIN Code K) or
the 3.9L V6 engine (VIN Code M) have a yellow fuel
cap and can use 85% ethanol fuel (E85). SeeFuel E85
(85% Ethanol) on page 6-8.
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Vehicle Information Menu Items
T
(Vehicle Information):Press this button to scroll
through the following menu items:
Oil LifePress the vehicle information button until OIL LIFE
REMAINING displays. This display shows an estimate of
the oil’s remaining useful life. If you see 99% OIL LIFE
REMAINING on the display, that means 99% of the
current oil life remains. The engine oil life system will alert
you to change the oil on a schedule consistent with your
driving conditions.
When the remaining oil life is low, the CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message will appear on the display. See
“CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON” underDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 4-44. You should change the
oil as soon as possible. SeeEngine Oil on page 6-15.
In addition to the engine oil life system monitoring the
oil life, additional maintenance is recommended in the
Maintenance Schedule in this manual. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 7-3for more information.
Remember, you must reset the OIL LIFE yourself after
each oil change. It will not reset itself. Also, be careful not
to reset the OIL LIFE accidentally at any time other than
when the oil has just been changed. It cannot be reset
accurately until the next oil change. To reset the engine
oil life system, seeEngine Oil Life System on page 6-18.
UnitsPress the vehicle information button until UNITS
displays. This display allows you to select between
English or Metric units of measurement. Once in this
display, press the set/reset button to select between
ENGLISH or METRIC units.Tire PressureOn vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS), the pressure for each tire can be viewed in the
DIC. The tire pressure will be shown in either pounds per
square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa). Press the vehicle
information button until the DIC displays FRONT TIRES
PSI (kPa) LEFT ## RIGHT ##. Press the vehicle
information button again until the DIC displays REAR
TIRES PSI (kPa) LEFT ## RIGHT ##.
If a low tire pressure condition is detected by the system
while driving, a message advising you to add air to a
specific tire will appear in the display. SeeInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 6-59andDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 4-44for more information.
If the tire pressure display shows dashes instead of a
value, there may be a problem with your vehicle. If this
consistently occurs, see your dealer/retailer for service.
4-40

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.
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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

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

How to CheckUse a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire
pressure. You cannot tell if your tires are properly
inflated simply by looking at them. Radial tires
may look properly inflated even when they are
under-inflated. Check the tire’s inflation pressure
when the tires are cold. Cold means your vehicle
has been sitting for at least three hours or driven
no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Remove the valve cap from the tire valve stem.
Press the tire gage firmly onto the valve to
get a pressure measurement. If the cold tire
inflation pressure matches the recommended
pressure on the Tire and Loading Information
label, no further adjustment is necessary. If the
inflation pressure is low, add air until you reach
the recommended amount.
If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on
the metal stem in the center of the tire valve.
Re-check the tire pressure with the tire gage.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve
stems. They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt
and moisture.
Tire Pressure Monitor SystemThe Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses radio
and sensor technology to check tire pressure levels. The
TPMS sensors monitor the air pressure in your vehicle’s
tires and transmit tire pressure readings to a receiver
located in the vehicle.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be
checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation
pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label.
(If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the
size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label, you should determine the proper
tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one
or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
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Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale
illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper
pressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling
and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation
has not reached the level to trigger illumination of
the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When
the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash
for approximately one minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the
malfunction exists.When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the
system may not be able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur
for a variety of reasons, including the installation
of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle
that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after
replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle
to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires
and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on page 6-62for
additional information.
Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) and Industry and Science CanadaSeeRadio Frequency Statement on page 8-20for
information regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and
RSS-210/211 of Industry and Science Canada.
6-61

Tire Pressure Monitor OperationThis vehicle may have a Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS). The TPMS is designed to warn the driver when
a low tire pressure condition exists. TPMS sensors are
mounted onto each tire and wheel assembly, excluding
the spare tire and wheel assembly. The TPMS sensors
monitor the air pressure in the vehicle’s tires and
transmits the tire pressure readings to a receiver located
in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure
condition is detected, the
TPMS illuminates the
low tire pressure warning
light located on the
instrument panel cluster.
At the same time a message to check the pressure in a
specific tire appears on the Driver Information Center
(DIC) display. The low tire pressure warning light and the
DIC warning message come on at each ignition cycle
until the tires are inflated to the correct inflation pressure.
Using the DIC, tire pressure levels can be viewed by the
driver. For additional information and details about the
DIC operation and displays seeDIC Operation and
Displays on page 4-37andDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 4-44.The low tire pressure warning light may come on in
cool weather when the vehicle is first started, and then
turn off as you start to drive. This could be an early
indicator that the air pressure in the tire(s) are getting
low and need to be inflated to the proper pressure.
A Tire and Loading Information label, attached to your
vehicle, shows the size of your vehicle’s original
equipment tires and the correct inflation pressure for
your vehicle’s tires when they are cold. SeeLoading the
Vehicle on page 5-20, for an example of the Tire and
Loading Information label and its location on your
vehicle. Also seeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 6-59.
Your vehicle’s TPMS can warn you about a low tire
pressure condition but it does not replace normal
tire maintenance. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation
on page 6-65andTires on page 6-51.
Notice:Liquid tire sealants could damage the Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) sensors. Sensor
damage caused by using a tire sealant is not
covered by your warranty. Do not use liquid tire
sealants.6-62

TPMS Malfunction Light and MessageThe TPMS will not function properly if one or more of the
TPMS sensors are missing or inoperable. When the
system detects a malfunction, the low tire warning light
flashes for about one minute and then stays on for
the remainder of the ignition cycle. A DIC warning
message is also displayed. The low tire warning light
and DIC warning message come on at each ignition
cycle until the problem is corrected. Some of the
conditions that can cause the malfunction light and DIC
message to come on are:•
One of the road tires has been replaced with the
spare tire. The spare tire does not have a TPMS
sensor. The TPMS malfunction light and DIC
message should go off once you re-install the road
tire containing the TPMS sensor.
•
The TPMS sensor matching process was started
but not completed or not completed successfully
after rotating the vehicle’s tires. The DIC message
and TPMS malfunction light should go off once
the TPMS sensor matching process is performed
successfully. See “TPMS Sensor Matching Process”
later in this section.
•
One or more TPMS sensors are missing or
damaged. The DIC message and the TPMS
malfunction light should go off when the TPMS
sensors are installed and the sensor matching
process is performed successfully. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
•
Replacement tires or wheels do not match your
vehicle’s original equipment tires or wheels.
Tires and wheels other than those recommended
for your vehicle could prevent the TPMS from
functioning properly. SeeBuying New Tires on
page 6-68.
•
Operating electronic devices or being near facilities
using radio wave frequencies similar to the TPMS
could cause the TPMS sensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioning it cannot detect or signal
a low tire condition. See your dealer/retailer for
service if the TPMS malfunction light and DIC message
comes on and stays on.
6-63

TPMS Sensor Matching ProcessEach TPMS sensor has a unique identification code.
Any time you rotate your vehicle’s tires or replace one or
more of the TPMS sensors, the identification codes
will need to be matched to the new tire/wheel position.
The sensors are matched to the tire/wheel positions
in the following order: driver side front tire, passenger
side front tire, passenger side rear tire, and driver
side rear tire using a TPMS diagnostic tool. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
The TPMS sensors can also be matched to each
tire/wheel position by increasing or decreasing the tire’s
air pressure. If increasing the tire’s air pressure, do
not exceed the maximum inflation pressure indicated on
the tire’s sidewall.
To decrease air-pressure out of a tire you can use the
pointed end of the valve cap, a pencil-style air pressure
gage, or a key.
You have two minutes to match the first tire/wheel
position, and five minutes overall to match all four
tire/wheel positions. If it takes longer than two minutes, to
match the first tire and wheel, or more than five minutes
to match all four tire and wheel positions the matching
process stops and you need to start over.The TPMS sensor matching process is outlined below:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition switch to ON/RUN with the
engine off.
3. Press the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter’s
lock and unlock buttons at the same time for
approximately five seconds. The horn sounds twice
to signal the receiver is in relearn mode and TIRE
LEARNING ACTIVE message displays on the DIC
screen.
4. Start with the driver side front tire.
5. Remove the valve cap from the valve cap stem.
Activate the TPMS sensor by increasing or
decreasing the tire’s air pressure for five seconds,
or until a horn chirp sounds. The horn chirp,
which may take up to 30 seconds to sound,
confirms that the sensor identification code has
been matched to this tire and wheel position.
6. Proceed to the passenger side front tire, and repeat
the procedure in Step 5.
7. Proceed to the passenger side rear tire, and repeat
the procedure in Step 5.
6-64