cooling CHEVROLET IMPALA 2010 9.G Owners Manual

Climate ControlsThis vehicle may have a dual or single climate control
system. The heating, cooling, defrost, defog and
ventilation can be controlled with either of these systems.
A. Fan Control
B. Outside Air
C. Recirculation
D. Air Delivery Mode
Control
E. Air Conditioning
F. Driver and
Passenger
Heated SeatsG. Driver and
Passenger
Temperature
Controls
H. Rear Window
DefoggerA. Fan Control
B. Outside Air
C. Temperature
Control
D. RecirculationE. Air Delivery Mode
Control
F. Air Conditioning
G. Rear Window
Defogger
SeeClimate Control System on page 4-16. Dual Zone with Optional Heated Seat Controls
Single Zone
1-14

A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following are on, such as: headlamps, high beams,
fog lamps, rear window defogger, climate control fan at
high speed, heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer
loads, and loads plugged into accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the battery.
It does this by balancing the generator’s output and the
vehicle’s electrical needs. It can increase engine idle
speed to generate more power, whenever needed.
It can temporarily reduce the power demands of some
accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, without
being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels of
corrective action, this action may be noticeable to the
driver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC) message
might be displayed, such as BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE,
BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW, or LOW BATTERY. If this
message is displayed, it is recommended that the driver
reduce the electrical loads as much as possible. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 4-44.
Battery Run-Down ProtectionThis feature helps prevent the battery from being drained,
if the interior courtesy lamps, reading/map lamps, visor
vanity lamps or trunk lamp are accidentally left on. If any
of these lamps are left on, they automatically turn off after
10 minutes, if the ignition is off. The lamps will not come
back on again until one of the following occurs:•
The ignition is turned on.
•
The exterior lamps control is turned off, then on
again.
The headlamps will timeout after 10 minutes, if they are
manually turned on with the ignition on or off.
4-14

Ashtray(s) and Cigarette LighterThe vehicle may have an ashtray and a cigarette lighter.
The ashtray and cigarette lighter may be located in the
console, if the vehicle has one, otherwise, they may be
located in the center armrest of the front seat.
Notice:If papers, pins, or other flammable items
are put in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other
smoking materials could ignite them and possibly
damage the vehicle. Never put flammable items
in the ashtray.
Notice:Holding a cigarette lighter in while it is
heating does not let the lighter back away from
the heating element when it is hot. Damage from
overheating can occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold
a cigarette lighter in while it is heating.
To use the lighter, just push it in all the way and let go.
When it is ready, it will pop back out by itself.
Climate ControlsClimate Control SystemThis vehicle may have a dual or single climate
control system. The heating, cooling, defrost,
defog and ventilation can be controlled with this
system. For vehicles with heated seats, seeHeated
Seats on page 2-6.
A. Fan Control
B. Outside Air
C. Recirculation
D. Air Delivery Mode
Control
E. Air ConditioningF. Driver and Passenger
Heated Seats
G. Driver and Passenger
Temperature Controls
H. Rear Window
Defogger Dual Zone with Optional Heated Seat Controls
4-16

6
(Floor):Air is directed to the floor outlets, with
some of the air directed to the windshield and side
window outlets. In this mode, the system automatically
selects outside air.
-
(Defog):This mode clears the windshield of fog
or moisture. Air is directed equally to the windshield and
the floor outlets. When defog is selected, the system
turns off recirculation and runs the air conditioning
compressor unless the outside temperature is below
40°F (4°C).
0
(Defrost):This mode clears the windshield of fog or
frost more quickly. Air is directed to the windshield with
some air to the side window vents and the floor vents.
When defrost is selected, the system automatically
forces outside air into the vehicle. The air conditioning
compressor will run automatically in this setting, unless
the outside temperature is below 40°F (4°C).
#
(Air Conditioning):Press to turn the air conditioning
system on or off. An indicator light comes on to show that
it is on. The air conditioning can be selected in any mode
as long as the fan is on and the outside temperature is
above freezing. A flashing indicator light indicates that the
air conditioning compressor is currently not available.
On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps to reduce the time
it takes for the vehicle to cool down. It also helps the
system to operate more efficiently.
For quick cool down on hot days, do the following:
1. Select the
H
mode.
2. Press the
#
button.
3. Select the coolest temperature for both zones.
4. Select the highest
9
speed.
5. When the coolest temperature is selected in the
A/C mode, the system automatically goes into the
recirculation mode to improve cooling.
4-18

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

Leaving After Parking on a Hill1. Apply and hold the brake pedal while you:
•
start the engine,
•
shift into a gear, and
•
release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer TowingThe vehicle needs service more often when pulling a
trailer. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 7-3for more
information. Things that are especially important in traileroperation are automatic transmission fluid, engine oil,
belts, cooling system and brake system. It is a good idea
to inspect these before and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer TowingThe cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 6-29.Changing a Tire When Trailer TowingIf the vehicle gets a flat tire while towing a trailer,
be sure to secure the trailer and disconnect it from the
vehicle before changing the tire.
5-34

Service............................................................6-3
Accessories and Modifications..........................6-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................6-4
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....6-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................6-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the
Vehicle . . . . ..................................................6-5
Fuel................................................................6-5
Gasoline Octane............................................6-6
Gasoline Specifications....................................6-6
California Fuel...............................................6-6
Additives.......................................................6-7
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)..................................6-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................6-9
Filling the Tank............................................6-10
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................6-12
Checking Things Under the Hood....................6-12
Hood Release..............................................6-13
Engine Compartment Overview.......................6-14
Engine Oil...................................................6-15
Engine Oil Life System..................................6-18
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................6-19
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................6-22
Cooling System............................................6-24Engine Coolant.............................................6-25
Engine Overheating.......................................6-29
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................6-32
Power Steering Fluid.....................................6-32
Windshield Washer Fluid . . ..............................6-33
Brakes........................................................6-35
Battery........................................................6-38
Jump Starting...............................................6-39
Headlamp Aiming...........................................6-43
Bulb Replacement..........................................6-43
Halogen Bulbs..............................................6-43
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
and Parking Lamps....................................6-44
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps...................6-47
License Plate Lamp......................................6-49
Replacement Bulbs.......................................6-49
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............6-49
Tires..............................................................6-51
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . .................................6-52
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . ...................6-56
Inflation - Tire Pressure.................................6-59
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
6-1

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 6-33.
B. Battery. SeeBattery on page 6-38.
C. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 6-97.
D. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 6-39.
E. Coolant Recovery Tank. See “Checking Coolant”
underCooling System on page 6-24.
F. Pressure Cap. SeeCooling System on page 6-24.
G. Power Steering Fluid Cap. SeePower Steering Fluid
on page 6-32.
H. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 6-15.
I. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 6-15.
J. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick (Out of View).
See “Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 6-22.
K. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 6-35.
L. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 6-19.
Engine OilChecking Engine OilIt is a good idea to check the engine oil level at each
fuel fill. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 6-14
for the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If this is not done, the
oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
6-15

How to Add FluidRefer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission fluid to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-10.
If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper
fluid to bring the level into the cross-hatched area on the
dipstick.
1. Pull out the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough fluid at the
dipstick hole to bring it to the proper level.
It does not take much fluid, generally less than
one pint (0.5 L). Do not overfill.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
fluid may damage the vehicle, and the damages
may not be covered by the vehicle’s warranty.
Always use the automatic transmission fluid listed
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 7-10.
3. After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under “How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid,” earlier in this section.
4. When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
Cooling SystemThe Cooling System allows the engine to maintain the
correct working temperature.
A. Coolant Recovery Tank
B. Pressure Cap
C. Electric Engine Cooling Fans3.5L V6 Engine shown, 3.9L Engine similar
6-24

{
WARNING:
An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can
start up even when the engine is not running and
can cause injury. Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood electric fan.{
WARNING:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine parts,
can be very hot. Do not touch them. If you do, you
can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a leak. If you run
the engine, it could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine fire, and you could be burned.
Get any leak fixed before you drive the vehicle.Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®
can
cause premature engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant could
require changing sooner, at 50 000 km (30,000 miles)
or 24 months, whichever occurs first. Any repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always use DEX-COOL
®
(silicate-free) coolant in the
vehicle.
Engine CoolantThe cooling system in the vehicle is filled with
DEX-COOL
®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in the vehicle for five years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first.
The following explains the cooling system and how to
check and add coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating, seeEngine
Overheating on page 6-29
6-25