light CHEVROLET IMPALA 2010 9.G Owners Manual

In Brief........................................................... 1-1
Instrument Panel
........................................ 1-2
Initial Drive Information
............................... 1-4
Vehicle Features
......................................1-15
Performance and Maintenance
...................1-19
Seats and Restraint System............................. 2-1
Head Restraints
......................................... 2-2
Front Seats
............................................... 2-4
Rear Seats
..............................................2-10
Safety Belts
.............................................2-12
Child Restraints
.......................................2-32
Airbag System
.........................................2-56
Restraint System Check
............................2-74
Features and Controls..................................... 3-1
Keys
........................................................ 3-3
Doors and Locks
....................................... 3-9
Windows
.................................................3-14
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................3-16
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........3-19
Mirrors
....................................................3-33Universal Home Remote System
................3-35
Storage Areas
.........................................3-42
Sunroof
..................................................3-43
Instrument Panel............................................. 4-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 4-3
Climate Controls
......................................4-16
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
. . . . . . . . 4-21
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................4-37
Audio System(s)
.......................................4-57
Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 5-1
Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle
....... 5-2
Towing
...................................................5-26
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 6-1
Service
..................................................... 6-3
Fuel
......................................................... 6-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............6-12
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................6-43
Bulb Replacement
....................................6-43
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
. . . . . . . . . 6-49
2010 Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual
M

Vehicle Symbol ChartHere are some additional symbols that may be found on
the vehicle and what they mean. For more information
on the symbol, refer to the index.9
:Airbag Readiness Light
#
:Air Conditioning
!
:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g
:Audio Steering Wheel Controls or OnStar
®
$
:Brake System Warning Light
"
:Charging System
I
:Cruise Control
B
:Engine Coolant Temperature
O
:Exterior Lamps
#
:Fog Lamps
.
:Fuel Gage
+
:Fuses
i
:Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
j
:LATCH System Child Restraints
*
:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
:
:Oil Pressure
}
:Power
/
:Remote Vehicle Start
>
:Safety Belt Reminders
7
:Tire Pressure Monitor
F
:Traction Control
M
:Windshield Washer Fluid
v

Instrument Panel..............................................1-2
Initial Drive Information....................................1-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System................1-4
Remote Vehicle Start......................................1-4
Door Locks....................................................1-5
Trunk Release...............................................1-5
Windows.......................................................1-6
Seat Adjustment.............................................1-6
Second Row Seats.........................................1-8
Head Restraint Adjustment...............................1-8
Safety Belt....................................................1-9
Sensing System for Passenger Airbag...............1-9
Mirror Adjustment.........................................1-10
Steering Wheel Adjustment............................1-11
Interior Lighting............................................1-11
Exterior Lighting...........................................1-12
Windshield Wiper/Washer...............................1-13
Climate Controls...........................................1-14Vehicle Features.............................................1-15
Radio(s)......................................................1-15
Satellite Radio..............................................1-16
Portable Audio Devices ..................................1-16
Steering Wheel Controls . . ..............................1-17
Bluetooth
®
...................................................1-17
Cruise Control..............................................1-18
Power Outlets..............................................1-18
Performance and Maintenance.........................1-19
Traction Control System (TCS).......................1-19
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)....................1-19
Tire Pressure Monitor....................................1-20
Engine Oil Life System ..................................1-20
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) . . ..............................1-20
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . ...................1-21
Roadside Assistance Program........................1-21
OnStar
®
......................................................1-22
Section 1 In Brief
1-1

Mirror AdjustmentExterior Mirrors
Controls for the outside
power mirrors are located
on the driver door armrest.
Press the left or right side of the selector located
beneath the control pad to adjust the driver or passenger
mirror. Then press the control pad to move the mirror
to the desired direction.
Interior MirrorVehicles with a manual rearview mirror can be adjusted
by holding the mirror in the center to move it for a
clearer view behind the vehicle. Adjust the mirror to
avoid glare from the headlamps behind. Pull the lever,
located at the bottom of the mirror for nighttime use.
Return the lever to its original position for the day
position.
Vehicles with an automatic dimming rearview mirror will
automatically adjust to reduce the glare of lights from
behind the vehicle. SeeAutomatic Dimming Rearview
Mirror on page 3-33.
1-10

Steering Wheel AdjustmentThe tilt wheel lever is located on the left side of the
steering column.
To adjust the steering wheel:
1. Hold the wheel and pull the lever towards you.
2. Move the steering wheel up or down into a
comfortable position.
3. Release the lever to lock the steering wheel in
place.
SeeTilt Wheel on page 4-3.
Interior LightingDome LampThe center mounted dome lamp overhead comes on
when a door is opened. This lamp can also be turned on
by turning the instrument panel brightness control
clockwise.Reading LampsThe vehicle has reading lamps that also act as the
dome lamp. Press the button near each lamp to turn
them on and off.Map LampsThe vehicle has map lamps on the rearview mirror.
Push the button near each lamp to turn the map lamps
on and off.
For more information on interior lighting, see:•
Instrument Panel Brightness on page 4-11.
•
Courtesy Lamps on page 4-11.
•
Delayed Entry Lighting on page 4-12.
•
Delayed Exit Lighting on page 4-13.
•
Parade Dimming on page 4-13.
1-11

Exterior LightingThe exterior lamps control is located on the instrument
panel to the left of the steering wheel.P
:Briefly turn to this position to manually turn the
automatic lamp control and Daytime Running Lamps
(DRL) off or on. For vehicles first sold in Canada, the
off position only works when the vehicle is shifted
into the P (Park) position.AUTO:Automatic operation of the headlamps and
other exterior lamps at normal brightness.
;
:Turns on the the parking lamps and other exterior
lamps.
2
:Turns on the headlamps and other exterior lamps.
#
(If Equipped):Turns on the fog lamps.
For more information, see:•
Exterior Lamps on page 4-9.
•
Fog Lamps on page 4-11.
•
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)/Automatic
Headlamp System on page 4-10.
1-12

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.
1-20

The OnStar system can record and transmit vehicle
information. This information is automatically sent to an
OnStar call center when
Q
is pressed,
]
is pressed, or
if the airbags or ACR system deploy. This information
usually includes the vehicle’s GPS location and, in the
event of a crash, additional information regarding the
crash that the vehicle was involved in (e.g. the direction
from which the vehicle was hit). When the virtual advisor
feature of OnStar hands-free calling is used, the vehicle
also sends OnStar the vehicle’s GPS location so they can
provide services where it is located.
Location information about the vehicle is only available
if the GPS satellite signals are unobstructed and
available.
The vehicle must have a working electrical system,
including adequate battery power, for the OnStar
equipment to operate. There are other problems OnStar
cannot control that may prevent OnStar from providing
OnStar service at any particular time or place. Some
examples are damage to important parts of the vehicle
in a crash, hills, tall buildings, tunnels, weather or
wireless phone network congestion.
OnStar Steering Wheel ControlsThis vehicle may have a Talk/Mute button that can be
used to interact with OnStar hands-free calling. See
Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 4-84for more
information.
On some vehicles, the mute button can be used to dial
numbers into voice mail systems, or to dial phone
extensions. See the OnStar Owner’s Guide for more
information.Your ResponsibilityIncrease the volume of the radio if the OnStar advisor
cannot be heard.
If the light next to the OnStar buttons is red, the system
may not be functioning properly. Press
Q
and request
a vehicle diagnostic. If the light appears clear (no light is
appearing), your OnStar subscription has expired and
all services have been deactivated. PressQ
to confirm
that the OnStar equipment is active.
1-23

Heated Seats
On vehicles with this
feature, the buttons that
control the driver and front
passenger heated seats
are located on the climate
control panel. SeeClimate
Control System on
page 4-16.
Press the button to turn on the seat at the high setting.
Both lights below the heated seat symbol are lit.
Press the button a second time to turn the seat to the
low setting. Only the bottom light is lit. Press the button
a third time to turn the heated seat off.
The heated seat feature must be turned on again each
time the ignition is turned off and back on.
Reclining SeatbacksManual Reclining Seatbacks
{
WARNING:
You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to
adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is
moving. The sudden movement could startle and
confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you
do not want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when
the vehicle is not moving.{
WARNING:
If either seatback is not locked, it could move
forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could
cause injury to the person sitting there. Always
push and pull on the seatbacks to be sure they
are locked.
2-6

Lap-Shoulder BeltAll seating positions in the vehicle have a lap-shoulder
except for the center front passenger position, if
your vehicle has one, which has a lap belt. SeeLap
Belt on page 2-30for more information.
The following instructions explain how to wear a
lap-shoulder belt properly.
1. Adjust the seat, if the seat is adjustable, so you can
sit up straight. To see how, see “Seats” in the Index.
2. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.
Do not let it get twisted.
The lap-shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt
across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt
go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt
across you more slowly.
If the shoulder portion of a passenger belt is pulled
out all the way, the child restraint locking feature
may be engaged. If this happens, let the belt
go back all the way and start again.
Engaging the child restraint locking feature in the
right front seating position may affect the passenger
sensing system. SeePassenger Sensing System
on page 2-66.3. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.
If the latch plate will not go fully into the buckle,
check if the correct buckle is being used.
Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.
If the belt is not long enough, seeSafety Belt
Extender on page 2-31.
Position the release button on the buckle so that
the safety belt could be quickly unbuckled if
necessary.
2-25