power steering CHEVROLET IMPALA 2010 9.G Owners Manual

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

A.Outlet Adjustment on page 4-20.
B. Remote Trunk Release Button. SeeTrunk on
page 3-12.
C.Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 4-4.
D.Instrument Panel Cluster on page 4-22.
E.Hazard Warning Flashers on page 4-3.
F.Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 4-37.
G.Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 4-25.
H.Audio System(s) on page 4-57.
I.Exterior Lamps on page 4-9.
J.Instrument Panel Brightness on page 4-11.
K.Traction Control System (TCS) on page 5-7
(If Equipped).L.Tilt Wheel on page 4-3.
M.Cruise Control on page 4-6.
N.Hood Release on page 6-13.
O.Horn on page 4-3.
P.Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 4-84
(If Equipped).
Q.Ignition Positions on page 3-20.
R.Climate Control System on page 4-16.
S.Accessory Power Outlet(s) on page 4-15.
T. Center Console Shift Lever (If Equipped).
SeeShifting Into Park on page 3-28.
U.Glove Box on page 3-42.
1-3

Cruise Control
The cruise control buttons
are located on the left side
of the steering wheel.
J
:On/Off.
RES+:Press to resume or accelerate speed.
SET−:Press to set or decrease speed.
[
:Press to cancel cruise control.
For more information, seeCruise Control on page 4-6.
Power OutletsThe vehicle has three 12-volt outlets to use with
electrical equipment, such as a cellular telephone.
On vehicles with a center console, one outlet is located
inside the center floor console and two outlets are
located at the front of the console bin under the
instrument panel. Lift the cover to access the outlet.
On vehicles without a center console, two are located
under the climate controls and another outlet for the rear
seat passengers is at the rear of the center front seat.
Remove the cover to access the outlets.
SeeAccessory Power Outlet(s) on page 4-15.
1-18

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

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

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

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

Overheated Engine Protection
Operating ModeThis emergency operating mode allows your vehicle
to be driven to a safe place in an emergency situation.
If an overheated engine condition exists, an overheat
protection mode which alternates firing groups of
cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode,
you will notice a significant loss in power and engine
performance. The coolant temperature gage will indicate
an overheat condition exists. Driving extended miles (km)
and/or towing a trailer in the overheat protection mode
should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil
and reset the oil life system. SeeEngine Oil
on page 6-15.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid
reservoir is located toward
the rear of the engine
compartment on the
passenger’s side of the
vehicle. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 6-14for reservoir
location.
When to Check Power Steering FluidIt is not necessary to regularly check power steering fluid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
6-32