cooling CHEVROLET IMPALA 2011 9.G User Guide

Black plate (15,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-15
Cooling System
The cooling system allows the
engine to maintain the correct
working temperature.
3.5 L V6 Engine Shown, 3.9 LV6 Engine Similar
A. Coolant Recovery Tank
B. Pressure Cap
C. Electric Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View)
{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.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
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.

Black plate (16,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
10-16 Vehicle Care
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL®engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to
remain in the vehicle for 5 years or
240 000 km (150,000 mi), 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,
see Engine Overheating on
page 10‑19
What to Use
{WARNING
Adding only plain water or some
other liquid to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
The vehicle's coolant warning
system is set for the proper
coolant mixture. With plain water
or the wrong mixture, the engine
could get too hot but you would
not get the overheat warning. The
engine could catch fire and you or
others could be burned. Use a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. If using this mixture,
nothing else needs to be added.
This mixture:
.Gives freezing protection down
to −37°C (−47°F), outside
temperature.
.Gives boiling protection up to
129°C (265°F), engine
temperature.
.Protects against rust and
corrosion.
.Will not damage aluminum parts.
.Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
Notice: If an improper coolant
mixture is used, the engine could
overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Too much water in the mixture
can freeze and crack the engine,
radiator, heater core, and
other parts.
Notice: If extra inhibitors
and/or additives are used in the
vehicle's cooling system, the
vehicle could be damaged. Use
only the proper mixture of the
engine coolant listed in this
manual for the cooling system.
See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑6 for more
information.

Black plate (17,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-17
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the
coolant level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in
the coolant recovery tank. If the
coolant inside the coolant recovery
tank is boiling, do not do anything
else until it cools down. If coolant is
visible but the coolant level is not at
or above the COLD FILL line, add a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant at
the coolant recovery tank, but be
sure the cooling system is cool
before this is done.
The coolant recovery tank
is located in the rear of the
engine compartment on the
passenger side of the vehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑6. When the engine is cold, the coolant
level should be at or above the
COLD FILL line on the coolant
recovery tank. To check the coolant
level, look for the COLD FILL line on
the side of the coolant recovery tank
that faces the engine. If the level is
not correct, there may be a leak in
the cooling system.
How to Add Coolant to the
Recovery Tank
{WARNING
You can be burned if you spill
coolant on hot engine parts.
Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough. Do not spill
coolant on a hot engine.
Notice: This vehicle has a
specific coolant fill procedure.
Failure to follow this procedure
could cause the engine to
overheat and be severely
damaged. If coolant is needed, add the proper
DEX-COOL coolant mixture at the
coolant recovery tank.
When the coolant level in the
coolant recovery tank is at the
COLD FILL line, start the vehicle.
If the overheat warning continues,
there is one more thing you can try.
The proper coolant mixture can be
added directly to the cooling system
through the coolant fill neck on the
engine, but be sure the system is
cool before doing it.

Black plate (18,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
10-18 Vehicle Care
How to Add Coolant to the
Radiator
{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
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system can blow out
and burn you badly. They are
under pressure, and if you turn
the surge tank pressure
cap—even a little —they can
come out at high speed. Never
turn the cap when the cooling
system, including the surge tank
pressure cap, is hot.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
Wait for the cooling system and
surge tank pressure cap to cool if
you ever have to turn the
pressure cap.
If coolant is needed, add the proper
mixture directly to the radiator, but
be sure the cooling system is cool
before this is done.
1. Remove the pressure cap when the cooling system, including
the pressure cap and upper
radiator hose is no longer hot.
Turn the pressure cap
slowly counterclockwise.
If a hiss is heard, wait for that to
stop. A hiss means that there is
still some pressure left. 2. Keep turning the pressure cap
and remove it.
3. Fill the cooling system with the proper DEX-COOL coolant
mixture, up to the base of the
filler neck. See “What to use”for
more information about the
proper coolant mixture. Rinse or
wipe any spilled coolant from the
engine and the compartment.
4. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to the COLD FILL line.

Black plate (19,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-19
5. Install the coolant recovery tankcap and the pressure cap. After
a day or two of driving, when the
engine is cold, check the coolant
level in the recovery tank. If it is
low, refill it to the COLD
FILL line.
If the coolant in the recovery tank is
constantly low, have a dealer
service department inspect the
vehicle for leaks.
Notice: If the pressure cap is not
tightly installed, coolant loss and
possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly
and tightly secured.Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators
to warn of engine overheating.
There is a coolant temperature
gauge and a warning light on the
instrument panel that indicate an
overheated engine condition. See
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
on page 5‑13 andEngine Coolant
Temperature Warning Light on
page 5‑22.
In addition, there is an ENGINE
OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE and
an ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP
ENGINE message displayed on the
vehicle Driver Information Center
(DIC). See Engine Cooling System
Messages on page 5‑30 for more
information.
If it is decided not to lift the hood
when this warning appears, but
instead get service help right away,
see Roadside Assistance Program
on page 13‑7. If it is decided to lift the hood, make
sure the vehicle is parked on a
level surface.
Then check to see if the engine
cooling fans are running. If the
engine is overheating, both fans
should be running. If they are not,
do not continue to run the engine
and have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:
Engine damage from
running the engine without
coolant is not covered by
the warranty.
Notice: If the engine catches fire
while driving with no coolant, the
vehicle can be badly damaged.
The costly repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
See Overheated Engine
Protection Operating Mode on
page 10‑21 for information on
driving to a safe place in an
emergency.

Black plate (36,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
10-36 Vehicle Care
FusesUsage
FAN 1 Cooling Fan 1
FAN 2 Cooling Fan 2
FOG LAMPS Fog Lamps
(If Equipped)
FUEL/PUMP Fuel Pump
HDLP MDL Headlamp
Module
HORN Horn
HTD MIR Heated Mirror
INJ 1 Injector 1
INJ 2 Injector 2
INT LIGHTS Interior Lamps
INT LTS/
PNL DIM Interior Lamps,
Instrument Panel
Dimmer
LT HI BEAM Driver Side
High‐Beam
Headlamp
LT LO BEAM Driver Side
Low‐Beam
Headlamp Fuses
Usage
LT PARK Driver Side
Parking Lamp
LT SPOT Left Spot
LT T/SIG Driver Side Turn
Signal Lamp
ONSTAR OnStar
®
PWR DROP/
CRANK Power Drop,
Crank
RADIO Audio System
RT HI BEAM Passenger Side
High‐Beam
Headlamp
RT LO BEAM Passenger Side
Low‐Beam
Headlamp
RT PARK Passenger Side
Parking Lamp
RT SPOT Right Spot
RT T/SIG Passenger Side
Turn Signal Lamp Fuses Usage
RVC SEN Regulated
Voltage Control
Sensor
STRG WHL Steering Wheel
STRTR Starter
TRANS Transmission
WPR Wiper
WSW Windshield Wiper
Relay Usage
A/C
CMPRSR Air Conditioning
Compressor
FAN 1 Cooling Fan 1
FAN 2 Cooling Fan 2
FAN 3 Cooling Fan 3
FUEL/PUMP Fuel Pump
PWR/TRN Powertrain
REAR
DEFOG Rear Defogger
STRTR Starter

Black plate (58,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
10-58 Vehicle Care
If you need to replace any of the
wheels, wheel bolts, wheel nuts,
or Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) sensors, replace them only
with new GM original equipment
parts. This way, you will be sure to
have the right wheel, wheel bolts,
wheel nuts, and TPMS sensors for
the vehicle.
{WARNING
Using the wrong replacement
wheels, wheel bolts, or wheel
nuts on your vehicle can be
dangerous. It could affect the
braking and handling of your
vehicle, make your tires lose air
and make you lose control. You
could have a collision in which
you or others could be injured.
Always use the correct wheel,
wheel bolts, and wheel nuts for
replacement.Notice:
The wrong wheel can
also cause problems with bearing
life, brake cooling, speedometer
or odometer calibration,
headlamp aim, bumper height,
vehicle ground clearance, and tire
or tire chain clearance to the
body and chassis.
See If a Tire Goes Flat on
page 10‑59 for more information.
Used Replacement Wheels
{WARNING
Putting a used wheel on the
vehicle is dangerous. You cannot
know how it has been used or
how far it has been driven.
It could fail suddenly and cause a
crash. If you have to replace a
wheel, use a new GM original
equipment wheel.
Tire Chains
{WARNING
Do not use tire chains. There is
not enough clearance. Tire chains
used on a vehicle without the
proper amount of clearance can
cause damage to the brakes,
suspension or other vehicle parts.
The area damaged by the tire
chains could cause you to lose
control of the vehicle and you or
others may be injured in a crash.
Use another type of traction
device only if its manufacturer
recommends it for use on the
vehicle and tire size combination
and road conditions. Follow that
manufacturer's instructions.
(Continued)

Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
Service and Maintenance 11-3
Reset the oil life system whenever
the oil is changed. SeeEngine Oil
Life System on page 10‑10.
Every Engine Oil Change
.Change engine oil and filter.
Reset oil life system. See
Engine Oil on page 10‑8 and
Engine Oil Life System on
page 10‑10. An Emission
Control Service.
.Engine coolant level check. See
Engine Coolant on page 10‑16.
.Engine cooling system
inspection. Visual inspection of
hoses, pipes, fittings, and
clamps and replacement,
if needed.
.Windshield washer fluid level
check. See Washer Fluid on
page 10‑22.
.Windshield wiper blade
inspection for wear, cracking,
or contamination and windshield
and wiper blade cleaning,
if contaminated. See Exterior
Care on page 10‑76. Worn or damaged wiper blade
replacement. See
Wiper Blade
Replacement on page 10‑27.
.Tire inflation pressures check.
See Tire Pressure on
page 10‑44.
.Tire wear inspection. See Tire
Inspection on page 10‑51.
.Rotate tires if necessary. See
Tire Rotation on page 10‑51.
.Fluids visual leak check (or
every 12 months, whichever
occurs first). A leak in any
system must be repaired and
the fluid level checked.
.Engine air cleaner filter
inspection. See Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 10‑13.
.Brake system inspection
(or every 12 months, whichever
occurs first).
.Steering and suspension
inspection. Visual inspection for
damaged, loose, or missing
parts or signs of wear.
.Body hinges and latches, key
lock cylinders, folding seat
hardware, and rear compartment
hinges lubrication. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑6. More
frequent lubrication may be
required when the vehicle is
exposed to a corrosive
environment. Applying silicone
grease on weatherstrips with a
clean cloth makes them last
longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.
.Restraint system component
check. See Safety System
Check on page 3‑24.
.Fuel system inspection for
damage or leaks.
.Exhaust system and nearby heat
shields inspection for loose or
damaged components.

Black plate (5,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
Service and Maintenance 11-5
First Engine Oil Change After
Every 80 000 km/50,000 Miles
.Engine air cleaner filter
replacement. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 10‑13.
.Automatic transmission fluid and
filter change (severe service) for
vehicles mainly driven in heavy
city traffic in hot weather, in hilly
or mountainous terrain, when
frequently towing a trailer,
or used for taxi, police,
or delivery service.
See Automatic Transmission
Fluid on page 10‑11.
.Evaporative control system
inspection. Check all fuel and
vapor lines and hoses for proper
hook‐up, routing, and condition.
Check that the purge valve,
if the vehicle has one, works
properly. Replace as needed. An
Emission Control Service. The
U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency or the California Air
Resources Board has
determined that the failure to perform this maintenance item
will not nullify the emission
warranty or limit recall liability
prior to the completion of the
vehicle's useful life. We,
however, urge that all
recommended maintenance
services be performed at the
indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
First Engine Oil Change After
Every 160 000 km/100,000 Miles
.Automatic transmission fluid and
filter change (normal service).
See Automatic Transmission
Fluid on page 10‑11.
.Spark plug replacement and
spark plug wires inspection. See
Engine Coolant on page 10‑16.
An Emission Control Service. First Engine Oil Change After
Every 240 000 km/150,000 Miles
.Engine cooling system drain,
flush, and refill (or every five
years, whichever occurs first).
See
Engine Coolant on
page 10‑16. An Emission
Control Service.
.Engine drive belts inspection for
fraying, excessive cracks,
or obvious damage (or every
10 years, whichever occurs
first). Replace, if needed.

Black plate (2,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
12-2 Technical Data
Vehicle Data
Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in metric and English conversions. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑6 for more information.
Application Capacities
Metric English
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134a For the air conditioning system refrigerant charge
amount, see the refrigerant label located under the hood. See your dealer for more information.
Automatic Transmission (Bottom Pan Removal) 7.0 L 7.4 qt
Cooling System Including Reservoir 3.5L and 3.9L V6 FlexFuel Engines 9.6 L 10.1 qt
Engine Oil with Filter 3.5L and 3.9L V6 FlexFuel Engines 3.8 L 4.0 qt
Fuel Tank 66.2 L 17.5 gal
Wheel Nut Torque 140 Y100 lb ft
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck fluid level after filling.