trailer CHEVROLET IMPALA 2011 9.G User Guide

Black plate (42,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
9-42 Driving and Operating
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain
amount of experience. Get to know
the rig before setting out for the
open road. Get acquainted with the
feel of handling and braking with the
added weight of the trailer. And
always keep in mind that the vehicle
you are driving is now longer and
not as responsive as the vehicle is
by itself.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch
parts and attachments, safety
chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
tires and mirror adjustments. If the
trailer has electric brakes, start the
vehicle and trailer moving and then
apply the trailer brake controller by
hand to be sure the brakes are
working. This checks the electrical
connection at the same time.
During the trip, check occasionally
to be sure that the load is secure,
and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can help to avoid situations
that require heavy braking and
sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed
when towing a trailer. Because the
rig is longer, it is necessary to go
much farther beyond the passed
vehicle before returning to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering
wheel with one hand. Then, to move
the trailer to the left, move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the
right, move your hand to the right.
Always back up slowly and,
if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns
while trailering could cause the
trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. The vehicle could be
damaged. Avoid making very
sharp turns while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal. Do this so
the trailer will not strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees
or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
The arrows on the instrument panel
flash whenever signaling a turn or
lane change. Properly hooked up,
the trailer lamps also flash, telling
other drivers the vehicle is turning,
changing lanes or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows
on the instrument panel flash for
turns even if the bulbs on the
trailer are burned out.

Black plate (43,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-43
For this reason you may think other
drivers are seeing the signal when
they are not. It is important to check
occasionally to be sure the trailer
bulbs are still working.
Driving on Grades
Notice:Do not tow on steep
continuous grades exceeding
9.6 km (6 miles). Extended, higher
than normal engine and
transmission temperatures may
result and damage the vehicle.
Frequent stops are very important
to allow the engine and
transmission to cool.
Reduce speed and shift to a
lower gear beforestarting down a
long or steep downgrade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes might have to be used so
much that they would get hot and
no longer work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down
and reduce the vehicle's speed to
around 70 km/h (45 mph) to reduce
the possibility of the engine and the transmission overheating. If the
engine does overheat, see
Engine
Overheating on page 10‑19.
Parking on Hills
{WARNING
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet.
Turn the wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if
facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels. 3. When the wheel chocks are in
place, release the brake pedal
until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift
the transmission into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. 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.

Black plate (44,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
9-44 Driving and Operating
Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See
Scheduled Maintenance on
page 11‑2for more information.
Things that are especially important
in trailer operation 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
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. See Engine Overheating
on page 10‑19.
Changing a Tire When Trailer
Towing
If 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.
Trailer Towing
{WARNING
The driver can lose control when
pulling a trailer if the correct
equipment is not used or the
vehicle is not driven properly.
For example, if the trailer is too
heavy, the brakes may not work
well —or even at all. The driver
and passengers could be
seriously injured. The vehicle may
also be damaged; the resulting
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Pull a trailer
only if all the steps in this section
have been followed.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
Ask your dealer for advice and
information about towing a trailer
with the vehicle.
Notice: Pulling a trailer
improperly can damage the
vehicle and result in costly
repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. To pull a trailer
correctly, follow the advice in this
section and see your dealer for
important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
The vehicle can tow a trailer if it is
equipped with the proper trailer
towing equipment. To identify the
trailering capacity of the vehicle,
read the information in “Weight of
the Trailer” that appears later in this
section. Trailering is different than
just driving the vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking,
durability and fuel economy.

Black plate (45,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-45
Successful, safe trailering takes
correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips
and safety rules. Many of these are
important for the safety of the
driver and the passengers. So
please read this section carefully
before pulling a trailer.
Load-pulling components such as
the engine, transmission, axles,
wheel assemblies and tires are
forced to work harder against the
drag of the added weight. The
engine is required to operate at
relatively higher speeds and under
greater loads, generating extra heat.
The trailer also adds considerably to
wind resistance, increasing the
pulling requirements.Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It should never weigh more than
454 kg (1,000 lbs). But even that
can be too heavy.
It depends on how the rig is used.
For example, speed, altitude, road
grades, outside temperature and
how much the vehicle is used to pull
a trailer are all important. It can
depend on any special equipment
on the vehicle, and the amount of
tongue weight the vehicle can carry.
See“Weight of the Trailer Tongue”
later in this section for more
information.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated
assuming only the driver is in the
tow vehicle and it has all the
required trailering equipment.
The weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers and cargo in
the tow vehicle must be subtracted
from the maximum trailer weight. Ask your dealer for trailering
information or advice, or write us at
our Customer Assistance Offices.
See
Customer Assistance Offices
on page 13‑4 for more information.
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is
an important weight to measure
because it affects the total gross
weight of the vehicle. The Gross
Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the
curb weight of the vehicle, any
cargo carried in it, and the people
who will be riding in the vehicle.
If there are a lot of options,
equipment, passengers or
cargo in the vehicle, it will reduce
the tongue weight the vehicle can
carry, which will also reduce the
trailer weight the vehicle can tow.

Black plate (46,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
9-46 Driving and Operating
If towing a trailer, the tongue load
must be added to the GVW because
the vehicle will be carrying that
weight, too. SeeVehicle Load Limits
on page 9‑12 for more information
about the vehicle's maximum load
capacity.
Using a weight-carrying hitch, the
trailer tongue (A) should weigh 10 to
15 percent of the total loaded trailer
weight (B). After loading the trailer, weigh the
trailer and then the tongue,
separately, to see if the weights are
proper. If they are not, adjustments
might be made by moving some
items around in the trailer.
Total Weight on the
Vehicle's Tires
Be sure the vehicle's tires are
inflated to the upper limit for cold
tires. These numbers can be found
on the Certification/Tire label. See
Vehicle Load Limits on page 9‑12.
Make sure not to go over the GVW
limit for the vehicle, including the
weight of the trailer tongue.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
It is important to have the correct
hitch equipment. Crosswinds, large
trucks going by and rough roads are
a few reasons why the right hitch is
needed. Here are some rules to
follow:
.The rear bumper on the vehicle
is not intended for hitches. Do
not attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches to it. Use
only a frame-mounted hitch that
does not attach to the bumper.
.Will any holes be made in the
body of the vehicle when the
trailer hitch is installed? If there
are, then be sure to seal the
holes later when the hitch is
removed. If the holes are not
sealed, dirt, water, and deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) from the
exhaust can get into the vehicle.
See
Engine Exhaust on
page 9‑24 in the Index for more
information.

Black plate (47,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-47
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the
vehicle and the trailer. Cross the
safety chains under the tongue of
the trailer to help prevent the
tongue from contacting the road if it
becomes separated from the hitch.
Instructions about safety chains
may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer
manufacturer. Follow the
manufacturer's recommendation for
attaching safety chains and do not
attach them to the bumper. Always
leave just enough slack so the rig
can turn. Never allow safety chains
to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Because the vehicle has antilock
brakes, do not try to tap into the
vehicle's hydraulic brake system.
If you do, both brake systems will
not work well, or at all.
Does your trailer have its own
brakes? Be sure to read and follow
the instructions for the trailer brakes
so you will be able to install, adjust
and maintain them properly.
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
Notice:Do not add anything
electrical to the vehicle unless
you check with your dealer first.
Some electrical equipment can
damage the vehicle and the
damage would not be covered by
the vehicle's warranty. Some
add-on electrical equipment can
keep other components from
working as they should.
Add-on equipment can drain the
vehicle's 12‐volt battery, even if
the vehicle is not operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to add anything
electrical to the vehicle, see
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 3‑38 andAdding
Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 3‑39.

Black plate (12,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
10-12 Vehicle Care
Notice:Too much or too
little fluid can damage the
transmission. Too much can
mean that some of the fluid could
come out and fall on hot engine
parts or exhaust system parts,
starting a fire. Too little fluid
could cause the transmission to
overheat. Be sure to get an
accurate reading if checking the
transmission fluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before
checking the transmission fluid level
if you have been driving:
.When outside temperatures are
above 32°C (90°F).
.At high speed for quite a while.
.In heavy traffic —especially in
hot weather.
.While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid
should be at normal operating
temperature, which is 82°C to
93°C (180°F to 200°F). Get the vehicle warmed up by
driving about 24 km (15 mi) when
outside temperatures are above
10°C (50°F). If it is colder than
10°C (50°F), the vehicle may have
to be driven longer.
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare your vehicle as follows:
1. Park the vehicle on a level
place. Keep the engine running.
2. With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever in P (Park).
3. With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift lever
through each gear range,
pausing for about three seconds
in each range. Then, position the
shift lever in P (Park).
4. Let the engine run at idle for three to five minutes. Then, without shutting off the
engine, follow these steps:
1. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it
with a clean rag or paper towel.
The transmission fluid dipstick
handle is the black loop with this
symbol on it. It is located near
the rear of the engine
compartment.
See Engine Compartment
Overview on page 10‑6 for more
information on location.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds, and then pull it
back out again.

Black plate (20,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
10-20 Vehicle Care
If Steam is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{WARNING
Steam from an overheated engine
can burn you badly, even if you
just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Turn it off
and get everyone away from the
vehicle until it cools down. Wait
until there is no sign of steam or
coolant before you open
the hood.
If you keep driving when the
vehicles engine is overheated,
the liquids in it can catch fire. You
or others could be badly burned.
Stop the engine if it overheats,
and get out of the vehicle until the
engine is cool.(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
SeeOverheated Engine
Protection Operating Mode on
page 10‑21 for information on
driving to a safe place in an
emergency.
If No Steam is Coming from
the Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is
displayed but no steam can be seen
or heard, the problem may not be
too serious. Sometimes the engine
can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day
.Stops after high-speed driving
.Idles for long periods in traffic
.Tows a trailer If the overheat warning is displayed
with no sign of steam:
1. Turn the air off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest
temperature and to the highest
fan speed. Open the windows as
necessary.
3. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in N (Neutral) while stopped.
If it is safe to do so, pull off
the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral) and let the
engine idle.
If the temperature overheat gauge
is no longer in the overheat zone or
an overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven.
Continue to drive the vehicle slowly
for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the vehicle in
front. If the warning does not come
back on, continue to drive normally.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle
right away.

Black plate (21,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-21
If there is no sign of steam, idle the
engine for three minutes while
parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it
cools down. Also, see "Overheated
Engine Protection Operating Mode"
in this section.
Overheated Engine
Protection
Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode
allows the 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, a significant loss in power
and engine performance will be
noticed. The coolant temperature
gauge will indicate an overheat
condition exists. Driving
extended km (mi) 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. See
Engine Oil on page 10‑8.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid reservoir
is located toward the rear of the
engine compartment on the
passenger side of the vehicle.
See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑6 for reservoir location.
When to Check Power
Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering fluid unless
there is a leak suspected in the
system or an unusual noise is
heard. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.
How to Check Power
Steering Fluid
To check the power steering fluid,
do the following:
1. Turn the key off and let the
engine compartment cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Remove the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.

Black plate (74,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
10-74 Vehicle Care
Towing
Towing the Vehicle
Notice:To avoid damage, the
disabled vehicle should be
towed with all four wheels off the
ground. Care must be taken with
vehicles that have low ground
clearance and/or special
equipment.
Consult your dealer or a
professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be towed.
See Roadside Assistance Program
on page 13‑7.
To tow the vehicle behind another
vehicle for recreational purposes,
such as behind a motor home, see
“Recreational Vehicle Towing” in
this section.
Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means
towing the vehicle behind another
vehicle such as a motor home. The
two most common types of
recreational vehicle towing are
known as dinghy towing and dolly
towing. Dinghy towing is towing the
vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground. Dolly towing is towing the
vehicle with two wheels on the
ground and two wheels up on a
device known as a dolly. Here are some important things to
consider before recreational vehicle
towing:.What is the towing capacity
of the towing vehicle?
Be sure to read the tow vehicle
manufacturer's
recommendations.
.What is the distance that will be
travelled? Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how
long they can tow.
.Is the proper towing equipment
going to be used? See your
dealer or trailering professional
for additional advice and
equipment recommendations.
.Is the vehicle ready to be
towed? Just as preparing the
vehicle for a long trip, make
sure the vehicle is prepared to
be towed.