low oil pressure CHEVROLET IMPALA 2011 9.G Owners Manual

Black plate (5,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
Introduction v
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here 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 Gauge
+:Fuses
3: 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

Black plate (6,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
2-6 Keys, Doors and Windows
If it is the first remote start since the
vehicle has been driven, repeat the
previous steps, while the engine is
still running, to extend the engine
running time by 10 minutes from the
time you repeat the steps for remote
starting. The remote start running
time can be extended one time and
only after the first remote start.
After entering the vehicle during a
remote start, insert and turn the key
to ON/RUN to drive the vehicle.
The engine will shut off
automatically after 10 minutes,
unless a time extension has been
done or the vehicle's key is inserted
into the ignition switch and turned
to ON/RUN.
To manually shut off a remote start,
do any of the following.
.Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle and press and release
the remote start button.
.Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
.Turn the ignition switch out of
LOCK/OFF and then back
to LOCK/OFF.
After the engine has been started
two times, or one time with a time
extension, the vehicle's ignition
must be turned to ON/RUN using
the key before the remote start
procedure can be used again. See
Ignition Positions on page 9‑16 for
information regarding the ignition
positions on your vehicle.
The remote vehicle start feature will
not operate if any of the follow
occur:
.The vehicle's key is in the
ignition.
.The vehicle's hood is open.
.The hazard warning flashers
are on.
.The check engine light is on.
See Malfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 5‑17.
.The engine coolant temperature
is too high.
.The oil pressure is low.
.The content theft-deterrent alarm
has been activated.
.Two remote vehicle starts,
or one start with a time
extension, have already been
provided for that ignition cycle.
Door Locks
{WARNING
Unlocked doors can be
dangerous.
.Passengers, especially
children, can easily open the
doors and fall out of a moving
vehicle. When a door is
locked, the handle will not
open it. The chance of being
thrown out of the vehicle in a
crash is increased if the
doors are not locked.
(Continued)

Black plate (23,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
Instruments and Controls 5-23
A tire pressure message can
accompany the light. SeeTire
Messages on page 5‑34 for more
information. Stop as soon as
possible, and inflate the tires to the
pressure value shown on the Tire
and Loading Information Label.
See Tire Pressure on page 10‑44
for more information.
When the Light Flashes First and
Then is On Steady
This indicates that there may be a
problem with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System. The light flashes
for about a minute and stays on
steady for the remainder of the
ignition cycle. This sequence
repeats with every ignition cycle.
See Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation on page 10‑47 for
more information.Engine Oil Pressure Light
{WARNING
Do not keep driving if the oil
pressure is low. The engine can
become so hot that it catches fire.
Someone could be burned. Check
the oil as soon as possible and
have the vehicle serviced.
Notice: Lack of proper engine oil
maintenance can damage the
engine. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always follow the maintenance
schedule for changing engine oil.
This light comes on briefly while
starting the engine. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the system is working
normally, the indicator light then
goes off.
If the light comes on and stays on, it
means that oil is not flowing through
the engine properly. The vehicle
could be low on oil and it might
have some other system problem.
Security Light
For information regarding this light
and the vehicle's security system,
see
Anti-Theft Alarm System on
page 2‑12.

Black plate (25,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
Instruments and Controls 5-25
If your vehicle has these features,
the DIC also displays the compass
direction and the outside air
temperature when viewing the trip
and fuel information. The compass
direction appears on the top right
corner of the DIC display.
The outside air temperature
automatically appears in the bottom
right corner of the DIC display.
If there is a problem with the system
that controls the temperature
display, the numbers will be
replaced with dashes. If this occurs,
have the vehicle serviced by
your dealer.
The DIC also allows some features
to be customized. SeeVehicle
Personalization on page 5‑36 for
more information.
DIC Operation and Displays
The DIC has different displays
which can be accessed by pressing
the DIC buttons located on the
instrument panel, to the right of the
instrument panel cluster. DIC Buttons
The buttons are the trip/fuel, vehicle
information, customization, and
set/reset buttons. The button
functions are detailed in the
following pages.
3(Trip/Fuel):
Press this
button to display the odometer, trip
odometers, fuel range, average
economy, instantaneous economy,
Active Fuel Management™ indicator
on vehicles with this feature, and
average speed.
T(Vehicle Information): Press
this button to display the oil life,
units, tire pressure readings, and
compass zone and compass
calibration on vehicles with
this feature.
U(Customization): Press this
button to customize the feature
settings on your vehicle.
See Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑36 for more information.
V(Set/Reset): Press this button to
set or reset certain functions and to
turn off or acknowledge messages
on the DIC.
Trip/Fuel Menu Items
3(Trip/Fuel): Press this
button to scroll through the following
menu items:
Odometer
Press the trip/fuel button until
ODOMETER displays. This display
shows the distance the vehicle has
been driven in either miles (mi) or
kilometers (km).

Black plate (28,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
5-28 Instruments and Controls
It cannot be reset accurately until
the next oil change. To reset the
engine oil life system, seeEngine
Oil Life System on page 10‑10.
Units
Press the vehicle information button
until UNITS displays. This display
allows you to select between
English or Metric units of
measurement. Once in this
display, press the set/reset button
to select between ENGLISH or
METRIC units.
Tire Pressure
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), the
pressure for each tire can be viewed
in the DIC. The tire pressure will be
shown in either pounds per square
inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa). Press
the vehicle information button until
the DIC displays FRONT TIRES
PSI (kPa) LEFT ## RIGHT ##. Press
the vehicle information button again
until the DIC displays REAR TIRES
PSI (kPa) LEFT ## RIGHT ##. If a low tire pressure condition is
detected by the system while
driving, a message advising you to
add air to a specific tire will appear
in the display. See
Tire Pressure on
page 10‑44 andTire Messages on
page 5‑34 for more information.
If the tire pressure display shows
dashes instead of a value, there
may be a problem with your vehicle.
If this consistently occurs, see your
dealer for service.
Change Compass Zone
Your vehicle may have this feature.
To change the compass zone
through the DIC, see Compass on
page 5‑5.
Calibrate Compass
Your vehicle may have this feature.
The compass can be manually
calibrated. To calibrate the compass
through the DIC, see Compass on
page 5‑5.
Blank Display
This display shows no information.Vehicle Messages
Messages are displayed on the DIC
to notify the driver that the status of
the vehicle has changed and that
some action may be needed by the
driver to correct the condition.
Multiple messages may appear one
after another. Some messages may
not require immediate action, but
you can press the set/reset button
to acknowledge that you received
the message and clear it from the
DIC display. Pressing any of the
DIC buttons also acknowledges and
clears any messages. Some
messages cannot be cleared from
the DIC display because they are
more urgent. These messages
require action before they can be
cleared. You should take any
messages that appear on the
display seriously and remember that
clearing the messages will only
make the messages disappear, not
correct the problem. The following
are the possible messages that can
be displayed and some information
about them.

Black plate (31,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
Instruments and Controls 5-31
Have the climate control system
serviced by your dealer if you notice
a drop in heating and air
conditioning efficiency.
Engine Oil Messages
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
This message displays when
service is required for the vehicle.
See your dealer. SeeEngine Oil on
page 10‑8 andScheduled
Maintenance on page 11‑2 for more
information.
Acknowledging the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message will
not reset the OIL LIFE REMAINING.
That must be done at the OIL LIFE
screen under the vehicle information
menu. See “Oil Life”underDriver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5‑24 andEngine Oil Life
System on page 10‑10.
OIL PRESSURE LOW
STOP ENGINE
Notice: If you drive the vehicle
while the engine oil pressure is
low, severe engine damage may
occur. If a low oil pressure
warning appears on the Driver
Information Center (DIC), stop the
vehicle as soon as possible.
Do not drive the vehicle until the
cause of the low oil pressure is
corrected. See Engine Oil on
page 10‑8 for more information.
This message displays when the
vehicle's engine oil pressure is low.
The oil pressure light also appears
on the instrument panel cluster.
See Engine Oil Pressure Light on
page 5‑23.
Stop the vehicle immediately, as
engine damage can result from
driving a vehicle with low oil
pressure. Have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer as soon as possible
when this message is displayed.
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays when the
vehicle's engine power is reduced.
Reduced engine power can affect
the vehicle's ability to accelerate.
If this message is on, but there is no
reduction in performance, proceed
to your destination. The
performance may be reduced the
next time the vehicle is driven. The
vehicle may be driven at a reduced
speed while this message is on, but
acceleration and speed may be
reduced. Anytime this message
stays on, the vehicle should be
taken to your dealer for service as
soon as possible.

Black plate (80,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
10-80 Vehicle Care
Interior Care
The vehicle's interior will continue to
look its best if it is cleaned often.
Dust and dirt can accumulate on the
upholstery and cause damage to
the carpet, fabric, leather, and
plastic surfaces. Stains should be
removed quickly as extreme heat
could cause them to set rapidly.
Lighter colored interiors may require
more frequent cleaning.
Newspapers and garments that can
transfer color to home furnishings
can also transfer color to the
vehicle's interior.
Remove dust from small buttons
and knobs with a small brush with
soft bristles.
Your dealer has products for
cleaning the vehicle's interior. When
cleaning the vehicle's interior, only
use cleaners specifically designed
for the surfaces that are being
cleaned. Permanent damage can
result from using cleaners onsurfaces for which they were not
intended. Apply the cleaner directly
to the cleaning cloth to prevent
over-spray. Remove any accidental
over-spray from other surfaces
immediately.
Notice:
Using abrasive cleaners
when cleaning glass surfaces on
the vehicle, could scratch the
glass and/or cause damage to the
rear window defogger. When
cleaning the glass on the vehicle,
use only a soft cloth and glass
cleaner.
Cleaners can contain solvents that
can become concentrated in the
vehicle's interior. Before using
cleaners, read and adhere to all
safety instructions on the label.
While cleaning the vehicle's interior,
maintain adequate ventilation by
opening the vehicle's doors and
windows. Do not clean the interior using the
following cleaners or techniques:.Never use a knife or any other
sharp object to remove a soil
from any interior surface.
.Never use a stiff brush. It can
cause damage to the vehicle's
interior surfaces.
.Never apply heavy pressure or
rub aggressively with a cleaning
cloth. Use of heavy pressure can
damage the interior and does
not improve the effectiveness of
soil removal.
.Use only mild, neutral-pH soaps.
Avoid laundry detergents or
dishwashing soaps with
degreasers. Using too much
soap will leave a residue that
leaves streaks and attracts dirt.
For liquid cleaners, about
20 drops per 3.78 L (1 gal) of
water is a good guide.

Black plate (81,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-81
.Do not heavily saturate the
upholstery while cleaning.
.Damage to the vehicle's interior
may result from the use of many
organic solvents such as naptha,
alcohol, etc.
The vehicle's interior will continue to
look its best if it is cleaned often.
Dust and dirt can accumulate on the
upholstery and cause damage to
the carpet, fabric, leather, and
plastic surfaces. Stains should be
removed quickly as extreme heat
could cause them to set rapidly.
Lighter colored interiors may require
more frequent cleaning.
Newspapers and garments that can
transfer color to home furnishings
can also transfer color to the
vehicle's interior.
Remove dust from small buttons
and knobs with a small brush with
soft bristles. Your dealer has products for
cleaning the vehicle's interior. When
cleaning the vehicle's interior, only
use cleaners specifically designed
for the surfaces that are being
cleaned. Permanent damage can
result from using cleaners on
surfaces for which they were not
intended. Apply the cleaner directly
to the cleaning cloth to prevent
over-spray. Remove any accidental
over-spray from other surfaces
immediately.
Notice:
Using abrasive cleaners
when cleaning glass surfaces on
the vehicle, could scratch the
glass and/or cause damage to the
rear window defogger. When
cleaning the glass on the vehicle,
use only a soft cloth and
glass cleaner.
Cleaners can contain solvents that
can become concentrated in the
vehicle's interior. Before using
cleaners, read and adhere to all
safety instructions on the label.
While cleaning the vehicle's interior, maintain adequate ventilation
by opening the vehicle's doors
and windows.
Do not clean the interior using the
following cleaners or techniques:
.Never use a knife or any other
sharp object to remove a soil
from any interior surface.
.Never use a stiff brush. It can
cause damage to the vehicle's
interior surfaces.
.Never apply heavy pressure or
rub aggressively with a cleaning
cloth. Use of heavy pressure can
damage the interior and does
not improve the effectiveness of
soil removal.
.Use only mild, neutral‐pH soaps.
Avoid laundry detergents or
dishwashing soaps with
degreasers. Using too much
soap will leave a residue that
leaves streaks and attracts dirt.
For liquid cleaners, about
20 drops per 3.78 L (1 gal) of
water is a good guide.

Black plate (4,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
11-4 Service and Maintenance
Additional Required Services
Every 12 000 km/7,500 Miles
.Rotate tires. Tires should be
rotated every 12 000 km/
7,500 miles. SeeTire Rotation
on page 10‑51.
At Each Fuel Stop
.Engine oil level check. See
Engine Oil on page 10‑8.
.Engine coolant level check. See
Engine Coolant on page 10‑16.
.Windshield washer fluid level
check. See Washer Fluid on
page 10‑22.
Once a Month
.Tire inflation pressures check.
See Tire Pressure on
page 10‑44.
.Tire wear inspection. See Tire
Inspection on page 10‑51.
.Sunroof track and seal
inspection, if equipped.
See Sunroof on page 2‑19. Once a Year
.See
Starter Switch Check on
page 10‑26.
.See Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control Function
Check on page 10‑26.
.See Ignition Transmission Lock
Check on page 10‑27.
.See Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check on
page 10‑27.
.Accelerator pedal check for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed.
.Throttle system inspection for
interference, binding or for
damaged or missing parts.
Replace parts as needed.
Replace any components that
have high effort or excessive
wear. Do not lubricate
accelerator or cruise control
cables.
.Underbody flushing service. First Engine Oil Change After
Every 40 000 km/25,000 Miles
.Passenger compartment air filter
replacement (or every
24 months, whichever occurs
first). More frequent replacement
may be needed if you drive in
areas with heavy traffic, areas
with poor air quality, or areas
with high dust levels.
Replacement may also be
needed if you notice reduced air
flow, windows fogging up,
or odors. Your dealer can help
you determine when it is the
right time to replace the filter.

Black plate (6,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
i-6 INDEX
Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 9-8
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
How to Wear Safety BeltsProperly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
I
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-16
Ignition Transmission LockCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Infants and Young Children, Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-43
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iii, 7-1
J
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-70
K
Key and Lock Messages . . . . . . . 5-32
Keyless Entry Remote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . 2-3
Keyless Entry System . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . 10-39
Lamp Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-32
Lamps Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33
Malfunction Indicator . . . . . . . . . 5-17
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Lap Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
LATCH System
Replacing Parts After aCrash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-55 Latch, Lower Anchors and
Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . 3-50
Lighter, Cigarette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Lighting Delayed Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Delayed Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Parade Dimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Lights Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning . . . . . . . 5-22
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Front Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . 6-3
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . 5-14