power steering CHEVROLET IMPALA 2012 9.G User Guide

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-1
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . 10-3
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-6
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-7
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . 10-10
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . 10-11
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . 10-16
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . 10-17 Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . 10-17
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-18
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-19
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-20
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-21
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . 10-22
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-22
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-23
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . 10-23
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . 10-25
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-25
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25
Headlamps, Front TurnSignal, Sidemarker, and
Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25 Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, Stoplamps,
and Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . 10-28
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . 10-29
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-35
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . 10-36
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . 10-38
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-38
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-41
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-43
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-47
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-47

Black plate (7,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-7
A. Windshield Washer FluidReservoir. See Washer Fluid on
page 10‑18.
B. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10‑30.
C. Battery on page 10‑21.
D. Power Steering Reservoir and Cap. See Power Steering Fluid
on page 10‑17.
E. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine
Oil on page 10‑7.
F. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine
Oil on page 10‑7. G. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of
View. See Cooling System on
page 10‑12.
H. Transmission Fluid Cap. See Automatic Transmission Fluid
on page 10‑11.
I. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brakes on page 10‑19.
J. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 10‑11.
K. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant on page 10‑13.Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.Always use engine oil approved
to the proper specification and of
the proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
.Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
.Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System on page 10‑10.
.Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.

Black plate (17,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-17
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, seeOverheated
Engine Protection Operating Mode
on page 10‑17.
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, there is significant loss in
power and engine performance.
The engine coolant temperature
warning light comes on the
instrument panel, to indicate the
vehicle has entered overheated
engine protection operating mode.
The temperature gauge also indicates an overheat condition
exists. Driving extended km (miles)
and/or towing a trailer in the
overheat protection mode should be
avoided.
Power Steering Fluid
See
Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑6 for information on the
location of the power steering fluid
reservoir.
When to Check Power Steering
Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering fluid unless a
leak is 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
Check the level after the vehicle has
been driven for at least 20 minutes
so the fluid is warm.
To check the power steering fluid:
1. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF and let the engine compartment
cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and pull it straight up.
4. Wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
5. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
6. Remove the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.

Black plate (33,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-33
FusesUsage
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 Fuses
Usage
RT T/SIG Passenger Side
Turn Signal Lamp
RVC SEN Regulated
Voltage Control
Sensor
STRG WHL Steering Wheel
STRTR Starter
TRANS Transmission
VAC/PUMP Vacuum Pump
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
VAC/PUMP Vacuum Pump
PWR/TRN Powertrain
REAR
DEFOG Rear Defogger
STRTR Starter

Black plate (38,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2012
10-38 Vehicle Care
Tire Designations
Tire Size
The following is an example of a
typical passenger vehicle
tire size.
(A) Passenger (P‐Metric) Tire:
The United States version of a
metric tire sizing system. The
letter P as the first character in
the tire size means a passenger
vehicle tire engineered to
standards set by the U.S. Tire
and Rim Association.
(B) Tire Width
:The three‐digit
number indicates the tire section
width in millimeters from
sidewall to sidewall. (C) Aspect Ratio
:A two‐digit
number that indicates the tire
height‐to‐width measurements.
For example, if the tire size
aspect ratio is 60, as shown in
item C of the illustration, it would
mean that the tire's sidewall is
60 percent as high as it is wide.
(D) Construction Code
:A
letter code is used to indicate
the type of ply construction in
the tire. The letter R means
radial ply construction; the
letter D means diagonal or bias
ply construction; and the letter B
means belted‐bias ply
construction.
(E) Rim Diameter
:Diameter of
the wheel in inches.
(F) Service Description
:These
characters represent the load
index and speed rating of the
tire. The load index represents
the load carrying capacity a tire is certified to carry. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a
tire is certified to carry a load.
Tire Terminology and
Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount of
air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch
of the tire. Air pressure is
expressed in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch).
Accessory Weight
:The
combined weight of optional
accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are
automatic transmission, power
steering, power brakes, power
windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship
of a tire's height to its width.

Black plate (71,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-71
Tires
Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to
clean the tires.
Notice:Using petroleum-based
tire dressing products on the
vehicle may damage the paint
finish and/or tires. When applying
a tire dressing, always wipe off
any overspray from all painted
surfaces on the vehicle.
Wheels and Trim —Aluminum
or Chrome
Use a soft, clean cloth with mild
soap and water to clean the wheels.
After rinsing thoroughly with clean
water, dry with a soft, clean towel.
A wax may then be applied.
Keep the wheels clean using a soft,
clean cloth with mild soap and
water. Rinse with clean water. After
rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft,
clean towel. A wax may then be
applied. Notice:
Chrome wheels and other
chrome trim may be damaged if
the vehicle is not washed after
driving on roads that have been
sprayed with magnesium,
calcium, or sodium chloride.
These chlorides are used on
roads for conditions such as ice
and dust. Always wash the
chrome with soap and water after
exposure.
Notice: To avoid surface damage,
do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes,
cleaners, brushes, or cleaners
that contain acid on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels. Use only
approved cleaners. Also, never
drive a vehicle with aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels through an
automatic car wash that uses
silicone carbide tire cleaning
brushes. Damage could occur
and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Steering, Suspension, and
Chassis Components
Visually inspect front and rear
suspension and steering system for
damaged, loose, or missing parts or
signs of wear. Inspect power
steering lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Visually check constant
velocity joints, rubber boots, and
axle seals for leaks.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders,
hood hinges, liftgate hinges, and the
steel fuel door hinge unless the
components are plastic. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them
last longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.

Black plate (11,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2012
Service and Maintenance 11-11
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number, or specification can be obtained from your dealer.Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specfication, or equivalent, of
the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is
recommended. See
Engine Oil on page 10‑7.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL Coolant.
See
Engine Coolant on page 10‑13.
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 12377967, in
Canada 89021320).
Windshield Washer Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Power Steering System GM Power Steering Fluid (GM Part No. 89021184, in Canada 89021186).
Automatic Transmission DEXRON
®‐VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock Cylinders Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Hood Latch Assembly, Secondary Latch, Pivots, Spring Anchor, and
Release Pawl Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM Part No. 12346293, in Canada 992723)
or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.

Black plate (4,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2012
i-4 INDEX
E
E85 Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39
Electrical Equipment,Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-49
Electrical System Engine CompartmentFuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Electronic Stability Control . . . . . 9-32
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20
Electronic Stability Control
(ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Emergency, OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . 14-2
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . .10-11
Check and Service EngineSoon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 10-6
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13 Engine (cont.)
Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
Coolant Temperature
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12
Cooling System Messages . . . 5-30
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-3
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-20
Overheated Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . 10-17
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-16
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-32
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 9-25
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-18
Engine Oil
Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-10
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-31
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-48
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . 13-15
Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 6-1
F
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . .10-11
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 6-4
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-54 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-56
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-75
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . .10-11
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-20
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-17
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-18
Fog Lamps Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Front Fog Lamp
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

Black plate (8,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2012
i-8 INDEX
O
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Off-RoadRecovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Oil Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-7
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . 10-10
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-31
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Older Children, Restraints . . . . . 3-36
Online Owner Center . . . . . . . . . . 13-4
OnStar
®
Additional Information . . . . . . . . 14-5
Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-4
Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-5
Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-2
Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-2
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-2
OnStar
®System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
Operation, Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
Ordering Service Publications . . . . . . . . 13-12 Outlets
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-17
Overheating, Engine . . . . . . . . . . 10-16
Overview, OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1
P
Parade Dimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Park Shifting into . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-21
Shifting out of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-30
Brake and P (Park)Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . 10-23
Over Things That Burn . . . . . . . 9-23
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
Passenger Compartment Air Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5
Passenger Sensing System . . . 3-28
Perchlorate Materials
Requirements, California . . . . . 10-3 Personalization
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-37
Phone Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-20
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Protection, Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Retained Accessory (RAP) . . . 9-20
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-17
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Pregnancy, Using Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
Privacy
Radio FrequencyIdentification (RFID) . . . . . . . 13-16
Program Courtesy Transportation . . . . . . 13-8
Proposition 65 Warning,
California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3

Black plate (10,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2012
i-10 INDEX
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . . 13-8
SeatsAdjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Center Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Heated Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Lumbar Adjustment, Front . . . . . 3-4
Power Adjustment, Front . . . . . . 3-4
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Securing Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-51, 3-53
Security
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Security, OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-2
Service Accessories and
Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Doing Your Own Work . . . . . . . . 10-4
Engine Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Maintenance Records . . . . . . .11-13 Service (cont.)
Maintenance, General
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1
Parts Identification Label . . . . . 12-1
Publications Ordering
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-12
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . 13-8
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-35
Servicing the Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . 3-33
Shift Lock Control Function
Check, Automatic
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-22
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-21
Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
Sidemarker Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Signals, Turn and
Lane-Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Spare Tire Compact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-63
Specifications and Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Start Vehicle, Remote . . . . . . . . . . 2-5 Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 10-22
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-18
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Fluid, Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-17
Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Stoplamps and Back-Up Lamps
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Storage Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Storage Areas
Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Center Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Sunglasses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-10
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Sunglass Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
System Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1