air condition CHEVROLET IMPALA 2012 9.G Owner's Manual

Black plate (4,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2012
8-4 Climate Controls
The air conditioning system
removes moisture from the air, so a
small amount of water may drip
under the vehicle while idling or
after turning off the engine. This is
normal.
%(Outside Air):Press to turn
on outside air. An indicator light
comes on to show that it is on.
Outside air will circulate throughout
the vehicle.
/(Recirculation): Press to
turn on the recirculation mode. An
indicator light comes on to show
that it is on.
This mode helps to quickly heat or
cool the air inside the vehicle once
the temperature inside the vehicle is
equal to or better than the outside
temperature. It can be used to
prevent outside air and odors
from entering the vehicle. The
recirculation mode is not available in
outside air, floor, defog, or defrost
modes. If the button is selected
while in these modes, the indicator
flashes three times.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a
warming grid to remove fog from the
rear window.
1(Rear Window Defogger): The
rear window defogger turns off
automatically after it has been
activated for 10 minutes. It can be
turned off manually, by pressing the
button again or by turning the
ignition to the LOCK/OFF position.
The rear window defogger can be
turned on again for additional
window clearing. The length of
defogger operation will increase if
the vehicle is being driven. For vehicles with heated outside
rearview mirrors, the mirrors heat to
help clear fog or frost from the
surface of the mirror when the rear
window defog button is pressed.
See
Power Mirrors on page 2‑14.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the
windows are clear.
Notice: Do not use anything
sharp on the inside of the rear
window. If you do, you could cut
or damage the warming grid, and
the repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Do not
attach a temporary vehicle
license, tape, a decal, or anything
similar to the defogger grid.

Black plate (5,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2012
Climate Controls 8-5
Air Vents
Use the thumbwheel located below
or to the side of the outlet, to
change the direction of the air flow.
Operation Tips
.Clear away any ice, snow,
or leaves from the air inlets at
the base of the windshield that
may block the flow of air into the
vehicle.
.Use of non-GM approved hood
deflectors may adversely affect
the performance of the system.
.Keep the path under the front
seats clear of objects to help
circulate the air inside the
vehicle more effectively.
.If the airflow seems low when
the fan is at the highest setting,
the passenger compartment air
filter, if equipped, may need to
replaced. For more information,
seePassenger Compartment Air
Filter on page 8‑5 and
Maintenance Schedule on
page 11‑3.
.If fogging reoccurs while in vent
or bi-level modes with mild
temperature throughout the
vehicle, turn on the air
conditioner to reduce windshield
fogging.
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter
The vehicle has a passenger
compartment particulate air filter.
It is located in the engine
compartment, below the air inlet
grille on the passenger side.
The filter traps most of the pollen
from air entering the climate control
system. It needs to be changed
periodically to ensure system
performance. For information on
how often to change the passenger
compartment air filter, see
Maintenance Schedule on
page 11‑3.

Black plate (37,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-37
Recommended Fuel
Use regular unleaded gasoline with
a posted octane rating of 87 or
higher. If the octane rating is less
than 87, an audible knocking noise,
commonly referred to as spark
knock, might be heard when driving.
If this occurs, use a gasoline rated
at 87 octane or higher as soon as
possible. If heavy knocking is heard
when using gasoline rated at
87 octane or higher, the engine
needs service.
Gasoline Specifications
(U.S. and Canada Only)
At a minimum, gasoline should
meet ASTM specification D 4814in the United States or CAN/
CGSB‐3.5 or 3.511 in Canada.
Some gasolines contain an
octane-enhancing additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). We recommend
against the use of gasolines
containing MMT. See
Fuel Additives
on page 9‑38 for additional
information.
California Fuel
Requirements
If the vehicle is certified to meet
California Emissions Standards, it is
designed to operate on fuels that
meet California specifications. See
the underhood emission control
label. If this fuel is not available in
states adopting California Emissions
Standards, the vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting
federal specifications, but emission
control system performance might
be affected. The malfunction
indicator lamp could turn on and the
vehicle might fail a smog‐check test. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 5‑16. If this occurs, return to
your authorized dealer for diagnosis.
If it is determined that the condition
is caused by the type of fuel used,
repairs might not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Fuels in Foreign
Countries
Never use leaded gasoline or any
other fuel not recommended in the
previous text on fuel. Costly repairs
caused by use of improper fuel
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
To check the fuel availability, ask an
auto club, or contact a major oil
company that does business in the
country where you will be driving.

Black plate (46,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2012
9-46 Driving and Operating
Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See
Maintenance Schedule on
page 11‑3for 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 10‑16.
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
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
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. 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

Black plate (11,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-11
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever the
engine oil is changed so that the
system can calculate the next
engine oil change. Always reset the
engine oil life to 100% after every oil
change. It will not reset itself. To
reset the system:
1. Display OIL LIFE REMAININGon the DIC.
2. Press and hold the SET/RESET button on the DIC for more than
five seconds. The oil life will
change to 100%.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not reset. Repeat the
procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check
the transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to your
dealer service department and have
it repaired as soon as possible.
There is a special procedure for
checking and changing the
transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, you should
have this done at your dealer
service department. Contact your
dealer for additional information or
the procedure can be found in the
service manual. To purchase a
service manual, see Service
Publications Ordering Information
on page 13‑12 Change the fluid and filter at the
intervals listed in
Maintenance
Schedule on page 11‑3, and be
sure to use the fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑11.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is
located in the engine compartment
on the driver side of the vehicle.
See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑6 for more information
on location.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/filter at the
scheduled maintenance intervals
and replace it at the first oil change
after each (80 000 km (50,000 mi)
interval. See Maintenance Schedule
on page 11‑3 for more information.
If driving in dusty/dirty conditions,
inspect the filter at each engine oil
change.

Black plate (16,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2012
10-16 Vehicle Care
Engine Overheating
There is a coolant temperature
gauge and a engine coolant
temperature warning light on the
instrument panel cluster that
indicate an overheated engine
condition. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gauge on page 5‑12
and Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light on page 5‑21 for
more information.
If the decision is made not to lift the
hood when this warning appears,
get service help right away. See
Roadside Assistance Program on
page 13‑6.
If the decision is made 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, the fans
should be running. If 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.
If Steam Is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
See Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode on page 10‑17 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 might 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 displays with
no sign of steam:
1. Turn the air conditioning 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
engine coolant temperature warning
light 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 (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 (19,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-19
.Fill the washer fluid tank
only three-quarters full
when it is very cold. This
allows for fluid expansion if
freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is
completely full.
.Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the windshield
washer. It can damage the
windshield washer system
and paint.
Brakes
This vehicle has disc brakes. Disc
brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or be
heard all the time the vehicle is
moving, except when applying the
brake pedal firmly.
{WARNING
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
a crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Notice: Continuing to drive with
worn-out brake pads could result
in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes. Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to torque
specifications in
Capacities and
Specifications on page 12‑2.
Brake linings should always be
replaced as complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal
does not return to normal height,
or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service might be
required.
Brake Adjustment
Every time the brakes are applied,
with or without the vehicle moving,
the brakes adjust for wear.

Black plate (31,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-31
The vehicle may not have all of the
fuses, relays, and features shown.Fuses Usage
A/C CMPRSR Air Conditioning
Compressor
ABS MTR 1 Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
Motor 1
ABS MTR 2 ABS Motor 2
AIR PUMP Air Pump
AIR SOL Air Injection
Reactor Solenoid
AIRBAG/
DISPLAY Airbag, Display
AUX PWR Auxiliary Power
BATT 1 Battery 1
BATT 2 Battery 2
BATT 3 Battery 3
BATT 4 Battery 4
BCM Body Control
Module (BCM)

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