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GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem,
CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET Emblem and the
name IMPALA are registered trademarks of
General Motors Corporation.
This manual includes the latest information at the time it
was printed. We reserve the right to make changes in the
product after that time without further notice. For
vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name
ªGeneral Motors of Canada Limitedº for Chevrolet
Motor Division whenever it appears in this manual.
Please keep this manual in your vehicle, so it will be
there if you ever need it when you're on the road. If you
sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it so the new
owner can use it.
We support voluntary
technician certification.
For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a
French Language Manual:
Aux propri‡taires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous
procurer un exemplaire de ce guide en fran†ais chez
votre concessionaire ou au:
DGN Marketing Services Ltd.
1577 Meyerside Dr.
Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1B9
Litho in U.S.A.
Copyright General Motors Corporation 1998
Part No. 10421893 A First Edition All Rights Reserved
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CAUTION:
When an air bag inflates, there is dust in the air.
This dust could cause breathing problems for
people with a history of asthma or other
breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the
vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so.
If you have breathing problems but can't get out
of the vehicle after an air bag inflates, then get
fresh air by opening a window or a door.
In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air bag,
windshields are broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the
right front passenger air bag.
Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After an
air bag inflates, you'll need some new parts for your
air bag system. If you don't get them, the air bag
system won't be there to help protect you in another
crash. A new system will include air bag modules
and possibly other parts. The service manual for your
vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and
diagnostic module, which records information about
the frontal air bag system. The module records
information about the readiness of the system, when
the system commands air bag inflation and driver's
safety belt usage at deployment. Some modules also
record speed, engine rpm, brake and throttle data.
Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag
systems. Improper service can mean that an air bag
system won't work properly. See your dealer for service.
NOTICE:
If you damage the covering for the driver's or
the right front passenger's air bag, or the air bag
covering on the driver's seatback, the bag may
not work properly. You may have to replace the
air bag module in the steering wheel, both the
air bag module and the instrument panel for the
right front passenger's air bag, or the air bag
module and seatback for the driver's side
impact air bag. Do not open or break the air
bag coverings.
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1-30 Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle
Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the air bag systems in several places
around your vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual
have information about servicing your vehicle and the
air bag systems. To purchase a service manual, see
ªService and Owner Publicationsº in the Index.
CAUTION:
For up to 10 seconds after the ignition key is
turned off and the battery is disconnected, an
air bag can still inflate during improper service.
You can be injured if you are close to an air bag
when it inflates. Avoid yellow connectors. They
are probably part of the air bag systems. Be sure
to follow proper service procedures, and make
sure the person performing work for you is
qualified to do so.
The air bag systems do not need regular maintenance.
Center Front Passenger Position
Lap Belt
If your vehicle has a front bench seat, someone can sit in
the center position.
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Changes or modifications to this system by other than an
authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is
normal for any remote keyless entry system. If the
transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer
to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this:
Check to determine if battery replacement is
necessary. See the instructions that follow.
Check the distance. You may be too far from your
vehicle. You may need to stand closer during rainy
or snowy weather.
Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or
right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again.
If you're still having trouble, see your dealer or a
qualified technician for service.Operation
Press UNLOCK once to unlock the driver's door and to
turn on the interior lamps. (See ªIllumination on Remote
Activationº in the Index for more details.).
Press UNLOCK again within five seconds to unlock the
passengers' doors. To lock all doors, press LOCK. To
release the trunk, press the trunk symbol on the remote
keyless entry (RKE) transmitter. The trunk will only
release if your transaxle is in PARK (P).
Operating the RKE transmitter may interact with the
Content Theft
-Deterrent System (if your vehicle is
equipped with this feature). See ªContent
Theft
-Deterrent Systemº in the Index.
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FOB PROG (Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter
Programming): This feature allows you to match the
remote keyless entry transmitter to your vehicle.
To match the transmitter:
1. Scroll, using the SEEK up or down arrows, until
FOB PROG appears on the display.
2. Press the PREV or NEXT button to enter the
submenu. The current selection will have an asterisk
next to it. BEGIN will be displayed.
3. Press the DISP button to start programming. When
the message PUSH FOB flashes, press and hold the
LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the first transmitter
at the same time for 15 seconds. A chime will be
heard to verify the transmitter is learned.
4. Repeat Step 3 for each additional transmitter.
EXIT (Exit Feature Customization Mode): This feature
allows you to exit the vehicle customization
programming. To exit:
Scroll until EXIT appears on the display.
Press the DISP button to exit programming.
A chime will be heard to verify the exit.Passlock
Your vehicle is equipped with the Passlock
theft
-deterrent system.
Passlock is a passive theft
-deterrent system. Passlock
enables fuel if the ignition lock cylinder is turned with a
valid key. If a correct key is not used or the ignition lock
cylinder is tampered with, fuel is disabled.
During normal operation, the SECURITY message will
go off approximately five seconds after the key is turned
to the ON ignition position.
If the engine stalls and the SECURITY message flashes,
wait until the light stops flashing before trying to restart
the engine. Remember to release the key from START
as soon as the engine starts.
If the engine is running and the SECURITY message
comes on, you will be able to restart the engine if you turn
the engine off. However, your Passlock system is not
working properly and must be serviced by your dealer.
Your vehicle is not protected by Passlock at this time. You
may also want to check the fuse (see ªFuses and Circuit
Breakersº in the Index). See your dealer for service.
In an emergency, call the Chevrolet Roadside Assistance
Center at 1
-800-CHEV-USA (1-800-243-8872).
(In Canada, call 1
-800-268-6800.)
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NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in OFF and you can't
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if
so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the
steering wheel left and right while you turn the
key hard. But turn the key only with your hand.
Using a tool to force it could break the key or the
ignition switch. If none of this works, then your
vehicle needs service.
ACC (ACCESSORY): This is an operation in which
you can operate your electrical power accessories. With
the key in this position., the automatic transaxle and
steering column will unlock.
ON: This is the position to which the switch returns
after you start the engine and release the switch. The
switch stays in ON when the engine is running. But even
when the engine is not running, you can use ON to
operate your electrical power accessories and to display
some instrument panel messages and warning lights.START: This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will
return to ON for normal driving.
When the engine is not running, ACC and ON allow you
to operate your electrical accessories, such as the radio.
A warning tone will sound if you open the driver's door when
the ignition is in OFF or ACC and the key is in the ignition.
Starting Your Engine
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won't start in any other position
-- that's a
safety feature. To restart when you're already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.
NOTICE:
Don't try to shift to PARK (P) if your vehicle is
moving. If you do, you could damage the
transaxle. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
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AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (): This position is
for normal driving. If you need more power for passing,
and you're:
Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push your
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator pedal all the way down.
You'll shift down to the next gear and have
more power.
NOTICE:
If your vehicle seems to start up rather slowly, or
if it seems not to shift gears as you go faster,
something may be wrong with a transaxle system
sensor. If you drive very far that way, your
vehicle can be damaged. So, if this happens, have
your vehicle serviced right away. Until then, you
can use SECOND (2) when you are driving less
than 35 mph (55 km/h) and AUTOMATIC
OVERDRIVE () for higher speeds.
THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal
driving, but it offers more power and lower fuel
economy than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE ().
Here are some times you might choose THIRD (3)
instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE ():
When driving on hilly, winding roads.
When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting
between gears.
When going down a steep hill.
When driving in non
-highway scenarios
(i.e. city streets, etc.).
SECOND (2): This position gives you more power but
lower fuel economy. You can use SECOND (2) on hills.
It can help control your speed as you go down steep
mountain roads, but then you would also want to use
your brakes off and on.
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Accessory Power Receptacle
Your vehicle has a 12-volt outlet.
Vehicles without a center console, it is located in
the ashtray.
Vehicles with a center console, it is located at the rear of
the console.
NOTICE:
Adding some electrical equipment to your vehicle
can damage it or keep other things from working
as they should. This wouldn't be covered by your
warranty. Check with your dealer before adding
electrical equipment, and never use anything that
exceeds the fuse rating.
Auxiliary Power Connection
(Power Drop)
Your vehicle is equipped
with an auxiliary
power connection.
This feature provides power, ground and accessory wires
which can be accessed to add aftermarket electrical
equipment to your vehicle. It is located on the passenger's
side of the vehicle, under the glove box, and is labeled
with a wire function and fuse rating. For information on
accessing the connection and electrical hookup, please
refer to your service manual. To order a service manual,
see ªService Publications, Orderingº in the Index.