2001 CHEVROLET IMPALA Owners Manual

6-34 Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your vehicle
was designed and tested with top
-quality GM brake
parts. When you replace parts of your braking
system
-- for example, when your brake linings wear
down and you have to have new ones put in
-- be sure
you get new approved GM replacement parts. If you
don't, your brakes may no longer work properly.
For example, if someone puts in brake linings that
are wrong for your vehicle, the balance between your
front and rear brakes can change
-- for the worse.
The braking performance you've come to expect can
change in many other ways if someone puts in the
wrong replacement brake parts.
Battery
Your new vehicle comes with a maintenance free
ACDelco
battery. When it's time for a new battery,
get one that has the replacement number shown on the
original battery's label. We recommend an ACDelco
battery. See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the
Index for battery location.WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
Vehicle Storage
If you're not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or
more, remove the black, negative (
-) cable from the battery.
This will help keep your battery from running down.
CAUTION:
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you
aren't careful. See ªJump Startingº in the Index
for tips on working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Contact your dealer to learn how to prepare your vehicle
for longer storage periods.
Also, for your audio system, see ªTheft
-Deterrent
Featureº in the Index.

6-35
Bulb Replacement
For the proper type of replacement bulb, see
ªReplacement Bulbsº in the Index. For any bulb
changing procedure not listed in this section, contact
the service department of your dealer.
Halogen Bulbs
CAUTION:
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside
and can burst if you drop or scratch the bulb.
You or others could be injured. Be sure to read
and follow the instructions on the bulb package.
Headlamps, Front Parking and Turn
Signal Lamps
A. Parking/Turn Signal Lamp
B. Low
-Beam Headlamp
C. High
-Beam Headlamp

6-36
To remove the assembly do the following:
1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the air baffle.
3. Remove the two headlamp fasteners by pulling up
on them.
4. Gently pull the headlamp assembly away from the
vehicle and remove the electrical connector.
5. Remove the round dust caps to gain access to
the bulbs.

6-37
6. Turn the old bulb counterclockwise and remove it
from the retaining ring by gently pulling it away
from the headlamp.
7. Remove the electrical connector from the bulb by
raising the lock tab and pulling the connector away
from the bulb's base.
8. Install the electrical connector to the bulb.
9. Install the new bulb by inserting the smallest tab
on the bulb base into the matching notch in the
retaining ring. Turn the bulb a quarter
-turn
clockwise until it stops.
10. Reinstall the dust caps and reconnect the
electrical connector.
11. Reverse Steps 1 through 5 to reinstall the headlamp
assembly. Then, check the lamps.Headlamp Aiming
If your vehicle is damaged in an accident, the headlamp
aim may be affected. Aim adjustment to the low beam
may be necessary if it is difficult to see lane markers
(for horizontal aim), or if oncoming drivers flash their
high beams at you (for vertical aim). If you believe your
headlamps need to be re
-aimed, we recommend that you
take your vehicle to the dealer for service. However, it is
possible for you to re
-aim your headlamps by following
the procedure in the service manual for your vehicle.
Fog Lamps (If Equipped)
The fog lamps are located in the lower part of the front
bumper below the headlamps. To change the fog lamp
bulbs do the following:
1. Remove the T15 TORX

screw.
2. Pull out the lamp assembly.
3. Remove the old bulb.
4. Insert new bulb into the assembly.
5. Reinstall the lamps and screw.

6-38 Tail/Stop/Turn Signal and Rear
Sidemarker Lamps
A. Rear Sidemarker Lamp
B. Tail/Stop/Turn Signal Lamp
To remove the rear lamp assembly do the following:
1. Open the trunk. Remove the convenience net, if you
have one. Unhook the net from the upper wing nut.
2. Remove the two upper (convenience net) wing nuts.
3. Pull the carpet away from the rear of the vehicle.
4. Unscrew the two
remaining wing nuts.
5. Pull the assembly from the body carefully.
6. To remove a socket, press the tab, turn the socket
counterclockwise and pull it out.
7. Pull the old bulb out. Do not twist it.
8. Push the new bulb into the socket.
9. Reinstall the socket in the assembly. Tighten the
socket by turning it clockwise.
10. Reinstall the assembly and the two lower wing nuts.
11. Reinstall the carpeting.
12. Reinstall the upper (convenience net) wing nut and
convenience net, if equipped.

6-39 Back-Up Lamp
The back-up lamps are located in the rear of the trunk
lid. To change the back
-up lamp bulbs do the following:
1. Open the trunk.
2. Remove the nine wing nuts.
3. Pull the rear applique away from the vehicle.
4. To remove a socket press the tab, turn the socket
counterclockwise and pull it out.
5. Pull the old bulb out. Do not twist it.
6. Push the new bulb into the socket.
7. Reinstall the socket in the assembly. Tighten the
socket by turning it clockwise.
8. Reinstall the applique and the nine wing nuts.
Rear Courtesy Lamps
The courtesy lamps are located in the assist handles
above the rear passenger doors. To change the rear
courtesy lamp bulbs do the following:
1. Remove the lens covers from the assist handle
assembly using a small coin.
2. Remove the old bulb from the small prongs
extending from the dome lamp base plate;
hook the new bulb onto the prongs.
3. Reinstall the lens cover.

6-40
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear or cracking. See ªWindshield
Wipers, Blade Checkº in the Index for
more information.
Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. For proper type and length,
see ªNormal Maintenance Replacement Partsº in the
Index. Here's how to remove the wiper blades:
1. Turn on the wipers to the low wipe setting.
2. Turn off the ignition while the wipers are at the
outer positions of the wiper pattern. The blades are
more accessible for removal/replacement while in
this position.
3. Pull the windshield wiper arm away from
the windshield.
4. While holding the wiper arm away from the glass,
push the release clip from under the blade
connecting point and pull the old blade assembly
down toward the glass to remove it from the
wiper arm.
5. Push the new wiper blade securely on the wiper arm
until you hear the release clip ªclickº into place.

6-41
Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by
a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions
about your tire warranty and where to obtain service,
see your Chevrolet Warranty booklet for details.
CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.

Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result of too much friction.
You could have an air
-out and a serious
accident. See ªLoading Your Vehicleº in
the Index.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)

Underinflated tires pose the same danger
as overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.

Overinflated tires are more likely to be
cut, punctured or broken by a sudden
impact
-- such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.

Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If your
tread is badly worn, or if your tires have
been damaged, replace them.