2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA engine

Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition key to OFF in each shift lever position.
·The key should turn to OFF only when the shift lever
is in PARK (P).
·The key should come out only in OFF.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle
Park (P) Mechanism Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of your vehicle in
case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the
regular brake at once should the vehicle begin
to move.Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.
·To check the parking brake's holding ability: With
the engine running and transaxle in NEUTRAL
(N), slowly remove foot pressure from the regular
brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the
parking brake only.
·To check the PARK (P) mechanism's holding
ability: With the engine running, shift to PARK (P).
Then release the parking brake followed by the
regular brake.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to ¯ush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
6-13

Part C: Periodic
MaintenanceInspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall).
You should let your dealer's
service department do these jobs. Make sure any
necessary repairs are completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. SeeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-11.
Steering, Suspension and Front
Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, cha®ng, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive
axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which
could cause a heat build-up in the ¯oor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See
Engine Exhaust
on page 2-31.
6-14

Fuel System Inspection
Inspect the complete fuel system for damage or leaks.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
®ttings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser.
To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of
the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended
at least once a year.
Throttle System Inspection
Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding,
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts
as needed. Replace any components that have high
effort or excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator
and cruise control cables.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
cha®ng, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect other brake parts,
including calipers, parking brake, etc. You may need to
have your brakes inspected more often if your driving
habits or conditions result in frequent braking.
6-15

Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identi®ed below by name, part
number or speci®cation may be obtained from your
dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certi®ed for
Gasoline Engines starburst symbol
of the proper viscosity. To determine
the preferred viscosity for your
vehicle's engine, see
Engine Oil on
page 5-16.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
ž
Coolant. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-27.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake ¯uid.
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
žWasher Solvent or
equivalent.
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid (GM Part
No. U.S. 1052884, in Canada
993294, or equivalent).
Automatic
TransaxleDEXRON
ž-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474, or equivalent).
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Secondary
Latch, Pivots,
Spring Anchor
and Release
PawlLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM
Part No. U.S. 12346293, in Canada
992723, or equivalent) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Hood and Door
HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 109435474, or equivalent).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningDielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part
No. U.S. 12345579, in Canada
10953014, or equivalent).
6-16

In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments, and speci®cations for GM
transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars
and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to
assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service
Bulletins can be obtained by contacting your General
Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE
(1-800-463-7483).
Owner's Information
Owner publications are written speci®cally for owners
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The owner's manual will include
the Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner's Manual, and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00
Without Portfolio: Owner's Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00
7-11

A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-19
Adding Washer Fluid.......................................5-44
Additional Program Information........................... 7-9
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-94
Adjusting the Speakers
(Balance/Fade)............................3-57, 3-67, 3-79
Air Bag Systems.............................................1-51
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?....................1-57
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle.........1-60
What Makes an Air Bag In¯ate?....................1-57
What Will You See After an Air
Bag In¯ates?...........................................1-58
When Should an Air Bag In¯ate?...................1-56
Where Are the Air Bags?..............................1-54
Air Bag .........................................................3-33
Readiness Light..........................................3-33
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-22
ALARM (Content Theft Operation).....................2-50
AM ...............................................................3-91
Antenna, Backglass.........................................3-93
Antenna, XMŸ Satellite Radio Antenna System . . 3-94
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)............................ 4-6
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-35Appearance Care............................................5-85
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-88
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-91
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-85
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-88
Finish Damage............................................5-90
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-90
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-91
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-91
Weatherstrips..............................................5-88
Arming with the Power Lock Switch...................2-16
Arming with the Remote Keyless
Entry Transmitter.........................................2-17
Ashtrays........................................................3-21
Audio System(s).............................................3-53
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-90
Backglass Antenna......................................3-93
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-91
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-92
Care of Your CDs........................................3-92
Chime Level Adjustment...............................3-94
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-75
Radio with Cassette.....................................3-54
Radio with CD............................................3-64
Setting the Time..........................................3-53
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-89
1

Care of (cont.)
Your CD Player...........................................3-92
Your CDs ...................................................3-92
Cassette Tape Messages.........................3-63, 3-86
Cassette Tape Player Service...........................6-10
CD Adapter Kits.....................................3-63, 3-87
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-43
Center Front Passenger Position,
Safety Belts................................................1-23
Chains, Tires..................................................5-71
Change Engine Oil Message............................3-44
Check Engine Light.........................................3-37
Checking Coolant............................................5-28
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-16
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Checking Your Restraint Systems......................1-61
Check...........................................................3-37
Engine Light...............................................3-37
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-91
Child Restraints..............................................1-37
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-37
Infants and Young Children...........................1-33
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-43
Older Children.............................................1-31
Securing a Child Restraint Designed
for the LATCH System..............................1-45
Securing a Child Restraint in a
Rear Seat Position...................................1-45Child Restraints (cont.)
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position..........................1-48
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-42
Top Strap...................................................1-41
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-40
Chime Level Adjustment..................................3-94
CHIRP (Horn Chirp Timer)...............................2-51
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-21
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels..............................5-90
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-88
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-85
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-87
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-87
Cleaning Leather............................................5-87
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-87
Cleaning Tires................................................5-90
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-87
Cleaning Windshield and Wiper Blades..............5-89
Cleaning........................................................5-85
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-85
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-88
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-91
Weatherstrips..............................................5-88
Climate Control System...................................3-26
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-26
Dual..........................................................3-22
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-25
Compact Disc Messages..........................3-75, 3-89
3

Compact Spare Tire........................................5-84
Compass Variance..........................................3-50
Console Shift Lever.........................................2-29
Content Theft-Deferrent....................................2-16
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Convenience Net............................................2-43
Coolant.........................................................3-36
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-36
Heater, Engine............................................2-22
Hot Temperature Warning Message................3-42
Cooling System..............................................5-33
Courtesy Lamps.............................................3-17
Cruise Control Light........................................3-39
Cruise Control................................................3-11
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-12
Customer Assistance Information........................ 7-7
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users............................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities................................................ 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors........................................7-10
Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government..............................7-10Customer Assistance Information (cont.)
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government.........................7-10
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-5
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-11
D
Daytime Running Lamps/Automatic Headlamp
System......................................................3-15
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Defogging and Defrosting.................................3-24
Delayed Entry Lighting.....................................3-17
Delayed Exit Lighting.......................................3-18
Delayed Headlamps........................................3-16
Dinghy Towing................................................4-31
Disarming with the Remote Keyless Entry
Transmitter.................................................2-17
Disarming with Your Key..................................2-17
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Dolly Towing..................................................4-32
Dome Lamp...................................................3-18
Door.............................................................3-45
Ajar Warning Message.................................3-45
Locks.......................................................... 2-8
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-9
4