2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA check 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.
Contact your GM Goodwrench dealer if service is
required.
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.
Contact your GM Goodwrench dealer if service is
required.
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.
6-11

Vehicle Data Collection and Event
Data Recorders
Your vehicle, like other modern motor vehicles, has a
number of sophisticated computer systems that monitor
and control several aspects of the vehicle’s
performance. Your vehicle uses on-board vehicle
computers to monitor emission control components to
optimize fuel economy, to monitor conditions for air bag
deployment and, if so equipped, to provide anti-lock
braking and to help the driver control the vehicle
in difficult driving situations. Some information may be
stored during regular operations to facilitate repair
of detected malfunctions; other information is stored only
in a crash or near crash event by computer systems
commonly called event data recorders (EDR).
In a crash or near crash event, computer systems, such
as the Air Bag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)
in your vehicle may record information about the
condition of the vehicle and how it was operated, such
as engine speed, brake applications, throttle position,
vehicle speed, safety belt usage, air bag readiness, air
bag performance data, and the severity of a collision.
This information has been used to improve vehicle crash
performance and may be used to improve crash
performance of future vehicles and driving safety. Unlike
the data recorders on many airplanes, these on-board
systems do not record sounds, such as conversation of
vehicle occupants.To read this information, special equipment is needed
and access to the vehicle or the SDM is required.
GM will not access information about a crash event or
share it with others other thanwith the consent of the vehicle owner or, if the
vehicle is leased, with the consent of the lessee,
in response to an official request of police or similar
government office,
as part of GM’s defense of litigation through the
discovery process, or
as required by law.
In addition, once GM collects or receives data, GM may
use the data for GM research needs,
make it available for research where appropriate
condentiality is to be maintained and need is
shown, or
share summary data which is not tied to a specic
vehicle with non-GM organizations for research
purposes.
Others, such as law enforcement, may have access to
the special equipment that can read the information
if they have access to the vehicle or SDM.
If your vehicle is equipped with OnStar
®, please check
the OnStar®subscription service agreement or manual
for information on its operations and data collection.
7-10

Cassette Tape Messages.........................3-67, 3-89
Cassette Tape Player Service............................. 6-9
CD Adapter Kits.....................................3-67, 3-89
CD Messages........................................3-78, 3-92
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-42
Center Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts....1-23
Chains, Tires..................................................5-80
Change Engine Oil Message............................3-47
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-37
Check Engine Light.........................................3-37
Checking Coolant............................................5-30
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-18
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-100
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-37
Infants and Young Children...........................1-33
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-44
Older Children.............................................1-31
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-46
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat
Position..................................................1-46
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...........................................1-49Child Restraints (cont.)
Top Strap...................................................1-42
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-43
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-40
Chime Level Adjustment..................................3-97
CHIRP (Horn Chirp Timer)...............................2-51
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-20
Cleaning
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-94
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-97
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-100
Weatherstrips..............................................5-97
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels..............................5-99
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-98
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-94
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-96
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-96
Cleaning Leather............................................5-96
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-96
Cleaning Tires................................................5-99
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-96
Cleaning Windshield and Wiper Blades..............5-98
Climate Control System
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-25
Dual..........................................................3-20
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-24
3

Door
Ajar Warning Message.................................3-48
Locks.......................................................... 2-8
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-10
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-14
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-52
Driver’s Side Instrument Panel Fuse Block........5-104
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-15
City...........................................................4-20
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Freeway.....................................................4-21
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-23
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-17
Winter........................................................4-25
Driving On Grades..........................................4-42
Driving on Snow or Ice....................................4-26
Driving Through Deep Standing Water...............4-18
Driving Through Flowing Water.........................4-19
Driving with a Trailer.......................................4-41
Dual Climate Control System............................3-20E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment.....................................5-103
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-103
Headlamp Wiring.......................................5-103
Power Windows and Other Power Options....5-103
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-103
Emergency Trunk Release Handle.....................2-12
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-40
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-25
Battery.......................................................5-50
Change Oil Message...................................3-47
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-37
Coolant......................................................5-29
Coolant Heater............................................2-20
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-36
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-14
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-31
Low Oil Level Message................................3-47
Oil .............................................................5-18
5

G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-36
Fuel..........................................................3-42
Speedometer..............................................3-30
Tachometer.................................................3-31
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-38
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-5
Gate Operator and Canadian Programming........2-40
Glove Box.....................................................2-42
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-6
Headlamp
Aiming.......................................................5-58
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.................... 3-8
Headlamp Wiring...........................................5-103
Headlamps
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-58
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-58
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, and Parking
Lamps....................................................5-59Heated Outside Mirrors....................................2-36
Heated Seats................................................... 1-4
Highbeam Out Warning Message......................3-52
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-23
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-23
Hitches..........................................................4-40
HomeLink
®Transmitter....................................2-38
HomeLink®Transmitter, Programming................2-38
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-11
Horn............................................................... 3-7
Hot Coolant Temperature Warning Message........3-45
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank............................................5-37
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator..................5-40
How to Add Fluid............................................5-29
How to Check........................................5-27, 5-72
How to Check and Add Oil...............................5-24
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-45
How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.......5-25
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-14
Hydroplaning..................................................4-18
7

Locks (cont.)
Lockout Protection.......................................2-10
Power Door.................................................. 2-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-10
Loss of Control...............................................4-14
Low Brake Fluid Warning Message....................3-51
Low Engine Oil Level Message.........................3-47
Low Fuel Warning Message.............................3-50
Low Oil Pressure Message...............................3-46
Low Tire Message..........................................3-48
Low Washer Fluid Warning Message.................3-50
LT DELAY (Delayed Headlamp Illumination)........2-46
Lumbar
Manual Controls............................................ 1-3
M
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-6
At Each Fuel Fill........................................... 6-9
At Least Once a Month.................................. 6-9
At Least Once a Year..................................6-10
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Footnotes.................................. 6-7
Maintenance Record....................................6-15
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts.........6-13Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Owner Checks and Services........................... 6-9
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-12
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using Your................................................... 6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-43
Making Turns.................................................4-42
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-37
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-3
Manual Operation...........................................3-21
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-6
Message
Battery Warning..........................................3-45
Center.......................................................3-43
Change Engine Oil......................................3-47
Door Ajar Warning.......................................3-48
Highbeam Out Warning................................3-52
Hot Coolant Temperature Warning..................3-45
Low Brake Fluid Warning..............................3-51
Low Engine Oil Level...................................3-47
Low Fuel Warning.......................................3-50
Low Oil Pressure.........................................3-46
Low Tire .....................................................3-48
Low Washer Fluid Warning...........................3-50
Security.....................................................3-49
9

Message (cont.)
Service Traction System Warning...................3-43
Service Vehicle Soon...................................3-51
Traction Active............................................3-44
Trunk Ajar Warning......................................3-49
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/
Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin
Islands) – Customer Assistance....................... 7-5
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview........................2-34
Automatic Dimming Rearview with OnStar
®.....2-34
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-33
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®.............2-33
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-36
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-35
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-3
N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-17
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............6-13
O
Odometer......................................................3-30
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-12Oil
Engine.......................................................5-18
Pressure Message.......................................3-46
Supercharger, Engine...................................5-24
OIL LIFE (GM Oil Life System Reset)................2-45
Older Children, Restraints................................1-31
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-3
OnStar
®Personal Calling.................................2-37
OnStar®Services............................................2-37
OnStar®System.............................................2-36
OnStar®Virtual Advisor....................................2-37
Operation Tips................................................3-24
ORIG. SET (Return to the Original Settings).......2-51
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-6
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-24
Outside
Convex Mirror.............................................2-36
Power Mirrors.............................................2-35
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . 5-32
Overseas – Customer Assistance........................ 7-5
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 6-9
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
Owner’s Information........................................7-13
10

Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
OnStar®.....................................................2-34
Rearview Mirror with OnStar®...........................2-33
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-33
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-4
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-12
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-30
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-3
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-4
Remote Trunk Release....................................2-11
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing
the Spare Tire.............................................5-85
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-83
Removing the Wheel Covers and the
Wheel Nut Caps..........................................5-84
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-62
Replacing Brake System Parts..........................5-50
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-11
General Motors...........................................7-11
United States Government............................7-11
Reprogramming a Single HomeLink
®Button.......2-41
Resetting Defaults...........................................2-41
Resetting the Trip Computer.............................3-55
Restraint System Check
Checking Your Restraint Systems...................1-60
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash..........................................1-61Restraint Systems
Checking....................................................1-60
Replacing Parts...........................................1-61
Resynchronization............................................. 2-7
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-18
Right Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts......1-23
Roadside
Assistance Program....................................... 7-6
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out...................4-30
Routing, Engine Drive Belt...............................6-14
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked.......2-32
S
Safety Belt
Reminder Light............................................3-31
Safety Belts
Care of......................................................5-97
Center Front Passenger Position....................1-23
Driver Position............................................1-14
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................1-14
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.....1-13
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children
and Small Adults......................................1-28
Rear Seat Passengers.................................1-24
Right Front Passenger Position......................1-23
Safety Belt Extender....................................1-30
12