2005 CHEVROLET IMPALA trailer

Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle
uid level if you have been driving:
When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic — especially in hot weather.
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the uid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 180°F to 200°F
(82°C to 93°C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles
(24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50°F
(10°C). If it is colder than 50°F (10°C), you may have to
drive longer.
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare your vehicle as follows:
Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine
running.
With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in PARK (P).
With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift
lever in PARK (P).
Let the engine run at idle for three to ve minutes.
The transaxle uid dipstick
handle is the black loop
near the rear of the engine
compartment, toward
the center. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for more
information on location.
3400 V6 engine shown,
3800 V6 and
3800 V6 Supercharged
engines similar
5-27

If No Steam Is Coming From Your
Engine
An overheat warning along with a low coolant message
can indicate a serious problem.
If you get an engine overheat warning, but see or hear
no steam, the problem may not be too serious.
Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when you:
Climb a long hill on a hot day.
Stop after high-speed driving.
Idle for long periods in traffic.
Tow a trailer.
If you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam,
try this for a minute or so:
1. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in NEUTRAL (N)
while stopped. If it is safe to do so, pull off the road,
shift to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) and let the
engine idle.
2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan
speed and open the windows as necessary.If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can
drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about 10 minutes.
If the warning does not come back on, you can drive
normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park your
vehicle right away.
If there is still no sign of steam, you can idle the engine
for three minutes while you are parked. If you still
have the warning, turn off the engine and get everyone
out of the vehicle until it cools down. Also, see
“Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode” later
in this section.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.
5-33

Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode allows your vehicle to
be driven to a safe place in an emergency situation.
If an overheated engine condition exists, an overheat
protection mode which alternates ring groups of
cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode,
you will notice a signicant loss in power and engine
performance. The low coolant light may come on
and the temperature gage will indicate an overheat
condition exists. Driving extended miles (km) and/or
towing a trailer in the overheat protection mode should
be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil
and reset the oil life system. SeeEngine Oil
on page 5-18.
Cooling System
When you decide it is safe to lift the hood, here is what
you will see:
A. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank
B. Electric Engine Cooling Fans
C. Radiator Pressure Cap3400 V6 Engine
5-34

(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced. Also look for any opened or broken airbag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced.
The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders. Lubricate all
hinges and latches, including those for the body doors,
hood, secondary latch, pivots, spring anchor, release
pawl, rear compartment, glove box door, console door,
and any folding seat hardware. More frequent
lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive
environment. Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them last longer, seal
better, and not stick or squeak.
(g)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the
lter may require replacement more often.
(h)Change automatic transaxle uid and lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.(i)Drain, ush, and rell cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer perform
this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-29 for
what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap, and ller neck. Pressure test the
cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)Check 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 or
cruise control cables.
(k)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired
and the uid level checked. Add uid if needed.
(l)For supercharged engines only: Check the
supercharger oil level and add the proper supercharger
oil as needed (or every 36 months, whichever occurs
rst). See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-12.
(m)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the lter at each engine oil change.
(n)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.
6-8

Tires (cont.)
Pressure Monitor System..............................5-68
Removing the Flat Tire.................................5-80
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...............5-79
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools............5-86
Tire Sidewall Labelling..................................5-61
Tire Terminology and Denitions....................5-64
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-73
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-74
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-74
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-71
Top Strap......................................................1-40
Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-41
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-35
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-37
Your Vehicle...............................................4-35
Traction
Active Message...........................................3-41
Control System (TCS).................................... 4-9
Control System Warning Light.......................3-33
Service Traction System Warning Message.......3-40
Transaxle
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-26
Transaxle Operation, Automatic.........................2-20
Trip Computer................................................3-51
Trip Odometer................................................3-30Trunk............................................................2-10
Trunk Ajar Warning Message............................3-45
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-8
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-7
U
Understanding Radio Reception........................3-88
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-73
V
Vehicle
Control........................................................ 4-6
Customization Settings.................................3-91
Damage Warnings........................................... iv
Loading......................................................4-30
Service Soon Message.................................3-48
Symbols......................................................... iv
Vehicle Data Collection and Event
Data Recorders............................................. 7-9
Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN).............................................5-98
Service Parts Identication Label...................5-98
Vehicle Personalization....................................2-38
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-24
Visors...........................................................2-13
13