2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA key

Ignition Positions
With the ignition key in the ignition, the key can be
turned to four different positions:
Notice:Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break the
key. Use the correct key and turn the key only with
your hand. Make sure the key is in all the way. If
none of this works, then your vehicle needs service.A (OFF):This is the only position in which the ignition
key can be inserted or removed. This position locks
the ignition and transaxle. It is a theft-deterrent feature.
B (ACCESSORY):This position lets the radio and
windshield wipers operate while the engine is off. To use
ACCESSORY, turn the key clockwise.
C (RUN):This position is where the key returns to after
the vehicle is started. This position displays some of
the warning and indicator lights.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the
ACCESSORY or RUN position with the engine off.
You may not be able to start your vehicle if the battery
is allowed to drain for an extended period of time.
D (START):This position starts the engine.
A warning chime will sound and the Driver Information
Center (DIC) will display DRIVER’S DOOR OPEN when
the driver’s door is opened if the ignition is in OFF,
ACCESSORY and the key is in the ignition. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-45for more
information.
2-21

Key In the Ignition
Never leave your vehicle with the keys inside, as it is an
easy target for joy riders or thieves. If you leave the
key in the ignition and park your vehicle, a chime
will sound, when you open the driver’s door. Always
remember to remove your key from the ignition and take
it with you. This will lock your ignition and transaxle.
Also, always remember to lock the doors.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the
ignition while your vehicle is parked. You may not be
able to start your vehicle after it has been parked for an
extended period of time.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
The vehicle has Retained Accessory Power (RAP),
which will allow your vehicle’s radio to work when the
ignition key is in RUN or ACCESSORY. Once the key is
turned from RUN to OFF the radio will continue to
work 10 minutes or until the driver’s door is opened.
Also, the power windows will continue to work for up to
10 minutes or until any door is opened.
Starting the Engine
Place the transaxle in the proper gear.
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine will not start in any other position -- this is
a safety feature. To restart when you are already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Shifting into PARK (P) with the vehicle
moving could damage the transaxle. Shift into
PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped.
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Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START. When the engine starts,
let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as
your engine gets warm. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and
transaxle gently for the rst 2 minutes to allow
the oil to warm up and lubricate all moving parts.
Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in starting the
engine and protects components. If the ignition key
is turned to the START position, and then
released when the engine begins cranking, the
engine will continue cranking for a few seconds or
until the vehicle starts. If the engine does not
start and the key is held in START for many
seconds, cranking will be stopped after 15 seconds
to prevent cranking motor damage. To prevent
gear damage, this system also prevents cranking if
the engine is already running. Engine cranking
can be stopped by turning the ignition switch to the
ACCESSORY or OFF position.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the key to the START position
immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat
and damage the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try,
to allow the cranking motor to cool down.2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F
or−18°C), it could be ooded with too much
gasoline. Try pushing the accelerator pedal all the
way to the oor and holding it there as you hold
the key in START for up to a maximum of
15 seconds. Wait at least 15 seconds between
each try, to allow the cranking motor to cool down.
When the engine starts, let go of the key and
accelerator. If the vehicle starts briey but then
stops again, do the same thing. This clears the extra
gasoline from the engine. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and
transaxle gently until the oil warms up and
lubricates all moving parts.
Notice:Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way the
engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,
check with your dealer. If you do not, your engine
might not perform properly. Any resulting damage
would not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty.
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Steering Column Shift Lever
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and
set the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by pulling the
shift lever toward you and moving it up as far as it
will go.
3. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
Console Shift Lever
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and
set the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by holding in the
button on the shift lever and pushing the lever all
the way toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
Leaving Your Vehicle With the
Engine Running
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with
the engine running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) with the parking brake rmly set.
And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine
running, it could overheat and even catch re.
You or others could be injured. Do not leave
your vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and your
parking brake is rmly set before you leave it. After you
have moved the shift lever into the PARK (P) position,
hold the regular brake pedal down. Then, see if you can
move the shift lever away from PARK (P) without rst
pulling it toward you or if you have the console shift
lever, without rst pushing the button. If you can,
it means that the shift lever was not fully locked into
PARK (P).
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Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift your
transaxle into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in
the transaxle. You may nd it difficult to pull the shift
lever out of PARK (P). This is called “torque lock.”
To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then
shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the
driver’s seat. To nd out how, seeShifting Into Park (P)
on page 2-29.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) before you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the
pressure from the parking pawl in the transaxle, so you
can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
Shifting Out of Park (P)
Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock
control system. You must fully apply your regular brakes
before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition
is in RUN. SeeAutomatic Transaxle Operation on
page 2-25.
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on
the shift lever by pushing it all the way into PARK (P)
while keeping the brake pedal pushed down. Release
the shift lever button if you have a console shift.
Then move the shift lever out of PARK (P), being sure
to press the shift lever button if you have a console shift.
If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still cannot
shift out of PARK (P), try this:
1. Turn the ignition key to ACCESSORY.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal down until the end
of Step 4.
3. Shift to NEUTRAL.
4. Start the engine and shift to the drive gear you want.
5. Have the vehicle xed as soon as you can.
2-31

OnStar®System
OnStar®uses several innovative technologies and live
advisors to provide you with a wide range of safety,
security, information, and convenience services. If your
airbags deploy, the system is designed to make an
automatic call to OnStar
®Emergency where we
can request emergency services be sent to your
location. If you lock your keys in the car, call OnStar
®
at 1-888-4-ONSTAR and they can send a signal to
unlock your doors. If you need roadside assistance,
press the OnStar
®button and they can contact
Roadside Service for you.
A complete OnStar
®Owner’s Guide and the Terms and
Conditions of the OnStar®Subscription Service
Agreement are included in the vehicle’s OnStar®
Subscriber Information packet located in your vehicle.For more information, visit www.onstar.com or
www.onstar.ca, contact OnStar
®at 1-888-4-ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827), or press the OnStar®button to speak
with an OnStar®advisor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
OnStar®Services
For new vehicles equipped with OnStar®, the Safe &
Sound Plan is included for one year from the date
of purchase. You can extend this plan beyond the rst
year, or upgrade to the Directions & Connections Plan to
meet your needs. For more information, press the
OnStar
®button to speak with an advisor.
Safe & Sound Plan

Advanced Automatic Crash Notication
Automatic Notication of Airbag Deployment
Emergency Services
Roadside Assistance
Stolen Vehicle Tracking
AccidentAssist
Remote Door Unlock/Vehicle Alert
OnStar®Vehicle Diagnostics
OnStar®Hands-Free Calling
OnStar®Virtual Advisor
2-36

Hazard Warning Flashers
Your hazard warning ashers let you warn others. They
also let police know you have a problem. Your front
and rear turn signal lamps will ash on and off.
The hazard warning
asher button is located on
top of the steering
column.
Your hazard warning ashers work no matter what
position your key is in, and even if the key is not in.
Press the button to make the front and rear turn signal
lamps ash on and off. Press the button again to
turn the ashers off.
When the hazard warning ashers are on, your turn
signals will not work.
Other Warning Devices
If you carry reective triangles, you can set them up at
the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind
your vehicle.
Horn
Press near or on the horn symbols on your steering
wheel pad to sound the horn.
Tilt Wheel
A tilt wheel lets you adjust the steering wheel before
you drive. You can raise the steering wheel to the
highest level to give your legs more room when you
enter and exit the vehicle.
The lever that lets you tilt the steering wheel is located
on the left side of the steering column.
To tilt the wheel, hold the
wheel and pull the lever.
Then move the wheel
to a comfortable position
and release the lever
to lock the wheel in place.
3-6

6(Delay):You can set the wiper speed for a long or
short delay between wiping cycles. This can be
very useful in light rain or snow. Turn the band to
choose the delay time. The closer to the top of the lever,
the shorter the delay.
6(Low Speed):For steady wiping at low speed,
turn the band away from you to the rst solid band
past the delay settings.
1(High Speed):For high-speed wiping, turn the
band further, to the second solid band past the
delay settings.
9(Off):To stop the wipers, move the band to off.
Windshield Washer
At the top of the multifunction lever, there’s a paddle
with the windshield washer symbol on it. To spray
washer uid on the windshield, push the paddle.
The wipers will run for several sweeps and then
either stop or return to your preset speed. The ignition
key must be in ACCESSORY or RUN for this to
work. SeeWindshield Washer Fluid on page 5-39.
{CAUTION:
In freezing weather, do not use your washer
until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the
washer uid can form ice on the windshield,
blocking your vision.
When you are low on washer uid, the LOW WASHER
FLUID message will be illuminated in the message
center for 60 seconds. When the ignition is turned off,
this message will appear again for three seconds
to remind you that the uid level is low.
Until the uid tank is relled, every time you start your
vehicle, the LOW WASHER FLUID message will be
illuminated in the message center for 60 seconds.
Be sure to rell the tank right away.United States
Canada
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