2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA ECU

Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer.
And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be
sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer.
This can help you avoid situations that require
heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when
you’re towing a trailer. And, because you’re a good
deal longer, you’ll need to go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so your trailer won’t strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
4-40

Adding Coolant
If more coolant is needed, add the proper DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank, but be
careful not to spill it.
If the coolant recovery tank is completely empty, add
coolant to the radiator. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 5-29.
{CAUTION:
Turning the radiator pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam
and scalding liquids to blow out and burn
you badly. With the coolant recovery tank, you
will almost never have to add coolant at the
radiator. Never turn the radiator pressure
cap — even a little — when the engine and
radiator are hot.
{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
Occasionally check the coolant level in the radiator.
For information on how to add coolant to the radiator,
seeCooling System on page 5-31.
Pressure Cap
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and tightly
secured.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
more information on location.
5-28

Tire Chains
{CAUTION:
If your vehicle has P225/55R17 or P235/50R18
size tires, do not use tire chains, there is not
enough clearance.
Tire chains used on a vehicle without the
proper amount of clearance can cause damage
to the brakes, suspension, or other vehicle
parts. The area damaged by the tire chains
could cause you to lose control of your vehicle
and you or others may be injured in a crash.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s
instructions. To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust, or remove the
device if it is contacting your vehicle, and do
not spin your wheels.
If you do nd traction devices that will t,
install them on the front tires.Notice:If your vehicle has a tire size other than
P225/55R17 or P235/50R18 size tires, use tire chains
only where legal and only when you must. Use
only SAE Class S-type chains that are the proper
size for your tires. Install them on the front tires and
tighten them as tightly as possible with the ends
securely fastened. Drive slowly and follow the chain
manufacturer’s instructions. If you can hear the
chains contacting your vehicle, stop and retighten
them. If the contact continues, slow down until
it stops. Driving too fast or spinning the wheels with
chains on will damage your vehicle.
5-71

10. Tighten the wheel nuts
rmly in a crisscross
sequence as shown.
Notice:Wheel covers will not t on your compact
spare. If you try to put a wheel cover on the compact
spare, you could damage the cover or the spare.
Do not try to put the wheel cover on your compact spare
tire. It will not t. Store the wheel cover in the trunk
until you have the at tire repaired or replaced.Storing a Flat or Spare Tire
and Tools
{CAUTION:
Storing a jack, a tire, or other equipment in the
passenger compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision,
loose equipment could strike someone. Store
all these in the proper place.
After the compact spare tire has been installed on the
vehicle, store the at tire in the trunk.
When storing a full-size tire, use the extension with the
protector, located in the foam holder, to help avoid
wheel surface damage.
To store a full-size tire, do the following:
1. Install the tools in their original location in the
trunk area and secure.
2. Place the tire valve stem facing down and the
protector/guide placed through a wheel bolt hole.
3. Remove the protector and attach the retainer
securely
4. Store the cover as far forward as possible.
5-81

At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel ll.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-17for further
details.
Notice:It is important to check your oil regularly
and keep it at the proper level. Failure to keep your
engine oil at the proper level can cause damage
to your engine not covered by your warranty.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add
DEX-COOL®coolant mixture if necessary.
SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-26for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in the windshield
washer uid reservoir and add the proper uid if
necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Visually inspect your vehicle’s tires and make sure they
are inated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to
check the spare tire. SeeTires on page 5-54for further
details. Check to make sure the spare tire is stored
securely. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-73.
Tire Wear Inspection
Tire rotation may be required for high mileage highway
drivers prior to the Engine Oil Life System service
notication. Check the tires for wear and, if necessary,
rotate the tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation
on page 5-64.
6-9

While we hope you never have the occasion to use
our service, it is added security while traveling for
you and your family. Remember, we are only a
phone call away. Chevrolet Roadside Assistance:
1-800-CHEV-USA (1-800-243-8872), text telephone
(TTY) users, call1-888-889-2438.
Chevrolet reserves the right to limit services or
reimbursement to an owner or driver when, in
Chevrolet’s judgement, the claims become excessive
in frequency or type of occurrence.
Roadside Assistance is not part of or included in the
coverage provided by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Chevrolet reserves the right to make any changes or
discontinue the Roadside Assistance program at
any time without notication.
Canadian Roadside Assistance
Vehicles purchased in Canada have an extensive
roadside assistance program accessible from anywhere
in Canada or the United States. Please refer to the
Warranty and Owner Assistance Information book.
Courtesy Transportation
To enhance your ownership experience, we and
our participating dealers are proud to offer Courtesy
Transportation, a customer support program for
new vehicles.
The Courtesy Transportation program is offered to
customers in conjunction with the Bumper-to-Bumper
coverage provided by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Several transportation options are available when
warranty repairs are required. This will reduce your
inconvenience during warranty repairs.
Scheduling Service Appointments
When your vehicle requires warranty service, you
should contact your dealer and request an appointment.
By scheduling a service appointment and advising
your service consultant of your transportation needs,
your dealer can help minimize your inconvenience.
If your vehicle cannot be scheduled into the service
department immediately, keep driving it until it can be
scheduled for service, unless, of course, the problem
is safety-related. If it is, please call your dealership,
let them know this, and ask for instructions.
If the dealer requests that you simply drop the vehicle off
for service, you are urged to do so as early in the work
day as possible to allow for the same day repair.
7-7

Charging System Light....................................3-30
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-34
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-90
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-38
Infants and Young Children...........................1-34
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-43
Older Children.............................................1-32
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat
Position..................................................1-49
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center
Front Seat Position...................................1-51
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position...................................1-52
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-42
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-18
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels........................................5-89
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-87
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-85
Finish Care.................................................5-88
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-84
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces.................................................5-86Cleaning (cont.)
Leather......................................................5-86
Tires..........................................................5-89
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-90
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-87
Weatherstrips..............................................5-87
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-88
Climate Control System...................................3-19
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-23
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-22
Collision Damage Repair..................................7-10
Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt.....................1-29
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-83
Compass.......................................................3-44
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-17
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-6
Convenience Net............................................2-43
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-33
Engine Temperature Warning Light.................3-32
Heater, Engine............................................2-24
Cooling System..............................................5-31
Courtesy Lamps.............................................3-15
Cruise Control................................................3-10
Cruise Control Light........................................3-38
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-42
3

Customer Assistance Information
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 Reimbursement Program............... 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors....7-14
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government............................................7-14
Reporting Safety Defects to the United
States Government...................................7-14
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-15
D
Daytime Running Lamps/Automatic Headlamp
System......................................................3-14
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Delayed Entry Lighting.....................................3-16
Delayed Exit Lighting.......................................3-16
Delayed Headlamps........................................3-14
DIC Compass.................................................3-44
Displacement on Demand™ (DoD™).................2-25Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Dome Lamp ...................................................3-15
Door
Automatic Door Lock....................................2-11
Locks........................................................2-10
Power Door Locks.......................................2-11
Programmable Automatic Door Unlock............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-12
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-17
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-39
DIC Operation and Displays..........................3-39
DIC Vehicle Customization............................3-52
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-45
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-16
City ...........................................................4-19
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-3
Freeway.....................................................4-20
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-22
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-17
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-29
Winter........................................................4-24
4