2007 CHEVROLET IMPALA service

Traction Control System (TCS)
Your vehicle may have a traction control system
that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful
in slippery road conditions. The system operates
only if it senses that one or both of the front wheels
are spinning or beginning to lose traction. When
this happens, the system reduces engine
power and may also upshift the transmission
and apply the front brakes to limit wheel spin.
This light will ash
when your traction
control system is
limiting wheel spin.
You may feel or hear the system working, but this
is normal.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the
traction control system begins to limit wheel spin,
the cruise control will automatically disengage.
When road conditions allow you to safely
use it again, you may re-engage the cruise
control. SeeCruise Control on page 157.The traction control system operates in all
transmission shift lever positions. But the system
can upshift the transmission only as high as
the shift lever position you’ve chosen, so you
should use the lower gears only when necessary.
SeeAutomatic Transaxle Operation on page 116.
When the system is on,
this warning light will
come on and stay on to
let you know if there’s
a problem.
A SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL message will
also appear on the DIC. When this warning
light is on, the system will not limit wheel spin.
Adjust your driving accordingly. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 199for more information.
To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road
conditions, you should always leave the traction
control system on. But you can turn the system off
if you ever need to. You should turn the system
off if your vehicle ever gets stuck in sand, mud or
snow and rocking the vehicle is required.
256

Once you are moving on the freeway, make
certain you allow a reasonable following distance.
Expect to move slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway, move to the
proper lane well in advance. If you miss your
exit, do not, under any circumstances, stop and
back up. Drive on to the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite
sharply. The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce
your speed according to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any
distance at higher speeds, you may tend to think
you are going slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you are ready. Try to be well rested.
If you must start when you are not fresh — such as
after a day’s work — do not plan to make too
many miles that rst part of the journey. Wear
comfortable clothing and shoes you can easily
drive in.Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it is ready to go. If it
needs service, have it done before starting out.
Of course, you will nd experienced and able
service experts in GM dealerships all across North
America. They will be ready and willing to help
if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir
full? Are all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:Have you
checked all levels?
Lamps:Are they all working? Are the
lenses clean?
Tires:They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough
for long-distance driving? Are the tires
all inated to the recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts:What is the weather
outlook along your route? Should you
delay your trip a short time to avoid a major
storm system?
Maps:Do you have up-to-date maps?
269

Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as highway
hypnosis? Or is it just plain falling asleep at the
wheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lack of
awareness, or whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch of road
with the same scenery, along with the hum of the
tires on the road, the drone of the engine, and the
rush of the wind against the vehicle that can make
you sleepy. Do not let it happen to you! If it does,
your vehicle can leave the road in less than a
second, and you could crash and be injured.
What can you do about highway hypnosis?
First, be aware that it can happen.
Then here are some tips:
Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with
a comfortably cool interior.
Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead
and to the sides. Check your rearview mirrors
and your instruments frequently.
If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest,
service, or parking area and take a nap, get
some exercise, or both. For safety, treat
drowsiness on the highway as an emergency.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or mountains is different
from driving in at or rolling terrain.
If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you are
planning to visit there, here are some tips that
can make your trips safer and more enjoyable.
Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check
all uid levels and also the brakes, tires,
cooling system, and transaxle. These parts
can work hard on mountain roads.
270

If things like suitcases, tools, packages, or anything
else are put inside the vehicle, they will go as fast
as the vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn
quickly, or if there is a crash, they will keep going.
{CAUTION:
Things you put inside your vehicle can
strike and injure people in a sudden stop
or turn, or in a crash.
Put things in the trunk of your vehicle.
In a trunk, put them as far forward as
you can. Try to spread the weight
evenly.
Never stack heavier things, like
suitcases, inside the vehicle so that
some of them are above the tops of
the seats.
Do not leave an unsecured child
restraint in your vehicle.
When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.
Do not leave a seat folded down
unless you need to.
Towing
Towing Your Vehicle
Consult your dealer or a professional towing
service if you need to have your disabled vehicle
towed. SeeRoadside Assistance Program on
page 432.
If you want to tow your vehicle behind another
vehicle for recreational purposes (such as behind
a motorhome), see “Recreational Vehicle
Towing” following.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing your
vehicle behind another vehicle – such as behind a
motorhome. The two most common types of
recreational vehicle towing are known as “dinghy
towing” (towing your vehicle with all four wheels
on the ground) and “dolly towing” (towing
your vehicle with two wheels on the ground and
two wheels up on a device known as a “dolly”).
282

When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal
down while you:
start your engine,
shift into a gear, and
release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of
the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store
the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when
you’re pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance
Schedule for more on this. Things that are
especially important in trailer operation are
automatic transmission uid (don’t overll),
engine oil, drive belts, cooling system and brake
system. Each of these is covered in this manual,
and the Index will help you nd them quickly.
If you’re trailering, it’s a good idea to review
this information before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and
bolts are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat
during severe operating conditions. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 323.
291

Service........................................................ 296
Accessories and Modications................... 296
California Proposition 65 Warning.............. 297
Doing Your Own Service Work.................. 297
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle.......................................... 298
Fuel............................................................. 298
Gasoline Octane........................................ 298
Gasoline Specications.............................. 299
California Fuel........................................... 299
Additives................................................... 299
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)............................ 300
Fuels in Foreign Countries........................ 301
Filling the Tank......................................... 302
Filling a Portable Fuel Container............... 304
Checking Things Under the Hood.............. 304
Hood Release........................................... 305
Engine Compartment Overview.................. 306
Engine Oil................................................. 310
Engine Oil Life System.............................. 314
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter............................ 316
Automatic Transaxle Fluid......................... 317Engine Coolant.......................................... 320
Pressure Cap............................................ 323
Engine Overheating................................... 323
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode..................................... 326
Cooling System......................................... 326
Power Steering Fluid................................. 332
Windshield Washer Fluid........................... 333
Brakes...................................................... 334
Battery...................................................... 337
Jump Starting............................................ 338
Headlamp Aiming........................................ 343
Bulb Replacement....................................... 343
Halogen Bulbs........................................... 344
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps............. 344
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps.............. 346
License Plate Lamp................................... 348
Replacement Bulbs................................... 349
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement....... 349
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
293

Tires............................................................ 351
Tire Sidewall Labeling............................... 352
Tire Terminology and Denitions............... 356
Ination - Tire Pressure............................. 359
Tire Pressure Monitor System................... 360
Tire Inspection and Rotation...................... 364
When It Is Time for New Tires.................. 366
Buying New Tires...................................... 366
Different Size Tires and Wheels................ 368
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..................... 369
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance............ 370
Wheel Replacement.................................. 371
Tire Chains............................................... 372
If a Tire Goes Flat.................................... 373
Changing a Flat Tire................................. 374
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools.......... 375
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing
the Spare Tire....................................... 377
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools...... 383
Compact Spare Tire.................................. 385Appearance Care........................................ 386
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle.......... 386
Fabric/Carpet............................................. 388
Leather...................................................... 389
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces..................................... 389
Care of Safety Belts.................................. 390
Weatherstrips............................................ 390
Washing Your Vehicle............................... 390
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses................ 391
Finish Care............................................... 391
Windshield and Wiper Blades.................... 392
Aluminum Wheels...................................... 392
Tires......................................................... 393
Sheet Metal Damage................................. 393
Finish Damage.......................................... 393
Underbody Maintenance............................ 394
Chemical Paint Spotting............................ 394
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials............ 395
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
294

Vehicle Identication.................................. 396
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)........... 396
Service Parts Identication Label............... 396
Electrical System........................................ 397
Add-On Electrical Equipment..................... 397
Headlamp Wiring....................................... 397
Windshield Wiper Fuses............................ 397Power Windows and Other Power
Options.................................................. 398
Fuses and Circuit Breakers....................... 398
Instrument Panel Fuse Block..................... 398
Underhood Fuse Block.............................. 400
Capacities and Specications.................... 403
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
295