2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA coolant

Cold Tire Pressure:The amount of air pressure in
a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-61.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a motor vehicle with
standard and optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant,
but without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings
:A code molded into the sidewall
of a tire signifying that the tire is in compliance
with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
motor vehicle safety standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identication Number (TIN),
an alphanumeric designator which can also identify
the tire manufacturer, production plant, brand,
and date of production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
SeeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-21.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the
front axle. SeeLoading Your Vehicle on
page 4-21.GAWR RR
:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear
axle. SeeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-21.
Intended Outboard Sidewall
:The side of
an asymmetrical tire, that must always face
outward when mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa)
:The metric unit for air pressure.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire
:A tire used on
light duty trucks and some multipurpose passenger
vehicles.
Load Index
:An assigned number ranging from
1 to 279 that corresponds to the load carrying
capacity of a tire.
Maximum Ination Pressure
:The maximum air
pressure to which a cold tire can be inated.
The maximum air pressure is molded onto the
sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating
:The load rating for a tire
at the maximum permissible ination pressure
for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight
:The sum of
curb weight, accessory weight, vehicle capacity
weight, and production options weight.
5-59

ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Fuel Tank
3.5L Engine (with NU6 emissions) sold new in CA, ME,
VT, NY, MA (see your dealer/retailer for bordering states)17.0 gal 64.4 L
3.5L Engine (without NU6 emissions) sold new in all
other states (see your dealer/retailer for more information)17.5 gal 66.2 L
3.9L Flexible Fuel and 5.3L Engines sold in all states 17.5 gal 66.2 L
Power Steering Coolant 0.93 qt 0.88 L
Wheel Nut Torque 100 lb ft 140Y
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to ll to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck uid level after lling.
Engine Specications
Engine VIN Code Transmission Spark Plug Gap
3.5L V6 N Automatic 0.040 inches (1.01 mm)
3.5L Flexible Fuel V6 K Automatic 0.040 inches (1.01 mm)
3.9L V6 with Active Fuel
Management™
Flexible Fuel3 Automatic 0.040 inches (1.01 mm)
5.3L V8 with Active Fuel
Management™C Automatic 0.040 inches (1.01 mm)
5-104

Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-17. Reset oil life system.
SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 5-20.An Emission Control Service.••
Visually check for any leaks or damage.See footnote (k).••
Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace lter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-22.See footnote (m).•
Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 5-68and “Tire Wear Inspection” inAt Least Once a Month on
page 6-9.••
Inspect brake system.See footnote (a).••
Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid levels and add uid as needed.••
Perform any needed additional services. See “Additional Required Services” in
this section.••
Inspect suspension and steering components.See footnote (b).•
Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (c).•
Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (d).•
Inspect restraint system components.See footnote (e).•
Lubricate body components.See footnote (f).•
Check transmission uid level and add uid as needed.•
Replace passenger compartment air lter, if equipped.See footnote (g).•
Inspect throttle system.See footnote (j).•
6-5

(h)Change automatic transmission fluid and filter 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, flush, and refill cooling system. This service can
be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer perform
this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-26 for what
to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap, and filler 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 fluid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired
and the fluid level checked. Add fluid if needed.
(m)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each engine oil change.
(n)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.
Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure the safety,
dependability, and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your dealer/retailer can assist you with these
checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
6-8

At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Notice:It is important to check the engine oil
regularly and keep it at the proper level. Failure to
keep the engine oil at the proper level can cause
damage to the engine not covered by your warranty.
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-17.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-26.
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
Inspect your vehicle’s tires and make sure they are
inated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to check
the spare tire. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-61. Check to make sure the spare tire is stored
securely. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-78.
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 5-68.
6-9

Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name, part
number, or specication can be obtained from your
dealer/retailer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil which meets GM
Standard GM6094M and displays
the American Petroleum Institute
Certied for Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. To determine the
proper viscosity for your vehicle’s
engine, seeEngine Oil on page 5-17.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
®
Coolant. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-26.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco
®Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake uid.
Windshield
WasherOptikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021184,
in Canada 89021186).
Automatic
TransmissionDEXRON
®-VI Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Secondary
Latch, Pivots,
Spring Anchor,
and
Release PawlLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346293,
in Canada 992723) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Hood and
Door HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningWeatherstrip Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 3634770,
in Canada 10953518) or
Dielectric Silicone Grease
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345579,
in Canada 992887).
6-12

Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-37
Infants and Young Children...........................1-34
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-41
Older Children.............................................1-31
Securing a Child Restraint in a
Rear Seat Position...................................1-47
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Center Front Seat Position........................1-50
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position..........................1-50
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-40
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-21
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels........................................5-95
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-94
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-91
Finish Care.................................................5-94
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.......................................5-92
Interior.......................................................5-90
Leather......................................................5-92
Tires..........................................................5-96
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-96
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-93
Weatherstrips..............................................5-93
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-95Climate Control System...................................3-22
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-26
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-25
Clock............................................................3-67
Collision Damage Repair..................................7-11
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-89
Compass.......................................................3-49
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-18
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-3
Convenience Net............................................2-49
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................
3-38
Engine Temperature Warning Light.................3-37
Heater, Engine............................................2-25
Cooling System..............................................5-32
Courtesy Lamps.............................................3-17
Cruise Control................................................3-10
Cruise Control Light........................................3-43
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-48
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-9
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users............................... 7-5
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-5
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program............... 7-6
3

Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-22
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-39
Coolant......................................................5-26
Coolant Heater............................................2-25
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-38
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-37
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-14
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-14
Exhaust.....................................................2-34
Oil .............................................................5-17
Oil Life System...........................................5-20
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-31
Overheating................................................5-29
Running While Parked..................................2-34
Starting......................................................2-23
Entry Lighting.................................................3-17
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-17
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-30
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-14
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-22
Finish Damage...............................................5-96
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-6Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-9
Flat Tire........................................................5-77
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-78
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-87
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-24
Power Steering...........................................5-37
Windshield Washer......................................5-38
Fog Lamp
Fog ...........................................................3-16
Fog Lamp Light..............................................3-42
Folding Rear Seat............................................ 1-8
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-7
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
E85 (85% Ethanol)........................................ 5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-12
Filling the Tank...........................................5-10
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-9
Gage.........................................................3-43
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-6
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-6
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-99
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-99
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-100
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-99
5