2009 CHEVROLET IMPALA service indicator

However, some gasolines contain only the minimum
amount of additive required to meet U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency regulations. To help keep fuel injectors
and intake valves clean, or if the vehicle experiences
problems due to dirty injectors or valves, look for gasoline
that is advertised as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.
For customers who do not use TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline regularly, one bottle of GM Fuel System
Treatment PLUS, added to the fuel tank at every engine
oil change, can help clean deposits from fuel injectors
and intake valves. GM Fuel System Treatment PLUS is
the only gasoline additive recommended by General
Motors.
Also, your dealer/retailer has additives that will help
correct and prevent most deposit-related problems.
Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers and
ethanol, and reformulated gasolines might be available in
your area. We recommend that you use these gasolines,
if they comply with the specications described earlier.However, E85 (85% ethanol) and other fuels containing
more than 10% ethanol must not be used in vehicles that
were not designed for those fuels.
Notice:This vehicle was not designed for fuel
that contains methanol. Do not use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal parts in the fuel
system and also damage plastic and rubber parts.
That damage would not be covered under the vehicle
warranty.
Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions can contain an octane-enhancing additive
called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT); ask the attendant where you buy gasoline
whether the fuel contains MMT. We recommend against
the use of such gasolines. Fuels containing MMT can
reduce the life of spark plugs and the performance of
the emission control system could be affected. The
malfunction indicator lamp might turn on. If this occurs,
return to your dealer/retailer for service.
5-7

Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
The 8th digit of the Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)
shows the code letter or number that identies the
vehicle’s engine. The VIN is at the top left of the
instrument panel. SeeVehicle Identification Number
(VIN) on page 5-96.
If the vehicle has the 3.5L V6 engine (VIN Code K)
or the 3.9L V6 engine (VIN Code M), you can use either
unleaded gasoline or ethanol fuel containing up to 85%
ethanol (E85). SeeFuel on page 5-5. In all other engines,
use only the unleaded gasoline described underGasoline
Octane on page 5-5.
Only vehicles that have the 3.5L V6 engine (VIN Code K)
or the 3.9L V6 engine (VIN Code M) can use 85% ethanol
fuel (E85). We encourage the use of E85 in vehicles
that are designed to use it. The ethanol in E85 is a
“renewable” fuel, meaning it is made from renewable
sources such as corn and other crops.Many service stations will not have an 85% ethanol
fuel (E85) pump available. The U. S. Department
of Energy has an alternative fuels website
(www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/infrastructure/locator.html)
that can help you nd E85 fuel. Those stations that
do have E85 should have a label indicating ethanol
content. Do not use the fuel if the ethanol content
is greater than 85%.
At a minimum, E85 should meet ASTM Specication
D 5798. By denition, this means that fuel labeled E85
will have an ethanol content between 70% and 85%.
Filling the fuel tank with fuel mixtures that do not meet
ASTM specications can affect driveability and could
cause the malfunction indicator lamp to come on.
To ensure quick starts in the wintertime, the E85 fuel
must be formulated properly for your climate according
to ASTM specication D 5798. If you have trouble
starting on E85, it could be because the E85 fuel is not
properly formulated for your climate. If this happens,
switching to gasoline or adding gasoline to the fuel tank
can improve starting. For good starting and heater
efficiency below 32°F (0°C), the fuel mix in the fuel tank
should contain no more than 70% ethanol. It is best
not to alternate repeatedly between gasoline and E85.
5-8

4. Then ll the coolant recovery tank to the COLD
FILL line.
5. Install the coolant recovery tank cap and the
pressure cap. After a day or two of driving, when the
engine is cold, check the coolant level in the recovery
tank. If it is low, rell it to the COLD FILL line.
If the coolant in the recovery tank is constantly low,
you should have a dealer/retailer service department
inspect the vehicle for leaks.
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.
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 5-14for
more information on location.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators to warn of engine
overheating.
There is a coolant temperature gage and a warning light
on the instrument panel that indicate an overheated
engine condition. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Gage on page 3-34Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
andEngine Coolant Temperature Warning Light on
page 3-34Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light.
In addition, you will nd an ENGINE OVERHEATED
IDLE ENGINE and an ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP
ENGINE message displayed on the vehicle’s Driver
Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-49DIC Warnings and Messages
for more information.
You may decide not to lift the hood when this warning
appears, but instead get service help right away.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-8.
5-31

Brake Wear
This vehicle has disc brakes. Disc brake pads have
built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning
sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads
are needed. The sound can come and go or be heard all
the time the vehicle is moving, except when applying
the brake pedal rmly.
{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
the brakes will not work well. That could lead to an
accident. When the brake wear warning sound is
heard, have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are rst applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts
in the proper sequence to torque specications
inCapacities and Specifications on page 5-101.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer if the brake pedal does not
return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign that brake service
might be required.
Brake Adjustment
Every time the brakes are applied, with or without the
vehicle moving, the brakes adjust for wear.
5-39

A
Accessories and Modications............................ 5-3
Accessory Power............................................2-21
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-18
Active Fuel Management™...............................2-23
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-72
Additional Required Services, Scheduled
Maintenance................................................. 6-6
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-96
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-21
Air Conditioning..............................................3-20
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment....................3-23
Airbag
Readiness Light..........................................3-28
Airbag System................................................1-57
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-72
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-63
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-65
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-71
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-63
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?....1-64
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-62
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-59Airbags
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-29
Antenna
Backglass...................................................3-96
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna
System......................................................3-96
Antilock Brake System (ABS)............................. 4-5
Warning Light.............................................3-31
Appearance Care
Aluminum Wheels........................................5-94
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-92
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-95
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-93
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-90
Finish Care.................................................5-93
Finish Damage
............................................5-95
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces.................................................5-91
Interior Cleaning..........................................5-89
Leather......................................................5-91
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-95
Tires..........................................................5-95
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-95
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-92
Weatherstrips..............................................5-92
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-94
1

Lights (cont.)
Fog Lamp ..................................................3-40
Highbeam On.............................................3-40
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
Oil Pressure...............................................3-39
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator..................3-29
Safety Belt Reminders..................................3-27
Security.....................................................3-39
Tire Pressure..............................................3-35
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning..........3-32
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-20
Locks
Automatic Door Lock....................................2-10
Delayed Locking..........................................2-10
Door ........................................................... 2-9
Lockout Protection.......................................2-12
Power Door ................................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Unlock............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-11
Loss of Control...............................................4-11
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children.............1-45
Lumbar
Manual Controls............................................ 1-6M
Maintenance
Footnotes..................................................... 6-7
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-6
At Each Fuel Fill........................................... 6-8
At Least Once a Month.................................. 6-9
At Least Once a Year.................................... 6-9
Maintenance Record....................................6-15
Maintenance Replacement Parts....................6-13
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Owner Checks and Services........................... 6-8
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-12
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using.......................................................... 6-3
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Malfunction Indicator Lamp...............................3-36
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-6
Manual Seats................................................... 1-4
Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-49
Mirror Reading Lamps.....................................3-17
8

Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview........................2-32
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-32
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-33
Outside Heated Mirrors................................2-33
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-32
MP3 .............................................................3-77
N
Navigation System, Privacy..............................7-19
Net
Convenience...............................................2-43
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-19
O
Odometer......................................................3-26
Off-Road
Recovery....................................................4-11
Oil
Engine.......................................................5-17
Engine Oil Life System.................................5-20
Pressure Light.............................................3-39
Older Children, Restraints................................1-34
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-5
OnStar, Privacy..............................................7-19
OnStar
®System, see OnStar®Manual...............2-33
Operation, Universal Home Remote System........2-37Outlet Adjustment............................................3-23
Outlets
Accessory Power.........................................3-18
Outside
Convex Mirror.............................................2-33
Heated Mirrors............................................2-33
Power Mirrors.............................................2-32
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode..........................................5-34
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 6-8
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
P
Paint, Damage...............................................5-95
Parade Dimming.............................................3-16
Park
Shifting Into................................................2-27
Shifting Out of............................................2-29
Parking
Over Things That Burn.................................2-30
Parking Brake................................................2-26
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator.....................3-29
Passenger Compartment Air Filter.....................3-23
Passenger Sensing System..............................1-65
Passing.........................................................4-11
PASS-Key
®III+ Electronic Immobilizer...............2-17
PASS-Key®III+ Electronic Immobilizer
Operation...................................................2-18
9