2010 CHEVROLET IMPALA check engine light

Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
ProgramsSome state/provincial and local governments have or
might begin programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on the vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection
could prevent getting a vehicle registration.
Here are some things to know to help the vehicle pass
an inspection:•
The vehicle will not pass this inspection if the check
engine light is on with the engine running, or if the
key is in ON/RUN and the light is not on.
•
The vehicle will not pass this inspection if the OBD II
(on-board diagnostic) system determines that critical
emission control systems have not been completely
diagnosed by the system. The vehicle would be
considered not ready for inspection. This can happen
if the battery has recently been replaced or if the
battery has run down. The diagnostic system is
designed to evaluate critical emission control
systems during normal driving. This can take several
days of routine driving. If this has been done and the
vehicle still does not pass the inspection for lack of
OBD II system readiness, your dealer/retailer can
prepare the vehicle for inspection.
Oil Pressure Light
{
WARNING:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low.
The engine can become so hot that it catches fire.
Someone could be burned. Check the oil as soon
as possible and have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Lack of proper engine oil maintenance
can damage the engine. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Always follow
the maintenance schedule in this manual for
changing engine oil.
4-34

SERVICE TRANSMISSIONThis message displays when there is a problem with the
transmission. See your dealer/retailer for service.SERVICE VEHICLE SOONThis message displays when a non-emissions related
malfunction occurs. Have the vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.STABILITRAK NOT READYIf your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
this message may display and the ESC/TCS light on the
instrument panel cluster may be on after first driving the
vehicle and exceeding 19 mph (30 km/h) for 30 seconds.
The ESC system is not functional until the light has turned
off. SeeElectronic Stability Control (ESC) on page 5-6for
more information.STARTING DISABLED SERVICE
THROTTLEThis message displays if the starting of the engine is
disabled due to the electronic throttle control system.
Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer
immediately.This message only appears while the ignition is in
ON/RUN, and will not disappear until the problem is
resolved.
This message cannot be acknowledged.
THEFT ATTEMPTEDThis message displays if the content theft-deterrent
system has detected a break-in attempt while you were
away from your vehicle. SeeContent Theft-Deterrent
on page 3-17for more information.TIGHTEN GAS CAPThis message may be displayed if the gas cap is not
on, or is not fully tightened. Check the gas cap to ensure
that it is on properly. SeeFilling the Tank on page 6-10
for more information.TIRE LEARNING ACTIVEOn vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS), this message displays when the TPMS is
re-learning the tire positions on your vehicle. The tire
positions must be re-learned after rotating the tires or
after replacing a tire or sensor. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 6-65,Tire Pressure Monitor System on
page 6-60, andInflation - Tire Pressure on page 6-59for
more information.
4-49

TIRE LOW ADD AIR TO TIREOn vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS), this message displays when the pressure in one
or more of the vehicle’s tires is low. This message also
displays LEFT FRT (left front), RIGHT FRT (right front),
LEFT RR (left rear), or RIGHT RR (right rear) to indicate
the location of the low tire. The low tire pressure warning
light will also come on. SeeTire Pressure Light on
page 4-31. You can receive more than one tire pressure
message at a time. To read the other messages that may
have been sent at the same time, press the set/reset
button. If a tire pressure message appears on the DIC,
stop as soon as you can. Have the tire pressures
checked and set to those shown on the Tire Loading
Information label. SeeTires on page 6-51,Loading the
Vehicle on page 5-20, andInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 6-59. The DIC also shows the tire pressure values.
SeeDIC Operation and Displays on page 4-37.TRACTION CONTROL OFFIf your vehicle has the Traction Control System (TCS),
this message displays when the TCS turns off.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 5-7
for more information.
This message only displays while the ignition is in
ON/RUN and disappears after 10 seconds, unless
it is acknowledged or an urgent warning appears.Any of the following conditions may cause the TCS to
turn off:
•
The TCS is turned off by pressing the traction
control button. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 5-7for more information.
•
The battery is low.
•
There is a TCS failure. See your dealer/retailer for
service.
TRACTION CONTROL ONIf your vehicle has the Traction Control System (TCS),
this message displays when the TCS is turned on.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 5-7
for more information.TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE ENGINEThis message displays when the transmission fluid in
your vehicle is too hot. Stop the vehicle and allow it to idle
until it cools down. If the warning message continues to
display, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer
as soon as possible.TRUNK OPENThis message displays when the trunk is not closed
completely. Make sure that the trunk is closed
completely. SeeTrunk on page 3-12.
4-50

Antilock Brake System (ABS)The vehicle might have the Antilock Brake System
(ABS), an advanced electronic braking system that helps
prevent a braking skid.
If the vehicle has ABS, this
warning light on the
instrument panel cluster
comes on briefly when the
vehicle is started.
When the engine is started, or when the vehicle begins
to drive away, ABS checks itself. A momentary motor
or clicking noise might be heard while this test is going
on, and it might even be noticed that the brake pedal
moves or pulses a little. This is normal.Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what
happens with ABS:
A computer senses that the wheels are slowing down.
If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each front wheel
and at both rear wheels.
ABS can change the brake pressure to each wheel, as
required, faster than any driver could. This can help
the driver steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the computer keeps
receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking
pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in
front of you, there will not be enough time to apply
the brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops.
Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even
with ABS.
5-5

4. Then fill 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, refill 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.
Engine OverheatingThe 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 4-30Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
andEngine Coolant Temperature Warning Light on
page 4-30Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light.
6-29

{
WARNING:
Using a match near a battery can cause battery
gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if
you need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough water. You do not
need to add water to the battery installed in your
new vehicle. But if a battery has filler caps, be
sure the right amount of fluid is there. If it is low,
add water to take care of that first. If you do not,
explosive gas could be present.
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you.
Do not get it on you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush the place with
water and get medical help immediately.
{
WARNING:
Fans or other moving engine parts can injure you
badly. Keep your hands away from moving parts
once the engine is running.
5. Check that the jumper cables do not have loose
or missing insulation. If they do, you could get a
shock. The vehicles could be damaged too.
Before you connect the cables, here are some
basic things you should know. Positive (+) will go to
positive (+) or to a remote positive (+) terminal if
the vehicle has one. Negative (−) will go to a heavy,
unpainted metal engine part or to a remote
negative (−) terminal if the vehicle has one.
Do not connect positive (+) to negative (−), or you
will get a short that would damage the battery
and maybe other parts too. And do not connect the
negative (−) cable to the negative (−) terminal on
the dead battery because this can cause sparks.
6-41

A
Accessories and Modifications............................ 6-3
Accessory Power............................................3-21
Accessory Power Outlets . ................................4-15
Additives, Fuel................................................. 6-7
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................6-95
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . ................................6-19
Air Conditioning..............................................4-16
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . ..................4-20
Airbag
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle ...................................................2-73
Airbag System
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................2-63
Passenger Sensing System...........................2-66
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........2-72
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?......................2-63
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates? . . . . 2-64
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . ..................2-61
Where Are the Airbags?...............................2-59
Airbags
Passenger Status Indicator...........................4-25
Readiness Light..........................................4-24
System Check.............................................2-56
Antenna
Backglass ...................................................4-86
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna
System . . ....................................................4-86Antilock Brake System (ABS)............................. 5-5
Warning Light.............................................4-28
Appearance Care
Aluminum Wheels........................................6-93
Care of Safety Belts....................................6-90
Chemical Paint Spotting . . . . . ..........................6-94
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................6-91
Fabric/Carpet..............................................6-88
Finish Care.................................................6-92
Finish Damage............................................6-94
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces.................................................6-90
Interior Cleaning..........................................6-87
Leather......................................................6-89
Sheet Metal Damage . . .................................6-94
Tires..........................................................6-93
Underbody Maintenance . . . . . ..........................6-94
Washing Your Vehicle . . . . ...............................6-91
Weatherstrips..............................................6-90
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................6-92
Ashtray.........................................................4-16
Assistance Program, Roadside........................... 8-7
Audio System.................................................4-57
Audio Steering Wheel Controls . . ....................4-84
Radio Reception..........................................4-85
Setting the Clock.........................................4-58
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................4-84
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-86
Audio System(s).............................................4-59
1

Charging System Light....................................4-26
Check
Engine Lamp..............................................4-31
Checking Things Under the Hood......................6-12
Chemical Paint Spotting . . .................................6-94
Child Restraints
Infants and Young Children...........................2-35
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........2-43
Older Children.............................................2-32
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat
Position..................................................2-49
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center
Front Seat Position . . . . . ..............................2-52
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position . . . . . ..............................2-52
Systems.....................................................2-39
Where to Put the Restraint...........................2-42
Cigarette Lighter.............................................4-16
Circuit Breakers..............................................6-96
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels........................................6-93
Exterior Lamps/Lenses . ................................6-91
Fabric/Carpet..............................................6-88
Finish Care . . ...............................................6-92
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces.................................................6-90
Interior . . .....................................................6-87Cleaning (cont.)
Leather......................................................6-89
Tires..........................................................6-93
Underbody Maintenance . . . . . ..........................6-94
Washing Your Vehicle . . . . ...............................6-91
Weatherstrips..............................................6-90
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................6-92
Climate Control System . . .................................4-16
Outlet Adjustment........................................4-20
Climate Controls.............................................1-14
Clock, Setting.................................................4-58
Collision Damage Repair..................................8-13
Compact Spare Tire........................................6-86
Compass.......................................................4-42
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................3-17
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 5-3
Convenience Net............................................3-42
Coolant
Engine.......................................................6-25
Engine Temperature Gage............................4-30
Engine Temperature Warning Light.................4-30
Cooling System..............................................6-24
Courtesy Lamps.............................................4-11
Courtesy Transportation Program . . ....................8-11
Cruise Control.................................................. 4-6
Light..........................................................4-35
Cupholders....................................................3-42
3