2010 CHEVROLET IMPALA Owners Manual

Performance and MaintenanceTraction Control System (TCS)The vehicle may have a traction control system limits
wheel spin. The system turns on automatically
every time the vehicle is started.•
For vehicles with traction control, press and
release
i
on the instrument panel to turn off
traction control.
F
illuminates and the appropriate
DIC message displays. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 4-44.
•
For vehicles with traction control and electronic
stability control, press and release
5
on the
instrument panel to turn off traction control.
F
illuminates and the appropriate DIC message
displays. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 4-44.
•
Press and release the button again to turn on
traction control.
For more information, seeTraction Control System
(TCS) on page 5-7.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)The Electronic Stability Control system assists with
directional control of the vehicle in difficult driving
conditions. The system turns on automatically every
time the vehicle is started.•
To turn off both traction control and Electronic
Stability Control, press and hold
5
on the
instrument panel until
F
illuminates and the
appropriate DIC message displays. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 4-44.
•
Press and release the button again to turn on both
systems.
For more information, seeElectronic Stability Control
(ESC) on page 5-6.
1-19

Tire Pressure MonitorThis vehicle may have a Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS).
The Tire Pressure Monitor
alerts you when a
significant reduction in
pressure occurs in one or
more of the vehicle’s tires
by illuminating the low tire
pressure warning light on
the instrument cluster.
The warning light will remain on until the tire pressure
is corrected. The proper tire pressures for your
vehicle are listed on the Tire and Loading Information
label located on the driver side center pillar (B pillar).
SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 5-20.
You may notice during cooler conditions that the low tire
pressure warning light will appear when the vehicle is first
started and then turn off as you drive. This may be an
early indicator that your tire pressures are getting low
and the tires need to be inflated to the proper pressure.
Note:The Tire Pressure Monitor can alert you about low
tire pressure, but it does not replace normal monthly
tire maintenance. It is the driver’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressures.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor System on page 6-60and
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation on page 6-62.
Engine Oil Life SystemThe engine oil life system calculates engine oil life
based on vehicle use and displays a DIC message
when it is necessary to change the engine oil and filter.
The oil life system should be reset to 100% only
following an oil change.Resetting the Oil Life System1. Display the OIL LIFE REMAINING on the DIC.
2. Press and hold the SET/RESET button on the DIC
for more than five seconds. The oil life will change
to 100%.
SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 6-18.Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)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 6-5. In all other
engines, use only the unleaded gasoline described
underGasoline Octane on page 6-6.
Vehicles that have the 3.5L V6 engine (VIN Code K) or
the 3.9L V6 engine (VIN Code M) have a yellow fuel
cap and can use 85% ethanol fuel (E85). SeeFuel E85
(85% Ethanol) on page 6-8.
1-20

Driving for Better Fuel EconomyDriving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here are some
driving tips to get the best fuel economy possible.•
Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
•
Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
•
Avoid idling the engine for long periods of time.
•
When road and weather conditions are appropriate,
use cruise control, if equipped.
•
Always follow posted speed limits or drive more
slowly when conditions require.
•
Keep vehicle tires properly inflated.
•
Combine several trips into a single trip.
•
Replace the vehicle’s tires with the same TPC Spec
number molded into the tire’s sidewall near the size.
•
Follow recommended scheduled maintenance.
Roadside Assistance ProgramU.S.:1-800-CHEV-USA (1-800-243-8872)
TTY Users:1-888-889-2438
Canada:1-800-268-6800
As the owner of a new Chevrolet, you are automatically
enrolled in the Roadside Assistance program. This
program provides technically trained advisors who are
available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, minor repair
information or towing arrangements.Roadside Assistance and OnStarIf you have a current OnStar subscription, press the
OnStar button and the current GPS location will be sent
to an OnStar Advisor who will assess your problem,
contact Roadside Assistance, and relay exact location
to get you the help you need.Online Owner CenterThe Online Owner Center is a complimentary service
that includes online service reminders, vehicle
maintenance tips, online owner manual, special
privileges and more.
Sign up today at:www.gmownercenter.com/chevrolet
(U.S.) orwww.gm.ca(Canada).
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OnStar
®
OnStar
®
uses several innovative technologies and live
advisors to provide a wide range of safety, security,
navigation, diagnostics, and calling services.
Automatic Crash ResponseIn a crash, built in sensors can automatically alert an
OnStar advisor who is immediately connected to
the vehicle to see if you need help.How OnStar Service Works
Q
:This blue button connects you to a specially
trained OnStar advisor to verify your account information
and to answer questions.
]
:Push this red emergency button to get priority help
from specially trained OnStar emergency advisors.
X
:Push this button for hands-free, voice-activated
calling and to give voice commands for turn-by-turn
navigation.
Crisis Assist, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Vehicle
Diagnostics, Remote Door Unlock, Roadside Assistance,
Turn-by-Turn Navigation and Hands-Free Calling are
available on most vehicles. Not all OnStar services are
available on all vehicles. For more information see the
OnStar Owner’s Guide or visit www.onstar.com (U.S.)
or www.onstar.ca (Canada), contact OnStar at
1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827) or TTY
1-877-248-2080, or press
Q
to speak with an
OnStar advisor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For a full description of OnStar services and system
limitations, see the OnStar Owner’s Guide in the
glove box.
OnStar service is subject to the OnStar terms and
conditions included in the OnStar Subscriber
Information.
OnStar service cannot work unless the vehicle is in a
place where OnStar has an agreement with a wireless
service provider for service in that area. OnStar service
also cannot work unless the vehicle is in a place where
the wireless service provider OnStar has hired for that
area has coverage, network capacity and reception when
the service is needed, and technology that is compatible
with the OnStar service. Not all services are available
everywhere, particularly in remote or enclosed areas, or
at all times.
1-22

The OnStar system can record and transmit vehicle
information. This information is automatically sent to an
OnStar call center when
Q
is pressed,
]
is pressed, or
if the airbags or ACR system deploy. This information
usually includes the vehicle’s GPS location and, in the
event of a crash, additional information regarding the
crash that the vehicle was involved in (e.g. the direction
from which the vehicle was hit). When the virtual advisor
feature of OnStar hands-free calling is used, the vehicle
also sends OnStar the vehicle’s GPS location so they can
provide services where it is located.
Location information about the vehicle is only available
if the GPS satellite signals are unobstructed and
available.
The vehicle must have a working electrical system,
including adequate battery power, for the OnStar
equipment to operate. There are other problems OnStar
cannot control that may prevent OnStar from providing
OnStar service at any particular time or place. Some
examples are damage to important parts of the vehicle
in a crash, hills, tall buildings, tunnels, weather or
wireless phone network congestion.
OnStar Steering Wheel ControlsThis vehicle may have a Talk/Mute button that can be
used to interact with OnStar hands-free calling. See
Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 4-84for more
information.
On some vehicles, the mute button can be used to dial
numbers into voice mail systems, or to dial phone
extensions. See the OnStar Owner’s Guide for more
information.Your ResponsibilityIncrease the volume of the radio if the OnStar advisor
cannot be heard.
If the light next to the OnStar buttons is red, the system
may not be functioning properly. Press
Q
and request
a vehicle diagnostic. If the light appears clear (no light is
appearing), your OnStar subscription has expired and
all services have been deactivated. PressQ
to confirm
that the OnStar equipment is active.
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✍NOTES1-24

Head Restraints...............................................2-2
Front Seats......................................................2-4
Manual Seats................................................2-4
Power Seats..................................................2-5
Manual Lumbar..............................................2-5
Heated Seats.................................................2-6
Reclining Seatbacks........................................2-6
Center Seat . . .................................................2-9
Rear Seats.....................................................2-10
Split Folding Rear Seat.................................2-10
Safety Belts...................................................2-12
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone................2-12
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly.................2-17
Lap-Shoulder Belt.........................................2-25
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy..................2-30
Lap Belt......................................................2-30
Safety Belt Extender.....................................2-31
Child Restraints.............................................2-32
Older Children..............................................2-32
Infants and Young Children............................2-35
Child Restraint Systems.................................2-39Where to Put the Restraint.............................2-42
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children
(LATCH)..................................................2-43
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
Airbag System...............................................2-56
Where Are the Airbags? . . ..............................2-59
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . ...................2-61
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?.......................2-63
How Does an Airbag Restrain?.......................2-63
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates? . . . . .2-64
Passenger Sensing System............................2-66
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
...........2-72
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle....................................................2-73
Restraint System Check..................................2-74
Checking the Restraint Systems......................2-74
Replacing Restraint System Parts After
a Crash...................................................2-75
Section 2 Seats and Restraint System
2-1

Head RestraintsThe front seats have adjustable head restraints in the
outboard seating positions.
{
WARNING:
With head restraints that are not installed and
adjusted properly, there is a greater chance that
occupants will suffer a neck/spinal injury in a
crash. Do not drive until the head restraints for all
occupants are installed and adjusted properly.
Adjust the head restraint so that the top of the restraint
is at the same height as the top of the occupant’s
head. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury
in a crash.
2-2