2010 CHEVROLET IMPALA ESP

Using ABSDo not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down firmly and let antilock work. A slight brake pedal
pulsation might be felt or some noise might be
heard, but this is normal.Braking in EmergenciesABS allows the driver to steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help more than
even the very best braking.Electronic Stability Control (ESC)Your vehicle may have an Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) system which combines antilock brake, traction
and stability control systems and helps the driver
maintain directional control of the vehicle in most driving
conditions.
When you first start your vehicle and begin to drive
away, the system performs several diagnostic checks to
ensure there are no problems. You may hear or feel
the system working. This is normal and does not mean
there is a problem with your vehicle. The system
should initialize before the vehicle reaches 20 mph
(32 km/h).If the system fails to turn on or activate, the ESC/TCS
light will be on solid, and the SERVICE STABILITRAK
message will be displayed.
For more information, seeDriver Information Center
(DIC) on page 4-37.
This light will flash on the
instrument panel cluster
when the ESC system
is both on and activated.
You may also feel or hear the system working; this is
normal.
When the light is on solid and the SERVICE
STABILITRAK message is displayed, the system will not
assist the driver in maintaining directional control of
the vehicle. Adjust your driving accordingly. See
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 4-44.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is
automatically enabled whenever you start your vehicle.
To assist the driver with vehicle directional control,
especially in slippery road conditions, you should always
leave the system on. But, you can turn ESC off if you ever
need to.5-6

If the vehicle is in cruise control when the system begins
to assist the driver maintain directional control of the
vehicle, the ESC/TCS light will flash and the cruise
control will automatically disengage. When road
conditions allow you to use cruise again, you may
re-engage the cruise control. SeeCruise Control on
page 4-6.
The ESC/TCS button is
located on the instrument
panel.
The traction control system can be turned off or back on
by pressing the ESC/TCS button. To disable both traction
control and ESC, press and hold the button briefly.
When the ESC system is turned off, the TRACTION
CONTROL OFF message will appear, and the ESC/TCS
light will be on solid to warn the driver that both
traction control and ESC are disabled.
It is recommended to leave the system on for normal
driving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn the
system off if your vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice or
snow, and you want to “rock” your vehicle to attempt tofree it. It may also be necessary to turn off the system
when driving in extreme off-road conditions where high
wheel spin is required. SeeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in
Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 5-19.
ESC may also turn off automatically if it determines that
a problem exists with the system. The SERVICE
STABILITRAK message and the ESC/TCS light will be
on solid to warn the driver that ESC is disabled and
requires service. If the problem does not clear after
restarting the vehicle, you should see your dealer/retailer
for service. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 4-44for more information.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 6-3for more information.
Traction Control System (TCS)The vehicle may have a Traction Control System (TCS)
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.
5-7

This light will flash when
the TCS is limiting
wheel spin.
The system may be heard or felt while it is working, but
this is normal.
If cruise control is being used when TCS begins to limit
wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically
disengage. Cruise control may be reengaged when road
conditions allow. SeeCruise Control on page 4-6.
The TCS operates in all transmission shift lever
positions. But the system can upshift the transmission
only as high as the shift lever position chosen, so
use the lower gears only when necessary. See
Automatic Transmission Operation on page 3-24.When the system is on,
this warning light comes
on and stays on if there is
a problem.
A SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL message also
appears 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 4-44for more information.
To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road
conditions, TCS should always be left on. But the
system can be turned off if needed. Turn the system off
if the vehicle gets stuck in sand, mud or snow and
rocking the vehicle is required. SeeRocking Your
Vehicle to Get It Out on page 5-20andIf Your Vehicle
is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 5-19
for more information.
5-8

SkiddingIn a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving
those conditions. But skids are always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to the vehicle’s
three control systems. In the braking skid, the wheels
are not rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too
much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip
and lose cornering force. And in the acceleration
skid, too much throttle causes the driving wheels
to spin.
If the vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,
the vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for
a second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, slow
down and adjust your driving to these conditions. It is
important to slow down on slippery surfaces because
stopping distance will be longer and vehicle control more
limited.While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try your
best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or braking,
including reducing vehicle speed by shifting to a lower
gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires to
slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery until
the vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow on
the road to make a mirrored surface — and slow down
when you have any doubt.
If the vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS),
remember: It helps avoid only the braking skid. If
the vehicle does not have ABS, then in a braking skid,
where the wheels are no longer rolling, release
enough pressure on the brakes to get the wheels rolling
again. This restores steering control. Push the brake
pedal down steadily when you have to stop suddenly. As
long as the wheels are rolling, you will have steering
control.
5-12

Driving at NightNight driving is more dangerous than day driving because
some drivers are likely to be impaired — by alcohol or
drugs, with night vision problems, or by fatigue.
Night driving tips include:•
Drive defensively.
•
Do not drink and drive.
•
Reduce headlamp glare by adjusting the inside
rearview mirror.
•
Slow down and keep more space between you and
other vehicles because headlamps can only light up
so much road ahead.
•
Watch for animals.
•
When tired, pull off the road.
•
Do not wear sunglasses.
•
Avoid staring directly into approaching headlamps.
•
Keep the windshield and all glass on your vehicle
clean — inside and out.
•
Keep your eyes moving, especially during turns or
curves.
No one can see as well at night as in the daytime.
But, as we get older, these differences increase.
A 50-year-old driver might need at least twice as much
light to see the same thing at night as a 20-year-old.
5-13

Blizzard ConditionsBeing stuck in snow can be in a serious situation. Stay
with the vehicle unless there is help nearby. If possible,
use theRoadside Assistance Program on page 8-7.To
get help and keep everyone in the vehicle safe:•
Turn on theHazard Warning Flashers on page 4-3.
•
Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.{
WARNING:
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the vehicle.
This may cause exhaust gases to get inside.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in the snow:
•
Clear away snow from around the base of
your vehicle, especially any that is blocking
the exhaust pipe.
•
Check again from time to time to be sure
snow does not collect there.
WARNING: (Continued)
WARNING: (Continued)
•
Open a window about 5 cm (two inches) on
the side of the vehicle that is away from the
wind to bring in fresh air.
•
Fully open the air outlets on or under the
instrument panel.
•
Adjust the Climate Control system to a setting
that circulates the air inside the vehicle and
set the fan speed to the highest setting. See
Climate Control System in the Index.
For more information about carbon monoxide, see
Engine Exhaust on page 3-31.
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle.
This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas
to get inside. CO could overcome you and kill you.
You cannot see it or smell it, so you might not
know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from
around the base of your vehicle, especially any
that is blocking the exhaust.
Run the engine for short periods only as needed to
keep warm, but be careful.
To save fuel, run the engine for only short periods as
needed to warm the vehicle and then shut the engine off
and close the window most of the way to save heat.
5-18

Driving with a TrailerTowing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Get to know the rig before setting out for the open
road. Get acquainted with the feel of handling and
braking with the added weight of the trailer. And always
keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is now
longer and not as responsive as the vehicle is by itself.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
tires and mirror adjustments. If the trailer has electric
brakes, start the vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This checks the electrical
connection at the same time.
During the trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.Following DistanceStay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving the vehicle without a trailer. This
can help to avoid situations that require heavy braking
and sudden turns.
PassingMore passing distance is needed when towing a trailer.
Because the rig is longer, it is necessary to go much
farther beyond the passed vehicle before returning to
the lane.Backing UpHold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.Making TurnsNotice:Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. The vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so the trailer will not strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
5-32

Leaving After Parking on a Hill1. Apply and hold the brake pedal while you:
•
start the 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 TowingThe vehicle needs service more often when pulling a
trailer. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 7-3for more
information. Things that are especially important in traileroperation are automatic transmission fluid, engine oil,
belts, cooling system and brake system. It is a good idea
to inspect these before and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer TowingThe cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 6-29.Changing a Tire When Trailer TowingIf the vehicle gets a flat tire while towing a trailer,
be sure to secure the trailer and disconnect it from the
vehicle before changing the tire.
5-34