2010 CHEVROLET IMPALA engine oil

Overheated Engine Protection
Operating ModeThis emergency operating mode allows your vehicle
to be driven to a safe place in an emergency situation.
If an overheated engine condition exists, an overheat
protection mode which alternates firing groups of
cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode,
you will notice a significant loss in power and engine
performance. The coolant temperature gage will indicate
an overheat condition exists. Driving extended miles (km)
and/or towing a trailer in the overheat protection mode
should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil
and reset the oil life system. SeeEngine Oil
on page 6-15.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid
reservoir is located toward
the rear of the engine
compartment on the
passenger’s side of the
vehicle. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 6-14for reservoir
location.
When to Check Power Steering FluidIt is not necessary to regularly check power steering fluid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
6-32

What to AddUse only new DOT 3 brake fluid from a sealed container.
SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-10.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the
area around the cap before removing it. This helps keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
{
WARNING:
With the wrong kind of fluid in the brake hydraulic
system, the brakes might not work well. This could
cause a crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.Notice:
•
Using the wrong fluid can badly damage brake
hydraulic system parts. For example, just a
few drops of mineral-based oil, such as engine
oil, in the brake hydraulic system can damage
brake hydraulic system parts so badly that they
will have to be replaced. Do not let someone
put in the wrong kind of fluid.
•
If brake fluid is spilled on the vehicle’s painted
surfaces, the paint finish can be damaged.
Be careful not to spill brake fluid on the vehicle.
If you do, wash it off immediately. SeeWashing
Your Vehicle on page 6-91.
Brake WearThis 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 firmly.
6-36

Capacities and SpecificationsThe following approximate capacities are given in Metric and English conversions. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 7-10for more information.
ApplicationCapacities
Metric English
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134aFor the air conditioning system refrigerant charge
amount, see the refrigerant caution label located
under the hood. See your dealer/retailer for more
information.
Automatic Transmission (Bottom Pan Removal) 7.0 L 7.4 qt
Cooling System Including Reservoir
3.5L V6, 3.5L and 3.9L V6 Flexible Fuel Engines 9.6 L 10.1 qt
Engine Oil with Filter
3.5L V6, 3.5L and 3.9L V6 Flexible Fuel Engines 3.8 L 4.0 qt
Fuel Tank
3.5L V6 Engine (with NU6 emissions) 64.4 L 17.0 gal
3.5L V6 Engine (without NU6 emissions) 66.2 L 17.5 gal
3.9L V6 Engine 66.2 L 17.5 gal
Wheel Nut Torque 140Y100 lb ft
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck fluid level after filling.
6-100

Rotation of New TiresTo maintain ride, handling, and performance of the
vehicle, it is important that the first rotation service for
new tires be performed when they have 8 000 to
13 000 km (5,000 to 8,000 miles). SeeTire Inspection
and Rotation on page 6-65.Scheduled MaintenanceWhen the Change Engine Oil Soon
Message DisplaysChange engine oil and filter. SeeEngine Oil on
page 6-15.An Emission Control Service.
When the Change Engine Oil Soon message displays,
service is required for the vehicle as soon as possible,
within the next 1 000 km/600 miles. If driving under
the best conditions, the engine oil life system might not
indicate the need for vehicle service for more than ayear. The engine oil and filter must be changed at least
once a year and the oil life system must be reset.
Your dealer/retailer has trained service technicians who
will perform this work and reset the system. If the
engine oil life system is reset accidentally, service the
vehicle within 5 000 km/3,000 miles since the last
service. Reset the oil life system whenever the oil is
changed. SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 6-18.
When the Change Engine Oil Soon message displays,
certain services, checks, and inspections are required.
The services described for MaintenanceIshould be
performed at every engine oil change. The services
described for MaintenanceIIshould be performed when:
•
MaintenanceIwas performed the last time the
engine oil was changed.
•
It has been 10 months or more since the Change
Engine Oil Soon message has displayed or since the
last service.
7-3

MaintenanceI•
Change engine oil and filter. SeeEngine Oil on
page 6-15.An Emission Control Service.
•
Engine coolant level check. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 6-25.
•
Windshield washer fluid level check. SeeWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 6-33.
•
Tire inflation check. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 6-59.
•
Tire wear inspection. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 6-65.
•
Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 6-65.
•
Fluids visual leak check (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first). A leak in any system must
be repaired and the fluid level checked.
•
Engine air cleaner filter inspection (vehicles driven
in dusty conditions only). SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 6-19.
•
Brake system inspection (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first).
MaintenanceII•
Perform all services described in MaintenanceI.
•
Steering and suspension inspection. Visual
inspection for damaged, loose, or missing parts or
signs of wear.
•
Engine cooling system inspection. Visual inspection
of hoses, pipes, fittings, and clamps and
replacement, if needed.
•
Windshield wiper blade inspection for wear,
cracking, or contamination and windshield and wiper
blade cleaning, if contaminated. SeeWindshield
and Wiper Blades on page 6-92. Worn or damaged
wiper blade replacement. SeeWindshield Wiper
Blade Replacement on page 6-49.
•
Body hinges and latches, key lock cylinders, folding
seat hardware, and rear compartment hinges
lubrication. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 7-10. More frequent lubrication
may be required when vehicle is exposed to a
corrosive environment. Applying silicone grease on
weatherstrips with a clean cloth makes them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.
•
Restraint system component check. SeeChecking
the Restraint Systems on page 2-74.
7-4

•
Automatic transmission fluid level check and adding
fluid, if needed. SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluid
on page 6-22.
•
Engine air cleaner filter inspection. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 6-19.
•
Passenger compartment air filter replacement
(or every 12 months, whichever occurs first).
More frequent replacement may be required if
vehicle is driven regularly under dusty conditions.
Additional Required ServicesAt Each Fuel Stop
•
Engine oil level check. SeeEngine Oil on
page 6-15.
•
Engine coolant level check. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 6-25.
•
Windshield washer fluid level check. SeeWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 6-33.
Once a Month
•
Tire inflation check. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 6-59.
•
Tire wear inspection. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 6-65.
Once a Year
•
Starter switch check. SeeOwner Checks and
Services on page 7-8.
•
Parking brake and automatic transmission P (Park)
mechanism check. SeeOwner Checks and
Services on page 7-8.
•
Automatic transmission shiftlock control system
check. SeeOwner Checks and Services on
page 7-8.
•
Ignition transmission lock check. SeeOwner
Checks and Services on page 7-8.
•
Engine cooling system and pressure cap pressure
check. Radiator and air conditioning condenser
outside cleaning. SeeCooling System on
page 6-24.
•
Exhaust system and nearby heat shields inspection
for loose or damaged components.
•
Throttle system inspection for interference, binding
or 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.
7-5

First Engine Oil Change After Every
40 000 km/25,000 Miles
•
Fuel system inspection for damage or leaks.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
80 000 km/50,000 Miles
•
Engine air cleaner filter replacement. SeeEngine
Air Cleaner/Filter on page 6-19.
•
Automatic transmission fluid change (severe
service) for vehicles mainly driven in heavy
city traffic in hot weather, in hilly or mountainous
terrain, when frequently towing a trailer, or used for
taxi, police, or delivery service. SeeAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 6-22.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
160 000 km/100,000 Miles
•
Automatic transmission fluid change (normal
service). SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluid
on page 6-22.
•
Spark plug replacement and spark plug wires
inspection.An Emission Control Service.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
240 000 km/150,000 Miles
•
Engine cooling system drain, flush, and refill,
cooling system and cap pressure check, and
cleaning of outside of radiator and air conditioning
condenser (or every 5 years, whichever occurs
first). SeeEngine Coolant on page 6-25.
An Emission Control Service.
•
Engine accessory drive belt inspection for fraying,
excessive cracks, or obvious damage and
replacement, if needed.An Emission Control
Service.
7-6

Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and filter. Reset oil life system.••
Engine coolant level check.••
Windshield washer fluid level check.••
Tire inflation pressures check.••
Tire wear inspection.••
Rotate tires.••
Fluids visual leak check.••
Engine air cleaner filter inspection (vehicles driven in dusty conditions only).••
Brake system inspection.••
Steering and suspension inspection.•
Engine cooling system inspection.•
Windshield wiper blades inspection.•
Body components lubrication.•
Restraint system components check.•
Passenger compartment air filter replacement.•
Engine air cleaner filter inspection (vehicles not driven in dusty conditions).•
7-7