2010 CHEVROLET IMPALA towing

In Brief........................................................... 1-1
Instrument Panel
........................................ 1-2
Initial Drive Information
............................... 1-4
Vehicle Features
......................................1-15
Performance and Maintenance
...................1-19
Seats and Restraint System............................. 2-1
Head Restraints
......................................... 2-2
Front Seats
............................................... 2-4
Rear Seats
..............................................2-10
Safety Belts
.............................................2-12
Child Restraints
.......................................2-32
Airbag System
.........................................2-56
Restraint System Check
............................2-74
Features and Controls..................................... 3-1
Keys
........................................................ 3-3
Doors and Locks
....................................... 3-9
Windows
.................................................3-14
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................3-16
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........3-19
Mirrors
....................................................3-33Universal Home Remote System
................3-35
Storage Areas
.........................................3-42
Sunroof
..................................................3-43
Instrument Panel............................................. 4-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 4-3
Climate Controls
......................................4-16
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
. . . . . . . . 4-21
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................4-37
Audio System(s)
.......................................4-57
Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 5-1
Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle
....... 5-2
Towing
...................................................5-26
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 6-1
Service
..................................................... 6-3
Fuel
......................................................... 6-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............6-12
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................6-43
Bulb Replacement
....................................6-43
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
. . . . . . . . . 6-49
2010 Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual
M

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).
1-21

If the passenger seat gets wet, dry the seat immediately.
If the airbag readiness light is lit, do not install a child
restraint or allow anyone to occupy the seat. SeeAirbag
Readiness Light on page 4-24for important safety
information.
The on indicator may be lit if an object, such as a
briefcase, handbag, grocery bag, laptop or other
electronic device, is put on an unoccupied seat.
If this is not desired, remove the object from the seat.
{
WARNING:
Stowing of articles under the passenger seat or
between the passenger seat cushion and seatback
may interfere with the proper operation of the
passenger sensing system.
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped
VehicleAirbags affect how the vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the airbag system in several places
around the vehicle. Your dealer/retailer and the
service manual have information about servicing the
vehicle and the airbag system. To purchase a service
manual, seeService Publications Ordering Information
on page 8-17.
{
WARNING:
For up to 10 seconds after the ignition is turned off
and the battery is disconnected, an airbag can still
inflate during improper service. You can be injured
if you are close to an airbag when it inflates. Avoid
yellow connectors. They are probably part of the
airbag system. Be sure to follow proper service
procedures, and make sure the person performing
work for you is qualified to do so.
2-72

See your dealer/retailer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III+ to get a new key blank that is cut
exactly as the ignition key that operates the system.
To program the new additional key:
1. Verify that the new key has a
1
stamped on it.
2. Insert the original, already programmed, key in the
ignition and start the engine. If the engine will not
start, see your dealer/retailer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key to
LOCK/OFF, and remove the key.
4. Insert the new key to be programmed and turn it to
the ON/RUN position within five seconds of turning
the ignition to the LOCK/OFF position in Step 3.
The security light will turn off once the key has been
programmed.
5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 if additional keys are to
be programmed.
If you lose or damage your PASS-Key®III+ key, see
your dealer/retailer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III+ to have a new key made.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms or
deactivates the theft deterrent system in the vehicle.
Starting and Operating Your
VehicleNew Vehicle Break-InNotice:The vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:•
Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or
slow, for the first 500 miles (805 km). Do not
make full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake or slow the vehicle.
•
Avoid making hard stops for the first 200 miles
(322 km) or so. During this time the new brake
linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops
with new linings can mean premature wear and
earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get new brake linings.
•
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeTowing
a Trailer on page 5-28for the trailer towing
capabilities of your vehicle and more
information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can be
gradually increased.
3-19

Automatic Transmission OperationThe automatic transmission has a shift lever on the
steering column or on the console between the seats.
There is a display, located on the instrument panel
cluster that will indicate the gear the vehicle is in.
Maximum engine speed is limited on automatic
transmission vehicles while in P (Park) or N (Neutral) to
protect driveline components from improper operation.
There are several different positions for the shift lever.
P (Park):This position locks the front wheels. It is
the best position to use when the engine is started
because the vehicle cannot move easily.
{
WARNING:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are
on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow.
If you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer
on page 5-28.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park) before
starting the engine. The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You must fully
apply the brakes first, then press the shift lever
button before you can shift from P (Park) while the
ignition is in ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out of P (Park),
ease pressure on the shift lever and push the shift
lever all the way into P (Park) as you maintain brake
application. Then press the shift lever button and move
the shift lever into another gear. SeeShifting Out of
Park on page 3-29.
3-24

Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions
could result in skidding, see “Skidding” underLoss of
Control on page 5-11.
Notice:Driving the vehicle if you notice that it is
moving slowly or not shifting gears as you increase
speed may damage the transmission. Have the
vehicle serviced right away. You can drive in
2 (Second) when you are driving less than 35 mph
(55 km/h) and D (Drive) for higher speeds until then.
3 (Third):This position is also used for normal
driving. However, it reduces vehicle speed more than
D (Drive) without using the brakes. You might choose
3 (Third) instead of D (Drive) when driving on hilly,
winding roads, when towing a trailer, so there is less
shifting between gears and when going down a
steep hill.
2 (Second):This position reduces vehicle speed even
more than 3 (Third) without using the brakes. You can
use 2 (Second) on hills. It can help control vehicle speed
as you go down steep mountain roads. You would also
want to use the brakes off and on.Notice:Driving in 2 (Second) for more than 25 miles
(40 km) or at speeds over 55 mph (90 km/h) may
damage the transmission. Also, shifting into
2 (Second) at speeds above 65 mph (105 km/h)
can cause damage. Drive in 3 (Third) or D (Drive)
instead of 2 (Second).
1 (First):This position reduces vehicle speed even
more than 2 (Second) without using the brakes. You
can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud.
If the shift lever is in 1 (First) while the vehicle is
moving forward, the transmission will not shift into first
gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle
in one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transmission. The repair
will not be covered by the vehicle warranty. If you
are stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on
a hill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
3-26

Parking BrakeThe parking brake is located to the left of the brake
pedal, near the driver door.
To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down,
then push down the parking brake pedal.To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal
down and push the parking brake pedal. When you lift
your foot off the parking brake pedal, the pedal will
follow it to the released position.
A warning chime will sound and a brake warning light
located on the instrument panel cluster will come
on, if the parking brake is set, the ignition is on and
the vehicle speed is greater than 8 km/h (5 mph).
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure
that the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and parking on any hill, see
Towing a Trailer on page 5-28.
3-27

Shifting Into Park
{
WARNING:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are
on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow.
If you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 5-28.
Steering Column Shift LeverIf the vehicle has a steering column shift lever, use this
procedure to shift the vehicle into P (Park):
1. Hold the brake pedal down.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by pulling the shift
lever toward you and moving it up as far as it will go.3. With your foot still holding the brake pedal down,
set the parking brake. SeeParking Brake on
page 3-27for more information.
4. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave the vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, the vehicle is in P (Park).
Console Shift LeverIf the vehicle is equipped with a console shift lever, use
this procedure to shift the vehicle into P (Park):
1. Hold the brake pedal down.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by pushing the
lever all the way toward the front of the vehicle.
3. While keeping the brake pedal applied, set the
parking brake. SeeParking Brake on page 3-27
for more information.
4. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave the vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, the vehicle is in P (Park).
3-28