2010 CHEVROLET IMPALA transmission oil

Starting Procedure1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition to START. When the engine starts, let go of
the key. The idle speed will slow down as the engine
warms. Do not race the engine immediately after
starting it. Operate the engine and transmission
gently to allow the oil to warm up and lubricate all
moving parts.
The vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in starting the engine
and protects components. If the ignition key is turned
to the START position, and then released when the
engine begins cranking, the engine will continue
cranking for a few seconds or until the vehicle starts.
If the engine does not start and the key is held in
START, cranking will be stopped after 15 seconds to
prevent cranking motor damage. To prevent gear
damage, this system also prevents cranking if the
engine is already running. Engine cranking can be
stopped by turning the ignition switch to the ACC/
ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF position.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the key to the START position
immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat
and damage the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try,
to let the cranking motor cool down.2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or−18°C),
it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor
and holding it there as you hold the key in START
for up to a maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow the cranking
motor to cool down. When the engine starts, let go of
the key and accelerator. If the vehicle starts briefly
but then stops again, repeat these steps. This clears
the extra gasoline from the engine. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it. Operate the
engine and transmission gently until the oil warms
up and lubricates all moving parts.
Notice:The engine is designed to work with the
electronics in the vehicle. If you add electrical parts
or accessories, you could change the way the engine
operates. Before adding electrical equipment, check
with your dealer/retailer. If you do not, the engine
might not perform properly. Any resulting damage
would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
3-22

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

Service............................................................6-3
Accessories and Modifications..........................6-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................6-4
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....6-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................6-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the
Vehicle . . . . ..................................................6-5
Fuel................................................................6-5
Gasoline Octane............................................6-6
Gasoline Specifications....................................6-6
California Fuel...............................................6-6
Additives.......................................................6-7
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)..................................6-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................6-9
Filling the Tank............................................6-10
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................6-12
Checking Things Under the Hood....................6-12
Hood Release..............................................6-13
Engine Compartment Overview.......................6-14
Engine Oil...................................................6-15
Engine Oil Life System..................................6-18
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................6-19
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................6-22
Cooling System............................................6-24Engine Coolant.............................................6-25
Engine Overheating.......................................6-29
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................6-32
Power Steering Fluid.....................................6-32
Windshield Washer Fluid . . ..............................6-33
Brakes........................................................6-35
Battery........................................................6-38
Jump Starting...............................................6-39
Headlamp Aiming...........................................6-43
Bulb Replacement..........................................6-43
Halogen Bulbs..............................................6-43
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
and Parking Lamps....................................6-44
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps...................6-47
License Plate Lamp......................................6-49
Replacement Bulbs.......................................6-49
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............6-49
Tires..............................................................6-51
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . .................................6-52
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . ...................6-56
Inflation - Tire Pressure.................................6-59
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
6-1

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 6-33.
B. Battery. SeeBattery on page 6-38.
C. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 6-97.
D. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 6-39.
E. Coolant Recovery Tank. See “Checking Coolant”
underCooling System on page 6-24.
F. Pressure Cap. SeeCooling System on page 6-24.
G. Power Steering Fluid Cap. SeePower Steering Fluid
on page 6-32.
H. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 6-15.
I. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 6-15.
J. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick (Out of View).
See “Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 6-22.
K. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 6-35.
L. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 6-19.
Engine OilChecking Engine OilIt is a good idea to check the engine oil level at each
fuel fill. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 6-14
for the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If this is not done, the
oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
6-15

Automatic Transmission FluidWhen to Check and Change Automatic
Transmission FluidA good time to check your automatic transmission fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change the fluid and filter at the intervals listed in
Scheduled Maintenance on page 7-3, and be sure to
use the transmission fluid listed inRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 7-10.How to Check Automatic Transmission
FluidBecause this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at the dealer/retailer service
department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.Notice:Too much or too little fluid can damage
your transmission. Too much can mean that some
of the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine
parts or exhaust system parts, starting a fire.
Too little fluid could cause the transmission to
overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if you
check your transmission fluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transmission fluid level if you have been driving:
•
When outside temperatures are above 32°C (90°F).
•
At high speed for quite a while.
•
In heavy traffic — especially in hot weather.
•
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 82°C to 93°C
(180°F to 200°F).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 24 km
(15 miles) when outside temperatures are above 10°C
(50°F). If it is colder than 10°C (50°F), you may have to
drive longer.
6-22

Tire Terminology and DefinitionsAir Pressure
:
The amount of air inside the
tire pressing outward on each square inch of the
tire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds per
square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight
:
This means the combined
weight of optional accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are, automatic transmission,
power steering, power brakes, power windows,
power seats, and air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:
The relationship of a tire’s height
to its width.
Belt
:
A rubber coated layer of cords that is
located between the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other reinforcing
materials.
Bead:
The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:
A pneumatic tire in which the plies
are laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees
to the centerline of the tread.Cold Tire Pressure
:
The amount of air pressure
in a tire, measured in pounds per square inch
(psi) or kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up
heat from driving. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure
on page 6-59.
Curb Weight
:
The weight of a motor vehicle with
standard and optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant,
but without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:
A code molded into the sidewall
of a tire signifying that the tire is in compliance
with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
motor vehicle safety standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identification Number (TIN),
an alphanumeric designator which can also identify
the tire manufacturer, production plant, brand,
and date of production.
GVWR
:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 5-20.
GAWR FRT
:
Gross Axle Weight Rating for the
front axle. SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 5-20.
6-56

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

•
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