Page 1 of 432

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
Page 4 of 432

Safety Warnings and SymbolsWarning Messages found on vehicle labels and in this
manual describe hazards and what to do to avoid
or reduce them.
Dangerindicates a hazard with a high level of risk
which will result in serious injury or death.
WarningorCautionindicates a hazard that could result
in injury or death.
{
WARNING:
These mean there is something that could hurt
you or other people.
Notice:This means there is something that could
result in property or vehicle damage. This would not
be covered by the vehicle’s warranty.A circle with a slash
through it is a safety
symbol which means
“Do Not,” “Do not do this,”
or “Do not let this happen.”
Vehicle SymbolsThe vehicle has components and labels that use
symbols instead of text. Symbols are shown along
with the text describing the operation or information
relating to a specific component, control, message,
gage, or indicator.M
:This symbol is shown when you need to see your
owner manual for additional instructions or information.
*
:This symbol is shown when you need to see a
service manual for additional instructions or information.
iv
Page 5 of 432
Vehicle Symbol ChartHere are some additional symbols that may be found on
the vehicle and what they mean. For more information
on the symbol, refer to the index.9
:Airbag Readiness Light
#
:Air Conditioning
!
:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g
:Audio Steering Wheel Controls or OnStar
®
$
:Brake System Warning Light
"
:Charging System
I
:Cruise Control
B
:Engine Coolant Temperature
O
:Exterior Lamps
#
:Fog Lamps
.
:Fuel Gage
+
:Fuses
i
:Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
j
:LATCH System Child Restraints
*
:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
:
:Oil Pressure
}
:Power
/
:Remote Vehicle Start
>
:Safety Belt Reminders
7
:Tire Pressure Monitor
F
:Traction Control
M
:Windshield Washer Fluid
v
Page 9 of 432
A.Outlet Adjustment on page 4-20.
B. Remote Trunk Release Button. SeeTrunk on
page 3-12.
C.Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 4-4.
D.Instrument Panel Cluster on page 4-22.
E.Hazard Warning Flashers on page 4-3.
F.Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 4-37.
G.Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 4-25.
H.Audio System(s) on page 4-57.
I.Exterior Lamps on page 4-9.
J.Instrument Panel Brightness on page 4-11.
K.Traction Control System (TCS) on page 5-7
(If Equipped).L.Tilt Wheel on page 4-3.
M.Cruise Control on page 4-6.
N.Hood Release on page 6-13.
O.Horn on page 4-3.
P.Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 4-84
(If Equipped).
Q.Ignition Positions on page 3-20.
R.Climate Control System on page 4-16.
S.Accessory Power Outlet(s) on page 4-15.
T. Center Console Shift Lever (If Equipped).
SeeShifting Into Park on page 3-28.
U.Glove Box on page 3-42.
1-3
Page 11 of 432

The engine will continue to run for 10 minutes. Repeat
the steps for a 10-minute time extension. Remote
start can be extended only once.Canceling a Remote StartTo cancel a remote start:•
Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle and press
and hold
/
until the parking lamps turn off.
•
Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
•
Turn the ignition switch out of LOCK/OFF position
and then back to LOCK/OFF.
SeeRemote Vehicle Start on page 3-7.
Door LocksFrom outside the vehicle, use the key in the door or the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter to lock or
unlock the vehicle. From the inside, pull up or push
down on the manual door lock knobs.
SeeDoor Locks on page 3-9.
Power Door LocksPower door lock switches are located on the front doors
near the handle.Q
:Press the bottom of the switch to lock all doors.
K
:Press the top of the switch to unlock all doors.
For more information, see:•
Power Door Locks on page 3-10.
•
Delayed Locking on page 3-10.
Trunk ReleaseIn addition to the trunk release button on the RKE
transmitter, there is a remote release
G
button
located on the left side of the instrument panel.
For more information seeTrunk on page 3-12.
1-5
Page 25 of 432

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
Page 26 of 432

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
Page 32 of 432
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