Page 87 of 376

Black plate (39,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
Seats and Restraints 3-39
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q: Is there anything I might addto or change about the vehicle
that could keep the airbags
from working properly?
A: Yes. If you add things that
change the vehicle's frame,
bumper system, height, front end
or side sheet metal, they may
keep the airbag system from
working properly. Changing or
moving any parts of the front
seats, safety belts, the airbag
sensing and diagnostic module,
steering wheel, instrument
panel, roof-rail airbag modules,
ceiling headliner or pillar garnish
trim, front sensors, side impact
sensors, or airbag wiring can
affect the operation of the
airbag system.
In addition, the vehicle has a
passenger sensing system for
the right front passenger position, which includes sensors
that are part of the passenger's
seat. The passenger sensing
system may not operate properly
if the original seat trim is
replaced with non-GM covers,
upholstery or trim, or with
GM covers, upholstery or trim
designed for a different vehicle.
Any object, such as an
aftermarket seat heater or a
comfort enhancing pad or
device, installed under or on
top of the seat fabric, could also
interfere with the operation of
the passenger sensing system.
This could either prevent proper
deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the
passenger sensing system
from properly turning off the
passenger airbag(s). See
Passenger Sensing System on
page 3‑34.
If you have any questions, call
Customer Assistance. The
phone numbers and addresses
for Customer Assistance are inStep Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in this
manual. See
Customer
Satisfaction Procedure on
page 13‑1.
Q: Because I have a disability, I have to get my vehicle
modified. How can I find out
whether this will affect my
airbag system?
A: If you have questions, call
Customer Assistance. The
phone numbers and addresses
for Customer Assistance are in
Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in this
manual. See Customer
Satisfaction Procedure on
page 13‑1.
In addition, your dealer and the
service manual have information
about the location of the airbag
sensors, sensing and diagnostic
module and airbag wiring.
Page 125 of 376

Black plate (15,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
Instruments and Controls 5-15
Airbag Readiness Light
The system checks the airbag's
electrical system for possible
malfunctions. If the light stays on
it indicates there is an electrical
problem. The system check
includes the airbag sensor, the
pretensioners, the airbag modules,
the wiring and the crash sensing
and diagnostic module. For more
information on the airbag system,
seeAirbag System on page 3‑26.
The airbag readiness light flashes
for a few seconds when the engine
is started. If the light does not come
on then, have it fixed immediately.
{WARNING
If the airbag readiness light stays
on after the vehicle is started or
comes on while driving, it means
the airbag system might not be
working properly. The airbags in
the vehicle might not inflate in a
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
crash, or they could even inflate
without a crash. To help avoid
injury, have the vehicle serviced
right away.
If there is a problem with the airbag
system, an airbag Driver Information
Center (DIC) message can also
come on. See Airbag System
Messages on page 5‑33 for more
information.
Page 278 of 376
Black plate (32,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
10-32 Vehicle Care
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, Stoplamps,
and Back-Up Lamps
A. Rear Sidemarker Lamp
B. Back-up Lamp
C. Stoplamp/Taillamp/Turn Signal
To replace one of these bulbs:
1. Open the trunk. SeeTrunk on
page 2‑10.
2. Remove the convenience net (if equipped). Unhook the net
from the upper wing nut.
3. Turn the upper wing nutcounterclockwise and remove it.
4. Pull the carpet away from the rear of the vehicle.5. Turn the two hex nutscounterclockwise to
remove them.
6. Pull out the taillamp assembly and disconnect the wiring
harness.
7. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise to remove it.
8. Pull the old bulb straight out to remove it.
9. Push the new bulb straight in until it clicks to install it.
10. Reverse steps 1 through 7 to reinstall.
Page 279 of 376

Black plate (33,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-33
License Plate Lamp
To replace one of these bulbs:
1. Turn the lamp assemblycounterclockwise and pull the
lamp assembly out of the
connector.
2. Pull the old bulb from the lamp assembly, keeping the bulb
straight as you pull it out.
3. Install the new bulb.
4. Reverse Steps 1 through 3 to reinstall the license plate lamp.
Replacement Bulbs
Exterior Lamp Bulb
Number
Back-Up 921LL
Front Parking/
Turn Signal 3157NAK
License
Plate Lamp 194ll
Headlamps High-Beam H9
Low-Beam H11
Sidemarker 194LL
Stoplamp,
Taillamp, and
Turn Signal 3057
For replacement bulbs not listed
here, contact your dealer.
Electrical System
Electrical System
Overload
The vehicle has fuses and circuit
breakers to protect against an
electrical system overload.
When the current electrical load is
too heavy, the circuit breaker opens
and closes, protecting the circuit
until the current load returns to
normal or the problem is fixed.
This greatly reduces the chance of
circuit overload and fire caused by
electrical problems.
Fuses and circuit breakers protect
the following in the vehicle:
.Headlamp Wiring
.Windshield Wiper Motor
.Power Windows and Other
Power Accessories
Replace a bad fuse with a new one
of the identical size and rating.
Page 280 of 376

Black plate (34,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
10-34 Vehicle Care
If there is a problem on the road and
a fuse needs to be replaced, the
same amperage fuse can be
borrowed. Choose some feature of
the vehicle that is not needed to use
and replace it as soon as possible.
Headlamp Wiring
An electrical overload may cause
the lamps to go on and off, or in
some cases to remain off. Have the
headlamp wiring checked right away
if the lamps go on and off or
remain off.
Windshield Wipers
If the wiper motor overheats due to
heavy snow or ice, the windshield
wipers will stop until the motor cools
and will then restart.
Although the circuit is protected
from electrical overload, overload
due to heavy snow or ice may
cause wiper linkage damage.Always clear ice and heavy snow
from the windshield before using the
windshield wipers.
If the overload is caused by an
electrical problem and not snow or
ice, be sure to get it fixed.
Fuses and Circuit
Breakers
The wiring circuits in the vehicle are
protected from short circuits by a
combination of fuses and circuit
breakers. This greatly reduces the
chance of fires caused by electrical
problems.
Look at the silver-colored band
inside the fuse. If the band is broken
or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure
you replace a bad fuse with a new
one of the identical size and rating.
Engine Compartment
Fuse Block
The Engine Compartment Fuse
Block is in the engine compartment.
See
Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑6 for more information
on location.
Notice: Spilling liquid on any
electrical component on the
vehicle may damage it. Always
keep the covers on any electrical
component.