
Black plate (32,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/27/12
9-32 Driving and Operating
To check the fuel availability, ask an
auto club, or contact a major oil
company that does business in the
country where you will be driving.
Fuel Additives
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines
in the United States are now
required to contain additives that
help prevent engine and fuel system
deposits from forming, allowing the
emission control system to work
properly. In most cases, nothing
should have to be added to the fuel.
However, some gasolines contain
only the minimum amount of
additive required to meet U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency
regulations. To help keep fuel
injectors and intake valves clean
and avoid problems due to dirty
injectors or valves, look for gasoline
that is advertised as TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline. Look for the
TOP TIER label on the fuel pump to
ensure gasoline meets enhanced
detergency standards developed by
the auto companies. A list ofmarketers providing TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline can be found at
www.toptiergas.com.
For customers who do not use TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline regularly,
one bottle of GM Fuel System
Treatment PLUS, added to the fuel
tank at every engine oil change, can
help clean deposits from fuel
injectors and intake valves. GM Fuel
System Treatment PLUS is the only
gasoline additive recommended by
General Motors. It is available at
your dealer.
Gasolines containing oxygenates,
such as ethers and ethanol, and
reformulated gasolines might be
available in your area. We
recommend that you use these
gasolines, if they comply with the
specifications described earlier.
However, E85 (85% ethanol) and
other fuels containing more than
15% ethanol must not be used in
vehicles that were not designed for
those fuels.
Notice:
This vehicle was not
designed for fuel that contains
methanol. Do not use fuel
containing methanol. It can
corrode metal parts in the fuel
system and also damage plastic
and rubber parts. That damage
would not be covered under the
vehicle warranty.
Some gasolines that are not
reformulated for low emissions can
contain an octane-enhancing
additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT); ask the attendant
where you buy gasoline whether the
fuel contains MMT. We recommend
against the use of such gasolines.
Fuels containing MMT can reduce
spark plug life and affect emission
control system performance. The
malfunction indicator lamp might
turn on. If this occurs, return to your
dealer for service.

Black plate (33,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/27/12
Driving and Operating 9-33
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
Vehicles that have a yellow fuel cap
can use either unleaded gasoline or
ethanol fuel containing up to 85%
ethanol (E85). For all other vehicles,
use only the unleaded gasoline
described underRecommended
Fuel on page 9‑31.
We encourage the use of E85 in
vehicles that are designed to use it.
The ethanol in E85 is a “renewable”
fuel, meaning it is made from
renewable sources such as corn
and other crops.
Many service stations will not have
an 85% ethanol fuel (E85) pump
available. The U.S. Department of
Energy has an alternative fuels
website (www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/
locator/stations/) that can help you
find E85 fuel. Those stations that do
have E85 should have a label
indicating ethanol content. Do not
use the fuel if the ethanol content is
greater than 85%. At a minimum, E85 should meet
ASTM Specification D 5798 or
CGSB Specification 3.512. Filling
the tank with fuel mixtures that do
not meet ASTM or CGSB
specifications can affect driveability
and could cause the malfunction
indicator lamp to come on. As the
outside temperature approaches
freezing, ethanol fuel distributors
should supply winter grade ethanol,
the same as with unleaded
gasoline.
The starting characteristics of E85
fuel make it unsuitable for use when
temperatures fall below
−18°C (0°
F). In the range of −18°C (0°F) to 0°
C (32°F), it may take more time to
start the engine.
E85 has less energy per liter
(gallon) than gasoline, so you will
need to refill the fuel tank more
often when using E85 than when
you are using gasoline. See Filling
the Tank on page 9‑34. Notice:
Some additives are not
compatible with E85 fuel and can
harm the vehicle's fuel system.
Do not add anything to E85.
Damage caused by additives
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Notice: This vehicle was not
designed for fuel that contains
methanol. Do not use fuel
containing methanol. It can
corrode metal parts in the fuel
system and also damage plastic
and rubber parts. That damage
would not be covered under the
vehicle warranty.

Black plate (17,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/27/12
Vehicle Care 10-17
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
the tank is full.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑5 for more information
on location.
Notice
.When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions for
adding water.
.Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the solution
to freeze and damage the
washer fluid tank and other
parts of the washer system.
.Fill the washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it is
very cold. This allows for
fluid expansion if freezing
occurs, which could damage
the tank if it is
completely full.
.Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the windshield
washer. It can damage the
windshield washer system
and paint.
Brakes
This 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.
{WARNING
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
a crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced. Notice:
Continuing to drive with
worn-out brake pads could result
in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to torque
specifications in Capacities and
Specifications on page 12‑2.
Brake linings should always be
replaced as complete axle sets.Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal
does not return to normal height,
or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service might be
required.

Black plate (10,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/27/12
11-10 Service and Maintenance
Lamps
Properly working headlamps,
taillamps, and brake lamps are
important to see and be seen on
the road.
.Signs that the headlamps need
attention include dimming, failure
to light, cracking, or damage.
The brake lamps need to be
checked periodically to ensure
that they light when braking.
.With a multi-point inspection,
your dealer can check the lamps
and note any concerns.
Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control
for a smoother ride.
.Signs of wear may include
steering wheel vibration, bounce/
sway while braking, longer
stopping distance, or uneven
tire wear.
.As part of the multi-point
inspection, trained dealer
technicians can visually inspect the shocks and struts for signs
of leaking, blown seals,
or damage, and can advise
when service is needed.
Tires
Tires need to be properly inflated,
rotated, and balanced. Maintaining
the tires can save money, fuel, and
can reduce the risk of tire failure.
.Signs that the tires need to be
replaced include three or more
visible treadwear indicators; cord
or fabric showing through the
rubber; cracks or cuts in the
tread or sidewall; or a bulge or
split in the tire.
.Trained dealer technicians can
inspect and recommend the right
tires. Your dealer can also
provide tire/wheel balancing
services to ensure smooth
vehicle operation at all speeds.
Your dealer sells and services
name brand tires. Vehicle Care
To help keep the vehicle looking like
new, vehicle care products are
available from your dealer. For
information on how to clean and
protect the vehicle’s interior and
exterior, see
Interior Care on
page 10‑68 andExterior Care on
page 10‑65.
Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment is critical for
ensuring that the tires deliver
optimal wear and performance.
.Signs that the alignment may
need to be adjusted include
pulling, improper vehicle
handling, or unusual tire wear.
.Your dealer has the required
equipment to ensure proper
wheel alignment.

Black plate (4,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/27/12
i-4 INDEX
E
E85 Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-33
Electrical Equipment,Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-41
Electrical System Engine CompartmentFuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26
Electronic Stability Control . . . . . 9-26
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
Electronic Stability Control
(ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19
Emergency
OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-2
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . 10-10
Check and Service EngineSoon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 10-5 Engine (cont'd)
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-11
Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-11
Cooling System Messages . . . 5-27
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-4
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-19
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-16
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-8
Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28
Overheated Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 9-20
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-15
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-40
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . 13-14
Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . 3-16
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 6-1
F
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . 10-10
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 6-3
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-51 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-53
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-71
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 10-9
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-18
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-16
Fog Lamps Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Front Fog Lamp
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-30 Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-32
E85 (85% Ethanol) . . . . . . . . . . . 9-33
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-35

Black plate (5,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/27/12
INDEX i-5
Fuel (cont'd)Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-34
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-31
Gasoline Specifications . . . . . . . 9-31
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-31
Requirements, California . . . . . 9-31
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29
Fuses
Engine CompartmentFuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
G
Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . 5-39Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-39
Gasoline
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-31
Gauges Engine CoolantTemperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10 Gauges (cont'd)
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Warning Lights and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
General Information Service and Maintenance . . . . . 11-1
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-36
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-5
H
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-22
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . 6-3
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
HeadlampsAiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-22
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-22
Daytime Running Lamps/Automatic Headlamp
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2 Headlamps (cont'd)
Headlamps, Front Turn
Signal, Sidemarker, and
Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-23
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . 6-2
Heated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Heater Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-16
Heating and Air Conditioning . . . 8-1
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 9-6
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
I
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-13
Ignition Transmission Lock
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-20
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

Black plate (7,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/27/12
INDEX i-7
Lower Anchors and Tethersfor Children (LATCH
System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-39
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4 Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
M
MaintenanceRecords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-14
Maintenance Schedule Recommended Fluidsand Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-12
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . 5-14
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
Messages
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-31
Battery Voltage andCharging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26
Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26
Engine Cooling System . . . . . . . 5-27
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28
Engine Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29
Fuel System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29
Key and Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29
Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29 Messages (cont'd)
Ride Control System . . . . . . . . . . 5-30
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-31
Service Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-31
Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-32
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-33
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26
Vehicle Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-33
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-33
Mirrors Automatic DimmingRearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Convex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Manual Rearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Monitor System, Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-40
N
Navigation
OnStar®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-2
Net, Convenience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . 9-13
O
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Oil Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-6
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 10-8
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20
Older Children, Restraints . . . . . 3-32
Online Owner Center . . . . . . . . . . 13-4
OnStar
®
System, In Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
OnStar®Additional
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-5
OnStar
®Connections . . . . . . . . . . 14-3
OnStar®Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . 14-5
OnStar®Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . 14-2
OnStar®Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-2
OnStar®Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1
OnStar®Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-2
Operation, Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
Ordering Service Publications . . . . . . . . .13-11