Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/27/12
Climate Controls 8-1
Climate Controls
Climate Control Systems
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 8-1
Air Vents
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment AirFilter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5
Climate Control Systems
This vehicle may have a dual or single climate control system. The heating,
cooling, defrost, defog and ventilation can be controlled with this system.
For vehicles with heated seats, see Heated Front Seats on page 3‑6.
Dual Zone with Optional Heated Seat Controls
A. Fan Control
B. Outside Air
C. Recirculation
D. Air Delivery Mode Control
E. Air Conditioning F. Driver and Passenger Heated
Seats (If Equipped)
G. Driver and Passenger Temperature Controls
H. Rear Window Defogger
Black plate (2,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/27/12
8-2 Climate Controls
Single Zone
A. Fan Control
B. Outside Air
C. Temperature Control
D. Recirculation
E. Air Delivery Mode Control
F. Air Conditioning
G. Rear Window Defogger Temperature Control:
For dual
zone, turn the thumbwheels up or
down to increase or decrease the
temperature on the driver or the
passenger side of the vehicle. For
single zone, turn the knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the temperature.
9(Fan Control): Turn clockwise
or counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the fan speed. Positioning
the knob between two modes can
select a combination of those
modes.
If the airflow seems low when the
fan is at the highest setting, the
passenger compartment air filter
may need to be replaced. There will
be some airflow noticeable from the
various outlets when driving, even
with the fan in the off position. For
more information, see Passenger
Compartment Air Filter on page 8‑5
and Maintenance Schedule on
page 11‑3.
Air Delivery Mode Control: Turn
clockwise or counterclockwise to
change the direction of the airflow
inside the vehicle.
Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/27/12
Climate Controls 8-3
To change the current mode, select
one of the following:
H(Vent):Air is directed to the
instrument panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level): Air is divided
between the instrument panel
outlets and the floor outlets.
6(Floor): Air is directed to the
floor outlets, with some of the air
directed to the windshield and side
window outlets. In this mode, the
system automatically selects
outside air.
-(Defog): This mode clears the
windshield of fog or moisture. Air is
directed equally to the windshield
and the floor outlets. When defog is
selected, the system turns off
recirculation and runs the air
conditioning compressor unless the
outside temperature is below 4°C
(40°F).
0(Defrost): This mode clears the
windshield of fog or frost more
quickly. Air is directed to the
windshield with some air to the side window vents and the floor vents.
When defrost is selected, the
system automatically forces outside
air into the vehicle. The air
conditioning compressor will run
automatically in this setting, unless
the outside temperature is below
4°C (40°F).
#(Air Conditioning):
Press to
turn the air conditioning system on
or off. An indicator light comes on to
show that it is on. The air
conditioning can be selected in any
mode as long as the fan is on and
the outside temperature is above
freezing. A flashing indicator light
indicates that the air conditioning
compressor is currently not
available.
On hot days, open the windows to
let hot inside air escape; then close
them. This helps to reduce the time
it takes for the vehicle to cool down.
It also helps the system to operate
more efficiently. For quick cool down on hot days, do
the following:
1. Select the
Hmode.
2. Press the
#button.
3. Select the coolest temperature for both zones.
4. Select the highest
9speed.
5. When the coolest temperature is selected in the A/C mode, the
system automatically goes into
the recirculation mode to
improve cooling.
Using these settings together for
long periods of time may cause the
air inside the vehicle to become too
dry. To prevent this from happening,
after the air inside the vehicle has
cooled, turn the recirculation
mode off.
The air conditioning system
removes moisture from the air, so a
small amount of water may drip
under the vehicle while idling or
after turning off the engine. This is
normal.
Black plate (4,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/27/12
8-4 Climate Controls
%(Outside Air):Press to turn
on outside air. An indicator light
comes on to show that it is on.
Outside air will circulate throughout
the vehicle.
/(Recirculation): Press to
turn on the recirculation mode. An
indicator light comes on to show
that it is on.
This mode helps to quickly heat or
cool the air inside the vehicle once
the temperature inside the vehicle is
equal to or better than the outside
temperature. It can be used to
prevent outside air and odors from
entering the vehicle. The
recirculation mode is not available in
outside air, floor, defog, or defrost
modes. If the button is selected
while in these modes, the indicator
flashes three times.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a
warming grid to remove fog from the
rear window.
1(Rear Window Defogger): The
rear window defogger turns off
automatically after it has been
activated for 10 minutes. It can be
turned off manually, by pressing the
button again or by turning the
ignition to the LOCK/OFF position.
The rear window defogger can be
turned on again for additional
window clearing. The length of
defogger operation will increase if
the vehicle is being driven. For vehicles with heated outside
rearview mirrors, the mirrors heat to
help clear fog or frost from the
surface of the mirror when the rear
window defog button is pressed.
See
Power Mirrors on page 2‑13.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the
windows are clear.
Notice: Do not use anything
sharp on the inside of the rear
window. If you do, you could cut
or damage the warming grid, and
the repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Do not
attach a temporary vehicle
license, tape, a decal, or anything
similar to the defogger grid.
Black plate (8,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/27/12
9-8 Driving and Operating
.Tie a red cloth to an outside
mirror.
{WARNING
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may
cause exhaust gases to get
inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO) which
cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even
death.
If the vehicle is stuck in the snow:
.Clear away snow from around
the base of your vehicle,
especially any that is blocking
the exhaust pipe.
.Check again from time to
time to be sure snow does
not collect there.
.Open a window about 5 cm
(2 in) on the side of the
vehicle that is away from the
wind to bring in fresh air.(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
.Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
.Adjust the climate control
system to a setting that
circulates the air inside the
vehicle and set the fan speed
to the highest setting. See
“Climate Control Systems” in
the Index.
For more information about
carbon monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust on page 9‑19.
To save fuel, run the engine for only
short periods as needed to warm
the vehicle and then shut the engine
off and close the window most of
the way to save heat. Repeat this
until help arrives but only when you
feel really uncomfortable from the
cold. Moving about to keep warm
also helps. If it takes some time for help to
arrive, now and then when you run
the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs
faster than the idle speed. This
keeps the battery charged to restart
the vehicle and to signal for help
with the headlamps. Do this as little
as possible to save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the
wheels to free the vehicle when
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
If stuck too severely for the traction
system to free the vehicle, turn the
traction system off and use the
rocking method. See
Traction
Control System (TCS) on
page 9‑25.
{WARNING
If the vehicle's tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you
or others could be injured. The
(Continued)
Black plate (17,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/27/12
Driving and Operating 9-17
WARNING (Continued)
three-prong 110-volt AC outlet.
If the cord will not reach, use a
heavy-duty three-prong extension
cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the
cord as it was before to keep it
away from moving engine parts,
and prevent damage.
The length of time the heater should
remain plugged in depends on
several factors. Ask a dealer in the
area where you will be parking the
vehicle for the best advice on this.
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can be
used for up to 10 minutes after the
engine turned off:
.Audio System
.Power Windows The radio will work when the key is
in ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY.
Once the key is turned from ON/
RUN to LOCK/OFF the radio will
continue to work 10 minutes or until
the driver door is opened. The
power windows will continue to work
for up to 10 minutes or until any
door is opened.
Shifting Into Park
Steering Column Shift Lever
If 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. See Parking
Brake on page 9‑24 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).
Console Shift Lever
If 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.
See Parking Brake on page 9‑24
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).
Black plate (20,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/27/12
9-20 Driving and Operating
WARNING (Continued)
.There are holes or openings
in the vehicle body from
damage or aftermarket
modifications that are not
completely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or
if it is suspected that exhaust is
coming into the vehicle:
.Drive it only with the windows
completely down.
.Have the vehicle repaired
immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the
engine running in an enclosed
area such as a garage or a
building that has no fresh air
ventilation.
Running the Vehicle
While Parked
It is better not to park with the
engine running.
If the vehicle is left with the engine
running, follow the proper steps to
be sure the vehicle will not move.
See Shifting Into Park on page 9‑17
and Engine Exhaust on page 9‑19.
If parking on a hill and pulling a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips on page 9‑36.
Automatic
Transmission
The automatic transmission has a
shift lever located on the console
between the seats, or on the
steering column. Gear positions are
indicated on the instrument cluster.
Black plate (36,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/27/12
9-36 Driving and Operating
Towing
General Towing
Information
Only use towing equipment that has
been designed for the vehicle.
Contact your dealer or trailering
dealer for assistance with preparing
the vehicle for towing a trailer.
See the following trailer towing
information in this section:
.For information on driving while
towing a trailer, see“Driving
Characteristics and
Towing Tips.”
.For maximum vehicle and trailer
weights, see “Trailer Towing.”
.For information on equipment to
tow a trailer, see “Towing
Equipment.”
For information on towing a disabled
vehicle, see Towing the Vehicle on
page 10‑63. For information on
towing the vehicle behind another vehicle such as a motor home, see
Recreational Vehicle Towing on
page 10‑63.
Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips
Driving with a Trailer
When towing a trailer:
.Become familiar with the state
and local laws that apply
specifically to trailer towing.
.Do not tow a trailer during the
first 800 km (500 mi), to prevent
damage to the engine, axle or
other parts.
.Then, during the first 800 km
(500 mi) trailer towing, do not
drive over 80 km/h (50 mph) and
do not make starts at full throttle.
.The vehicle can tow in D (Drive)
but M (Manual Mode) is
recommended. See
Manual
Mode on page 9‑22. Use a lower
gear if the transmission shifts
too often.
{WARNING
When towing a trailer, exhaust
gases may collect at the rear of
the vehicle and enter if the
liftgate, trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window is open.
When towing a trailer:
.Do not drive with the liftgate,
trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window open.
.Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
.Also adjust the Climate
Control system to a setting
that brings in only outside air.
See “Climate Control
Systems” in the Index.
For more information about
Carbon Monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust on page 9‑19.