Black plate (19,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-5772216) -
2014 - 2nd crc - 5/14/13
Driving and Operating 9-19
Key Lock Release
The vehicle is equipped with an
electronic key lock release system.
This system is to prevent ignition
key removal unless the shift lever is
in P (Park).
The key lock release will not work if
the battery is charged less than
9 volts, or uncharged. Try charging
or jump starting the battery. See
Jump Starting (with or without
eAssist) on page 10-72orJump
Starting (On-board with eAssist
Only) on page 10-71. If charging or jump starting the
battery does not work, there is a
manual key lock release. Locate the
hole below the ignition lock. Insert a
tool or key into the opening. Locate
the lever, and press it toward the
driver while removing the key from
the ignition.
Starting the Engine
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). The engine will not start
in any other position. To restart the
engine when the vehicle is already
moving, use N (Neutral) only.
{Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you
could damage the transmission.
Shift to P (Park) only when the
vehicle is stopped.
{Caution
If you add electrical parts or
accessories, you could change
the way the engine operates. Any
resulting damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
See
Add-On Electrical Equipment
on page 9-66.
Starting Procedure (Key Access)
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to
START. When the engine starts,
let go of the key. The idle speed
will go down as the engine
warms. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it.
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,
Black plate (20,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-5772216) -
2014 - 2nd crc - 5/14/13
9-20 Driving and Operating
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 for many seconds,
cranking stops 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
ACC/ACCESSORY or
LOCK/OFF.
{Caution
Cranking the engine for long
periods of time, by returning the
ignition to the START position
immediately after cranking has
ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the
cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds, especially in
very cold weather (below 0°F or
−18°C), it could be flooded with
too much gasoline. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor and hold it there as you
hold the key in START for a
maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at
least 15 seconds between each
try, to allow the cranking motor
to cool. When the engine starts,
let go of the key and accelerator.
If the vehicle starts briefly but
then stops again, repeat the
procedure. 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.
Starting Procedure (Keyless
Access)
1. If the vehicle has the Keyless Access system, the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
must be in the vehicle. Put your
foot on the brake pedal and
push the ENGINE START/STOP
button. When the engine begins
cranking, let go of the button.
The idle speed will go down as
the engine gets warm. 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.
Black plate (21,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-5772216) -
2014 - 2nd crc - 5/14/13
Driving and Operating 9-21
If the transmitter is not in the
vehicle or something is
interfering with the transmitter,
the Driver Information Center
(DIC) will display NO REMOTE
DETECTED. SeeDriver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5-27.
If the battery in the RKE
transmitter needs replacing, the
DIC displays REPLACE
BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY.
The vehicle can still be driven.
See “Starting the Vehicle with a
Low Transmitter Battery or
Wireless Interference” inRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 2-3.
The vehicle has a
Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in
starting the engine and protects
components. If the ENGINE
START/STOP button is pressed,
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 button is
pressed for many seconds,
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
pressing the ENGINE START/
STOP button a second time.
{Caution
Cranking the engine for long
periods of time, by returning the
ignition 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 five to 10 seconds, especially in
very cold weather (below −18°Cor 0°F), 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 press the ENGINE
START/STOP button, 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 or button,
and the accelerator. If the
vehicle starts briefly but then
stops again, do the same thing.
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.
Black plate (22,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-5772216) -
2014 - 2nd crc - 5/14/13
9-22 Driving and Operating
eAssist Automatic Engine
Start/Stop
{Warning
Exiting the vehicle without first
shifting into P (Park) may cause
the vehicle to move. You or others
may be injured. Because the
vehicle has the automatic engine
start/stop feature, the vehicle's
engine might seem to be shut off;
however, once the brake pedal is
released, the engine will start up
again.
Shift to P (Park) and turn the
ignition to LOCK/OFF, before
exiting the vehicle.
eAssist vehicles have an automatic
engine start/stop feature. After the
engine is started and has reached
operating temperature, the auto stop
feature may cause the engine to
turn off when the brakes are applied
and the vehicle comes to a
complete stop. The vehicle may remain in auto stop for up to
two minutes. When the brake is
released or the accelerator pedal
applied, the engine will restart. The
engine will continue to run until the
next auto stop.
AUTO STOP on the tachometer
signifies that the engine is in auto
stop mode. See
Tachometer on
page 5-13. When the vehicle is
turned off, the tachometer will move
to OFF. If the driver door is opened
while in auto stop mode, a chime
will sound.
There are several conditions that
may prevent an auto stop or cause
an auto start.
The Engine Will Remain
Running When:
.The engine, transmission,
or high voltage battery is not
warmed up yet.
.The outside temperature is less
than −20°C (−4°F).
.The air conditioning or defrost
system need the compressor to
maintain vehicle comfort. See
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 8-3. The
warmer it is outside, the shorter
the time before the engine is
restarted to provide cabin
cooling. To maximize fuel
economy, use the eco air
conditioning mode.
.The shift lever is in P (Park),
N (Neutral), R (Reverse),
or M (Manual Mode).
.The high voltage battery pack
charge is low.
.The hood is not fully closed.
.Brake pedal pressure is low.
.The malfunction indicator lamp is
on; auto stop may be prevented.
.High humidity is detected.
The Engine Will Restart When:
.The brake pedal is released.
.The accelerator pedal is applied.
Black plate (23,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-5772216) -
2014 - 2nd crc - 5/14/13
Driving and Operating 9-23
.Shifting out of D (Drive) to any
other gear.
.The air conditioning or defrost
system need the compressor to
maintain vehicle comfort. See
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 8-3The warmer
it is outside, the shorter the time
before the engine is restarted to
provide cabin cooling. To
maximize fuel economy, use the
eco air conditioning mode.
.The climate control system is
turned from off to normal air
conditioning or defrost. See Dual
Automatic Climate Control
System on page 8-3.
.The engine is required to run for
either heater or climate control
performance. See Dual
Automatic Climate Control
System on page 8-3.
.The high voltage battery pack
charge is low and requires
recharging.
.Auto stop time is greater than
two minutes.
.The hood is opened.
Engine Heater
The engine coolant heater,
if equipped, can help in cold
weather conditions at or below
−18°C (0°F) for easier starting and
better fuel economy during engine
warm-up. Plug in the coolant heater
at least four hours before starting
the vehicle. An internal thermostat
in the plug end of the cord will
prevent engine coolant heater
operation at temperatures above
−18°C (0°F).
To Use the Engine Coolant
Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The electrical
cord is on the driver side of the
engine compartment, between
the fender and the engine
compartment fuse block.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{Warning
Plugging the cord into an
ungrounded outlet could cause an
electrical shock. Also, the wrong
kind of extension cord could
overheat and cause a fire. You
could be seriously injured. Plug
the cord into a properly grounded
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.
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.
Black plate (28,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-5772216) -
2014 - 2nd crc - 5/14/13
9-28 Driving and Operating
is in ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out
of P (Park), ease pressure on the
shift lever and push the shift lever
all the way into P (Park) as you
maintain brake application. Then
move the shift lever into another
gear. SeeShifting out of Park on
page 9-25.
R (Reverse): Use this gear to
back up.
{Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the
vehicle is moving forward could
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Shift to
R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice, or sand without
damaging the transmission, see If
the Vehicle Is Stuck on page 9-9. N (Neutral):
In this position, the
engine does not connect with the
wheels. To restart the engine when
the vehicle is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only.
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift
into a drive gear while the engine
is running at high speed.
{Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or
N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.
D (Drive): This position is for
normal driving. It provides the best
fuel economy. If you need more
power for passing, and you are:
.Accelerating slowly or
maintaining a constant speed,
push the accelerator pedal about
halfway down.
.Accelerating quickly or passing,
push the accelerator all the
way down.
M (Manual Mode): This position
allows you to change gears similar
to a manual transmission. If the
vehicle has this feature, see Manual
Mode on page 9-29.
Black plate (29,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-5772216) -
2014 - 2nd crc - 5/14/13
Driving and Operating 9-29
Manual Mode
Driver Shift Control (DSC)
To use this feature (if equipped):
1. Move the shift lever fromD (Drive) rearward to
M (Manual Mode).
While driving in Manual Mode,
the transmission will remain in
the driver selected gear. When
coming to a stop in the manual
position, the vehicle will
automatically shift into
1 (First) gear.
2. Using the button on the shift lever, press the + (plus) end of
the button to upshift, or press
the −(minus) end of the button
to downshift.
The Driver Information Center (DIC)
in the instrument cluster will change
from the currently displayed
message to the letter “M,”for
Manual position, and a number
indicating the requested gear. While using the DSC feature the
transmission will have firmer shifting
and sportier performance. You can
use this for sport driving or when
climbing hills to stay in gear longer
or to downshift for more power or
engine braking.
The transmission will only allow you
to shift into gears appropriate for the
vehicle speed and engine
revolutions per minute (rpm):
.The transmission will not allow
shifting to the next higher gear if
the vehicle speed or engine rpm
is too low.
.The transmission will not allow
shifting to the next lower gear if
the vehicle speed or engine rpm
is too high.
Second Gear Start Feature
When accelerating the vehicle from
a stop in snowy and icy conditions,
you may want to shift into
2 (Second) gear. A higher gear
allows you to gain more traction on
slippery surfaces. With the DSC feature, the vehicle
can be set to pull away in
2 (Second) gear.
1. Move the shift lever from
D (Drive) to M (Manual Mode).
2. With the vehicle stopped, press the + (plus) end of the button to
select 2 (Second) gear. The
vehicle will start from a stop
position in 2 (Second) gear.
3. Once moving, select the desired drive gear.
Black plate (33,1)Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-5772216) -
2014 - 2nd crc - 5/14/13
Driving and Operating 9-33
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
Some vehicles have a Hill Start
Assist (HSA) feature, which may be
useful when the vehicle is stopped
on a grade. This feature is designed
to temporarily prevent the vehicle
from rolling, either forward or
rearward, during vehicle drive off.
After the driver completely stops
and holds the vehicle in a complete
standstill on a grade, HSA will be
automatically activated. During the
transition period between when the
driver releases the brake pedal and
starts to accelerate to drive off on a
grade, HSA holds the brakingpressure to ensure that there is no
rolling. The brakes will automatically
release within a two-second window
of releasing the brake pedal, and
the vehicle may begin to roll. It will
not activate if the vehicle is in a
drive gear and facing downhill or if
the vehicle is facing uphill and in
R (Reverse).
HSA will activate on eAssist
vehicles while in gear and facing
down hill to assist in allowing a
smooth auto start.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) and StabiliTrak®, an
electronic stability control system.
These systems help limit wheel slip
and assist the driver in maintaining
control, especially on slippery road
conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any
of the drive wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this
happens, TCS applies the brakes to
the spinning wheels and reduces
engine power to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak activates when the
vehicle senses a difference between
the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling.
StabiliTrak selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of the