Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9086448) -
2016 - CRC - 5/20/15
214 Driving and Operating
avoid a sudden obstacle, a
computer senses the wheels are
slowing down. If one of the wheels
is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at
each wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressure
to each wheel, as required, faster
than any driver could. This can help
you steer around the obstacle while
braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the
computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls
braking pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change
the time needed to get a foot up to
the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too
close to the vehicle in front of you,
there will not be enough time to
apply the brakes if that vehicle
suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room up ahead to
stop, even with ABS.Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold
the brake pedal down firmly and let
ABS work. You may hear the ABS
pump or motor operating and feel
the brake pedal pulsate. This is
normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows you to steer and brake
at the same time. In many
emergencies, steering can help
more than even the very best
braking.
Parking Brake
The Electric Parking Brake (EPB)
switch is on the left side of the
instrument panel. The EPB can
always be activated, even if the
ignition is off. To prevent draining
the battery, avoid repeated cycles of
the EPB when the engine is not
running.
The system has a red parking brake
status light and an amber parking
brake warning light. SeeElectric
Parking Brake Light 0122
and Service Electric Parking Brake
Light 0122. There are also parking
brake-related Driver Information
Center (DIC) messages. See Brake
System Messages 0130. In case of
insufficient electrical power, the EPB
cannot be applied or released.
Before leaving the vehicle, check
the red parking brake status light to
ensure that the parking brake is
applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:
1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9086448) -
2016 - CRC - 5/20/15
216 Driving and Operating
Brake Assist
The Brake Assist feature is
designed to assist the driver in
stopping or decreasing vehicle
speed in emergency driving
conditions. This feature uses the
stability system hydraulic brake
control module to supplement the
power brake system under
conditions where the driver has
quickly and forcefully applied the
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly
stop or slow down the vehicle. The
stability system hydraulic brake
control module increases brake
pressure at each corner of the
vehicle until the ABS activates.
Minor brake pedal pulsation or
pedal movement during this time is
normal and the driver should
continue to apply the brake pedal as
the driving situation dictates. The
Brake Assist feature will
automatically disengage when the
brake pedal is released or brake
pedal pressure is quickly
decreased.
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 braking
pressure 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 Stop/Start
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
Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9086448) -
2016 - CRC - 5/20/15
244 Driving and Operating
vehicle may show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this,
let the engine run while parked,
preferably on level ground, with the
automatic transmission in P (Park)
for a few minutes before turning the
engine off. If the overheat warning
comes on, seeEngine Overheating
0 264.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if
facing uphill. 2. Have someone place chocks
under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the regular
brakes until the chocks absorb
the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift into a gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Let up on the brake pedal.
6. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
7. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See
Maintenance Schedule 0325.
Things that are especially important
in trailer operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle
lubricant, belts, cooling system, and
brake system. It is a good idea to
inspect these before and during
the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Trailer Towing (Bi-Fuel)
The vehicle is neither designed nor
intended to tow a trailer.
Trailer Towing (All except
Bi-Fuel)
Before pulling a trailer, three
important considerations have to do
with weight:
. Weight of the trailer.
. Weight of the trailer tongue.
Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9086448) -
2016 - CRC - 5/20/15
Vehicle Care 267
proper sequence to torque
specifications. SeeCapacities and
Specifications 0338.
Brake pads should be replaced as
complete 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 may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts
with new, approved replacement
parts. If this is not done, the brakes
may not work properly. The braking
performance expected can change
in many other ways if the wrong
replacement brake parts are
installed or parts are improperly
installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with DOT 3 brake fluid as
indicated on the reservoir cap. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0 252 for the location of the
reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down:
. Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the
fluid level goes back up.
. A fluid leak in the brake
hydraulic system. Have the
brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it. Do not top off the brake fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done
on the brake hydraulic system.{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and
the vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic
system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See Brake System Warning
Light 0121.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time.
Replace brake fluid at the specified
intervals to prevent increased
stopping distance. See Maintenance
Schedule 0325.
Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9086448) -
2016 - CRC - 5/20/15
268 Vehicle Care
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid from a clean, sealed
container. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0334.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the
paint finish can be damaged.
Immediately wash off any painted
surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove
the cap and do not add fluid. This vehicle has a standard 12-volt
battery under the hood. See
Engine
Compartment Overview 0252.
Refer to the replacement number
shown on the original battery label
when a new 12-volt battery is
needed.
Stop/Start System
If equipped with the 2.5L L4 Engine,
the vehicle has a stop/start system
to shut off the engine to help
conserve fuel. See Starting the
Engine 0204.
Vehicles with Stop/Start have an
Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) 12-volt
underhood battery. Installation of a
standard 12-volt battery will result in
reduced 12-volt battery life.
There is also an auxiliary AGM
battery behind the access panel in
the left rear of the trunk. This battery
is for managing the stop/start
auxiliary loads and is not to be used
for any other purpose. See your
dealer if the auxiliary battery needs
service. When using a 12-volt battery
charger on the 12-volt AGM battery,
some chargers have an AGM
battery setting on the charger.
If available, use the AGM setting on
the charger, to limit charge voltage
to 14.8 volts.
{Warning
WARNING:
Battery posts,
terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Batteries also
contain other chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer. WASH HANDS AFTER
HANDLING. SeeCalifornia
Proposition 65 Warning 0249.
Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9086448) -
2016 - CRC - 5/20/15
Vehicle Care 309
The compact spare is for temporary
use only. Replace the compact
spare tire with a full-size tire as
soon as you can.
Compact Spare Tire
{Warning
Driving with more than one
compact spare tire at a time could
result in loss of braking and
handling. This could lead to a
crash and you or others could be
injured. Use only one compact
spare tire at a time.
If this vehicle has a compact spare
tire, it was fully inflated when new;
however, it can lose air over time.
Check the inflation pressure
regularly. It should be 420 kPa
(60 psi).
Stop as soon as possible and check
that the spare tire is correctly
inflated after being installed on the
vehicle. The compact spare tire is
designed for temporary use only.
The vehicle will perform differently with the spare tire installed and it is
recommended that the vehicle
speed be limited to 80 km/h
(50 mph). To conserve the tread of
the spare tire, have the standard tire
repaired or replaced as soon as
convenient and return the spare tire
to the storage area.
When using a compact spare tire,
the ABS and Traction Control
systems may engage until the spare
tire is recognized by the vehicle,
especially on slippery roads. Adjust
driving to reduce possible
wheel slip.
Caution
When the compact spare is
installed, do not take the vehicle
through an automatic car wash
with guide rails. The compact
spare can get caught on the rails
which can damage the tire, wheel,
and other parts of the vehicle.
Do not use the compact spare on
other vehicles. Do not mix the compact spare tire or
wheel with other wheels or tires.
They will not fit. Keep the spare tire
and its wheel together.
Caution
Tire chains will not fit the compact
spare. Using them can damage
the vehicle and the chains. Do not
use tire chains on the compact
spare.
Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9086448) -
2016 - CRC - 5/20/15
Vehicle Care 315
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory.
Use a de-icing agent only when
absolutely necessary, and have the
locks greased after using. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants0334.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish,
wash it often and out of direct
sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based,
acidic, or abrasive cleaning
agents as they can damage the
vehicle's paint, metal, or plastic
parts. If damage occurs, it would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding
correct product usage, necessary
safety precautions, and
appropriate disposal of any
vehicle care product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure
washes closer than 30 cm (12 in)
to the surface of the vehicle. Use
of power washers exceeding
8,274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result
in damage or removal of paint
and decals.
This symbol
eis on any
underhood compartment electrical
center that should not be power
washed. This could cause damage
that would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. If using an automatic car wash,
comply with the car wash
instructions. The windshield wiper
and rear window wiper, if equipped,
must be off. Remove any
accessories that may be damaged
or interfere with the car wash
equipment.
Rinse the vehicle well, before
washing and after, to remove all
cleaning agents completely. If they
are allowed to dry on the surface,
they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and water
spotting.
Finish Care
Application of aftermarket clearcoat
sealant/wax materials is not
recommended. If painted surfaces
are damaged, see your dealer to
have the damage assessed and
repaired. Foreign materials such as
calcium chloride and other salts, ice
melting agents, road oil and tar, tree
sap, bird droppings, chemicals from
industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage the vehicle's finish if they
Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9086448) -
2016 - CRC - 5/20/15
Index 365
IndexA
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . 220
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 246
Additional Information OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Agreements Trademarks and License . . . . . 179
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . 259
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
How Does an AirbagRestrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Passenger Sensing System . . . . 75
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Airbag System (cont'd)
When Should an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . 71
Airbags Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Passenger Status Indicator . . . .118
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Alert Lane Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . 233
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Antenna
Backglass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . 213
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319