2016 CHEVROLET IMPALA transmission

Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9086448) -
2016 - CRC - 5/20/15
Driving and Operating 213
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.Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has ABS, an advanced
electronic braking system that helps
prevent a braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to drive
away, ABS checks itself.
A momentary motor or clicking noise
might be heard while this test is
going on, and it might even be
noticed that the brake pedal moves
a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
0 123.
If driving safely on a wet road and it
becomes necessary to slam on the
brakes and continue braking to

Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9086448) -
2016 - CRC - 5/20/15
220 Driving and Operating
vehicle will slow down to the
previous set cruise speed. While
pressing the accelerator pedal or
shortly following the release to
override cruise control, briefly
pressing the SET−button will result
in cruise control set to the current
vehicle speed.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control works
on hills depends upon the vehicle
speed, the load, and the steepness
of the hills. When going up steep
hills, you might have to step on the
accelerator pedal to maintain your
speed. When going downhill, you
might have to brake or shift to a
lower gear to keep your speed
down. If the brake pedal is applied,
the cruise control will disengage.
Ending Cruise Control
There are four ways to end cruise
control:
. To disengage cruise control,
step lightly on the brake pedal.
. Press
*. .
Shift the transmission to
N (Neutral).
. To turn off the cruise control,
press
5.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is
erased from memory if
5is pressed
or the ignition is turned off.
Adaptive Cruise Control
If equipped, Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC) allows the driver to select the
cruise control set speed and
following gap. Read this entire
section before using this system.
The following gap is the following
time between your vehicle and a
vehicle detected directly ahead in
your path moving in the same
direction. If no vehicle is detected in
your path, ACC works like regular
cruise control. ACC uses a radar
sensor. See Radio Frequency
Statement 0351.
If a vehicle is detected in your path,
ACC can apply acceleration or
limited, moderate braking to maintain the selected following gap.
To disengage ACC, apply the brake.
If ACC is controlling your vehicle
speed when the Traction Control
System (TCS) or StabiliTrak
®
System activates, the ACC may
automatically disengage. When road
conditions allow ACC to be safely
used, the ACC can be turned back
on. If TCS or StabiliTrak have been
disabled, the ACC will not engage.
See
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0216.
{Warning
ACC has limited braking ability
and may not have time to slow
the vehicle down enough to avoid
a collision with another vehicle
you are following. This can occur
when vehicles suddenly slow or
stop ahead, or enter your lane.
Also see “Alerting the Driver” in
this section. Complete attention is
always required while driving and
you should be ready to take
action and apply the brakes. See
Defensive Driving 0192.

Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9086448) -
2016 - CRC - 5/20/15
242 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. Read
the entire section before towing a
trailer.
For towing a disabled vehicle, see
Towing the Vehicle0313. For
towing the vehicle behind another
vehicle such as a motor home, see
Recreational Vehicle Towing 0313.
Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips
Driving with a Trailer
When towing a trailer:
.
Become familiar with the state
and local laws that apply 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) of trailer towing, do not
drive over 80 km/h (50 mph) and
do not make starts at full throttle.
. Vehicles can tow in D (Drive).
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear if the transmission shifts
too often under heavy loads and/
or hilly conditions.
. Do not use Adaptive Cruise
Control when towing.
. The Front Automatic Braking
System should be set to Off
when towing. See Front
Automatic Braking (FAB) System
0 23.
. Turn off Park Assist when
towing.
{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 0210.
Towing a trailer requires a certain
amount of experience. The
combination you are driving is
longer and not as responsive as the

Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9086448) -
2016 - CRC - 5/20/15
Driving and Operating 243
vehicle itself. Get acquainted with
the handling and braking of the rig
before setting out for the open road.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch
parts and attachments, safety
chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
tires, and mirrors. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the
combination moving and then apply
the trailer brake controller by hand
to be sure the brakes work.
During the trip, check occasionally
to be sure that the load is secure
and the lamps and any trailer
brakes still work.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can help to avoid heavy
braking and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed
when towing a trailer. The
combination will not accelerate as
quickly and is longer so it isnecessary to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before
returning to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering
wheel with one hand. To move the
trailer to the left, move that hand to
the left. To move the trailer to the
right, move your hand to the right.
Always back up slowly and,
if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making Turns
Caution
Making very sharp turns while
trailering could cause the trailer to
come in contact with the vehicle.
The vehicle could be damaged.
Avoid making very sharp turns
while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal. Do this so
the trailer will not strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees, or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
If the trailer turn signal bulbs burn
out, the arrows on the instrument
cluster will still flash for turns. It is
important to check occasionally to
be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear
before starting down a long or
steep downgrade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes might get hot and no longer
work well.
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift
the transmission to a lower gear if
the transmission shifts too often
under heavy loads and/or hilly
conditions.
When towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, consider the
following: Engine coolant will boil at
a lower temperature than at normal
altitudes. If the engine is turned off
immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, 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
248 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 249
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 249
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 257
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 259
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 264
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267 Battery - North America . . . . . . 268
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 269
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 270
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 270
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 275
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276 Electrical System Overload . . . 276
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 285
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Tire Pressure for High-Speed
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299

Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9086448) -
2016 - CRC - 5/20/15
Vehicle Care 253
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0259.
2. Engine Cover.
3. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil 0255.
4. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil 0255.
5. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 260.
6. Transmission Fluid Cap. See Automatic Transmission Fluid
0258.
7. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0267.
8. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant 0261.
9. Battery (Under Cover). See Battery - North America 0268.
10. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 265.
11. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0277.

Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9086448) -
2016 - CRC - 5/20/15
Vehicle Care 255
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0259.
2. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil 0255.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil 0255.
4. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 260.
5. Engine Cover.
6. Transmission Fluid Cap and Dipstick (Out of View). See
Automatic Transmission Fluid
0258.
7. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0267.
8. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant 0261.
9. Battery (Under Cover). See Battery - North America 0268.
10. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 265.
11. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0277.Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.
Always use engine oil approved
to the proper specification and of
the proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
. Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
. Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System 0257.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine
oil level at each fuel fill. In order to
get an accurate reading, the vehicle must be on level ground. The
engine oil dipstick handle is a loop.
See
Engine Compartment Overview
0 252 for the location of the engine
oil dipstick.
Obtaining an accurate oil level
reading is essential:
1. If the engine has been running recently, turn off the engine and
allow several minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
Checking the oil level too soon
after engine shutoff will not
provide an accurate oil level
reading.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.
2. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all
the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and
check the level.