
Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9921197) -
2017 - crc - 3/30/16
Driving and Operating 245
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 0265.
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 0326.
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
Before pulling a trailer, three
important considerations have to do
with weight:
. Weight of the trailer.
. Weight of the trailer tongue.
. Total weight on your vehicle's
tires.
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?

Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9921197) -
2017 - crc - 3/30/16
246 Driving and Operating
It should never weigh more than
454 kg (1,000 lb). But even that can
be too heavy.
It depends on how the rig is used.
For example, speed, altitude, road
grades, outside temperature, and
how much the vehicle is used to pull
a trailer are all important. It can
depend on any special equipment
on the vehicle, and the amount of
tongue weight the vehicle can carry.
See“Weight of the Trailer Tongue”
following.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated
assuming the tow vehicle has the
driver, a front seat passenger, all the
required tow equipment, and it has
all the required trailering equipment.
The weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers, and cargo
in the tow vehicle must be
subtracted from the maximum trailer
weight.
Ask your dealer for trailering
information or advice, or write us at
our Customer Assistance Offices.
See Customer Assistance
Offices 0344.Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (1) of any trailer is
an important weight to measure
because it affects the total gross
weight of the vehicle. The Gross
Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the
curb weight of the vehicle, any
cargo carried in it, and the people
who will be riding in the vehicle.
If there are a lot of options,
equipment, passengers, or cargo in
the vehicle, it will reduce the tongue
weight the vehicle can carry, which
will also reduce the trailer weight the
vehicle can tow. If towing a trailer,
the tongue load must be added to
the GVW because the vehicle will
be carrying that weight, too. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0199.
The trailer tongue (1) should weigh
10 % of the total loaded trailer
weight (2).
After loading the trailer, weigh the
trailer and then the tongue,
separately, to see if the weights are
proper. If they are not, adjustments
might be made by moving some
items around in the trailer.
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's
Tires
Be sure the vehicle's tires are
inflated to the upper limit for cold
tires. These numbers can be found

Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9921197) -
2017 - crc - 3/30/16
Driving and Operating 247
on the Tire and Loading Information
label. SeeVehicle Load Limits
0 199. Make sure not to go over the
GVW limit for the vehicle, including
the weight of the trailer tongue.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
Use the correct hitch equipment.
See your dealer or a hitch dealer for
assistance.
. The rear bumper on the vehicle
is not intended for hitches. Do
not attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches to it. Use
only a frame-mounted hitch that
does not attach to the bumper.
. Will any holes be made in the
body of the vehicle when the
trailer hitch is installed? If so,
seal the holes when the hitch is
removed. If the holes are not
sealed, dirt, water, and deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) from the
exhaust can get into the vehicle.
See Engine Exhaust 0211.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the
vehicle and the trailer. Cross the
safety chains under the tongue of
the trailer to help prevent the tongue
from contacting the road if it
becomes separated from the hitch.
Leave enough slack so the rig can
turn. Never allow safety chains to
drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Does the trailer have its own
brakes? Be sure to read and follow
the instructions for the trailer brakes
so they are installed, adjusted, and
maintained properly.
Because the vehicle has antilock
brakes, do not tap into the vehicle's
brake system. If this is done, both
brake systems will not work well or
at all.
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is
used for vehicle service and
Emission Inspection/Maintenance
testing. See Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine Light)
0 120. A device connected to the
DLC —such as an aftermarket
fleet or driver-behavior tracking
device —may interfere with
vehicle systems. This could affect
vehicle operation and cause a
crash. Such devices may also
access information stored in the
vehicle’s systems.

Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9921197) -
2017 - crc - 3/30/16
266 Vehicle Care
If No Steam Is Coming from
the Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is
displayed but no steam can be seen
or heard, the problem might not be
too serious. Sometimes the engine
can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
. Stops after high-speed driving.
. Idles for long periods in traffic.
. Tows a trailer.
If the overheat warning displays with
no sign of steam: 1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the
highest fan speed. Open the
windows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral), and let the
engine idle.
If the coolant temperature gauge is
no longer in the overheat zone, the
vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive the vehicle slowly for about
10 minutes. Keep a safe vehicle
distance from the vehicle in front.
If the warning does not come back
on, continue to drive normally and
have the cooling system checked
for proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle
right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the
engine for three minutes while
parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it
cools down. Also, see
Overheated
Engine Protection Operating
Mode 0266.
Overheated Engine
Protection
Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode
allows the vehicle to be driven to a
safe place in an emergency
situation. If an overheated engine
condition exists, an overheat
protection mode which alternates
firing groups of cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this
mode, there is significant loss in
power and engine performance.
The engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates if an overheat
condition exists. Driving extended
distances and/or towing a trailer in
the overheat protection mode
should be avoided.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid is
needed, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. If operating the vehicle in an
area where the temperature may fall
below freezing, use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against
freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid

Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9921197) -
2017 - crc - 3/30/16
314 Vehicle Care
Towing the Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly towing a disabled
vehicle may cause damage. The
damage would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Do not lash or hook to
suspension components. Use the
proper straps around the tires to
secure the vehicle.
Have the vehicle towed on a wheel
lift tow truck. A flatbed car carrier
could damage the vehicle. The
wheel lift tow truck must raise the
rear of the vehicle and wheel dollies
must be used to lift the front wheels
off the ground.
Consult your dealer or a
professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be towed.
Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means
towing the vehicle behind another
vehicle –such as behind a motor
home. The two most common types
of recreational vehicle towing are
known as dinghy towing and dolly
towing. Dinghy towing is towing the
vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground. Dolly towing is towing the
vehicle with two wheels on the
ground and two wheels up on a
device known as a dolly.
Here are some important things to
consider before recreational vehicle
towing:
. What is the towing capacity of
the towing vehicle? Be sure to
read the tow vehicle
manufacturer's
recommendations.
. How far will the vehicle be
towed? Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how
long they can tow. .
Does the vehicle have the
proper towing equipment? See
your dealer or trailering
professional for additional advice
and equipment
recommendations.
. Is the vehicle ready to be
towed? Just as preparing the
vehicle for a long trip, make sure
the vehicle is prepared to be
towed.
Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front
of the vehicle grille could restrict
airflow and cause damage to the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If using a shield, only
use one that attaches to the
towing vehicle.

Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9921197) -
2017 - crc - 3/30/16
326 Service and Maintenance
frequent checks and services. The
Additional Required Services -
Normal are for vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargo
within recommended limits on
the Tire and Loading Information
label. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0199.
. Are driven on reasonable road
surfaces within legal driving
limits.
. Use the recommended fuel. See
Fuel 0238.
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Normal chart.
The Additional Required Services -
Severe are for vehicles that are:
. Mainly driven in heavy city traffic
in hot weather.
. Mainly driven in hilly or
mountainous terrain.
. Frequently towing a trailer.
. Used for high speed or
competitive driving. .
Used for taxi, police, or delivery
service.
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Severe chart.
{Warning
Performing maintenance work can
be dangerous and can cause
serious injury. Perform
maintenance work only if the
required information, proper tools,
and equipment are available.
If they are not, see your dealer to
have a trained technician do the
work. See Doing Your Own
Service Work 0251.
Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
For CNG equipped vehicles, also
see the maintenance schedule
section in the Impala Bi-Fuel
supplement.
At Each Fuel Stop
.
Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil 0256.
Once a Month
. Check the tire inflation
pressures. See Tire
Pressure 0291.
. Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection 0297.
. Check the windshield washer
fluid level. See Washer
Fluid 0266.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message displays, have the
engine oil and filter changed within
the next 1 000 km/600 mi. If driven

Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9921197) -
2017 - crc - 3/30/16
376 Index
T
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
TaillampsBulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . 345
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . 44, 45
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108, 109
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283 All-Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Low Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Pressure Monitor Operation . . 294
Pressure Monitor System . . . . . 293
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Terminology and Definitions . . 289 Tires (cont'd)
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 302
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Towing Driving Characteristics . . . . . . . . 243
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 243
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 314
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Track Events and Competitive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
®Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Trademarks and License Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245 Transmission
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Transportation Program, Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Turn Signal
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
U
Umbrella Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . 300
Universal Remote System . . . . . . 146Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Updates Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
USB Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Using This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
V
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Canadian Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193