Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12146115) -
2019 - crc - 8/27/18
216 Driving and Operating
3. Drive slowly until the trailer isclear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when used to tow trailers. See
Maintenance Schedule 0301. It is
especially important to check the
automatic transmission fluid, engine
oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling
system, and brake system before
and during each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and
bolts on the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling when Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. See Engine Overheating
0 237.
Trailer Towing
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can
damage the vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. To tow a trailer
correctly, follow the directions in
this section and see your dealer
for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing capacity
for your vehicle.
Safe trailering requires monitoring
the weight, speed, altitude, road
grades, outside temperature,
dimensions of the front of the trailer,
and how frequently the vehicle is
used to tow a trailer. Before towing a trailer, always
separately weigh:
.
fully loaded vehicle and trailer
combination
. the trailer
. the trailer tongue
{Warning
You and others could be seriously
injured or killed if the trailer is too
heavy or the trailer brakes are
inadequate for the load. The
vehicle may be damaged, and the
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Only tow a trailer if all the steps in
this section have been followed.
Ask your dealer for advice and
information about towing a trailer.
Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR)
For information about the vehicle's
maximum load capacity, see Vehicle
Load Limits 0168. When calculating
the GVWR with a trailer attached,
Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12146115) -
2019 - crc - 8/27/18
Driving and Operating 217
the trailer tongue weight must be
included as part of the weight the
vehicle is carrying.
Maximum Trailer Weight
The trailer should never weigh more
than 454 kg (1,000 lb). The
maximum allowable weight of the
trailer may be lower based on the
weight of the passengers and cargo
in your trailer.
Trailer Load Balance
The correct trailer load balance
must be maintained to ensure trailer
stability. Incorrect load balance is a
leading cause of trailer sway.The trailer tongue weight (1) should
be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight (2). Some specific trailer
types, such as boat trailers, fall
outside of this range. Always refer
to the trailer owner’s manual for the
recommended trailer tongue weight
for each trailer. Never exceed the
maximum loads for your vehicle,
hitch and trailer.
After loading the trailer, separately
weigh the trailer and then the trailer
tongue to see if the weights are
appropriate for your vehicle. If the
trailer weight is too high, it may be
possible to transfer some of the
cargo into your vehicle. If the trailer tongue weight is too high or too low,
it may be possible to rearrange
some of the cargo inside of the
trailer.
Do not exceed the maximum
allowable tongue weight for your
vehicle. Use the shortest hitch
extension available to position the
hitch ball closer to your vehicle. This
will help reduce the effect of the
trailer tongue weight on the trailer
hitch and the rear axle.
If a cargo carrier is used in the
trailer hitch receiver, choose a
carrier that positions the load as
close to the vehicle as possible.
Make sure the total weight,
including the carrier, is no more than
half of the maximum allowable
tongue weight for the vehicle or
227 kg (500 lb), whichever is less.
Ask your dealer for trailering
information or assistance.
Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12146115) -
2019 - crc - 8/27/18
218 Driving and Operating
Towing Equipment
Hitches
Always use the correct hitch
equipment for your vehicle.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by,
and rough roads can affect the
trailer and the hitch.
Never attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches. Only use
frame-mounted hitches that do not
attach to the bumper.
Always seal any holes in your
vehicle if the trailer hitch removed.
If not sealed, dirt, water, and carbon
monoxide (CO) from the exhaust
may enter your vehicle. SeeEngine
Exhaust 0179.
Consider using mechanical sway
controls with any trailer. Ask a
trailering professional about sway
controls or refer to the trailer
manufacturer's recommendations
and instructions.
Tires
. Do not tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire on the
vehicle.
. Tires must be properly inflated to
support loads while towing a
trailer. See Tires0256 for
instructions on proper tire
inflation.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the
vehicle and the trailer, and attach
the chains to the holes on the trailer
hitch platform. Instructions about
safety chains may be provided by
the hitch manufacturer or by the
trailer manufacturer.
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. Always leave just enough
slack so the combination can turn.
Never allow safety chains to drag on
the ground.
Trailer Brakes
State or local regulations may
require trailers to have their own
braking system if the loaded weight
of the trailer exceeds certain
minimums that can vary from state
to state. Read and follow the
instructions for the trailer brakes so
they are installed, adjusted, and
maintained properly. Never attempt
to tap into your vehicle's hydraulic
brake system. If you do, both the
vehicle anti-lock brakes and the
trailer brakes may not function,
which could result in a crash.
Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
When properly connected, the trailer
turn signals should will illuminate to
indicate the vehicle is turning,
changing lanes, or stopping. When
towing a trailer, the arrows on the
instrument cluster will illuminate
even if the trailer is not properly
connected or the bulbs are
burned out.
Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12146115) -
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Driving and Operating 219
Trailer Tires
Special Trailer (ST) tires differ from
vehicle tires. Trailer tires are
designed with stiff sidewalls to help
prevent sway and to support heavy
loads. These features can make it
difficult to determine if the trailer tire
pressures are low only based on a
visual inspection.
Always check all trailer tire
pressures before each trip when the
tires are cool. Low trailer tire
pressure is a leading cause of trailer
tire blow-outs.
Trailer tires deteriorate over time.
The trailer tire sidewall will show the
week and year the tire was
manufactured. Many trailer tire
manufacturers recommend
replacing tires more than six
years old.Overloading is another leading
cause of trailer tire blow-outs. Never
load your trailer with more weight
than the tires are designed to
support. The load rating is located
on the trailer tire sidewall.
Always know the maximum speed
rating for the trailer tires before
driving. This may be significantly
lower than the vehicle tire speed
rating. The speed rating may be on
the trailer tire sidewall. If the speed
rating is not shown, the default
trailer tire speed rating is 105 km/h
(65 mph).
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) 0122. 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-12146115) -
2019 - crc - 8/27/18
238 Vehicle Care
SeeOverheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode 0238 for
information on driving to a safe
place in an emergency.
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
0 238.
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
Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12146115) -
2019 - crc - 8/27/18
288 Vehicle Care
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:
.Before towing the vehicle,
become familiar with the local
laws that apply to recreational
vehicle towing. These laws may
vary by region.
. 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.
Dinghy Towing
Caution
If the vehicle is towed with all four
wheels on the ground, the
drivetrain components could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not tow the vehicle
with all four wheels on the
ground.
Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12146115) -
2019 - crc - 8/27/18
300 Service and Maintenance
The Tire Rotation and Required
Services are the responsibility of the
vehicle owner. It is recommended to
have your dealer perform these
services every 12 000 km/7,500 mi.
Proper vehicle maintenance helps to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition, improves fuel economy,
and reduces vehicle emissions.
Because of the way people use
vehicles, maintenance needs vary.
There may need to be more
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
0 168.
. Are driven on reasonable road
surfaces within legal driving
limits.
. Use the recommended fuel. See
Recommended Fuel 0208. 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 0223.
Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12146115) -
2019 - crc - 8/27/18
350 Index
Storage Areas (cont'd)Center Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Umbrella . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . . 102
Struts Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
System Forward CollisionAlert (FCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151, 328
Systems Driver Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
T
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
TaillampsBulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . 318
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . 42 Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
All-Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Low Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264, 266
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Pressure Monitor Operation . . 267
Pressure Monitor System . . . . . 266
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Terminology and Definitions . . 262
Uniform Tire QualityGrading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 276
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208 Towing
Driving Characteristics . . . . . . . . 212
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 212
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 287
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Traction Control System(TCS)/StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . 126
Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Transmission
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Transportation Program, Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Turn Signal
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 248