Chevrolet Impala 1969 User manual

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GM
'JiM''''e',..",,'
This is the General Motors mark of excellence that appears on all Chevrolet motor vehicles.
We use it in the same spirit with which craftsmen. through the centuries. have used a personal mark
to identify the products of their skills: We are proud of the things we make. and we want our customers
to be able to identify them easily and to know that we stand behind them.
Whenever you see this mark of excellence. you can be certain that it represents our very finest in design
and engineering ... that it has been built with care and dedication ... and that it offers all the quality.
reliability. safety and value that you have come to expect from Chevrolet.
Your new 1969 Chevrolet meets or exceeds all applicable U. S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Effectiveness of these safety features can best be continued through regular vehicle inspection and
maintenance.
IMPORTANT: For maximum performance and economy keep your
GM car or truck all GM. Specify General Motors parts identified
by one of these trademarks. I liM IQ.I eI
Chevrolet Motor Division
General Motors Corporation
Detroit. Michigan 48202

/I~,e;(~~V
2.1 -t,t-/J1D £j
1969 CHEVROLET OWNER'S MANUAL
OPERATION & MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Operating Instructions ............................. 6
Instruments ....................................... 12
Controls ........................................... 15
Other Features .................................... 32
Station Wagon .................................... 39
Convertible ....................................... 44
Cleaning Your Chevrolet ........................... 45
Guardian Maintenance for Owner Protection ......... 47
Owner's Responsibilities .............. : ......... .47
Maintenance and Lubrication .................... 52
Minor Trouble Shooting ............................ 66
Specifications ...................................... 70
Index ............................................. 73
All information contained in this booklet is the latest prod.
uct information available at the time of printing. The right
is reserved to make changes at any time without notice.
CHEVROLET MOTOR DIVISION • GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48202
©General Motors Corporation 1968
SECON DEDITION
DECEMBER, 196B
IMPORTANT
SAFETY
AND
ANTI-THEFT
INFORMATION
TO HELP
YOU
ENJOY THE
MAXIMUM
IN
VEHICLE
SATISFACTION
Part No. 3955541

Highway Safety
depends on ...
1. You, the Driver
2. The Condition of Your Vehicle
3. The Traffic and Highway Conditions
••• BE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND ALL THREE!
REMEMBER Proper operation, periodic
maintenance and safety inspections help
provide
...
• Economical Operation of Your Vehicle
• Safety for You and Your Passengers
• Dependable Transportation
Observe All Traffic Laws-
\\!lake Safe Driving a Habit
2
SAFE DRIVER CHECK LIST
BRAKES
-Pedal travel
-Fluid level
LIGHTS
-Burned out/broken
-Head/amp aim
SIGNAL DEVICES
-Turn signals
-Hazard warning flasher
-Horn
TIRES
-Pressure (check at least
monthly)
-Cuts and bruises
-Uneven wear
-Remaining tread
SEAT BELTS
-Fastened
-Properly adjusted
GLASS AND MIRRORS
-Cracked, broken or missing
- Mirror adjustment
STEERING ' CONTROL
-Excessive play in wheel
-Excessive vibration
- Bent wheels
EXHAUST SYSTEM
-Missing or damaged parts
-Leaks, attachments
PERSONAL CONDITION
-Physical
-Mental
DRIVING CONDITIONS
-Weather
-Road
- Traffic
SURROUNDINGS
-Before driving away
-While driving
CAR ADJUSTMENTS
-Seat
-Mirrors
-Ventilation
-Steering Wheel
-Head Restraints
VISION
- Wipers and washers
-Wiper blades
-Washer fluid
- Defroster-defogger
-Windows
SECURITY
-Doors-closed and locked
-No loose packages or cargo
PASSENGERS
- Properly belted
-Properly seated

O 't -
-t th ftI An unlocked car with the key still in the
on Invi e car e. ignition is an open invitation to theft.
REMEMBER! LOCK the ignition, LOCK all
doors, TAKE the key-ALWAYS!
Anti-Theft Ignition, Steering and Transmission lock
Your 1969 Chevrolet product has the latest advancement in theft protection-the new
Anti- Theft Ignition, Steering and Transmission Lock. This new system locks the steering
and transmission systems at the same time
it locks the engine ignition. It will greatly reduce
the hazard
of theft, if you use it properly.
When leaving
your car
unattended,
• Set parking brake on manual transmission cars
• Place automatic transmission selector in Park
(Reverse for manual transmission)
• Turn key to LOCK position
• Remove key
• Lock all doors
The ignition key warning buzzer warns you if you have left the key in the Anti-Theft
Ignition, Steering and Transmission Lock when the driver's door is opened. Heed its warning
-remove the key and lockthe doors. The visible vehicle identification number on the instru-
ment panel aids in apprehension
of thieves and recovery of stolen vehicles. Help it work;
make sure it is not obscured by gloves, maps or other objects.
3

A WORD FROM CHEVROLET ...
This Owner's Manual contains important information regarding the operation
and maintenance of your Chevrolet.
In order to obtain maximum enjoyment and usage from your car, we suggest
that you familiarize yourself with the contents of this booklet and follow the
recommendations outlined.
Your Chevrolet dealer has the trained personnel and specialized equipment
to properly service your Chevrolet. Have him inspect your
car and perform
any maintenance
or adjustments required.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for choosing a Chevrolet
product-and assure you of our continuing interest in your motoring pleasure
and satisfaction.
4

"
,
YOUR CHEVROLET'S FIRST
FEW HUNDRED MILES OF DRIVING
Sound design and precision manu-
facturing methods will permit you to
operate your new Chevrolet from its
very first mile without adhering to a
formal "break-in" schedule . However,
during the first few hundred miles of
driving you can , by observing a few
simple
precautions, add to the future
performance and economy of your car.
It is recommended that your speed
Driving For
Economy
Proper maintenance and wise oper-
ation will combine to help you achieve
maximum fuel economy with your
Chevrolet. Your Authorized Chevrolet
during the first 500 miles be confined
to a maximum of 60 M.P.H., but do not
drive for extended periods at anyone
constant speed, either fast or slow.
During this period, avoid full throttle
starts and , if possible, abrupt stops.
Gentle braking during the first few
hundred miles of operation will result
in longer brake life and better future
performance. A void hard stops especi-
Dealer can properly tune and maintain
your car but wise operation is your
responsibility . Give the car sufficient
warm-up time, do not make full throt-
tle starts or unnecessary severe stops,
and drive at reasonable speeds and as
steadily as traffic permits to gain the
benefits of all the economy built into
your Chevrolet .
5
ally during the first 200 miles of opera-
tion since brake misuse during this
period will destroy much future brake
efficiency.
Always drive at moderate speed un-
til the engine has completely warmed
up.
If you plan to use your new Chev-
rolet for trailer hauling see additional
information on page 65.
CAUTION: Avoid inhaling exhaust gases
especially in an enclosed area such
as a
garage. Exhaust gases contain a percent-
age
of carbon monoxide which is a poten-
tlal/y lethal gas that, by itself, Is tasteless,
colorless,
and odorless. The exhaust sys-
tem should be inspected for propermount-
ing, leaks, and missing or damaged parts
each time the vehiCle is raised
for lubri-
cation or oil change service.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Anti-Theft Ignition, Steering
and Transmission Lock
The five position anti-theft lock is
located on the right side of the steer-
ing column. In "LOCK " position, the
steering and shift mechanisms are
automatically locked along with the
ignition system to provide added theft
protection for your car. The transmis-
sion selector lever must be in "PARK "
on automatic transmission models, or
reverse on standard transmission
models, before
the key can be turned
to the "LOCK " position. "ACCES-
SORY " position permits operation of
electrical accessories
when the engine
is not running . " OFF " position is pro -
vided so that the ignition can be
turned off without locking the steer-
ing column or transmission linkage.
The key can be inserted or withdrawn
only when the switch is in the
"LOCK" position.
CAUTION: In a parking situation, always
let go of the steering wheel BEFORE turn-
ing the ignition key to LOCK position.
Turning the wheels
to left or right with the
car stationary "winds up" the steering sys-
tem, which can result In a sharp "spring-
back" of the steering wheel when the lock
is released. As a further precaution, never
reach through the steering wheel
to oper-
ate controls, or for any other reason.
Starting the Engine
Place the selector lever of AUTO-
MATIC transmissions in P or N, P pre-
ferred. A starter safety switch is
designed to prevent starter operation
in any other position. On manual
transmission cars , depress the clutch
pedal to the floor. A new starter safety
switch incorporated into these cars is
designed to
prevent starter operation
unless the pedal is fully depressed.
6
Select the proper gear range before
releasing the clutch pedal.
• Engine Cold - Depress accelerator
pedal to floor and release. This sets
automatic choke.
• Engine Hot-Hold accelerator pedal
part way down while starting.
• During Extremely Cold Weather
(O°F. and below) - Depress accel-
erator pedal to floor three times (3)
and RELEASE.
Turn ignition switch to START and
release as soon as engine starts . When
engine is running smoothly, tap ac-
celerator pedal to reduce engine idle
speed .
• Engine Flooded - Depress acceler-
ator pedal and hold to floor while
starting until engine is cleared of
excess fuel
and is running smoothly.
Never "pump" the accelerator pedal.
Warm-up
Always let the engine idle for 20 to
30 seconds after starting and drive at
moderate speeds for several miles, es-
pecially during cold weather .

Driving with the Chevrolet Manual Transmissions
The 3-speed manual transmission shift
positions follow the standard pat-
tern shown. The 4-speed transmission
shift pattern diagram is located on
knob or the floor plate. Depress the
clutch pedal fully before shifting to a
different gear, then release the pedal
to move in that gear.
Shift into Reverse gear only after
the car has stopped. Always depress
and release the clutch pedal fully
when shifting. Four speed transmis-
sion shift linkage may be adjusted to
allow
"short stroke" shift lever oper-
ation. See your Chevrolet Dealer.
NOTE: Use second gear at slow speeds
(less than 30 mph) when driving
in stop-
and-go traffic, for improved vehicle per-
formance during acceleration and when
descending steep hills.
7

Drivi'ng with the Chevrolet Automatic Transmissions
The Powerglide, Turbo Hydra-Matic-
350 and 400 are completely automatic
transmissions which replace the
standard clutch and transmission.
After starting the engine with the
selector lever in N (Neutral) or P
(Park) position, select the range de-
sired (see tables below) and depress
the accelerator. A gradual start with
a steady increase in accelerator pres-
sure will result in best possible fuel
economy. Rapid acceleration for fast
starts will result in greater fuel con-
sU",lption.
Automatic transmission shift quad-
rants of all GM cars continue the uni-
form sequence of selector positions.
This particularly benefits multicar
families and those who occasionally
drive other cars. Shift indicators are
arranged with "Park" position at one
end, followed
in sequence by "Re-
verse", Neutral" and the forward driv-
ing ranges. All automatic transmissions
are equipped with a starter safety
switch designed to permit starting the
engine only when the transmission se-
lector is in the "Park" or "Neutral"
position. For additional engine braking
effect, as sometimes needed in moun-
tainous driving, place the transmission
in an intermediate or low range.
CAUTION: When parking or leaving the
car unattended, even for a few minutes,
place the selector lever in
"Park" position
and remove the ignition key.
POWERGLIDE
P-PARK
R-REVERSE
N-NEUTRAL
D-DRIVE
L-LOW
8
Use only when car is stopped.
For backing car-from stop.
For standing (Brakes Applied).
For forward driving.
Depress accelerator to floor for extra acceleration at speeds
(depending on engine, axle and tire combinations) as high
as 40 to 60 mph.
For hard pulling through sand, snow or mUd, and for
climbing or descending steep grades.
Do not shift to Labove 40 mph.

Column Shift Lever
The heavy line in the illustrations
indicates the movement of the shift
lever as it is lifted to shift into Reverse
or Low · (Low 2 on the Turbo Hydra-
Matic 350 and 400) and into or out of
Park position.
Floor Console Shift Lever
The floor console shift lever may be
moved freely between Neutral and
Drive and (on the Turbo Hydra-
Matic 350 and 400) between 1 and 2.
Squeeze shift lever button under
handle as you shift into Reverse or
Low (2 on Turbo Hydra-Matic 350 and
400. Squeeze the button under the
handle fully when shifting into or out
of the Park position. Exercise care
when squeezing button to prevent un-
intentional shifts to Park , Low (or 2)
or Reverse.
Console
3
2
1
9
TURBO HYDRA-MATIC 350 AND 400
P-PARK
. R-REVERSE
N-NEUTRAL
L.-LOW.
Use only when car is stopped .
For backing car-from stop.
For standing (Brakes Applied).
For forward driving.
Depress accelerator to floor for extra
acceleration below 65 mph; depress
accelerator half-way at speeds below
30
mph.
For driving in heavy traffic or on hilly
terrain. Shift into 2 or L2 at any
vehicle speed.
For hard pulling through sand, snow
or mud, and for climbing or de-
scend ing steep grades.

Transmission Operating Tips
Good Driving Practice
Before descending a steep or long
grade,
down a mountain or hillside,
reduce speed and shift into a lower
gear. Use the brakes sparingly to pre-
vent them from overheating and thus
reducing brake effectiveness.
Holding Car on an Upgrade
When stopped on an upgrade, main-
tain your position by applying the
brakes. Never hold the car in place by
accelerating engine with transmission
in gear. This could cause damage by
overheating the transmission (auto-
matic) or clutch (manual) .
"Rocking" Car
If it becomes necessary to rock the
car to free it from sand, mud or snow,
move the selector lever from "D" to
"R" (automatic transmission) or the
shift lever from forward to reverse
(manual transmission) in a repeat pat-
tern while simultaneously applying
moderate pressure to the accelerator.
Do not race engine. Avoid spinning
wheels when trying to free the car.
Parking Your Car
Always engage the parking brake
on manual transmissions , and place
the automatic transmission selector
lever in "Park" position when leaving
your car unattended. Also, with auto-
matic transmissions, never park for
prolonged periods with engine idling
and transmission in gear, especially if
your car is equipped with air condi-
tioning. This practice is detrimental to
the transmission, due to overheating.
Towing-(With Ignition
Key Available)
Normally your Chevrolet may be
towed with all four wheels on the
ground for distances up to 50 miles
at speeds of less than 35 mph. How-
ever, t):le drive wheels (rear wheels),
must be raised off the ground or the
driveshaft disconnected when the
transmission is not operating properly
or when a speed of 35 mph or distance
of
50 miles will be exceeded.
CAUTION: For towing, the transmission should be In neutral and the engine Ignition should be "olf", but the Anti-Theft Ignition Steering
and Transmission
Lock should not be in the "lock" position.
10

CAUTION: If car Is towed on its front wheels only, the steerIng wheel must be secured with the wheels In a straight ahead position.
Towing-(Without Ignition
Key)
Since the Anti- Theft Ign~tion Steer-
ing and Transmission Lock locks the
steering and shift mechanism as well
as the ignition system, special pro-
visions ate necessary for towing a
vehicle
when the switch is in "lock"
position. Normally it will be neces-
sary to place a dolly under the rear
wheels and tow the vehicle with the
front end raised . Detailed towing in-
formation is available at your dealer
and has been provided to tow truck
operators responsible for movement
of disabled or locked vehicles. Proper
lifting and towing equipment is neces-
sary to prevent damage to the vehicle
during the towing operation.
Emergency Starting
If your Chevrolet is equipped with
a manual 3-speed or 4-speed trans-
mission, it can be started in an emer-
gency by pushing. When being pushed
to start the engine, turn oj] all un-
necessary electrical loads, turn igni-
tion to "ON", depress the clutch
pedal and place the shift lever in
high gear. Release the clutch pedal
when the car speed reaches 10 to 15
miles per hour. Bumpers · and other
11
parts contacted by the pushing ve-
hicle should be protected from dam-
age during pushing. Never tow the
car to start.
Engines in vehicles with automatic
transmissions cannot be started by
pushing the car. To start the car when
the Energizer is discharged, use an
auxiliary battery or Energizer with
jumper cables. Be sure to observe
correct polarity (positive terminal to
positive
terminal and negative ter-
minal to negative terminal) when con-
necting the auxiliary battery to pre-
vent possible damage to the electrical
system .

INSTRUMENTS
The instruments, gauges and indi-
cator lights conveniently grouped in
the instrument cluster are designed to
tell you at a glance many important
things about the performance of your
car . The information on this and the
following two pages will enable you
to more quickly understand and prop-
erly interpret these instruments.
GOOD DRIVING PRACTICE: A
good
driver familiarizes himself with
the controls of any automobile BE-
FORE operating it.
Fuel Gauge
This electrically operated gauge
registers correctly when the ignition
switch is in the "on" position. When
the ignition switch is turned "off," the
needle will not necessarily return to
the empty mark but may stop at any
point on the dial.
12

EngiAe,1emperature
Indicator Light
This indicator light is provided in
the instrument cluster to quickly warn
of an overheated engine. With the ig-
nition switch in the START position,
the red (HOT) indicator will light to
let you know that it is operating
properly.
When the engine is started, the red
light will go out immediately. It will
light up at no other time unless for
some reason the engine reaches a
dangerously high operating tempera-
ture. If the red light should come on,
the engine must be stopped until the
cause of the overheating is corrected.
Check this light frequently as you
drive.
Generator Indicator Light
This light provides a quick check on
the generating system of your Chevro-
let. The red light will be on when the
ignition key is in the "on" position, but
before the engine is started. After the
engine starts, the light should go out
and remain out. If the light remains on
when engine is running, have your
Authorized Chevrolet Dealer locate
and correct the trouble as soon as
possible.
Oil Pressure Indicator Light
This light will be on when the ig-
nition switch is turned on and should
go out after the engine is started. Oc-
casionally the light may be seen to
flicker momentarily, but this will do
13
no harm. However, if the light remains
on during normal driving speeds, the
engine should be stopped until the
cause of the trouble can be located
and corrected. Driving the car with
low oil pressure can cause serious en-
gine damage.
Brake System Warning Light
This dual purpose indicater light
operates as follows: With parking
brake applied the red light will light
when the ignition switch is turned on.
As a dqal service brake system warn-
ing, the red light will come on when
the brake pedal is depressed if low
pressure has developed in either the
front or rear brake system. Have your
Authorized Chevrolet Dealer locate
and correct the trouble immediately.

Headlight Beam
Indicator Light
The headlights of your Chevrolet
have high and low beams to provide
you with proper night-time visibility
during all driving conditions. The
"low" beams are used during most city
driving. The "high" beams are especi-
ally useful when driving on dark roads
since they provide excellent long
range illumination. The headlight
beam indicator will be on whenever
the high beams or "brights" are in use.
The Headlight Beam Switch controls
the headlight beams (see Page 16).
Optional Warning Lights
Low Fuel
The low fuel indicator light will light
and illuminate the word "Fuel" when
the fuel gauge registers just above
the empty mark (approximately three
gallons in tank). Occasional flicking of
the light when stopping and starting
the car is normal. A steady glow in-
dicates low fuel.
14
Check Doors
This indicator light will glow when
the ignition switch is on and any door
of your car is not properly closed. Be
sure all doors are closed before driv-
ing your car.
Seat Belts
With the ignition switch on, this
light will glow as a reminder to fasten
your seat belt. The light will go out
after a few seconds of operation.

HEATER CONTROLS
(OPTIONAL AIR
CONDITIONING
CONTROLS)
ASTRO VENTILATION
LEFT OUTLET
GOOD DRIVING PRACTICE: A
good driver familiarizes himself with
the controls of any automobile BE-
FORE operating it.
Light Switch
The three position light switch con-
trols the headlights, taillights, parking
lights, side marker lights, instrument
lights and dome lights as
shown. The headlamp
circuit is protected by a
circuit breaker in the
light switch. An overload
on the breaker will cause
the lamps to "flicker" on
and off. If this condition
develops, have your
headlamp wiring checked
immediately.
15
CONTROLS
OPTIONAL
CLOCK
TURN KNOB TO
PARKING LAMPS
MARKER
VARY INSTRUMENT LIGHTS
FULLY COUNTER CLOCKWISE
FOR DOME LIGHTS
LIGHTS

Good Driving Practice: A good driver
turns on his headlamps at early dusk,
and during bad weather to help other
drivers see his. car from a distance,
even though he himself may still be
·'able to see the roadway adequately.
Headlight Beam Switch
"High" and "low" headlight beams
are controlled by the floor button at
your left foot. The indicator, located
in the instrument cluster will light up
when the high beams are in use.
Good Driving Practice: Always use
the "low beam" when approaching or
following other cars.
Turn Signals and Lane
Change Feature
The turn signal lever is located on
the left side of the steering column
immediately under the steering wheel.
The lever is moved upward to signal
a
right turn and downward to signal
a
left turn. Lamps on the front and
rear of the car transmit this signal to
other motorists and pedestrians. The
ignition switch must be in the "ON"
position in order for the turn signals
to be operational. This feature pre-
vents battery drain if the lever is left
in an "ON" position when your car is
not in use.
In a normal turning situation such
as turning a corner, the turn signal
is canceled
automatically after the
turn is completed. However, in some
driving maneuvers such as changing
lanes on an expressway, the steering
wheel is not turned back sufficently
after completing the turn to automa-
tically cancel the turn signal. For
16
convenience in such maneuvers the
driver can flash the turn signals by
moving the turn signal lever part
way (to the first stop) and holding it
there. The lever returns to the neu-
tral or canceled position when the
driver releases his hold on the lever.
A
green light on the instrument
cluster flashes to indicate proper op-
eration of the front and rear turn
signal lamps. If the indicator lamp re-
mains on and does not flash, check for
a defective signal lamp bulb. If the
indicator fails to light when the lever
is moved, check the fuse and indicator
bulb.

Four-Way Hazard Warning
Flasher
In the event your car is disabled or
you stop for any reason on the high-
way, the four-way hazard warning
flasher system on your vehicle, front
and rear signal lamps, should be used
to warn other drivers that your ve-
CAUTION: Use of the hazard warning
flasher while the vehicle is moving is
prohibited In some states.
hicle is a traffic hazard. However, you
should do everything possible to
avoid stopping on the actual highway.
The hazard warning system is acti-
vated by pushing in on the button
located just below the steering wheel
on the right side of the stE:ering col-
umn. When the system is operating, the
NOTE: The hazard warning flasher will
operate with the ignition in the "Lock" po-
sition and the key removed, allowing the
car to be locked while help is sought.
17
turn signal indicators on the instru- .
ment cluster will flash simultaneously.
Use this system only when your
vehicle is stopped on or near the road-
way, or otherwise constitutes a traffic
hazard. The hazard warning flasher
may be canceled by pulling the button
outward.
CAUTION: If the brake pedal is de-
pressed when the hazard warning flasher
Is in operation, the lights will not flash
but will glow continuously Instead.