Chevrolet Impala 2010 User manual

In Brief ........................................................... 1-1
Instrument Panel ........................................ 1-2
Initial Drive Information ............................... 1-4
Vehicle Features ...................................... 1-15
Performance and Maintenance ................... 1-19
Seats and Restraint System ............................. 2-1
Head Restraints ......................................... 2-2
Front Seats ............................................... 2-4
Rear Seats .............................................. 2-10
Safety Belts ............................................. 2-12
Child Restraints ....................................... 2-32
Airbag System ......................................... 2-56
Restraint System Check ............................ 2-74
Features and Controls ..................................... 3-1
Keys ........................................................ 3-3
Doors and Locks ....................................... 3-9
Windows ................................................. 3-14
Theft-Deterrent Systems ............................ 3-16
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle ........... 3-19
Mirrors .................................................... 3-33
Universal Home Remote System ................ 3-35
Storage Areas ......................................... 3-42
Sunroof .................................................. 3-43
Instrument Panel ............................................. 4-1
Instrument Panel Overview .......................... 4-3
Climate Controls ...................................... 4-16
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators ........ 4-21
Driver Information Center (DIC) .................. 4-37
Audio System(s) ....................................... 4-57
Driving Your Vehicle ....................................... 5-1
Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle ....... 5-2
Towing ................................................... 5-26
Service and Appearance Care .......................... 6-1
Service ..................................................... 6-3
Fuel ......................................................... 6-5
Checking Things Under the Hood ............... 6-12
Headlamp Aiming ..................................... 6-43
Bulb Replacement .................................... 6-43
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement ......... 6-49
2010 Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual M

Tires ...................................................... 6-51
Appearance Care ..................................... 6-87
Vehicle Identification ................................. 6-95
Electrical System ...................................... 6-95
Capacities and Specifications ................... 6-100
Maintenance Schedule ..................................... 7-1
Maintenance Schedule ................................ 7-2
Customer Assistance Information .................... 8-1
Customer Assistance and Information ........... 8-2
Reporting Safety Defects ........................... 8-16
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy ........... 8-18
Index ................................................................ 1

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem,
CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET Emblem, the IMPALA
Emblem, and the name IMPALA are registered
trademarks of General Motors Corporation.
This manual describes features that may or may not be
on your specific vehicle either because they are options
that you did not purchase or due to changes subsequent
to the printing of this owner manual. Please refer to the
purchase documentation relating to your specific vehicle
to confirm each of the features found on your vehicle.
For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name
‘‘General Motors of Canada Limited’’ for Chevrolet Motor
Division wherever it appears in this manual.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for quick reference.
Canadian Owners
Propriétaires Canadiens
A French language copy of this manual can be obtained
from your dealer/retailer or from:
On peut obtenir un exemplaire de ce guide en français
auprès du concessionnaire ou à l’adresse suivante:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
1-800-551-4123
Numéro de poste 6438 de langue française
www.helminc.com
Index
To quickly locate information about the vehicle, use the
index in the back of the manual. It is an alphabetical
list of what is in the manual and the page number where
it can be found.
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 25896384 A First Printing
©
2009 General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
iii

Safety Warnings and Symbols
Warning Messages found on vehicle labels and in this
manual describe hazards and what to do to avoid
or reduce them.
Danger indicates a hazard with a high level of risk
which will result in serious injury or death.
Warning or Caution indicates a hazard that could result
in injury or death.
{WARNING:
These mean there is something that could hurt
you or other people.
Notice: This means there is something that could
result in property or vehicle damage. This would not
be covered by the vehicle’s warranty.
A circle with a slash
through it is a safety
symbol which means
“Do Not,” “Do not do this,”
or “Do not let this happen.”
Vehicle Symbols
The vehicle has components and labels that use
symbols instead of text. Symbols are shown along
with the text describing the operation or information
relating to a specific component, control, message,
gage, or indicator.
M:This symbol is shown when you need to see your
owner manual for additional instructions or information.
*:This symbol is shown when you need to see a
service manual for additional instructions or information.
iv

Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may be found on
the vehicle and what they mean. For more information
on the symbol, refer to the index.
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel Controls or OnStar
®
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gage
+:Fuses
i:Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
F:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
v

✍NOTES
vi

Instrument Panel ..............................................1-2
Initial Drive Information ....................................1-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System ................1-4
Remote Vehicle Start ......................................1-4
Door Locks ....................................................1-5
Trunk Release ...............................................1-5
Windows .......................................................1-6
Seat Adjustment .............................................1-6
Second Row Seats .........................................1-8
Head Restraint Adjustment ...............................1-8
Safety Belt ....................................................1-9
Sensing System for Passenger Airbag ...............1-9
Mirror Adjustment .........................................1-10
Steering Wheel Adjustment ............................1-11
Interior Lighting ............................................1-11
Exterior Lighting ...........................................1-12
Windshield Wiper/Washer ...............................1-13
Climate Controls ...........................................1-14
Vehicle Features .............................................1-15
Radio(s) ......................................................1-15
Satellite Radio ..............................................1-16
Portable Audio Devices ..................................1-16
Steering Wheel Controls ................................1-17
Bluetooth
®
...................................................1-17
Cruise Control ..............................................1-18
Power Outlets ..............................................1-18
Performance and Maintenance .........................1-19
Traction Control System (TCS) .......................1-19
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ....................1-19
Tire Pressure Monitor ....................................1-20
Engine Oil Life System ..................................1-20
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) ................................1-20
Driving for Better Fuel Economy .....................1-21
Roadside Assistance Program ........................1-21
OnStar
®
......................................................1-22
Section 1 In Brief
1-1

Instrument Panel
1-2

A. Outlet Adjustment on page 4-20.
B. Remote Trunk Release Button. See Trunk on
page 3-12.
C. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 4-4.
D. Instrument Panel Cluster on page 4-22.
E. Hazard Warning Flashers on page 4-3.
F. Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 4-37.
G. Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 4-25.
H. Audio System(s) on page 4-57.
I. Exterior Lamps on page 4-9.
J. Instrument Panel Brightness on page 4-11.
K. Traction Control System (TCS) on page 5-7
(If Equipped).
L. Tilt Wheel on page 4-3.
M. Cruise Control on page 4-6.
N. Hood Release on page 6-13.
O. Horn on page 4-3.
P. Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 4-84
(If Equipped).
Q. Ignition Positions on page 3-20.
R. Climate Control System on page 4-16.
S. Accessory Power Outlet(s) on page 4-15.
T. Center Console Shift Lever (If Equipped).
See Shifting Into Park on page 3-28.
U. Glove Box on page 3-42.
1-3

Initial Drive Information
This section provides a brief overview about some of
the important features that may or may not be on your
specific vehicle.
For more detailed information, refer to each of the
features which can be found later in this owner manual.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System
The RKE transmitter is used to remotely lock and
unlock the doors from up to 60 m (195 feet) away from
the vehicle.
Press Kto unlock the
driver door. Press again
within five seconds to
unlock all remaining doors.
Press Qto lock all doors.
Lock and unlock feedback can be personalized.
Press and hold Vfor approximately one second to
open the trunk.
Press Land release to locate the vehicle.
Press Land hold for more than two seconds to sound
the panic alarm.
Press Lagain to cancel the panic alarm.
See Keys on page 3-3 and Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation on page 3-4.
Remote Vehicle Start
With this feature the engine can be started from outside
of the vehicle.
Starting the Vehicle
1. Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle.
2. Press Q.
3. Immediately after completing Step 2, press and
hold /until the turn signal lamps flash.
When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps will turn
on and remain on as long as the engine is running.
The doors will be locked and the climate control system
may come on.
1-4

The engine will continue to run for 10 minutes. Repeat
the steps for a 10-minute time extension. Remote
start can be extended only once.
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start:
•Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle and press
and hold /until the parking lamps turn off.
•Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
•Turn the ignition switch out of LOCK/OFF position
and then back to LOCK/OFF.
See Remote Vehicle Start on page 3-7.
Door Locks
From outside the vehicle, use the key in the door or the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter to lock or
unlock the vehicle. From the inside, pull up or push
down on the manual door lock knobs.
See Door Locks on page 3-9.
Power Door Locks
Power door lock switches are located on the front doors
near the handle.
Q:Press the bottom of the switch to lock all doors.
K:Press the top of the switch to unlock all doors.
For more information, see:
•Power Door Locks on page 3-10.
•Delayed Locking on page 3-10.
Trunk Release
In addition to the trunk release button on the RKE
transmitter, there is a remote release Gbutton
located on the left side of the instrument panel.
For more information see Trunk on page 3-12.
1-5

Windows
On vehicles with power windows, the switches are on
the driver door armrest. Each passenger door has
a switch that controls only that window.
Press the front of the switch to the first position to open
the window. Pull the switch up to close it.
For more information, see Power Windows on
page 3-15.
Seat Adjustment
Manual Seats
1. Lift the bar under the seat to unlock the seat.
2. Slide the seat to the desired position and release
the bar.
Try to move the seat to be sure it is locked in place.
See Manual Seats on page 2-4.
1-6

Power Seats
Move the seat forward or rearward by moving the
control forward or rearward.
Raise or lower the front or rear of the seat cushion by
moving the front or rear of the control up or down.
See Power Seats on page 2-5.
Power Reclining Seatback
To raise or recline the seatback, tilt the top of the
control forward or rearward.
See Reclining Seatbacks on page 2-6.
1-7

Manual Lumbar
Increase or decrease the lumbar support by repeatedly
pushing down or pulling up on the lever.
See Manual Lumbar on page 2-5.
Second Row Seats
On vehicles with the Flip and Fold feature, the bottom
seat cushions can be flipped forward and the seatback
folded down to create an extended cargo area.
The vehicle also has an under seat storage area.
See Split Folding Rear Seat on page 2-10 for more
information.
Head Restraint Adjustment
Do not drive until the head restraints for all occupants
are installed and adjusted properly.
For more information see Head Restraints on page 2-2.
1-8

Safety Belt
Refer to the following sections for important information
on how to use safety belts properly.
•Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone on page 2-12.
•How to Wear Safety Belts Properly on page 2-17.
•Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 2-25.
•Lap Belt on page 2-30.
•Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)
on page 2-43.
Sensing System for Passenger
Airbag
The passenger sensing system will turn off the right
front passenger frontal airbag under certain conditions.
The driver airbags, seat-side impact airbags, and
roof-rail airbags are not affected by this.
The passenger airbag status indicator will be visible on
the instrument panel when the vehicle is started.
See Passenger Sensing System on page 2-66 for
important information.
United States Canada
1-9

Mirror Adjustment
Exterior Mirrors
Controls for the outside
power mirrors are located
on the driver door armrest.
Press the left or right side of the selector located
beneath the control pad to adjust the driver or passenger
mirror. Then press the control pad to move the mirror
to the desired direction.
Interior Mirror
Vehicles with a manual rearview mirror can be adjusted
by holding the mirror in the center to move it for a
clearer view behind the vehicle. Adjust the mirror to
avoid glare from the headlamps behind. Pull the lever,
located at the bottom of the mirror for nighttime use.
Return the lever to its original position for the day
position.
Vehicles with an automatic dimming rearview mirror will
automatically adjust to reduce the glare of lights from
behind the vehicle. See Automatic Dimming Rearview
Mirror on page 3-33.
1-10

Steering Wheel Adjustment
The tilt wheel lever is located on the left side of the
steering column.
To adjust the steering wheel:
1. Hold the wheel and pull the lever towards you.
2. Move the steering wheel up or down into a
comfortable position.
3. Release the lever to lock the steering wheel in
place.
See Tilt Wheel on page 4-3.
Interior Lighting
Dome Lamp
The center mounted dome lamp overhead comes on
when a door is opened. This lamp can also be turned on
by turning the instrument panel brightness control
clockwise.
Reading Lamps
The vehicle has reading lamps that also act as the
dome lamp. Press the button near each lamp to turn
them on and off.
Map Lamps
The vehicle has map lamps on the rearview mirror.
Push the button near each lamp to turn the map lamps
on and off.
For more information on interior lighting, see:
•Instrument Panel Brightness on page 4-11.
•Courtesy Lamps on page 4-11.
•Delayed Entry Lighting on page 4-12.
•Delayed Exit Lighting on page 4-13.
•Parade Dimming on page 4-13.
1-11

Exterior Lighting
The exterior lamps control is located on the instrument
panel to the left of the steering wheel.
P:Briefly turn to this position to manually turn the
automatic lamp control and Daytime Running Lamps
(DRL) off or on. For vehicles first sold in Canada, the
off position only works when the vehicle is shifted
into the P (Park) position.
AUTO: Automatic operation of the headlamps and
other exterior lamps at normal brightness.
;:Turns on the the parking lamps and other exterior
lamps.
2:Turns on the headlamps and other exterior lamps.
#(If Equipped): Turns on the fog lamps.
For more information, see:
•Exterior Lamps on page 4-9.
•Fog Lamps on page 4-11.
•Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)/Automatic
Headlamp System on page 4-10.
1-12

Windshield Wiper/Washer
The lever is located on the left side of the steering
column.
8:Use for a single wiping cycle.
9:Turns the windshield wipers off.
6: Turn the band up for more frequent wipes or down
for less frequent wipes.
6:Slow wipes.
?:Fast wipes.
Windshield Washer
At the top of the multifunction lever, there is a paddle
with Lon it. Push the paddle to spray washer fluid on
the windshield.
See Windshield Wipers on page 4-5 and Windshield
Washer on page 4-6.
1-13

Climate Controls
This vehicle may have a dual or single climate control
system. The heating, cooling, defrost, defog and
ventilation can be controlled with either of these systems.
A. Fan Control
B. Outside Air
C. Recirculation
D. Air Delivery Mode
Control
E. Air Conditioning
F. Driver and
Passenger
Heated Seats
G. Driver and
Passenger
Temperature
Controls
H. Rear Window
Defogger
A. Fan Control
B. Outside Air
C. Temperature
Control
D. Recirculation
E. Air Delivery Mode
Control
F. Air Conditioning
G. Rear Window
Defogger
See Climate Control System on page 4-16.
Dual Zone with Optional Heated Seat Controls
Single Zone
1-14