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2001 Chevrolet Impala Owner's Manual - Page 40

2001 Chevrolet Impala Manual

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CAUTION: If something is between an occupant and an air bag, the bag might not inflate properly or it might force the object into that person. The path of an inflating air bag must be kept clear. Don't put anything between an occupant and an air bag, and don't attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other air bag covering and don't let seat covers block the inflation path of a side impact air bag. When should an air bag inflate? The driver's and right front passenger's frontal air bags are designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crashes. But they are designed to inflate only if the impact speed is above the system's designed "threshold level." In addition, your vehicle has "dual stage" frontal air bags, which tailor the amount of restraint according to crash severity. For moderate frontal impacts, these air bags inflate at a level less than full deployment. For more severe frontal impacts, full deployment occurs. If the front of your vehicle goes straight into a wall that doesn't move or deform, the threshold level for the reduced deployment is about 12 to 16 mph (19 to 26 km/h), and the threshold level for a full deployment is about 18 to 24 mph (29 to 38.5 km/h). The threshold level can vary, however, with specific vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat above or below this range. If your vehicle strikes something that will move or deform, such as a parked car, the threshold level will be higher. The driver's and right front passenger's frontal air bags are not designed to inflate in rollovers, side impacts, or rear impacts, because inflation would not help the occupant. The driver's side impact air bag is designed to inflate in moderate to severe side crashes involving the driver's door. The side impact air bag will inflate if the crash severity is above the system's designed "threshold level." The threshold level can vary with specific vehicle design. The driver's side impact air bag is not designed to inflate in frontal or near-frontal impacts, rollovers or rear impacts, because inflation would not help the occupant. 1-28

Section	Page
2001 Chevrolet Impala Owner's Manual	1
	24
Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers	25
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly	26
Adults	26
Driver Position	26
Lap-Shoulder Belt	26
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster	28
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy	33
Right Front Passenger Position	34
Air Bag Systems	35
How the Air Bag Systems Work	38
Where are the air bags?	38
When should an air bag inflate?	40
What makes an air bag inflate?	41
How does an air bag restrain?	41
What will you see after an air bag inflates?	41
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle	43
Center Front Passenger Position	44
Lap Belt	44
Rear Seat Passengers	45
Rear Seat Passenger Positions	45
Lap-Shoulder Belt	45
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults	49
Children	51
Infants and Young Children	51
Restraint Systems for Children	55
Where to Put the Restraint	58
Top Strap	59
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position	60
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position	63
Older Children	67
Safety Belt Extender	70
Checking Your Restraint Systems	70
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash	70
Section 2 Features and Controls	71
Windows	72
Power Windows	73
Keys	74
Door Locks	76
Power Door Locks	77
Programmable Automatic Power Door Locks	77
Rear-Door Security Locks	78
Lockout Protection Feature	78
Leaving Your Vehicle	78
Remote Keyless Entry (If Equipped)	79
Operation	80
Panic Alarm Button	80
Transmitter Verification (If Equipped)	80
Illumination on Remote Activation	81
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle	81
Battery Replacement	81
Resynchronization	82
Trunk	83
Trunk Lock	83
Remote Trunk Release	83
Trunk Assist Handle	84
Trunk Release Handle	85
Trap-Resistant Trunk Kit	85
Trunk Release Sensor Trap Alert System (If Equipped)	86
Disabling the Trunk Release Sensor	87
Servicing the Trunk Release Sensor	87
Theft	88
Key in the Ignition	88
Parking at Night	88
Parking Lots	88
Content Theft-Deterrent (Option)	89
Arming with the Power Lock Switch	89
Arming with the Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter	90
Disarming with the Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter	90
Disarming with Your Key	90
Vehicle Customization Settings	90
Passlock	98
New Vehicle Break-In	99
Ignition Positions	99
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)	100
Starting Your Engine	100
Starting Your 3400 V6 Engine	101
Starting Your 3800 Series II V6 Engine	102
Engine Coolant Heater (Option)	103
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater	103
Automatic Transaxle Operation	104
Parking Brake	109
Shifting Into PARK (P)	110
Column Shift	110
Console Shift	111
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running	112
Torque Lock	112
Shifting Out of PARK (P)	113
Parking Over Things That Burn	113
Engine Exhaust	114
Running Your Engine While You re Parked	114
Horn	115
Tilt Wheel	115
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever	116
Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator	116
Turn Signal On Chime	117
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer	117
Flash-to-Pass Feature	117
Windshield Wipers	117
Windshield Washer	118
Cruise Control (If Equipped)	119
Setting Cruise Control	120
Resuming a Set Speed	121
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control	121
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control	121
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control	121
Using Cruise Control on Hills	122
Ending Cruise Control	122
Erasing Cruise Speed Memory	122
Exterior Lamps	122
Daytime Running Lamps / Automatic Headlamp Control	123
Delayed Headlamp Illumination	124
Fog Lamps (If Equipped)	124
Interior Lamps	125
Instrument Panel Brightness Control	125
Courtesy Lamps	125
Illuminated Entry (If Equipped)	125
Delayed Entry Lighting	126
Delayed Exit Lighting	126
Parade Mode	126
Rearview Mirror Reading Lamps	126
Reading Lamps (If Equipped)	126
Dome Lamp	126
Battery Rundown Protection	127
Mirrors	127
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror with Map Lamps	127
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror with OnStar and Map Lamps (Option)	128
Electrochromic Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror (If Equipped)	128
Electrochromic Day/Night Rearview Mirror with OnStar and Map Lamps (Option)	129
Power Outside Mirrors	130
Convex Outside Mirror	130
Heated Outside Mirrors (If Equipped)	130
Storage Compartments	131
Glove Box	131
Front Armrest (If Equipped)	131
Center Console (If Equipped)	131
Rear Seat Armrest and Cupholder (If Equipped)	131
Trunk Convenience Net (If Equipped)	131
Ashtrays and Lighter	131
Sun Visors	132
Visor Vanity Mirrors	132
Accessory Power Outlet	133
Auxiliary Power Connection (Power Drop)	134
Cellular Phone Readiness Package (Option)	134
OnStar System (If Equipped)	135
Safety and Security Services	136
Premium Services (Includes Safety and Security Services)	137
OnStar System Limitations	137
Assist Handles	137
Garment Hooks	137
Power Sunroof (Option)	138
HomeLink Transmitter (Option)	139
Programming the HomeLink Transmitter	140
Operating the Transmitter	141
Training a Garage Opener with a Rolling Code Feature	142
Erasing Channels	143
Accessories	143
The Instrument Panel Your Information System	144
Instrument Panel Cluster	146
Speedometer and Odometer	148
Trip Odometer	148
Tachometer (If Equipped)	148
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators	149
Safety Belt Reminder Light	149
Air Bag Readiness Light	150
Brake System Warning Light	151
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light (If Equipped)	152
Traction Control System Warning Light (3800 V6 Engine)	152
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage	153
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light)	154
If the Light Is Flashing	155
If the Light Is On Steady	155
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs	156
Low Oil Pressure Light	157
Cruise Light (If Equipped)	157
Fuel Gage	158
Message Center	158
Modes	159
Service Traction System (If Equipped)	159
Traction Active (If Equipped)	159
Battery Life Indicator	160
Hot Coolant Temp	160
Low Coolant Level	161
Low Oil Pressure	161
Low Eng Oil Level	162
Change Engine Oil	162
Door Ajar	163
Security	163
Low Brake Fluid	164
Low Fuel	164
Low Washer Fluid	165
Low Tire Pressure (If Equipped)	165
Service Vehicle Soon	166
Trunk Open	166
Highbeam Out	167
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Option)	167
Compass Variance	169
Setting the Variance	169
Automatic Compass Calibration	169
Manual Compass Calibration	170
Error Displays	170
Trip Computer	170
Resetting the Trip Computer	170
Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems	171
Comfort Controls	172
Manual Single Zone Climate Control	172
Fan Knob	172
Temperature Knob	172
Mode Knob	172
Dual ComforTemp Climate Control (If Equipped)	174
Fan Knob	174
Driver s Temperature Lever	174
Passenger s Temperature Lever	174
Mode Knob	174
Air Conditioning	176
Heating	176
Ventilation	176
Defogging and Defrosting	176
Rear Window Defogger	177
Ventilation System	178
Ventilation Tips	178
Audio Systems	179
Setting the Clock	179
Setting the Clock for Systems with Radio Data System	179
AM-FM Stereo	180
Playing the Radio	180
Finding a Station	180
Setting the Tone	181
Adjusting the Speakers	182
Radio Calibration	182
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player with Radio Data System (RDS) and Automatic Tone Control (If Equipped)	183
Playing the Radio Finding a Station	183
Setting the Tone	184
Adjusting the Speakers	185
Using RDS	186
Playing a Cassette Tape	189
Tight/Loose Tape Sensor Defeat	191
CD Adapter Kits	192
AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player with Radio Data System (RDS) and Automatic Tone Control (Option)	192
Playing the Radio	192
Finding a Station	193
Setting the Tone	194
Adjusting the Speakers	195
Using RDS	196
Playing a Compact Disc	199
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and Compact Disc Player with Radio Data System (RDS) and Automatic Tone Control (Option)	201
Playing the Radio	201
Finding a Station	202
Setting the Tone	203
Adjusting the Speakers	204
Using RDS	204
Playing a Cassette Tape	207
Tight/Loose Tape Sensor Defeat	209
Playing a Compact Disc	209
Theft-Deterrent Feature Non- RDS Radios	211
Theft-Deterrent Feature RDS Radios (If Equipped)	211
Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)	212
Understanding Radio Reception	213
AM	213
FM Stereo	213
Tips About Your Audio System	213
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player	214
Care of Your Compact Discs	215
Care of Your Compact Disc Player	215
Backglass Antenna	216
Vehicle Customization Settings	216
Chime Level Adjustment	216
Section 4 Your Driving and the Road	217
Defensive Driving	218
Drunken Driving	219
Control of a Vehicle	222
Braking	222
Anti-Lock Brakes (If Equipped)	223
Using Anti- Lock	225
Braking in Emergencies	225
Traction Control System (3800 V6 Engine)	225
Steering	227
Power Steering	227
Steering Tips	227
Driving on Curves	227
Steering in Emergencies	228
Off-Road Recovery	229
Passing	230
Loss of Control	231
Skidding	231
Driving at Night	232
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads	234
Hydroplaning	235
Driving Through Deep Standing Water	236
Driving Through Flowing Water	236
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips	236
City Driving	237
Freeway Driving	238
Before Leaving on a Long Trip	239
Highway Hypnosis	240
Hill and Mountain Roads	240
Winter Driving	242
Driving on Snow or Ice	243
If You re Caught in a Blizzard	244
Recreational Vehicle Towing	246
Loading Your Vehicle	246
Towing a Trailer	248
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer	249
Weight of the Trailer	249
Weight of the Trailer Tongue	250
Total Weight on Your Vehicle s Tires	251
Hitches	251
Safety Chains	251
Trailer Brakes	251
Driving with a Trailer	252
Following Distance	252
Passing	252
Backing Up	252
Making Turns	253
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer	253
Driving On Grades	253
Parking on Hills	254
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill	254
Maintenance When Trailer Towing	254
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing	254
Section 5 Problems on the Road	255
Hazard Warning Flashers	256
Other Warning Devices	257
Jump Starting	257
Towing Your Vehicle	263
Engine Overheating	263
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode	263
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine	264
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine	265
Cooling System	266
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery Tank	268
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator	270
If a Tire Goes Flat	275
Changing a Flat Tire	276
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools	277
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire	279
Storing the Flat Tire and Tools	284
Storing the Spare Tire and Tools	285
Compact Spare Tire	286
If You re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow	287
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out	287
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care	288
Service	289
Doing Your Own Service Work	289
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle	290
Fuel	290
Fuels in Foreign Countries	292
Filling Your Tank	292
Filling a Portable Fuel Container	295
Checking Things Under the Hood	295
Hood Release	296
Engine Compartment Overview	297
Engine Oil	299
Checking Engine Oil	299
When to Add Engine Oil	300
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use	301
Engine Oil Additives	304
When to Change Engine Oil	304
How to Reset the Change Engine Oil Message	305
What to Do with Used Oil	305
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter	306
Passenger Compartment Air Filter (If Equipped)	307
Automatic Transaxle Fluid	308
When to Check and Change	308
How to Check	309
Checking the Fluid Level	309
How to Add Fluid	311
Engine Coolant	311
What to Use	312
Checking Coolant	313
Adding Coolant	314
Radiator Pressure Cap	315
Power Steering Fluid	315
When to Check Power Steering Fluid	315
How to Check Power Steering Fluid	316
What to Use	316
Windshield Washer Fluid	316
What to Use	316
Adding Washer Fluid	316
Brakes	318
Brake Fluid	318
What to Add	319
Brake Wear	320
Brake Pedal Travel	320
Brake Adjustment	320
Replacing Brake System Parts	321
Battery	321
Vehicle Storage	321
Bulb Replacement	322
Halogen Bulbs	322
Headlamps, Front Parking and Turn Signal Lamps	322
Headlamp Aiming	324
Fog Lamps (If Equipped)	324
Tail/Stop/Turn Signal and Rear Sidemarker Lamps	325
Back-Up Lamp	326
Rear Courtesy Lamps	326
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement	327
Tires	328
Inflation -- Tire Pressure	329
When to Check	329
How to Check	329
Tire Inflation Monitor System (If Equipped)	330
Tire Inspection and Rotation	331
When It s Time for New Tires	333
Buying New Tires	333
Uniform Tire Quality Grading	334
Treadwear	335
Traction AA, A, B, C	335
Temperature A, B, C	335
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance	336
Wheel Replacement	336
Used Replacement Wheels	337
Tire Chains	337
Appearance Care	338
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle	338
Cleaning of Fabric/Carpet	338
Using Multi-Purpose Interior Cleaner on Fabric	339
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems	339
Cleaning Vinyl	340
Cleaning Leather	340
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel	340
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components	340
Care of Safety Belts	340
Cleaning Glass Surfaces	341
Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield and Wiper Blades	341
Weatherstrips	341
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle	342
Washing Your Vehicle	342
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses	342
Finish Care	342
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels (If Equipped)	343
Cleaning Tires	343
Sheet Metal Damage	343
Finish Damage	344
Underbody Maintenance	344
Chemical Paint Spotting	344
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials	345
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	346
Engine Identification	346
Service Parts Identification Label	346
Electrical System	347
Add-On Electrical Equipment	347
Headlamp Wiring	347
Windshield Wipers	347
Power Windows and Other Power Options	347
Fuses and Circuit Breakers	348
Driver s Side Instrument Panel Fuse Block	348
Passenger s Side Instrument Panel Fuse Block	350
Underhood Fuse Block (Upper)	352
Underhood Fuse Block (Lower)	353
Replacement Bulbs	354
Capacities and Specifications	354
Engine Specifications	354
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts	355
Vehicle Dimensions	355
Section 7 Maintenance Schedule	356
Introduction	357
Your Vehicle and the Environment	357
Maintenance Requirements	357
How This Section is Organized	358
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services	359
Using Your Maintenance Schedule	359
Scheduled Maintenance	360
Footnotes	360
Scheduled Maintenance	361
Engine Oil Scheduled Maintenance	361
Scheduled Maintenance	362
Part B: Owner Checks and Services	370
At Each Fuel Fill	370
Engine Oil Level Check	370
Engine Coolant Level Check	370
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check	370
At Least Once a Month	370
Tire Inflation Check	370
Cassette Deck Service	370
At Least Twice a Year	371
Restraint System Check	371
Wiper Blade Check	371
Trunk Release Sensor Check	371
Weatherstrip Lubrication	371
Automatic Transaxle Check	371
At Least Once a Year	371
Key Lock Cylinders Service	371
Body Lubrication Service	371
Starter Switch Check	372
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control System Check	372
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check	373
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P) Mechanism Check	373
Underbody Flushing Service	373
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections	374
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection	374
Exhaust System Inspection	374
Engine Cooling System Inspection	374
Throttle System Inspection	375
Brake System Inspection	375
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants	376
Part E: Maintenance Record	377
Section 8 Customer Assistance Information	380
Customer Satisfaction Procedure	381

Match case Limit results 1 per page

1-28

CAUTION:

If something is between an occupant and an

air bag, the bag might not inflate properly or it

might force the object into that person. The path

of an inflating air bag must be kept clear. Don’t

put anything between an occupant and an air

bag, and don’t attach or put anything on the

steering wheel hub or on or near any other air

bag covering and don’t let seat covers block the

inflation path of a side impact air bag.

When should an air bag inflate?

The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags

are designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal or

near

frontal crashes. But they are designed to inflate

only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed

“threshold level.”

In addition, your vehicle has “dual stage” frontal air

bags, which tailor the amount of restraint according

to crash severity. For moderate frontal impacts,

these air bags inflate at a level less than full deployment.

For more severe frontal impacts, full deployment occurs.

If the front of your vehicle goes straight into a wall

that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level

for the reduced deployment is about 12 to 16 mph

(19 to 26 km/h), and the threshold level for a full

deployment is about 18 to 24 mph (29 to 38.5 km/h).

The threshold level can vary, however, with specific

vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat above or

below this range.

If your vehicle strikes something that will move or

deform, such as a parked car, the threshold level will be

higher. The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal

air bags are not designed to inflate in rollovers, side

impacts, or rear impacts, because inflation would not

help the occupant.

The driver’s side impact air bag is designed to inflate in

moderate to severe side crashes involving the driver’s

door. The side impact air bag will inflate if the crash

severity is above the system’s designed “threshold

level.” The threshold level can vary with specific

vehicle design. The driver’s side impact air bag is not

designed to inflate in frontal or near

frontal impacts,

rollovers or rear impacts, because inflation would not

help the occupant.