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2008 Chevrolet Impala Owner's Manual - Page 242

2008 Chevrolet Impala Manual

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Hitches It is important to have the correct hitch equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are a few reasons why you will need the right hitch. Here are some rules to follow: Always leave just enough slack so you can turn with your rig. And, never allow safety chains to drag on the ground. Trailer Brakes Does your trailer have its own brakes? Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so you'll be able to install, adjust and maintain them properly. • The rear bumper on your 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. • If your vehicle has Antilock brakes, do not try to tap into your vehicle's brake system. If you do, both brake systems will not work well, or at all. • Will you have to make any holes in the body of your vehicle when you install a trailer hitch? If you do, then be sure to seal the holes later when you remove the hitch. If you do not seal them, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get into your vehicle. See Engine Exhaust on page 2-34. Dirt and water can, too. • Even if your vehicle does not have Antilock brakes, do not tap into your vehicle's brake system if the trailer's brake system will use more than 0.02 cubic inch (0.3 cc) of ﬂuid from your vehicle's master cylinder. If it does, both braking systems will not work well. You could even lose your brakes. Safety Chains You should always attach chains between your vehicle and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to the road if it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions about safety chains may be provided by the hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for attaching safety chains and do not attach them to the bumper. • Will the trailer brake parts take 3,000 psi (20 650 kPa) of pressure? If not, the trailer brake system must not be used with your vehicle. • If everything checks out this far, then make the brake ﬂuid tap at the upper rear master cylinder port. But do not use copper tubing for this. If you do, it will bend and break off. Use steel brake tubing. 4-30

Section	Page
2008 Chevrolet Impala BookTOC	1
Seats and Restraint Systems	5
Front Seats	6
Manual Seats	6
Power Seats	7
Manual Lumbar	7
Heated Seats	8
Reclining Seatbacks	8
Head Restraints	11
Center Seat	12
Rear Seats	12
Split Folding Rear Seat	12
Safety Belts	14
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone	14
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly	19
Lap-Shoulder Belt	28
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy	33
Lap Belt	33
Safety Belt Extender	34
Child Restraints	35
Older Children	35
Infants and Young Children	38
Child Restraint Systems	41
Where to Put the Restraint	44
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)	45
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position	51
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Front Seat Position	54
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position	54
Airbag System	58
Where Are the Airbags?	61
When Should an Airbag Inflate?	63
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?	64
How Does an Airbag Restrain?	64
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates?	64
Passenger Sensing System	66
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle	70
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle	71
Restraint System Check	72
Checking the Restraint Systems	72
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash	73
Features and Controls	75
Keys	77
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System	78
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation	79
Remote Vehicle Start	82
Doors and Locks	84
Door Locks	84
Power Door Locks	85
Delayed Locking	85
Automatic Door Lock	86
Programmable Automatic Door Unlock	86
Rear Door Security Locks	86
Lockout Protection	87
Trunk	87
Windows	89
Power Windows	90
Sun Visors	91
Theft-Deterrent Systems	92
Content Theft-Deterrent	92
PASS-Key® III+	93
PASS-Key® III+ Operation	94
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle	95
New Vehicle Break-In	95
Ignition Positions	96
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)	97
Starting the Engine	97
Engine Coolant Heater	99
Active Fuel Management™ (3.9L V6 and 5.3L V8 Engines)	100
Automatic Transmission Operation	100
Parking Brake	104
Shifting Into PARK (P)	104
Shifting Out of PARK (P)	106
Parking Over Things That Burn	107
Engine Exhaust	108
Running the Engine While Parked	108
Mirrors	109
Manual Rearview Mirror	109
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar®	110
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with OnStar®	110
Outside Power Mirrors	111
Outside Power Heated Mirrors	111
Outside Convex Mirror	111
OnStar® System	112
Universal Home Remote System	115
Universal Home Remote System Operation (With Three Round LED)	116
Storage Areas	122
Glove Box	122
Cupholder(s)	122
Sunglasses Storage Compartment	122
Center Console Storage	122
Rear Storage Area	122
Rear Seat Armrest	122
Convenience Net	123
Sunroof	123
Instrument Panel	125
Instrument Panel Overview	128
Hazard Warning Flashers	130
Other Warning Devices	130
Horn	130
Tilt Wheel	130
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever	131
Turn and Lane-Change Signals	132
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer	132
Flash-to-Pass	133
Windshield Wipers	133
Windshield Washer	134
Cruise Control	134
Exterior Lamps	138
Delayed Headlamps	139
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)/Automatic Headlamp System	140
Fog Lamps	140
Instrument Panel Brightness	141
Courtesy Lamps	141
Dome Lamp	141
Entry Lighting	141
Delayed Entry Lighting	142
Delayed Exit Lighting	142
Parade Dimming	142
Reading Lamps	143
Mirror Reading Lamps	143
Electric Power Management	143
Battery Run-Down Protection	144
Accessory Power Outlet(s)	144
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter	145
Climate Controls	146
Climate Control System	146
Outlet Adjustment	149
Passenger Compartment Air Filter	150
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators	151
Instrument Panel Cluster	152
Speedometer and Odometer	153
Tachometer	153
Safety Belt Reminders	154
Airbag Readiness Light	155
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator	156
Charging System Light	158
Brake System Warning Light	158
Antilock Brake System Warning Light	159
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light	160
Electronic Stability Control Indicator Light	160
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light	161
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage	162
Tire Pressure Light	162
Malfunction Indicator Lamp	163
Oil Pressure Light	166
Security Light	166
Fog Lamp Light	166
Cruise Control Light	167
Highbeam On Light	167
Fuel Gage	167
Driver Information Center (DIC)	168
DIC Operation and Displays	168
DIC Compass	173
DIC Warnings and Messages	176
DIC Vehicle Customization	184
Audio System(s)	190
Setting the Time	191
Radio(s)	193
Using an MP3	204
XM Radio Messages	208
Theft-Deterrent Feature	209
Audio Steering Wheel Controls	210
Radio Reception	211
Backglass Antenna	212
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System	212
Driving Your Vehicle	213
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle	214
Defensive Driving	214
Drunk Driving	214
Control of a Vehicle	215
Braking	215
Antilock Brake System (ABS)	216
Braking in Emergencies	217
Traction Control System (TCS)	218
Electronic Stability Control	219
Steering	221
Off-Road Recovery	223
Passing	223
Loss of Control	224
Driving at Night	225
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads	225
Before Leaving on a Long Trip	226
Highway Hypnosis	226
Hill and Mountain Roads	227
Winter Driving	228
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow	232
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out	232
Loading Your Vehicle	233
Towing	238
Towing Your Vehicle	238
Recreational Vehicle Towing	238
Towing a Trailer	239
Service and Appearance Care	247
Service	249
Accessories and Modifications	249
California Proposition 65 Warning	250
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements	250
Doing Your Own Service Work	250
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle	251
Fuel	251
Gasoline Octane	252
Gasoline Specifications	252
California Fuel	252
Additives	253
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)	254
Fuels in Foreign Countries	255
Filling the Tank	256
Filling a Portable Fuel Container	258
Checking Things Under the Hood	258
Hood Release	259
Engine Compartment Overview	260
Engine Oil	263
Engine Oil Life System	266
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter	268
Automatic Transmission Fluid	270
Engine Coolant	272
Pressure Cap	275
Engine Overheating	275
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode	277
Cooling System	278
Power Steering Fluid	283
Windshield Washer Fluid	284
Brakes	285
Battery	288
Jump Starting	289
Headlamp Aiming	293
Bulb Replacement	293
Halogen Bulbs	293
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps	294
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps	296
License Plate Lamp	297
Replacement Bulbs	298
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement	298
Tires	300
Tire Sidewall Labeling	301
Tire Terminology and Definitions	304
Inflation - Tire Pressure	307
Tire Pressure Monitor System	309
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation	310
Tire Inspection and Rotation	314
When It Is Time for New Tires	316
Buying New Tires	317
Different Size Tires and Wheels	318
Uniform Tire Quality Grading	319
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance	320
Wheel Replacement	320
Tire Chains	322
If a Tire Goes Flat	323
Changing a Flat Tire	324
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools	325
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire	327
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools (Base Model)	333
Compact Spare Tire	335
Appearance Care	336
Interior Cleaning	336
Fabric/Carpet	337
Leather	338
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic Surfaces	338
Care of Safety Belts	339
Weatherstrips	339
Washing Your Vehicle	339
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses	340
Finish Care	340
Windshield and Wiper Blades	341
Aluminum Wheels	341
Tires	342
Sheet Metal Damage	342
Finish Damage	342
Underbody Maintenance	342
Chemical Paint Spotting	342
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials	343
Vehicle Identification	344
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	344
Service Parts Identification Label	344
Electrical System	344
Add-On Electrical Equipment	344
Headlamp Wiring	345
Windshield Wiper Fuses	345
Power Windows and Other Power Options	345
Fuses and Circuit Breakers	345
Instrument Panel Fuse Block	345
Underhood Fuse Block	346
Capacities and Specifications	349
Maintenance Schedule	351
Maintenance Schedule	352
Introduction	352
Maintenance Requirements	352
Your Vehicle and the Environment	352
Using the Maintenance Schedule	352
Scheduled Maintenance	354
Additional Required Services	356
Maintenance Footnotes	357
Owner Checks and Services	358
At Each Fuel Fill	359
At Least Once a Month	359
At Least Once a Year	360
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants	362
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts	363
Engine Drive Belt Routing	364
Maintenance Record	365
Customer Assistance Information	369
Customer Assistance and Information	370
Customer Satisfaction Procedure	370
Online Owner Center	372
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users	373
Customer Assistance Offices	373
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program	374
Roadside Assistance Program	374
Scheduling Service Appointments	377
Courtesy Transportation	377
Collision Damage Repair	379
Reporting Safety Defects	382
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government	382
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government	383
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors	383
Service Publications Ordering Information	383
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy	384
Event Data Recorders	385
OnStar®	386
Navigation System	386
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)	386

Match case Limit results 1 per page

Hitches

It is important to have the correct hitch equipment.

Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads

are a few reasons why you will need the right hitch.

Here are some rules to follow:

•

The rear bumper on your 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 you have to make any holes in the body of your

vehicle when you install a trailer hitch? If you do, then

be sure to seal the holes later when you remove the

hitch. If you do not seal them, deadly carbon

monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get into your

vehicle. See

Engine Exhaust on page 2-34

. Dirt and

water can, too.

Safety Chains

You should always attach chains between your vehicle

and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the

tongue of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to

the road if it becomes separated from the hitch.

Instructions about safety chains may be provided by the

hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer.

Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching

safety chains and do not attach them to the bumper.

Always leave just enough slack so you can turn with

your rig. And, never allow safety chains to drag on

the ground.

Trailer Brakes

Does your trailer have its own brakes? Be sure to read

and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so you’ll

be able to install, adjust and maintain them properly.

•

If your vehicle has Antilock brakes, do not try to tap

into your vehicle’s brake system. If you do, both

brake systems will not work well, or at all.

•

Even if your vehicle does not have Antilock brakes,

do not tap into your vehicle’s brake system if

the trailer’s brake system will use more than

0.02 cubic inch (0.3 cc) of fluid from your vehicle’s

master cylinder. If it does, both braking systems will

not work well. You could even lose your brakes.

•

Will the trailer brake parts take 3,000 psi (20 650 kPa)

of pressure? If not, the trailer brake system must not

be used with your vehicle.

•

If everything checks out this far, then make the brake

fluid tap at the upper rear master cylinder port. But do

not use copper tubing for this. If you do, it will bend

and break off. Use steel brake tubing.

4-30