2004 Chevrolet Impala Owner's Manual - Page 292

Engine Overheating You will find a coolant temperature gage and a warning message about a hot engine on your instrument panel cluster. See Engine Coolant Temperature Gage on page 3-36 and Hot Coolant Temperature Warning Message on page 3-43. If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode This emergency operating mode allows your 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, you will notice a significant loss in power and engine performance. The low coolant light may come on and the temperature gage will indicate an overheat condition exists. Driving extended miles (km) and/or towing a trailer in the overheat protection mode should be avoided. Notice: After driving in the overheated engine protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage, allow the engine to cool before attempting any repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded. Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil and reset the oil life system. See Engine Oil on page 5-17. {CAUTION: Steam from an overheated engine can burn you badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it. Just turn it off and get CAUTION: (Continued) 5-30