Chevrolet Impala 2011 User Manual
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Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
2011 Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual M
In Brief . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . 1-1
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . .1-4
Vehicle Features. . . . . . . . . . . . .1-14
Performance and
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Keys, Doors and Windows . . . 2-1
Keys and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Vehicle Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Exterior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Interior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . ... .2-15
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Front Seats . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . 3-3
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-10
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..3-26
Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-41
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 4-1
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . 4-1
Additional Storage Features . . . 4-2
Instruments and Controls . . . . 5-1
Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Information Displays . . . . . . . .. . 5-24
Vehicle Messages.. . . . . . . . . . . 5-28
Vehicle Personalization.. . . . . . 5-36
Universal Remote System . . . . 5-42
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Interior Lighting . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . 6-6
Lighting Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Radio . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . ..7-6
Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14
Phone . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . 7-20
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 8-1
Air Vents.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . 8-6
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . 9-1
Driving Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Starting and Operating . . . . . . . 9-16
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Automatic Transmission . . . . . .9-25
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Ride Control Systems . . . . . . . .9-29
Cruise Control . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 9-32
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-35
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-41
Conversions and Add-Ons . . . 9-47
Vehicle Care . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . 10-1
General Information . . . . . . . . . .10-2
Vehicle Checks.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33
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Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
2011 Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual M
Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-38
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-70
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-74
Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . .10-76
Service and Maintenance . . . 11-1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 11-1
Scheduled Maintenance . . . . . . 11-2
Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants, and Parts . . . . . . . 11-6
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . 11-9
Technical Data . . . . . . ......... 12-1
Vehicle Identification.. . . . . . . . 12-1
Vehicle Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
Customer Information . . . . . . . 13-1
Customer Information . . . . . . . . 13-1
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . 13-14
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-16
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i-1
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Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
Introduction iii
The names, logos, emblems,
slogans, vehicle model names, and
vehicle body designs appearing in
this manual including, but not limited
to, GM, the GM logo, CHEVROLET,
the CHEVROLET Emblem,
IMPALA, and the IMPALA Emblem
are trademarks and/or service
marks of General Motors LLC, its
subsidiaries, affiliates, or licensors.
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 20782813 A First Printing
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.
©
2010 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Canadian Vehicle Owners
Propriétaires Canadiens
A French language copy of this
manual can be obtained from your
dealer 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
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Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
iv Introduction
Using this Manual
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.
Danger, Warnings, and Cautions
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.”
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,
gauge, 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.
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Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
Introduction v
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 Gauge
+ : Fuses
3 : 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
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Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
vi Introduction
2 NOTES
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Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-1
In Brief
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Trunk Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1-6
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Second Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Head Restraint Adjustment . . . . 1-7
Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Sensing System for
Passenger Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . 1-9
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Windshield Wiper/Washer .... 1-11
Climate Controls . . . . . .. . . . . . . 1-12
Vehicle Features
Radio(s) . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Portable Audio Devices . . . . . . 1-15
Bluetooth
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . 1-16
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
®
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Performance and Maintenance
Traction Control
System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . 1-18
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . 1-19
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) . . . . . 1-19
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
Roadside Assistance
Program . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . 1-19
®
OnStar
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
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Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
1-2 In Brief
Instrument Panel
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Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-3
A. Air Vents on page 8‑5.
B. Remote Trunk Release Button.
See Trunk on page 2‑10.
C. Turn and Lane-Change Signals
on page 6‑5.
D. Instrument Cluster on
page 5‑11.
E. Hazard Warning Flashers on
page 6‑4.
F. Driver Information Center (DIC)
on page 5‑24.
G. Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator on page 5‑16.
H. AM-FM Radio on page 7‑6.
I. Exterior Lamp Controls on
page 6‑2.
J. Instrument Panel Illumination
Control on page 6‑6.
K. Traction Control System (TCS)
on page 9‑29 (If Equipped).
L. Steering Wheel Adjustment on
page 5‑2.
M. Cruise Control on page 9‑32.
N. Hood Release. See Hood on
page 10‑5.
O. Data Link Connector. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 5‑17.
P. Horn on page 5‑3.
Q. Steering Wheel Controls on
page 5‑3 (If Equipped).
R. Ignition Positions on page 9‑16.
S. Climate Control Systems on
page 8‑1.
T. Power Outlets on page 5‑9.
U. Center Console Shift Lever
(If Equipped). See Shifting Into
Park on page 9‑20.
V. Glove Box on page 4‑1.
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Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
1-4 In Brief
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 ft) away from
the vehicle.
Press K to unlock the driver door.
Press again within five seconds to
unlock all remaining doors.
Q to lock all doors.
Press
Lock and unlock feedback can
be personalized. See Vehicle
Personalization on page 5‑36 for
additional information.
Press and hold
approximately one second to
open the trunk.
L and release to locate
Press
the vehicle.
L and hold for more
Press
than two seconds to sound the
panic alarm.
L again to cancel the
Press
panic alarm.
See Keys on page 2‑2 and Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 2‑3.
V for
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Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-5
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
3. Immediately after completing
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.
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.
Q.
Step 2, press and hold
the turn signal lamps flash.
/ until
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 on and then
back off.
See Remote Vehicle Start on
page 2‑5.
/
Door Locks
Manual 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 2‑6.
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 2‑7.
.
Delayed Locking on page 2‑8.
Trunk Release
In addition to the trunk release
button on the RKE transmitter, there
is a remote release
located on the left side of the
instrument panel.
For more information, see Trunk on
page 2‑10.
V button
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Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
1-6 In Brief
Windows
The power window 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 2‑17.
Seat Adjustment
Manual Seats
To adjust a manual seat:
1. Lift the bar under the front edge
of the seat cushion to unlock
the seat.
2. Slide the seat to the desired
position and release the bar.
3. Try to move the seat back and
forth to be sure the seat is
locked in place.
See Seat Adjustment on page 3‑3.
Use the lever on the outboard side
of the seat to raise or recline the
seatback. See “Manual Reclining
Seatbacks” under Reclining
Seatbacks on page 3‑5.
Power Seats
To adjust a power seat, if equipped:
.
Move the seat forward or
rearward by sliding 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.
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Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-7
See Power Seat Adjustment on
page 3‑4.
Power Reclining Seatback
To adjust a power seatback,
if equipped:
.
Tilt the top of the control
rearward to recline.
.
Tilt the top of the control forward
to raise.
See “Power Reclining Seatbacks”
under Reclining Seatbacks on
page 3‑5.
Manual Lumbar
Increase or decrease the lumbar
support by repeatedly pushing down
or pulling up on the lever.
See Lumbar Adjustment on
page 3‑4 for more information.
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 Rear Seats (Split Folding) on
page 3‑8 for more information.
Head Restraint Adjustment
Do not drive until the head restraints
for all occupants are installed and
adjusted properly.
To achieve a comfortable seating
position, change the seatback
recline angle as little as necessary
while keeping the seat and the head
restraint height in the proper
position.
For more information see Head
Restraints on page 3‑2 and Seat
Adjustment on page 3‑3.
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Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
1-8 In Brief
Safety Belt
Refer to the following sections for
important information on how to use
safety belts properly.
.
Safety Belts on page 3‑10.
.
How to Wear Safety Belts
Properly on page 3‑13.
.
Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 3‑19.
.
Lap Belt on page 3‑24.
.
Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children (LATCH System) on
page 3‑50.
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.
United States
Canada
See Passenger Sensing System on
page 3‑34 for important information.
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Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-9
Mirror Adjustment
Exterior Mirrors
Controls for the outside power
mirrors are on the driver door
armrest.
Press the left or right side of
the selector located above the
control pad to adjust the driver or
passenger mirror. Then press the
control pad to move the mirror in
the desired direction.
See Power Mirrors on page 2‑15.
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.
See Manual Rearview Mirror on
page 2‑15.
On vehicles with an automatic
dimming rearview mirror, the mirror
will automatically adjust to reduce
the glare of lights from behind the
vehicle. See Automatic Dimming
Rearview Mirror on page 2‑16.
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 toward you.
2. Move the steering wheel up
or down.
3. Release the lever to lock the
steering wheel in place.
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Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
1-10 In Brief
Do not adjust the steering wheel
while driving.
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:
.
Exterior Lighting on page 1‑10.
.
Courtesy Lamps on page 6‑6.
.
Delayed Entry Lighting on
page 6‑7.
.
Delayed Exit Lighting on
page 6‑7.
.
Parade Dimming on page 6‑7.
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.
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Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-11
AUTO: Automatically operates the
headlamps and other exterior lamps
at normal brightness.
; : Turns on the parking lamps
and taillamps.
2 : Turns on the headlamps and
other exterior lamps.
# : (If Equipped) Turns on the
fog lamps.
For more information, see:
.
Exterior Lamp Controls on
page 6‑2.
.
Fog Lamps on page 6‑5.
.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)/
Automatic Headlamp System on
page 6‑4.
Windshield Wiper/Washer
The lever is located on the left side
of the steering column.
8 : Single wipe, turn to 8, then
release. Several wipes, hold the
band on
8 longer.
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
Push the paddle
lever to spray washer fluid on the
windshield.
See Windshield Wiper/Washer on
page 5‑4.
L at the top of the
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Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
1-12 In Brief
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.
Dual Zone with Optional Heated Seat Controls
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
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Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
Single Zone
In Brief 1-13
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 Systems on
page 8‑1.
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1-14 In Brief
Vehicle Features
Radio(s)
O : Press to turn the system on
and off. Turn to increase or
decrease the volume.
BAND: Press to choose between
FM, AM, or XM™, if equipped.
Radio with CD (MP3)
f : Select radio stations.
© ¨ : Seek or scan stations.
4 : Press to display additional text
information related to the current
FM-RDS or XM station; or CD,
MP3, or WMA song. If information
is available during XM, CD, MP3,
or WMA playback, the song title
information displays on the top line
of the display and artist information
displays on the bottom line.
When information is not available,
“No Info” displays.
For more information about these
and other radio features, see
Introduction on page 7‑1.
Storing a Favorite Station
Depending on which radio the
vehicle has, radio stations are
stored as either favorites or presets.
For radios with a FAV button, a
maximum of 36 stations can be
stored as favorites using the
6 softkeys located below the radio
station frequency tabs and by using
the radio FAV button. Press FAV to
go through up to 6 pages of
favorites, each having 6 favorite
stations available per page.
Each page of favorites can contain
any combination of AM, FM, or XM
stations.
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In Brief 1-15
For radios without a FAV button, up
to 18 stations (6 FM1, 6 FM2, and
6 AM), can be programmed on the
6 numbered buttons.
See Operation on page 7‑2.
Setting the Clock
To set the time and date for the
Radio with CD (MP3):
1. Turn the radio on.
2. Press
3. Press the pushbutton located
4. Increase or decrease the time or
For detailed instructions on setting
the clock for your specific audio
system, see Clock on page 5‑7.
H and the HR, MIN, MM,
DD, and YYYY (hour, minute,
month, day, and year) display.
below any one of the tabs that
you want to change.
date by turning
counterclockwise.
f clockwise or
Satellite Radio
XM is a satellite radio service
that is based in the 48 contiguous
United States and 10 Canadian
provinces. XM satellite radio has a
wide variety of programming and
commercial-free music, coast to
coast, and in digital-quality sound.
A fee is required to receive the
XM service.
For more information, refer to:
.
www.xmradio.com or call
1-800-929-2100 (U.S.)
.
www.xmradio.ca or call
1-877-438-9677 (Canada)
See “XM Satellite Radio Service”
under Satellite Radio on page 7‑8.
Portable Audio Devices
This vehicle may have an auxiliary
input jack, located on the audio
faceplate. External devices such as
®
, MP3 players, etc. can be
iPod
connected to the auxiliary input jack
using a 3.5 mm (1/8 in) input jack
cable.
See “Using the Auxiliary Input Jack”
under Auxiliary Devices on
page 7‑19.
Bluetooth
For vehicles with a Bluetooth
system, it allows users with a
Bluetooth‐enabled cell phone to
make and receive hands-free calls
using the vehicle’s audio system
and controls.
The Bluetooth‐enabled cell phone
must be paired with the Bluetooth
system before it can be used in the
vehicle. Not all phones will support
all functions. For more information,
visit www.gm.com/bluetooth.
For more information, see Bluetooth
on page 7‑20.
®
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Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
1-16 In Brief
Steering Wheel Controls
If equipped, these controls are
located on the right side of the
steering wheel.
w : Press to go to the next radio
station stored as a favorite, or the
next track if a CD is playing.
b g : Press to silence the vehicle
speakers only. Press again to turn
the sound on. Press and hold longer
than two seconds to interact with
the OnStar
if equipped.
®
or Bluetooth systems,
c x : Press to go to the
previous radio station stored as a
favorite, the next track if a CD is
playing, to reject an incoming call,
or end a current call.
SRCE : Press to choose between
the radio, CD, and auxiliary
input jack.
+
e − e : Increases or decreases
volume.
¨ : Press to go to the next radio
station while in AM, FM, or XM™.
Press to go to the next track or
chapter while sourced to the CD.
For more information, see Steering
Wheel Controls on page 5‑3.
Cruise Control
The cruise control buttons are
located on the left side of the
steering wheel.
J : Press to turn cruise control on
and off. The indicator is lit when
cruise control is on.
+RES: Press briefly to make the
vehicle resume to a previously set
speed, or press and hold to
accelerate.
SET−: Press to set the speed and
activate cruise control or make the
vehicle decelerate.
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Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
[ : Press to disengage cruise
control without erasing the set
speed from memory.
For more information, see Cruise
Control on page 9‑32.
Power Outlets
The vehicle has three 12‐volt outlets
which can be used to plug in
electrical equipment, such as a cell
phone or MP3 player.
On vehicles with a center console,
one outlet is located inside the
center floor console and two outlets
are located at the front of the
console bin under the instrument
panel.
On vehicles without a center
console, two are located under the
climate controls and another outlet
for the rear seat passengers is at
the rear of the center front seat.
Remove the cover to access and
replace when not in use.
See Power Outlets on page 5‑9.
Performance and Maintenance
Traction Control System (TCS)
The vehicle may have a traction
control system which limits wheel
spin. The system turns on
automatically every time the vehicle
is started.
.
For vehicles with traction control,
press and release
instrument panel to turn off
traction control.
and the appropriate DIC
message displays. See Ride
Control System Messages on
page 5‑32.
i on the
F illuminates
In Brief 1-17
.
For vehicles with traction control
and electronic stability control,
press and release
instrument panel to turn off
traction control.
and the appropriate DIC
message displays. See Ride
Control System Messages on
page 5‑32.
.
Press and release the button
again to turn on traction control.
For more information, see Traction
Control System (TCS) on
page 9‑29.
5 on the
F illuminates
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Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
1-18 In Brief
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
The Electronic Stability Control
system assists with directional
control of the vehicle in difficult
driving conditions. The system turns
on automatically every time the
vehicle is started.
.
To turn off both traction control
and Electronic Stability Control,
press and hold
instrument panel until
illuminates and the appropriate
DIC message displays. See
Ride Control System Messages
on page 5‑32.
.
Press and release the button
again to turn on both systems.
For more information, see Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) on
page 9‑31.
5 on the
F
Tire Pressure Monitor
This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
The TPMS warning light alerts you
to a significant loss in pressure of
one of the vehicle's tires. If the
warning light comes on, stop as
soon as possible and inflate the
tires to the recommended pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Vehicle Load
Limits on page 9‑12. The warning
light will remain on until the tire
pressure is corrected.
During cooler conditions, the low tire
pressure warning light may appear
when the vehicle is first started and
then turn off. This may be an early
indicator that the tire pressures are
getting low and the tires need to be
inflated to the proper pressure.
The TPMS does not replace normal
monthly tire maintenance. It is the
driver’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressures.
See Tire Pressure Monitor System
on page 10‑46.
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Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
Engine Oil Life System
The engine oil life system calculates
engine oil life based on vehicle use
and displays a DIC message when
it is necessary to change the engine
oil and filter. The oil life system
should be reset to 100% only
following an oil change.
Resetting the Oil Life System
1. Display OIL LIFE REMAINING
on the DIC.
2. Press and hold the SET/RESET
button on the DIC for more than
five seconds. The oil life will
change to 100%.
See Engine Oil Life System on
page 10‑10.
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
Vehicles that have a FlexFuel badge
and a yellow fuel cap can use either
unleaded gasoline or ethanol fuel
containing up to 85% ethanol (E85).
See Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) on
page 9‑37. For all other vehicles,
use only the unleaded gasoline
described under Recommended
Fuel on page 9‑35.
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving tips
to get the best fuel economy
possible.
.
Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
.
Brake gradually and avoid
abrupt stops.
.
Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
.
When road and weather
conditions are appropriate, use
cruise control.
.
Always follow posted speed
limits or drive more slowly when
conditions require.
.
Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated.
In Brief 1-19
.
Combine several trips into a
single trip.
.
Replace the vehicle's tires with
the same TPC Spec number
molded into the tire's sidewall
near the size.
.
Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Roadside Assistance Program
U.S.: 1-800-243-8872
TTY Users: 1-888-889-2438
Canada: 1-800-268-6800
As the owner of a new Chevrolet,
you are automatically enrolled in the
Roadside Assistance program. This
program provides technically trained
advisors who are available 24 hours
a day, 365 days a year, to give
minor repair information or make
towing arrangements.
For more information see Roadside
Assistance Program on page 13‑7.
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Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
1-20 In Brief
Roadside Assistance and OnStar
If you have a current OnStar
subscription, press the
and the current GPS location will be
sent to an OnStar advisor who will
assess your problem, contact
Roadside Assistance, and relay
your exact location to get the help
you need.
Online Owner Center
The Online Owner Center is a
complimentary service that includes
online service reminders, vehicle
maintenance tips, online owner
manual, special privileges,
and more.
Sign up today at:
www.chevyownercenter.com
(U.S.) or www.gm.ca (Canada).
Q button
OnStar
OnStar®uses several innovative
technologies and live advisors to
provide a wide range of safety,
security, navigation, diagnostics,
and calling services.
Automatic Crash Response
In a crash, built in sensors can
automatically alert an OnStar
advisor who is immediately
connected to the vehicle to see
if you need help.
®
How OnStar Service Works
Q : This blue button connects you
to a specially trained OnStar advisor
to verify your account information
and to answer questions.
] : Push this red emergency
button to get priority help from
specially trained OnStar emergency
advisors.
X : Push this button for hands‐free,
voice‐activated calling and to give
voice commands for turn‐by‐turn
navigation.
Crisis Assist, Stolen Vehicle
Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostics,
Remote Door Unlock, Roadside
Assistance, Turn‐by‐Turn Navigation
and Hands‐Free Calling are
available on most vehicles. Not all
OnStar services are available on all
vehicles. For more information see
the OnStar Owner's Guide or visit
www.onstar.com (U.S.) or
www.onstar.ca (Canada),
contact OnStar at 1-888-4-ONSTAR
(1‐888‐466‐7827) or
TTY 1‐877‐248‐2080, or
press
Q to speak with an
OnStar advisor 24 hours a day,
7 days a week.
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Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-21
For a full description of OnStar
services and system limitations, see
the OnStar Owner's Guide in the
glove box.
OnStar service is subject to the
OnStar terms and conditions
included in the OnStar Subscriber
Information.
OnStar service cannot work unless
the vehicle is in a place where
OnStar has an agreement with a
wireless service provider for service
in that area. OnStar service also
cannot work unless the vehicle is in
a place where the wireless service
provider OnStar has hired for that
area has coverage, network
capacity and reception when the
service is needed, and technology
that is compatible with the OnStar
service. Not all services are
available everywhere, particularly
in remote or enclosed areas, or at
all times.
The OnStar system can record and
transmit vehicle information. This
information is automatically sent to
an OnStar call center when
pressed,
airbags or ACR system deploy.
This information usually includes
the vehicle's GPS location and, in
the event of a crash, additional
information regarding the crash that
the vehicle was involved in (e.g. the
direction from which the vehicle was
hit). When the virtual advisor feature
of OnStar hands-free calling is
used, the vehicle also sends
OnStar the vehicle's GPS location
so they can provide services where
it is located.
] is pressed, or if the
Q is
Location information about the
vehicle is only available if the
GPS satellite signals are
unobstructed and available.
The vehicle must have a working
electrical system, including
adequate battery power, for the
OnStar equipment to operate. There
are other problems OnStar cannot
control that may prevent OnStar
from providing OnStar service at
any particular time or place. Some
examples are damage to important
parts of the vehicle in a crash, hills,
tall buildings, tunnels, weather or
wireless phone network congestion.
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Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
1-22 In Brief
OnStar Steering Wheel
Controls
This vehicle may have a Talk/Mute
button that can be used to interact
with OnStar hands-free calling.
See Steering Wheel Controls on
page 5‑3 for more information.
On some vehicles, the mute button
can be used to dial numbers into
voice mail systems, or to dial phone
extensions. See the OnStar Owner's
Guide for more information.
Your Responsibility
Increase the volume of the radio if
the OnStar advisor cannot be heard.
If the light next to the OnStar
buttons is red, the system may
not be functioning properly.
Q and request a vehicle
Press
diagnostic. If the light appears clear
(no light is appearing), your OnStar
subscription has expired and all
services have been deactivated.
Press
Q to confirm that the OnStar
equipment is active.
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Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
Keys, Doors and Windows 2-1
Keys, Doors and Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 2-2
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Doors
Trunk . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 2-10
Vehicle Security
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . ...... 2-12
Anti-Theft Alarm System . . . . . 2-12
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . 2-13
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . ..... 2-15
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . ... . . . . 2-15
Interior Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . 2-15
Automatic Dimming Rearview
Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Windows
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... 2-16
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . 2-18
Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2-19
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Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual - 2011
2-2 Keys, Doors and Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys
WARNING
{
Leaving children in a vehicle with
the ignition key is dangerous for
many reasons. Children or others
could be badly injured or even
killed. They could operate the
power windows or other controls
or even make the vehicle move.
The windows will function with the
keys in the ignition and children
could be seriously injured or killed
if caught in the path of a closing
window. Do not leave the keys in
a vehicle with children.
The key can be used for the ignition
and the driver's door. If the vehicle
is a taxi model, the key can also be
used in the trunk.
See your dealer if a replacement
key or additional key is needed.
Notice: If the keys get locked in
the vehicle, it may have to be
damaged to get them out.
Always carry a spare key.
If you are locked out of your vehicle,
contact Roadside Assistance. See
Roadside Assistance Program on
page 13‑7 for more information.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
See Radio Frequency Statement on
page 13‑17 for information
regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-210/220/310.
If there is a decrease in the
RKE operating range:
.
Check the distance. The
transmitter may be too far from
the vehicle.
.
Check the location. Other
vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal.
.
Check the transmitter's battery.
See “Battery Replacement” later
in this section.
.
If the transmitter is still not
working correctly, see your
dealer or a qualified technician
for service.
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