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.
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
Blackplate(4,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
ivIntroduction
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.
Blackplate(5,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
Introductionv
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
(If Equipped). See Shifting IntoPark on page 9‑20.
V. Glove Box on page 4‑1.
Blackplate(4,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
1-4In 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 VehiclePersonalization 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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ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
In Brief1-5
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 onpage 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 onpage 2‑10.
V button
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ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
1-6In 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 PowerWindows 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 RecliningSeatbacks 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.
Blackplate(7,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
In Brief1-7
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 onpage 3‑5.
Manual Lumbar
Increase or decrease the lumbar
support by repeatedly pushing down
or pulling up on the lever.
See Lumbar Adjustment onpage 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) onpage 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.
Blackplate(8,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
1-8In 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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ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
In Brief1-9
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 onpage 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 DimmingRearview 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.
Blackplate(10,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
1-10In 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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ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
In Brief1-11
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 onpage 5‑4.
L at the top of the
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ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
1-12In 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
Blackplate(13,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
Single Zone
In Brief1-13
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 onpage 8‑1.
Blackplate(14,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
1-14In 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.
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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ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
In Brief1-15
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 onpage 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 Bluetoothon page 7‑20.
®
Blackplate(16,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
1-16In 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 SteeringWheel 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.
Blackplate(17,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
[ : Press to disengage cruise
control without erasing the set
speed from memory.
For more information, see CruiseControl 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 Brief1-17
.
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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ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
1-18In 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 LoadLimits 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 Systemon page 10‑46.
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ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-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 onpage 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) onpage 9‑37. For all other vehicles,
use only the unleaded gasoline
described under RecommendedFuel 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 Brief1-19
.
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 RoadsideAssistance Program on page 13‑7.
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ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
1-20In 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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ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
In Brief1-21
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.
Blackplate(22,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
1-22In 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 onpage 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.
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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ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
Keys, Doors and Windows2-3
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter functions work up to
60 m (195 ft) away from the vehicle.
There are other conditions which
can affect the performance of the
transmitter. See Remote KeylessEntry (RKE) System on page 2‑2.
With Remote Start Shown, Without
Remote Start Similar
/ (Remote Vehicle Start): For
vehicles with this feature, press to
start the engine from outside the
vehicle using the RKE transmitter.
See Remote Vehicle Start onpage 2‑5 for additional information.
Q (Lock): Press to lock all the
doors. If enabled through the Driver
Information Center (DIC), the
parking lamps flash once to indicate
locking has occurred. If enabled
through the DIC, the horn chirps
when
Q is pressed again
within five seconds. See Vehicle
Personalization on page 5‑36 for
additional information.
Pressing
content theft‐deterrent system.
See Anti-Theft Alarm System onpage 2‑12.
Q may arm the
K (Unlock): Press once to unlock
the driver door. If
again within five seconds, all
remaining doors unlock. The interior
lamps come on and stay on for
20 seconds or until the ignition is
turned on. If enabled through the
DIC, the parking lamps flash twice
K is pressed
to indicate unlocking has occurred.
See Vehicle Personalization onpage 5‑36.
Pressing
disarms the content theft‐deterrent
system. See Anti-Theft AlarmSystem on page 2‑12.
K on the RKE transmitter
V (Remote Trunk Release):
Press and hold for about
one second to open the trunk. The
transmission must be in P (Park).
L (Vehicle Locator/Panic
Alarm): Press and release to
locate the vehicle. The turn signal
lamps flash and the horn sounds
three times. Press and hold
more than two seconds to activate
the panic alarm. The turn signal
lamps flash and the horn sounds
repeatedly for 30 seconds. The
alarm turns off when the ignition is
turned to ON/RUN or
again. The ignition must be in
LOCK/OFF for the panic alarm
to work.
L for
L is pressed
Blackplate(4,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
2-4Keys, Doors and Windows
Programming Transmitters to
the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed
to the vehicle will work. If a
transmitter is lost or stolen, a
replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer.
When the replacement transmitter
is programmed to the vehicle, all
remaining transmitters must also
be programmed. Any lost or stolen
transmitters no longer work once
the new transmitter is programmed.
Each vehicle can have up to eight
transmitters programmed to it.
See your dealer to program new
transmitters.
Battery Replacement
Replace the battery if the REPLACE
BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY
message displays in the DIC.
See “REPLACE BATTERY IN
REMOTE KEY” under Key and LockMessages on page 5‑32 for
additional information.
Notice: When replacing the
battery, do not touch any of the
circuitry on the transmitter.
Static from your body could
damage the transmitter.
To replace the battery:
1. Separate the transmitter with a
flat, thin object, such as a flat
head screwdriver.
.
Carefully insert the tool into
the notch located along the
parting line of the
transmitter. Do not insert
the tool too far. Stop as
soon as resistance is felt.
.
Twist the tool until the
transmitter is separated.
Blackplate(5,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
Keys, Doors and Windows2-5
2. Remove the old battery. Do not
use a metal object.
3. Insert the new battery, positive
side facing down. Replace with a
CR2032 or equivalent battery.
4. Snap the transmitter back
together.
Remote Vehicle Start
Your vehicle may have a remote
starting feature that allows you to
start the engine from outside the
vehicle. It may also start the
vehicle's heating or air conditioning
systems and rear window defogger.
When the remote start system is
active and the vehicle has an
automatic climate control system,
it will automatically regulate the
inside temperature. Normal
operation of these systems will
return after the ignition key is
turned to ON/RUN.
Laws in some communities may
restrict the use of remote starters.
For example, some laws may
require a person using remote start
to have the vehicle in view when
doing so. Check local regulations for
any requirements on remote starting
of vehicles.
Do not use the remote start feature
if your vehicle is low on fuel. Your
vehicle may run out of fuel.
If your vehicle has the remote start
feature, the RKE transmitter
functions will have an increased
range of operation. However, the
range may be less while the vehicle
is running.
There are other conditions which
can affect the performance of the
transmitter. See Remote KeylessEntry (RKE) System on page 2‑2.
/ (Remote Start): This button will
be on the RKE transmitter if you
have remote start.
To start the vehicle using the
remote start feature:
1. Aim the transmitter at the
vehicle.
2. Press and release
immediately press and hold
for two to four seconds or until
the vehicle's turn signal lamps
flash. The doors will lock.
When the vehicle starts, the
parking lamps turn on and
remain on while the engine is
running.
The remote start feature provides
two separate starts per ignition
cycle, each with 10 minutes of
engine running time, or one start
with a time extension. The first start
must expire or be canceled to get
two separate 10-minute starts.
Q, then
/
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ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
2-6Keys, Doors and Windows
If it is the first remote start since the
vehicle has been driven, repeat the
previous steps, while the engine is
still running, to extend the engine
running time by 10 minutes from the
time you repeat the steps for remote
starting. The remote start running
time can be extended one time and
only after the first remote start.
After entering the vehicle during a
remote start, insert and turn the key
to ON/RUN to drive the vehicle.
The engine will shut off
automatically after 10 minutes,
unless a time extension has been
done or the vehicle's key is inserted
into the ignition switch and turned
to ON/RUN.
To manually shut off a remote start,
do any of the following.
.
Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle and press and release
the remote start button.
.
Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
.
Turn the ignition switch out of
LOCK/OFF and then back
to LOCK/OFF.
After the engine has been started
two times, or one time with a time
extension, the vehicle's ignition
must be turned to ON/RUN using
the key before the remote start
procedure can be used again. See
Ignition Positions on page 9‑16 for
information regarding the ignition
positions on your vehicle.
The remote vehicle start feature will
not operate if any of the follow
occur:
.
The vehicle's key is in the
ignition.
.
The vehicle's hood is open.
.
The hazard warning flashers
are on.
.
The check engine light is on.
See Malfunction Indicator Lampon page 5‑17.
.
The engine coolant temperature
is too high.
.
The oil pressure is low.
.
The content theft-deterrent alarm
has been activated.
.
Two remote vehicle starts,
or one start with a time
extension, have already been
provided for that ignition cycle.
Door Locks
WARNING
{
Unlocked doors can be
dangerous.
.
Passengers, especially
children, can easily open the
doors and fall out of a moving
vehicle. When a door is
locked, the handle will not
open it. The chance of being
thrown out of the vehicle in a
crash is increased if the
doors are not locked.
(Continued)
Blackplate(7,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
Keys, Doors and Windows2-7
WARNING (Continued)
So, all passengers should wear
safety belts properly and the
doors should be locked whenever
the vehicle is driven.
.
Young children who get into
unlocked vehicles may be
unable to get out. A child can
be overcome by extreme heat
and can suffer permanent
injuries or even death from
heat stroke. Always lock the
vehicle whenever leaving it.
.
Outsiders can easily enter
through an unlocked door
when you slow down or stop
your vehicle. Locking your
doors can help prevent this
from happening.
From the outside, use the key in
the driver door or use the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter to
lock and unlock the vehicle. From
the inside, use the manual or power
door locks.
To lock or unlock the driver side
door from the outside with the key,
insert the key and turn it clockwise
or counterclockwise.
To lock or unlock the door from the
inside, push or pull the manual
lock knob.
Power Door Locks
A power door lock switch is
located on both front doors next to
the door handle.
Press the top of the switch to unlock
all doors or press the bottom of the
switch to lock all doors.
Blackplate(8,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
2-8Keys, Doors and Windows
If the vehicle has the optional
content theft-deterrent system and
it is armed, the power door lock
switches will be disabled. You must
use the RKE transmitter or the key
to unlock the doors when the
system is armed. See Anti-TheftAlarm System on page 2‑12.
Delayed Locking
This feature allows the driver to
delay the actual locking of the
doors. When the driver power door
lock switch is pressed with the key
removed from the ignition, and the
driver door open, a chime will sound
three times to signal that the
delayed locking system is active.
When all doors have been closed,
the doors will lock automatically
after several seconds. If any door is
opened before this, the timer will
reset itself once all the doors have
been closed again.
Pressing the driver or passenger
power door lock switch again or the
RKE transmitter button will override
this feature.
Personal Choice Programming
The delayed locking feature can be
turned on or off, using the Driver
Information Center (DIC) to
program this feature. See “DELAY
DOOR LOCK” under VehiclePersonalization on page 5‑36.
Automatic Door Locks
The doors will automatically lock
when the shift lever is moved out of
P (Park). The automatic door locking
feature cannot be disabled.
Programmable Automatic Door
Unlock
The vehicle is programmed so that
when the shift lever is moved into
P (Park) all doors will unlock.
With the vehicle stopped and the
engine running, door unlocking can
be programmed through prompts
displayed on the Driver Information
Center (DIC). These prompts allow
the driver to choose various unlock
settings. For programming
information, see VehiclePersonalization on page 5‑36.
Blackplate(9,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
Keys, Doors and Windows2-9
Lockout Protection
This feature helps prevent you from
locking the doors while the key is in
the ignition. Always remember to
take your key with you when exiting
the vehicle.
If the lock switch is pressed on the
door that is open and the key is in
the ignition, all of the doors will lock
and then the open door will unlock.
A chime sounds continuously until
the driver door is closed.
Safety Locks
Rear door security locks prevent
passengers from opening the rear
doors from the inside.
The rear door security locks are
located on the inside edge of each
rear door. The rear doors must be
opened to access them.
To assist in finding the lock, the
vehicle has the following:
To use the lock:
1. Insert the key into the security
lock slot and turn it so the slot is
in the horizontal position.
2. Close the door.
3. Do the same for the other
rear door.
To open a rear door when the
security lock is on, do the following:
1. Unlock the door by using the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter, if the vehicle has
one, by pressing the power door
lock switch, or by lifting the rear
door manual lock.
2. Open the door from the outside.
To cancel the rear door
security lock:
1. Unlock the door and open it from
the outside.
2. Insert the key into the security
lock slot and turn it so the slot is
in the vertical position.
3. Do the same for the other
rear door.
Blackplate(10,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
2-10Keys, Doors and Windows
Doors
Trunk
WARNING
{
Exhaust gases can enter the
vehicle if it is driven with the
liftgate, trunk/hatch open, or with
any objects that pass through the
seal between the body and the
trunk/hatch or liftgate. Engine
exhaust contains Carbon
Monoxide (CO) which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
If the vehicle must be driven with
the liftgate, or trunk/hatch open:
.
Close all of the windows.
.
Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
.
Adjust the Climate Control
system to a setting that
brings in only outside air and
set the fan speed to the
highest setting. See Climate
Control System in the Index.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
.
If the vehicle is equipped with
a power liftgate, disable the
power liftgate function.
For more information about
carbon monoxide, see EngineExhaust on page 9‑24.
Trunk Release
To open the trunk from the outside,
press the trunk release button on
the RKE transmitter, if equipped.
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ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
Keys, Doors and Windows2-11
Remote Trunk Release
G (Remote Trunk Release):
Press the button located next to the
exterior lamps control on the left
side of the instrument panel to open
the trunk. The shift lever must be in
P (Park).
The trunk can also be opened by
lowering the rear seat and pulling
the emergency trunk release handle
located inside the trunk. See Rear
Seats (Split Folding) on page 3‑8
and “Emergency Trunk Release
Handle” following.
Emergency Trunk Release
Handle
Notice: Do not use the
emergency trunk release handle
as a tie-down or anchor point
when securing items in the trunk
as it could damage the handle.
The emergency trunk release
handle is only intended to aid a
person trapped in a latched trunk,
enabling them to open the trunk
from the inside.
There is a glow-in-the-dark trunk
release handle located on the latch
inside the trunk . This handle will
glow following exposure to light.
Pull the release handle to open the
trunk from the inside.
Blackplate(12,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
2-12Keys, Doors and Windows
Vehicle Security
This vehicle has theft-deterrent
features; however, they do not make
it impossible to steal.
Anti-Theft Alarm System
Your vehicle may have the optional
content theft-deterrent alarm
system.
To activate the theft-deterrent
system:
1. Open the door.
2. Lock the door with the
power door lock switch or the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter. If you are using the
RKE transmitter, the door does
not need to be open.
3. Close all doors.
Once armed, the alarm will go off if
someone tries to enter the vehicle
without using the RKE transmitter or
a key or turns the ignition on with an
incorrect key. The horn will sound
and the turn signal lamps will flash
for about 30 seconds.
When the alarm is armed, the
trunk may be opened with the
RKE transmitter. The power door
lock switches are disabled and the
doors remain locked. You must use
your RKE transmitter or your key to
unlock the doors when the system
is armed.
Arming with the Power Lock
Switch
The alarm system will arm when
you use either power lock switch to
lock the doors while any door is
open and the key is removed from
the ignition. The alarm system will
not arm if the trunk is open when
you use either power lock switch to
lock the doors.
Arming with the
RKE Transmitter
The alarm system will arm when
you use your RKE transmitter to
lock the doors, if the key is not in
the ignition.
Disarming with the
RKE Transmitter
The alarm system will disarm when
you use your RKE transmitter to
unlock the doors.
The first time a remote unlock
command is received, three flashes
will be seen and three horn chirps
heard to indicate an alarm condition
has occurred since last arming.
Disarming with Your Key
The alarm system will disarm
when you use your key to unlock
the doors or insert your key in
the ignition and turn it from the
LOCK/OFF position.
Blackplate(13,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
Keys, Doors and Windows2-13
Immobilizer
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.
Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle has PASS-Key®III+
(Personalized Automotive Security
System) theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key III+ is a passive
theft-deterrent system.
The system is automatically armed
when the key is removed from the
ignition.
The system is automatically
disarmed when the key is turned to
ON/RUN, ACC/ACCESSORY,
or START from the LOCK/OFF
position.
You do not have to manually arm or
disarm the system.
The security light will come on if
there is a problem with arming or
disarming the theft-deterrent
system.
When the PASS-Key III+ system
senses that someone is using the
wrong key, it prevents the vehicle
from starting. Anyone using a
trial-and-error method to start the
vehicle will be discouraged because
of the high number of electrical key
codes.
If the engine does not start and the
security light on the instrument
panel cluster comes on when trying
to start the vehicle, there may be a
problem with the theft-deterrent
system. Turn the ignition off and
try again.
If the engine still does not start,
and the key appears to be
undamaged, try another ignition key.
At this time, you may also want to
check the fuse. See Fuses andCircuit Breakers on page 10‑34.
If the engine still does not start with
the other key, the vehicle needs
service. If the vehicle does start, the
first key may be faulty. See your
dealer who can service the
PASS-Key III+ to have a new
key made.
It is possible for the PASS-Key III+
decoder to learn the transponder
value of a new or replacement key.
Up to 10 keys may be programmed
for the vehicle. The following
procedure is for programming
additional keys only. If all the
currently programmed keys are lost
or do not operate, you must see
your dealer or a locksmith who can
service PASS-Key III+ to have keys
made and programmed to the
system.
See your dealer or a locksmith who
can service PASS-Key III+ to get a
new key blank cut exactly as the
ignition key that operates the
system.
Blackplate(14,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
2-14Keys, Doors and Windows
To program the new additional key:
1. Verify that the new key has a
1 stamped on it.
2. Insert the original, already
programmed key in the ignition
and start the engine. If the
engine will not start, see your
dealer for service.
3. After the engine has started,
turn the key to LOCK/OFF,
and remove the key.
4. Insert the new key to be
programmed and turn it to
the ON/RUN position within
five seconds of turning the
ignition to the LOCK/OFF
position in Step 3.
The security light will turn off
once the key has been
programmed.
5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 if
additional keys are to be
programmed.
If you lose or damage your
PASS-Key III+ key, see your dealer
or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key III+ to have a new
key made.
Do not leave the key or device
that disarms or deactivates
the theft-deterrent system in
the vehicle.
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors
WARNING
{
A convex mirror can make things,
like other vehicles, look farther
away than they really are. If you
cut too sharply into the right lane,
you could hit a vehicle on the
right. Check the inside mirror or
glance over your shoulder before
changing lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex
shaped. A convex mirror's surface is
curved so more can be seen from
the driver seat.
Blackplate(15,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
Keys, Doors and Windows2-15
Power Mirrors
Controls for the outside power
mirrors are located on the driver
door armrest.
1. Press the left or right side of the
selector switch located above
the control pad, to select the
driver or passenger mirror.
2. Press one of the four buttons
located on the control pad to
move the mirror to the desired
direction.
3. Adjust each outside mirror so
that a little of the vehicle and the
area behind it can be seen.
Keep the selector switch in the
center position when not adjusting
either outside mirror.
Heated Mirrors
For vehicles with heated mirrors:
= (Rear Window Defogger):
Press to heat the outside rearview
mirrors. See “Rear Window
Defogger” under Climate ControlSystems on page 8‑1 for more
information.
Interior Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror
Adjust the inside rearview mirror
for a clear view of the area behind
your vehicle. To avoid glare of the
headlamps from behind, push the
tab forward for daytime and pull it
for nighttime use.
®
Vehicles with OnStar
additional control buttons located at
the bottom of the mirror. See your
dealer for more information about
OnStar and how to subscribe to it.
See the OnStar Owner's Guide for
more information about the services
OnStar provides.
have three
Blackplate(16,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
2-16Keys, Doors and Windows
Automatic Dimming
Rearview Mirror
The vehicle may have an automatic
dimming inside rearview mirror.
Automatic dimming reduces the
glare from the headlamps of the
vehicle behind you. The dimming
feature comes on and the indicator
light illuminates each time the
ignition is turned to start.
O (On/Off): Press to turn the
dimming feature on or off.
Vehicles with OnStar have three
additional control buttons for the
OnStar system. See your dealer for
more information about OnStar and
how to subscribe to it. See the
OnStar Owner Guide for more
information about the services
OnStar provides.
Cleaning the Mirror
Do not spray glass cleaner directly
on the mirror. Use a soft towel
dampened with water.
Windows
WARNING
{
Leaving children, helpless adults,
or pets in a vehicle with the
windows closed is dangerous.
They can be overcome by the
extreme heat and suffer
permanent injuries or even death
from heat stroke. Never leave a
child, a helpless adult, or a pet
alone in a vehicle, especially with
the windows closed in warm or
hot weather.
The vehicle aerodynamics are
designed to improve fuel economy
performance. This may result in a
pulsing sound when either rear
window is down and the front
windows are up. To reduce the
sound, open either a front window
or the sunroof (if equipped).
Blackplate(17,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
Keys, Doors and Windows2-17
Power Windows
WARNING
{
Leaving children in a vehicle with
the keys 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 and they
could be seriously injured or killed
if caught in the path of a closing
window. Do not leave keys in a
vehicle with children.
When there are children in the
rear seat use the window lockout
button to prevent unintentional
operation of the windows.
The power window switches work
while the ignition is in ON/RUN,
ACC/ACCESSORY, or while
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is
active. See Retained AccessoryPower (RAP) on page 9‑18.
To lower the window, press and
hold the front of the switch to the
first position until the window is at
the desired level. To raise the
window, pull up and hold the front of
the switch.
The switches on the driver door
armrest are used to control each of
the windows. Each passenger door
has its own window switch.
Blackplate(18,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
2-18Keys, Doors and Windows
Express-Down Window
The driver window switch has an
express-down feature labeled
AUTO. This lets you lower the
window completely without holding
the switch. Press the front of the
switch to the second position
and release.
To stop the window while it is
lowering, briefly pull up on
the switch.
Window Lockout
o (Window Lockout): The driver
window switches also include a
lockout switch. Press the right side
of the switch to prevent the rear
passengers from using their window
switches. The driver can still control
all the windows and the front
passenger can control their own
window with the lockout on. Press
the left side of the switch to return to
normal window operation. A red bar
on the right side of the switch
indicates that the lockout is off.
Sun Visors
Pull the sun visor down to block
glare. Detach the sun visor from the
center mount to pivot to the side
window, or to extend along the rod if
available.
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ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
Keys, Doors and Windows2-19
Roof
Sunroof
On vehicles with a sunroof, the
sunroof switches are on the
overhead console.
The sunroof can only be operated
when the ignition is in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY, or when
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is
active. See Retained AccessoryPower (RAP) on page 9‑18.
Q (Vent/Express-Open): Press
this switch once to vent the sunroof
when it is closed. When using the
vent, the sunshade should be fully
opened. The sunshade can be
opened or closed manually by
sliding it rearward or forward.
From the vent position, press
this switch again to activate the
express-open feature. Press the
close switch to stop movement of
the sunroof. The sunshade will
automatically open when using
express‐open.
A deflector will automatically pop up
when the sunroof is opened. The
deflector will retract when the
sunroof is closed.
R (Close): Press and hold this
switch until the sunroof motor stops
to close the sunroof, or release the
switch when the desired position
has been reached.
Dirt and debris may collect on the
sunroof seal or in the track. This
could cause an issue with sunroof
operation, noise or plugging the
water drainage system. Periodically
open the sunroof and remove any
obstacles or loose debris. Wipe the
sunroof seal and roof sealing area
using a clean cloth, mild soap,
and water. Do not remove grease
from sunroof.
The vehicle's front seats have
adjustable head restraints in the
outboard seating positions.
WARNING
{
With head restraints that are not
installed and adjusted properly,
there is a greater chance that
occupants will suffer a neck/
spinal injury in a crash. Do not
drive until the head restraints for
all occupants are installed and
adjusted properly.
Adjust the head restraint so that the
top of the restraint is at the same
height as the top of the occupant's
head. This position reduces the
chance of a neck injury in a crash.
The height of the head restraint can
be adjusted. Pull the head restraint
up to raise it. Try to move the head
restraint to make sure that it is
locked in place.
To lower the head restraint, press
the button located on top of the
seatback, and push the head
restraint down. Try to move the
head restraint after the button is
released to make sure that it is
locked in place.
The front seat outboard head
restraints are not designed to
be removed.
Blackplate(3,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-3
Rear Seat
The vehicle's rear seat has head
restraints in the outboard seating
positions that cannot be adjusted.
The vehicle's rear seat has a
headrest in the center seating
position that cannot be adjusted.
The rear seat head restraints and
headrest are not designed to be
removed.
Front Seats
Seat Adjustment
Manual Seats
WARNING
{
You can lose control of the
vehicle if you try to adjust a
manual driver seat while the
vehicle is moving. The sudden
movement could startle and
confuse you, or make you push a
pedal when you do not want to.
Adjust the driver seat only when
the vehicle is not moving.
To move a manual seat forward or
rearward:
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.
Try to move the seat back and forth
to be sure the seat is locked in
place.
Blackplate(4,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
3-4Seats and Restraints
Center Seat
The vehicle may have a front center
seat. There are cupholders on the
underside of the seat cushion.
To use them, flip the seat cushion
forward. The seat can also be used
as a storage area by lowering the
seatback. See Center ConsoleStorage on page 4‑2.
The seatback doubles as an
armrest for the driver or front
passenger when the center seat is
unoccupied.
Power Seat Adjustment
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.
The driver seat may have power
reclining seatbacks. See “Power
Reclining Seatbacks” under
Reclining Seatbacks on page 3‑5 for
more information.
Lumbar Adjustment
Manual Lumbar
Lift up or push down repeatedly on
the lever on the outboard side of the
driver seat to increase or decrease
lumbar support.
Blackplate(5,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-5
Reclining Seatbacks
WARNING
{
Sitting in a reclined position when
the vehicle is in motion can be
dangerous. Even when buckled
up, the safety belts cannot do
their job when reclined like this.
The shoulder belt cannot do its
job because it will not be against
your body. Instead, it will be in
front of you. In a crash, you
could go into it, receiving neck
or other injuries.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
The lap belt cannot do its job
either. In a crash, the belt could
go up over your abdomen. The
belt forces would be there, not at
your pelvic bones. This could
cause serious internal injuries.
For proper protection when the
vehicle is in motion, have the
seatback upright. Then sit well
back in the seat and wear the
safety belt properly.
Do not have a seatback reclined if
the vehicle is moving.
Blackplate(6,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
3-6Seats and Restraints
Manual Reclining Seatbacks
WARNING
{
You can lose control of the
vehicle if you try to adjust a
manual driver seat while the
vehicle is moving. The sudden
movement could startle and
confuse you, or make you push a
pedal when you do not want to.
Adjust the driver seat only when
the vehicle is not moving.
WARNING
{
If either seatback is not locked, it
could move forward in a sudden
stop or crash. That could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
Always push and pull on the
seatbacks to be sure they
are locked.
To recline a manual seatback:
1. Lift the lever.
2. Move the seatback to the
desired position, and then
release the lever to lock the
seatback in place.
3. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked.
To return the seatback to the
upright position:
1. Lift the lever fully without
applying pressure to the
seatback, and the seatback will
return to the upright position.
2. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked.
Power Reclining Seatbacks
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.
Blackplate(7,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-7
Heated Front Seats
WARNING
{
If you cannot feel temperature
change or pain to the skin, the
seat heater may cause burns
even at low temperatures. To
reduce the risk of burns, people
with such a condition should use
care when using the seat heater,
especially for long periods of
time. Do not place anything on
the seat that insulates against
heat, such as a blanket, cushion,
cover or similar item. This may
cause the seat heater to
overheat. An overheated seat
heater may cause a burn or
may damage the seat.
If available, the heated seat buttons
are on the climate control panel.
The ignition must be on to operate
the heated seats.
L or M to heat the driver or
Press
passenger seat cushion and
seatback.
Press the button once for the
highest setting. With each press of
the button, the heated seat will
change to the next lower setting,
and then to the off setting. The
lights indicate two for the highest
setting and one for the lowest.
The passenger seat may take
longer to heat up.
The heated seat are canceled
each time the ignition is turned off.
To use this feature after restarting
the vehicle, press the desired
button again.
Blackplate(8,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
3-8Seats and Restraints
Rear Seats
Rear Seats (Split Folding)
Flip and Fold Feature
With this feature, the seat cushions
flip forward and the seatbacks fold
down to create an extended flat
cargo area.
To flip the seat cushion and fold the
seatback:
1. Make sure the front seats are
not reclined. The seat cushion
will not flip forward completely if
the front seats are reclined.
2. Flip the seat cushion forward by
pulling up on the tab in the
center of the seat cushion where
the seatback meets the seat
cushion.
3. Lower the seatback by pulling
forward on the tab on the
outboard side of the seatback.
Blackplate(9,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-9
To return the seats to the normal
position:
WARNING
{
If either seatback is not locked, it
could move forward in a sudden
stop or crash. That could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
Always push and pull on the
seatbacks to be sure they
are locked.
1. Raise the seatback and make
sure it latches.
WARNING
{
A safety belt that is improperly
routed, not properly attached,
or twisted will not provide the
protection needed in a crash.
The person wearing the belt could
be seriously injured. After raising
the rear seatback, always check
to be sure that the safety belts
are properly routed and attached,
and are not twisted.
2. Make sure the safety belts are
properly stowed over the
seatback in all three seating
positions.
3. Flip the bottom seat cushion
back into place. Push down
firmly on the seat cushion to
make sure it is secure.
When the seat is not in use, the
seatback should be placed in the
upright, locked position, and
the seat cushion should be in
the down position.
Under Seat Storage
The vehicle has a storage area
under the rear seat. See RearStorage on page 4‑2 for more
information.
Blackplate(10,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
3-10Seats and Restraints
Safety Belts
This section of the manual
describes how to use safety belts
properly. It also describes some
things not to do with safety belts.
WARNING
{
Do not let anyone ride where a
safety belt cannot be worn
properly. In a crash, if you or your
passenger(s) are not wearing
safety belts, the injuries can be
much worse. You can hit things
inside the vehicle harder or be
ejected from the vehicle. You and
your passenger(s) can be
seriously injured or killed. In the
same crash, you might not be,
if you are buckled up. Always
fasten your safety belt, and check
that your passenger(s) are
restrained properly too.
WARNING
{
It is extremely dangerous to ride
in a cargo area, inside or outside
of a vehicle. In a collision, people
riding in these areas are more
likely to be seriously injured or
killed. Do not allow people to ride
in any area of your vehicle that is
not equipped with seats and
safety belts. Be sure everyone in
your vehicle is in a seat and using
a safety belt properly.
This vehicle has indicators as a
reminder to buckle the safety belts.
See Safety Belt Reminders onpage 5‑14 for additional information.
In most states and in all Canadian
provinces, the law requires wearing
safety belts. Here is why:
You never know if you will be in a
crash. If you do have a crash, you
do not know if it will be a
serious one.
A few crashes are mild, and some
crashes can be so serious that even
buckled up, a person would not
survive. But most crashes are in
between. In many of them, people
who buckle up can survive and
sometimes walk away. Without
safety belts they could have been
badly hurt or killed.
After more than 40 years of safety
belts in vehicles, the facts are clear.
In most crashes buckling up does
matter ... a lot!
Blackplate(11,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
Why Safety Belts Work
When you ride in or on anything,
you go as fast as it goes.
Seats and Restraints3-11
Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose
it is just a seat on wheels.
Put someone on it.Get it up to speed. Then stop the
vehicle. The rider does not stop.
Blackplate(12,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
3-12Seats and Restraints
The person keeps going until
stopped by something. In a real
vehicle, it could be the windshield...
or the instrument panel...
With safety belts, you slow down
as the vehicle does. You get more
time to stop. You stop over more
distance, and your strongest bones
take the forces. That is why safety
belts make such good sense.
Questions and Answers About
Safety Belts
Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle
after a crash if I am wearing a
safety belt?
A: You could be — whether you are
wearing a safety belt or not. But
your chance of being conscious
during and after an accident, so
you can unbuckle and get out, is
much greater if you are belted.
And you can unbuckle a safety
belt, even if you are
upside down.
or the safety belts!
Blackplate(13,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-13
Q: If my vehicle has airbags,
why should I have to wear
safety belts?
A: Airbags are supplemental
systems only; so they work with
safety belts — not instead of
them. Whether or not an airbag
is provided, all occupants still
have to buckle up to get the
most protection. That is true not
only in frontal collisions, but
especially in side and other
collisions.
Q: If I am a good driver, and
I never drive far from
home, why should I wear
safety belts?
A: You may be an excellent driver,
but if you are in a crash — even
one that is not your fault — you
and your passenger(s) can be
hurt. Being a good driver does
not protect you from things
beyond your control, such as
bad drivers.
Most accidents occur within
40 km (25 miles) of home. And
the greatest number of serious
injuries and deaths occur at
speeds of less than
65 km/h (40 mph).
Safety belts are for everyone.
How to Wear Safety Belts
Properly
This section is only for people of
adult size.
Be aware that there are special
things to know about safety belts
and children. And there are different
rules for smaller children and
infants. If a child will be riding in the
vehicle, see Older Children on
page 3‑41 or Infants and Young
Children on page 3‑43. Follow those
rules for everyone's protection.
It is very important for all occupants
to buckle up. Statistics show that
unbelted people are hurt more often
in crashes than those who are
wearing safety belts.
Occupants who are not buckled
up can be thrown out of the vehicle
in a crash. And they can strike
others in the vehicle who are
wearing safety belts.
Blackplate(14,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
3-14Seats and Restraints
First, before you or your
passenger(s) wear a safety belt,
there is important information you
should know.
Sit up straight and always keep your
feet on the floor in front of you. The
lap part of the belt should be worn
low and snug on the hips, just
touching the thighs. In a crash, this
applies force to the strong pelvic
bones and you would be less likely
to slide under the lap belt. If you slid
under it, the belt would apply force
on your abdomen. This could cause
serious or even fatal injuries. The
shoulder belt should go over the
shoulder and across the chest.
These parts of the body are best
able to take belt restraining forces.
The shoulder belt locks if there is a
sudden stop or crash.
Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The shoulder belt is too loose.
It will not give as much
protection this way.
Blackplate(15,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-15
WARNING
{
You can be seriously hurt if your
shoulder belt is too loose. In a
crash, you would move forward
too much, which could increase
injury. The shoulder belt should fit
snugly against your body.
Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The lap belt is too loose.
It will not give nearly as much
protection this way.
WARNING
{
You can be seriously hurt if your
lap belt is too loose. In a crash,
you could slide under the lap belt
and apply force on your
abdomen. This could cause
serious or even fatal injuries.
The lap belt should be worn low
and snug on the hips, just
touching the thighs.
Blackplate(16,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
3-16Seats and Restraints
Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The belt is buckled in the
wrong buckle.
WARNING
{
You can be seriously injured if
your belt is buckled in the wrong
place like this. In a crash, the belt
would go up over your abdomen.
The belt forces would be there,
not on the pelvic bones. This
could cause serious internal
injuries. Always buckle your belt
into the buckle nearest you.
Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The belt is over an armrest.
Blackplate(17,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-17
WARNING
{
You can be seriously injured if
your belt goes over an armrest
like this. The belt would be much
too high. In a crash, you can slide
under the belt. The belt force
would then be applied on the
abdomen, not on the pelvic
bones, and that could cause
serious or fatal injuries. Be sure
the belt goes under the armrests.
Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The shoulder belt is worn under
the arm. It should be worn over
the shoulder at all times.
WARNING
{
You can be seriously injured if
you wear the shoulder belt under
your arm. In a crash, your body
would move too far forward,
which would increase the chance
of head and neck injury. Also, the
belt would apply too much force
to the ribs, which are not as
strong as shoulder bones.
You could also severely injure
internal organs like your liver or
spleen. The shoulder belt should
go over the shoulder and across
the chest.
Blackplate(18,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
3-18Seats and Restraints
Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The belt is behind the body.
WARNING
{
You can be seriously injured by
not wearing the lap-shoulder belt
properly. In a crash, you would
not be restrained by the shoulder
belt. Your body could move too
far forward increasing the chance
of head and neck injury. You
might also slide under the lap
belt. The belt force would then be
applied right on the abdomen.
That could cause serious or fatal
injuries. The shoulder belt should
go over the shoulder and across
the chest.
Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The belt is twisted across
the body.
WARNING
{
You can be seriously injured by a
twisted belt. In a crash, you would
not have the full width of the belt
to spread impact forces. If a belt
is twisted, make it straight so it
can work properly, or ask your
dealer to fix it.
Blackplate(19,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-19
Lap-Shoulder Belt
All seating positions in the vehicle
have a lap-shoulder belt except for
the center front passenger position
(if equipped), which has a lap belt.
See Lap Belt on page 3‑24 for more
information.
The following instructions explain
how to wear a lap-shoulder belt
properly.
1. Adjust the seat, if the seat is
adjustable, so you can sit up
straight. To see how, see
“Seats” in the Index.
2. Pick up the latch plate and pull
the belt across you. Do not let it
get twisted.
The lap-shoulder belt may lock if
you pull the belt across you very
quickly. If this happens, let the
belt go back slightly to unlock it.
Then pull the belt across you
more slowly.
If the shoulder portion of a
passenger belt is pulled out all
the way, the child restraint
locking feature may be engaged.
If this happens, let the belt go
back all the way and start again.
Engaging the child restraint
locking feature in the right front
seating position may affect the
passenger sensing system. See
Passenger Sensing System on
page 3‑34.
3. Push the latch plate into the
buckle until it clicks.
If the latch plate will not go fully
into the buckle, check if the
correct buckle is being used.
Pull up on the latch plate to
make sure it is secure. If the belt
is not long enough, see SafetyBelt Extender on page 3‑24.
Position the release button on
the buckle so that the safety belt
could be quickly unbuckled if
necessary.
4. If equipped with a shoulder belt
height adjuster, move it to the
height that is right for you. See
“Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster”
in this section for instructions on
use and important safety
information.
Blackplate(20,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
3-20Seats and Restraints
5. To make the lap part tight, pull
up on the shoulder belt.
It may be necessary to pull
stitching on the safety belt
through the latch plate to fully
tighten the lap belt on smaller
occupants.
To unlatch the belt, push the button
on the buckle. The belt should
return to its stowed position.
Before a door is closed, be sure the
belt is out of the way. If a door is
slammed against a safety belt,
damage can occur to both the
safety belt and the vehicle.
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster
The vehicle has shoulder belt height
adjusters for the driver and right
front passenger positions.
Adjust the height so the shoulder
portion of the belt is on the shoulder
and not falling off of it. The belt
should be close to, but not
contacting, the neck. Improper
shoulder belt height adjustment
could reduce the effectiveness of
the safety belt in a crash. See How
to Wear Safety Belts Properly on
page 3‑13.
Blackplate(21,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-21
Squeeze the buttons (A) on the
sides of the height adjuster and
move the height adjuster to the
desired position.
You can move the adjuster up
just by pushing up on the shoulder
belt guide.
After the adjuster is set to the
desired position, try to move it down
without squeezing the buttons to
make sure it has locked into
position.
Safety Belt Pretensioners
This vehicle has safety belt
pretensioners for front outboard
occupants. Although the safety belt
pretensioners cannot be seen, they
are part of the safety belt assembly.
They can help tighten the safety
belts during the early stages of a
moderate to severe frontal and
near frontal crash if the threshold
conditions for pretensioner
activation are met. And, if the
vehicle has side impact airbags,
safety belt pretensioners can
help tighten the safety belts in a
side crash.
Pretensioners work only once. If the
pretensioners activate in a crash,
they will need to be replaced, and
probably other new parts for the
vehicle's safety belt system. See
Replacing Safety Belt System Parts
After a Crash on page 3‑25.
Blackplate(22,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
3-22Seats and Restraints
Rear Safety Belt Comfort
Guides
This vehicle may have rear shoulder
belt comfort guides for each
outboard passenger position in the
rear seat. If not, they are available
through your dealer. The guides
may provide added safety belt
comfort for older children who have
outgrown booster seats and for
some adults. When installed and
properly adjusted, the comfort guide
positions the belt away from the
neck and head.
Here is how to install a comfort
guide to the safety belt:
1. Pull the guide out from the
pocket on the edge of the
seatback.
2. Place the guide over the belt,
and insert the two edges of the
belt into the slots of the guide.
3. Be sure that the belt is not
twisted and it lies flat. The
elastic cord must be under the
belt and the guide on top.
WARNING
{
A safety belt that is not properly
worn may not provide the
protection needed in a crash.
(Continued)
Blackplate(23,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-23
WARNING (Continued)
The person wearing the belt could
be seriously injured. The shoulder
belt should go over the shoulder
and across the chest. These parts
of the body are best able to take
belt restraining forces.
4. Buckle, position, and release
the safety belt as described
previously in this section. Make
sure the shoulder portion of the
belt is on the shoulder and not
falling off of it. The belt should
be close to, but not contacting,
the neck.
To remove and store the comfort
guide, squeeze the belt edges
together so that the safety belt can
be removed from the guide. Slide
the guide into the storage pocket on
the edge of the seatback.
Safety Belt Use During
Pregnancy
Safety belts work for everyone,
including pregnant women. Like all
occupants, they are more likely to
be seriously injured if they do not
wear safety belts.
A pregnant woman should wear a
lap-shoulder belt, and the lap
portion should be worn as low as
possible, below the rounding,
throughout the pregnancy.
The best way to protect the fetus is
to protect the mother. When a safety
belt is worn properly, it is more likely
that the fetus will not be hurt in a
crash. For pregnant women, as for
anyone, the key to making safety
belts effective is wearing them
properly.
Blackplate(24,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
3-24Seats and Restraints
Lap Belt
This section is only for the lap belt.
To learn how to wear a lap-shoulder
belt, see Lap-Shoulder Belt onpage 3‑19.
The vehicle may have a center
seating position. When you sit in the
center front seating position, you
have a lap safety belt, which has
no retractor.
To make the belt longer, tilt the latch
plate and pull it along the belt.
Buckle, position, and release it the
same way as the lap part of a
lap-shoulder belt.
To make the belt shorter, pull its free
end as shown until the belt is snug.
If the belt is not long enough, see
Safety Belt Extender on page 3‑24.
Make sure the release button on the
buckle is positioned so you would
be able to unbuckle the safety belt
quickly if necessary.
Safety Belt Extender
If the vehicle's safety belt will fasten
around you, you should use it.
But if a safety belt is not long
enough, your dealer will order you
an extender. When you go in to
order it, take the heaviest coat you
will wear, so the extender will be
long enough for you. To help avoid
personal injury, do not let someone
else use it, and use it only for the
seat it is made to fit. The extender
has been designed for adults.
Never use it for securing child seats.
To wear it, attach it to the regular
safety belt. For more information,
see the instruction sheet that comes
with the extender.
Safety System Check
Now and then, check that the safety
belt reminder light, safety belts,
buckles, latch plates, retractors, and
anchorages are working properly.
Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts
that might keep a safety belt system
Blackplate(25,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-25
from doing its job. See your dealer
to have it repaired. Torn or frayed
safety belts may not protect you in a
crash. They can rip apart under
impact forces. If a belt is torn or
frayed, get a new one right away.
Make sure the safety belt reminder
light is working. See Safety BeltReminders on page 5‑14 for more
information.
Keep safety belts clean and dry.
See Safety Belt Care on page 3‑25.
Safety Belt Care
Keep belts clean and dry.
WARNING
{
Do not bleach or dye safety belts.
It may severely weaken them. In
a crash, they might not be able to
provide adequate protection.
Clean safety belts only with mild
soap and lukewarm water.
Replacing Safety Belt
System Parts After a
Crash
WARNING
{
A crash can damage the safety
belt system in the vehicle.
A damaged safety belt system
may not properly protect the
person using it, resulting in
serious injury or even death in a
crash. To help make sure the
safety belt systems are working
properly after a crash, have them
inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon
as possible.
After a minor crash, replacement of
safety belts may not be necessary.
But the safety belt assemblies that
were used during any crash may
have been stressed or damaged.
See your dealer to have the
safety belt assemblies inspected
or replaced.
New parts and repairs may be
necessary even if the safety belt
system was not being used at the
time of the crash.
Have the safety belt pretensioners
checked if the vehicle has been in a
crash, or if the airbag readiness light
stays on after you start the vehicle
or while you are driving. See AirbagReadiness Light on page 5‑15.
Blackplate(26,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
3-26Seats and Restraints
Airbag System
The vehicle has the following
airbags:
.
A frontal airbag for the driver.
.
A frontal airbag for the right front
passenger.
.
A seat‐mounted side impact
airbag for the driver.
.
A seat‐mounted side impact
airbag for the right front
passenger.
.
A roof-rail airbag for the driver
and passenger directly behind
the driver.
.
A roof-rail airbag for the right
front passenger and passenger
seated directly behind the right
front passenger.
All of the airbags in the vehicle will
have the word AIRBAG embossed
in the trim or on an attached label
near the deployment opening.
For frontal airbags, the word
AIRBAG will appear on the middle
part of the steering wheel for the
driver and on the instrument panel
for the right front passenger.
With seat‐mounted side impact
airbags, the word AIRBAG will
appear on the side of the seatback
closest to the door.
With roof-rail airbags, the word
AIRBAG will appear along the
headliner or trim.
Airbags are designed to supplement
the protection provided by safety
belts. Even though today's airbags
are also designed to help reduce
the risk of injury from the force of an
inflating bag, all airbags must inflate
very quickly to do their job.
Here are the most important things
to know about the airbag system:
WARNING
{
You can be severely injured or
killed in a crash if you are not
wearing your safety belt — even if
you have airbags. Airbags are
designed to work with safety
belts, but do not replace them.
Also, airbags are not designed to
deploy in every crash. In some
crashes safety belts are your only
restraint. See When Should anAirbag Inflate? on page 3‑30.
Wearing your safety belt during a
crash helps reduce your chance
of hitting things inside the vehicle
or being ejected from it. Airbags
are “supplemental restraints” to
the safety belts. Everyone in your
vehicle should wear a safety belt
properly — whether or not there is
an airbag for that person.
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ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-27
WARNING
{
Airbags inflate with great force,
faster than the blink of an eye.
Anyone who is up against, or
very close to, any airbag when it
inflates can be seriously injured
or killed. Do not sit unnecessarily
close to the airbag, as you would
be if you were sitting on the edge
of your seat or leaning forward.
Safety belts help keep you in
position before and during a
crash. Always wear your safety
belt, even with airbags. The driver
should sit as far back as possible
while still maintaining control of
the vehicle.
Occupants should not lean on or
sleep against the door or side
windows in seating positions with
seat-mounted side impact airbags
and/or roof-rail airbags.
WARNING
{
Children who are up against,
or very close to, any airbag
when it inflates can be seriously
injured or killed. Airbags plus
lap-shoulder belts offer protection
for adults and older children, but
not for young children and infants.
Neither the vehicle's safety belt
system nor its airbag system is
designed for them. Young
children and infants need the
protection that a child restraint
system can provide. Always
secure children properly in your
vehicle. To read how, see Older
Children on page 3‑41 or Infants
and Young Children on
page 3‑43.
There is an airbag readiness light
on the instrument panel cluster,
which shows the airbag symbol.
The system checks the airbag
electrical system for malfunctions.
The light tells you if there is an
electrical problem. See AirbagReadiness Light on page 5‑15 for
more information.
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ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
3-28Seats and Restraints
Where Are the Airbags?
The driver frontal airbag is in the
middle of the steering wheel.
The right front passenger frontal
airbag is in the instrument panel on
the passenger side.
Driver Side Shown, Passenger
Side Similar
The seat‐mounted side impact
airbags for the driver and right front
passenger are in the side of the
seatbacks closest to the door.
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ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-29
Driver Side Shown, Passenger
Side Similar
The roof-rail airbags for the driver,
right front passenger, and second
row outboard passengers are in the
ceiling above the side windows.
WARNING
{
If something is between an
occupant and an airbag, the
airbag might not inflate properly
or it might force the object into
that person causing severe injury
or even death. The path of an
inflating airbag must be kept
clear. Do not put anything
between an occupant and an
airbag, and do not attach or put
anything on the steering wheel
hub or on or near any other
airbag covering.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
Do not use seat accessories
that block the inflation path of a
seat-mounted side impact airbag.
Never secure anything to the
roof of a vehicle with roof-rail
airbags by routing a rope or
tie down through any door or
window opening. If you do, the
path of an inflating roof-rail airbag
will be blocked.
Blackplate(30,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
3-30Seats and Restraints
When Should an Airbag
Inflate?
Frontal airbags are designed to
inflate in moderate to severe frontal
or near-frontal crashes to help
reduce the potential for severe
injuries mainly to the driver's or
right front passenger's head and
chest. However, they are only
designed to inflate if the impact
exceeds a predetermined
deployment threshold. Deployment
thresholds are used to predict how
severe a crash is likely to be in time
for the airbags to inflate and help
restrain the occupants.
Whether the frontal airbags will or
should deploy is not based on
how fast your vehicle is traveling.
It depends largely on what you hit,
the direction of the impact, and how
quickly your vehicle slows down.
Frontal airbags may inflate at
different crash speeds. For
example:
.
If the vehicle hits a stationary
object, the airbags could inflate
at a different crash speed than if
the vehicle hits a moving object.
.
If the vehicle hits an object that
deforms, the airbags could
inflate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle hits an object
that does not deform.
.
If the vehicle hits a narrow object
(like a pole), the airbags could
inflate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle hits a wide
object (like a wall).
.
If the vehicle goes into an object
at an angle, the airbags could
inflate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle goes straight
into the object.
Thresholds can also vary with
specific vehicle design.
Frontal airbags are not intended to
inflate during vehicle rollovers, rear
impacts, or in many side impacts.
In addition, the vehicle has
dual-stage frontal airbags.
Dual-stage airbags adjust the
restraint according to crash severity.
The vehicle has electronic frontal
sensors, which help the sensing
system distinguish between a
moderate frontal impact and a more
severe frontal impact. For moderate
frontal impacts, dual-stage airbags
inflate at a level less than full
deployment. For more severe frontal
impacts, full deployment occurs.
The vehicle has seat-mounted side
impact and roof-rail airbags. See
Airbag System on page 3‑26.
Seat-mounted side impact and
roof-rail airbags are intended to
inflate in moderate to severe side
crashes. Seat-mounted side impact
and roof-rail airbags will inflate if the
crash severity is above the system's
designed threshold level. The
threshold level can vary with
specific vehicle design.
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ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-31
Roof-rail airbags are not intended to
inflate in rollovers or rear impacts.
A seat-mounted side impact airbag
is intended to deploy on the side of
the vehicle that is struck. Both
roof-rail airbags will deploy when
either side of the vehicle is struck.
In any particular crash, no one can
say whether an airbag should have
inflated simply because of the
damage to a vehicle or because
of what the repair costs were.
For frontal airbags, inflation is
determined by what the vehicle hits,
the angle of the impact, and how
quickly the vehicle slows down.
For seat-mounted side impact and
roof-rail airbags, deployment is
determined by the location and
severity of the side impact.
What Makes an Airbag
Inflate?
In a deployment event, the sensing
system sends an electrical signal
triggering a release of gas from the
inflator. Gas from the inflator fills the
airbag causing the bag to break out
of the cover and deploy. The inflator,
the airbag, and related hardware are
all part of the airbag module.
Frontal airbag modules are located
inside the steering wheel and
instrument panel. For vehicles with
seat‐mounted side impact airbags,
there are airbags modules in the
side of the front seatbacks closest
to the door. For vehicles with
roof-rail airbags, there are airbag
modules in the ceiling of the vehicle,
near the side windows that have
occupant seating positions.
How Does an Airbag
Restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or
near frontal collisions, even belted
occupants can contact the steering
wheel or the instrument panel. In
moderate to severe side collisions,
even belted occupants can contact
the inside of the vehicle.
Airbags supplement the protection
provided by safety belts. Frontal
airbags distribute the force of the
impact more evenly over the
occupant's upper body, stopping
the occupant more gradually.
Seat-mounted side impact and
roof-rail airbags distribute the force
of the impact more evenly over the
occupant's upper body.
But airbags would not help in
many types of collisions, primarily
because the occupant's motion is
not toward those airbags. See When
Should an Airbag Inflate? on
page 3‑30 for more information.
Airbags should never be regarded
as anything more than a supplement
to safety belts.
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ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
3-32Seats and Restraints
What Will You See After
an Airbag Inflates?
After the frontal airbags and
seat-mounted side impact airbags
inflate, they quickly deflate, so
quickly that some people may not
even realize an airbag inflated.
Roof-rail airbags may still be at least
partially inflated for some time after
they deploy. Some components of
the airbag module may be hot for
several minutes. For location of the
airbag modules, see What Makesan Airbag Inflate? on page 3‑31.
The parts of the airbag that
come into contact with you may be
warm, but not too hot to touch.
There may be some smoke and
dust coming from the vents in the
deflated airbags. Airbag inflation
does not prevent the driver from
seeing out of the windshield or
being able to steer the vehicle, nor
does it prevent people from leaving
the vehicle.
WARNING
{
When an airbag inflates, there
may be dust in the air. This dust
could cause breathing problems
for people with a history of
asthma or other breathing trouble.
To avoid this, everyone in the
vehicle should get out as soon as
it is safe to do so. If you have
breathing problems but cannot
get out of the vehicle after an
airbag inflates, then get fresh air
by opening a window or a door.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
If you experience breathing
problems following an airbag
deployment, you should seek
medical attention.
The vehicle has a feature that may
automatically unlock the doors, turn
on the interior lamps and hazard
warning flashers, and shut off the
fuel system after the airbags inflate.
You can lock the doors, turn off the
interior lamps and hazard warning
flashers by using the controls for
those features.
Blackplate(33,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
WARNING
{
A crash severe enough to inflate
the airbags may have also
damaged important functions in
the vehicle, such as the fuel
system, brake and steering
systems, etc. Even if the vehicle
appears to be drivable after a
moderate crash, there may be
concealed damage that could
make it difficult to safely operate
the vehicle.
Use caution if you should attempt
to restart the engine after a crash
has occurred.
In many crashes severe enough to
inflate the airbag, windshields are
broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may
also occur from the right front
passenger airbag.
.
Airbags are designed to inflate
only once. After an airbag
inflates, you will need some new
parts for the airbag system.
If you do not get them, the
airbag system will not be there
to help protect you in another
crash. A new system will include
airbag modules and possibly
other parts. The service manual
for your vehicle covers the need
to replace other parts.
Seats and Restraints3-33
.
The vehicle has a crash sensing
and diagnostic module which
records information after a
crash. See Vehicle Data
Recording and Privacy on
page 13‑16 and Event Data
Recorders on page 13‑16.
.
Let only qualified technicians
work on the airbag systems.
Improper service can mean that
an airbag system will not work
properly. See your dealer for
service.
Blackplate(34,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
3-34Seats and Restraints
Passenger Sensing
System
The vehicle has a passenger
sensing system for the right front
passenger position. The passenger
airbag status indicator will be visible
on the instrument panel when the
vehicle is started.
United States
Canada
The words ON and OFF, or the
symbol for on and off, will be visible
during the system check. If you are
using remote start to start the
vehicle from a distance, if equipped,
you may not see the system check.
When the system check is
complete, either the word ON or
the word OFF, or the symbol for on
or off, will be visible. See Passenger
Airbag Status Indicator on
page 5‑16.
The passenger sensing system will
turn off the right front passenger
frontal airbag under certain
conditions. The driver airbag,
seat‐mounted side impact airbags,
and roof‐rail airbags are not affected
by the passenger sensing system.
The passenger sensing system
works with sensors that are part
of the right front passenger seat.
The sensors are designed to detect
the presence of a properly-seated
occupant and determine if the right
front passenger frontal airbag
should be enabled (may inflate)
or not.
According to accident statistics,
children are safer when properly
secured in a rear seat in the correct
child restraint for their weight
and size.
We recommend that children
be secured in a rear seat,
including: an infant or a child riding
in a rear-facing child restraint; a
child riding in a forward-facing child
seat; an older child riding in a
booster seat; and children, who are
large enough, using safety belts.
A label on the sun visor says,
“Never put a rear-facing child seat in
the front.” This is because the risk to
the rear-facing child is so great,
if the airbag deploys.
Blackplate(35,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
WARNING
{
A child in a rear-facing child
restraint can be seriously injured
or killed if the right front
passenger airbag inflates.
This is because the back of the
rear-facing child restraint would
be very close to the inflating
airbag. A child in a forward-facing
child restraint can be seriously
injured or killed if the right front
passenger airbag inflates and
the passenger seat is in a
forward position.
Even if the passenger sensing
system has turned off the right
front passenger frontal airbag, no
system is fail-safe. No one can
guarantee that an airbag will not
deploy under some unusual
circumstance, even though the
airbag is turned off.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
Secure rear-facing child restraints
in a rear seat, even if the
airbag is off. If you secure a
forward-facing child restraint in
the right front seat, always move
the front passenger seat as far
back as it will go. It is better to
secure the child restraint in a
rear seat.
The passenger sensing system is
designed to turn off the right front
passenger frontal airbag if:
.
The right front passenger seat is
unoccupied.
.
The system determines that an
infant is present in a child
restraint.
Seats and Restraints3-35
.
A right front passenger takes
his/her weight off of the seat for
a period of time.
.
Or, if there is a critical problem
with the airbag system or the
passenger sensing system.
When the passenger sensing
system has turned off the right front
passenger frontal airbag, the off
indicator will light and stay lit to
remind you that the airbag is off.
See Passenger Airbag StatusIndicator on page 5‑16.
The passenger sensing system is
designed to turn on (may inflate) the
right front passenger frontal airbag
anytime the system senses that a
person of adult size is sitting
properly in the right front passenger
seat. When the passenger sensing
system has allowed the airbag to be
enabled, the on indicator will light
and stay lit to remind you that the
airbag is active.
Blackplate(36,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
3-36Seats and Restraints
For some children, including
children in child restraints, and for
very small adults, the passenger
sensing system may or may not turn
off the right front passenger frontal
airbag, depending upon the
person's seating posture and
body build. Everyone in the vehicle
who has outgrown child restraints
should wear a safety belt
properly — whether or not there is
an airbag for that person.
WARNING
{
If the airbag readiness light ever
comes on and stays on, it means
that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. To help
avoid injury to yourself or others,
have the vehicle serviced right
away. See Airbag ReadinessLight on page 5‑15 for more
information, including important
safety information.
If the On Indicator is Lit for a
Child Restraint
If a child restraint has been installed
and the on indicator is lit:
1. Turn the vehicle off.
2. Remove the child restraint from
the vehicle.
3. Remove any additional items
from the seat such as blankets,
cushions, seat covers, seat
heaters, or seat massagers.
4. Reinstall the child restraint
following the directions provided
by the child restraint
manufacturer and refer to
Securing Child Restraints (Rear
Seat Position) on page 3‑55 or
Securing Child Restraints
(Center Front Seat Position) on
page 3‑57 or Securing Child
Restraints (Right Front Seat
Position) on page 3‑58.
5. If, after reinstalling the child
restraint and restarting the
vehicle, the on indicator is still lit,
turn the vehicle off. Then slightly
recline the vehicle seatback and
adjust the seat cushion,
if adjustable, to make sure that
the vehicle seatback is not
pushing the child restraint into
the seat cushion.
Also make sure the child
restraint is not trapped under the
vehicle head restraint. If this
happens, adjust the head
restraint. See Head Restraintson page 3‑2.
6. Restart the vehicle.
The passenger sensing system may
or may not turn off the airbag for a
child in a child restraint depending
upon the child's seating posture and
body build. It is better to secure the
child restraint in a rear seat.
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ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-37
If the Off Indicator is Lit for an
Adult-Size Occupant
If a person of adult-size is sitting in
the right front passenger seat, but
the off indicator is lit, it could be
because that person is not sitting
properly in the seat. If this happens,
use the following steps to allow the
system to detect that person and
enable the right front passenger
frontal airbag:
1. Turn the vehicle off.
2. Remove any additional material
from the seat, such as blankets,
cushions, seat covers, seat
heaters, or seat massagers.
3. Place the seatback in the fully
upright position.
4. Have the person sit upright in
the seat, centered on the seat
cushion, with legs comfortably
extended.
5. Restart the vehicle and have the
person remain in this position for
two to three minutes after the on
indicator is lit.
Additional Factors Affecting
System Operation
Safety belts help keep the
passenger in position on the seat
during vehicle maneuvers and
braking, which helps the passenger
sensing system maintain the
passenger airbag status. See
“Safety Belts” and “Child Restraints”
in the Index for additional
information about the importance of
proper restraint use.
A thick layer of additional material,
such as a blanket or cushion,
or aftermarket equipment such as
seat covers, seat heaters, and seat
massagers can affect how well the
passenger sensing system
operates. We recommend that you
not use seat covers or other
aftermarket equipment except when
approved by GM for your specific
vehicle. See Adding Equipment to
the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on
page 3‑39 for more information
about modifications that can affect
how the system operates.
Blackplate(38,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
3-38Seats and Restraints
A wet seat can affect the
performance of the passenger
sensing system. Here is how:
.
The passenger sensing system
may turn off the passenger
airbag when liquid is soaked into
the seat. If this happens, the off
indicator will be lit, and the
airbag readiness light on the
instrument panel will also be lit.
.
Liquid pooled on the seat that
has not soaked in may make it
more likely that the passenger
sensing system will enable
(turn on) the passenger airbag
while a child restraint or child
occupant is on the seat. If the
passenger airbag is turned on,
the on indicator will be lit.
If the passenger seat gets wet, dry
the seat immediately. If the airbag
readiness light is lit, do not install a
child restraint or allow anyone to
occupy the seat. See AirbagReadiness Light on page 5‑15 for
important safety information.
The on indicator may be lit if an
object, such as a briefcase,
handbag, grocery bag, laptop or
other electronic device, is put on an
unoccupied seat. If this is not
desired, remove the object from
the seat.
WARNING
{
Stowing of articles under the
passenger seat or between the
passenger seat cushion and
seatback may interfere with the
proper operation of the passenger
sensing system.
Servicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Airbags affect how the vehicle
should be serviced. There are parts
of the airbag system in several
places around the vehicle. Your
dealer and the service manual have
information about servicing the
vehicle and the airbag system.
To purchase a service manual, see
Service Publications Ordering
Information on page 13‑13.
WARNING
{
For up to 10 seconds after the
ignition is turned off and the
battery is disconnected, an airbag
can still inflate during improper
service. You can be injured if you
are close to an airbag when it
inflates. Avoid yellow connectors.
They are probably part of the
airbag system. Be sure to follow
proper service procedures, and
make sure the person performing
work for you is qualified to do so.
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ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-39
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q: Is there anything I might add
to or change about the vehicle
that could keep the airbags
from working properly?
A: Yes. If you add things that
change the vehicle's frame,
bumper system, height, front end
or side sheet metal, they may
keep the airbag system from
working properly. Changing or
moving any parts of the front
seats, safety belts, the airbag
sensing and diagnostic module,
steering wheel, instrument
panel, roof-rail airbag modules,
ceiling headliner or pillar garnish
trim, front sensors, side impact
sensors, or airbag wiring can
affect the operation of the
airbag system.
In addition, the vehicle has a
passenger sensing system for
the right front passenger
position, which includes sensors
that are part of the passenger's
seat. The passenger sensing
system may not operate properly
if the original seat trim is
replaced with non-GM covers,
upholstery or trim, or with
GM covers, upholstery or trim
designed for a different vehicle.
Any object, such as an
aftermarket seat heater or a
comfort enhancing pad or
device, installed under or on
top of the seat fabric, could also
interfere with the operation of
the passenger sensing system.
This could either prevent proper
deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the
passenger sensing system
from properly turning off the
passenger airbag(s). See
Passenger Sensing System on
page 3‑34.
If you have any questions, call
Customer Assistance. The
phone numbers and addresses
for Customer Assistance are in
Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in this
manual. See Customer
Satisfaction Procedure on
page 13‑1.
Q: Because I have a disability,
I have to get my vehicle
modified. How can I find out
whether this will affect my
airbag system?
A: If you have questions, call
Customer Assistance. The
phone numbers and addresses
for Customer Assistance are in
Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in this
manual. See Customer
Satisfaction Procedure on
page 13‑1.
In addition, your dealer and the
service manual have information
about the location of the airbag
sensors, sensing and diagnostic
module and airbag wiring.
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ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
3-40Seats and Restraints
Airbag System Check
The airbag system does not need
regularly scheduled maintenance or
replacement. Make sure the airbag
readiness light is working.
See Airbag Readiness Light onpage 5‑15 for more information.
Notice: If an airbag covering is
damaged, opened, or broken, the
airbag may not work properly.
Do not open or break the airbag
coverings. If there are any
opened or broken airbag covers,
have the airbag covering and/or
airbag module replaced. For the
location of the airbag modules,
see What Makes an AirbagInflate? on page 3‑31.
See your dealer for service.
Replacing Airbag System
Parts After a Crash
WARNING
{
A crash can damage the
airbag systems in your vehicle.
A damaged airbag system
may not work properly and
may not protect you and your
passenger(s) in a crash, resulting
in serious injury or even death.
To help make sure your airbag
systems are working properly
after a crash, have them
inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon
as possible.
If an airbag inflates, you will need
to replace airbag system parts.
See your dealer for service.
If the airbag readiness light stays on
after the vehicle is started or comes
on when you are driving, the airbag
system may not work properly.
Have the vehicle serviced right
away. See Airbag Readiness Lighton page 5‑15 for more information.
Blackplate(41,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
Child Restraints
Older Children
Older children who have outgrown
booster seats should wear the
vehicle's safety belts.
The manufacturer's instructions that
come with the booster seat state the
weight and height limitations for that
booster. Use a booster seat with a
lap-shoulder belt until the child
passes the fit test below:
.
Sit all the way back on the seat.
Do the knees bend at the seat
edge? If yes, continue. If no,
return to the booster seat.
.
Buckle the lap-shoulder belt.
Does the shoulder belt rest on
the shoulder? If yes, continue.
If no, try using the rear safety
belt comfort guide. See “Rear
Safety Belt Comfort Guides”
under Lap-Shoulder Belt onpage 3‑19 for more information.
If the shoulder belt still does not
rest on the shoulder, then return
to the booster seat.
Seats and Restraints3-41
.
Does the lap belt fit low and
snug on the hips, touching the
thighs? If yes, continue. If no,
return to the booster seat.
.
Can proper safety belt fit be
maintained for the length of the
trip? If yes, continue. If no,
return to the booster seat.
Q: What is the proper way to
wear safety belts?
A: An older child should wear a
lap-shoulder belt and get the
additional restraint a shoulder
belt can provide. The shoulder
belt should not cross the face or
neck. The lap belt should fit
snugly below the hips, just
touching the top of the thighs.
This applies belt force to the
child's pelvic bones in a crash.
It should never be worn over the
abdomen, which could cause
severe or even fatal internal
injuries in a crash.
Also see “Rear Safety Belt Comfort
Guides” under Lap-Shoulder Belt onpage 3‑19.
Blackplate(42,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
3-42Seats and Restraints
According to accident statistics,
children and infants are safer when
properly restrained in a child
restraint system or infant restraint
system secured in a rear seating
position.
In a crash, children who are not
buckled up can strike other people
who are buckled up, or can be
thrown out of the vehicle. Older
children need to use safety belts
properly.
WARNING
{
Never do this.
Never allow two children to wear
the same safety belt. The safety
belt can not properly spread the
impact forces. In a crash, the
two children can be crushed
together and seriously injured.
A safety belt must be used by
only one person at a time.
WARNING
{
Never do this.
Never allow a child to wear the
safety belt with the shoulder belt
behind their back. A child can be
seriously injured by not wearing
the lap-shoulder belt properly.
In a crash, the child would not be
restrained by the shoulder belt.
The child could move too far
forward increasing the chance of
head and neck injury. The child
might also slide under the lap
belt. The belt force would then be
applied right on the abdomen.
(Continued)
Blackplate(43,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-43
WARNING (Continued)
That could cause serious or fatal
injuries. The shoulder belt should
go over the shoulder and across
the chest.
Infants and Young
Children
Everyone in a vehicle needs
protection! This includes infants and
all other children. Neither the
distance traveled nor the age and
size of the traveler changes the
need, for everyone, to use safety
restraints. In fact, the law in every
state in the United States and in
every Canadian province says
children up to some age must be
restrained while in a vehicle.
WARNING
{
Children can be seriously injured
or strangled if a shoulder belt is
wrapped around their neck and
the safety belt continues to
tighten. Never leave children
unattended in a vehicle and never
allow children to play with the
safety belts.
Airbags plus lap‐shoulder belts
offer protection for adults and older
children, but not for young children
and infants. Neither the vehicle's
safety belt system nor its airbag
system is designed for them. Every
time infants and young children ride
in vehicles, they should have the
protection provided by appropriate
child restraints.
Blackplate(44,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
3-44Seats and Restraints
Children who are not restrained
properly can strike other people,
or can be thrown out of the vehicle.
WARNING
{
Never do this.
Never hold an infant or a child
while riding in a vehicle. Due to
crash forces, an infant or a child
will become so heavy it is not
possible to hold it during a crash.
For example, in a crash at only
40 km/h (25 mph), a 5.5 kg (12 lb)
infant will suddenly become a
110 kg (240 lb) force on a person's
arms. An infant should be
secured in an appropriate
restraint.
WARNING
{
Never do this.
Children who are up against,
or very close to, any airbag when
it inflates can be seriously injured
or killed. Never put a rear-facing
child restraint in the right front
seat. Secure a rear-facing child
restraint in a rear seat. It is also
better to secure a forward-facing
child restraint in a rear seat.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
If you must secure a
forward-facing child restraint in
the right front seat, always move
the front passenger seat as far
back as it will go.
Blackplate(45,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-45
Q: What are the different types of
add-on child restraints?
A: Add-on child restraints, which
are purchased by the vehicle's
owner, are available in four basic
types. Selection of a particular
restraint should take into
consideration not only the child's
weight, height, and age but also
whether or not the restraint will
be compatible with the motor
vehicle in which it will be used.
For most basic types of child
restraints, there are many
different models available. When
purchasing a child restraint, be
sure it is designed to be used in
a motor vehicle. If it is, the
restraint will have a label saying
that it meets federal motor
vehicle safety standards.
The restraint manufacturer's
instructions that come with the
restraint state the weight and
height limitations for a particular
child restraint. In addition, there
are many kinds of restraints
available for children with
special needs.
WARNING
{
To reduce the risk of neck and
head injury during a crash, infants
need complete support. This is
because an infant's neck is not
fully developed and its head
weighs so much compared with
the rest of its body. In a crash,
an infant in a rear-facing child
restraint settles into the restraint,
so the crash forces can be
distributed across the strongest
part of an infant's body, the back
and shoulders. Infants should
always be secured in rear-facing
child restraints.
WARNING
{
A young child's hip bones are still
so small that the vehicle's regular
safety belt may not remain low
on the hip bones, as it should.
Instead, it may settle up around
the child's abdomen. In a crash,
the belt would apply force on a
body area that is unprotected by
any bony structure. This alone
could cause serious or fatal
injuries. To reduce the risk of
serious or fatal injuries during a
crash, young children should
always be secured in appropriate
child restraints.
Blackplate(46,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
3-46Seats and Restraints
Child Restraint Systems
(A) Rear‐Facing Infant Seat
A rear-facing infant seat (A)
provides restraint with the seating
surface against the back of the
infant.
The harness system holds the
infant in place and, in a crash,
acts to keep the infant positioned
in the restraint.
(B) Forward-Facing Child Seat
A forward-facing child seat (B)
provides restraint for the child's
body with the harness.
(C) Booster Seats
A booster seat (C) is a child restraint
designed to improve the fit of the
vehicle's safety belt system.
A booster seat can also help
a child to see out the window.
Blackplate(47,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-47
Securing an Add-On Child
Restraint in the Vehicle
WARNING
{
A child can be seriously injured
or killed in a crash if the child
restraint is not properly secured
in the vehicle. Secure the child
restraint properly in the vehicle
using the vehicle's safety belt or
LATCH system, following the
instructions that came with that
child restraint and the instructions
in this manual.
To help reduce the chance of injury,
the child restraint must be secured
in the vehicle. Child restraint
systems must be secured in vehicle
seats by lap belts or the lap belt
portion of a lap-shoulder belt, or
by the LATCH system. See Lower
Anchors and Tethers for Children
(LATCH System) on page 3‑50 for
more information. Children can be
endangered in a crash if the child
restraint is not properly secured in
the vehicle.
When securing an add-on child
restraint, refer to the instructions
that come with the restraint which
may be on the restraint itself or in a
booklet, or both, and to this manual.
The child restraint instructions are
important, so if they are not
available, obtain a replacement
copy from the manufacturer.
Keep in mind that an unsecured
child restraint can move around in a
collision or sudden stop and injure
people in the vehicle. Be sure to
properly secure any child restraint
in the vehicle — even when no child
is in it.
In some areas, Certified Child
Passenger Safety Technicians
(CPSTs) are available to inspect
and demonstrate how to
correctly use and install child
restraints. In the U.S., refer to the
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) website to
locate the nearest child safety seat
inspection station. For CPST
availability in Canada, check with
Transport Canada or the Provincial
Ministry of Transportation office.
Securing the Child Within the
Child Restraint
WARNING
{
A child can be seriously injured or
killed in a crash if the child is not
properly secured in the child
restraint. Secure the child
properly following the instructions
that came with that child restraint.
Blackplate(48,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
3-48Seats and Restraints
Where to Put the
Restraint
According to accident statistics,
children and infants are safer when
properly restrained in a child
restraint system or infant restraint
system secured in a rear seating
position.
We recommend that children and
child restraints be secured in a rear
seat, including: an infant or a child
riding in a rear-facing child restraint;
a child riding in a forward-facing
child seat; an older child riding in a
booster seat; and children, who are
large enough, using safety belts.
A label on your sun visor says,
“Never put a rear-facing child seat in
the front.” This is because the risk to
the rear-facing child is so great,
if the airbag deploys.
WARNING
{
A child in a rear-facing child
restraint can be seriously injured
or killed if the right front
passenger airbag inflates.
This is because the back of the
rear-facing child restraint would
be very close to the inflating
airbag. A child in a forward-facing
child restraint can be seriously
injured or killed if the right front
passenger airbag inflates and the
passenger seat is in a forward
position.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
The vehicle may have a
passenger sensing system which
is designed to turn off the right
front passenger frontal airbag
under certain conditions.
Even if the passenger sensing
system, if equipped, has turned
off the right front passenger
frontal airbag, no system is
fail-safe. No one can guarantee
that an airbag will not deploy
under some unusual
circumstance, even though it is
turned off.
(Continued)
Blackplate(49,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-49
WARNING (Continued)
Secure rear-facing child
restraints in a rear seat, even if
the airbag is off. If you secure a
forward-facing child restraint in
the right front seat, always move
the front passenger seat as far
back as it will go. It is better to
secure the child restraint in a
rear seat.
See Passenger Sensing Systemon page 3‑34 for additional
information.
WARNING
{
A child in a child restraint in the
center front seat can be badly
injured or killed by the frontal
airbags if they inflate. Never
secure a child restraint in the
center front seat. It is always
better to secure a child restraint
in a rear seat.
Do not use child restraints in the
center front seat position.
When securing a child restraint in a
rear seating position, study the
instructions that came with your
child restraint to make sure it is
compatible with this vehicle.
Child restraints and booster seats
vary considerably in size, and some
may fit in certain seating positions
better than others. Always make
sure the child restraint is properly
secured.
Depending on where you place the
child restraint and the size of the
child restraint, you may not be able
to access adjacent safety belt
assemblies or LATCH anchors for
additional passengers or child
restraints. Adjacent seating
positions should not be used if the
child restraint prevents access to or
interferes with the routing of the
safety belt.
Wherever a child restraint is
installed, be sure to secure the
child restraint properly.
Keep in mind that an unsecured
child restraint can move around in a
collision or sudden stop and injure
people in the vehicle. Be sure to
properly secure any child restraint in
your vehicle — even when no child
is in it.
Blackplate(50,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
3-50Seats and Restraints
Lower Anchors and
Tethers for Children
(LATCH System)
The LATCH system holds a child
restraint during driving or in a crash.
This system is designed to make
installation of a child restraint easier.
The LATCH system uses anchors in
the vehicle and attachments on the
child restraint that are made for use
with the LATCH system.
Make sure that a LATCH-compatible
child restraint is properly installed
using the anchors, or use the
vehicle's safety belts to secure the
restraint, following the instructions
that came with that restraint, and
also the instructions in this manual.
When installing a child restraint with
a top tether, you must also use
either the lower anchors or the
safety belts to properly secure the
child restraint. A child restraint must
never be installed using only the
top tether and anchor.
In order to use the LATCH system in
your vehicle, you need a child
restraint that has LATCH
attachments. The child restraint
manufacturer will provide you with
instructions on how to use the child
restraint and its attachments. The
following explains how to attach a
child restraint with these
attachments in your vehicle.
Not all vehicle seating positions or
child restraints have lower anchors
and attachments or top tether
anchors and attachments.
Blackplate(51,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-51
Lower Anchors
Lower anchors (A) are metal bars
built into the vehicle. There are
two lower anchors for each
LATCH seating position that will
accommodate a child restraint with
lower attachments (B).
Top Tether Anchor
A top tether (A, C) anchors the top
of the child restraint to the vehicle.
A top tether anchor is built into
the vehicle. The top tether
attachment (B) on the child restraint
connects to the top tether anchor in
the vehicle in order to reduce the
forward movement and rotation of
the child restraint during driving
or in a crash.
Your child restraint may have a
single tether (A) or a dual tether (C).
Either will have a single
attachment (B) to secure the
top tether to the anchor.
Some child restraints that have a
top tether are designed for use
with or without the top tether
being attached. Others require the
top tether always to be attached.
In Canada, the law requires that
forward-facing child restraints have
a top tether, and that the tether be
attached. Be sure to read and
follow the instructions for your
child restraint.
Blackplate(52,1)
ChevroletImpalaOwnerManual-2011
3-52Seats and Restraints
Lower Anchor and Top Tether
Anchor Locations
Rear Seat
i (Top Tether Anchor): Seating
positions with top tether anchors.
j (Lower Anchor): Seating
positions with two lower anchors.
To assist you in locating the lower
anchors, each seating position with
lower anchors has two labels, near
the crease between the seatback
and the seat cushion.
To assist you in locating the top
tether anchors, the top tether anchor
symbol is located on the cover.
The top tether anchors are located
under the covers on the rear
seatback filler panel behind each
head restraint. Be sure to use an
anchor located on the same side of
the vehicle as the seating position
where the child restraint will be
placed.
Do not secure a child restraint in a
position without a top tether anchor
if a national or local law requires
that the top tether be attached, or if
the instructions that come with the
child restraint say that the top tether
must be attached.
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