Automatic Transmission
P : This position locks the drive wheels. Use P (Park) when starting the engine because the vehicle cannot move easily.
Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is running. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set the parking brake and move the shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting Into Park 0 155.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park) before starting the engine. The vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock control system. You must fully apply the brake pedal then press the shift lever button before you can shift from P (Park) while the ignition is on. If you cannot shift out of P (Park), ease pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way into P (Park) as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into another gear. See Shifting out of Park 0 156.
Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13688912) - 2020 - CRC - 6/11/19
Driving and Operating 159 R : Use this gear to back up.
Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is moving forward could damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging the transmission, see If the Vehicle Is Stuck 0 147. N : In this position, the engine does not connect with the wheels. To restart the engine when the vehicle is already moving, use N (Neutral) only.
Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with the engine running at high speed may damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is not running at high speed when shifting the vehicle.
Caution
A transmission hot message may display if the automatic transmission fluid is too hot. Driving under this condition can damage the vehicle. Stop and idle the engine to cool the automatic transmission fluid. This message clears when the transmission fluid has cooled sufficiently.
D : This position is for normal driving. If more power is needed for passing, press the accelerator pedal down. M : This position allows you to change gears similar to a manual transmission. If the vehicle has this feature, see Manual Mode 0 160.
Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13688912) - 2020 - CRC - 6/11/19
160 Driving and Operating Manual Mode Driver Shift Control (DSC)
To use this feature, if equipped: 1. Move the shift lever from
D (Drive) rearward to M (Manual Mode). While driving in Manual Mode, the transmission will remain in the driver selected gear. When coming to a stop in the manual position, the vehicle will automatically shift into 1 (First) gear.
2. Using the button on the shift lever, press the + (plus) end of the button to upshift, or press the − (minus) end of the button to downshift.
The Driver Information Center (DIC) in the instrument cluster will change from the currently displayed message to the letter “M,” for Manual position, and a number indicating the requested gear.
While using the DSC feature the transmission will have firmer shifting and sportier performance. You can use this for sport driving or when climbing hills to stay in gear longer or to downshift for more power or engine braking. The transmission will only allow you to shift into gears appropriate for the vehicle speed and engine revolutions per minute (rpm): . The transmission will not allow
shifting to the next higher gear if the vehicle speed or engine rpm is too low.
. The transmission will not allow shifting to the next lower gear if the vehicle speed or engine rpm is too high.
Second Gear Start Feature
When accelerating the vehicle from a stop in snowy and icy conditions, you may want to shift into 2 (Second) gear. A higher gear allows you to gain more traction on slippery surfaces.
With the DSC feature, the vehicle can be set to pull away in 2 (Second) gear. 1. Move the shift lever from
D (Drive) to M (Manual Mode). 2. With the vehicle stopped, press
the + (plus) end of the button to select 2 (Second) gear. The vehicle will start from a stop position in 2 (Second) gear.
3. Once moving, select the desired drive gear.
Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13688912) - 2020 - CRC - 6/11/19
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