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2020 Chevrolet Impala Owners Manual - Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators



Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators

Warning lights and gauges can signal that something is wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to the warning lights and gauges could prevent injury. Some warning lights come on briefly when the engine is started to indicate they are working. When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on while driving, or when one of the gauges shows there may be a problem, check the section that explains what to do. Waiting to do repairs can be costly and even dangerous.

Instrument Cluster

English Shown, Metric Similar

Cluster Menu

There is an interactive display area in the center of the instrument cluster.

Use the right steering wheel control to open and scroll through the different items and displays. Press o to access the cluster applications. Use w or x to scroll through the list of available applications. Not all applications will be available on all vehicles.

. Info app. This is where you can view the selected Driver Information Center (DIC) displays. See Driver Information Center (DIC) 0 110.

. Audio

. Phone

. Navigation

. Options

Audio

In the main view of the Audio app, pressw orx to scroll through radio stations or move to the next/ previous track of a CD/USB/ Bluetooth device that is connected to the vehicle. Press V to select the Audio app, then press p to enter the Audio menu. In the Audio menu browse for music, select from the favorites, or change the audio source.

Phone

Press V to select the Phone app, then press p to enter the Phone menu. In the Phone menu, if there is

no active phone call, view recent calls, scroll through contacts, or select from the favorites. If there is an active call, mute or unmute the phone or switch to handset or handsfree operation.

Navigation

Press V to select the Navigation app, then press p to enter the Navigation menu. If there is no active route, you can resume the last route, location details, and turn the voice prompts on/off. If there is an active route, press V to cancel route guidance or turn the voice prompts on/off.

Options

Press V to select the Options app. Usew or x to scroll through the items in the Options menu.

Units : Press p while Units is displayed to enter the Units menu. Choose English or metric units by pressing V while the desired item is highlighted.

Controls Info Pages : Press p while Info Pages is displayed to enter the Info Pages menu and select the items to be displayed in the Info App. See Driver Information Center (DIC) 0 110.

Speed Warning : The Speed Warning display allows the driver to set a speed that they do not want to exceed. To set the Speed Warning, press p when Speed Warning is displayed. Press w orx to adjust the value. Press V to set the speed. Once the speed is set, this feature can be turned off by pressing V while viewing this page. If the selected speed limit is exceeded, a pop-up warning is displayed with a chime.

Compass : In certain vehicles the compass setting will allow for manually setting the compass. The user can set the zone and calibrate the compass. This setting page is

only available on vehicles that are equipped with Remote Compass Module.

Speedometer

The speedometer shows the vehicle's speed in either kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph).

Odometer

The odometer shows how far the vehicle has been driven, in either kilometers or miles.

Trip Odometer

The trip odometer shows how far the vehicle has been driven since the trip odometer was last reset. The trip odometer is accessed and reset through the Driver Information Center (DIC). See Driver Information Center (DIC) 0 110.

Tachometer

The tachometer displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute (rpm). When the engine is on, the tachometer will indicate the engine’s revolutions per minute (rpm). The tachometer may vary by several hundred rpm’s, during Auto Stop mode, when the engine is shutting off and restarting.

Caution

If the engine is operated with the rpm’s in the warning area at the high end of the tachometer, the vehicle could be damaged, and the damage would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not operate the engine with the rpm’s in the warning area.

Fuel Gauge

Metric

English

When the ignition is on, the fuel gauge indicates about how much fuel is left in the tank. An arrow on the fuel gauge indicates the side of the vehicle the fuel door is on. When the indicator nears empty, the low fuel light comes on. There is still a little fuel left, but the fuel tank should be filled soon. Here are four things that some owners ask about. None of these show a problem with the fuel gauge:

. At the service station, the fuel pump shuts off before the gauge reads full.

. It takes a little more or less fuel to fill up than the gauge indicated. For example, the gauge indicated the tank was half full, but it actually took a little more or less than half the tank's capacity to fill the tank.

. The gauge moves a little while turning a corner or speeding up.

. The gauge takes a few seconds to stabilize after the ignition is turned on, and goes back to empty when the ignition is turned off.

Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge

Metric

English

This gauge shows the engine coolant temperature. If the gauge pointer moves toward the shaded area, the engine is too hot. This reading indicates the same thing as the warning light. It means that the engine coolant has overheated. If the vehicle has been operating under normal driving conditions, pull off the road, stop the vehicle, and turn off the engine as soon as possible. See Engine Overheating 0 212 for more information.

Seat Belt Reminders

Driver Seat Belt Reminder Light

There is a driver seat belt reminder light on the instrument cluster.

When the vehicle is started, this light flashes and a chime may come on to remind the driver to fasten their seat belt. Then the light stays on solid until the belt is buckled. This cycle may continue several times if the driver remains or becomes unbuckled while the vehicle is moving. If the driver seat belt is buckled, neither the light nor the chime comes on.

Passenger Seat Belt Reminder Light

There is a passenger seat belt reminder light near the passenger airbag status indicator. See Passenger Sensing System 0 57.

When the vehicle is started, this light flashes and a chime may come on to remind passengers to fasten their seat belt. Then the light stays on solid until the belt is buckled. This cycle continues several times if the passenger remains or becomes unbuckled while the vehicle is moving. If the passenger seat belt is buckled, neither the chime nor the light comes on. The front passenger seat belt reminder light and chime may turn on if an object is put on the seat

such as a briefcase, handbag, grocery bag, laptop, or other electronic device. To turn off the reminder light and/or chime, remove the object from the seat or buckle the seat belt.

Airbag Readiness Light

This light shows if there is an electrical problem with the airbag system. The system check includes the airbag sensor(s), the passenger sensing system, the pretensioners, the airbag modules, the wiring, and the crash sensing and diagnostic module. For more information on the airbag system, see Airbag System 0 51.

The airbag readiness light comes on for several seconds when the vehicle is started. If the light does not come on then, have it fixed immediately.

Warning

If the airbag readiness light stays on after the vehicle is started or comes on while driving, it means the airbag system might not be working properly. The airbags in the vehicle might not inflate in a crash, or they could even inflate without a crash. To help avoid injury, have the vehicle serviced right away.

If there is a problem with the airbag system, a Driver Information Center (DIC) message may also come on.

Passenger Airbag Status Indicator

The vehicle has a passenger sensing system. See Passenger Sensing System 0 57 for important

safety information. The passenger airbag status indicator is in the overhead console.

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Canada

When the vehicle is started, the passenger airbag status indicator will light ON and OFF, or the symbol for on and off, for several seconds as a system check. Then, after several more seconds, the status indicator will light either ON or OFF, or the on or off symbol, to let you know the status of the front outboard passenger frontal airbag and knee airbag.

If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on the passenger airbag status indicator, it means that the front outboard passenger frontal airbag and knee airbag are allowed to inflate. If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on the airbag status indicator, it means that the passenger sensing system has turned off the front outboard passenger frontal airbag and knee airbag. If, after several seconds, both status indicator lights remain on, or if there are no lights at all, there may be a problem with the lights or the passenger sensing system. See your dealer for service.

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 Readiness Light 0 101 for more information, including important safety information.

Charging System Light

The charging system light comes on briefly when the ignition is turned on, but the engine is not running, as a check to show the light is working. The light turns off when the engine is started. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the light stays on, or comes on while driving, there may be a problem with the electrical charging system. Have it checked by your dealer. Driving while this light is on could drain the battery.

When this light comes on, the Driver Information Center (DIC) also displays a message. If a short distance must be driven with the light on, be sure to turn off all accessories, such as the radio and air conditioner.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light)

This light is part of the vehicle’s emission control on-board diagnostic system. If this light is on while the engine is running, a malfunction has been detected and the vehicle may require service. The light should come on to show that it is working when the ignition is in Service Mode. See Ignition Positions 0 151.

Malfunctions are often indicated by the system before any problem is noticeable. Being aware of the light and seeking service promptly when it comes on may prevent damage.

Caution

If the vehicle is driven continually with this light on, the emission control system may not work as well, the fuel economy may be lower, and the vehicle may not run smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs that might not be covered by the vehicle warranty.

Caution

Modifications to the engine, transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system, or the use of replacement tires that do not meet the original tire specifications, can cause this light to come on. This could lead to

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Caution (Continued)

costly repairs not covered by the vehicle warranty. This could also affect the vehicle’s ability to pass an Emissions Inspection/ Maintenance test. See Accessories and Modifications 0 200.

If the light is flashing : A malfunction has been detected that could damage the emission control system and increase vehicle emissions. Diagnosis and service may be required. To help prevent damage, reduce vehicle speed and avoid hard accelerations and uphill grades. If towing a trailer, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled as soon as possible. If the light continues to flash, find a safe place to park. Turn the vehicle off and wait at least 10 seconds before restarting the engine. If the light is still flashing, follow the

previous guidelines and see your dealer for service as soon as possible. If the light is on steady : A malfunction has been detected. Diagnosis and service may be required. Check the following: . A loose or missing fuel cap may

cause the light to come on. See Filling the Tank 0 187. A few driving trips with the cap properly installed may turn the light off.

. Poor fuel quality can cause inefficient engine operation and poor driveability, which may go away once the engine is warmed up. If this occurs, change the fuel brand. It may require at least one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off. See Recommended Fuel 0 185.

If the light remains on, see your dealer.

Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs

If the vehicle requires an Emissions Inspection/Maintenance test, the test equipment will likely connect to the vehicle's Data Link Connector (DLC).

The DLC is under the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel. Connecting devices that are not used to perform an Emissions Inspection/Maintenance test or to service the vehicle may affect vehicle operation. See Add-On Electrical Equipment 0 197. See your dealer if assistance is needed. The vehicle may not pass inspection if: . The light is on when the engine

is running.

. The light does not come on when the ignition is in Service Mode.

. Critical emission control systems have not been completely diagnosed. If this happens, the vehicle would not be ready for inspection and might require several days of routine driving before the system is ready for inspection. This can happen if the 12-volt battery has recently been replaced or run down, or if the vehicle has been recently serviced.

See your dealer if the vehicle will not pass or cannot be made ready for the test.

Brake System Warning Light

English

This light should come on briefly when the vehicle is turned on. If it does not come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem. If the light comes on and stays on at start up, there is a brake problem. Have the brake system inspected right away. If the light comes on while driving, pull off the road and stop carefully. The brake pedal might be harder to push, or the brake pedal may go closer to the floor. It could take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle towed for service. See Towing the Vehicle 0 262.

Warning

The brake system might not be working properly if the brake system warning light is on. Driving with the brake system warning light on can lead to a crash. If the light is still on after the vehicle has been pulled off

the road and carefully stopped, have the vehicle towed for service.

Electric Parking Brake Light

This light comes on when the parking brake is applied. If the light continues flashing after the parking brake is released, or while driving, there is a problem with the Electric Parking Brake system. A message may also display in the Driver Information Center (DIC). If the light does not come on, or remains flashing, see your dealer.

Service Electric Parking Brake Light

This light should come on briefly when starting the vehicle. If it does not come on, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn if there is a problem. If this light stays on, take the vehicle to your dealer as soon as possible. See the information for the Electric Parking Brake under Electric Parking Brake 0 161. A message may also display in the Driver Information Center (DIC).

Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light

This warning light should come on briefly when the vehicle is turned on. If the light does not come on, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn if there is a problem. If the light comes on while driving, safely stop as soon as it is possible and turn off the vehicle. Then turn on the vehicle again to reset the system. If the ABS warning light stays on, or comes on again while driving, the vehicle needs service. A chime may also sound when the light stays on. If the ABS warning light is the only light on, the vehicle has regular brakes, but ABS is not functioning.

If both the ABS warning light and the brake system warning light are on, ABS is not functioning and there is a problem with the regular brakes. See your dealer for service. See Brake System Warning Light 0 104.

Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Light

This light is green if LDW is on and ready to operate. This light changes to amber and flashes to indicate that the lane marking has been crossed without using a turn signal in that direction. See Lane Departure Warning (LDW) 0 184.

Vehicle Ahead Indicator

If equipped, this indicator will display green when a vehicle is detected ahead and amber when you are following a vehicle ahead much too closely. See Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System 0 178.

Traction Off Light

This light comes on briefly while starting the engine. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your

dealer. If the system is working normally, the indicator light then turns off. The traction off light comes on when the Traction Control System (TCS) has been turned off by pressing and releasing the TCS/StabiliTrak/ESC button. This light and the StabiliTrak/ESC OFF light come on when StabiliTrak/ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is turned off. If the TCS is off, wheel spin is not limited. Adjust driving accordingly. See Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control 0 163.

StabiliTrak OFF Light

This light comes on briefly while starting the engine. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. This light comes on when the StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is turned off. If StabiliTrak/ESC is off, the Traction Control System (TCS) is also off. If StabiliTrak/ESC and TCS are off, the system does not assist in controlling the vehicle. Turn on the TCS and the StabiliTrak/ESC systems, and the warning light turns off. See Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control 0 163.

Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak Light

This light comes on briefly when the engine is started. If the light does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the system is working normally, the indicator light turns off. If the light is on and not flashing, the TCS and potentially the StabiliTrak/ ESC system have been disabled. A Driver Information Center (DIC) message may display. Check the DIC messages to determine which feature(s) is no longer functioning and whether the vehicle requires service. If the light is on and flashing, the TCS and/or the StabiliTrak/ESC system is actively working. See Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control 0 163.

Tire Pressure Light

For vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), this light comes on briefly when the engine is started. It provides information about tire pressures and the TPMS. When the Light Is On Steady

This indicates that one or more of the tires are significantly underinflated. A Driver Information Center (DIC) tire pressure message may also display. Stop as soon as possible, and inflate the tires to the pressure value shown on the Tire and Loading Information label. See Tire Pressure 0 239.

When the Light Flashes First and Then Is On Steady

If the light flashes for about a minute and then stays on, there may be a problem with the TPMS. If the problem is not corrected, the light will come on at every ignition cycle. See Tire Pressure Monitor Operation 0 242.

Engine Oil Pressure Light

Caution

Lack of proper engine oil maintenance can damage the engine. Driving with the engine oil low can also damage the engine. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Check the oil level as soon as possible. Add oil if required, but if the oil level is within the operating range and the oil pressure is still low, have the vehicle serviced. Always follow the maintenance schedule for changing engine oil.

This light should come on briefly as the engine is started. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the light comes on and stays on, it means that oil is not flowing through the engine properly. The vehicle could be low on oil and might have some other system problem. See your dealer.

Low Fuel Warning Light

This light is near the fuel gauge and comes on briefly when the ignition is turned on as a check to show it is working.

Instruments and Controls 109

It also comes on when the fuel tank is low on fuel. The light turns off when fuel is added. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced.

Security Light

The security light should come on briefly as the engine is started. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the system is working normally, the indicator light turns off. If the light stays on and the engine does not start, there could be a problem with the theft-deterrent system. See Immobilizer Operation 0 22.

High-Beam On Light

This light comes on when the high-beam headlamps are in use. See Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer 0 126.

Lamps On Reminder

This light comes on when the exterior lamps are in use, except when only the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) are active. See Exterior Lamp Controls 0 125.

Cruise Control Light

This light in the Driver Information Center (DIC) is white when the cruise control is on and ready, and turns green when the cruise control is set and active. See Cruise Control 0 165. Adaptive Cruise Control Light

This light in the Driver Information Center (DIC) is white when the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) (if equipped) is on and ready, and

turns green when the ACC is set and active. See Adaptive Cruise Control 0 167.

Door Ajar Light

This light comes on in the Driver Information Center (DIC) when a door is open or not securely latched. Before driving, check that all doors are properly closed.


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