General Information Chevrolet Impala IX

US English/Metric Conversion

Decimal and Metric Equivalents

Arrows and Symbols

This service information uses various symbols in order to describe different service operations.

Scheme 28

Customer Concern Verification Sheets

The GM Customer Concern Verification Sheets have been designed to improve communications between the service customer and the technician. The more clearly the technician understands the concern and its symptoms, the more likely the concern will be fixed right the first time.

The GM-wide Customer Concern Verification Sheets are available in DealerWorld. The Customer Concern Verification Sheets may be printed and reproduced locally.

Dealers

All U.S. Dealers participating in the Common Training Program can enroll through the Common Training System Website at https://www.gmtraining.com. Within the website, there are individual training paths that are designed to assist in planning the training needs for each individual. Technicians should advise their Service Manager of their training needs including course names and course numbers. Dealers who have questions about Common Training should contact the Common Training help desk at 1-888-748-2687. The help desk is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 am-8:00pm Eastern Standard Time, excluding holidays. For GM Access support, contact the GM Access Help Desk at 1-888-337-1010.

Fleets

GM Fleet customers with GM Warranty In-Shop agreements are able to participate in service technical training through Common Training/GM Service Technical College (STC).

Assistance for all GM fleet customers using GM STC products and services is provided on the Internet via www.gmtraining.com using the "Contact Us" button on the site and/or the Common Training Help Desk at 1-888-748-2687. To order GM STC Training Materials, please contact the GM Training Materials Headquarters at 1-800-393-4831.

Most GM STC course materials have associated charges.

To purchase authentic GM STC Training Materials, contact the GM Training Materials Headquarters at 1-800-393-4831.

Non-GM Dealer Technicians

Technicians training for non-GM dealers is available through ACDelco. This training is for ACDelco customers employed in the automotive or truck service industry.

ACDelco courses are available at all approved GM Training Centers. Availability and schedules can be obtained by calling 1-800-825-5886 or contact us via the web at www.acdelcotechconnect.com and select the training button. Clinics are also offered through ACDelco Warehouse Distributors. Contract your dealer directly for more information.

Scheme 29

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) System

VIN Derivative Characters

VIN Positions

4T65-E Transmission Transaxle ID and VIN Derivative Location

Refer to Transmission Identification Information .

3.5L RPO LZE Engine ID and VIN Derivative Location

Refer to Engine Identification .

3.9L RPO LGD Engine ID and VIN Derivative Location

Refer to Engine Identification .

Scheme 30

RPO Code List

The following table provides the description of the Regular Production Option (RPO) codes that are available on the vehicle. The vehicle's RPO list is printed on the Service Parts Identification Label.

Metric Fasteners

This vehicle provides fastener dimensions using the metric system. Most metric fasteners are approximate in diameter to equivalent English fasteners. Make replacements using fasteners of the same nominal diameter, thread pitch, and strength.

A number marking identifies the OE metric fasteners except cross-recess head screws. The number also indicates the strength of the fastener material. A Posidrive® or Type 1A cross-recess identifies a metric cross-recess screw. For best results, use a Type 1A cross-recess screwdriver, or equivalent, in Posidrive® recess head screws.

GM Engineering Standards and North American Industries have adopted a portion of the ISO-defined standard metric fastener sizes. The purpose was to reduce the number of fastener sizes used while retaining the best thread qualities in each thread size. For example, the metric M6.0 X 1 screw, with nearly the same diameter and 25.4 threads per inch replaced the English 1/4-20 and 1/4-28 screws. The thread pitch is midway between the English coarse and fine thread pitches.

Scheme 31

The most commonly used metric fastener strength property classes are 9.8 and 10.9. The class identification is embossed on the head of each bolt. The English, inch strength classes range from grade 2 to grade 8. Radial lines are embossed on the head of each bolt in order to identify the strength class. The number of lines on the head of the bolt is 2 lines less than the actual grade. For example, a grade 8 bolt will have 6 radial lines on the bolt head. Some metric nuts are marked with a single digit strength identification number on the nut face.

The correct fasteners are available through GM SPO. Many metric fasteners available in the aftermarket parts channels are designed to metric standards of countries other than the United States, and may exhibit the following

1. Lower strength
2. No numbered head marking system
3. Wrong thread pitch

The metric fasteners on GM products are designed to new, international standards. The following are the common sizes and pitches, except for special applications

1. M6.0 X 1
2. M8 X 1.25
3. M10 X 1.5
4. M12 X 1.75
5. M14 X 2.00
6. M16 X 2.00

All Metal Prevailing Torque Fasteners

These fasteners accomplish the thread interface by a designed distortion or deformation in the fastener.

Prevailing Torque Fasteners

Prevailing torque fasteners create a thread interface between the fastener and the fastener counterpart in order to prevent the fastener from loosening.

Nylon Interface Prevailing Torque Fasteners

These fasteners accomplish the thread interface by the presence of a nylon material on the fastener threads.

Adhesive Coated Fasteners

These fasteners accomplish the thread interface by the presence of a thread-locking compound on the fastener threads. Refer to the appropriate repair procedure in order to determine if the fastener may be reused and the applicable thread-locking compound to apply to the fastener.

Scheme 32

A prevailing torque fastener may be reused ONLY if

1. The fastener and the fastener counterpart are clean and not damaged
2. There is no rust on the fastener
3. The fastener develops the specified minimum torque against its counterpart prior to the fastener seating

Metric Prevailing Torque Fastener Minimum Torque Development

English Prevailing Torque Fastener Minimum Torque Development

Thread Inserts

General Purpose Thread Repair Kits.

These kits are available commercially.

Repair Procedure

1. Determine the size, the pitch, and the depth of the damaged thread. If necessary, adjust the stop collars on the cutting tool and tap to the required depth.
2. Drill out the damaged threads. Clean out any chips.
3. Lubricate the tap with light engine oil. Tap the hole. Clean the threads.
4. Thread the thread insert onto the mandrel of the installer. Engage the tang of the insert onto the end of the mandrel.
5. Lubricate the insert with light engine oil, except when installing in aluminum and install the insert.
6. If the tang of the insert does not break off when backing out the installer, break the tang off with a drift.

Abbreviations and Meanings

Registered and Non-Registered Trademarks

Listed below are Registered Trademarks (®) or Non-Registered Trademarks (™) which may appear in this service manual.

Special Tools

BO-48370 Lock Cylinder Cap Installer

Ignition Lock Cylinder

The column-mount ignition lock cylinder uses 7 of the 10 key cut positions, 1, 2, and 4 through 8, when counting from the key head. The tumbler orientations alternate in adjacent locations from side to side with 4 on one side and 3 on the other.

1. Hold the uncoded cylinder assembly (1) positioned so the side with the retention lug is facing upward, spring-loaded retainer facing downward.
2. Insert one tumbler spring (2) each into the 3 tumbler spring holes.
3. The first tumbler to be loaded will be key cut position number 1, the first number in the key code. Determine the cut depth at this position and install the corresponding tumbler (3) into the tumbler slot nearest the front of the cylinder assembly (1), the end where the key is inserted. It may be necessary to move the sidebar (5), already pre-assembled into the uncoded cylinder assembly, out slightly to fully install the tumbler into the correct tumbler slot.
4. In the same manner, determine the cut depth and corresponding tumbler and install the 2 remaining tumblers (3) into the tumbler slots located at key cut positions 5 and 7.
5. Check for correct loading by holding the tumblers (3) in position and fully inserting the matching key into the cylinder assembly (1). The sidebar (5) should be flush with the outside diameter of the cylinder assembly.
6. Rotate the cylinder assembly (1) so that the side with the retention lug is facing downward, spring-loaded retainer facing upward, and then remove the matching key. Remember the tumblers (3) are not self-retaining and must be held in place.
7. Insert one tumbler spring (2) each into the 4 tumbler spring holes.
8. The first tumbler to be loaded will be key cut position number 2. Determine the cut depth at this position and install the corresponding tumbler (3) into the tumbler slot nearest the front of the cylinder assembly.
9. In the same manner, determine the cut depth and corresponding tumbler and install the 3 remaining tumblers (3) into the tumbler slots located at key cut positions 4, 6, and 8.
10. Check for correct loading by holding the tumblers (3) in position and fully inserting the matching key into the cylinder assembly (1). The sidebar (5) should be flush with the outside diameter of the cylinder assembly.
11. Lightly lubricate the tumbler (3) surfaces using the lubrication provided.
12. With the matching key fully inserted into the cylinder assembly (1), install and stake one tumbler retainer (4) into the recessed area on the cylinder. Be careful not to damage the cylinder assembly in any way while staking the tumbler retainer.
13. Rotate the cylinder assembly (1) to the opposite side and repeat the procedure defined in the previous step.

Front Side Door Lock Cylinder

The front side door lock cylinder uses 8 of the 10 key cut positions, 3 through 10 when counting from the key head. The tumbler orientations alternate in adjacent locations from side to side with 4 on each side.

1. Hold the uncoded cylinder (1) positioned so the side with the rotational stop lug is facing upward, as shown.
2. Insert one tumbler spring (2) each into the 4 tumbler spring holes.
3. The first tumbler to be loaded will be key cut position 3, the third number in the key code. Determine the cut depth at this position and install the corresponding tumbler (3) into the tumbler slot nearest the front of the lock cylinder assembly (1), the end where the key is inserted.
4. In the same manner, determine the cut depth and corresponding tumbler and install the 3 remaining tumblers (3) into the tumbler slots located at key cut positions 5, 7, and 9.
5. Check the correct loading by holding the tumblers (3) in position and fully inserting the matching key into the cylinder (1). All tumblers should be flush with the outside diameter of the cylinder.
6. Rotate the cylinder (1) so the side with the rotational stop lug is facing downward and then remove the matching key. Remember the tumblers (3) are not self-retaining and must be held in place.
7. Insert one tumbler spring (2) each into the 4 tumbler spring holes.
8. The first tumbler to be loaded will be key cut position number 4. Determine the cut depth at this position and install the corresponding tumbler (3) into the tumbler slot nearest the front of the cylinder assembly.
9. In the same manner, determine the cut depth and corresponding tumbler and install the 3 remaining tumblers (3) into the tumbler slots located at key cut positions 6, 8, and 10.
10. Check for correct loading by holding the tumblers (3) in position and fully inserting the matching key into the cylinder (1). All tumblers should be flush with the outside diameter of the cylinder.
11. Lightly lubricate the tumbler (3) surfaces using the lubrication provided.
12. Hold the case assembly (4), left side shown, right side opposite, with the pre-staked detent spring retainer facing downward.
13. First insert one detent spring (5) and then one detent ball (6) into the detent spring hole located to the rear and inside of the cylinder case assembly (4). The detent spring and detent ball are not self-retaining and must be held in place until the coded cylinder is installed into the case assembly.
14. With the matching key fully inserted into the coded cylinder, install the coded cylinder into the case assembly (4). Make sure the detent spring (5) and detent ball (6) are held in place until the coded cylinder is fully installed. The detent ball should line up with the V-shaped groove on the rear of the cylinder, which will prevent the detent spring and detent ball from falling out of the case assembly.
15. Remove the matching key being careful to keep the coded cylinder (1) fully inserted into the case assembly (4).
16. Insert one shutter spring (7) each into the two shutter spring holes located on the front face of the cylinder (1).
17. Install the shutter assembly (8) into the recessed area on the front face of the cylinder (1). Be sure that the ends of the pin on the shutter assembly are positioned in the pin cavities located in the front face of the cylinder.
18. Install the lock cylinder cap (9) by aligning the drain hole in the cap with the bottom of the case assembly (4). Snap the cap into place with light hand pressure. Be sure the cap is securely retained on the case assembly. Also, be sure that the shutter springs (7) push the shutter assembly (8) up against the inside surface of the cap.
19. Install the lever (10), left side shown, right side opposite, onto the end of the cylinder (1).
20. Install the retaining ring (11) in the groove at the end of the cylinder (1) to secure the lever (10) to the cylinder.

Rear Compartment Lid Lock Cylinder - Police Vehicles 9C1 and 9C3

The rear compartment lid lock cylinder uses 8 of the 10 key cut positions, 3-10 when counting from the key head. The tumbler orientations alternate in adjacent locations from side to side with 4 on each side.

1. Hold the uncoded cylinder (1) positioned so the side with the drain hole is facing downward.
2. Insert one tumbler spring (2) each into the 4 tumbler spring holes.
3. The first tumbler to be loaded will be key cut position number 3, the third number in the key code. Determine the cut depth at this position and install the corresponding tumbler (3) into the tumbler slot nearest the front of the cylinder (1), the end where the key is inserted.
4. In the same manner, determine the cut depth and corresponding tumbler and install the 3 remaining tumblers (3) into the tumbler slots located at key cut positions 5, 7, and 9.
5. Check for correct loading by holding the tumblers (3) in position and fully inserting the matching key into the cylinder (1). All tumblers should be flush with the outside diameter of the cylinder.
6. Rotate the cylinder (1) so that the side with the drain hole is facing upward and then remove the matching key. Remember the tumblers (3) are not self-retaining and must be held in place.
7. Insert one tumbler spring (2) each into the 4 tumbler spring holes.
8. The first tumbler to be loaded will be key cut position number 4. Determine the cut depth at this position and install the corresponding tumbler (3) into the open tumbler slot nearest the front of the cylinder.
9. In the same manner, determine the cut depth and corresponding tumbler and install the 3 remaining tumblers into the tumbler slots located at key cut positions 6, 8, and 10.
10. Check for correct loading by holding the tumblers (3) in position and fully inserting the matching key into the cylinder (1). All tumblers should be flush with the outside diameter of the cylinder.
11. Lightly lubricate tumbler (3) surfaces using the lubrication provided.
12. With the matching key fully inserted into the coded cylinder, install the coded cylinder into the case (4).
13. Remove the matching key being careful to keep the coded cylinder (1) fully inserted into the case (4).
14. Insert one shutter spring (5) each into the 2 shutter spring holes located on the front face of the cylinder (1).
15. Install the shutter assembly (6) into the recessed area on the front face of the cylinder (1). Be sure that the ends of the pin on the shutter assembly are positioned in the pin cavities located in the front face of the cylinder.
16. Stake the cap (7) onto the head of the case (4) by using the appropriate staking tool BO-48370 . Ensure proper orientation and set the cylinder assembly (14), (which includes the case (4), coded cylinder (1), shutter springs (5), and shutter assembly (6)) and the cap (7) into the staking cup (15) and clamp into vise. Remove any debris and install the cleaned staking ram (16) into staking cup (15) and with a dead blow hammer, hit the staking ram (16) with moderate force 2 or 3 times. Check to determine if cap is securely staked to the cylinder assembly (14). Repeat previous step until cap is securely staked to the cylinder assembly. Remove assembly from the staking cup (15). If necessary, insert the removal punch (17) into the opposite end of the staking cup and tap lightly. Confirm that the shutter springs (5) push the shutter assembly (6) up against the inside surface of the cap (7).
17. Install the gasket (8) over the end of the cylinder assembly and slide it all the way up the case (4) until it seats behind the cap (7).
18. Install the return spring (9) over the back end of the cylinder (1) with the straight hook facing the rear of the case (4). Engage the straight hook of the return spring with the hook feature on the rear of the case.
19. Install the spacer (10) and lever (11) onto the end of the cylinder (1).
20. Install the retaining ring (12) in the groove at the end of the cylinder (1) to secure the lever (11) to the cylinder. Engage the bent hook of the return spring (9) with the lever.
21. Install the theft deterrent switch (13) onto the end of the cylinder (1) and snap the switch legs onto the case (4). Be sure the theft deterrent switch is engaged with the end of the cylinder and is securely attached to the case.
22. Check the operation of the lock assembly. The return spring (9) should provide a counterclockwise snap back.

Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle

Scheme 33

Scheme 34

When lifting the vehicle with a frame-contact lift, place the front lift pads at the front pinchweld flanges.

Scheme 35

When lifting the vehicle with a frame-contact lift, place the rear lift pads at the rear pinchweld flanges.

Scheme 36

When lifting the vehicle with a suspension-contact lift, place the front post lift points at the lower control arms in the area shown (1). Lift the rear of the vehicle with the rear post lift points ONLY under the rear wheels.

Scheme 37

When lifting the front of the vehicle with a floor jack, place the floor jack lift pad at the center of the front frame.

Scheme 38

Lift the rear of the vehicle by placing the floor jack lift pad at the center of the rear suspension.

Supporting the Vehicle with Jackstands

Note. Place jackstands ONLY under strong and stable vehicle structures.

Special Tools Ordering Information

The special service tools shown in this service information that have product numbers beginning with J, SA or BT are available for worldwide distribution from

OE Tool and Equipment Group

Kent-Moore

28635 Mound Road

Warren

MI, U.S.A

48092-3499

Phone: 1-800-345-2233 or 586-574-2332

Monday through Friday

8:00 am-7:00 pm Eastern Standard Time

Fax: 1-800-578-7375 or 586-578-7321

The TECH 2 scan tool and accessories can be purchased through

Dealer Equipment and Services

5775 Enterprise Dr.

Warren

MI, U.S.A

48092-3463

Phone: 1-800-GM-TOOLS or 586-574-2332

Monday through Friday

8:00 am-6:00 pm EST

Fax: 1-586-578-7205

See also:
• Transmission Identification Information
• Engine Identification
• Engine Identification
• Safety Glasses Warning