🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Impala

Year:

2012

Generation:

Ninth Generation (GMT900)

Platform:

GMT900

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 2012 Chevrolet Impala was positioned as a full-size sedan, appealing to buyers seeking comfortable, spacious, and affordable transportation. It competed with other large sedans like the Toyota Avalon, Ford Taurus, and Chrysler 300.

Competitive Analysis:

Offered a balance of V6 power, a comfortable ride, and a well-appointed interior for its class. Targeted families and individuals who prioritized practicality and value over sporty handling or cutting-edge technology.

Key Features:

Spacious interior, comfortable ride, available V6 engines, ample trunk space, proven platform.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Introduction, Driver and Passenger Safety, Instruments and Controls, Comfort and Convenience Features, Operation Tips, Appearance Care, Taking Care of the Unexpected, Technical Information, Warranty and Customer Relations, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting safety defects (U.S. only), Cleaning, Engine compartment, Engine oil, Battery, Fuel information, Air filter(s), Part numbers, Refill capacities, Lubricant specifications, Accessories, Service Information and Specifications, Maintenance Information and Specifications.

Page Count:

Estimated 300-400 pages (typical for this model year and manual type)

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Powertrain (Engine, Transmission), Chassis (Brakes, Steering, Suspension), Electrical System (Lighting, Instruments, Infotainment), HVAC System, Safety Restraints, Body and Interior Features, Security Systems.

Procedures Included:

Basic maintenance checks (oil, coolant, tires), fluid level checks and refills, bulb replacement, fuse identification, operation of vehicle features (lights, wipers, climate control, infotainment), basic troubleshooting, safety procedures, cleaning and care, reporting safety defects.

Technical Depth:

Covers everyday operation, basic user maintenance, and safety information. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or full repair instructions typically found in a Service Manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Print Quality:

Digital format allows for high-resolution viewing and printing.

Binding Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

3.6L V6 LFX (Direct Injection)

Horsepower:

300 hp @ 6400 rpm

Torque:

262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm

Fuel System:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPFI) / Direct Injection (DI)

Engine Code:

LFX

Displacement:

3.6 Liters (3564 cc)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Emission Controls:

Catalytic Converter, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-Speed Automatic

Optional Transmission Type:

Not applicable for this engine/trim combination in 2012

Transmission Features:

Driver Shift Control (Manual Mode), Tow/Haul Mode

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron VI (GM Part No. 88862419 or equivalent)

Gear Ratios:

Available in detailed service information, but typically covers 1st-6th gear ratios and reverse.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

199.7 inches (5072 mm)

Width:

72.9 inches (1852 mm)

Height:

58.7 inches (1491 mm)

Wheelbase:

118.5 inches (3010 mm)

Passenger Volume:

104.7 cubic feet (2965 L)

Trunk Volume:

16.9 cubic feet (479 L)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3700-3900 lbs (1680-1770 kg) depending on trim and options.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating:

5-Star (for models tested)

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

Passive Safety Features:

Front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, head curtain side-impact airbags, front seat belt pretensioners, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.

Child Safety Anchors:

LATCH system equipped for rear seating positions.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System:

Standard on most trims, providing alerts for underinflated tires.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system available on higher trims, featuring touch screen interface, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, auxiliary audio input, USB port, Bluetooth connectivity for phone and audio streaming. Navigation system was optional.

Driver Assistance Features:

Rear Park Assist (optional), Cruise Control.

Connectivity Options:

Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB port for device charging and audio playback, Auxiliary audio jack.

Lighting Features:

Projector-beam headlamps, available LED tail lamps, automatic headlamp control.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 miles or 12 months, or as indicated by the Oil Life Monitoring System.

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or as needed based on wear.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Check every 15,000-22,500 miles, replace as needed (part number likely 25792425).

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Check every 15,000-22,500 miles, replace as needed (part number likely 15764100).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 0W-30, Full Synthetic (GM dexos1™)

Coolant Type:

GM Orange Coolant (Dex-Cool), Prediluted or Concentrate (GM Part No. 12346290 or 1052957).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

Known Issues:

Some owners have reported issues with engine oil consumption on the 3.6L V6, particularly on earlier LFX engines. Other reported concerns include power steering pump noise, potential for dashboard rattle, and early wear on some suspension components. Spark plug replacement can be labor-intensive on the 3.6L V6.

Engine Oil Capacity:

5.5 quarts (5.2 Liters) with filter change

Coolant Capacity:

10.3 quarts (9.7 Liters)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 8.0 quarts (7.6 Liters) for a dry fill (consult manual for specific procedure).

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Chevrolet, founded in 1911, has a long history of producing a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to heavy-duty trucks. The Impala nameplate itself has a rich legacy within Chevrolet, dating back to 1958, evolving from a stylish full-size coupe to a more mainstream sedan.

Model Evolution 2012:

The 2012 model represents the final year of the ninth generation (GMT900 platform), which debuted for the 2006 model year. It received a significant refresh for the 2012 model year, including updated styling, a more powerful standard V6 engine (3.6L direct injection), and an improved interior.

Production Location:

Historically produced at GM's Oshawa Car Plant in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.

Ninth Gen Production Years:

2006-2013

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The 2012 Impala's 3.6L V6 engine was recognized by Ward's AutoWorld as one of its '10 Best Engines' for 2011, highlighting its power and efficiency.

Ratings:

Received good ratings in NHTSA crash tests for its time, with a 5-star overall safety rating in frontal and side impacts for models equipped with side airbags.