Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform DIY maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, professional technicians
Key Competitors:
Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, Toyota Avalon, Dodge Intrepid
Manual Benefit:
Empowers users with factory-level knowledge for accurate repairs and maintenance, saving money on labor costs
Visual Aid Quality:
Detailed photos and exploded diagrams for clear procedural guidance
Powertrain:
Engine, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, transmission (automatic)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (front and rear, ABS), driveline, wheels and tires
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, lighting, instruments, HVAC controls, power accessories, starter, charging system, ignition system, engine control module (ECM), anti-theft system
Body And Frame:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, bumpers, frame structure, glass, weatherstripping
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication, battery maintenance
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/rotor replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair, body panel repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, component dimensions
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete overhaul and advanced diagnostics
Engine Code 3800:
L36 (3.8L V6 SFI Series II)
Engine Code 3400:
LG8 (3.4L V6 SFI)
Engine Code 4000:
LW9 (4.0L V8 SFI)
Horsepower 3800:
200 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque 3800:
230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Horsepower 3400:
180 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque 3400:
205 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Horsepower 4000:
240 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque 4000:
280 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Coolant Type:
Dex-Cool (Orange) 50/50 mixture with distilled water
Oil Capacity 3800:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter
Oil Capacity 3400:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter
Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)
Transmission Type Standard:
4-Speed Automatic (4T65-E)
Transmission Type Optional:
None for this generation
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III/VI Automatic Transmission Fluid
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 7.5 US quarts (7.1 L) for a dry fill
Length:
Approx. 199.7 inches (5072 mm)
Width:
Approx. 73.0 inches (1854 mm)
Height:
Approx. 56.5 inches (1435 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 110.5 inches (2807 mm)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 17.9 cubic feet (507 liters)
Curb Weight 3800:
Approx. 3500-3700 lbs (1588-1678 kg)
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
5 Stars (1998-2003 models)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
5 Stars (1998-2003 models)
NHTSA Side Driver:
4 Stars (1998-2003 models)
NHTSA Side Passenger:
4 Stars (1998-2003 models)
ABS:
Standard on most trims and years
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags (standard)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Consult manual for severe driving conditions.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km)
Coolant Flush:
Every 5 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with Dex-Cool coolant
Spark Plug Replacement 3800:
Platinum-tipped: 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
Power Steering Fluid:
GM Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/VI ATF
Intake Manifold Gaskets 3800:
Leaking intake manifold gaskets (plastic upper intake manifold design) are a common failure point, leading to coolant leaks and potential misfires.
Water Pump 3800:
Water pump failures, often indicated by coolant leaks, are also common.
Transmission Harsh Shifting:
Some transmissions may develop harsh shifting or slipping issues, often related to solenoid pack failure or fluid degradation.
Window Regulators:
Power window regulators can fail over time.
Brand History:
Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has a long-standing history of producing American sedans and family vehicles.
Impala Legacy:
The Impala nameplate has been a significant part of Chevrolet's lineup for decades, evolving through numerous design and platform changes. This generation marked a return to a front-wheel-drive, full-size sedan platform.
Manufacturing Location:
Ontario, Canada; Detroit, Michigan, USA
Production Years For This Generation:
1994-2005 (Note: The manual covers the 1995-2005 segment of this generation, which began in late 1994 as a 1994 model. The platform was refreshed and updated throughout these years.)
