🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Impala

Year:

2012

Platform Code:

W-body (GMT360 predecessor basis)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Full-size sedan, targeting families and individuals seeking comfortable, spacious, and reliable transportation.

Key Competitors:

Ford Taurus, Toyota Avalon, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger.

Vehicle Strengths:

Spacious interior, comfortable ride, strong V6 engine option, reasonable pricing for its class.

Target User:

DIY mechanics, professional repair shops, fleet maintenance technicians, and owners who want in-depth knowledge of their vehicle.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Regions:

North America (USA, Canada, Mexico)

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 2500-3500 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital Format (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, lubrication, cooling, ignition, exhaust, emissions, engine control systems (ECM/PCM), turbocharging (if applicable)

Transmission:

Automatic transmission (e.g., 6T70/6T75), clutch system, torque converter, transmission control module (TCM)

Chassis:

Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, power steering, steering column, wheels, tires, brakes (ABS, EBD, Traction Control), driveline

Body:

Body structure, exterior panels, doors, windows, glass, sunroof, interior trim, seats, body hardware, collision repair procedures

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, lighting systems, power distribution, instrument cluster, HVAC controls, infotainment system, body control module (BCM), comfort and convenience systems, battery, charging system, starter motor

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake pad inspection, spark plug replacement

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool usage, component testing

Repair Procedures:

Engine component removal and installation, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension arm replacement, electrical component repair, body panel replacement

Calibration And Programming:

ABS module programming, SRS module replacement, TPMS calibration, key programming (often requires specialized tools)

Depth Of Information:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and body repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual. Clear diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital download - intended for electronic viewing or user printing)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital download - not applicable)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Option 1:

3.6L V6 (LLT - direct injection)

Engine Displacement 1:

3.6 Liters (3564 cc)

Engine Cylinders 1:

6

Engine Configuration 1:

V-configuration

Engine Horsepower 1:

290 hp @ 6300 rpm

Engine Torque 1:

262 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Fuel System 1:

Direct Fuel Injection (DFI)

Valve Train 1:

DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 24 valves

Bore X Stroke 1:

94.0 mm x 85.6 mm

Compression Ratio 1:

11.5:1

Engine Option 2:

2.4L Ecotec I4 (LUK - gasoline direct injection)

Engine Displacement 2:

2.4 Liters (2384 cc)

Engine Cylinders 2:

4

Engine Configuration 2:

Inline configuration

Engine Horsepower 2:

182 hp @ 6700 rpm

Engine Torque 2:

172 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm

Fuel System 2:

Direct Fuel Injection (DFI)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

6-speed automatic transmission (6T70/6T75)

Transmission Fluid Spec Standard:

Dexron VI (GM P/N 88863150 or equivalent)

Transmission Type Optional:

N/A (No manual transmission offered for the 2012 Impala in North America)

Transmission Control:

Electronic control with manual shift mode (Driver Shift Control)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

199.7 inches (5072 mm)

Width:

72.9 inches (1852 mm)

Height:

58.7 inches (1491 mm)

Wheelbase:

110.5 inches (2807 mm)

Passenger Volume:

104.7 cu ft (2965 L)

Trunk Capacity:

15.6 cu ft (442 L)

Curb Weight V6:

Approx. 3685 lbs (1671 kg)

Curb Weight I4:

Approx. 3547 lbs (1609 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating 2012:

4 out of 5 stars (typically for frontal and side impact; rollover rating varied)

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Brake Assist (BA)

Passive Safety Features:

Front airbags (driver and passenger), front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, roof-mounted side-curtain airbags (front and rear), daytime running lights (DRLs), LATCH child seat anchors.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system (availability may vary by trim level), typically featuring a touch screen, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, auxiliary input jack, and USB connectivity. Optional navigation and premium audio systems.

Driver Assistance Features:

Rear parking assist (optional), rearview camera (optional). Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Alert were typically not available on the 2012 Impala.

Connectivity Options:

Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming (available on select trims), OnStar communications system.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil (refer to owner's manual for specific conditions).

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), replace as needed.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed.

Spark Plug Replacement V6:

Platinum-tipped spark plugs: typically 100,000 miles (160,000 km) replacement interval (refer to manual for exact spec).

Engine Oil Type V6:

SAE 0W-30 Synthetic (API SN or newer, Dexos approved)

Engine Oil Capacity V6:

5.0 US quarts (4.7 liters) with filter change.

Engine Oil Type I4:

SAE 5W-30 (API SN or newer, Dexos approved)

Engine Oil Capacity I4:

5.0 US quarts (4.7 liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

GM Dex-Cool (Orange) Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (GM P/N 12346290 or equivalent)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Issues V6:

Intake manifold gasket leaks, carbon buildup on intake valves (common with direct injection, though less severe than some older DI engines), potential power steering pump noise, occasional catalytic converter issues.

Common Issues Transmission:

Erratic shifting, delayed engagement, potential solenoid issues, transmission fluid leaks.

Common Issues Electrical:

Window regulator failures, HVAC blower motor issues, occasional sensor failures (e.g., O2 sensors).

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet History:

Founded in 1911, Chevrolet is one of America's oldest and largest automotive brands, known for its wide range of vehicles from compact cars to heavy-duty trucks.

Impala Evolution Context:

The Impala nameplate has a long and storied history in the Chevrolet lineup, evolving from a premium full-size coupe in the 1960s to a more mainstream sedan, with the 2012 model representing a refinement of the W-body platform.

Manufacturing Location:

General Motors Assembly Plants (e.g., Oshawa, Ontario, Canada; Detroit-Hamtramck, Michigan, USA for earlier generations, though specific 2012 plant may vary).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Vehicle Awards:

While specific awards for the 2012 model year are less prominent compared to newer generations, the Impala generally received praise for its comfortable ride and value proposition within the full-size sedan segment during its production run.