Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Options
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
Duraflex::: Negative, the cradle was examined but never touched, repaired or replaced in any way or form. The problem was confirmed (Remember that when I took the car the first time to my dealer I already had given them the diagnostic on the steering clunks) to be the Intermediate Steering Shaft, which appears to be defective (We don't know if it is a design or manufacture problem with the part itself) on a great number of Impalas built between 9/99 and 4/00 (This could change as we keep getting more reports on the same problem). The problem develops on average between 10K and 25K miles.
My cradle hasn't creaked or popped yet, but it could still happen a few thounsand miles down the road.
Have you experienced these symptoms? (Cradle popping noises or the steering column clunks?)
P.S. Did anyone with the stuttering/hesitation problem have an aftermarket alarm installed on their car?
The first McGarrett car was a 67 black coupe and thereafter it was a black foor door hardtop - a new one every year, naturally. Teo - you could follow this example!!
Sidebar - a couple years ago I witnessed a 30 ft or so cabin cruiser heading out to sea from Portsmouth NH harbor with the Hawaii Five-0 theme song blaring full blast while a bevy of young (topless) babes lounged on deck - ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!
Wonder if that dude drove a 90 Grand Marquis like mine? lol
Ken
Early on (first 3000 miles) I did hear some ticking noise in
the front while parking at crawl speed. It went away and
never came back.
At 10,500 miles, NO clunks in the steering.
Others with up to 29,000 appear NOT have had the problem
you did so perhaps it is a manufacturing problem on certain
cars and NOT a design problem.
Hope your Impala stays well.
Sorry you miss the little Metro :-).
"Your message did not reach some or all of the intended recipients.
Subject: Teo's A/C problem entry
Sent: 1/29/01 10:12 AM
The following recipient(s) could not be reached:
impala@hawaii.rr.com?subject=Impala Problem - Resolved on 1/29/01 10:12 AM
The recipient name is not recognized
The MTS-ID of the original message is: c=US;a= ;p=Equitrac Corp.;l=EQU_EXCHANGE-010129151134Z-6351"
So I have decided to type the entry manually and post it here:
problem Status: Resolved
Model: 2000 Impala LS
Build date: 01/24/2000
Mileage when problem first reported: 7,704 miles
Scope: A/C Compressor unit premature failure
Symptom: Customer states vibration sound at front of car while at idle in gear.
Problem: A/C Compressor (Harrison V5) making vibration noise, internal component failure.
Dealer remedy: Special order replacement A/C Compressor Part #1135281
Days that took part to reach dealer: 7 Business days.
Days out of service to perform repair: 1 Day
Claim type: Warranty repair.
Some people might have the problem and yet not be able to recognize it accurately until it gets progressively worse...that's exactly what happened to me.
I will be a good idea to gather the last six digits from the VIN number and the build dates (and mileage) of cars that don't have the problem, so we can better isolate the scope of the malady.
Aside from myself, Frankencat had his steering shaft replaced also. Nossirrahg, Hank64, Shamino and Dmullins are having the same exact problem with the steering clunks. I am sure there are other 'Lurkers' that have noticed a change in the steering operation of their cars, yet they don't know what it is.
Hard to believe that GM Technical assistance has never heard of the problem before. It appears that dealers have replaced quite a bit of these intermediate shafts. The lack of a GM issued TSB or Recall campaign makes it only twice as difficult for dealers to troubleshoot the steering clunks. If the vehicle owner doesn't frequent the Internet or knows about our forum in Edmund's they are left essentially in the dark.
I haven't had the dreaded engine cradle problems or the engine hesitation problems reported by Sweetpolly and Taylor.
GM's 'tight lips' attitude in light of these problems is puzzling to say the least.
Ken
Jacob... on your keyboard is a huge button that says "Enter" (or Return, but probably not unless your computer is REALLY old. Two down from the "L"... try hitting that thing a time or two while your posting. It makes it so old folks like me can follow your messages easier. Just a thought..
Ken... when you say you see more Impalas in Portland... you mean Maine, right? Some of us in the Northwest get confused...
"2K1 (2001 Aurora V8) AV8 Problems and Actions
I wrote awhile back about engine surging problems that I was having. This post is to provide an update for anyone interested. Keep in mind that this vehicle was purchased as the 'car of my dreams' after extensive research and test drives of just about everything on the market. I brought within my budget but would have paid more if I felt it was worthwhile; ie, the Volvo S80 T6 or the Audi A6 2.7T but I couldn't stomach the Audi's rear styling or the Turbo lag and service problems of the Volvo. Not to knock these cars...just not for me.
Back to the Aurora: mine is/was a silvermist V8 with heated seats, Bose, 12 disc and chrome wheels. Seeing the car for the first time after it was delivered from the factory (special order because I didn't want a sunroof) was the cat's meow. After driving the car I knew I had made the right decision. But then a seemingly minor problem turned into a major one.
What was happening almost from day one was that when the engine was cold and I would step on the gas in drive then let off- the whole car would surge and buck like it was going to stall but never did. The oscillations would last about 6 or so times then the car would even out and return to a normal idle. I could not dplicate this with a fully warmed engine although the service department at my dealership said they could. This surging was unnoticeable if I accelerated with an even pedal- only when I stepped on the gas then quickly let off. I noticed this first while at a light and starting off; only to quickly back off the gas with someone coming the other way. Then, I could duplicate this everytime because I knew how. Mind you, I wasn't looking for trouble but found it nonetheless in these circumstances.
A couple of trips to the dealer netted the following. The first trip was a diagnosis in which they could easily duplicate the problem but could not fix it. The second trip involved an upper tier technician who came in and couldn't fix the problem either. The car has the latest software download as it was made in October and all looked OK on the computer diagnostics. I brought the car in for checking on the 13th of Dec. and on the 15th a decision was made to stop work as no positive results were achieved. Within a few short days of this, I was informed that GM was buying back the car and getting me a new duplicate. A nationwide locate produced 2 cars the same as mine but they were in the south and midwest and because I live in the northeast, a fresh vehicle was ordered from the factory. I should get it in the next 2 or 3 weeks.
Some observations: My service rep reported that GM had 2 other cars with my symptoms and they could also not be fixed. I never lost my cool or ranted and raved with frustration but I didn't want to be 'deadended' in a long drawn out ordeal so I kept pressuring the dealer and service department for a solution. As it turns out, not much pressure was needed. I'm surprised that GM didn't offer to replace the engine as I'm sure that's what Chrysler would have done in the same situation (after having had 4 problematic Jeep Grand Cherokees). Supposedly GM plans to take my car and tear it apart to find the problem but the good news is that I don't have to make payments on it while they do. As well, GM is footing the bill for an '00 Deville while my new car is coming- they offered a Grand AM but I wanted something comparable. The response to my request for the Deville was a quick yes.
The long and short is that although my 'dream car' had a major problem, along with a few other minor fit and finish issues, GM is absolutely supporting and backing their product. I understand that my new car will automatically come with th 5/60 warranty so thats a nice little bonus also. Believe it or not, I look forward to getting out of the Deville and into my AV8 when it comes. The Deville is a super car but a little too big and boaty for my tastes. Will post with updates or more info as I remember."
The squeaky wheel gets the grease!
I bet that would be a blast to sign Impala brochures! Maybe other product endorsements coming? You ought to sign on with an agent!
Ken
This morning I found absolutely NO FM reception - completely static up and down the dial - and then turned off the rear defroster and immediately got the reception back. The AM band has a bit of static but very minor.
Is this isolated to my particular '00 Bonnie or widespread for the RDS unit?
Thanks
Ken
I have not experienced any reception problems with the radio and the rear defroster both operating at the same time. Good luck finding the solution to that one.
Interesting system. Press the OnStar button twice and the radio mutes and a female voice announces "Welcome to OnStar." After a bit, I heard a fast busy signal then the system went silent. Then another voice came on welcoming me to the OnStar system. After reading the manual, I learned that if the system encounters a busy signal, it will try 4 times to connect.
Anyway, the system told me I could either register with the system, or disconnect. Shortly, a operator came on the line and I told her that I wanted to register with the system.
Unfortunately, I could hear her, but she couldn't hear me. Apparently, this is not an unusual occurance, because after three "hellos" she said she was terminating the call because we couldn't establish voice communication. At the end of the call it struck me that the radio volume might control the mic volume so I called back and fiddled with with the control while trying to talk with the operator. No such luck. Keep in mind that I didn't know where the mic is in the car.
I got to work and called OnStar from my office phone. The operator suggested that I turn up my radio. I told her that I was already blasting it, but I would try again. So I popped back down to my car, cranked it up and tried again.
Needless to say it didn't work. However the funny part of it was while I was sitting in my car, yelling at the top of my lungs to try and get through to the operator, a person walks past the front of the vehicle, all the time staring at me.
I think the mic is in the mirror and I have an appointment to take the car in to have it looked at it. I'm hoping they can just change out the mirror and I can get my car back quickly.
Check that the antenna plug in trunk that connects
to built-in glass antenna is fully inserted.
That might solve your static problem in the Bonnie
Also - does the Pontiac have a trunk amp ?
If so, what's the make and how does it sound?
While I like the stereo in the Impala as far as ergonomics and cool functionality, GM really cheated us bad with the trunk mounted AMP.
The radio is the only reason I miss the tinny Metro ;-)
BTW - speaking of rear window elements - another thing I have noticed in my Bonneville is that the bottom of the rear window, below the bottom element, is distorted such that it is noticeable when looking through the rear view mirror. It is definitely not the mirror - I can turn around and see the distortion. Anything like this on your cars? Bonneville is great - but not perfect!
Ken
Only complaint in the interior of the Impala is that in cars equipped with the automatic rearview mirror and overhead trip computer, the mirror seems to be mounted very low in the windshield and gets in the way when making a right turn.
My solution for now has been to tilt the seat down completely so I can gain a better fiedl of view without the mirror getting in the way.
I am sure the mirror can be raised a bit, but haven't tried as I am too afraid of damaging the cables and plastic cover that runs from the overhead trip computer assembly.
Any other ideas to raise the mirror out of view?
When I test drove the '00 Bonneville SE with the front bench seats, they seemed and felt very comfortable, but again it was just a 20 minute test drive.
Since you drive long distances, have you had any problems with the seats in terms of comfort and support?
How about the rear seats?
By the way, this is the link to the review....Do you agree with his assesment of the car??? I think he was way too harsh on the evalution. ironically, the same author liked the Impala LS a lot.
http://www.thecarplace.com/bonne.htm
http://www.thecarplace.com/impala.htm
I haven't logged any time in the back seat but my 11 y.o. son did complain of not being able to see much out the front.
I'll think more about this reviewer's other comments and address them later.
Ken
The hesitation I was having on start up hasn't happened since the car was at the dealer. The car has been starting up nicely and I've noticed my start-up revs to 2000 rpm instead of below 1000 rpm (when I was having that hesitation). I don't know what they did at the dealer, but, I'm sure glad my car seems to be running like it did when I first picked it up! My only gripe now is the poor rear window defroster. I don't know about any of you, but, it takes too long for my rear window to defrost. Sure, it's in the 40s here now and we normally don't have temperatures that low during the daytime (mostly 60s or low 70's in the early morning).
Would you other impala owners please tell me how long it's taking your rear windows to defrost and let me know what the temperature is in the area you're in. Thanks
I do try to always try to make posts relevant to Impala interests and features.
Teo - maybe you and I should start our own forum: "Impala/Bonneville dialogue or North meets South"
Ken
Re: A/C, if you read post #960, that will give you an overview of the problem I had with the A/C Compressor. Essentially, the problem was that I would hear a loud vibration noise coming from the engine compartment when coming to a full stop or the car was left on idle. When I took it to the dealer, they told me that the compressor was shot and it was about to self destruct shortly. Ironically, the A/C was still churning out cold air but I could tell some decreased performance from the system. When I asked the technician why my compressor had gone south with only 7,000 miles on the meter, his reply was "Oh well you just got a bad one from the factory, we'll replace the compressor so bring it back in next week." So I did. 7,000 miles later, the A/C still working and no funny noises are heard.
My gut feeling is that if the compressor wasn't defective, when they install it at the factory I am sure that they didn't adjust the drive belt properly and this could have prompted the premature failure of the compressor...who knows.
Are you having the same symptoms?
And by the way, thanks for labeling these problems "The TEO syndrome"...I am sure that from now own GM tech center will label these issues under my nickname...so next time you have a steering clunk noise or shot A/C compressor, just tell the service writer...I have a case of TEO's syndrome! ;-)
But..I am open to the idea of the new "North meets South" forum...:-)
I have seen some posts where Impala owners have said I have 15000 miles and no problems. No one should have any major problems at 15000 miles. When the time comes Most everyone should be able to say I have 150,000 miles and no major problems.
Hopefully in 2002 just 2 years before GM replaces this current Impala (who knows what they will call the replacement maybe they will call it the Celebrity or Citation or Vega), they get these major defaults repaired/replaced for the current owners that are having problems. These many major problems wouldn't happen with your Japenese cars. They do their homework, thats why they are # 1 !! Maybe 1 day GM will spend more money and time on research before turning out these problem vehicles.
Just a taught: back in the day when the very first Impala owners complained about the 'sudden engine shutdown' problem, the causes of the syndrome were believed to be the:
1) Crankshaft Sensor
2) Oxygen sensor
3) Ignition cylinder lock.
I haven't heard about this problem in the longest, but I still believe than aside from these causes, the quality of the gasoline has a lot to do with some of the most common engine problems.
Are you sure the dealer didn't change a sensor in the engine? or cleaned the fuel system? No mention of neither in the repair ticket?
For the 2000 model year, GM made some changes to the 3800 V6 engine to get it certified for ULEV emissions standards. These changes could have brought some problems on early 2000 manufacture engines but corrected later on. Remember that pre-1999 3800 V6 engines are only LEV certified.
Keep us posted on your engine's performance.
Taylor:::: Good luck in your situation and I fully symphatize with you. If the dealer can't solve your engine problems, the time has come for you to become intimate with your state's Lemon laws.
the current Impala is a W-body derivative sedan and it is scheduled for production until model year 2004. For 2005, the car will be all new and built on GM's new global platform codenamed 'Mid-Lux' and it is very likely that the car will be once again RWD..and yes it will still be called Impala.
Anyway, here goes...cookie01, sorry, just trying not to use too much space with all I have to say.
teo/charts2, if we keep complaining about lack of power on an otherwise good engine, but compare it to "Ford" products, you think we can resurrect the SS? Nothing is impossible, and charts2, I agree with you, it don't make sense not to just put the steel spindles/hubs in the police Impala. I don't think they improved the police engine cradle for 2001, I haven't heard of any problems with them, but they might have done so for the stock piece.
tpken-the radio antenna, as of what I read somewhere is in the back window with the defroster. Why isolated problems, I don't know. What you have in front may be the antenna for the On Star, if you have a '01.
blckthree-the owner's manual states that when driving slow, the ABS system may be clicking to calibrate itself and is normal. Other than the steering shaft problem, would it be funny if that was the source of the noise, and there is no problem with the engine cradle? LOL!!!
JACOB