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Comments
One of my previous flats (Chevy dealer repaired this one) is leaking at the plug and I need a new tire. New dealer says since I have hardly any tread wear (In 27700 miles???) I only need one tire. I always thought you bought tires in a pair?
To the guy making $90 an hour in engine compartments. Good for you.....but... I do think the unions are going to kill the car industry in America by over inflating wages.
I have a bachelors degree and some of my family members have masters degrees, and my mom is a pharmacist which is a high demand job. My older brother is the only one anywhere near your $90 but he doesn't get paid anywhere near that in pay because of all the money that the government gets for all his overhead charges and disabilty and stuff. My mom gets paid ~$50 in a very high demand job. $90 seems like way too much money for an assembly line worker if you ask me. If however you have gone to many classes and have training above and beyond you high school education than thats great. To you $90 an hour is great but to the rest of us that pay for that money everytime we buy a car considering the quality of American made cars lately it is going to drive us to buy a foreign car or a foreign car made in the US Like Honda, Toyota, or Hyundai.
I also have problems with a CEO that runs a company into the ground is fired or told to leave and he still gets his negotiated deal for $millions. It seems like there should be a clause that states if you do a sucky job you get nothing but a pink slip and a kick in the pants out the door. Yes I am bitter I know but so little of my pay is able to be used for fun anymore because so many things are overpriced now.
We had an ice storm last week, and I needed to do 2 remote cycles to warm the car up enough to the point where the ice started melting off the windshield and side windows.
If you are remote starting in the winter, and not getting some warm air after 5-10 minutes idling, then there is definitely an issue that the dealer should look at. Make sure you also check your coolant level, it seems the Impalas like to "use" coolant...low coolant can effect the heater's effectiveness.
did not deploy even though she was hit head and then side-whacked, car is totaled. Do any of you
know of any problems previously known with Impala airbags? Any references? Thx thx thx, Minnesota.
We recently bought the car as a GM certified used car from a local dealer. We finally got the car in, and they diagnosed bad front and rear alignment and three trashed tires. They covered everything. It wasn't cheap. I don't know whether the used car department ate it, or if GM did. I anteed up for the fourth tire to make a complete new set. I wish they would have caught this during the "117 point inspection", (according to the GM website) but I sure am glad they stepped up and made it right.
Car doesn't handle radically better than before, but it is much quieter and seems to ride smoother. We're not out of winter here yet, so we'll see how it goes when the roads turn bad again, which they most certainly will.
I had to eat the whole cost of 4 tires and the alignment. I live in Cleveland and you
have to know how to drive in snow and around chuck holes. Never had this happen
to me before. service manager said that he never seen anything like that. BS
We got hit with the snowstorm that went through the Midwest yesterday, and had ample opportunity to test the car. I'm happy to say it now tracks as straight as can be on nasty roads. Apparently, the bad front and rear alignment and resulting trashed tires were the problem. My wife will drive the car again.
Thanks
Ebay is a GREAT source for them. The general link:
http://motors.search.ebay.com/impala_Keyless-Entry-Remote-Fob_W0QQcatrefZC6QQcoa- ctionZcompareQQcoentrypageZsearchQQcopagenumZ1QQdfspZ2QQfposZ19087QQfromZR2QQfso- oZ2QQfsopZ2QQftrtZ1QQftrvZ1QQmppfqyZimpalaQQsabfmtsZ1QQsacatZ33723QQsadisZ200QQs- aobfmtsZinsifQQsargnZQ2d1QQsaslcZ2QQsbrftogZ1QQsofocusZbs
And one of the specific ones (that particular remote was for a variety of cars). One has the remote start button, but as an LS, I presume yours doesn't have that:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/KELYLESS-REMOTE-06-07-CHEVY-IMPALA-MONTE-CARLO-15- 912859_W0QQitemZ260238626158QQihZ016QQcategoryZ33723QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmd- ZViewItem
I have brought this to the attention of the dealer I bought it from, and they looked for a leak and there wasn't one to find. There is no telltale sign of trouble, except for the disappearing oil. On my third visit, I was handed a letter/communique of some kind explaining that there was a feature in the V8 SS that I bought, unbeknownst to me. Namely that the engine NORMALLY comsumes that much oil in a 2000 mile period, and it even listed the VIN numbers of the ones that they knew/suspected had this feature.
In my experience with vehicles that I have owned/driven in my driving years, I have NEVER owned any car or truck that did this. I DO understand that an engine consumes oil, I have never experienced one that consumed it at this rate EVER. Perhaps I have been extremely lucky or fortunate. But I have a funny feeling that this letter I possess is a 'get out of a recall free' card for GM. If they are ahead of the curve on it, they can circumvent the recall by telling the mechanics ahead of time.
I still am paying for this car, but I feel like I have been had. Someone please tell me I am not wrong about this, so I may do something about it.
My '06 Impala, while not the SS, consumes oil. The 3.5L V6 takes 4qts. for a full oil and filter change, but 4qts NEVER come out when I change the oil. I have also had occasions where I need to add oil in between changes to keep the oil in the acceptable range on the dipstick. I am in the habit now of checking the oil at least once a month to make sure it is OK.
My V8 Dodge Durango that I had prior to my Impala consumed oil to the tune of about a quart every 3,000 miles. The worst car I ever had for oil consumption was a '99 VW New Beetle. That little car drank oil. Never had a leak, it simply disappeared. One to two quarts was not uncommon during a 3,000 mile interval. It was considered normal, and VW even recommended in the owner's manual that the oil level be checked every time gas was put in the car.
I would say what you are experiencing is normal.
I check the dipstick at least every 3 weeks since I am leary of a sudden drop, I really have no answer as to why this happens, I've always had small block Chevy V-8s for the last 35 years, this one uses the most oil of them all.
I have owned 10 different vehicles in the past 20 years, so I am not as trusting as you seem to think I am (I traded the VW, by the way, at only 11,000 miles due to many VW and dealer related issues). I have seen, and been through, everything with vehicles from many manufacturers. I agree that a new engine should not use oil...at 50,000 miles maybe starting to use a little...but otherwise it should use none. Do I like GM's position on the issue? No. However, I have little choice but to accept it and live with it while I own my Impala.
If GM/Chevrolet tells the dealer that the consumption you are experiencing is normal, the dealer has no other recourse but to pass that information along to the consumer. The dealer will not start pursuing a fix for something that is not considered to be broken. GM evens issues TSB's that address this very concern which state it is normal. They have considered this to be normal since about 1997. You are not alone in your concern of the issue. A Google search for "GM oil consumption" returns hundreds of similar posts from other GM owners.
Having been through everything with vehicles, there reaches a point where you simply appreciate a vehicle that is comfortable, affordable, and gets you where you need to go with minimal problems. Any time I have the hood up, I check the oil, coolant (which also "disappears" in Impalas by the way), and washer fluid. If any of them are low, I take care of it. It takes 5 minutes.
Whenever I have an issue with a vehicle, I research it online prior to visiting the dealer. I then go to the dealer with my information in my back pocket, and a great deal of skepticism that they will know what to do. Believe it or not, GM dealers have been right-on 99% of the time. I still do my research, but there reaches a point where one simply has to trust that what they are being told is true regardless of whether you like the answer. Total lack of trust leads to stress, frustration, anxiety, and is ultimately counter-productive (which is why I will no longer buy a Ford or VW product).
In case you haven't seen it, here is the TSB:
Engine - Oil Consumption Guideline Info.
Bulletin No.: 01-06-01-011D
Date: April 03, 2007
INFORMATION
Subject:
Information on Engine Oil Consumption Guidelines
Models:
1998-2007 GM Passenger Cars and Gasoline Powered Light Duty Trucks Under 8500 LB GVW (Including Saturn)
2003-2007 HUMMER H2
2006-2007 HUMMER H3
2005-2007 Saab 9-7X
Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to include information on manual transmission vehicles and additional warranty statements.
Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-06-01-011C (Section 06 - Engine/Propulsion System).
All engines require oil to lubricate and protect the load bearing and internal moving parts from wear including cylinder walls, pistons and piston rings. When a piston moves down its cylinder, a thin film of oil is left on the cylinder wall. During the power stroke, part of this oil layer is consumed in the combustion process. As a result, varying rates of oil consumption are accepted as normal in all engines.
Oil Consumption
The accepted rate of oil consumption for engines used in the vehicles referenced is 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 3200 km (2000 mi).
Certain 2006 and 2007 models have a new GM Extended Warranty. Please refer to the appropriate Owner's Manual for warranty information.
This rate only applies to personal use vehicles, under warranty, that are driven in a non-aggressive manner and maintained in accordance with the appropriate maintenance schedule, with less than 58,000 km (36,000 mi), or 80,450 km (50,000 mi) for Cadillac, driven at legal speeds in an unloaded (for trucks) condition.
This rate does not apply to vehicles that are driven in an aggressive manner, at high RPM, high speeds, or in a loaded condition (for trucks). Oil consumption for vehicles driven under these conditions will be more.
Many factors can affect a customer's concern with oil consumption. Driving habits and vehicle maintenance vary from owner to owner. Thoroughly evaluate each case before deciding whether the vehicle in question has abnormal engine oil consumption.
Gasket and External Leaks
Inspect the oil pan and engine covers for leakage due to over-tightened, damaged, or out of place gaskets. Inspect oil lines and fittings for signs of leakage.
Improper Reading of the Oil Level Indicator (Dipstick)
Verify that the dipstick tube is fully seated in the block. When checking the oil level, make sure the dipstick is wiped clean before taking an oil level reading and fully depress the dipstick until the shoulder bottoms out on the dipstick tube. The dipstick should be the proper part number for the engine/vehicle that is being checked.
Operating your vehicle with an oil level that is below the minimum level indicated on the engine oil dipstick can result in severe engine damage. Repairs resulting from operating an engine with insufficient oil are not covered under the terms of the New
Vehicle Warranty.
Refer to Owner Manual in SI for checking and adding engine oil.
Not Waiting Long Enough After Running Engine to Check Oil Level
Some engines require more time than others for the oil to drain back into the crankcase. To assure a sufficient amount of oil has drained back to the crankcase, and an accurate reading can be obtained, the vehicle should be allowed to sit for at least 15 minutes, after the engine has been shut off, before taking an oil level reading. In order to ensure accurate results, the temperature of the oil should be close to the same temperature as the last time the oil level was checked.
This does not apply to 2006 and 2007 Corvette ZO6 equipped with the 7.0L LS7 engine (dry sump). Follow the instructions in the Owner's Manual for checking the oil in this application.
Improper Oil Fill After an Oil Change
Following an oil change, verify that the proper amount and type of oil was put in the engine and that the oil level on the dipstick is not above the full mark or below the add marks. Refer to the Owner's Manual or Service Manual for information on recommended oil quantity, viscosity, and quality.
Aggressive Driving High Speed or High RPM Driving
Aggressive driving and/or continuous driving at high speeds/high RPMs will increase oil consumption. Because this may not always be an everyday occurrence, it is hard to determine exactly how much the oil economy will be affected.
A higher rate of oil consumption is normal for vehicles equipped with manual transmissions that are driven aggressively. By "aggressive," we mean operation at high RPM (3,000 RPM to redline), with frequent use of engine braking (using the engine to slow the vehicle). Vehicles that are driven aggressively may consume engine oil at a rate of up to 0.946 L (1 quart) every 805 km (
(500 mi). This is normal for a vehicle that is driven aggressively. No repair is necessary. This characteristic does, however, require the owner to check the engine oil level at sufficiently frequent intervals, especially when driving aggressively, to assure the oil level remains within the recommended operating range. As the Owner's Manual recommends, you should check the oil level every time you get fuel.
Towing or Heavy Usage
Towing a trailer will increase oil consumption and may cause oil consumption to fall below the normal accepted rate referenced in this bulletin for an unloaded vehicle in a personal use application. Large frontal area trailers will further increase the work required from the engine, especially at highway speeds, and thus increases the rate of oil consumption.
Crankcase Ventilation System
Verify that the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system is operating properly. Blockages, restrictions, or damage to the PCV system can result in increased oil use.
Oil Dilution (Fuel and Water)
On vehicles that are usually driven short distances, less than 8 km (5 mi), especially in colder weather, unburned fuel and condensation generated from cold engine operation may not get hot enough to evaporate out of the oil. When this occurs, the dipstick may indicate that the oil level is over-full. Subsequent driving on a trip of sufficient length to enable normal engine operating temperature for 30 minutes or more, in order to vaporize excess moisture and fuel, may give the customer the impression of excessive oil consumption.
Engine Temperature
If an engine is run at overheated temperatures (see Owner's Manual or Service Manual) for more than brief periods, oil will oxidize at a faster than normal rate. In addition, gaskets may distort, piston rings may stick, and excessive wear may result. Verify that all cooling system components are in proper working order.
Engine Wear
Piston scuffing, excessive piston-to-wall clearance, tapered or out of round cylinders, worn, damaged or improperly installed valve guides, seals and piston rings will all cause an increase in oil consumption.
Measurement of Oil Consumption
Engines require a period of time to BREAK IN so that moving parts are properly seated. Therefore, oil economy should not be tested until the vehicle has accumulated at least 6400 km (4000 mi). An exception would be allowed only if an engine is reported to be using more than 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 1600 km (1000 mi).
Verify that the engine has no external leaks. Repair as necessary.
Verify that the engine is at normal operating temperature (see Owner's Manual or Service Manual).
Park the vehicle on a level surface.
Wait at least 15 minutes, after the engine is shut off, before checking the oil level to make sure that the oil has had time to drain back into the crankcase.
Verify that the oil level is at, but not above, the full mark on the dipstick, and that the proper viscosity and quality oil are being used as recommended in the Owner's Manual.
07-06-01-007 APR 07 Engine - Excessive Oil Consumption
I do not have the text of this particular TSB, however from researching it online there appears to have been a problem in certain '06 and '07 model year 5.3L Impala SS's. The problem is a potential defect in one of the valve stems in the engine. The remedy is to replace the cylinder head.
Not sure I would want this kind of work done on a new car, but if your oil consumption is in excess of what is indicated in the Oil Consumption Guidelines TSB (1qt every 2K miles), it may be your next step.
I have also had it back as I was having some dash problems. They had to put another ground in it some place, that fixed that problem.
Back to the problem with the hesitation, now you got me fired up again, its time to fire off another e-mail to Chevy
If this is what you are experiencing, I would say it is normal (I have owned several cars that also exhibited this type of behavior). However, if your lighting is pulsating/dimming/flickering constantly while driving then that is a problem that the dealer should easily be able to resolve...especially if it is doing it when the radio, A/C system, rear defroster, turn signals, overhead lights, etc. are ALL OFF. That leans toward one of the underhood components putting an abnormal load on the electrical system...or shorting out.
Do the lights flicker if you turn the headlights on manually using the headlight switch as opposed to the auto setting? If they do not flicker on the manual setting, it could be something as simple as a faulty auto-headlight switch or sensor.
Cycle through the Driver Information Center using the "Info" button until you get to the following "Remote Key" menu:
Remote Key
This display allows you to match the remote
keyless entry transmitter to your vehicle. To match
a remote keyless entry transmitter to your vehicle, do
the following:
1. Press the vehicle information button until PRESS
V[checkmark button] TO RELEARN REMOTE KEY displays.
2. Press the set/reset button.
The message REMOTE KEY LEARNING ACTIVE
will display.
3. Press and hold the lock and unlock buttons on the
first transmitter at the same time for approximately
15 seconds.
A chime will sound indicating that the transmitter
is matched.
4. To match additional transmitters at this time,
repeat Step 3.
Each vehicle can have a maximum of
eight transmitters matched to it.
5. To exit the programming mode, you must cycle the
key to OFF.
There are a number of things GM knows about that they hope we will not report. If we don't, they're not going to admit it. I saw one TSB addressing a problem that actually said that if the owner didn't mention it they should not either because they didn't know what it was or how to fix it. It had to do with a noise in the rear passenger side that sounded like something had hit under the car. I had that happen numerous times for a couple of months, but then it disappeared and hasn't returned as yet.
I call it the "motor boat" sound. It sounds just like the noise heard when a boat accelerates away from a dock.
To me, it almost sounds like water is getting into the exhaust system or something. It is defintely annoying, and I dread driving the car in a heavy downpour. I cringe at every large puddle.