2005 and Earlier Chevrolet Impala

b4z

ISS= Intermediate Super Sport. Kind of halfway between a real SS and a LS

[Deleted User]

or...Impala Semi-Sport.

jeffreyw1

Where was you able to find this information? I hope so. Thanks!

teo

http://www.autonews.com/news.cms?newsId=913

Check out the quote from Don parkinson, Impala & Montecarlo brand manager:

In the meantime, the Impala and Monte Carlo are going the performance route with ties to NASCAR racing and a new sport-appearance package.

"Then there's another step that will come next year that will put the frosting on the cake," said Chevrolet's Parkinson, referring to a true performance car to be developed off the platform. "You look on the Internet and you'll see people crying out for Chevrolet to go back to its performance heritage that we're known for."

roderacer

Sharp! I like the R7 and the LZ models. Keeps the stock appearance intact.

RR

teo

Yes indeed, I saw the new 2003 Cadillac CTS in person. Well, to be honest with you I am not too crazy about the way the car looks. When I first saw it in pictures I said "This thing looks like a 4 door rendition of the Aztek", but I figured I would pass better judgement until I got the chance to see it in "Flesh". The car does look better in person, but those sharp edges and huge rear end, doesn't push any buttons with me. The Impala has a big butt and it looks nice (To my eyes) but in the Cadillac CTS (A BMW and MB competitor) I don't know, it just doesn't fit.

The car they had in display was black, with black leather interior. It was positioned in top of a rotating display, so no way one could sit and take a good peek at the interior. The hood was not open either, so I could not see the engine bay either.

Based on what I could see, the car seems to be very well built and fit and finish (From the exterior) looks very good also.

In despite of me not really yet warming to the looks of the CTS, I am looking forward to a test drive when the car becomes available in January. I like the way the interior was designed, however.

The CTS has avoided copying the BMW, MB and Audi looks but according to some articles this car has successfully emulated the driving dynamics and performance traits of these competitors....I'll pass judgement on that when I get to sit behind the wheel.

Cadillac has to get this car right from the get-go. They simply can't afford another Cimarron/Catera fiasco with the CTS. The cars looks promising, well see how it behaves in real life and in the test track.

tpken

Did the display car attract a lot of attention? The one in Boston Did NOT!! In fact, it was buried at the rear of the Cadillac display - against an exterior wall in an area you would only pass if you were heading to see Buick, Pontiac and GMC trucks - not the direction most MB and BMW devotees were walking!! I can't figure that out. The car did look very nice I thought - better in person than on photo. Conversely I felt the Nissan Altima was disappointing in person - now there's a car that had people crawling all over it!!!

Ken

bowtiefan01

You don't have to subscribe to Consumer Reports. Go to you local library. They should have current and back issues available for you to do research. They should also have other car research materials there as well--e.g. Cosumers Digest, Kiplinger, JD Powers, etc.

The first 1,000 miles so far on my new Impala 3.8 have been great!

Good Luck

spence30

The dealer I brought my Impala to replaces the ISS no charge and I had 45,000 miles on it...

If you are out of warranty, someone may fix it for you free.

00impala

I took my Base Impala by the Dealership that I took my LS to earlier this morning to get the Oil Changed, I saw my LS sitting outside, They changed the oil in the Base and as I was leaving I ran in to the Service Director, I asked about my ISS and my Silver LS, He said the Front end tch was having a problem with the ISS that they ordered, WHAT? It wouldn't work or something, He mentioned a Re-desiged ISS, they were busy so I left, Thought about it for an hour and called him back, I was unsure if they were having the problem with my old one or the new one, He said the problem was with the Brand NEW Replacement one they ordered for my car, so they had to search all over town to find a different (Improved) one, (That is why my car was sitting outside @ mid-day) So now they have this different (improved) one and are installing it right now. Maybe they did change/redesign the ISS from 2000 to 2001-02? And they ordered me a faulty 2000 one and are replacing it with a 2001-02? He said the early ones had issues with lubrication (All the lube got smashed into one end of the shaft over time) can you say 15-18K miles? and they were told to just move it around and it would get into the lube somehow, he agreed that was a band aid and what to do after that when the cars come back with the same problems, so he said Now they somehow redeigned the ISS to avoid the Lube problems...... I am really cofused now. He said they will call in about 2 hours. Don

teo

Try to get the ISS part numbers for the "Old" ISS and the "New & Improved" ISS to see if they effectively did change between 2000 and 2001....

teo

He posted this at the "Repairs & Issues" topic in the Impala club:

"Teo was absolutely correct. Bob Peck Chevrolet in Arlington, VA fixed me up, no hassle, no BS, very good service. "Loose front end" was corrected with new steering gear assembly 26079918 F-REM ST/GR and something with the power steering. Described to me as new steering shaft and rack, all the way out to tie rods. I felt the difference the minute I took the wheel after the repairs. The steering is tight and the car feels solid and sure-footed, just as an Impala should be! Re the Electrical, they saw the errors on the computer and replaced the "Body Control Module." My car is perfect - I'm so excited I can't stand it! Thanks Teo!"

Congratulations Craigindc!!!

00impala

I will ask for the P/N's...The new P/N should be on my recipt, I will ask for the P/N of the one that was replaced and the first one they ordered, since he said it was wrong, Hopefully not for the wrong car (ie. Malibu or something) that would really explain it not working. Don

tpken

I'm beginning to wonder if my 2000 Bonneville SE is beginning to exhibit the tell-tale signs of faulty ISS like you've had here on Impalas (and Intrigues). Will have to read up the posts and see what specifically you've experienced.

I have begun to notice a subtle 'clicking' or 'thumping' sensation from the brake pedal up to the steering wheel when foot is on the brake - particularly when turning (right only???). I just had new pads and the rotors turned about 3K miles ago so it should not be a brake problem. The mileage is 39K now - naturally this would show up after warranty has expired!

So we'll just have to see what this is all about. No one else in our Bonneville forum has spoken up about this issue yet but I probably have the highest mileage in the group.

Time will tell.

Best wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving to all you Impalaphiles.

Ken

00impala

I just picked up the car and the drive home was great! No Jiggling and the steering wheel has a whole new feel..Tighter than before, Teo....I asked him about the P/N's and he said the right parts are so new that there is not an update in their parts catalog, he said the one I have is an updated version to eliminate the Lube problem. I think they shipped the first one under the same P/N and he said it so confusing that they do not know if they have the right parts until they arive because when they change at the Factory or assmebly line they just do it and then after a long while update the numbers in his Parts Catalog for Ordering. Such as the Amp Booster Deal with the 103 replacing the 104 when ordering now. The first one that came in was the non-updated one, He said he replaced a Steering Gear in a Silverado last week and had the same runaround with the Parts.

My Reicipt reads "NOISE AND VIBRATION AT ABOUT 25 MPH...PLAY WHEN TURNING RIGHT....EXCESSIVE PLAY IN INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT....REPLACE SHAFT ----- FP NUMBER 26079240 ----DESCRIPTION SHAFT 6.526"

Also I mentioned the Whistling Blower Motor for the A/C Heater and they replaced that "Motor Assem 52495501" Don

teo

Congratulations! The Blower motor noise was an old TSB from 1999 that applies to very early production Impalas only.

teo

Yep, that's the new and revised ISS part number...everyone take note..

bob810

Hi new to the site. Bought my 2001 Impala LS ( white,loaded,gray leather)last one on the lot in September and now have 3000 trouble free miles... as I expected. What are everyone's thoughts on aftermarket rustproofing and paint protectant? Is it worth it? Live in Michigan

gweilo

Good to see some response. Seems like they are trying to make things right.

norbnancy

Congratulations on your 2001 Hope you have trouble free driving as most people on this forum do. Chevrolet does not recommend rustproofing. I have not purchased rustpfoofing since owning a 1953 Chev 210 2 door that rusted through because of the rust proofing.I think rust proofing can get into door and quarterpanel internal window mechanism and gum up the works. Modern cars use zincrometal in the body panels as well as various rust proofing materials during manufacturer and assembly. You don't see many cars rusting from the inside out, but most rust from the outside in, due to damaged paint from rocks etc. When paint chips are neglected the water desolved salt gets to the metal at the chipped area and starts to rust. The area starts bubbeling and looking like a scab. This also happens frequently around mouldings especially on tail gates on station wagons. Bottom line -- Keep your new pride & joy washed and paint nicks touched up. Also a good practice to hose off the underside of your car several times a year. Some car washes spray off the underside as well as wash the topside. I have lived all my life in Michigan and know how the salt can corrode. Proof of how proper washing works resides in my 1993 Cadillac with 95000 Michigan miles. There is no rust on the car. I keep up with touch up and cleaning. Where did you buy your Impala? Tell us more about the car. Build date, options etc.etc Enjoy the ride.

[Deleted User]

Nope.
They are both unnecessary, and in the case of rustproofing actually harmful, aftermarket dealer-installed nonsense whose sole purpose is to make money for the dealer.

00impala

Just Kidding! I had it done to my LS virtually for free because I wanted some Interior and Exterior Sealant,they did all 3 things for the price of 2. Rust proofing years ago was this thick stuff, and yea, I can see how it would clog some holes, But the stuff used on my LS is a Thinner Yellowish colored stuff, I had to clean all of the excess off some things under the hood like parts of the Strut Towers etc..it was over-sprayed, I wouldn't say yea or nea, We Also got it FREE on our Base because it was transferrable one time (to a new car from same dealer) since we got it on the Cavalier back in 1999 and got a certificate stating so if within 5 years, If I had to pay for it I think I would pass on it too. Just a fluke that Both of my Impala's have it. Don

socalchev

The longer I own my Impala,base model, 3.4, build date 4/01, the more I appreciate the little design features the car has. The trunk hinges are a work of art,(sorry, I am a engineer, we are weird like that) no intrusion on trunk space and with the gas struts makes for a smooth operation. On the subject of hinges, the doors hinges have springs to augment closing without slamming. The drivetrain is both powerful and efficient.I have seen other post topics slamming GM and domestics in general for a lack of sophistication in their designs, I think, they dont fix what is not broke and introduce innovative features at affordable price.

night_owl1

The Impala's sheet metal is galvanized on both sides (except the roof) so additional rust proofing is unnecessary. Rust proofing can acutally cause rust. Cars are built with drain holes to allow rainwater to drain out. Rustproofing can clog those holes and trap water in pockets.

night_owl1

I also appreciate that the trunk hinges do not impinge on the trunk. I equate the "slamming" doors as a testimate to durability and the solidness of the vehicle.

Notice that there is no door pin switches for the interior lights? Been wondering how the car knows when the doors are open without those switches...

[Deleted User]

The Impala senses the closing and opening of the doors using a technology known as "Elfin Magic". They licensed this technology from the Keebler company.

38713

Is there any news on an Impala SS? I know in Oct. issue of Motor Trend, they said that Chevy is continuing work on an Impala SS. They said it will have a 345 hp V8. Does anyone know any additional info?

norbnancy

Does that mean there is a cookie inside each door? If so, that means we all get 4. The trunk hinge arrangement allows about 2 cu. ft. of additional usable trunk space over the prior trunk hinge/ torque rod arrangement. It would be my guess that the current arrangement is cheaper to build and cheaper/ easier to assemble. The only drawback I can see if the trunk lid does not pop up fully open. You have to lift the lid. Small price to pay. Has anyone seen any comprible car with a pull down strap in the trunk lid? This is a great feature no matter what type hinge arrangement you have. I also note that the Impala door hinges and hold open mechanism do not squeak & squeel like all the prior GM cars I have owned. Most had to have lube put on the hinges and roller mechanism. Any one have squeaky door hinges? I would like to see Chevrolet include an Impala emblem or Chevrolet bow tie at each door opening, perhaps embossed into the plastic sill. I don't think it would cost much, ( $300 - $400 spread over the thousands of cars in a several year production run). It would add some class. Remember the Fisher Body Coach emblem in the door sill plates? Enjoy the ride.

nosirrahg

Just to concur, on Oct. 30 I had the ISS replaced in my 2000 Impala, and the part number was 26079240; glad to see this is the "new and improved" part, apparently.

tpken - Your symptoms sound VERY similar to the ISS problems experienced by several Impala owners; look for the clunking to get more pronounced, especially over things like speed bumps and such. Mine got to the point that it became audible to passengers in the car before I got it attended to.

One other ISS note - Went to a family reunion today, and asked my cousin if he'd had any trouble with his Intrigue. His is the slightly older one (w/the 3.8 liter engine), and he hadn't had any ISS problems. However, another cousin overheard, and said he had his van (which if I remember correctly, is an Olds Silhouette) in the shop this weekend, having the ISS replaced, for precisely the same type of problem. So it looks like this problem isn't isolated to the Impala by any means.

00impala

ISS problems are do to a "DESIGN FLAW" not just luck of the draw, they are faulty by "Design". That explains the "RE"-Designed" Newer versions now being used. Don

gweilo

Looks like Chevy/GM is attacking the ISS issue. Are the medium term resulsts in on the new cradle? Was there a new part # introduced for that?
Is the brake rotor lifespan in the normal range now?
Also, is anyone having the engine hesitation problem anymore?

mediumfry

My 2001 LS (built 11/00) has just under 24,000 miles on it. I still have what I call a "tapping feeling" in the steering wheel and brake pedal, accelerator pedal, and floor. I took it in with 6000 miles on it for this problem and they installed the cradle shim kit. Fixed the problem for a couple days. Four more service calls later it's still there, no problem found (actually, not bad enough to fix).

You've told me a hundred times to get a new ISS. I can't produce the feeling when I am stopped and rock the steering wheel back & forth, though. I get no noise or a VERY faint popping when I feel the 'tap' in the wheel. I feel it under acceleration, braking, turning (fast and slow), virtually any time but not consistent. Sometimes it's a single tap, sometimes several at a time. It's not as persistent in cold weather either. It got really bad in the heat of the summer and now that it's 30-ish outside it's better, but not perfect.

I'd like to get a new ISS but my dealer won't put one in because he doesn't have a direct diagnosis. After all, this stuff was supposedly fixed before 11/00. I gotta go to another dealer. I don't want to waste the warranty and be left with this problem.

Otherwise this car is excellent. Gas mileage is improving with age and everything else is rock solid. A great overall value and a great looking car too.

crosley4

Our 2k LS had the "feeling" of tapping very , very slightly in the steering wheel. It felt like someone was lightly tapping the steering column with a small hammer. THere was no loose steering feeling or noise.

It was gone when the ISS was replaced under extended warranty.

My 'gas' mileage seems to be increasing with age too. And my wife is not pleased. LOL

Tony

teo

According to the latest edition of "Autoweek" magazine, the 2002 Impala LS Sport will have a 231HP N/A 3800 Series II V6 engine as standard equipment.

I am surprised that the 2002 Impala sales literature fails to mention about the increased performance of the LS-S version.

So aside from all the cosmetic upgrades, it appears to be the Impala LS Sport is a real step up in terms of performance as well. I wonder if GM made other changes or revisions to the suspension as well, given the increased engine power.

If this 3800 variant really boosts 231HP, it will be just 9HP shy of the HP rating of the 3800 Supercharged engine at 240HP.

I think by 2003, the Impala will come in 4 different flavors:

*Base
*LS
*LS Sport
*SS

What do you guys think?

71greyghost

Every time I move the drivers seat back in my wife's impala the air bag light stays on. We are able to fix it by playing with the wires under the seat or moving the seat back and forth. I seem to remember messages about this a long time ago and the problem was a faulty wire connector. Does anyone know the part number of the connector that needs replacing. Our dealer says there is no TAB for this problem and they need to diagnose the problem first. I don't think this intermittent connection is going to be easy to diagnose. I would sure like to point them in the right direction and avoid repeated trips to service. Thanks in advance.

b4z

I read that too. Obviously a misprint. The 231 was probably the cubic inches, not the hp.

That Marauder is looking pretty good to me right now. 300hp in an impala would be nice, but it is still FWD. The Marauder has the rear wheels doing the pushing as any proper performance sedan should.

00impala

It has the Buckets Seats and the floor shifter/console,dual Exhaust and 17" rims and I think 235hp. That Marauder will be a bunch of over Bloated MSRP's when it comes out that will push it way into the mid 30's. let alone finding one, I am waiting for a Certified 2002 CR.Vic Sport, in about a year they should be plentiful and far away from the 27K price for them. Maybe 20K and under for a Low Mileage one. I like the Silver one used in their Advertising and on their Website. I want to drive one soon!!! Don

hank64

I had been waiting for some time for GM to come up with the promised solution to the hesitation problem. Last week I got a call from the dealership's service manager saying that a solution had been found. The computer - presumably, the PCM - software was at fault. They took about a half hour to install a new software edition. The once or twice a day hesitations are now gone. The service manager told me that GM continually updates this software, eliminating bugs.

casl

I'm still suffering from the hesistation problem. My 2k actually stalled out on me the other day during a hesistation - after it chugged and bucked a little bit. I was at the dealer on Saturday for an oil change and tire rotation, however, they didn't have time to look into the problem again. I'm making an appointment for next week and will mention the PCM software (thanks hank64) and see if they have a fix. They installed a software update quite a while ago, but it did nothing. I hope this one works.

ghostwolf

Hi

I finally got a reply from K&N's website about the 2001 Air Filter. A while back I mentioned that I went to Autozone and they didn't have a filter for the 2001 Impala. I was considering getting a 2000 filter but wanted to make sure it was ok.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here is K&N's reply to my e-mail:

Dear Customer,
Autozone is correct in that we do not have one for the 2001. No the
2000
will not fit.

Jennifer

-----Original Message-----
From: Ghostwolf
Sent: Sunday, November 11, 2001 7:39 AM
To: tech@knfilters.com
Subject: 2001 Impala

I need to know if I can use part number 33-2141 for my
2001 Impala (Air Filter)

I get this part number for 2000 Impala and Monte Carlo
but not for the 2001. I thought they were the same
engine? 3.8 Cyl V-6.

Autozone said that it is not the same and they are
waiting on you to make one for the 2001, but I want to
know if the part number for the 2000 will work.

Thank You
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

As you can see for right now they don't have one for the 2001. So here I am with only 2 mudflaps on the front,
and no K&N Filter, waiting for both parts to be made

As a side note, my dad bought a new Mercury Grand Marquis last year and he just visited and test drove my Impala, he was suprised at the room, he said he had more leg room in the front than in his Mercury. He really liked it and I think kind of wishes he bought an Impala now.

Have a happy Thanksgiving!
Ghostwolf

teo

Yep, that makes sense...

jerseyimpala

Ghostwolf,
I have a 2001 and have been using the K&N filter part number 33-2141 since early May. The air box in the 2001 is the same as the 2000. I have an ls w/ 3.8 engine. Since using it, it has added about 3 mpg and about 10 horsepower.

Jerseyimpala

jeffreyw1

On the subject of the whistling blower motor for the A/C heater, when at what speed do you have the blower on when this whistling occurs? I had this happen earlier this year while I was running the air conditioning with the blower on the highest speed available for the controls of the Impala. Thanks for your help and have a super day!

jeffreyw1

When does this hesitation occur that everyone who has experienced? Does it occur when attempting to start the engine? I had something happen similiar to this while I was driving my car a few weeks ago. This happened when I tried to start my engine and it sounded like it would start, but it didn't on that attempt. I tried it a second time and it cranked fine. Thanks!

[Deleted User]

Ditto what jerseyimpala said. (Although I don't see quite the boost in performance or mileage.) But, the 33-2141 fits in a 2001 3.8L.

night_owl1

The replacement AC Delco air filters are the same for both cars so the K&N filter will work in both. I was going to get one also, but have decided to go with a cold induction kit instead.

casl

The hesistation that I get happens within the first couple of minutes of actual driving. It usually happens when I slow down to make a turn or after stopping at stop sign. When I go to accelerate again it doesn't "catch". Then it will kick in and start accelerating again. Over the past 6-9 months, I've had instances where I had to take my foot off the gas entirely, then put it back down 1-3 times before it catches. It has also started chugging and bucking during some (not all) of the hesitations (and actually stalled out the other day). The hesitation is very unpredictable in the fact that it doesn't happen every day or after every start up. However, it is always the same in the fact that it only happens within the first couple of minutes of driving (it doesn't matter how long I warm my car up beforehand).

hunter39

I also have the whistling a/c blower, it isn't the vents and I noticed it at setting 2 on the fan speed. It needs to be quiet in the car to hear it (which is not usually the case in my car)but it is definately there. I have been getting super sensitive about noises in the car and have been listening for anything, especially the telltales of the ISS. The whistling is on my list of things to bring up when next I bring the car in for service.

b4z

Used the seat heaters for the first time today.
Only needed to turn it on for a minute. Great option. being in the South i don't think i will be using it very much, but it sure worked quick.

teo

How cold in Charleston is it today?