2005 and Earlier Chevrolet Impala

lrcobra

I too had the problem with the window switch and had to replace it. YOu can do it yourself in about 10 minutes. But be prepared to pay dearly for it. Mine was $70.00 with the discount I got.
If you push forward on the button and lift up slightly on the back it might work for you for a while. That's the way ours did though and before I tore it apart to check it my wife drove for 4 days with the window down about 3-4 inches before telling me it was stuck. I thought it may need cleaned or something but it is a sealed unit with all five buttons in one unit.
Hope that helped
LRCobra

lrcobra

I had a leak in my ac line down under the engine when my ac quit cooling well. The dealer replaced it while the car was still under warrenty and rerouted it a little away from where it was rubbing the framework. You might have it checked out because ours still cooled but not too good when we got it fixed.
LRCobra

dennisw3

Mine just came on, 7419 miles, about 60/30% highway driving. I've already done 2 changes and was wondering just when the little devil was going to blink at me.

garnes

Is there an issue with 01's built before 10/00? I noticed a post about this.

Are they subject to the 00 hassles?

hvan3

garnes:

In my opinion, there's no credible proof that vehicles produced prior to 10/00 are subject to more "warranty related repairs" than vehicles produced after 10/00. Don't let others tell you otherwise.

I do agree that earlier model of 2000 Impala has some "bugs". However, since we are heading towards 2002 model, any remaining inventory of 2001 should be acceptable. Buy with confidence!

mediumfry

Historically the turn signal noise is made by the relay picking in the actual module that turns the lights on and off. This module, depending on manufacturer, can sound greatly different than the factory original. I have found that replacing the module (usually when it fails) usually results in a quieter sound (aftermarket "clickers" are quieter than originals). I was going to suggest simply purchasing a new blinker relay and putting it in.

But to be sure I know what I'm talking about, I looked it up in my manual and found the module to apparently be different than those in older model cars. The component location for the "Turn Signal/Hazard Flasher Module" is right behind the hazard light button on the dash. This electronic module may or may not contain the relay that is likely responsible for the noise.

I'd check with some parts stores and see if they specify the old style relay modules for this car of if it's the 'black box' behind the hazard light button. If it's the old style module somewhere under the dash, it can be replaced for $5 or so to see if it quiets things down. If the module is responsible, it's probably pretty expensive.

I'd like to be more specific but this is what I can find for now.

Just for fun, I'll add that I like the louder sound. After installing the quieter ones in other cars, I find myself more susceptible to leaving the blasted thing blinking accidentally. There are a lot of things that drivers can do to make themselves look stupid, but leaving the blinker on is one of the top ones. I hate it when that happens!

regulator75

...thanks for the info!

johnclineii

Well, I wonder, if you replaced the noise-maker, if the feature that makes the warning chime come on after you have driven with the turn signal on for about a mile (me? Not me!?), will still work!

teo

Have you guys seen the new Impala commercial?

roderacer

...teo, haven't seen the new one. BUT, I did see what I thought was one for a second. Turned out to be a silly commercial for something (vague enough)... anyway, Debbie Allen was at a gas station filling a silver base Impala up and teaching some chap how to do a dance step! HA! Got a chuckle out of me....

RR

jeffreyw1

I have not seen it yet either. Describe for us what is shows and tells. Thanks!

00impala

2 of them with the guy on the lot, and the one with all the Lowriders and a Black Sport LS pulls up with 2 women in it, looks cool in Black, also a local dealer has a spot that has him talking and a picture of a S-10 in one corner at the top of the screen and a Silver Impala with Rosie smiling, they used pics from 2001 Brochures and he is talking about the $2002.00 rebate on all 2002's. Don

night_owl1

Mediumfry is correct. The flasher module is part of the hazard flasher button. Someone asked me about this before and we looked into it. You could try and replace the module, but it's gonna be expensive.

this_is_nascar

Today, I had the SH30's installed to my 2000 Impala LS. What a difference between the the Firehawks and the OEM Goodyear Eagle GA's that had 36k miles. The ride is smoother and quieter. Corning is no comparision and the tires look like they were built specifically for the Impala. With less than 100 miles on them, I think I made the right choice. I'm waiting for both rain and snow to see how the do in those conditions.

brettca

Help! Can't find these rear mud guards. GM Discontinued supposedly because manufacturer was not meeting quality standards, but GM has only substituted with a generic "Flat" Guard. I don't want that. I want the molded one. I have the front pair on and I must say, It looks kinda funky W/O the rears. Can anyone help? I've gone just about everywhere I can think of on the 'net.
Thanks,
Brett in Little Elm, Texas...........

mediumfry

I'm glad I got mine before they went off the market. They seem to be fine quality, except they get pretty grey colored and need to be kept "Armor-All'd" to match the side-moulding. Anyway here's my opinion and proposal:

1. The front ones are most important. With the rear bumper being plastic, corrosion isn't going to be much of an issue there. Paint chipping and stuff still may be...

2. For the right price, I'll remove mine and ship them anywhere. Trouble is, I consider folks on this forum as friends and I wouldn't be able to ask a friendly price for these.

3. I know someone who might have a hazard flasher assembly for sale cheap though...

kimpala1962

hi mediumfry, walter here what is the right price for those rear moulded mud flaps for 2001 chevy impala. are they in good shape... e-mail a price quote at kimpala1962@aol.com thanks

night_owl1

Well, they ARE custom fit and since they are "retired" they are now collector's items...

[Deleted User]

Even if you find a pair, you'll have to cut away a small non-visible section of the guard to make it fit on a 2001.
The reason they discontinued them is because they wouldn't fit the 2001 without modification. I never understood why they didn't keep it for the 2000, and introduce a new one for the 2001+.

hvan3

<<. I never understood why they didn't keep it for the 2000, and introduce a new one for the 2001+. >>

Perhaps it costs GM too much money to tool the 2001 mud flaps? Who knows. Weird though.

[Deleted User]

Yes. But why discontinue them altogether? They can update the DB to specify that part number for 2000 models only.
Crazy man crazy.

hunter39

Hutton out of them completely? Dang I had two sets and sent one back because they made a mistake and sent me two...I'm never around to take advantage! BTW, every Impala I see here in Az is sans splash guards, at least the molded ones, but then, we don't get too much rain or snow in the Valley of the Sun!

hvan3

Hey guys!

Free T-shirt from GM!! Fill out this survey and get free t-shirt. I think you may have to be a GM car holder, cause they ask for the last 4 digits of your credit card.

https://www.gmcard.com/generic/a_indexcatsurvey.html

The link on this site only shows the survey. It does not say "free t-shirt". I try to provide a link that says "free t-shirt", but was not able to. You'll have to trust me on this. Otherwise, go to gmcard.com. Click on "offers and events". Scroll down. Click "merchant offer". Scroll down. Click on the t-shirt icon. It will then direct you to the address that I provided above.

FREEEEEE!

hvan3

http://www.chevymall.com/shopping/proddetail.asp?curItem=1&mainCat=13&subCat=69&productID=1205

$33.00

[Deleted User]

I had one, but it broke. ;-)

mediumfry

I was just searching the web for "Impala Splash Guards" and the 14th hit was for the following address:

http://home.hawaii.rr.com/impala/Rear_splash_guard.html

I said "I've been to that site!!"

You're awesome Nathan.

brettca

This site is great, giving you the GM P/N's for each part along with bar codes. The only problem is.....The rears are the one's that are not available. I did find some rears on the "www.gmotors.com" site. Thanks a bunch guys for your input! Brett.....

brettca

My only suggestion on my '01 LS is for it to lurch forward while shifting from 1st into second. My particular car "backs up", or does not maintain the same amount of acceleration while getting onto the highway. I have to push down on the gas another 30% in order to maintain that rate. Very frustrating! I have gone to my dealer and to GM about a software update and both say that it has not been an issue. One GM Tech said that because it is a front wheel drive, if they changed it, it would put undue stress on the drivetrain...(I bought an '01 Impala....I'm NOT stupid!). Are there any software updates out there yet? Is B&M an option? Brett.........

[Deleted User]

There are software updates. I, and others, have had it done. For my car, it seemed to improve acceleration and shifting. I still have issues. But, it was certainly an improvement.
GM also has a TSB about delayed shifts from 1st to 2nd, as well as "bucking". That issue is caused by a stuck solenoid when the engine/transmission is cold.

bige1133

To all wondering what oil to use. While the fore mentioned Mobil 1 is a fine synthetic, I'm sold on Amsoil products. Their oil far outperforms Mobil 1 and can last up to a year or 35000 miles (changing the filter every six months. Check out their website.

mediumfry

I am a Mobil-1 user and I agree with your comments. My only counterpoints are:

1. With organic oil and good care a engine will probably go 150,000-200,000 miles. With Mobil-1 I expect 250,000. With Amsoil I'd bet one could get 300,000+ miles. However, after 1/4 million miles I've found I'm pretty much tired of a car. 266k and 10 years on my last one was all I was ready to handle. Cars like the Impala come out every 10 years and I get the fever.
I think the higher performance oils above Mobil-1 are past the point of diminishing return.

2. If I'm on vacation and want/need another quart of Mobil-1 for some reason, all I need is a Wal-Mart, Target, etc and I'm all set. Amsoil is harder to find, thus I need to bring an emergency supply along.

3. Water in the oil can be a problem with synthetics that are used for too long. However, highway driving can help this problem.

Amsoil makes some great products...I wouldn't steer a purist away from them, but I decided against them for practical reasons.

yurakm

Amsoil produces / sells oil with outstanding specs. However, for most of us it is overkill.

How many people you know who drive 35k miles per year? Personally, I have only two friends who puts 25k or so. One commutes 60 miles one way, the second 45 miles. Everybody else around drives 8k to 15k, seldom a bit more.

Great for traveling salesman, though.

Personally, I would swith to Amsoil as soon as find a local source. Will use Mobil 1 till this happens. With my 8-12k miles per year, the difference in specs probably does not matter.

notdeadyet

Hi, I've just joined and am trying to find a solution to a problem with the driver info center on my 2001 Impala LS. The fuel used readout from the computer is always less than the amount I have to put in at the pump. I always fill up to the second click at the pump and then reset the computer. On a next to empty tank when fill up the next time the difference between the computer and the pump can be as much as 3 gallons. So my mpg from the computer is outstanding... to bad it is wrong.
I've had the dealer go over it and they changed a
sender in the tank (?) but it didn't help.
Does the computer get the fuel used from the tank or would it be more likely to come from the injectors flow meter? I have been accused of being to anal about this but it was an expensive option and it should be more accurate.
Anyone with the same problem ? Any ideas?

teo

Yes, the Trip Computer is about a $150.00 worth option in the U.S. I think discrepancies in data readouts related to fuel consumption can be traced back to sensors (But it doesn't appear to be the case according to your post)or simply a mathematical snafu with the firmware code that needs to be updated with a new "Service patch".

Personally I never expected the MPG trip computer to be 100% exact. I have had other non-GM vehicles with trip computers that unfortunately behave much in the same fashion (Not being exact all the time) like the Impala's DIC. I only paid $150.00 (More or less) for this toy. If I had paid upwards $500, $1000 or $2000, then I would be real upset by the lack of accuracy of the device.

I have a piece of software at home to calculate fuel mileage consumption and you can keep track up to 20 vehicles. I have found that the results provided by the PC program and the Impala's DIC are not that far off the line.

I am not that anal about it, but that's just me.

How much is the Trip Computer option up in Canada?

ghostwolf

I started a little website just to put up some pics so you all could take a look if you want.

http://ghostwolf.xaper.com/

Its not much but I'm going to try to get more info up in the future.

-gw

ghostwolf

I've got the same problem, I've been letting it run down to where the light comes on and at that point I put in 15.5 gallons but the trip computer says i've only used 14. That part of it dosen't work all that well, but the compass and temperature part of it I really like. I also like the average speed, which seems pretty accurate. I haven't tried doing my own gas milage yet to see how far off that is, but I'm planning to do so.
gw

roderacer

hey, sweet site. Keep up the work.

Especially like the dual exhaust!

I am getting some tint done soon, what is the ratio for yours? I have a black LS but don't want the tint to be too dark and look tacky but also don't want it too light either... yours looks just right!

Thanks!
RR

teo

I paid $150 for the DIC and therefore I am not expecting Swiss precision from it. Its just a toy, another practical gizmo to use as a pitch the day I sell my car and charge another $100 on top of the price .

Since you know more than I do, congratulations! Too bad GM will not make a firmware patch to correct the 18% variant on the information display. I am a software/computer engineer and I can tell you that this is not a big of a deal from the technical point of view.... But I have no idea about GM's position on these issues.

I am anal about the correct operation of the engine/transmission, the safe operation of the brakes/steering/suspension, the correct operation of the A/C, stereo, power accessories, the body integrity, the tightness of the interior trim, etc, etc.

To me the DIC is waaay down the list of priorities, unless, one day it stops working. Don't take it personal, that's just me.

If I had paid $2K for the DIC, then I would be the one sending complaint letters left and right to GM's brass, but since it is a $150 toy, I just don't let it sour me over the whole car.

Of course, to each his/her own.

If GM has reimburse the $$$ paid for the DIC, get over it already. You got it for free.

teo

I don't know how Lemon Law is handled in Canada, but it will be amusing if GM will repurchase a car just because the DIC is 18% off base. If this is the case, I'll have GM take mine back right away because the DIC is not accurate...

roderacer

Haven't seen on Impala's but on a few Caddy's and even Grand Prix's I noticed 2 OnStar antennas. Just curious as to what the second one is for. From what I could tell on the Caddy at work, both are wired in so it doesn't look cosmetic...

RR

[Deleted User]

I didn't know the DIC was a $150 option. I believe mine was part of a package that included a bunch of convenience features.
As an engineer, I'm surprised you find a +/-18% tolerance acceptable. I suspect it may be a matter of expectation. You never expected it to be accurate to begin with. Charts did.
Personally, I think 18% is too high. But, I'd be satisfied with +/-8-10%. I have a feeling charts is looking for something like 3-5%.

[Deleted User]

Are you certain they are both for OnStar? The 2nd antenna may be for cell phone.

teo

That's fine. However, an 18% variation (Regardless of whether it is acceptable or not) is hardly enough reason to have the manufacturer repurchase a car. Cars get bought back mainly due to mechanical, reliability and safety issues that if serious enough, the law forces the manufacturer to refund/replace the goods.

GM should at least refund the purchase price paid for the DIC option and if that's not feasible, they could extend the limited warranty as well. Not a bad perk if you think about it.

To me a failed engine/transmission is more serious than an 18% variance shown in the Trip Computer. I am not saying this is acceptable; however, it all depends like you say on the expectations of the owner.

I haven't yet seen a car Trip Computer that is at least 90 to 100% accurate. May be BMW or MB?

[Deleted User]

>>>GM should at least refund the purchase price paid for the DIC option and if that's not feasible, they could extend the limited warranty as well. Not a bad perk if you think about it.<<<<

Not a bad idea!

teo

Speaking of Lemons, have you heard from the BBB regarding your arbitration?

night_owl1

Wow, that's pretty neat. I wonder how pages get on search engines. I've been having a lot of fun with my Christmas gifts so I have been kinda ignoring my Impala. I think I'll work on a rear speaker replacement how-to this weekend.

teo

I will also be interested on a "How-to" article on how to replace the wiper blade refills and the wiper blade assemblies.

How about one of how to replace the rear tailight bulbs and 3rd brake light as well?

[Deleted User]

How about one from Teo on how to replace the whole car. ;-)

teo

Sure, but for a small fee...

roderacer

I just went out and looked at that Caddy. Sure look like identical antennas, but I didn't even think about the cell phone. FOrgot people actually still had them hard wired in their cars these days.

I can see the Caddy but the Grand Prix's I see with them throw me for a loop. Oh well.