2005 and Earlier Chevrolet Impala

[Deleted User]

It sounds like a great device for the Impala, which is certainly roomy enough to hold TWO kegs!

nosirrahg

Doesn't it stand to reason that cars which sell in greater volume will get stolen more often, simply because there are more of them on the road to begin with? I don't think driving a Dihatsu Rocky will mean it will never get stolen. Likewise, if I owned a Camry or Accord (or still own my Impala in 4 years) I probably wouldn't keep it locked in a secure storage facility for fear it would get ripped off or carjacked out from under me.

Sure, it may be easier to fence parts from more popular cars, but I wouldn't avoid a car because it made the most stolen list. Now I might avoid convertibles and/or soft-top Jeeps and such, just because I know too many people who have had their tops cut open and stereos/contents taken, but that's not going to be reflected in a "stolen vehicle" list.

Wonder if a list exists of "most broken into" autos, incorporating thefts of vehicles as well as just stealing contents and leaving the car there?

One thing I do know; tinted windows make it tougher for someone to break out a window to get into your vehicle; I watched a guy once (while I was on the phone w/911) breaking into a truck years ago when we lived in an apartment complex - the guy had to hit the window several times before he could make a hole big enough to get his hand through to open the door. Even though the glass shattered on the first blow, the film held everything in place, and he had to break through it before he could get in (and made enough noise in the process to draw attention to himself).

[Deleted User]

>>>tinted windows make it tougher for someone to break out a window to get into your vehicle<<<

That is an excellent piece of advice!!! It makes perfect sense.

lrcobra

Anyone had to replace their cabin air filter yet? I was wondering if there was a filter at NAPA or Auto-zone that would replace it instead of going back to the dealer and paying out the nose for one. Anyone with info please respond. I am sure there are others out there that need to replace theirs also.
Thanks and Happy motoring
Oh yea----IMPALA
LrCobra

norbnancy

It would seem that an Impala would be less likely stolen because of On Star with its GPS tracking ability and, ignition anti theft electronics. As I understand it, the ignition key is electronically coded and read by the computer. Wrong key----no start. Looks like the only convient way to steel an Impala would be to hook on the front with a wrecker and pull it away. If the Impala is missed by the owner, they can call On Star. If it is soon enough, maybe it could be found before the dissassembly takes place. Now, if one leaves the key in the ignition and the door unlocked, only a "smart pill" will work. Does the Honda & Toyota have a good anti theft system? Don't see many in this part of the world. Enjoy the ride.

yurakm

Tried to buy the filter at Pep Boys. The employees found it in computer catalog - special order required. However, the computer refused to accept the order. Suggested to came again in a week or two.

If I remember right, the list price was $38 in the computer, and Pep Boys price was substantially less. Something like $20 to $25. However, I doubt that it would pay after accounting for wasted time.

mediumfry

I don't think the keys for the new Impalas are electronically coded as GM car keys were in the mid-late 90's. Mine looks normal compared to the ones with the little chip on them.

Garypen, I thought you'd like my teary eyed bandwagon statement, and I always appreciate your sarcastic returns. I still disagree with you about the popularity thing though.

I can dare to be different with the best of 'em, but I don't mind others liking my car and buying one too.

[Deleted User]

I wear Levis, so I know where you're coming from. (Don't tell anyone I wear popular jeans, OK?)

impalaboy2001

Yes the Impala Keys are coded. If I'm not mistakin, I think the key might have a built in resistor.

johnclineii

a. 2000 Impalas like mine do NOT have Onstar...I am not sure how I feel about that.

b. The car starts and runs fine with the valet key, which is just a stamped piece of not too expensive steel. NO resistor...sigh My Grand Prix GTP and my LSS both had the resistors.

c. If someone wants your car bad enough, they WILL take it. IMHO only LoJack and the like work at all, and they TRACK your car after it is stolen so it can be found. Given what happens to many stolen cars--I know many people whose cars were recovered damaged and who wish they had never been found--I am not sure even tracking is a good idea.

d. I just am very careful where I park and don't leave things out people would want...I figure that is the best I can do.

night_owl1

The Impala uses the latest version of Passlock where the resistor is built in to the ignition cylinder. You need a correctly coded key to deactivate the system.

OnStar can track your car also. There is a built-in GPS that relays the position of the vehicle to the people at OnStar.

night_owl1

This is a list of compatable filters:
GM 10406026
AC Delco CF102
Purolator C25245
ATP GA-1
Fram CF8392

roderacer

My Free year is gonna expire next month. Question: would the GPS still be operative even if the subscriber service is not active?

Just curious.

yurakm

most probably yes, if you restore the service immediately after car theft.

GM had a following story on the OnStar site:

A new Cadillac, not sold yet, was stolen from gas station, when the dealer filled it up. He called GM and police, GM initialized OnStar, and the car was found in minutes.

However, I believe that professional criminals, who steal cars for parts, know about OnStar and would destroy it promptly. Or simply disconnect the power.

[Deleted User]

I would think, or hope at least, that LoJack is a little better hidden than the OnStar unit.
I think GM should consider relocating it for increased security.

roderacer

to add to that, garypen, I would think that the OnStar innards could be condensed to the size of a dime and tucked away in the chassis making it impossible to find. I mean everything else is so small these days. Makes the OnStar case look archaic in comparison.

But I am sure that many a car thief has made it as a finalist on the Darwin Awards due to forgetting to disconnect the OnStar systems.

norbnancy

The older keys had a small slug embedded in the key that had a resistance value which was read by the ignition lock. There were 12 different resistance values plus the particular cut of your key. The new key has to have some sort of resistance or sensor within the key that is read by a device within the ign. assembly. In any event, As johnclineii states " If a professional thief wants your car he/she will get it" Most car thiefs are not pros, they are joyriders, or someone who takes advantage of a car left running while un attended. In either case On Star and devices like Lo-Jack are very valuable. If my car were stolen, I would rather have it back in most cases. If it is gone forever or totaled, the insurance company tries very hard to low ball you on an adjustment. Getting a fair adjustment on a total or a repair is not a pleasant experience. yurakm..... if the battery were disconnected I wonder if there is residual power enough to activate On Star? If the battery were disconnected, the car would not be drivable. If a Impala were car jacked, a person could call On Star and they would be on the car in shortb order. It would be interesting to get facts & figures on On Stars sucesses and failures over thelast few years. If it were great perhaps the figures could be used in advertising. All said, I like On Star. I like the ability to get help in emergencies because I drive a lot in remote areas. Enjoy the ride.

00impala

And one of the top stolen "recent" model cars is the 1999-2000+ Acura Integra, it said because the Leather Seats and other components, including the 160 hp engine all bolt right into a late model Honda Civic, (only had a 120 hp engine) they said Acura has installed some sort of disable system, but pofessional theives just scoop up the car and take it away without starting them with tow trucks and the like.... Don

yurakm

1. I believe, it is possible and not difficult to remove power just from OnStar, in the trunk. Night Owl(?) had pictures.

2. Read a story in NYTimes. A car equipped with OnStar hit a parked vehicle - hit and run. GM get the signal that air bags were deployed and called police (to help the driver). After police found what happened in reality, GM helped them to found their guilty customer.

So, OnStar is a double-edged sword. Can be turned against his owner. I can see it used to monitor suspects - with a proper court order, of course. Or to monitor teenager drivers. Or even to enforce speed limits...

3. Our cars are 98 Malibu and 2000 Buick Regal. Both are not equipped by OnStar. It was optional in 2000, and I do need it in New England.

b4z

Drove to his back lot today and saw 4 all white impala cop cars. Pretty mean looking. Sticker price was slightly over 24K.
The car has a tranny cooler AND a power steering cooler. They also had wires coming out of the roof, so I guess these will be turned into black and whites. They also had halogen spotlights on both A pillars.

They also had a silver Sport. This is the first one I have seen. Didn't look bad, but i prefer my wheels to the silver ones on the Sport. The front air dam was more squared off then I was expecting.
Not sure it was an improvement. This car was fully loaded. 28+K sticker!!
Not wild about the coffee can exhaust.
The gauge package was the best thing about the car. Oil pressure, temp,volts and a 140 mph speedo.

They also had a white LS without the spoiler and a sand base car. It looks like they are getting with the program.

mediumfry

I'm sure dealers can activate Onstar if needed for a stolen car from the lot. But I was told that if I let Onstar expire they will not activate it to track the car if it's stolen. You gotta have it active when the car is stolen or they won't track it for individuals.

That's what I was told. I'm not sure if it's the truth. I like it though, so I keep it active. Just the safety and security package though. I know I can supersize it for only another $200/yr though. I'd be all over that if it cost 39 cents...

I didn't know the resistor key thing was associated with passlock. Interesting. 'Learn something every day.

norbnancy

I don't know how difficult it would be to remove power from On Star but, I agree that if a professional wanted to steal your car, it is gone. On Star will help reduce car theft by joy riders and stupid thiefs. In any event, the thief has to gain entry to the trunk thereby setting off the alarm. The alarm may not get noticed, but then it may. Especially if the thief is acting in a suspicious manner like breaking glass, punching a trunk. On Star may not be the total answer but it is probably better than anyone else has to offer at a similar price. The hit& run case in the N.Y. Times is a prize. I think it is great that the On Star technology helped catch this jerk. If I were hit by a Hit & Run, I would really be high on On Star. As to monitoring criminal suspects, using On Star is OK by me as long as the appropriate warrants are secured just as is required for a wire tap. If one is not a suspect, one has nothing to worry about. It is the people who skirt the laws that are the most vocal about surveylance. As to enforcing speed limits, I suppose the technology is there using G.P.S. and a timing device but, so what, the police use aircraft and hidden radar. If a person speeds they are subject to being caught. Makes the roads safer. Enjoy the ride.

night_owl1

The keys do not have a resistor pellet or transducer built in. It's built into the lock cylinder. There is a magnet attached to the lock cylinder. When the correct key is inserted and rotated, the magnet activates a Hall effect switch and Passlock is disabled.

An interesting way to defeat this is to place a high power magnet next to the lock which would activate the switch. To combat this, another switch is placed on top of the first switch. If an external magnet is used, it activates the top switch and Passlock clamps down.

I kinda wish the transducer was still built in to the key. However the cost of the key would be around $30 each.

norbnancy

I had to buy a key with a pellet for my 93 Fleetwood. I bought it from my local Chevy dealer for $18 plus change. Th Cadillac key fob remote is priced at aprox. $115.00. Needless to say it was a no sale. Wonder what the Impala key fob remote sells for? Enjoy the ride.

xford

I have 2000 Impala with 44k miles on it. I have noticed the popping noise for some time now but did not know what it was. From reading the posts, I understand it has to do with the engine cradle and the intermediate steering shaft. Did GM own up to the problem? Are they offering to fix the problem even though the car may be our of warranty?

crosley4

there is a lock-smith on ebay that sells new remotes and keys very resonably. He has new factory type remotes for many different brand autos. I believe the GM dealer still must program the new remotes.

My wife lost one key to our 2001 Ford F-150. With only one good key you must go to the dealer to decode the key system and program a new key. The 1998 and up F series trucks use a transponder type key.

$78.00 later we had a new key. With "two " functioning keys the Ford truck on board system will program new keys.

morphius909

Hi gang!

It has been sometime since I posted to this forum! I thought I would update everyone on my 2000 Impala LS.

approx 41,000 kilometers. No major complaints for the past several months, Except a wierd acceleration/surge when I torque the accelerator down...maybe something to do with the electronic tranmission? I previously experienced wierd tip in hesitatsions, but a PROM update cured that. *Shrugs*, Any ideas folks?

I just washed the engine...boy was it dirty! Alberta winters are just brutal!

Hmmm, just a few rattles and stuff...chalk it up to a first run production lot.

Overall, still a good car:)

Paul

vex

I have read that converting to duals increases horsepower but how come the Monte Carlo SS with the same 3.8L engine has the same horsepower and torque as the Impala? Is it because the split happens way too late in the exhaust pipe?
It would be nice to get some gains in horspower and torque with the duals.

atbear

Anyone who's gotten the Eibach springs.... did you need to replace your struts too...? and did you need/feel the need to replace anything else once you installed your springs? If so, what's the best way to do it? Thanks

blueheart

I recall someone complaining about excessive steering wheel play. Well I have the same problem.

If I hold the steering wheel with one hand a 9 o'clock and the other at 3 o'clock I can rock the wheel and it actually makes noise does anybody else have this situation?

blueheart

00Impala I believe you had this problem with your car. Did you find out what caused it and did the dealer fix it? I would love to have this fixed, please inform me. Thank you

00impala

I took it in about 3 weeks ago and they diassembled the steering column and tried something that actually made it worse, so they put it back the way it was and it still does just as you describe, rocks left and right and makes an occational bump noise, they said they contacted GM Service Headquarters and they said it is designed with some play, well my 2000 that I traded did not do this, they tried 5 Impala's new and used on their lot and 2 of the 5 did this, so they dismissed it as normal, this started the minute another dealer Lubed the ISS, althought they say it would have nothing to do with that, I say B.S...next time I go the selling dealer I will mention it, I know it will fall on deaf ears, it can be annoying...learning to live with it..a shame for 8 mo old car with 6k/ anyway so far so good with the Lube, Don

impalaboy2001

hey guys, some of you might appreciate this while the LS owners will still have to wait. Came across a supercharger for the base impalas with the 3.4L Motor. Sells for $3900 - $5900. Here is the link.

http://webhome.idirect.com/%7Ersm1/nbod.htm

Chris

http://members.cox.net/2001impala

[Deleted User]

Holy forced air induction, Batman!

nosirrahg

if you supercharge the 3.4l Impala, you're also starting out with a more basic suspension, which you'll likely also want to upgrade pretty substantially to give the car the handling it will need to compliment the increased power.

But, that supercharger sure looks great! I wonder with all the fuss about our 3.8s not being suitable for adding a supercharger, why the 3.4 would be considered any differently? Up until now we've all been discouraged from such, with word that so much would have to be altered/beefed up in our engines that it would be too cost prohibitive. Not that $4k is cheap, but it apparently doesn't include any internal engine mods; basically a bolt-on system.

[Deleted User]

That SC should work on the Grand Am GT 3.4L. That would be kind of cool.

ehenness

I just got an extra fob for my mom's 2001 Impala (I think it was part number 10443537). She bought the car a month ago and only got one. The fobs are not that costly, relatively speaking. The list price is around $28, and there are internet GM parts vendors that drop this to around $20 or so, plus shipping. I had figured that they'd cost more than that, because ones for late model Fords are around $56.

I got one for Mom off eBay for $9.99. After the auction ended I looked around and found out the dealer price wasn't too steep.

BTW, it programmed very easily using the radio and the process in the owner's manual. (She has the RDS cassette player). No trip to the dealer needed.

vblstud

That picture looks like a turbocharger not so much a supercharger anyone else think the same??
Jusst wondering guys and gals.....THx Rob

hvan3

I want that air intake box!!

impalaboy2001

The Site says its a Vortech Supercharger. I believe it produces an extra 70 HP - 6PSI boost

b4z

It is a centrifugal supercharger. Which is similiar in appearance to a turbocharger.

nosirrahg

Having installed a K&N filter on my 3.8l Impala, I can definitely say I'd much rather replace the K&N on this supercharged setup than the factory arrangement!!

norbnancy

The key fob list price mentioned by ehenness at $28.00 seems fair. I checked my 2000 LS steering for klunk noise. Only very, very, very slight klunk and only when the engine is running. My 93 Cadillac makes just as much noise, if not more. With the amount of klunk I get, I definitely would not let anyone work on it. I feel no klunk or hear none while the car is moving and the steering wheel is moved from side to side. My 2000 LS just turned 30000 miles and is 26 months old. It has never been back to the dealer for anything. Normally I trade before this, but this is a keeper. I think this is the most defect free car I have ever owned. Enjoy the ride.

emtb

Ok, here's an odd question. I'm going to be installing a pair of flashing blue lights behind the grill of my Impala's car for my volunteer fire/emt work.

I have been told, that to wire the wiring for the lights from the engine to the cab, I can pull the 'plug' with wires running into it on the passenger floor board. Is it safe to remove the plug, run more wires through it (only 2-3) and put it back? Anyone done this? I really don't want to drill holes in the firewall. Thanks!

-Andrew

dgonzalez13

What kind of light controller are you using and where are you mounting it? Is this it for lights? (no strobes?)

You should also consider getting brake light mounted strobes (to flash the red areas of your brake lights) and do you have your siren and PA in yet? get it all together before you start the process, wait a week if you have to. Car stereo guys are usually great at helping out with the lights, ask a freind who is a radio nut.

emtb

Just a simple can flasher under the dash. I have everything I need to set up. The only question I have right now is wiring from the engine area into the cab.

dgonzalez13

I can get my instrument faceplate off and access the instrument cluster and radio, however, how do you get the actual dashboard up and off?

dgonzalez13

I am removing the old whelen wigwag light controller but it is under the dash so i put it off. i am replacing it with the correct flasher that doesnt disable the DRL on the Impala.

night_owl1

Which plug are you referring to? Or are you talking about plugs in general? By "plug" do you mean the rubber grommet that protects the wire as it goes through the firewall?

emtb

Aye. It's under the passenger footwell, where the carpet has a slight 'U' shape cut from it to make room for the black bundled wires to run into that big rubber plug thing.