2005 and Earlier Chevrolet Impala

shamino

First of all..up here in Toronto, Canada: I think most people call the car: "im-PAL-ah"

The weather here has been great..sunny but just a tiny bit cold!
I didn't drive my car for several days and it was just sitting outside. I noticed that the discs on the brakes seemed to be all rusted! All 4 discs were like that! Has this happened to anybody else??
Another concern is the various paintchips that are on my car. I want to get it patched up before any rust forms, but when is the best time to do it?
On one hand I want to touch up the car myself, but on the other hand I want the dealer to do it.
Does GM warranty cover surface rust due to paintchips??
How much do they typically charge for doing paint touch ups??

hggray

I finally got around to checking out the full rear wheel-well liners used on the '01 Impalas this weekend. What a difference from the '00 models! It's like the part that Chevrolet Division just forgot to install.....

I had the service advisor at the dealership order them for me, to be installed under warranty per Service Bulletin 08-08-111-004.

The lack of a liner in the area ahead of the rear wheel on the '00 cars will eventually lead to a potential for rust-through problems regardless of where you might live.

teo

The new rear wheel liners in the '01's are much better finished than the '00's. I saw them too. The actual TSB hard copy is available at Yahoo's 'Y2k Montecarlo' club.

kissfan1969

I get the surface rust on the brake disc's of my 2000 Monte Carlo SS.I'm sure it disappears the first time I step on the brake.Maybe thats where my brake noise comes from when I pull out of my garage in the morning.

In the Midwest,we pronounce it Im-PAUL-a.

http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/y2kmontecarloclub

platour

Definitely im-PAL-ah in the great white north. On "See the USA...." The world sure does keep re-inventing itself. That was the theme song for the Dinah Shore television show in 1959! Anyone remember those fins?

kissfan1969

Check this link for the 2000 Police Impala die cast.They also offer a 2000 Impala Taxi cab

http://www.diecastmuscle.com/ma36611.htm

http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/y2kmontecarloclub

teo

Thanks for the link to the 1/18 scale Police Impala! I have been looking for it! I'll be ordering a copy for myself very soon.

platour

You obviously missed the snow, sleet the freezing rain that hit Ottawa yesterday. It was not pleasant here. The rust on the dics is normal and nothing to be concerned with. That is normal and goes away very quickly on first application. The paint matter is more complex. You must be hitting the 401 too often and getting behind the semis. A bra (you may have seen my post on the semi-bra for the leading edge of the hood) would help as would one of those touch-up small bottles with the tiny bush enclosed from the dealer. The hood is metal; the rest of the front plastic. I would not ask the dealer to do do the paint work. First, they would probably say no and hand you the bottle. If they say yes, labour is running about $79.00CDN/hour. They will charge you that and give the job to a detailing person who is making $8.00/hr. Wait until the warm weather comes and do it yourself. No, GM will not cover rust resulting from paint chips. But you have not said where those chips are and how they occurred. Much of the Impala is galvanized and you may be worrying for nothing. Having said that, I have been unable to find out what sheet metal on the Impala IS galvanized. I have tried, but.....

hunter39

I've always said ImPaula, however I've never taken note of how Impala is pronouced on nature programs, since the named is derived from the animal that's where I'd find out for sure I guess. I suppose GM could have called it a "Thompson's Gazelle"...either way we're a food source for Cheetahs and lions

frankf3

I also have a '97 S-10 pickup in addition to my 2001 Impala. The S-10 is equipped with the 4.3L V-6 and 5 yr 150,000 Dex-cool antifreeze (The same as in the Impala). I just had a problem with my truck with no heat coming from the heater. I brought it to my Chevy dealer and they told me that I neglected to change my antifreeze. I told them that the truck is about 4 years old and only has 49,000 on the odometer. I asked them about Chevy's claim for 5 yr, 150,000 antifreeze with my truck. They said this is only for "Ideal" conditions and that in New England, the antifreeze goes from "Real Cold" to "Very Hot". I asked them, "Isn't the antifreeze supposed to go from cold to hot while doing its job ?" They said it is more so in New England. I told them that the new 2001 Impala I just bought also has the same claims for the antifreeze. I asked the service manager "when should I change the antifreeze in the Impala ? I was told "Don't wait until 5 years or 150,000 miles." In addition they told me not to wait till 100000 miles to change the transmission fluid in the Impala, to do it at about 50000 miles. Does anyone have any experience with the DexCool antifreeze in these cars ? I just want to avoid any possible problems with my Impala. Sorry if this is too long winded.

bdime

I'm in Chicago and I say Im PAL a! But don't judge too quick The s in Illinois is
is silent! (Like that makes sense) Hubby and I were discusingsome of those 100,00
mile fluids and spark plug issue yesterday- like brakes it's better to check them
and replace early than too late.

jijco

In Hawaii, most of us say "Impaula", though the "pala" part looks more Hawaiian. Just don't call it Opala(Trash)! LOL!
For those of you with the cloth/even leather seats, check out the link below for custom-made seat covers. The adds are in the major car mags, and they have a store in California, but the original store is here in Hawaii. (okole means "rear") They are made of wet suit material, and are side air bag compatible, per the ads. They also have Aloha print seat covers(better for beach cars, etc., than our Impalas) My friend had a '96 immaculate Impala SS, with tinted windows, nice Flowmaster exhaust with straight stainless steel tail pipes and custom made seat covers with the impala logos stitched on them(over leather seats). Very nice, protective and comfortable. Maybe kinda expensive, but that's relative to quality, what you want and are willing to pay. BTW he regrets selling his Impala for a Toyota Camry, though his is fixed up nicely. I almost bought it, too. It was nice and clean with low mileage, but my '00 loaded LS suit me better.

Also, just looking at Autobytel, for an option when I'm ready to get my next Impala in a year or so. I wanted dark blue, but agree with Teo. I like the GS Metallic and think it shows the car's details more than the dark colors. I'll probably get the same thing as I have now, without the sunroof and with the "fixed" cradle, etc. and police package I want. However, the Autobytel GM rep for this area, at neighbor Island Kaua'i Kuhio Motors, said they heard talk about the resurrection of the SS, in light of the upcoming release of the 300+ HP Mercury Marauder. Keep your ears and eyes open! JACOB

jijco

So sorry! I for got to post the link to the seatcover web site! Here goes!

<H-LINK>

http://www.wetokole.com

<H>

yurakm

I have a 98 Malibu, with the same long life coolant and transmission fluids and spark plugs.

The manual says, as well as I remember, that owner may never change transmission fluid if the car is used in ideal conditions - flat country, no stop-and-go. With city traffic, or at hilly terrains, etc., it is recommended to service the transmission after 50k miles.

The same idea as with oil change: the manual recommends either 3000 miles, or 7500 miles, depending on driving conditions.

Of course, the Connecticut roads are rather hilly.

You mentioned the 100k mile service. As well as I remember (again, with Malibu, not Impala), this is for the platinum-tipped spark plugs, not for transmission. I believe the 100k interval also is good for ideal conditions only.

The coolant is good for 150k or 5 years according to the manual.

I asked mechanics at our local Firestone (at Hamden Plaza), what they think about the recommendations. They told me that, in their experience, the orange coolant really is fine for about 5 years. But they were astonished to hear about so long intervals for transmission. Did not believe at first: I had to show them the manual.

Told me that it is normal and right to service transmission every two years or less, 20-25k miles. But, if manual say longer, probably 30-35k would be OK.

Of course, they do not work at GM dealership and have less experience with current GM cars, still under warranty or just after. But I think, they are competent. The shop is recommended by AAA, mechanics have all certifications, etc.

My car is 3.5 years old (the build date is July 1997), and currently have 39k on odometer. I plan to service transmission this spring, after 40-42k miles, probably with Mobil 1 synthetic fluid, and to service coolant system (including pressure testing) in July - around the car 4-th birthday.

The engine tuning with spark plugs replacement, most probably, will wait to major service at 60k miles.

hvan3

<<I had the service advisor at the dealership order them for me, to be installed under warranty per Service Bulletin 08-08-111-004.>>hggray

I have a 2000 LS. If I mention TSB 08-08-111-004 to a service advisor, does this mean they will install it in my vehicle for free? What other TSBs should I be aware of on the Im-PAL-a?

Thanks!

shamino

I looked again at my disc brakes after a full day of driving. And the rust has indeed cleaned itself off.
What you told me in regards to the paint chip repairs was very informative and correct!! Labor is expensive, and the guys doing the repairs would defintely not give my baby (the car) the TLC
it deserves!!
As for putting the bra in the front of the car, I think it is already too late for that! The chips are there..and I'm afriad that the moisture built up under the bra would cause more damage to the existing paint chips.

I believe that the paint chips were already there when I bought the car (a demo). I guess I was in shock at what a good price I got that I forgot to tell them to touch up the car before delivery.
The biggest chip is on the right hand side mirror. The size of the chip is about the size of a quarter. The rest of the chips are on the hood of the car.

As for the 401..sometimes you just can't avoid behind the truckers. When I see an opening in the other lane, I will try to pass!
I really love how the Impala has that awesome torque and horsepower..step on the gas..and I get pushed back in the seat!
The added horsepower/torque is great as a active safety feature for making safe lane changes!

Do you see any OPP Impalas up in the Ottawa region?
The cops down here are starting to use Impalas..and so far they have had no problems with their fleet. At the autoshow, they had OPP Impalas on display! Boy..did they look nice!

In anycase, thank you all for all your informative info!

yurakm

This night checked two manuals for two recent GM cars: 98 Malibu and 2000 Regal. The later have almost the same design as Impala LS, including common engine and transmission. The manual instructions does not separate between naturally aspirated and supercharged Regal.

Yes, transmission fluid and filter must be replaced at 50,000 miles, if the car was driven in hilly places, like our New England. At 100,000 miles in flat ones. I believe, the same with Impala.

For Malibu the numbers are, respectively, 50,000 miles and infinity :-).

teo

Sometimes I don't understand why people are so skimpy when it comes to provide maintenance to a $20K + auto. A car like any other piece of machinery needs constant and atentive maintenance. If the manufacturer claims that you can wait to change the trannt fluid until 50,000 miles, do it at 25,000 miles...what gives? I don't think that changing more frequently the transmission fluid, coolant or spark plugs is going to be more expensive (or harmful) than replacing the whole transmission, engine, etc, etc. Strict maintenance is the key to longetivity.

While I am not picking on do-it-yourselves types, I think the idea of changing the oil on a new auto by yourself is a lame excuse for not to pay $15 or $20 for a dealer to do it. This is just cheap insurance just in case something goes wrong with the car....the dealer will then be responsible in front of the manufacturer as they are the only ones that stuck their hands inside the car.

Sorry for the rant..maintenance on a car as the Impala is so cheap, then it makes me angry when owners begin to cut corners and wait to rack up incredible amount of miles just to save a few bucks to change some fluids.....let's get real!

hggray

It is my understanding that any work done in compiance with a service bulletin is covered under the warranty as long as the car is still in the warranty period. In special cases (such as safety and/or emissions system items) service bulletin related work might even be done without cost after the warranty has expired.

My dealership was not aware of 08-08-111-004 when I stopped by and asked about it, but they looked it up on the GM computer system. As soon as they found and read it, they ordered the part and called me to say they would be installing the liners under warranty.

cookie01

Owner's club was posted this morning. Head on over.... I always wondered why those Subaru geeks got all the fun...

Hey.. Where's Matt?

Karen_S

....but a little bird (Pat) told me that this group was interested in having your own club in Edmunds.com Owner's Clubs. Please take a look at Chevrolet Impala Owners, introduce yourself in Meet the Members, and let me know how I can help your club grow.

Looking forward to meeting everyone!

KarenS
Host
Owner's Club

cabello

I just dropped off my GS 2000 impala built on 12-99. the reasons are as follows:
1. When they replaced the steering shaft last week, my steering wheel was slightly off.
2. They didnt know about the rear wheel liners so I gave them the bulletin to change those out.
3. I very faint wind down noise when I accelerate then let go, I think it is the RPM gauge cable.
4. Again for the rattling front strut towers, last week they just greased them.

cabello

I asked him if there was a way to have the alarm arm itself when I close the door. He said you dons have an alarm you only have door lock/unlock option. I said yes I do and please check this out.
My key fob battery is dying also I will probably replace myself when I go to walgreens pharmacy to buy battery.

jeffbog

Teo, I agree that you should stay way ahead on the fluid service. Transmissions, radiators, etc. can be expensive to repair/replace and a breakdown my leave you stranded.

The idea of an oil change is different. I've been doing my own for over 20 years and have checked with the service departments to ensure that by doing my own maintenance, I don't cause any problems with warranties down the rode. The service manager at my dealer said that as long as I keep records, including receipts for filters and oil, I would not have a problem with any oil related failures should they occur.

I personally prefer handling this basic maintenance task so I don't have to worry about them overfilling (adding 5 qts. vs. 4.5) and getting grease on the car, both the exterior and interior. What makes the Impala even that much easier is that there is no need for chassis lube (per the maintenance schedule and my service department). The ball joints, tie rod ends, etc are sealed, no zirc fittings. (unlike the 15 or so on my old Blazer). Yes, you should still hit the door hinges and all latches with lithium grease, but that's easy.

Hope the new car treats you better.

harraka

Hi - I've been lurking here for a long time. I've found this forum very informative so far. I have a galaxy silver 2000 base model 3.4L with a build date of 4/00. Only one problem so far- an engine control module at 4000 K. I now have 12,000 and all is smooth except my remote key less entry works intermittently I understand there is a TSB out on that as well. I'm going to have the dealer check this on the next visit for an oil change. Anyhow - the TSB for wheel well liners, what exactly is that and is it for both the base and LS models. Thanks.

night_owl1

You can find a copy of the TSB on the Monte Carlo website. Don't know what the link is offhand. Go to my site and it's listed under "Links." The TSB directs the dealer to replace the rear wheelwell liners in a 2000 Impala (both base and LS) with the liner from a 2001.

night_owl1

Duh, forgot to include the link:

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

night_owl1

I just did a how to on paint chip fixes. Check the site.

I also get the surface rust on the disks after I wash the car. It's only a light coating and it comes right off. It did suprise me the first time I saw it, but I don't worry about it now.

night_owl1

I do my own oil changes for a number of reasons. One is the cost. The dealer charges $30 a change and tries to kick in other charges. Another is the time. I can do a change in 15 minutes. The dealer says they can do it in an hour, after you make the appointment. Conveniance is another factor. I can change the oil when I want. I don't have to wait for an appointment, drive down to the dealer, cool my heels in their waiting room, etc. It was also mentioned that the dealer may be adding too much oil and I know my work will be better because I have a vested interest in the results. And finally, getting under the car allows me to inspect the vehicle itself. There may be problems that the dealer may not consider a problem, but I would.

I agree that some of the recommended change intervals seems excessive. However, it becomes a balance between following the dealer guidelines and being wastful. It's more than just $$ for the changes. For instance, say the oil change interval is 3K. Then changing the oil every 2K, 1K or even 500 miles must be even better. Imagine how much oil would be wasted, how much trash is generated, etc.

I dunno, after 100K miles, I would think it's about time to tear the engine down anyway.

harraka

Thanks, I went to your page and got the link for the Monte Carlo website. Love your page - BTW. You guys are great here, now when I schedule my oil change I can get these things fixed.

tomaso7

Cookie01, Yes Canadians ARE a large part of this forum because there isn't much to do up here in the winter. We have refrigerators up here but that's to keep our food from freezing. The reason we have a lack of oil in Canada is because some idiot didn't check the oil because all the dipsticks are in Ottawa [our Capital]!! The reason our tires last much longer up here isn't because of the cold pavement it's because we put runners on the front wheels. Our aerials are always up - our fingers stick to the metal every time we try to lower them. You might remember how Shamino talks about 'the 401' supposedly the busiest highway in North America, but in actual fact its just a trail blazed from Windsor, Ontario to Montreal in Quebec. - that's another country - or they would like to think it is. The 401 is busy though - but trying to dodge canine droppings from the dog sleds really gets the runners sliding all over the place. When you get to the frozen tundra of Ottawa, Ontario you may notice all the Mountie statues around - well they aren't statues - they're frozen stiff!! Don't believe me - take a look at some of Platour's car pix parked in his driveway. That's why Canadians stopped owning white cars - cleaning them off the grass and pulling them out of ditches when the snow melts in August got to be too much of a back breaker. I know you won't believe this but a Canadian named the upgraded LS for the Impala - it stands for Long Suffering and that's what you have been doing reading this so I'll quite while I'm ahead of the dog sled behind me!! LOL
p.s. - we pronounce Impala in Canada ' Im PAL eh ' LOL again.

cathy2000

I have a quick question, if anyone can answer it I will be grateful. I just had my cradle repaired because I was feeling bumping in my steering wheel when I drive on any surface. The dealer told me there was a bulletin out for the cradle, so they fixed it. Well, I still have the same bumping in my steering wheel after they did this repair. Does anybody have a clue to what this could be?

platour

Heh! It is funny that you mention it; I had not noticed before. There a lot of dipsticks in this city and they hang out at a place called the Hill. Some are red, some blue and one has a $70,000 paint job in green. I feel sorry for one of them named Joe: he never seems to know where he has been or where he is going. Noisey little guy, though. This is a big weekend for me. The chains come off the tires in anticipation of spring. Some members of the Forum have been complaining about tire noise. I am looking forward to the blissful sound of tires without chains to get me through the weather. Well, the Wife just came in the door and the Molson Canadian is cool and the tortiere hot. Fiddleheads on the menu too. I'll wait for tomorrow for the poutine. Have to run.

2k_impala_ls

yours almost sounds like the intermediate steering shaft needs to be replaced. Ask teo, he and a few others have had it replaced and know the symtoms.

platour

I have only seen one Police Impala on the 417; it was Burgundy and unmarked. He gave me a wave as he went by. I was doing 110kph. I do not know if it was city or provincial. As I have only seen one and I do the 417 to work each day, I suspect it was a "trial" car. Police Officers eem reluctant to give up the Crown Vics. And just in jest to get back to Cookie, both the Ford Police vehicles and Impalas are supplied from Canada....We have a monopoly.

morphius909

OH THE HUMANITY!
Right dab in the middle of the hood, a paint chip.
OH THE HUMANITY!

Ok, I'm done ranting...sigh

Paul

frankf3

When I originally posted the message concerning the 5 year/150,000 mile coolant, I was posting it as a warning to prevent anyone else from falling into this trap. I am very meticulous when it comes to car maintenance, and I take pride in it. In all the vehicles I have owned, I have done all the maintenance, and have done the oil changes with a new filter and chassis lube in 2000 mile intervals. Like previously stated in this forum, and I agree with it, oil is inexpensive and it can only help extend the life of your vehicle. As a matter of fact, with my 2001 Impala, the oil and filter has been replaced at 500 miles and I plan on dumping it again at 1500 miles to ensure that all metalic contaminants are dumped out during the initial break-in.
The S-10 pickup with the extended coolant was my first experience with a vehicle with this type of antifreeze. I was initially using GM's recommendations as a guideline as to when it should be changed.

mcdill

Thanks for asking about me ! that was really sweet of you , The cars doing fine , I just don't come here as often , because of all the people having problems , Its kindof discouraging , but these things need to be discussed , thanks again . thanks-------------mattmcdill

hvan3

In the past, someone had mentioned if there is a way to have the headlight/foglight turn on simultaneously. Well, is there? I'm interested in having my foglights turn on everytime I turn on my headlights.

Since I'm a new owner to the Impala, I forget to turn on my headlights at night. The darn DRL goes on everytime I start the engine. Therefore, I keep thinking that my headlights are on, but it's actually my DRL. Duh. Something to get used to I guess.....

yurakm

You hardly could drive in dark using DRL. The car itself turns on its headlights.

Your car have a light brightness sensor, and is switching between headlight and DRL, depending on ambient lighting - with a small delay to not switch headlights on and off every time you cross a shade from tree, building, or overpass. The dash illumination is increased / decreased simultaneously

At least this is so with the both of my cars built by GM: 98 Malibu and 2000 Regal.

night_owl1

Funny how things go. Just finished an update on the webpage about new car break in procedures, and Frank mentions changing the oil at 500 miles. I changed my oil at 500 miles also, but waited until 3K to do the second change. Changing the oil on this car is a breeze. I don't even have to jack it up.

I added new photos for the "mystery plugs." You know, I am wondering if one of the plugs is for the TrapAlert sensor for the trunk. Anyone have it in their car?

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

night_owl1

When you say you got no heat from the heater, do you mean no vent heat for the passengers? Did the dealer explain how changing the coolant would affect the vent heater? I thought the anti-freeze raised the boiling point and lowered the freezing point of the coolant and had some rust-preventatives. I was unaware that the coolant quality would affect the heater. Or is this something totally different?

guym1

Those Police Impalas are starting to pop up Everywhere in Nova Scotia, Canada. I know of at least 3 small town replacing their fleet with Impalas. Also I saw that on the news that Halifax (NS) also has a few of them. They really have a nice look to them, even nicer than the one on display in night_owl' site. It really depends on the decal job.

cookie01

Tomaso! very cool rant. or should I say cold. I actually am not allowed to make fun of Canadians because a REALLY big hairy one sits next to me at work. So all those jokes are new to me!

Matt, I'm glad you're still alive. And take heart, there are many Impaulas... out there still running like tops. Mine is one!

DRLs on during the day, Night lights come on at night. I've NEVER touched the switch that "turns the lights on" from the day I've owned the car. I'd say it's my second favorite thing about the car. Amazing too, in 2001 that you can get out of what looks very much like a brand new car and walk away with the lights on and STILL have people say "hey, you left your lights on"... Me = "Uhhhh, yeah.. They'll go off in a minute.." (most of these comments come from older ladies in '69 VW bugs..)

teo

You do have the dreaded 'Intermediate Steering Shaft' problem that I had. Your dealer must replace the part. This seems to be a problem with 2000 model year Impalas. There are no TSB's or Recalls so I would suggest for you to do some regression in the forum and dig out my posts were the problem is fully described in detail. Also you can go to Night_owl's website and check out the problem entries regarding the shaft problem.

Good luck

teo

Thanks for your comments and glad to see you back in the forum.

teo

Well, finally did it. I ordered 2 copies of the 1/18 Maisto 2000 Impalas...one is the Tennesee Highway Patrol cruiser and the second one is the yellow Police Taxi cab..got to have 'em!

Really nice replicas.

If you are interested in ordering, go to:

www.diecastmuscle.com

They also have the regular Y2K Montecarlo coupe and the Brickyard 400 special edition monte available in 1/18 scale.

I hope Maisto releases a 1/18 copy of the regular Impala LS!

teo

Yellow taxi cab, not 'Police' yellow taxi cab...

tpken

Sounds like you may have discovered "Big Foot" right there in your office!

Auto headlights are a super feature. I've had them for years in various cars - and my new Bonneville. It's a feature I refuse to live without any more. On my Pontiac, as the other cars I've had, you can set the length of time the lights stay on after shutting off the engine, and can easily disengage the feature using the dash switch - but I seem to remember that ImPALuh doesn't give you that control, does it?

Ken

cookie01

You can pick the time, but you can't choose to shut it off. As far as I can tell.