at speed or idle. I was reading about engine shutdown on the Impala Repair and Service Issues forum (post 1). Was that for both 2000 and 2001 models or was it resolved by 2001?
In a couple of weeks, I'll be ready to talk seriously to car dealers about buying a new car. That's the main concern I have with the Impala. My other questions about Impalas have pretty much been answered. If I go with the Impala, it will be the 3.4L base. It could be the engine shutdown was with one engine but not the other.
Thanks for any help. (You've all be plenty helpful already!)
Fake HID lights are not street legal (though cops don't have a lot of time to enforce stuff like that) and illuminate the road poorly compared to regular lights. I would feel very unsafe driving with those things on poorly lit roads.
If you have your Headlights on LOW Beam and then click the Stalk to put on the HIGH Beams, If you pull back on the Stalk and hold it there again you will have BOTH the High Beams AND the Low Beams on at the same time.(ALL FOUR HEADLIGHTS ILLUMINATED) SUPER BRITE ! Far better than the High beams that seem useless alone. Don
The $15 blue headlight bulbs from Pep Boys, etc. are street legal. You can read this on packages, and, any case, I do not think a big chain like Pep Boys would take the legal risk.
On other hand, I am sure they will attract attention of police - simply because the car will stand out in night. This is like driving in torch-red Corvette. Street legal, but too easy to get speeding ticket in the marginal cases.
Any case, using too bright lights is not nice toward fellow drivers.
I guess it depends on where you live as they are illegal in Ontario/Canada where myself and shamino live. Pakages I've seen say may be illegal depending on where you are, and I know a few people who have gotten tickets. They remind me of tinted license plate covers as far as an offense that you may or may not be able to get away with.
Since the car wasn't designed to illuminate all 4 headlights, would that not possibly cause excessive heat in the wiring, thereby creating a problem? If the wiring were such that they connect both low and hi beams and split only at the lamps themselves, then the wiring may only be rated for the Current capacity of the high beams and not for both running at the same time, especially during continual use of holding the Stalk.
Ontario drivers - Peel Region also has a Black one on the prowl without the pushbars in front
Btw, we have lost the topic header. Is this new or perhaps there is a new problem?
I'm not sure exactly what you are talking about bdime, but I am sure that several bugs are running loose around here. The exterminators are working furiously around the clock!
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1SourceAutoWarranty. Does Edmund's still endorse it? The Edmund's link on the 1Source web site is inoperative. And I cannot see an ad on Edmund's any longer. Posted a question on Ask 1Source under Finance etc. last Friday and it never appeared. Is this a legit company? I may have thrown away $999.00 ???. Based on Edmund's advice!!
To 00Impala....When I hold back on the stalk to illuminate all four headlights, it only puts on the High Beams and if I try it again, it goes to the low beams but never all four at the same time. You might just have a problem with that stalk switch and I would definately have that looked at. CCYZ described a good point. If you put to much demand into that wiring, you might God forbid start an electrical fire. I wouldnt play around with. Get it looked at soon.
Indecisive4: Obviously we haven't taken our Impalas 250,000 miles or anything. However, I traded a Grand Am with 266,000 for my '01 Impala LS, and I fully intend to take the Impala that far too. This is one of the key reasons I got the Impala, along with styling, ride, comfort, handling, performance, roominess, and a few bazillion other reasons.
Every new car purchase is a crap shoot, but I don't think you can increase your chances any better than with an Impala.
On the headlight thing: On my Dodge, when I pull back the stick for "momentary hi-beams" I notice I get "more than bright" sometimes, just for a split second. This may be normal or it may be a glitch. I doubt you'll get a straight answer from Mr. Goodwrench about this unless you have someone you really trust. HOWEVER: The likelihood of a fire is VERY LOW. Those wires are not sized based on perceived maximum load but are fused below their overload point. You'd lose power altogether before starting a fire. HOWEVER: I don't believe the lights are designed to be used with both filaments energized. The risk is longevity of the bulb...
Platour, I dunno about the Ask 1Source discussion, but the link to the 1source page still works from the Edmund's '01 Impala page under std. features and warranties:
Sorry, I tired to post a direct link, but I guess it exceeds the number of characters in a word limit...
Two questions for Impala drivers: I have test driven the Impala on 3 occasions and really like it, but I have two questions that I would appreciate your input on: First: in the LS with the leather seats, I find the lumbar contol to be very uncomfortable, even when turned all the way down. It seems to hit too high up in my back. Any solutions? Would that problem be better with the custom cloth seats (which also have the lumber control?) Second: the car that I am looking at does not have a factory installed sunroof. I was considering having one installed by the dealer. Is this a bad idea? The one thing that I did not like about the factory installed sunroof is that it opens "outside" rather than under the roof inside. The other sunroofs that I had all opened inside and caused less wind noise. Thanks
1) Have you test drive an Impala LS with the Sport Cloth seats? This should not make a difference in terms of the lumbar adjustment comfort but for sure it is worth a try. Who knows, if you find the cloth seats to be more comfortable you'll be saving the $625 extra GM charges for the leather upholstery. Also, try different cars to see if there is any radical difference.
2) Aftermarket sunroofs are a big no-no in my book. Now days I know there are very reputable companies that can perform this sort of work, but I would advise you that your best bet is to stick with the factory sunroof. Not only is made to actual specifications but when the car gets older it won't give you any problems with leaks, air filtration, rust spots, etc. The Impala's factory sunroof slides out not in....if you try to change this you can run into big problems including a sagging headliner, reduced headroom and other unwanted problems that may arise in trying to alter the original intend of the designers to have the sunroof to slide out of the tracks. In all honestly, not worth the hassle, but it is up to you....
Stnel: The engine hesitation/stumbles/shutdowns have been reported mainly on early production 2000 model year Impalas with the 3800 V6 engine. I might have come accross a post a long, long time ago of someone having these problems on the 3400 V6 engine as well.
I haven't read or seen anywhere about any 2001 model year Impala whether it is a 3400 or 3800 V6 to have reported these issues. My current Impala LS (3800 V6) was built on 1/2000 and the car has never ever had any episodes of engine hesitations, shutdowns or any other problems...my engine has performed flawlessly for 15,000 miles.
I wouldn't worry about this when buying a new 2001 Impala sedan...this first year bug was solved long ago at the assembly line.
Moral of the Story: Never ever buy a first year GM car or truck....wait at least a couple of years until all bugs have been sort out. A 2001 Impala with a very recent build date should be your best bet.
> Has anyone tried those HID look alike replacement bulbs on their > impala yet? I've seen those imitation lights on Hondas..
Those aren't fake HIDs on the Hondas. They are the real thing.
I tried the high wattage blues on my '99 GrandAm. I removed them after a week due to a few reasons. I live in a rural area and am constantly trying to find a high beam solution that is brighter. Going down twisty country hilly roads at night can be scary since the "hard-edged" GrandAm light aim on high beams is too tight, no ambient illumination. Go down a hill with a road turning and you find the pasture ahead of you well-lit, but the road that just turned ahead of you, before you make the turn, bathed in total darkness.
Anyway, I was hoping these lights that have higher wattage would at least splash some ambience when used with high beams.
The blue is cool. They honestly look like the real thing. The ones I purchased do not have the rainbow junk or anything. They just give a real HID look. But, that is all.
Since the bulb is coated with a blue tint, you lose the high wattage illumination gained and the end result is a lower illumination. I was amazed that my high beams, even though aimed correctly, just did not have enough punch on these country roads when compared to the factory bulbs.
The heat. Your housing for the bulbs is made with a composite material that is heat resistant. This housing costs waaaay over $100.00. If the extra wattage produced by these bulbs could possibly shorten the life of this housing, making it very brittle and eventually, it will crack. A friend of mine at a salvage yard showed me that very thing. A wrecked car that was being stripped for salvage had composite light housings. Inside were the fake HID blue bulbs and it didn't take much to crack the housing area close to the bulb's socket hole. The rest of the housing was not as brittle.
So, in summary... you lose brilliance but if you are just a "city boy", this probably won't matter since you rarely use your high beams anyway. ;>)
Thermal issues can shorten the life of the housing.
The wiring??? Well, I was curious about that and under full beam, neither the plug or the wiring became warm due to excessive wattage. I'm sure the electrics are far higher in ratings than what is really required.
Ordered my wheel liners today at the dealer (TSB 00-08-111-004) I'm the first one to have brought it up at my dealer. However they have seen many of the side impact airbag seat puckerings with the leather seats and says it's no problem to replace the seat back. We shall see. I also ordered the touch up paint for the front as I seem to have bounced some good sized stones off the leading edge of my hood and they are worse for the ordeal. Should be a week or longer for the liners. No word as yet about the 12 disc changer I have ordered thru Hutton Chev. Will keep you all informed.
BELOW IS A RESPONSE FROM THE Government of Canada re vehicle lights - some of it is technical but it's good info for Canadians. I presume the U.S. government has similar laws.
"This is further to your e-mail of March 23, 2001 concerning laws
> regulating the brightness of head lamps.
>
> Under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, Transport Canada develops and enforces
> the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations. Vehicle manufacturers and importers
> must certify that all new vehicles comply with the Regulations in effect
> on their date of manufacture. CMVSS 108 "Lighting System and
> Retroreflective Devices " specifies which lighting devices must be fitted
> to new vehicles, as well as their brightness, their location on the
> vehicle, and the conditions for their activation.
>
> Links to CMVSS 108 and Technical Standards Document 108 "Lamps,
> Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment", which CMVSS 108 incorporates
> by reference, on Transport Canada's website are shown below for your
Greetings! I just came across this website the other day and since I bought an Impala two weeks ago it really sparked my interest.
I absolutely love the car so far. The only complaint I have is how dirty the rear of the car gets, especially after it rains. Do they make anything to help prevent some of this? Do the dealer installed mud guards help? I would appreciate it if someone could give me a web site or refer me to a previously placed posting.
a while back i installed the "super blue" halogen lamps on my high beams and "super white" argon lamps on the low beams...the difference between the super white and the factor bulbs was marginal, but i did notice a difference...the super blue on the high beams does do wonders though..the difference is very obvious. bright high beams are a must here in pa, especially on the back roads since the deer population is a huge problem...for those of you who have hit them you know what im talking about...about 3 years ago i hit a doe in my '86 ss monte going about 45mph...bambi bounced off the front bumper and into the ditch but not before doing $2,100 worth of damage to the ss.....that was a sad sad day
The car sure does move a ways after putting in park, and even a bit with the emergency break on. This doesn't bother me much, but freaks out the hubby each and every time.
I just have to say. "Geez, we've had this car 15 months, get used to it already!" and I have to be carefully not to park the nose of the car right up on something.
Thanks for the info. I'm still deciding between the Taurus and Impala but I imagine when I get ready to test drive the cars, that will be a big deciding factor. If I go with the Impala, I'll try to find one built after 10/00.
Pat-host. Actually I was referring to several double posts as well as the missing header. Connecting with Friday the 13th was just a funny atempt at humor. A site this big is probably a headache to maintain but that is the computer geeks specialty- mine is just to state the obvious I have tried to duplicate a post using the edit funtion (which would mean theproblem was there) but the edit seems to work the way it should. Have fun:))
Actually, bdime, you are pretty close. We had a major database problem around 5:45 PDT Thursday (the 12th) that caused the loss of most posts made during that day. I do believe this recent infestation of cockroaches running rampant around here is a direct result of both the problems, and the efforts to recover from them.
It is my understanding that the tech folks are still trying to work everything out. The title boxes should return, but I will henceforth predict no more ETA's. :-)
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I am in the market this summer for a 2001 or 2002. I am not sure if there any differences between the models. Any clues? I test drove a Nissan Maxima and it is a nice car but a different animal. Not as torquey as the Impala LS. I think I am leaning towards the LS. But it is fun to demo. Checking the specs between the Maxima and the LS it turns out that the LS specs out better in most areas. I was surprised. Even the gas mileage. One thing also is I know replacement parts are inexpensive for American cars. I relined my front brake pads on my 96 Lumina and the pads were only $17. My only problem is that my wife insists that I get a blue car so I have to hunt high and low to get a blue LS with what I want. later, Alan
OK you Impala owners - some of you have to live in or near northern NJ - there are just too many to not have representation there.
Come on out and show off these gorgeous cars on sunday April 22 at the Rockaway Mall off Rt 80 at exit 35 anytime after noon on this coming Sunday.
We at the Bonneville forum decided to get a few members together and we have a couple Auroras meeting us there, so come on and show us your beautiful Impalas. We'd sure love to see them!
If you can make it - stop by the Bonneville forum and let us know or else email me (see my profile).
Don't disappoint me - I love the Impala and sure hope to see a few on Sunday.
Gadoi: I have also noticed how dirty the back of the car gets on rainy days. My Grand Am always kept a pretty clean rear even in those conditions. I don't know if the spoiler causes this to be worse or not. I did, however, install factory splash guards and did not see much noticeable improvement in the rear end soil department. Sides are quite a bit better though. I know, this is just begging for a bathroom joke, but I'm going to resist...
Alanwagen: Sounds like you're going the right direction. I'd find a Blue LS and go with it. Maximas are pretty sharp but don't have the specs and are pretty pricey for what you get.
Tomaso7: I didn't read all of the verbiage from the Canadian government, but a good point was made that wattage and luminicity don't necessarily correspond. I just got some new light bulbs for the house that are 13 watts each but put out the light of a 60 or 75 watt standard bulb. The difference is in how much energy goes to light and how much goes to heat. By these standards, lrymal may be better off to look for a bulb that's very efficient at creating light from energy, therefore not going too high on wattage but getting the ambient lighting he desires. The bulbs for home are relatives of fluorescent bulbs. I don't know if this technology is available for headlights.
I am so relieved that I discovered this web site! I have been experiencing HESITATION problems with my 2000 Impala AS for over 1 year. I have been to the dealer a countless number of times. As a matter of fact I have been to two different dealerships because I received no help from the first one. I have left my car at the dealer for up to a week at times, but every time the dealer will insist that the problem has never occurred. However,the last time I picked my car up, it happened on my way home!
I would like information on having Chevrolet buy this car back. How should it be handled due to the fact that a dealer has never experienced this problem and can verify that it exists? Due I need to actually get into a serious accident? The problem is getting ridiculous
Also, my car has 23,000 miles on it due to the long commute to work I have. Will this be a problem? It is still under warranty.
I am hoping to have the same luck that SCOTSMAN93535 did.
fathrtyricous: If you have the high Beams on and pull it back and hold it there, All 4 will illuminate, If you pull back and let it go foward just a bit the High Beams will click off back to the low beams, This is Just the "FLASH TO PASS" Feature and not a Dangerous Short or anything, That Flash to Pass is good in theory, But if you Flash your lights at someone who you think is going slower than you think they should in the Fast lane and you want to pass, They will Get offended and try to retailate by running you off the road in a Fit of Road Rage! I never use that feature, But on my Trip last weekend to Western PA I was driving thru the Mountains at night and saw at least 9 Deer on the road and off the road, By pulling back on the Stalk just for moments at a time I could actualy see off the berm up into the woods and spotted a few Deer before they Darted, I'm not saying it is right or wrong to do so , But I have done that with alot of cars, Not only GM, MY '93 Mercury Sable would do the same thing, And my Wifes Cavalier Z24 can light up all 4. It is the ""Flash to Pass"" Feature. I am just using it at night with the High beams on. The regular High Beams seem to try to illuminate the Tree tops! And not too good a job at that. Also they make kits for the GM Pickup Truck that allow your Low Beams to stay on while the High Beams are on, Everytime, All the time... Also there are kits that make the High Beam lights alternate back and Forth (Left and Right)like a 9C1 Police Car, But they Require x-tra Fuse Wiring. That is a bit too much, I just wanted to see where I was going in the dark, on Beat up roads with Worn out Yellow Lines and Worn out White Lines and Deer waiting to cross at any time. Don
I took my car into the dealership today for state inspection, a couple minor TSB's, and for them to look at my brakes that pulsate when I brake from 40+ mph
the dealer told me that the rotors (which are probably the cause) are warrantied for only 12,000 miles (the warranty/extended warranty I have doesn't cover this)
my car is a 2000 base, build date 3/00, 15,000 miles (brakes started pulsating slightly around 11,000 miles)
Pulsating brakes....... our brakes do not pulse the pedal , but at low speeds when lightly pushing the brake pedal you can feel the brakes hit a hit spot and slow the car.
At 35+ k miles now, I will have all 4 rotors truned when I repalce the front brakes.
Will need tires in a month or so.
Anybody seen pics of 2002 Impala yet? Kinda wondering what small changes they will make.
Since my last post on this topic got abused by the list software, I'm gonna try posting it again.
(a) Does the Impala's "oil change monitor" work as advertised (recommending a change when the oil actually needs changing), or does it work strictly off of the odometer?
(b) Is anyone using synthetics? If so, which brand, and has the "monitor" recommended changes less frequently?
(c) Also, re: synthetics... How has your performance/mileage been affected?
I've never used synthetics myself, but am considering using them exclusively for my car once it gets in. I'm just looking for some "there I was" stories from other Impala owners before I take the plunge.
PS - Since the title bar bit seems to be missing from the boards right now, you can add a pseudo-title by using HTML tags, like I've done above.
kennbuzz - I've had my Oil Change message light come up once. It doesn't works with the odometer and also driving habits, my light came up at 5,300 miles of driving after the previous oil change.
My brother and I took a trip last Friday down to Natchez, Mississippi (where McDill used to live) and back home in approximately 12 hours. My 2001 Impala LS got great gas mileage at 29.65 mpg. The round trip was 486 miles. We got to see the Mississippi River and boy was the river rising with the rains we have received lately. During this trip, I never became fatigued driving this car. It is a pleasure to own and drive. My Impala now has approximately 2700 miles on it. In fact, a low front came through my area this morning and the high temperature is suppose to be around 58. It is making me long for a road trip in the Impala again.
Enjoy your Impalas and if you are thinking about buying one, you should because it is a treat to drive a sporty car that costs less than a Camry or Maxima. May all have a great day!
Started to seriosly look for a new car a couple of weekends ago and dollar for dollar the Impala has me impressed. Unfortunately, it would be quite difficult to read through all the posts here to find out about some things I should know. I already have test driven the car but don't know about the reliability and maintenance costs on this vehicle. I have driven Hondas for many years with no compliments but can't see going to their LX 4 door 4 cylinder for the same base as the Impala. I believe I will be taking the plunge soon. Taurus and Sable don't offer more dollar for dollar than the base Impala either!
The oil light will come on when the oil is low. Also, if you get an oil change, make sure the monitor is reset or you'll get the oil light when you don't need it. Same thing for tire pressure.
I basically wrote this April 3rd: The best Value of all is the Impala. The 3.8 engine is better because it's fuel economy is almost as good as the 3.4 because of the weight of the car. The Impala is built tough - it has high rankings for frontal and side collisions..... NOW there have been some issues with the 2000 Impalas and perhaps the 2001's with the engine cradle but there is a fix and there has been some problems with an intermediate steering shaft - but that too is fixable IF you have any problems. There are no problems whatsoever with the 3.8L engine. Looking at some of the other sites you will notice more serious problems with other makes and models. Why else would American and Canadian police forces choose to buy IMPALAS - they certainly don't want to buy a Taurus and nowhere do you see far east police vehicles in North America. Get the Impala LS - on the highway it certainly is the most noticeable new car. ENJOY!
Hey everyone! Wanted to let you all know that you helped me tremendously in my decision for my new car. Pontiac GP GTP vs. Chevy Impala LS.
I ordered a 2001 Impala LS yesterday. Black with neutral leather. Everything except the roof.
The dealer ( Bill Kay, Downers Grove, IL) was extremely helpful and sensitive to what I wanted... since I am a GMS purchaser, it really wasn't too tough. They were even offering a demo LS trimmed the EXACT way I wanted but it had a roof. The deal: 600 below GMS price - basically a free sunroof. But bad experiences w/ roofs in the past soured me.
6-8 weeks... that's the worst part!
A BIG thanks to all of you that helped me with questions and concerns. I almost feel like part of the family!
Welcome to the Impala family! We know yu'll love your car like most of us do and hope you stay with us to report on it. Hey- notice the headline is back!
If you do not want to go thru the Radio to Reset the Tire Moniter, Pull the Headlight Switch from off to Parking lights 3 times in a row and you will hear a "BEEP" and the Pressure Moniter will be Reset, although it takes about 20 miles of driving after that "BEEP" for the Sensors to learn the new presssures or RPM's of the tires, then it will be all set. Don
At the top & the bottom of this page you should see a selection for Impala Owners (or go to the owners board and click on Chevrolet Impala You can enter and tell us about yourself on the meet the members discussion by clicking on that. Most stuff tends to get grouped in this general discussion(that also posts on the sedan board)you are in- but there are seperate ones for dealer issues, radio stuff, meet the members, photo gallery, and I forget what else. Welcome to the group.
Message 2479 from Wyoimp I have a 2001 Monte SS with 3.8 liter engine and have found a way to change the filter without getting oil on me, the car or the garage floor. 1.Borrow one of your wife's Hefty One-Zip Heavy Duty Jumbo Freezer bags. 2. With one hand put the freezer bag over the oil filter and the oil filter housing. 3. With the other hand loosen the filter, either with a filter strap wrench or a filter cap that fits the bottom of the filter. 4. Once the filter is loosened, then you can simply screw it off with your free hand and it will drop into the freezer bag as well as any oil from the filter housing. 5. Continue to hold the freezer bag over the filter housing for an additional 10 seconds and with your free hand wipe the filter housing as soon as you bring the freezer bag with the filter and oil down from the filter housing. 6. Zip up the jumbo freezer bag and discard. I have found this to be very effective and, if done properly, you will get no oil on yourself, the car or the garage floor.
Thanks for telling us that the oil plug is 15 millimeter. I have 5 free oil and filter changes from the dealer so I am changing my own filter at 1500 mile intervals and letting the dealer change the oil and filter at 3000 mile intervals.
Over the last couple of weeks I have been reading posts regarding the soiling of the original floor mats in Impalas. What I do is to take the original floor mats the day I get the new car; put them in plastic garbage bags and store them in the basement until the car is either sold or traded in. I found the original floor mats to be paper thin and totally ineffective, especially in northern climates where there is a great deal of slush and destructive residue from de-icers used on the roads.
Instead, I go down to my local Walmart store and I buy their bath rugs, which I have found to be more effective in keeping the original carpet clean and tidy. These bath rugs come in 22x36 and fit both the Impala and Monte Carlo for the front and the 17x21 size fits just perfect for the 2 indentations in the back . To cover the hump in the back ,buy the contour bathrug and cut off the "dog ears" just enough so it fits under the front seats and you'll have the hump covered. Because these bath mats have a rubberized back, they cling very well to the original carpet. Also I buy an additional one for the driver's side as that one seems to get the most use in our family. About once every two months I prevail upon my lovely wife to throw them in the washer and they come out nice and clean and fluffy and they last between 2-3 years depending on usage. If your wife frowns on you throwing them in her washer, you can always take them down to the local laundrymat.
If you'd like an upgrade from the bathmats at Walmart, try the Royal Velvet bath mats at Linens N Things as they are absolutly first class with a five year guarantee, even though they are 50% more than the ones at Walmart, they are well worth it.
As we come in to spring and summer I'd also recommend that you look at Sears, Target, Walmart and other stores for their designer mats and rugs. They come in various sizes and most of them will fit the front and rear of Impalas and Monte Carlos. Although the rears may require buying a large one and cutting it in half. These designs and colors are so vivid that they will give an extra touch to your ride. I have found that most of the ladies in my life really are awed when they step into a car with a designer rug or mat in front. As a matter of fact, the first thing they will do is take off their shoes, and sink their feet into the rug.
This Sunday at 8 PM EST the Fox sports network will air a special entitled "Beyond the Glory, The Story of Dale Earnhart." Many of you Nascar fans might be interested in this special.
Comments
In a couple of weeks, I'll be ready to talk seriously to car dealers about buying a new car. That's the main concern I have with the Impala. My other questions about Impalas have pretty much been answered. If I go with the Impala, it will be the 3.4L base. It could be the engine shutdown was with one engine but not the other.
Thanks for any help. (You've all be plenty helpful already!)
The $15 blue headlight bulbs from Pep Boys, etc. are street legal. You can read this on packages, and, any case, I do not think a big chain like Pep Boys would take the legal risk.
On other hand, I am sure they will attract attention of police - simply because the car will stand out in night. This is like driving in torch-red Corvette. Street legal, but too easy to get speeding ticket in the marginal cases.
Any case, using too bright lights is not nice toward fellow drivers.
Since the car wasn't designed to illuminate all 4 headlights, would that not possibly cause excessive heat in the wiring, thereby creating a problem? If the wiring were such that they connect both low and hi beams and split only at the lamps themselves, then the wiring may only be rated for the Current capacity of the high beams and not for both running at the same time, especially during continual use of holding the Stalk.
Ontario drivers - Peel Region also has a Black one on the prowl without the pushbars in front
Btw, we have lost the topic header. Is this new or perhaps there is a new problem?
Pat
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the Friday the 13th thing has affected us.
Pat
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Every new car purchase is a crap shoot, but I don't think you can increase your chances any better than with an Impala.
On the headlight thing: On my Dodge, when I pull back the stick for "momentary hi-beams" I notice I get "more than bright" sometimes, just for a split second. This may be normal or it may be a glitch. I doubt you'll get a straight answer from Mr. Goodwrench about this unless you have someone you really trust. HOWEVER: The likelihood of a fire is VERY LOW. Those wires are not sized based on perceived maximum load but are fused below their overload point. You'd lose power altogether before starting a fire. HOWEVER: I don't believe the lights are designed to be used with both filaments energized. The risk is longevity of the bulb...
Sorry, I tired to post a direct link, but I guess it exceeds the number of characters in a word limit...
Maybe the system is flakey again...
I have test driven the Impala on 3 occasions and really like it, but I have two questions that I would appreciate your input on:
First: in the LS with the leather seats, I find the lumbar contol to be very uncomfortable, even when turned all the way down. It seems to hit too high up in my back. Any solutions? Would that problem be better with the custom cloth seats (which also have the lumber control?)
Second: the car that I am looking at does not have a factory installed sunroof. I was considering having one installed by the dealer. Is this a bad idea? The one thing that I did not like about the factory installed sunroof is that it opens "outside" rather than under the roof inside. The other sunroofs that I had all opened inside and caused less wind noise. Thanks
1) Have you test drive an Impala LS with the Sport Cloth seats? This should not make a difference in terms of the lumbar adjustment comfort but for sure it is worth a try. Who knows, if you find the cloth seats to be more comfortable you'll be saving the $625 extra GM charges for the leather upholstery. Also, try different cars to see if there is any radical difference.
2) Aftermarket sunroofs are a big no-no in my book. Now days I know there are very reputable companies that can perform this sort of work, but I would advise you that your best bet is to stick with the factory sunroof. Not only is made to actual specifications but when the car gets older it won't give you any problems with leaks, air filtration, rust spots, etc. The Impala's factory sunroof slides out not in....if you try to change this you can run into big problems including a sagging headliner, reduced headroom and other unwanted problems that may arise in trying to alter the original intend of the designers to have the sunroof to slide out of the tracks. In all honestly, not worth the hassle, but it is up to you....
Stnel: The engine hesitation/stumbles/shutdowns have been reported mainly on early production 2000 model year Impalas with the 3800 V6 engine. I might have come accross a post a long, long time ago of someone having these problems on the 3400 V6 engine as well.
I haven't read or seen anywhere about any 2001 model year Impala whether it is a 3400 or 3800 V6 to have reported these issues. My current Impala LS (3800 V6) was built on 1/2000 and the car has never ever had any episodes of engine hesitations, shutdowns or any other problems...my engine has performed flawlessly for 15,000 miles.
I wouldn't worry about this when buying a new 2001 Impala sedan...this first year bug was solved long ago at the assembly line.
Moral of the Story: Never ever buy a first year GM car or truck....wait at least a couple of years until all bugs have been sort out. A 2001 Impala with a very recent build date should be your best bet.
> Has anyone tried those HID look alike replacement bulbs on their
> impala yet? I've seen those imitation lights on Hondas..
Those aren't fake HIDs on the Hondas. They are the real thing.
I tried the high wattage blues on my '99 GrandAm. I removed them after a week due to a few reasons. I live in a rural area and am constantly trying to find a high beam solution that is brighter. Going down twisty country hilly roads at night can be scary since the "hard-edged" GrandAm light aim on high beams is too tight, no ambient illumination. Go down a hill with a road turning and you find the pasture ahead of you well-lit, but the road that just turned ahead of you, before you make the turn, bathed in total darkness.
Anyway, I was hoping these lights that have higher wattage would at least splash some ambience when used with high beams.
The blue is cool. They honestly look like the real thing. The ones I purchased do not have the rainbow junk or anything. They just give a real HID look. But, that is all.
Since the bulb is coated with a blue tint, you lose the high wattage illumination gained and the end result is a lower illumination. I was amazed that my high beams, even though aimed correctly, just did not have enough punch on these country roads when compared to the factory bulbs.
The heat. Your housing for the bulbs is made with a composite material that is heat resistant. This housing costs waaaay over $100.00. If the extra wattage produced by these bulbs could possibly shorten the life of this housing, making it very brittle and eventually, it will crack. A friend of mine at a salvage yard showed me that very thing. A wrecked car that was being stripped for salvage had composite light housings. Inside were the fake HID blue bulbs and it didn't take much to crack the housing area close to the bulb's socket hole. The rest of the housing was not as brittle.
So, in summary... you lose brilliance but if you are just a "city boy", this probably won't matter since you rarely use your high beams anyway. ;>)
Thermal issues can shorten the life of the housing.
The wiring??? Well, I was curious about that and under full beam, neither the plug or the wiring became warm due to excessive wattage. I'm sure the electrics are far higher in ratings than what is really required.
"This is further to your e-mail of March 23, 2001 concerning laws
> regulating the brightness of head lamps.
>
> Under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, Transport Canada develops and enforces
> the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations. Vehicle manufacturers and importers
> must certify that all new vehicles comply with the Regulations in effect
> on their date of manufacture. CMVSS 108 "Lighting System and
> Retroreflective Devices " specifies which lighting devices must be fitted
> to new vehicles, as well as their brightness, their location on the
> vehicle, and the conditions for their activation.
>
> Links to CMVSS 108 and Technical Standards Document 108 "Lamps,
> Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment", which CMVSS 108 incorporates
> by reference, on Transport Canada's website are shown below for your
> information:
>
> CMVSS 108: http://info/actsregs/mvsa/jan98/english/mvsr108.html
>
> TSD 108: http://info/RoadSafety/mvstm_tsd/tsd/1080-m.htm
>
> The Act, Regulations, and related documents can also be viewed on
> Transport > Canada's website, www.tc.gc.ca.
>
> Headlighting systems are subject to photometric performance requirements
> specified in TSD 108. These requirements are in the form of light
> intensities at various test points (representing angular directions
> relative to the horizontal longitudinal axis of the headlamp) in front of
> the vehicle. There is no single maximum allowable luminous intensity value
> for a headlighting system. Each test point has a maximum or a minimum
> allowable luminous intensity, or both, expressed in candela, depending on
> the location of the test point. For example, the minimum light intensity
> required to be directed towards the pavement far exceeds the maximum light
> intensity allowed in the direction of oncoming drivers.
>
> Luminous intensity is not measured in watts. However, TSD 108 specifies
> the maximum wattage and other characteristics of various standardized
> headlamp bulbs as a reference so that original equipment and replacement
> bulbs can be manufactured with exactly the same characteristics in order
> to provide safe performance over the life of the vehicle.
>
> Tail lamps on the other hand are limited to a maximum of 25 candela at or
> above horizontal.
>
> While motor vehicle manufacturers and importers are subject to federal
> law, vehicle drivers and owners are regulated provincially. Consequently,
> vehicle operation, condition, maintenance and modifications are addressed
> in provincial laws. The federal government has no legal authority to
> control provincial motor vehicle and road transportation policies.
>
> The Highway Traffic Act of each province sets out legal responsibilities
> for motor vehicle owners and drivers. Provincial laws generally require
> that original safety equipment fitted on licensed vehicles pursuant to the
> Motor Vehicle Safety Act shall not be removed nor rendered inoperable.
>
We hope that this information was helpful to you."
That's it from the Canadian Big Brother!
I absolutely love the car so far. The only complaint I have is how dirty the rear of the car gets, especially after it rains. Do they make anything to help prevent some of this? Do the dealer installed mud guards help? I would appreciate it if someone could give me a web site or refer me to a previously placed posting.
Thank you.
The car sure does move a ways after putting in park, and even a bit with the emergency break on. This doesn't bother me much, but freaks out the hubby each and every time.
I just have to say. "Geez, we've had this car 15 months, get used to it already!" and I have to be carefully not to park the nose of the car right up on something.
Thanks for the info. I'm still deciding between the Taurus and Impala but I imagine when I get ready to test drive the cars, that will be a big deciding factor. If I go with the Impala, I'll try to find one built after 10/00.
Connecting with Friday the 13th was just a funny atempt at humor. A site this big is
probably a headache to maintain but that is the computer geeks specialty- mine is just
to state the obvious
(which would mean theproblem was there) but the edit seems to work the way it should.
Have fun:))
It is my understanding that the tech folks are still trying to work everything out. The title boxes should return, but I will henceforth predict no more ETA's. :-)
Pat
Host
Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards
I checked the Low Beam/High Beam thing at lunch today. As you said, 00impala, if I hold the with back, all four lights are illuminated...
Also had my wheels re-balanced, with the weights put on the inside of the wheels today. Looks much better...
Picture it: Galaxy Silver AS, fully loaded, including Sunroof, windows tinted...
I LOVE THIS CAR !!!!
Whats up with that!!
I used to wonder why some people seem to put AS instead of LS. Now I know....
If you hit Check Spelling, it will change it...
I am in the market this summer for a 2001 or 2002.
I am not sure if there any differences between the models. Any clues?
I test drove a Nissan Maxima and it is a nice car but a different animal. Not as torquey as the Impala LS. I think I am leaning towards the LS.
But it is fun to demo. Checking the specs between the Maxima and the LS it turns out that the LS specs out better in most areas. I was surprised. Even the gas mileage.
One thing also is I know replacement parts are inexpensive for American cars. I relined my front brake pads on my 96 Lumina and the pads were only $17. My only problem is that my wife insists that I get a blue car so I have to hunt high and low to get a blue LS with what I want.
later, Alan
OK you Impala owners - some of you have to live in or near northern NJ - there are just too many to not have representation there.
Come on out and show off these gorgeous cars on sunday April 22 at the Rockaway Mall off Rt 80 at exit 35 anytime after noon on this coming Sunday.
We at the Bonneville forum decided to get a few members together and we have a couple Auroras meeting us there, so come on and show us your beautiful Impalas. We'd sure love to see them!
If you can make it - stop by the Bonneville forum and let us know or else email me (see my profile).
Don't disappoint me - I love the Impala and sure hope to see a few on Sunday.
Ken
You wondered where a certain Intrigue owner has been lately - have you noticed that '71SS' posts about his Intrigue and Caddy?
Ken
Alanwagen: Sounds like you're going the right direction. I'd find a Blue LS and go with it. Maximas are pretty sharp but don't have the specs and are pretty pricey for what you get.
Tomaso7: I didn't read all of the verbiage from the Canadian government, but a good point was made that wattage and luminicity don't necessarily correspond. I just got some new light bulbs for the house that are 13 watts each but put out the light of a 60 or 75 watt standard bulb. The difference is in how much energy goes to light and how much goes to heat. By these standards, lrymal may be better off to look for a bulb that's very efficient at creating light from energy, therefore not going too high on wattage but getting the ambient lighting he desires. The bulbs for home are relatives of fluorescent bulbs. I don't know if this technology is available for headlights.
Pat, good luck with the cockroaches. Yuk.
I am so relieved that I discovered this web site! I have been experiencing HESITATION problems with my 2000 Impala AS for over 1 year. I have been to the dealer a countless number of times. As a matter of fact I have been to two different dealerships because I received no help from the first one. I have left my car at the dealer for up to a week at times, but every time the dealer will insist that the problem has never occurred. However,the last time I picked my car up, it happened on my way home!
I would like information on having Chevrolet buy this car back. How should it be handled due to the fact that a dealer has never experienced this problem and can verify that it exists? Due I need to actually get into a serious accident? The problem is getting ridiculous
Also, my car has 23,000 miles on it due to the long commute to work I have. Will this be a problem? It is still under warranty.
I am hoping to have the same luck that SCOTSMAN93535 did.
the dealer told me that the rotors (which are probably the cause) are warrantied for only 12,000 miles (the warranty/extended warranty I have doesn't cover this)
my car is a 2000 base, build date 3/00, 15,000 miles (brakes started pulsating slightly around 11,000 miles)
just FYI...:)
At 35+ k miles now, I will have all 4 rotors truned when I repalce the front brakes.
Will need tires in a month or so.
Anybody seen pics of 2002 Impala yet? Kinda wondering what small changes they will make.
Tony
Since my last post on this topic got abused by the list software, I'm gonna try posting it again.
(a) Does the Impala's "oil change monitor" work as advertised (recommending a change when the oil actually needs changing), or does it work strictly off of the odometer?
(b) Is anyone using synthetics? If so, which brand, and has the "monitor" recommended changes less frequently?
(c) Also, re: synthetics... How has your performance/mileage been affected?
I've never used synthetics myself, but am considering using them exclusively for my car once it gets in. I'm just looking for some "there I was" stories from other Impala owners before I take the plunge.
PS - Since the title bar bit seems to be missing from the boards right now, you can add a pseudo-title by using HTML tags, like I've done above.
Where is the club area of this forum? I have never been to this part of the forum before. Could you or someone else help me out? Thanks!
Enjoy your Impalas and if you are thinking about buying one, you should because it is a treat to drive a sporty car that costs less than a Camry or Maxima. May all have a great day!
I ordered a 2001 Impala LS yesterday. Black with neutral leather. Everything except the roof.
The dealer ( Bill Kay, Downers Grove, IL) was extremely helpful and sensitive to what I wanted... since I am a GMS purchaser, it really wasn't too tough. They were even offering a demo LS trimmed the EXACT way I wanted but it had a roof. The deal: 600 below GMS price - basically a free sunroof. But bad experiences w/ roofs in the past soured me.
6-8 weeks... that's the worst part!
A BIG thanks to all of you that helped me with questions and concerns. I almost feel like part of the family!
RR
aka Steve
and hope you stay with us to report on it. Hey- notice the headline is back!
Impala Owners (or go to the owners board and click on Chevrolet Impala
You can enter and tell us about yourself on the meet the members discussion by clicking on that. Most stuff tends to get grouped in this general discussion(that also posts on the sedan board)you are in- but there are seperate ones for dealer issues, radio stuff, meet the members, photo gallery, and I forget what else.
Welcome to the group.
I have a 2001 Monte SS with 3.8 liter engine and have found a way to change the filter without getting oil on me, the car or the garage floor.
1.Borrow one of your wife's Hefty One-Zip Heavy Duty Jumbo Freezer bags.
2. With one hand put the freezer bag over the oil filter and the oil filter housing.
3. With the other hand loosen the filter, either with a filter strap wrench or a filter cap that fits the bottom of the filter.
4. Once the filter is loosened, then you can simply screw it off with your free hand and it will drop into the freezer bag as well as any oil from the filter housing.
5. Continue to hold the freezer bag over the filter housing for an additional 10 seconds and with your free hand wipe the filter housing as soon as you bring the freezer bag with the filter and oil down from the filter housing.
6. Zip up the jumbo freezer bag and discard.
I have found this to be very effective and, if done properly, you will get no oil on yourself, the car or the garage floor.
Thanks for telling us that the oil plug is 15 millimeter. I have 5 free oil and filter changes from the dealer so I am changing my own filter at 1500 mile intervals and letting the dealer change the oil and filter at 3000 mile intervals.
St. Louis Missouri
Instead, I go down to my local Walmart store and I buy their bath rugs, which I have found to be more effective in keeping the original carpet clean and tidy. These bath rugs come in 22x36 and fit both the Impala and Monte Carlo for the front and the 17x21 size fits just perfect for the 2 indentations in the back . To cover the hump in the back ,buy the contour bathrug and cut off the "dog ears" just enough so it fits under the front seats and you'll have the hump covered. Because these bath mats have a rubberized back, they cling very well to the original carpet. Also I buy an additional one for the driver's side as that one seems to get the most use in our family. About once every two months I prevail upon my lovely wife to throw them in the washer and they come out nice and clean and fluffy and they last between 2-3 years depending on usage. If your wife frowns on you throwing them in her washer, you can always take them down to the local laundrymat.
If you'd like an upgrade from the bathmats at Walmart, try the Royal Velvet bath mats at Linens N Things as they are absolutly first class with a five year guarantee, even though they are 50% more than the ones at Walmart, they are well worth it.
As we come in to spring and summer I'd also recommend that you look at Sears, Target, Walmart and other stores for their designer mats and rugs. They come in various sizes and most of them will fit the front and rear of Impalas and Monte Carlos. Although the rears may require buying a large one and cutting it in half. These designs and colors are so vivid that they will give an extra touch to your ride. I have found that most of the ladies in my life really are awed when they step into a car with a designer rug or mat in front. As a matter of fact, the first thing they will do is take off their shoes, and sink their feet into the rug.
St. Louis Missouri