2005 and Earlier Chevrolet Impala

teo

Both. They squeal and begin to lose grip rather quickly when taking hard corners.

alanwagen

I have a 2000 Impala Midnight blue. and also a 2001 Buick Regal LS Dark Blue Pearl. Both the some color just a different artsy name. Both made in the same factory.
I like both of them but for different reasons. I like the look of the Impala but I like the buckets and steering of the Regal. No problems so far either way.
Right now Buick has 0% financing up to 4 years.
I could not turn it down and did not have to have any down payment or trade in.
No incentive to pay this one off early.
Wow.

platour

I have never considered it but I did see a Chrysler Neon at work today with a graduated bottom-to-top chrome-like/silver-mirrored finish on the side windows. It was very attractive on the silver car. My Impala is Galaxy Silver so I got to thinking. Is that a factory treatment? I have seen some very amateurish black-out jobs but this one looked very professional. If it is not factory, are there firms that do this type of job? I assume the whole glass surface has to be done so the windows come out of the car. None of that tint-to-the-door-frame treatment that I see in taxis. When the window goes down, the untreated area is exposed.....

mediumfry

Nathan, thanks for the info on your site. Very thorough. Interesting to know how the oil monitor works. I use synthetic oil and plan to change it every 6000 miles. I know that's more often than I'd have to, but you can look at my comments regarding water in the oil a few hundred posts back. Also this way I have truthful records about oil change frequency and therefore don't void the warranty by not changing it per the rules.

As for convertibles, they're more likely to make a Monte convertible than an Impala. I don't know of any 4-door convertibles except for ones with "suicide doors". Otherwise how would they support the rear door?

roderacer

I, too have seen the so-called graduated silver mirror tinting. I am not aware of any auto mfr. that offers factory tinting (excluding, of course, the standard tinting of the upper windshield and the minivans and SUV's that have the rear quarter windows tinted). Most dealerships contract that sort of work to local shops for tinting. I'd assume this is due to the constant changing of the local laws that are aimed at the tinting of auto glass.

Frankly, the tint I have seen looked out of place and gaudy on the vehicles I've seen it on. Gold on a red Civic and silver on a black Mercedes.

It catches the eye, but I'd never consider it for my Black LS.

Call me old fashioned, but I'll stick with grey.

RR

platour

Thanks for the prompt reply on the window tint matter. I suspected it was not factory but it did look good. I will try a digital photo the next time if that Neon comes back. Then the Forum members can pass judgement.

roderacer

I hope all goes well tomorrow when you pick up your new beautiful car! Please stop by and tell us the details...

Thanks!
RR

roderacer

I gotta get one of those digital cameras! Never know when a "Kodak Moment" will present itself.

Just yesterday while fishing at a local lake I saw a flatbed tow truck with another tow truck on it! Kinda ironic, I thought. I whipped out the disposable and click - I hope it turns out!
RR

hvan3

Originally, I requested for "silver metallic" tint. It's not those boring looking black tint. I saw a Lexus GS400 at one time. The car had silver tinted windows on silver paint body. It looked so cool!! So I shopped around to see who does silver tinting. As it turned out, silver metallic tints are illegal in CA. Darn!

My black tint is 32% UV protection. It's 2 notches above limo tint. In CA, it's illegal to tint the front two windows. However, everyone does it. Police don't really enforce violators for window tintings on the front windows, unless the tint is really dark (13% or lower).

hvan3

I'm also interested in having my dual exhaust installed. The quote you got for $210 sounds inexpensive. Basically, you get 2 mufflers with chrome tips for $210? A good performance exhaust can run anywhere between $500-$700. What shop did you go to?

When you get them done, can you send us pictures? I'm very interested. Perhaps, that would be my next project. My aftermarket moonroof can wait later.

Has anyone replaced their front speakers? I remember someone saying that the 5 1/4" factory speakers are odd size. I'm interested in replacing them with Boston Acoustics (bad _ss speakers!). I wonder if they will fit?

2k_impala_ls

I changed my oil today, just to see for myself that when you put the correct 4.5 qts in it reads full at the last hole. Believe it or not it does and if yours reads about 1/4" past the last hole, You got a 1/2 qt. too much. I have heard stories of alot dealers putting 5 qts. MAKE SURE YOU CHECK IT AFTER EVERY OIL CHANGE, TOO MUCH IS NO GOOD. GM / AC DELCO has a new filter out, the ultragard Gold. The best filter on the market. I used one today. They are only found at GM dealers or Pep Boys (where I got it right off the shelf for $8.99) Check out the delco website for more info. http://www.acdelco.com/news/3120_set.htm

seth1978

I am looking at getting a used 2000 Impala with in the next couple of weeks. I have read that people say about the lights auto-on, Is that feature only on the LS or is it also on the base model? Is there any thing I should look out for when looking at one?? I will be looking at a base model because I cant find any LS around my area.
Any info would be helpful
Thanks

cookie01

Make sure you take a nice long test drive with the windows down so you can listen for the "ticking" noise. Some 2000 models have had engine cradle weld problems. And although your 2000 would still be under warranty, why start out with that as an issue?

And I have a base with option pg II and it had the auto headlight features. I like it.

roderacer

Don has a nice site that features his Impala with dual catback exhaust... here is the link:

http://community-2.webtv.net/dman4ford/00IMPALALS

Enjoy

RR

discgolfer

The $210 did NOT include the chrome tips. Those were an additional $10 up to $100 each. They must have had at least 50 to choose from. I pointed to one that looked pretty good, and the price was $35 each. I went to "California Muffler & Brake" on Lake Forest (at Dimension) in the city of Lake Forest. I thought it sounded like a good price. That included removing of the resinator, so that the car will have that great sound...

The LS is at the dealer right now, for the Clicking/Poping TSB, Wheelwell Liner TSB, Squeaky brakes and sticky rear doors. I really hate it when I pull up to a light in my beautiful Silver LS, Tinted windows, Moon Roof, etc., and the BRAKES SQUEEK!! UGH!! Anyway, I expect they will have to order the parts and I will have to take it back for the actual fix of the TSB's. Sticky doors are not a big issue, but what the hey, I mentioned it since it was going to be there anyway...

teo

I am afraid that there is no fix for the squealing brakes.....is just one of those problems created by modern brake pads. In order to increase brake pad life and durability, manufacturers have been moving away from asbestos pads to metallic ones. The metallic ones such as the ones found in the Impala, last longer but are noisy as well. No amount of disc resurfacing, parts replacement, lubricants, etc, etc, will take the squealing away. Is just the way they are. Probably, when you get your car back, the brakes will be silent...give it a month and the squealing will be back strong as ever.

The brakes on my 2000 LS were really noisy at one time and after 10K miles the squealing went away a bit.

Sorry to rain on your parade (Regarding the brakes) but I just hope the dealer is not given you some false hopes as to completely eliminate the squaling noises.

For the sticky doors, tell your service guy to spray GM silicone in ABUNDANCE to the rear door frame rubber weatherstrips. Once this is done properly, the sticking should go away at least for a year.

As for the cradle and wheel liner TSB's you should be fine once they order the necessary materials.

roderacer

Does anyone know of any issues with balancing the wheels on an Impala LS on the inside of the wheel?

Thanks,
RR

impalaboy2001

Unfortunatley I didn't take the spare out of the truck, and in addition to that I was running on a full tank of gas, so I'm sure that had to do alot with time and handeling of the vehicle. On my last 2 passes through the track, I turned off the trac control and was also able to reduce my time. The only problem I had with the trac control is when I stepped on the gas, it seemed like it was slowing my car down for about 3 secs. I also started in 1st gear, I didn't like the timing on the Downshift to UpShift, It seemed like the car had a hard time going from 3rd to second back to 3rd. I'm thinking in investing a shift improver kit from Thrasher Engineering. I was racing in the GS Class (Which are mostly, Grand Am's, Grand Prix, Subaru SVT, ...) The whole course, wasn't on sand but we did have some sand patches around. And yes helmets were mandatory for all drivers. Alot of people told me that the main disatvantage on the car were the tires. Performance would have been better with low profile tires.

night_owl1

From what I understand, I don't think you can tell unless you remove the door panel. Try and remove the door panel speaker grille. Just put your fingernails under the edge and pull. It is a press fit installation. Around the edge of the opening, see if you have a light tan shield between the panel and the door. It should be really thin material. The one on my car looks like a light blue plastic sheet. I'll see if I can find photos of the new deflector.

tiger01

Hello All,

I have been lurking around this board for months soaking up all the info I can. I have a 2001 Galaxy Silver Impala LS. (I love this car, by the way) I am aware of everybody's concerns with the sound quality of the "Premium Sound" system and I am going to try and remedy the situation this weekend. I have purchased a pair 6x9 Infinity Kappa 3 way speakers for the rear and a pair of 6 ¾ Infinity Kappa 2 way speakers for the front. I will also be replacing the trunk mounted AMP with a 60 watt x4 Sony Explod Amp with built in EQ. The front speakers should be pretty strait forward to change, The rear speakers will probably require me to remove the rear seat and rear deck to gain access to them. I will try to remove the grills and see if I can gain access this way. The amp will be a little more work, but thanks to all the posts with wiring diagrams and pictures of the connector, I should be able to figure this out. I will have to tap into the wires, as Crutchfield does not have a connector adapter for the amp on this vehicle. Has anybody done anything like this to their Impala? Any insight as to what problems I may run into ?

00impala

I have used both types of Inside weights on my 5 spoke rims. The adhesive kind and the normal clip on type, I prefer the clip on type "BUT ON THE INSIDE" I was unaware of the clip on type for the inside, I used the stick on type a while back and then when I had the Michelins Installed went with the Clips. No real problems with either one, just the piece of mind that it actually clipped to the rim and not just stuck on there,.

On the Brakes, I too had the squeaks and seem to have worked thru it,they did it alot around 10k, now at 17k they are just fine. Years ago the Pads were made of softer material, (ie they wore out faster) now since they public demands longer wearing Brake pads they make them out of a harder material, they last longer but ruin the Rotor faster, Years ago you never had to replace rotors as common as you do today, it is because the pads are so hard, and last so long, You could effectively wear out your Rotors before the Pads. or at least have to have your rotors turned at a staggering 15K miles, Turned again at 30K and you are in for a nice hefty bill when you have to replace the rotors, and we have 4 of them to think about, I went thru all of that with a 1989 Grand Prix, that had numerous brake related problems and charges, Rotors,Pads,calipers, Caliper Boots, Caliper rods, (A small rubber boot would degrade and the Caliper rods would rust and the brake would not function) That was with the Rear brakes, I was told to ALWAYS use my Emergency Brake whan I parked, It is said to self adjust the rear brakes, If you never use it, you never get that free function! I always use the Emergency Brake, Why would you not? Thanks Don

tomaso7

I have tried studying the source code of these internet pages where you sometimes post your photos. I cannot discover how you do it. I have a web-shot page for my source would that work too? Waiting anxiously for your reply. If you wish you can get my e-mail from my profile page. Thanks

tomaso7

Has anyone tried to change the 'type of music' button on the radio to change the quality. When I set it up I found the quality of the sound increased immensely. i.e. don't set up country music for jazz! etc etc etc

roderacer

I just tested Edmunds TH for the syntax acceptance of imbedding images in a post. I simply use this formula:
(img src="URL of PIC")

NOTE: change ( to < and ) to > and make sure the quotes are there around the address of the picture!

Hope this helps!

RR

roderacer

Thanks, Don. I think I'll be doing the same. I think it gives the wheels a much cleaner look!

RR

platour

I simply copy the code from Photopoint (say @#$%), paste below my message here and add in back . So in the example given it becomes . That's it.

discgolfer

My dealer (Joe MacPhearson Chevrolet) has ordered the Shims and the Wheelwell Liners. As for the brakes, I got the same reply as I did 10,000 miles ago.... "Normal Metallic Brake Pad Noise". Guess I'll have to live with it...

As for the sticky doors, he said something about "alignment modifications" or something to that effect, and that they would do it when I bring it back for the TSB's.... NO WAY !!!

The doors appear to be in perfect alignment. I will NOT let them screw with that. It would probably end up worse than it started. I will put some silicone spray on them myself...

00impala

hvan3

Who was your service rep at McPhearson Chevrolet? I'm hoping I can call him and have him order the wheel liner parts without being present at the dealership.

Thanks!

teo

"As for the sticky doors, he said something about "alignment modifications" or something to that effect, and that they would do it when I bring it back for the TSB's.... NO WAY !!!"

WHAT?????????????????????????

All they needed to do was to sprat some GM silicone on the rubber weatherstripping! I hope they didn't mess with your doors aligment....

And you are going to let this people install the cradle shims and the wheeliner?????

Run as fast as you can from them!

night_owl1

Normally when you balance a tire, weights are placed inside and outside as necessary. If you do not install the outer ones, the wheel will be a bit off balanced. Not as bad as if you didn't balance it at all, however. Depending on how off balanced the tire is, this could cause uneven tire wear, shortened suspension life. In short, all of the problems of an off balanced tire. Then again, the tire may be pretty good such that the missing outer weights doesn't affect it too much.

I've had the stick on type fall off after a while so I prefer the clips. I did consider not installing the outer clips, but chose to sacrifice the looks and the potential damage to the wheel's finish rather than risk the more serious problems.

discgolfer

hvan3.... My service rep was Jaime Trujillo, however, he would not order anything for me without looking at the car. That is why I had to leave it today. At least I was able to tell him I wanted it back by lunch time, which I did get back then...

teo.... My brother-in-law works at this dealership & told me that the guy right next to him has installed the shims on several impalas now. That is why I'm ok with letting them do this fix. I have some silicone spray that I use on my garage door wheels, and I sprayed some of this on the seals before. It seemed to help, but only for a very short time. I wash the car every weekend, so maybe that is why it didn't seem to last very long. Anyway, I will apply some more... I certainly will not let them mess with the door alignment...

I had my wheels re-balanced just last week, with the weights put on the inside. It definitly looks much better. (They are the stick on kind). I then asked them to just put the wheels on in a different order, which they agreed. (IE: free tire rotation)...

discgolfer

off the subject matter....

Does anyone out there play Disc Golf? Just curious...

For those who don't know about this, it is scored like golf, only instead of a ball and clubs, you use "Disc's" or frisbees, and instead of a hole in the ground, there are baskets. (Please see www.pdga.com) There are over 500 Disc Golf courses in the world, including all 50 states. Most are in public parks. Most are 18 hole courses, some are only 9. The best part of all, is that it is FREE to play, with very few exceptions. (Morley park in San Diego, and the course in Huntington Beach Central Park charge $1 per day). There is an association (PDGA - Professional Disc Golf Association) with over 1000 members. The Annual "World's Championship" has been held in Japan for several years...

Anyway, just curious about others that may play, and about their courses.

Also thought some of you may be wondering about my handle...

bethune

I have been following this site for some time now and wonder how many owners would purchase this vehicle over again and if so what options would you get?Thanks in advance for your help.Regards,Brian

discgolfer

YES !!

I would definitly buy this vehicle again. I would also get the same options. I have a fully loaded LS. I believe the ONLY option I don't have is heated seats, (not very usable in Southern California anyway)...

This car has so many features that I'm not sure which are options and which are standard, so its difficult to say which options I would get/not get...

I would definitly get the 3.8 engine. I believe the difference is only 1 (maybe 2) mpg from the 3.4. This puppy (3.8) does over 70 mph at just over 2000 rpm's. Looks are pretty important to me, so I would definitly get the LS package again (rims, spoiler, better brakes). I love the Moon roof, so I would want that again as well. Comfort is important, so gotta have the power seat. I'm sure I'm forgetting alot...

hvan3

Yes, I would get the Impala LS again. Although I have only 2K miles on my vehicle, it's too early to say. But for now, it's a great car!! I think the Impala is a better car then my former Honda Accord V6. My father has the Camry LE, and my sisters have Saab and Infiniti Q45. The Impala is better then the Saab and Camry in terms of power and comfort. The Q45 is slightly superior then the Impala LS. In fact, my sister's boyfriend is thinking about getting the Impala LS. He likes import cars more then American made vehicles .He had owned Jaguar and Acura in the past. However, he does show some interest in my LS.

hvan3

I called Jaime at MacPhearson Chevrolet. He's asking me to bring my car in for diagnosis before he can order the wheel liner. Uggh!

He also mentioned about "internet chat boards". I guess these service reps are beginning to take notice. LOL

bdime

Yes- love mine but perhaps too soon to tell if I would have done anything different. 3.8L
LS leather interior- no sunroof- CD player and driver info center options. Added the remote
start at the dealer and this is a beautiful thing!

platour

Yes, you have done it! Nice dual exhaust....

gweilo

There has been mention here that 2001 model manufacturing will be wrapping up soon. When will buyers be able to place orders again for 2002 models?
Also, a list of suggested mods and accessories(eg. mud flap part #) might be helpful to prospective buyers.
And lastly...Are all of you pretty taht teh dreaded ticking/steering shaft issues were remedied in teh 2001 model? any other things to be concerned about?
Thanks all

mediumfry

I would buy my Torch Red 'O1 LS over and over again. I have all available options except sunroof and wouldn't change a thing.

roderacer

Nice duallies, Don!!

RR

roderacer

Reading your comments on the balancing/weighting of the wheels, I hesitate to only request them on the outside. Suspension is my concern - which is why I don't like aftermarket wheels.

On average, how "off-balanced" are OEM wheels w/tires?? Is there a scale for this sort of thing?

Thanks!
RR

roderacer

Is the remote start a feature readily available at the dealer? I have a few weeks to go and want to get an idea of what accessories I need to order. Splash guards are tops on that list, but living in Chicago and having the remote start would be a Godsend in the Winter!

Thanks,
RR

gmcatera

Check out www.radiosandmore.com

teo

That owners of 2001 Impalas haven't had many problems (or no issues at all) since I don't see any complaints about them in terms of the engine cradle, intermediate steering shaft, engine hesitations, etc.

Last year around this time, there were many owners complaining about the engine cradle noises, engine shutdowns and the like. I don't see the same frequency of complaints anymore.

It seems that GM has worked out most of the remaining first year 'bugs' of the Impala. The Impala is a car that was built right from the start IMHO but it wasn't totally immune to some glitches.

2001 Impala owners, care to add to your quality/reliability experiences?

hunter39

Have picked up an incessant rattle from what sounds like the lower door area on the passenger side, I've elliminated the glove box but can't see what else it might be. I'm starting to think it might be in the seat though since it doesn't rattle when my wife sits in the seat. Either that or I'm going crazy and no one else hears it but me...

hunter39

Have still not heard from Hutton on the CD changer issue, I'll call her today if I don't hear from her by this afternoon. I don't have time to put it in right now anyway but I would like to find out what the deal is.

I also had my car in to the dealer to see about the wheel liners and the puckering around the driver side impact airbag. I went there last monday and it's been over a week now and they have yet to call me. Guess I have even more on my plate than I thought.

wyoimp

If you live in a climate with ice and snow, or plain freezing temperatures Fall, Winter, and Spring - you get out of the habit of using your emergency brake. Also applying the emergency brake on hot brakes can cause the rotors to warp from trapped heat with the pads against the rotor. I know, what do you want; warped rotors or messed up Parking pawl on the transmission?
Usually the self adjusting feature of brakes work when you apply your brakes on in reverse. This is for drum brakes - which we don't have. Also I thought Disc brakes were self adjusting (as the pad wears, it takes more fluid to take up the space lost from wear)and when your brake resevoir fluid was getting low, your pads needed to be checked at for wear.
As for the pad material itself - asbestos was the brake material of choice. We know asbestos isn't good for us so the material has changed to semi - metallic.
Hope this helps.

tomaso7

Photopoint is now going to charge for keeping your photos. Try WebShots.com. I use this for wedding pix et al and pix of my LS when I get them developed and scanned.