2005 and Earlier Chevrolet Impala

rustoleum

I was wondering if anyone here has ever had dealings with the customer service dept. I have a
2000 Impala that has been back to the dealer way to many times. I have had it in for the cracking &
popping noises. Have even had the engine cradle
replaced, and that wasn't done until I went to the service mrg. and stated my case to him. I have told my service writer about my displeasure in the Impala. He is the one that suggested I call the customer service people. He also told me about a customer buy back program. Don't get me wrong I think it is a good looking car and runs well, I'm just tired of the inconvience.If
anybody here
has had dealings with them and can give me some
incite as to what I need to have ready for them and what I can expect from them I would appreciate
it.

night_owl1

I agree with Dura that CD-R quality and durability varies by brand. I record data, not music and I have used Verdatim disks (both in cases and on spindles) and Imation disks (on spindles) and have had no problems. However CompUSA disks (I only tried the shrink wrapped ones) and Office Depot disks (I only tried the spindle ones) are terrible. CompUSA disks contained errors 50% of the time. The recording media on the OD disks was so thin, you could see through it. I could scrape the media off with my fingernail.

night_owl1

I did an update to the page. Swebco hit a telephone pole at 35+ mpg head on and the airbags did NOT deploy. Chevy says the airbag system operated as designed. A photo is posted on the Photos page and a related problem report is on the Impala Problems page. Swebco asked me to pass on the word. Anyone have recommendations/sugestions on how to pursue this with Chevy?

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

hvan3

I took my car to the dealership to inquire about the wheel liner. The service rep had absolutely no clue. (I forgot to print out the TSB # for him to see). It was like talking to brick wall. Anyway, I asked him if he could look up the TSB # for wheel liner. What he did was run my VIN#. Low and behold, there is a recall for 2000 Impala. Recall # 00067 is related to seat belt. I asked him what about the wheel liner? According to my VIN#, it doesn't require a wheel liner to be install. Is this correct? Can the dealer run my VIN# and determine whether GM installed the wheel liner or not? Does the TSB affect ALL 2000 model, or just a few production lots?

For those of you with 2000 Impala, you may want to check if there is a recall on your seat belt. I need to take my car next week for the seat belt service.. Hopefully, I can get my wheel liners done too.

dogsrule

Hello again, and I just have to ask. Anyone out there had their GM chip reprogrammed?

I live in the same town as Superchips. In exchange for the Impala 3.8l for a few days, they'll give me a loaner car, a programmer, and reprogram the chip at no cost. I suspect a boost of 20+hp and 20-30 lbs torque. Sounds tempting. But... what do you think?

lrymal

Wish I could recall which magazine I read a couple of years ago, but one of the major U.S. car mags did a chip comparison vs. factory chip and were very unimpressed. You might dig in the internet archives of Car&Driver, Motor Trend, RoadTrack, SpeedVision, Autoworld, Autoweekly.

I don't think you'd have to go back far, only a couple of years.

00impala

First of all Lets Clarify the Issue, 2000 Impala's Base and LS "DO Not or DID NOT" Come with the liners, ALL 2001 Models Have them....(I think?) Not Sure about the 2001 Models Without the Grey Trim around the licence plate that were Early 2001's (or if they have the same 2000 Rear Bumper and Wheel Wells?), But the Service bulletin is for all 2000 Impala's and Monte Carlo's.,I'd go to another Dealer if they refuse to do it for you, That is strange,Normally Dealerships Jump on Warranty work that the get reimbursed for from the Mfrg. and do not ask twice. I'd find another Dealer and I would get them. Just Complain about rocks collecting in there, that was the basis for the Service Bulletin anyway!

Yurkum...Not really Sure about the Regal, I only knew about the Impala/Monte Carlo. Good luck Don

00impala

Call your Service Dept in the morning and tell them that you are refering ""Document # 764216"" that it what it reads on my Recipt from my Dealer and the Bulletin number is #00-08-111-004 December 2000. I hope this helps. Also on my recipt it states that there are 6 parts involved, 2 liners (left and Right) and 4 bolts, so that answers the attatchment question,there are 2 of those Flanges on each side. Thanks Don

hvan3

I appreciate your input!

dcgolfer had his Impala service done at this dealership. I requested for the service rep name Jaime. Unfortunately, he works on Friday. I will need to consult with him this Friday since he helped dcgolfer with his wheel liner.

I'm still a bit suprise about the seat belt recall...#00067. No one on this board had mentioned about seat belt recall in the past. Hmm.

mediumfry

I just did a search of http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/ and found (2) recalls for 2000 Impalas:

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 00V228003

Component: INTERIOR SYSTEMS:ACTIVE RESTRAINTS:BELT BUCKLES

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Mfg. Campaign #: 00067

Year: 2000

Make: CHEVROLET

Model: IMPALA

Potential Number of Units Affected: 156305

Manufactured From: APR 2000 To: MAY 2000

Year of Recall: '00

Type of Report: Vehicle

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 00V371000

Component: INTERIOR SYSTEMS:PASSIVE RESTRAINT:AIR BAG:SIDE DOOR:DRIVER

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Mfg. Campaign #: 00090

Year: 2000

Make: CHEVROLET

Model: IMPALA

Potential Number of Units Affected: 12

Manufactured From: FEB 2000 To: JUL 2000

Year of Recall: '00

Type of Report: Vehicle

Note that all 2000 Impalas are not included, and the potential number of units (156305 for the first one, but only 12 for the second one).

One can get the tsb's at that site as well.

On the "Traction and ABS" lights, both systems use the same wheel speed sensors. You've likely got one that is disconnected or defective. A friend bought an Alero that had these lights from new. Turns out a family of wild rabbits near the dealership was nibbling on the cables and had messed up ~50% of the cars on the lot.

Scwewy Wabbits!

hvan3

I received an invitation in the mail from GM. It's an invitation to attend the TruckShow in Motion. Basically, I get to test drive ALL GM SUVs and trucks. The vehicles can be test driven on and off road. Also, Acura, Toyota, Ford/Lincoln, and Dodge will feature their SUVs and trucks. Way cool!! I get to test drive anything I want. Lunch is also included! I can't wait!!

My first vehicle I'll drive is the GMC Envoy, then the GMC Yukon, then Acura MDX, then Lincoln Navigator, and etc.......... hehehe

http://www.gmtruckshow.com/

night_owl1

Do it! Hey, if they will reprogram your can AND give you the programmer (so you can return to factory condition) sound's like a deal to me. The down side is you'll probably have to switch to premium gas, but you can always switch back.

Is this the company?

http://www.superchips.com/

night_owl1

I had to share my grief.

My Impala got it's first scratch, and it's a winner. Driving home today, a car drove over and flipped up a 4X8 sheet of plywood. The sheet hit my bumper (at speed) and flipped over my car. The rub strip on the front bumper took the brunt of the hit, but the front end of the hood has a small crease and a ding in the center. The paint damage is a long scratch down to primer and assorted scrapes in the clear coat.

Needless to say I was PO'ed. Luckly I didn't lose control and apparently the airflow over the car carried the sheet over and down so nothing else got hit and the car behind me didn't get nailed. I was on my was to Lowes so when I got in the parking lot I looked at it and boy it looked bad. Luckly Lowes had what I needed and I didn't have to wait too long or some poor cashier would have really gotten it.

Anyway, I got the car home and washed it and the damage isn't too bad. The OnStar antenna looks intact and the spoiler is untouched. I can fix the paint scratch and I think I can buff out the scratches in the clear coat. It's the dents I am concerned about. I called a few places and one does painless dent repair and can also fix paint scratches and chips. I really don't want to pay to have someone repaint the whole hood and I would rather them push out the dents vice fill with bondo. We'll see how it goes.

jpstax

In the next year or so I'm going to have to replace my '98 Lumina LTZ. I have seen quite a few articles (MT, C&D, even Edmunds) saying Chevy will offer a new Impala SS for 2003, and that it may have either the SC 3800, or a brand new V-8. Anyone else read that? I'm hoping that the predictions are true. I'm going to hold off buying the replacement as long as possible.

jeffreyw1

How did you get picked by GM to participate in the Truck Show in Motion? I am very interested in attending an event such as this one or like the one Teo attended. Thanks!

blacksilver

Why wait for 2003 SS when you can have a Bonneville SSEi right now?

crosley4

On the US 60 in Mesa AZ.

2k Impala LS, same color,no moon roof, similar tint on the windows too. Interior color was the same. Could not tell if it had leather , probably did though.

Tony

hvan3

I"m not sure how I got picked for the TruckShow in Motion. My suspicion is that 6 months ago, I was interested in buying a Chevy Tahoe. I logged in to GM.com to inquire about the Tahoe. I submitted my name and address. I guess GM used my name for marketing purposes. Thus, somehow, I got picked for this event.

I'm taking a day off from work on May 18. hehe.

mebock

I haven't posted in a long time, but have been reading the posts everyday. My 2000 LS that has a build date of 05/00 already has the full wheel liners in the rear. As far as cradles go, mine does not match the pictures of the 2000 or the 2001 that was posted on one of the members web sites. I have printed them off and when I do my oil change later in the month I am going to put it up on the ramps and verify that. I have no cradle noises thus far, however I only have 5700 miles after owning it a year. We use this car mainly for out of town trips. Will be taking a 5000 mile trip in it this summer. Nothing like nearly doubling your miles in one trip! So far we have only seen about 4 other Impalas here in Prescott,AZ including the white one used by the county sheriff. Saw it really moving along on a call the other day. Looked cool!

hvan3

My Impala was built on 5/00 as well. Are you saying that the wheel liner already came installed with the vehicle when you bought it, or did you have the wheel liner installed with the TSB?

Thanks

jeffreyw1

is the Truck Show in Motion being held at and is it on May 18? I sure would like to go to one of these events. I think I have some great ideas for GM if they would allow me to voice them. Maybe you could give them my name and address when you go to the event. Thanks!

hvan3

The TruckShow in Motion is held on May 18, 19, and 20th. It's in the El Toro Marine Base in Irvine, CA.

Call 1 800 531-2781

Good luck!

If you're going let me know. We can arrange an Impala club for a day. hehe

mebock

The wheel liners were already installed when I bought the vehicle. I bought it in 06/00.

sweetpolly

My 2000 LS was built Jan. 2000 and did not come with wheel well liners. I took a copy of the TSB from this board to the dealer with me and they ordered the wheel well liners. It's my understanding that if you don't have them on your car, you are entitled to them (at no cost to you). This is done under the warranty. That's what I did, even though the service manager had not heard about it, I had the proof in writing and he verified it and then ordered the parts), By the way, the liners give the car a more "finished" look and prevents what was once an open area to collect rocks and dirt inside it.

hunter39

Well, the cd changer showed up today, guess what? It's an FM modulated system so it's a no go for the Impala. I'm getitng a bit frustrated witht this whole thing, now another part I have to ship back...

Went to ge tthe wheel liners installed this AM, I didn't have time to wait around for it so they were only able to repair the side impact airbag that had been puckering. While waiting I saw a 2001 in the showroom that had a custom leather feature with Impala logo in the seat back and the full headrest also covered in leather. As I'm a taller person I find that the sporty head restraints are not very comfortable and I liked the ones that were in the showroom car, talked to my salesman and they are going to order them for me at dealer cost. This means my sporty headrests will be available if anyone is interested in them. Let me know, they are grey
"pleather"...

jpstax

crosley4

They are one of the top re-programers in the auto world in the USA.

Running premium gasoline is recommended with their stuff as I recall.

Dang.......... another no go for the CD changer!? Sounds like the dealer was easy to deal with on the head rests. May I ask which dealer?

Tony

jpstax

I love Chevys, and for that reason would rather wait and see if a new Impala SS is indeed going to be available in 2003. Granted, the 2001 Bonneville SSEi is very nice looking (and fast), but if I really wanted the SC 3800 engine, I could also buy either a Pontiac GTP or a Buick Regal GS. Ideally, Chevy should develop a totally new V-8 (with front or rear wheel drive) for the Impala SS. Even a de-tuned LS1 would be great, if it would fit under the hood. Just my 2 cents worth.

loganpd

Is there a TSB for the Intermediate steering shaft?

casl

What a great forum. There were way too many messages to scroll through them all, so I may be bringing up a topic that has already been done to death.

My 2000 Impala (3.8l) has a hesitation to it. I've got over 29k miles on it now, but it has been doing this since I purchased it in Oct. 99. It doesn't happen all the time, but when it does, it's usually within the first few minutes after starting the car - especially after slowing down for a curve or stop sign, or after switching from reverse to drive. You can floor the gas pedal and it does nothing until it decides to kick in. There is no pattern I can find as to when it happens (rain, gas type, length of warm up).

I've read on the NHTSA site of other problems like this, so I know I'm not the only one, however the dealer cannot find anything wrong with it and Chevrolet claims this is not a recurring problem that they're aware of.

Has anyone else had this problem and actually found a fix for it? My 89 Cavalier had a problem like this, but not until it got older and it would happen when pulling away from stop signs or lights - even after driving it for 1/2 hour or more. The Impala only does it within the first few minutes.

Can anyone help?

jbenda

I have been reading the message board for a few months now because of the wealth of information. A while back there were a couple posts about a knocking sound coming from the rear fender area that was very noticeable to back seat occupants. My Navy Blue 2001 base Impala (built 12/00) w/3800 also had this issue, which I could even hear in the drivers seat. It only occurs at highway speed because of the wind and during my last highway outing it was windy out making the knocking sound almost constant.

Last night after a washing and changing the oil, I took a look at the rear drivers side fender. By pushing on the lower rear fender area I could easily recreate the knocking sound so I held onto different areas on the inside of the rear fender while making the knocking sound until I isolated the source. It turns out that the back side of the rear wheel well liner is real close to what looks like a body panel mount. To fix, I took a piece of weather stripping about 1/4" thick and wedged it in between the back of the wheel well and body panel mount.

I hope this helps those that also hear this knocking sound. My impala otherwise has performed flawlessly and I really enjoy this car.

cookie01

True, it's been done to death here. A few have this problem. Over and over when I hear about it I think "Throttle Body"... and someone else has said this too. It's obviously a fuel problem of some sort. And I had the exact problem (with added "racing" periods to up the fun) with my Dodge Stratus.

Before they give up all the way, have them check the throttle body too.

Some of the board members here are still dealing with this hesitation problem. I'm sure they'll chim in soon.

impalaboy2001

I just got the pictures developed and posted on my online Photo Album of the SCCA Solo race I went to up Pensacola, FL. Here's the link http://content.communities.msn.com/ChrButsPics/PhotoAlbum

kenbuzz

CD Changer: Dagnabbit, is this saga ever gonna end?! Would there be any value in giving Kim the part number that MNR lists for the 12CD kit?:
Part # KIT 25708970 Entire kit for 2000 & 2001 Impala & Monte Carlo $399.00In order for this system to work in your vehicle your radio in your vehicle must have a RDS type radio. The radio should say RDS somewhere on the face of the radio. from http://store.yahoo.com/electronman/par25del12di.html

Head Rest: I'm taller as well, but I've never had a car where my head ever touched the head rest. What's the difference between what you've got and what you're getting?

Closing in on 3K: This is post #2990.

kenbuzz

I'm going to contact MNR to see what a cartridge and mounting hardware would cost. Ordering a changer from them ($300) is cheaper than a dealer, but more expensive than Hutton, but apparently Hutton dosen't have the other required parts. Ordering an entire kit ($399) seems goofy, since that comes with an extra (and unneeded) $75 wiring harness.

yurakm

Cartridge is advertised on the same page. It costs $60:

http://store.yahoo.com/electronman/par25del12di.html

sweetpolly

My car continue to hesitate intermittently. Never know when it's going to happen, but it always happens at start-up (mornings, afternoons and evenings and it doesn't matter if I've already driven the car, it still happens). Going to take it back to the dealer now because my car has the steering wheel problem. Talked to the dealer's service manager and told him I'd bring in the car on next Monday. Will have to dig back several hundred posts to find out what was done on other impalas with the same or similar problem. The noise is a clunking sound and I really notice it when I'm braking or turning. Heard another sound last night, thought it was the headliner flapping. Could not determine.

oil_mutt

After reading your post I checked my oil, which had recently been changed with the filter by the dealer and found it to be 3/8" above the crosshatched area. This did not bother me at first as our other cars are all Fords and the owner's manual says it is okay if the dipstick shows 1/2 qt. high immediately after the oil and filter have been changed.

I took it back to the dealer and the mechanic refused to drain any of the oil out saying that it was okay as long as the oil did not exceed the numbers on the dipstick which are probably another 1/2 qt. higher than what it had been filled to. Even though I was unhappy with the answer and pointed out that on Page 6-13 of my owner's manual for the Monte Carlo that if the oil showed above the crosshatched area, the engine could be damaged.

Rather than fight with the mechanic I'm going to change the oil filter in about 500 miles myself as I have been changing the filter at 1500 mile intervals and having the dealer change the oil and filter at 3000 mile intervals. By the way, you stated that the correct amount of oil for a filter and oil change was 4.5 qts. The owners manual states that both the 3.8 and 3.4 engines require 4.3 qts. when both the oil and filter are changed. If you're adding 4.5 qts. you are overfilling by about 6 oz. Sorry for being so nitpicking.

St. Louis MO

discgolfer

I've been waiting for hunter39 and the CD changer, and I am even more skeptical now than I was. As I mentioned back in January, I took my 2000LS (with RDS Radio) to 3 different places to get a CD changer installed. The first 2 said "No can do, it won't work in this car". The third said yes. I left my car there for 3.5 hours, before they called and said "No CD changer available would work in the car", unless I was willing to have a seperate remote, or the FM thingy.... It appears they were right.

But if anyone does find one that works, please be sure to post about it.... THANKS.....

dogsrule

Thanks for the comments on the perfomance chips everyone. Great comments. I have every confidence in Superchips from what I can find out. Its just would 10% better numbers be noticible enough to offset premium gas and warrantee concerns? Maybe just wait for the SS?

On the oil issue, BEWARE THE DEALER. I specifically use a dealer to avoid the local lube shop snot nosed punk forgetting to tighten the plug and subsequent lawsuit that would follow.

I'll the spare the you the story, but... dealers may not use their $25/hr ASE and FORD mechanics for oil changes. I caught mine using some snot nosed punk and I prayed hard. Well, as in some self-fulfilling prophesy, that night, one of my party guests announced my car just had an enema all over the new driveway. Yep, plug fell out.

Lesson: YOUR IMPALA MAY NOT BE SEEN BY A MECHANIC.
Check to see who does your routine service!!!!

mediumfry

The TSB site is:

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/

You can drill down to your year, make, and model, and find all TSB's. I think you will find one for the intermediate steering shaft. I need to get mine replaced too. I checked it a couple days ago and found several TSB's. Confusingly, I checked just now and found none. The car is listed, indicating it has one or more TSB's but it shows 0 hits on the query. The other day it got 19 hits for Impalas. I even posted clips from a couple of them about 30posts back. ????????????

For the back seat noise, I actually noticed on my '01 LS that the rear fender on the driver's side was loose. I didn't hear the noise, but found it wasn't as tight as the other side just by inspecting it. I took it in to the dealer and they said they found a part missing and replaced it. A brace for that front part of the wrap-around bumper that is the bottom part of the rear of the wheel well. It's much tighter now...

kenbuzz

I contacted MNR to get a quote for the piece-parts in the CD Changer kit (basically a cartridge and mounting hardware, since we're assuming one already has the Changer in hand and the Impala is pre-wired with the harness).

According to Michael Fox (michael@mnrelectronics.com), mounting hardware for the changer is not available after the vehicle has been produced. His direct quote is: "It has to be a factory option." (The Cartridge is $60 from them, part#25659168. I'll bet Hutton can do better.) Thus, mounting hardware is *not* part of the kit, nor is it available separately.

Thinking about installation options, the MNR site says, "It is up to the installer to figure out mounting applications. Best suited options include Velcro the unit to the trunk floor". Using heavy-duty Velcro to strap the unit down to the trunk carpeting is an option, but to me it would seem that to keep the unit in place one would need to strap it left-to-right *AND* front-to-back. One should consider that the front-to-back strapping may interfere with cartridge access.

Another couple of potential drawbacks to Velcro mounting to the trunk floor are (1) items sliding in the trunk may hit the unit, (2) you can't use a full-trunk liner, (3) easy to steal, and (4) risk of damage from water or other liquid [I carry windshield washer fluid in my trunk, I've had bottle lids fail. I am also worried about groceries possibly introducing moisture to the trunk.]

In my 95 Grand Prix, I mounted the changer under the shelf, centered, even though that got in the way of me carrying larger items in the trunk after that. I'm wondering whether that might be the best place to mount it on the Impala too?

nosirrahg

I went to the NTHSA link posted in message 2997, and browsed through the "consumer complaints" section. There were several instances of hestitation, and in at least a couple of instances, the problem was that a plastic bag had been sucked into the ductwork that feed air to the engine, which resulted in the engine shutting down. I can see where it might be possible for this to happen, so as crazy as it seems, those having hesitation problems might want to take a look and make certain the inlet isn't obstructed.

hvan3

I"m number 3000. History has been made. hehe

nosirrahg

Another problem that seemed to come up often is the fact that when stopped on an incline, removing one's foot from the brake causes the vehicle to roll backwards.

I make a couple of stops like this every day going to work, and I have noticed that if I don't hold my foot on the brake, the car will begin to roll backwards. I've simply learned to keep my foot on the brake until I'm ready to go, then move my foot directly from the brake to the gas pedal and move on. Seemed more like a common-sense thing to me rather than a defect; anybody else notice this problem? It came up several times on the NTHSA site, but I don't think it has ever been mentioned here.

crosley4

I agree that it is not a defect for the car to roll on a slope.

The engineers are working for low drag & rolling resistance to increase fuel mileage. I guess the car rolling on a slope is what happens.

Decades ago there was a feature on some cars that would hold the vehicle in place.

casl

I've got this problem too. I have to use two feet to drive when stopping on hills because during the time it takes to move your foot from the brake to the accelerator, the rolling starts. It will actually roll down the whole hill if you let it. My Cavalier never did this, so it kind of took me by surprise on the Impala.

As for the hesitation, I'm bringing it to the dealer again on Monday to run yet another diagnostic check. I'll have them check the throttle body (#2988) and the air intake (#2999), but I don't have high hopes that they'll find anything. They haven't been able to find or duplicate the problem yet.

cookie01

Anyone "might" be as clueless as I AM!! I have to share that I found out only this morning (I've owned this car 15 months!) that you CAN forward the tracks on a CD without having to skip an entire song.

I use the steeringwheel controls most all the time. And NEVER knew I could skip through part of a song by using the FWD button on the actual radio. I thought that button was ONLY for tapes (which I hardly play)... and occasionally I thought I'd like to skip through part of a song and didn't think it was possible with this radio.

This morning I was listening to a live Springsteen CD and as any fan knows, The Boss often talks ON AND ON about "life" and once you've heard it 20 times you can get to the point where you just say "Get ON with the song already!" And I've avoided these CDs in the car for that very reason. This morning for some reason I was more awake than usual and I tried the FWD button on the radio and dang me if it didn't work!

There's probably not one of you who hasn't known this since the first week of owning your car. But just in case you need to skip a particularly long harmonica solo on your Blues Travelers CD and couldn't figure out how... you now know.

Have a great weekend all!

roderacer

Skip a John Hopper harmonica solo?!?! NEVER!

But I still know what you mean.

RR

tomaso7

Zaino says some customers use a California Duster. What is it and how much does it cos?. Where are they available. Is it something that is long and feathery and takes the dust off your car with a minimum of pressure applied? Thanks