2005 and Earlier Chevrolet Impala

15960626465265

Comments

  • kenbuzzkenbuzz Member Posts: 99
    In the middle of getting swamped at work, hammered with overdue grad class paperwork, and pestered by the details of refinancing my house, I called-up Salesman Larry to check the status of my LS order (it was ordered 3 weeks ago, and was scheduled to be built next week.)

    Salesman Larry tells me it's already built and was loaded on the truck this past weekend. It could show up ANY DAY NOW!! It might even come in tonight, there's a truck with 4 cars due in and mine might be one of them.

    If I wasn't so distracted with other things, I'd probably be completely psyched-out right about now. But since the earliest I will be able to go collect it will be Saturday (business trip this week), I'll just have to force myself to not think about it. :D

    (SanDrift, Neutral Leather, all options)
  • night_owl1night_owl1 Member Posts: 760
    Even though I said I wasn't gonna crosspost, I thought this was important.


    I discovered a new CD changer that works in our car. See the CD changer page for more info.


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

  • tomaso7tomaso7 Member Posts: 91
    By BRIAN GRAY, TORONTO SUN
    One driver asked them to hold the pickles but the
    Ontario Provincial Police gave Operation Distraction the
    works.

    OPP officers in the GTA laid 137 careless driving
    charges yesterday, slapping distracted motorists with a
    $325 fine and six demerit points, Sgt. Cam Woolley
    said.

    One 27-year-old man was being watched for speeding
    at 130 km/I when his Nissan inexplicably drove onto the
    shoulder and then back on the road.

    "Police drove along side and found the man attempting
    to steer with his knees while unwrapping a hamburger
    done just the way he likes it," Woolley said.

    MISSED EXIT

    And a 35-year-old woman, driving on Hwy. 401 near
    Kennedy Rd., was reading and updating her daytimer
    and drinking a coffee, he said, when she missed her
    exit.

    "That didn't bother her," Woolley said. "She swerved
    over the shoulder and cut off a cube van."

    Four new OPP stealth vehicles also pulled in a few
    drivers with other things on their mind, including a
    29-year-old man in a Corvette. On the 401 near the
    DVP he sped past the unmarked car at 170 km/h while
    talking on his cell.

    Operation Distraction continues tomorrow and will then
    remain as part of the highway patrol's duties.
  • kenbuzzkenbuzz Member Posts: 99
    Salesman Larry called this morning. My car is in. They're going to clean/prep it for me, and it'll be ready for pickup tomorrow.

    I'm NOT in a hurry, since it came before I was ready. My financing is all set-up, but I was holding off until 2 weeks before delivery to order the check, just in case rates slipped again. Alas, the LS came in 3 weeks early, so the check isn't here (it's enroute, but it'll be Thurs/Fri before I see it).

    So, I can go visit my new baby, but I can't take delivery yet. Arrgh!
  • tomaso7tomaso7 Member Posts: 91
    The distributor contacted me and said all is well. He said the California Duster probably has some residue left on it and when that disappears the duster will work as indicated. So for those who want to use Zaino and the Duster it's OK.
  • caslcasl Member Posts: 33
    Brought my 2k to the dealer again yesterday. They couldn't find anything or duplicate the hesitation problem (they never can), but found a software update which they installed for the cold hesitation. We'll wait and see if that works.

    Also, due to the great information everyone shares here, the dealer ordered my wheel well liners and will be installing them soon. Thanks!
  • cabellocabello Member Posts: 101
    I'm buying a small Sea-doo boat and I was wondering if anybody has added a hitch to the Impala? I know JC Whitney has some class II (HiddenHitch) hitches for $114.00 but for the Impala you need a special wiring harnes which costs $70.00. So, total I;m looking at around $190.00. Anybody aware of this. Any help Apreciated.
  • tomaso7tomaso7 Member Posts: 91
    Up here in Ontario, Canada our gas price is 81.5 cents Canadian per LITRE.
    There are 3.78 litres in one U.S. gallon.
    That means we are paying $3.08 Canadian for one of your gallons.
    Because our government has seen fit to devalue our dollar that means I am paying
    $2.12 U.S.
    We used to have Imperial gallons as our measurement and the Imperial gallon was about 20% larger than a U.S. gallon.
    Therefore, in Canadian dollars we in Ontario are paying $3.66 an Imperial gallon. This is the biggest rip off since TEMPORARY INCOME TAX TO FUND THE WAR EFFORT!!! For you young guys, that's the first World War. BTW for you history buffs did you know Canada declared war on Japan before the United States after the attack on Pearl Harbor?
  • cabellocabello Member Posts: 101
    Trailering(1) Trailer classification Light

    Gross trailer weight (lbs./kg, up to) 1000/454

    Maximum tongue load (lbs./kg) 100/46
  • tpkentpken Member Posts: 1,108
    Let's see - if we need to fill up our Suburban which we would take for a family vacation - say 35 gallons (42 gal tank) at $2.12 = $74.20 US!

    Maybe I'll leave the kids home and just take the wife for a weekend - the Bonneville gets 30 mpg vs the Suburban at 15 mpg to say nothing of the cheeseburgers I won't have to keep buying!

    Tourism might be a bit bleak up there this year - eh?

    Ken
  • roderacerroderacer Member Posts: 311
    Happy to hear your wait is over.. well besides the 'voluntary' part. I hope I get as lucky as you have... even though I was told my LS was built two weeks ago, I have a strange feeling I won't be getting it for some time.

    Oh, the bra would look pretty slick on the Sandrift color!

    Enjoy!
    RR
  • kenbuzzkenbuzz Member Posts: 99
    Okay, time for me to act like a complete idiot. I'm taking delivery on my LS on Friday or Saturday, and have read about things that some people did not know they should have received when they got their car.

    Can I trouble everyone to try to see if we could generate a checklist of sorts? Mine has all the bells and whistles, so if you're uncertain if it should be there, go ahead and assume that it should. Here's my start, please cut/paste to your own post and add things as necessary:

    Things to make sure you get when taking delivery:
    - Car (no dings, no paint blemishes)
    - Floor mats (front and rear)
    - Owners manual
    - Car Warranty Info
    - Tire Warranty Info
    - Remote entry fobs (two)
    - Coin Holder (in console)
    - OnStar Antenna

    Anything else?
  • tpkentpken Member Posts: 1,108
    Spare tire and jack properly in place
    Seat belts (my Bonneville was missing rear middle belts)
    Doors, hood and trunk align, open, close properly
    Steering wheel on center


    Proper operation of controls - lights, dual climate, windows, seat, SR, door locks, trunk release - amazing what you will find sometimes (seats work backwards etc!)

    Radio, CD, Tape (you might want to hit defrost button and ensure the radio FM band still works - mine didn't and needed replacement rear window)

    How to open the hood - sounds simple but isnt always

    I'm sure others have more suggestions.

    Congrats on that beautiful new Impala. Your color choice is gorgeous - one of my top 2 personal favorites (Navy and neutral is the other)

    Best wishes for many years and miles of driving enjoyment.

    (Turnpike) Ken
  • tomaso7tomaso7 Member Posts: 91
    Look closely and make sure car does not have swirls marks on or in the paint.
    Wash yourself!
    Check to see the glue from the door kick plates on each door has been taken off. Mine wasn't.
    Only sign in with On-Star if you are going to use it right away. You can save the start of your free one year when you begin a vacation etc...
    Check driver's rear quarter panel for solidity. Some are missing bolts up in the well. Compare looseness to passenger rear quarter panel.
    Check to see if plastic has been taken off side air bag. Mine wasn't.
    Hope this helps.
  • sweetpollysweetpolly Member Posts: 99
    Casl,

    What type of software update was installed on your car? Is there a number? I'm taking my car to the dealer this week and want to give them any info I can to help clear up my hesitation (which they can't seem to duplicate, as well). Thanks
  • lortolorto Member Posts: 25
    I would add:
    - Trunk Cargo Net
    - Full tank of gas
    - Splash Guards (If you got them thrown in on the deal) GM P/N 12496349 - front, GM P/N 12496350 - rear.

    Regards,
    Lorto
  • kenbuzzkenbuzz Member Posts: 99
    So, to recap, the delivery checklist now looks like this:

    Exterior:
    - Finish (no dings, no paint blemishes, no paint swirls)
    - Door/hood/trunk alignment
    - Door/hood/trunk open/close properly
    - Door kick plates (check for excess glue)
    - OnStar Antenna attached
    - Driver rear quarter panels. Check bolts in well, compare to passenger side for looseness.
    - Splash guards (I didn't get these thrown in, but it wouldn't hurt to see if they're there!)

    Interior:
    - Floor mats (front and rear)
    - Seat belts (2 front, 3 rear)
    - Coin holder (in console)
    - Side air bag plastic removed
    - Spare tire/Jack properly in place (trunk)
    - Cargo net

    Electrical:
    - Lights (incl Fog lights)
    - Defroster
    - Dual Climate Controls
    - Windows, Door Locks
    - Pwr Seats, Seat Heaters
    - Trunk Release
    - Radio (CD and Tape operations) (FYI: the first tune to be played by my Impala will be "Let It Roll" by Little Feat)
    - Defroster/Radio Interference

    Alignment:
    - Steering wheel on center (wheels forward)

    Paperwork:
    - Owner's Manual
    - Car Warranty Info
    - Tire Warranty Info

    Other:
    - Remote entry fobs (two, perhaps three)
    - Full tank of gas

    Thanks everybody. Anything else to add? :)
  • cabellocabello Member Posts: 101
    Trailer hitches anyone? Does anybody have one?

    Thanks,
  • hunter39hunter39 Member Posts: 375
    My first disc was "Aja" by Steely Dan... I don't think I've played a cassette yet...
  • bh0001bh0001 Member Posts: 340
    I just booked an appointment for May 18 to get a Class 2 hitch installed on my LS. All I'm going to "tow" is a bike rack, so I'm not even getting electrical connections done.
    Brad
  • nick01nick01 Member Posts: 84
    A few years ago I had a new chevy truck come in with the steering wheel upside down and no oil pressure. They had to completely remove the dash to access the oil pressure problem. Oil or hydrolic fluid from the car carrier had leaked onto the top of the cab and run down the back of the cab. they had to repaint the cab. A 1980 chevy car came in with chain marks up and down both sides from the car carrier. They had to do some body work and repaint the whole car.
    Nick
  • larryhartlarryhart Member Posts: 23
    In addition to the two key-fobs you should also receive a "valet key".

    Also make sure that the trunk grip (pull-down) is installed.

    Tripe Face Boogie would be a good second choice.

    Congrats on your new ride !! . . . LH
  • kenbuzzkenbuzz Member Posts: 99
    Nick: You've just reminded me, add "check fluid levels" to the checklist (oil, brake, pwr steer, etc.)

    Hunter: In a weird sorta way, I'm looking forward to having a cassette player. My library is stocked full with books on tape, but not one book on CD.
  • p2001p2001 Member Posts: 7
    Yes, look for minor body dents. Those car lots are very tightly packed and door dings are common. You should receive three keys but only two fobs.
  • yurakmyurakm Member Posts: 1,345
    And I thought that the spare tire well full of soap / water solution is the worst what can happens...

    This happened when I bought my Malibu. The car, most probably, was washed with trunk lid not closed tightly. Had to dry the carpet (and especially the soft "undercarpet" "felt") for about week.

    By the way, the same happened recently again, when I washed the car in a tunnel car wash. Next day washed Regal at the same wash - this time the wash employee opened the hood. No problem with drying the carpet, but a bit dangerous.

    Mea culpa: I am always using the parking brake, instinctively, and forgot this is a wrong thing to do when at wash. Naturally, the wash employee pushed all buttons and pulled all levers around, opening the lid and/or hood.
  • hvan3hvan3 Member Posts: 630
    ...and lastly, make sure your Impala comes with a coinholder! Mine didn't!!
  • hvan3hvan3 Member Posts: 630
    I just came back from our business trip in Mexico. Yesterday, we rented a 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis LS. Bottom line, I think this car is "inferior" compare to our Impalas. There are many things that I don't like about the Grand Marquis LS, but I won't bother mentioning it. One thing I hate about Ford's vehicles is the sound of the door closing (clank). Shouldn't all doors have a "thump" sound when closing? To me, a "thump" sound tells me the car is well insulated.

    Our previous trip to Mexico, we rented a Kia Optima. Between the Optima and the Grand Marquis, I was very impress with the Optima. Overall, I still think the Impala is a solid vehicle!!

    Oh, on our way to and from Mexico, I saw 5 Galaxy Silver Impalas. One Impala was sitting on the highway curb (probably broken down). :(
  • hvan3hvan3 Member Posts: 630
    I took my car in yesterday to have my wheel liner install and have the seat belt recall done. After coming back from my Mexico trip, I was disapointed to find that none of those was done. The service rep told me they had to order the seat belt components. Thus, i have to take the car back in the future. As for the wheel liner, they ran my VIN # and was told that my Impala does not require the TSB wheel liner. I asked him does that mean my vehicle already come with the wheel liners? He couldn't say yes or no, but was told by a warranty specialist that it wasn't require.

    Someone else on this board confirmed that his 2000 Impala already has the rear wheel liners installed when he bought his Impala. Since his and mine have a built date of 05/00, I can assume that NOT all 2000 Impala came without the liners.

    Bottom line, I will no longer pursue with dealer on this TSB. I'm assuming that my 2000 Impala already has the wheel liners.

    BTW, can someone send me picture of what this wheel liner looks like on the vehicle? I looked at the rear wheels and I do see the liners. I'm not sure if I'm looking at the right thing. LOL

    Thanks!
  • 00impala00impala Member Posts: 474
    Don't forget to get the "Moroney" Sticker....AKA The Window Sticker. That name comes from the Late 50's when Auto Makers were required to post the Price and info on all New Cars. To avoid dealer charging anything they really wanted over the msrp. 1958 I believe was the first year. Anyway, you will want that! Don
  • kenbuzzkenbuzz Member Posts: 99
    I'm thinking of keeping the cargo net from my Grand Prix and using it for the Impala, even though it's supposed to come equipped with one. You see, my GP didn't come with a net, and I "found" one in the trunk of a rental Pontiac I drove on a business trip, so I gave it a home in my trunk.

    Silly question time, since it's unlikely that I'll actually _need_ a 2nd net, but could someone dive into their trunk and let me know whether a 2nd net might actually be a good thing to have? Are there any obvious "good places" to hook net #2 onto, or should I just leave my adopted rental net in the trunk of the soon-to-be-traded Grand Prix?

    PS - I've got coin holder and window sticker already on my list. I'll post the complete list tomorrow, keep 'em coming folks! :)
  • nick01nick01 Member Posts: 84
    last year I got locked out of my wife's tracker at the car wash. The guy that sweeps it out just before it dissappears into the washer leaned on the lock switch. when it got to the other end they had to push it out of the building by hand. I didnt have the fob to the tracker on my key chain and the spare key was at home with the wife. took them about 1/2 hr to unlock it. Now I carry a spare to the wife's car and mine. I never use my parking brake and some day I'll probably wish I had :)
    Nick
  • juliusjulius Member Posts: 2
    Can someone tell me what the power wattage, power output rating is on the Impala 2000lS amplifier? this is the so called BEST audio system. Has anyone looked at the rear speakers, their from the 60s. Never realized until i started taking things apart.
  • nosirrahgnosirrahg Member Posts: 872
    Mine was Rod Stewart's "Let me be your car", which I've always thought would be a good tune to use in a car commercial (at least the chorus).
  • duraflexduraflex Member Posts: 358
    My 2000 Impala LS is in the shop to address a feeling of looseness in the front end.

    It's been getting slowly worse over the last few weeks. I put it off because I dread having the car worked on. My confidence in today's mechanics is very low based on too many bad experiences that I have read here or heard from friends/relatives.

    It seems AOK on the highway going straightaway at 65.
    However, on the back streets when driving on rippled streets or going around bumpy turns or up driveways at slow to medium speeds - it just doesn't feel tight anymore.

    QUESTION:
    For those who have had the intermediate steering shaft repaired or the aluminum engine cradle repaired or replaced, what is your best guess as to the source of my problem - based on my description. Also, could it be a front strut problem?

    PS: My warranty rental is a 2001 Olds Aurora with a 3.5V6. It was the Olds or a 7 passenger van. Nice car. Steers the way my Impala used to steer - nice and tight.
  • kenbuzzkenbuzz Member Posts: 99
    Here's the latest version...

    Exterior:
    - Finish (no dings, no paint blemishes, no paint swirls)
    - Door/hood/trunk alignment
    - Door/hood/trunk open/close properly
    - Door kick plates (check for excess glue)
    - OnStar Antenna attached
    - Driver rear quarter panels. Check bolts in well, compare to passenger side for looseness.

    Interior:
    - Floor mats (front and rear)
    - Seat belts (2 front, 3 rear)
    - Coin holder (in console)
    - Side air bag plastic removed
    - Spare tire/Jack properly in place (trunk)
    - Cargo net
    - Trunk emergency escape

    Electrical:
    - Lights (incl Fog lights)
    - Defroster
    - Dual Climate Controls
    - Windows, Door Locks
    - Pwr Seats, Seat Heaters
    - Trunk Release (remote)
    - Radio (CD and Tape operations)
    - Defroster/Radio interference

    Under the Hood:
    - Check all fluids
    - - Oil
    - - Brake Fluid
    - - Coolant
    - - Power Steering
    - - Winshield Washer

    Alignment:
    - Steering wheel on center (wheels forward)

    Paperwork:
    - Owner's Manual
    - Car Warranty Info
    - Tire Warranty Info
    - Sticker
    - Invoice

    Other:
    - Remote entry fobs (two)
    - Keys (three)
    - Full tank of gas
  • kenbuzzkenbuzz Member Posts: 99
    So you slide into your brand new Impala. It's got that new car smell, the odometer reads "000003", and you've turned the engine over for that drive off the dealer lot. You snap on the radio (which has been set to either a country station or a rap station by the detailer, but you ignore that for now) and you pull out your favorite tape or CD for the first-ever song to be played as you begin to pull away.

    What is/will be/was that song?

    For my 87 Grand Am, it was "Whip It" by DEVO
    For my 89 Grand Am, it was "Turn to Stone" by ELO
    For my 95 Grand Prix SE, it was "Fat Man in the Bathtub" by Little Feat
    For my 2K1 Impala LS, it will be another Little Feat tune, "Let It Roll"

    What's yours?
  • lortolorto Member Posts: 25
    Hey Chris,

    What brand bra do you have? I too have a silver 2001 LS and am interested in purchasing one. I hear the Cogan is nice but GM offers one also. BTW, I think we were at PSAB at the same time. Jan, Feb, Mar 2001. I used what I saved for a $4,000 down payment. Small world huh?
  • larryhartlarryhart Member Posts: 23
    Ken - Not sure about the "Trunk emergency escape", but please make sure that the trunk strap (pull-down) is installed. (Still fond of Tripe Face Boogie)

    Duraflex - I had a new 2K1 cradle installed on my Y2K LS, my dealer insisted on this not the shim fix & he was right. My clunking & looseness was solved by the new cradle. I thought that the Intermediate Steering Shaft was the culprit & was pleasantly surprised that the cradle solved my problems. There's another Edmund's Impalaphile with the same symptoms & cure as me - - DMullins, please expound if you're around. . .Thx, LH
  • jeffreyw1jeffreyw1 Member Posts: 145
    I would like to add to your list - making sure that no pieces of the interior plastic, leather / cloth, or vinyl door covering has any dirty smudges on them. My car did and it was a pain to remove them. Just thought I would add that. I hope you enjoy that new Impala. What field are you studying in for your graduate studies? Have a great day all!
  • jeffbogjeffbog Member Posts: 63
    Good luck, let me know if you are satisfied after you go to the dealer for repair.

    As a member of the previously perfect Impala club, here is my somewhat long winded, to date experience with the same problem.

    1st trip: Brought car in with same complaint. Specifically asked dealer to check intermediate steering shaft. No problem found after car was driven and 'inspected'.

    I changed the oil two days later and found power steering fluid running out of the rack assembly. Had been for some time. Fluid was low. Fluid all over the bottom of the car.

    2nd trip: Brought in car to show them the problem. Steering rack assembly ordered. Asked them how they inspected the car without lifting it up on the rack the first time. They said they did. I then asked "who's car did you inspect?" No response to my satisfaction.

    3rd trip: Parts in, car in to have rack replaced. Asked them to check steering shaft again. Now the shaft was found defective. Both replaced.

    4th trip: After still having the problem and driving around with a tech who could feel the problem in the brake and steering wheel (sounds like the shaft again) a new 2001 cradle was ordered. It was installed a week later.

    To this day, the problem still exists. I have a case file open with GM. They do not want to buy the car back stating that it is fine. My next step is to bring it to another dealer who will hopefully agree that there is still a problem. Been busy with work, that will happen next week. In the meantime, I am driving my 89 LeSabre with 110K miles. I am more confident with its steering.

    Dura, let me know what happens with your situation.
  • kenbuzzkenbuzz Member Posts: 99
    Jeffreyw1: Smudges, check. My grad studies = Systems Engineering from Johns Hopkins

    Jeffbog: Sounds like you've got idiots working there locally. What model year and build date is your Impala?
  • roderacerroderacer Member Posts: 311
    Just got a call from my dealer... my Black LS has arrived! Ironic since I called last night and was told that it would be another 2-3 weeks for sure... Anyhow, work sucks. I wish I could take off right now and drool all over her. *Can't forget that this job will be paying for it!

    I am compiling that great checklist as soon as I finish typing this!

    Thanks all.

    RR
  • jeffbogjeffbog Member Posts: 63
    Oops, should have given enough information.

    2000 LS, Purchased in March 2000. I think the car was produced 11/99. I'll check tonight.

    Problem noticed around 16K, brought it in around 18K after I figured I could easily replicate at the dealer. Currently at just under 21K.
  • tomaso7tomaso7 Member Posts: 91
    At the age of 55 - I don't care, BUT in the very first car I bought with my own money back in 1964, a red VW bug with black interior, the song that began just as I pulled onto the street and turned on the radio was "Roy Orbison's PRETTY WOMAN! Can't beat that even if I tried. It was totally a coincidence. From that day on, the car was dubbed PRETTY WOMAN even when all 4 fenders were banged in and the bumpers dented in various accidents - I drove for a living then and NOT ONE mishap was my fault. Got them all fixed at one time for half the cost. Kept the remaining insurance money. cheers
  • impalaboy2001impalaboy2001 Member Posts: 117
    I bought the 2 piece GM bra, which cost me around $112. Very nice fit. The GM bra also has the "Impala" text logo embossed in it. What branch of service are you in? I happened to be in the Air Force, and I deployed to PSAB exactly one year ago.
    Chris
  • kenbuzzkenbuzz Member Posts: 99
    I thought I read somewhere that the PerfectFit bra sold by carbras.com was also embossed with the Impala logo. I tried searching but came up empty. Can anyone confirm/deny that?
  • duraflexduraflex Member Posts: 358
    My loose front end problem was solved by replacing the INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT.

    What a huge difference. Young, clean, competent mechanic. Restored my faith.
    The car literally drives like new.

    What ticks me is that we have to "discover" these problems AND THEIR SOLUTIONS for ourselves!!!

    GM should be telling us there's a problem - BUT there's a fix - bring your cars in and we'll take care of them for you - not the other way around.

    I kind of guessed it wasn't insuffucient cradle welds or they would have shown up early on. Failing struts were still a possibility.
    Had it not been for the internet and this edmunds forum - I would not have had a clue.
  • p2001p2001 Member Posts: 7
    Flashdance -" What a Feeling!" Play it when the Corvette comes out of storage each spring.
  • fathertyriciusfathertyricius Member Posts: 116
    The first tune I played in my new 2001 LS was "Suppers Ready" by Genesis. The stereo system played it flawlessly.
  • frankb7frankb7 Member Posts: 18
    Folks,

    Being from the 60's generation, I used to follow cars using cubic inches and brake horsepower as the standards to compare notes. Over the years, I have sort of gotten used to the '3.8 liters', or net horsepower nomenclature, when comparing current cars against current cars. I am still not able to compare today's cars vs. my notions of the old 60's and 70's cars. For instance, 300+ HP was a moving machine, etc.

    My question is: Does anyone know the formula for translating cubes to liters, or BHP to Net HP? In essense, I want to know what a 3.8 Impala translates to, and what 200 Net HP translates to in old terminology.

    Thanks

    Frank
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