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The original replacement minibulb is not available for sale in the US, only in Canada. The original factory bulb is 12V, 6 watts (Extended life rating to 1000 hours)wedge type. The closest bulb replacement match that can be purchased in the US is the "168" wedge type minibulb, rated at 12V 4.9 Watts.
The 168 4.9 watt bulb does not provide the same quality of brightness as the factory 6 watt bulb. The 6 watt bulb does not exist on any US OEM bulb replacement autoguides that I have been able to check.
I am having my dealer placing an order directly to the Oshawa factory for a batch of the 6 watt wedge base minibulbs.
What a hassle!
Wonder what the bulb in the mirror is...
I disagree with garypen about changing the oil without changing the filter. A dirty filter filters BETTER than a clean one, as long as it's not clogged. In fact, a filter is at its best just before it clogs. That's because dirt has to pass through other dirt before it can pass through the filter media.
Clogging a filter is very bad. Using a filter to its best ability is good.
I just stopped over to a local Chevy Dealership to see what the 2003's look like, sure enough they had several LS's and one LS High Sport model. Luckily the doors were open on all models, immediately I noticed that the driver's side air bad is GONE! To make sure that I wasn't loosing my mind, I checked out all of the 2003's (including the fully loaded High Sport model) and NONE had the air bag.
Well, I dunno about you all, but I sure am glad that I opted to purchase a 2002 Impala LS this past June as opposed to waiting for a 2003! At least having the air bag helps to decrease the insurance! Additionally, the aluminum wheels on the 2003 models look pretty crappy to me! They don't even look as nice (or as solidly built) as the original aluminum wheel setup!
Phewww.. just my two cents! Out of all the lousy ways to save a buck from an already DYNAMITE vehicle! Geesh!
Thanks!
IExplore2000@aol.com
By the way, what was the sticker price on those LS that you saw?
I will be replacing my 2000 LS this fall, either with another, a Pontiac Grand Prix GTP (owned a 98), or a Mazda6. If I can't get a GM car equipped at least as well as my 2000 LS (and yes, I like the coinholder, but safety equipment is FAR more important here), Mr. Lutz and company will be to blame when I start tooling around in what amounts to a Japanese Ford built in Flat Rock.
I really don't understand it. The Hondas of the world incorporate "surprise and delight" features into their cars while watching costs. Why would GM take out features so obvious and so important as side airbags? Many dealers will not order the options, as low price seems to drive most sales people.
Well, time will tell...
We just bought a 02 Alero 3 months ago and I read the 03 will have ABS optional now but they will reduce the price $200. Add the ABS back and you pay more for the car. I'm not sure GM is doing the right thing here on a bread and butter car like the Impala but like johnclineii said, time will tell.
When the police finds your car (If ever or in one piece) I am sure they'll know exactly how they broke into it. Remember that the ignition lock cylinder is mounted in the dashboard, not the steering column as most other cars.
But like our resident expert said, a tow truck and a flatbed can do the trick. I also suspect your car is somewhere South of the border sipping some tequilas....
The base Impala never had standard ABS brakes from the get go, only the 4-wheel disc brake setup. I checked a few 2003 LS models and with the exception of the new "Diamond cut" alloy wheels, the car otherwise essentially looks identical to the '00,'01 and '02's.
The price increase is about $400 over the 2002 LS.
A lot of items are options or not even offered in most Japanese bread and butter sedans. You want ABS, Alloys, CD player, power windows, etc, etc? You'll pay for them boy!
To see the extent of the "Dicontenting" on these cars take an Impala base sedan as the baseline. If GM is removing the standard power windows, taking out the A/C, switching the V6 engine for a four banger and so forth, then we can safely say that they are hurting the car's overall value. But otherwise?
BTW, the driver's side airbag is also an option when selecting the power front bucket/bench seats. Always has, always will. If you buy a car with manual adjusting seats, you can't get the driver's side airbag.
A Tijuana Taxi ferrying touristas from the border, with a crown shaped air freshener on the dash, 13" wheels with whitewall tires that stick out too far, and the traditional "La Cucaracha" horn that dates back to the Conquistadors.
Let's here it for our men in blue, always on top of things.
I don't remember if they replaced the horn with one that played the hat dance, though.
I would take the insurance check, and let the insurance company keep the car, if recovered. there's a good chance that it will also be mutilated or mutated, if they ever find it.
Take the insurance check and move on...plenty of cars to go around...
<<Why would GM take out features so obvious and so important as side airbags? Many dealers will not order the options, as low price seems to drive most sales people.>>
GM has to penny pinch on the 2003 models because SOMEONE has to pay up for the loss profit on all those 2002 vehicles with BIG discounting and 0% financing!
Thanks 2k_Impala_ls. But, does the service manual specify the candle power or watt rating of the recommended 168 Bulb? The original factory bulb is a 168 6 Watt unit not sold in the US, only Canada. The factory bulb provides a nice and very bright illumination quality. The most "powerful" 168 bulb sold in the US is rated at 4.9 watts which is barely adequate to provide illumination to the back seat quarters.
Night_owl: Do you know about places where they import hard to find automotive bulbs?
With oil filters being cheaper than synthetic oil, maybe it might be "cheaper" to change the filter and keep the oil longer and let the oil monitor decide when it is time to change. Personally I wouldn't go that route. Leaving a dirty oil filter with new oil is definitly "penny wise, pound foolish".
Remember oil performs a variety of functions:
Lubricates
Cleans
Cools
Check these websites for info:
http://www.mobil1.com/index.jsp
http://www.amsoil.com/frequent.htm
I've switched to Mobil1 after 13000 miles. The vehicle is used in short stop and go traffic in dusty conditions.
drivin' - I think the difference in watt ratings between the Canadian and US versions of the 168 bulb might be a matter of our standards being different. If I'm not mistaken, the designation "168" signifies not only the physical size, but the electrical characteristics, as well. That is why the 194 bulbs fit, but had such lower output.
Once you install the new US 168 bulb, see if there really is a difference in light output. If there is, it will probably be negligible at best between 4.9 and 6 watts. If it's really noticible, just change both of them, and VOILA they now match!
Try calling CandlePower. They carry many automotive light bulbs. They were my supplier at one time for Yamaha Motors. His number is 301-340-0224 (Maryland), and ask for Gil Lynch. Tell him that a former Yamaha employee referred you to him.
Let me know if he can assist you.....
For those who change their oil every 3K miles or so, why spend that extra money on synthetic oil, when conventional oil is certainly good for 3K? I think it might make sense for those who just can't get around to changing it for 5K to 6K miles, but conventional is perfectly fine for 3K...
Lastly, I would ALWAYS change the filter when I change the oil...
JMHO......
A chart I have seen uses candlepower (cp) as bulb output, not wattage (which technically is a measure of the heat produced, not light output, but hey...). In that chart (see http://lighting.mbz.org/tech/info/lights/signal_bulbs/) the 168 is listed at 3 cp with a life of 1500 hours. There is only one type of 168 listed, and I kind of hesitate to think there are two 168s (why use a standard if you don't stick to it--otherwise, number it differently). Anyway, the 194 is 2 cp. There is a brighter European bulbs with the same form factor that works in the same socket--2825 or W5W. This is 4 cp, but lasts only 300 hours. Those are often available at places like AutoZone (under the 2825 number) or at dealers that sell European cars (under the W5W designation).
Maybe try getting a couple of 2825s and see. They won't last as long, but as an non-signal light, that may not matter as much.
It's never OK to let a filter plug to the point of by-passing, but it's always OK to let it operate with some dirt in the media.
In all honesty I have not seen the 2825 bulb in my near by auto parts stores but tomorrow plan on visiting a few bigger stores located in the suburbs that might be better stocked and carry the 2825 replacement bulbs.
Also, i would like to replace the stock 194 bulb for the trunk with a brighter 168 or even 2825 bulb.
Again, thanks for your insight...you have solved the puzzle!
Hvan3: I appreciate your lead. I'll keep it handy for future refence.
Speaking of filters, I have a question regarding the fuel filter.....how often does it need to be replaced? The Owner's manual recommends replacing both, the engine air filter and the A/C Pollen cabin air filter on 15K mile service intervals but does not mention anything about replacing the fuel filter at all. My dealer recommends changing the filter every 15K miles but I was wondering whether this is overkill or indeed it is a good idea to have it taken care of along with the other 2 filters.
Thanks everyone for your responses.
Changing the filter is pretty easy, if you can get the rear wheels up on ramps - if memory serves, the filter is underneath the car, near the driver's side passenger door. Expect a good bit of fuel to spill out in the process, though.
Back on my '84 Skyhask, there was a method of removing the fuel from the line, both to avoid accident and release pressure on the hose in general. Seems like it involved removing the fuse for the fuel pump, then trying to start the car for a few turns to burn up all the fuel in the line. Not advocating this for the Impala, but maybe someone who knows more about these systems than I do can come up with a way to change this filter a little more safely.
It sounds like the #3652 would be the way to go for your requirements.
I've also heard that marine supply stores generally have a much better selection of bulbs than auto parts stores.
The large auto parts chains also usually have a big selection of Euro-spec bulbs in addition to the US-spec. I've been able to find all the bulbs for my Jaguar at my local Kragen. Do they have Checker/Schuck's/Kragen/Advance Auto Parts in Florida, or where ever you live?
is almost $2000 more than my '01 LS.
I saw one in the lot a few days ago and the driver side airbag is now a $350 option.
The rest of the car looks essentially the same as the '00,'01 &'02 model years. I guess more significant changes will come about in the 2004 model year and expect an all-new Impala by 2006.
http://www.acdelco.com/html/pi_filt_oil_gold_main.htm
The airbag mounted on the side of the driver's seat. Since 1994, all new cars sold in the US are required to come equipped with dual front airbags (Driver and front passenger side)as a minimal requirement for supplemental restraint systems (SRS). Currently, there is no legislation that forces manufacturers to offer new cars with side and roof mounted airbags, but this could change in the future. Neither one exists for ABS brakes.
Thx
Rob
It is interesting to point out that the new 2002 Toyota Camry sedan was given a pretty lousy side impact rating of only 2 stars (As bad as a Cavalier)even in the presence of side airbags. The car has posted a 5 star and "Best Pick rating" for front impacts but the side protection is thin can foil like and of course Toyota has been silent about it since (Perhaps the 2003's will have reinforced door and structural members).
The current Honda Accord posts 4 stars side rating for front passengers and 5 stars side rating for rear seat passengers.
I think GM is making a mistake (Bob Lutz) by cutting back in standard safety features when other manufacturers are doing exactly the opposite. I am OK if they decide to make OnStar, or the CD player in the stereo optional, but ABS, Traction control and side airbags are a must on a car this size and weight.
I have never seen a W-body car with the passenger side airbag. Either is a cost issue, an engineering problem or both. Chevy has been promising the passenger side airbag since 1999 in the Impala and nothing yet. I suspect we will not see 6 airbags offered as standard or optional until the next generation Impala arrives in 2006.
Anyhow, the Impala was ranked #4 in safety, followed by VW Jetta, Chrylser Sebring, and Dodge Stratus (I think).
Impala 2002 scored an "excellent" rating (full red dots) on ALL categories. I was puzzled why Impala didn't make it on CR's 'Sure Bet" for used cars recommendation, especially when there is a photo of the Impala LS on the front cover!!
Except in most categories. But, otherwise, NEVER. And, they did give the Impala all "excellents". But, that doesn't count.
I'm gonna right a letter to Fidel, and cancel my subscription.
-ps - yes, i did stop to see if i had damage and if the other driver was ok. He was fine, but his Volvo had to visit the emergency room.