2006 Chevrolet Impala

robs6wagon · February 2007

Well, Bryan, Frank and everyone, guess what?? After all of this mind-wrangling I have brought upon myself, I decided to go up to the dealership, speak to the general manager himself, told him all about his "sales manager" and what misgivings I had about the car's history, resale, etc. He was much different than the manager in question, but, of course he has to be. Anyways, his stance was that although the lines of communication should have been better, if he had any employee give false information to the customers, they would be fired on the spot! He showed me the entire history list, including the fact that the car was sold to them through a GM-sponsored auction. Never heard of those auctions, but ok. So, I then took the car for a very long drive to see if every single thing worked properly....flawless!! SO, I took the big chance and decided to take the deal and after driving it for two hours already, I could not be any happier. What a car. A very big thumbs up to Chevrolet!! I dont think, barring the unspeakable, I could give this ride up anytime soon. It is truly and exactly, the car I have been looking for! Thank you, all of you!! -Rob

colchester47 · February 2007

Rob, Life is full of risks, considering all the risks that a person can/will take in life , this is a small one!!,..Enjoy it, Rob...and welcome aboard!!

macpherson · February 2007

Hi all, -Took my Impala in today because of the key fob issue. They gave us 1 new one & did something to the transmitter(?)to extend the range on the other. While there, I had them check the A/C & sure enough, there is an issue so it's going back in. Sure glad it's still under warranty. love the car though

robs6wagon · February 2007

Bryan, whew! I cannot believe that this car was built so well. I am going to actually have a great trip into work on Monday!! (I dont recall ever saying that one before!!). I guess the main reason why I bucked the obvious concern is because my wife and I are getting ready to start searching for our first home sometime after her car is paid in full (the end of this month). By keeping my car payment in check, and, well, by keeping the car for a long period of time, we can now concentrate on this much more important issue! Anyways, without your opinions and insight, my decision wouldnt have been as informed as it should be. Thanks so much and I am glad I am a part of this Impala fraternity! I will post photos as soon as the weather allows me to make it look sweet! Thanks for the welcome!-Rob

mymitties · February 2007

Hey there Ron... Good for you !!.
It's sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders as they say....and it's always wise to keep peace in the family !! You have one awesome car there. Welcome aboard!!

Frank

mymitties · February 2007

Hey Bryan...
'Ya, Was away for a few days and have come back to a bunch of good stuff here !! Great forum and great guys !! Thanks for the inquiry and for watching my back !! What !!..Sell my Black Beauty......NOT ON YOUR LIFE !!!!! By the way , how did you make out with the replacement of your ON STAR battery in the truck. Was it as easy and pain free for you too ...??
Thanks again
Frank

colchester47 · February 2007

Frank, Havn't had it replaced yet, they ordered the battery but it hasn't come in yet. My Onstar green light came on the other day , then went red again. Regardless of the color my Onstar still works fine. Maybe I should leave it alone! :confuse:

mymitties · February 2007

Hi cmsummary....Yes, I did happen to see it....
As far as I know, it hasn't happened/changed...It was probably just planned but not implemented. All the GM USA and Canada technical spec's for the 2006 and 2007 Impala LS & LT's still report horsepower at 211 @ 5800 and torque at 214 @ 4000 for the 3500 3.5L V-6 engine...... I'm sure that when the new '09 Impala comes out with rear wheel drive (HURRRRRAY...!!!!)

that the SS will jump up to at least
325-350 HP and all others will be bumped slightly..
Frank

mymitties · February 2007

Hi Bryan..
My Goodness......Sure is taking them long enough !!
Oh well, typical dealer ordering I guess. 'Ya it was exactly
the same with me with the on & off red light.
Get it changed.. if anything for peace of mine. I didn't understand fully at the time nor did i ask the question.. I was just impatient and wanted it fixed. I should have asked... how is the ON STAR system affected when they say that everything is showing up ok at their end, yet I show a red light malfunction on my end . Just curious.. if you find out please let me know..
It's good to see that Rob finally bit the bullet...obvious you were a big help to him...well done !!!
Talk to you later
Frank

colchester47 · February 2007

Frank, you helped him as much as I did!!..and btw, don't leave us again without telling us....I thought something happened to you!!! yeah, , I'll still get it fixed, if the dealer ever gets it!.......talk later.................bryan

quietpro · February 2007

Rob,
Good going and it's good to see that some Americans have their priorities straight. Buying a home is a very smart and wise choice. Better yet, you're likely enterring the market at a great time. Good luck with the search!
Regarding your new baby, have you tested the FOB range yet? The manual says it is capable out to 195 ft. If you're up to testing it, I'd be interested in how well it's working for you. Even more specifically, it would be interesting to know if it works any better from the front of the car vs. the rear. In my case, the best I can get is about 75-100 ft from the front of my car in my driveway. From the rear or side, maybe 20-30 ft max but, more likely, 10 ft or less consistently. I haven't gone back for the latest fix yet and I don't remember if you said yours had the latest fix either.
Actually, anyone else out there who thinks their's is working properly feel free to take the "challenge" and let us know how well your remote is working.

Thanks all,
Ron

robs6wagon · February 2007

Hi Ron, I havent noticed any real range issue with the transmitter as of yet. However, I did notice that for to "remotely" start the car, it must be locked....I mean locked! It seems like I have had to re-lock the car (after sitting for a while, whether its two hours or overnight), then I am able to use the remote to start the car. Right now, it seems to be working from approx. 40ft in any direction. I havent used it for further distances or angles, but I now will so I can let you know. Thanks for the kind words! -Rob

colchester47 · February 2007

Warning:DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!..Today at approx. 50 ft away, with my back to my car and a mirror in my hand, I aimed the remote in the mirror bouncing it's electronic waves thru the mirror backwards at the car.............and........WAAALAAAA, it started!!!...Do not try this!! Only a trained Professional Fob-Shooter such as myself should perform this act! You could "shoot your eye out"! .......................talk later...Bryan

quietpro · February 2007

Thanks Rob (and Bryan (smart@ss))

. I appreciate your efforts. I know it may seem like some of us are nit-picking about the FOB range but when you want/need it to work, it should. I'm asking for your experiences because the more data I'm armed with, the better able I'll be to argue the case with my service manager. I've already taken my car in for this service once and was assured it was fixed only to find out it was exactly the same as I left it. Since I have to miss work to do this, I want it done right the next time.

Thanks again for the assistance.

Ron

robs6wagon · February 2007

Hi all, just for kicks and giggles, my bose amplifier is also pushing the hiss at low volume. Unfortunately, its the same volume I always put the radio on when I take my lunch-time snooze in the car!!!! LOL Oh well, not a big time deal! Other than some condensation inside the driver's side headlight lens, no runs, drips or errors with this gorgeous black V8 interceptor! I will contact a local Chevy dealer tomorrow. Thanks!! -Rob ps: Frank, thanks again for you help as well!! You guys here in this forum are terrific!

nosirrahg · February 2007

If you're really daring, you can try sticking your FOB up to your chin, using your skull to increase the range. I actually think this works; go to the end of your FOB range currently, then face the car, stick the business end of the FOB against your chin, and press the button...supposedly this can increase the range. I've actually done this a few times when I walked away from my car and wasn't sure if I'd locked it or not...if I do that and it won't register, I stick it to my chin and it often works.

mymitties · February 2007

Hi Bryan..
Great sense humor...I really had a chuckle over this one... But, OH nooooo, now look what you have started.
Hey Ron, it will be interesting to see where this one ends!!!!!
Personally, I hope it's soon...
Later...
Frank

jeberle · February 2007

It's -13 F this morning here in SE Wisconsin. Sure would be nice to have a fob/remote start that works. Suspect that (may) occur sometime in Spring considering how things are currently going with them

macpherson · February 2007

It's -16C in Guelph, ON today. Just got my new fob on Sat. & it works great. Hope the problem is solved once & for all. I've never had rem

ote start before- what a treat! Have a great day all- Bob

mymitties · February 2007

Hey Mac...
Don't stop there....!!! Give us some details on your fix !!
What exactly did they replace ( parts )

etc, etc, etc
Thanks....
Frank

macpherson · February 2007

Took it in because 1 fob did not work at all & the other only worked close-up. They gave me a new one & re-programmed the other somehow ( they said something about the transmitter). Anyhow, they both work great. I have to take it back because I wanted the A/C checked (I wish I needed it now-lol)& sure enough there is a problem that they didn't have time to fix on Sat. But, they promised a loaner & as long as I don't have to pay, i don't really care. What a fabulous car. We traded in a lemon '02 Rendezvous-( I could write volumes about that one). We love, love . love the Impala. Best regards, Bob

mymitties · February 2007

Hi Bob...
Yes-Sir-reee..Bob...!!! It's a great Car !! Thanks for the additional info...
I sure hope that this is all you need... I don't want to burst your bubble or put you on a downer here, but just be aware of the fob issues. If you go back and read some of our previous posts, it will describe most of the frustration most of us have been through, and it might help you understand a bit more. E.g. fobs reprogrammed up to 3-4 times, receiver changed , nasties on message center, etc, etc. They(GM) are suppose to change your antenna, fobs and possibly your receiver...!!!
Keep us posted.....
Frank

bh0001 · February 2007

Hey Bob,

I'm in Guelph too! (small world) Glad your remote is working - did you get the work done at Cullen's? Mine goes in on Wednesday - Andrea and Bill have been really good working with me on this one. I'm soooo looking forward to having this working again.

Although there are quite a few '06 Impalas around town, mine does look a bit different. Black LTZ, tinted windows, winter tires with black rims. It looks almost exactly like a car that the Wellington County OPP have.

Try to stay warm!
Brad

colchester47 · February 2007

for what it's worth...went to my dealer here in new jersey today to see if my Onstar battery was in...it is, will get it fixed later this week. Soooo, I said to the Service Manager, "I have a few friends with "06 Impalas and they seem to have a key fob problem, I don't, but they do, have you had anyone with that problem?" "Yes we've had several of them!!"...So, I said whats the cure?....he said, "We've had a few that had a bad transmitter, some with the fob itself that went bad, even the antenna was bad on 1 or 2 cases...and we had one where the whole system had to be replaced! He said "there's a half dozen reasons why they won't work and you just have to go thru the system sometimes and check everything out til you find whats causing it". so, there, I tried to help everyone out!!......about my Onstar back up battery....he said it takes 5 minutes to change the battery, but the Onstar system should be reset. As to why my light stays on and my Onstar system stills works?..he said, the red light is there only to tell you that the back up battery isn't charged/charging and that my system will continue to work unless I'm in an accident and my main battery gets disconnected , then the Onstar backup battery takes over. If I'm not concerned about being in an accident and my main battery stays connected, my Onstar will still work at all times! There you have it folks, my trip to my dealer today and his 2 cents about a couple of problems!!! Looks like this key fob thing doesn't have a clear cut answer....and he did say that outside interference with your key fob can interrupt the key fob itself!.............talk later........bryan

mymitties · February 2007

Hey Bryan....
Many thanks for your update...It was very helpful for me !!
It answered my question on how the RED light at our end could be affecting the ON STAR system... Good to know...
However, the non clear-cut answer on the fobs (transmitters) I still find a little scarry. Anyway, thanks again.
Later......
Frank

chevy038 · February 2007

Attention all: Just sharing my experiences with my 2007 LTZ. I got it in October (one of the first ones) and i have been experiencing the key fob/tire pressure issue. Been reading this forum and talked to my dealer about the upcoming fix. Last week, they finally replaced the two transmitters and the antenna on the car. Drove it home...still really poor range. Then today my tire monitor light went off again. Took it back to them, and they are now going to replace the reciever module...however the inventory is depleted. That could be due to a new or replacement part comming out as my dealer tells me. So, I just wanted to give everyone a heads up!

chevy038 · February 2007

Oh yeah, my other problem that is just as annoying as this whole key fob issue is what happens when my car goes into 3 cylinder mode. Now, this is ONLY on the 3.9L engine that is ONLY on 2007 3LT or LTZ (2006 didnt have this feature) and is not on the V8's with active fuel management. What is the problem? Whenever it goes into 3 cyl mode...the voltages fluctuate irratically throughout the car. What does this mean? When driving at night, all of my interior lights and headlights go dim/bright/dim/bright like crazy! The voltage dips so low that I even feel reductions and surges in engine power sometimes!! Took it to the dealer...GM "knows" about the problem...but has yet to find the cause, let alone a fix!! Anyone out there with access to GM tech data look up this "headlight flicker" issue on '07 impalas w/ the 3.9L AFM and post this info. And as of now...NOBODY buy an LTZ or 3LT. Wish I would have gone with an SS...but when these two issues get fixed..these are awesome cars..and this is my 2nd impala!

quietpro · February 2007

Sorry to hear you're having problems with your new machine and also that the '07s ALSO have the FOB range issue. But, I will count myself as lucky that I don't have the fluctuating voltage issue. I guess maybe I assume too much when I think that GM has really gone the extra mile in their quality control. But, I'm still optimistic that all will be resolved... :confuse:

Anyway, another little tidbit on my FOB. Today, left work late and it's chilly here (40s) so I tried the remote soon after I left the building. Wouldn't ya know it, it worked today from 75 ft. FROM BEHIND. I know that isn't all that impressive considering how it's SUPPOSED to work but it's the best range I've noticed. The only real difference today was that the lot was nearly empty so I'm guessing less metal causing interference. I may try shooting myself in the chin with it next time to see if it helps. Sounds kind of hokey to me but maybe my fillings will help out. LOL

cmsummary · February 2007

Frank, Thanks for the reply.

quietpro · February 2007

Rob,
I mentioned that in an earlier post about common problems. The fix is a new amp installed on underside of the back deck between the speakers. Some of us have noticed that the sound after the change is a bit overboosted in the mid-to high frequency range. It's not real bad except for certain songs that hit certain pitches. Then, it sounds like something they could use to torture a person. I'm pretty picky, if you hadn't already guessed, so you'll probably never notice it.

Good luck,
Ron

ryster · February 2007

Started up my '06 3.5 LT this morning. It was 7degrees(F) and the car fired right up. Let it warm up for about 10 minutes. Sounded great. No issues. Drove 30 miles to work. Car sat outside for 11 hours while I was at work. Started the car to go home and the engine sounded absolutely awful. The temperature was 14degrees(F). The sound is a very pronounced whine, almost like an electric power drill. It gets louder and higher pitched as RPM's increase. As the engine warmed up, the whine went away while at idle, but would come back if I revved the engine. Didn't go away even after my 30 mile drive back home.

I think it is related to the serpentine belt, so I am going to put some belt dressing on it and see if that helps. I just find it odd that it was fine at 7degrees this morning (and the car hadn't been driven all weekend), and then had an issue when it was 14degrees out and had already been driven earlier in the day for 30 miles (1 hour commute). You would think it would have had the issue this morning and not in the evening. Very odd.

In any event, has anyone else with the 3.5L engine noticed a pronounced whine when running their car in extremely cold temperatures? My car has experienced a couple days previously this winter of sub 20degree(F) temperatures with no issues. It is supposed to go down to the single digits again tonight and not get out of the teens tomorrow. Hopefully the belt dressing will solve the problem and I do not have a different issue going on.

Most cars "hate" extremely cold temperatures, but this engine whine is unlike anything I have experienced on any of my past several cars (GM cars included).

ryster · February 2007

Went out and sprayed the belt. No improvement. Looks to be a problem with the A/C compressor. When I press the A/C button inside the car now, the A/C light flashes a few times and the system will not engage. Guess a trip to the dealer needs to be added to my schedule.

axle52 · February 2007

Hi.

What type of problem are you having with the A/C and especially at this time of year. Do you live in a warm climate? Just wondering. I'm still waiting for the parts to come in for my Key Fob and new antenna, so I will let people here know if I notice any difference when its repaired.

axle52 · February 2007

I also tried my A/C last week just to see if it would engage and I had the same problem with the A/C light flashing a few times and not engaging. I told the service guy this last week and he said that it is problably too cold out for the A/C to come on. Does this make any sense to the fine people of this forum.

macpherson · February 2007

Since we were taking it in for the fob issue, we decided to check the A/C as well because we are nearly out of warranty and because we seem to have the worst luck with A/C.The light would flash & then shut off. Because it was a Sat. that I had it in, the guys didn't have time to get into it but said "yes, there is something wrong here". I will call & set up an appointment today. They have promised a loaner.Now that I have a new fob, I am loving the remote start- never had that before.According to the invoice : Tech Comments: reprogrammed door lock receiver and replaced 1 transmitter. REgards all- Bob

mymitties · February 2007

Hey Ron...
Sounds like your remote range is getting a little better lately for some strange reason..?? It will be very interesting to see if it continues and under what circumstances ...Keep us posted...Ya, it just may be the nearly empty lot with less metal around that's helping with the interference.
But, on the lighter side, you will have to be carefull when you are shooting yourself in the chin, any amalgm (Siver/mercury) fillings may still cause you a range problem (ok, ok,...small joke here...)If I recall, I think you said that you are somewhere in North Carolina...Wow, I'll take your chilly 40's (F) at this time of year any day...Be blessed..!! I can't take much more of it here in Toronto...Lately, it has been -16 degrees C (5 degrees F)and with wind chill it feels like -24 Degrees C (-12 degrees F ). Very, very frigid...!!!! It's no wonder our cars moan and groan..!! :sick:
Later.....
Frank

mymitties · February 2007

Hey there newborn2b1....

Well, I had to go all the way back to this one again
(# 2347 Feb.1st) because it's been bothering me....
You say you have a 2006 LTZ with only 43K and you are in your extentend warrantee.???? I know it's very cold here and it could be affecting my B cells, soooooo help me understand this...!!! How/why are you in your extended warrantee....?? It's a relatively new car and things
like this should be covered....
Just Curious... :confuse:
Frank

bh0001 · February 2007

I think the flashing A/C light is normal in colder climates. Mine does the same thing in the winter. The car knows that it's too cold outside to need A/C so it won't engage. I'm pretty sure home A/C units do this too to prevent damage from running the system when it's too cold.

charts2 · February 2007

The A/C is recommended to be used in cold weather with your defroster. The A/C air is dryer and thus assists in clearing moister/frost from the windows. In extremely cold temperatures the A/C might not work as efficiently. Read your owners manual about this.

tmmv71 · February 2007

Yes..... I just experienced this exact symptom on my '06 LTZ.If anything is done to correct this problem I would appreciate the solution being posted and I will do the same if I learn anything.....Thank You

kw5kw · February 2007

from the owners manual of my 07 Impala:

(Air Conditioning): Press this button to turn the air conditioning system on or off. When A/C is pressed, an indicator light comes on to let you know that the air conditioning is on. The indicator light flashes three times and turns off when outside conditions affect air conditioning operation. This is normal.

ryster · February 2007

My A/C indicator light is flashing more than 3 times. I think I counted 5 or 6...I will have to check on the way home.

My Impala goes in tomorrow for diagnosis and hopefully repair. The power steering is also not operating correctly. Significant groan and vibration in the steering wheel, especially when turning left at speeds less than 20mph.

Everything seems to be going wrong all at once with this car.

The engine whine has become louder and "raspier".

Poor car :sick:

quietpro · February 2007

Frank,
Been there, done that...lived in New Hampshire for four years in the late 80s. The '86-'87 winter was brutal with lots of snow and cold. Oh...to have a nice Impala with auto-start back then...sure would've been nice.

As for my FOB range, it's been very clear with low humidity. Maybe that's partly responsible for the increased range. Today was about the same as yesterday. Now that it's starting to work from a distance, I wish it was easier to SEE when it's working. I have lots of background noise so it's hard to hear the horn or engine start and from the side, the new Impala doesn't show any lights. It's kind of a guessing game unless I can hear the horn chirp from locking the doors repeatedly. Anybody have any suggestions for KNOWING when your FOB is actually working?

Have a good night!
Ron

ryster · February 2007

The parking lights and taillights should flash when you use your fob. When you remote start the car, the parking lights and taillights should also come on. If they don't, there is a way to program them to do so via the DIC.

carl10219 · February 2007

Had to take the SS out of storage the other day got stranded at work when my Dodge truck wouldn't start, it's a 95 Ram and has never failed me before but it was -20 degrees F. with a wind chill of -40 degrees F. Key fob started the car from 175Ft and the heated leather seats are great. One thing you should know about the aluminum V8 is that you shouldn't push it until it's fully warmed up because of the extremly tight tolerances required on an aluminum block(Aluminum expands more than cast iron) So while I was dissapointed in the Dodge its great to be driving the SS again.

mymitties · February 2007

Well, here's my update..and at this point, I really don't know whether to laugh or cry...!!!

It's been well over a week now since they called me, and no word on my fix, so I decided to pass by the dealership to see if my parts had arrived yet. Guess what, I was met with, " Oh hi Frank ..I see that your part (Antenna only) came in this morning." Did I hear right..? So, I said ..I thought the fix consisted of the new coax antenna, new fobs (transmitters) and a replacement receiver.Their response was... " well we have alredy replaced your receiver once and all the fobs are the same so both these should be ok " (should be!!!! :confuse: )..." And so we will make an appointment for you for next Wednesday morning and change your coax antenna, and oh by the way, since your last visit here we have found a better way to re-program the software in the receiver and it has made a remarkable difference."

I sure hope so....around and around we go !!!!
I'll keep everyone posted.
Later....
Frank

jeberle · February 2007

So I dropped my car off this morning (for the third time)to have this whole fob issue resolved. I just now called and I'm getting it back tonight but it's still not working (short range of operation).. They now say it's not the fobs - it's the "brain box" - control module that needs replacing and that's another 3-5 days before that comes in. Aparently this module is what controls the effective range of operation of the fob.

Like I said before - winter will probably come and go before this is cleared up.

robs6wagon · February 2007

Hi all, the remote starter has worked every time since last Saturday, when I took delivery of my SS. Ron, Frank, and all, I have tried the remote from as far away as about 150 feet (my best guess) and it has worked. From my bedroom window, through the walls and windows, from approx. 75-100 feet away it has worked well! I programmed the DIC to have the parking lights come on when I remote-start the car. Of course, to hear that V8 start up and rumble like it does, well,..........Bryan, you are the man! LOL! I still cannot believe I not only made the trade, but this beautifully sculpted hot-rod sedan is sitting in my driveway, waiting for me everyday!! Anyways, the dealer ran new software for the transmitter. I dont believe they replaced the antenna, or the receiver, etc. I hope this helps! Thanks! -Rob

colchester47 · February 2007

Glad everything is going well for you Rob!..Pipes sound nice, don't they?

robs6wagon · February 2007

Hi Bryan, well, I ran the car up to the dealer to ask to have the driver's headlight assembly looked at and possibly replaced. There was a lot of condensation in it that froze up really badly. The service manager couldnt have been any nicer! He took the car in (4pm today, and they close at 5pm), took one look at the assembly, and had a tech replace it, right on the spot! He told me that GM, in most instances, will not replace the headlight assemblies because they claim that a little condensation will eventually burn off with the headlights on. It never burned off in my wife's old '99 Malibu! Well, anyways, it looks 100%+ . The car is the most comfortable car I have ever driven. And, yes, those pipes play beautiful music to my ears! Thanks Bryan! Cheers! -Rob ps: the Bose hiss was looked at. He listened to the Bose in the other SS they had on the lot. Same hiss sound. I'll live with it! -Rob

2006 Chevrolet Impala

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