Chevrolet Impala: Problems & Solutions

hank64 · March 2001

I thought it might be useful to have
a central location where the current
status of the various common Impala
problems could be found. This topic
seems to be an appropriate place.

Below is a partial list of the
problems I can remember. Others may
want to add to the list and those
with experience or knowledge of the
problems could summarize the
condition, update and supply status
details, fixes, solutions and TSBs
currently being employed by GM and
dealers. Copying some pertinent posts from the main Impala topic might be a simple way to start.

Problems:
** Engine shutdown at speed.
** Engine shutdown at idle.
** Engine stutterings.
** Click sounds from cradle.
** Clunk sounds from steering column.
** Poor radio performance.
** Wheel well coverings.
** Poor fit of headliner @ moonroof.
** Road noise from tires.
** Non-recording of problem codes.

teo · March 2001

* Clunk sounds from steering column = Intermediate Steering shaft. Widespread problem among 2000 model year Impalas. No TSB or Recall from GM on this matter.

* Click sounds from cradle = Rear cradle frame brackets not welded around the sides, only on the bottom. This problem only applies to 2000 Model year Impala/Montecarlo vehicles. TSB for "Rear cradle Shim Material Fix" issued on 10/23/2000, addresses the engine cradle clicks and other noises related to unintended movement of these rear support brackets. GM has discouraged dealers to attempt to rectify the welds with aftermarket welding procedures. The Shim material fix is as good as it gets for 2000 model year owners.

The engine cradle problems have been corrected properly on 2001 model year Impalas. Hint: If buying a new Impala try to get one built after 10/2000.

hggray · March 2001

One more problem that has arisen over the past few months involved fuel tank replacement to correct fuel system vacuum problems that caused recurrent "Check Engine" alarms. There have been two postings on this one (mine and one other 2000 model.) Both were corrected under warranty.

hank64 · March 2001

(Excerpt from XI, #1780, teo, Mar 06, 2001):
The TSB number for the "Shim Material" cradle fix is: #00-08-61-003 dated 10/23/2000. The official TSB title is "Clunk/Pop Noise from front of Vehicle (Shim Rear Frame/Cradle Mounts)" It applies ONLY to all 2000 model year Impala/Montecarlo vehicles

wwnf · March 2001

My dealer installed this fix. Since the weather here in PA has been getting a little warmer, the poping/clunk noises are back.

I want a new cradle or I'm buying a dodge.

teo · March 2001

Can you describe in more detail the *clunk* noises?

Has your dealer replaced the intermediate steering shaft??

I had the same exact problem and the Intermediate Steering shaft was the culprit behind the steering clunking noises I was experiencing. This seems to be a very widespread problem on 2000 model year Impalas.

And..do yourself a favor....Don't buy a Dodge! Do you want to have a transmission failure at 40K miles?

I don't think so!

Let me know if you have any other questions, as I have traveled down this road before.

cookie01 · April 2001

This from our newspaper's automotive columnist:

Dear Readers,

I'm departing this week from the usual question-and-answer
format to issue a warning: The manufacturer's recommended
service interval for extended life anti-freeze/coolant is true
only for well-maintained cooling systems.

Extended life anti-freeze/coolant has been the
factory fill on most General Motors vehicles built since 1996,
most Ford vehicles built since 1999, and some Chrysler
vehicles built since 2000. Unlike traditional green anti-freeze,
DEX-COOL(R) is orange/pink in color.

Technicians all over North America
report that extended life anti-freeze can turn into rusty jelly
well before the 60,000 mile mark -- even, in some cases, in as
little at 30,000 miles. The jellied coolant is extremely difficult
to remove from the system. Depending upon the severity of the
problem, the heater core, radiator, and core plugs may need to
be removed and/or replaced. Repairs can cost hundreds
dollars or more, and aren't easily performed at home.

Although it makes no mention of "rusty jelly," General Motors
bulletin No. 99-06-01-12B, "Engine Overheats, Rust in
Coolant, Heater Inoperative," attributes rust to running the car
"for extended periods of time with a low coolant level
(usually in excess of 20,000 miles)." The bulletin recommends
using a heavy duty chemical cleaner (one that requires a
neutralizer), and power flushing the system at normal engine
operating temperature for two and a half or three hours.

How do you avoid this problem? Many postings in the
"technicians only" section of the International Automotive
Technicians' Network (www.iatn.net) concur with the GM
bulletin that the problem is caused by neglect.

Don't let the coolant level get low. Check it at least once a
month. If it's low, top it off with a 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and
water. If your tap water is extremely hard, substitute distilled
water. Avoid mixing extended life (orange) anti-freeze with
traditional (green) anti-freeze, or vice-versa. Both are ethylene
glycol products and theoretically compatible, but mixing the
two "muddies the waters" literally and figuratively. Under no
circumstances mix "pet safe" propylene glycol anti-freeze (e.g.
Sierra) with DEX-COOL(R).

Have your coolant tested at least once a year. The Texaco
product sheet states DEX-COOL(R) coolant should have a pH
of about 8.3. General Motors bulletin 73-62-13A states that
freeze protection, as measured with a refractometer (NOT a
floating ball tester), should be minus-34 degrees Fahrenheit.

Change the coolant regardless of mileage if tests show it to be
marginal. If you're in doubt, follow the traditional coolant
change interval of two years or 24,000 miles. Always replace
DEX-COOL(R) with DEX-COOL(R) to properly maintain
your vehicle warranty.

wwnf · April 2001

Well after getting my car back, 2nd time for this poping noise, they order the shim kit to fix it. I thought the first set of parts they put in was the shim fix, I guess not, it was just insulators of some sort. I have a link at home that shows the difference of a 2000 engine cradle and a 2001 engine crable. Around some brackets on the cradle they added some extra welds to the 2001 cradle. This site says the flexing of this bracket on the cradle causes a poping noise.

The poping noise occurs when you speed up and also when you slow down. One time pop for each case. Seems to pop more often and louder when the weather is warmer. I had the original repair done just before winter and the poping came back once the weather was above 50 degrees here recently in PA.

This problem has been fixed with the extra welds on the newer models.

My question is, is this shim fix going to work and be just as strong and last as long as a fully welded 2001 cradle?

===============================================
Just so you know this poping noise doesn't happen when you steer. I did have clicking noises when I would turn the wheel so they replaced my rack and those are gone, maybe for another few months.

I love my Impala and I want to keep it but if it's just going to have problems with the cradle, I don't feel safe.

I want to feel safe.

Thanks

wwnf
Impala 2000 LS, built/bought 8/99, 29,440 miles

bdime · April 2001

I had to wait at the Buick dealer today for the kid's Suzuki to be serviced- over 1 1/2 for them to check the freeon (or whatever it is) and dye and reseal the seal (so they can trace the leak) They also said the brakes needed to be done and I told them thanks/no thanks- the kid would take it somewhere. Checked the ticket and the charge to do the fronts only would have been $195. I took it to Midas- $96.07. Just so you folks don't think its just Chevy that sticks it to us.

swebco · April 2001

Just got back from m dealer. My "Low tire pressure" light is on and stays on. He told me this is a 'problem' with the 2000 Impala and that GM sent a bulletin out to the dealers saying they can't adjust the sensitivity on these correctly and there is no 'fix.

This started with a tire that went nearly flat before the light came on. They replaced the tire. Now the light is on all the time.

Anyone else have this problem or know of the bulletin that GM has put out about the sensitivity of these monitors?

Thanks.

Karen_S · April 2001

swebco...

You can look for current TSBs (technical service bulletins) through the NHTSA link on Edmunds.com.

Hope this helps!

KarenS
Host
Owner's Clubs

wwnf · April 2001

Did you reset the system through your radio?

Anytime that you rotate/change your tires you need to reset you tire monitor system.

Check your manual if you need help on how.

later

wwnf

newbie5 · April 2001

Problem status listed above are they for both the XL and base model Impalas? Thanks much in advance for your reply. I'm also assuming if I get one built after 10-2000, then some of these issues mentioned are moot.

wwnf · April 2001

Interesting information on how to do things to your impala. Has a link to information on the 00 cradle and 01 cradle differences.

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

later

wwnf

hank64 · May 2001

(Excerpts from XI, #349, Hank64, May 11, 2001):

"For those of you who still have the cradle clicking and/or steering problem, the following might be of interest:

..... A few weeks ago, the steering clunks diminished and the cradle clicks came back, but less severely. Obviously, there is some kind of a connection between the two problems.

... When I explained to the service manager that did I not want the shim fix for the cradle, he informed me they were no longer doing that. Instead GM was once again replacing cradles!

The replacement cradles are not 2001 units. They are 2000s that have been STRESS TESTED and so stamped - I don't know if they are also reinforced. He explained that early on, the cradles were not tested and that some faulty ones got installed. These are the ones we have been reading and posting about for the last year. Further, he said that the cradle replacemnt would probably fix the steering clunking problem and if it did not, GM would replace the intermediate steering column (essentialy, a universal joint to change the steering column's direction). The service manager also mentioned that the intermediate steering column clunking is a common problem on some of the GM cars.

Its only a few days now since the new cradle was installed, so obviously no definitive fix can be claimed. But, so far, so good. The LS has no more clicks or clunks. It's tight and feels like it did when I fist got it. ...."

sweetpolly · May 2001

Hi all,

Picked up my car yesterday. It had been in the shop for the "clunking" noise and front brakes pads repair. Anyway, it's running fine. Apparently, the service dept. found that the
intermediate steering shaft was too tight and causing noise. Therefore, they removed old
steering intermediate shaft and ordered a new one and replaced it. They also inspected and
tightened the cradle bolts. When I drove the car, I got a much better feel in the steering wheel,
especially when making turns. No more noise! They also discovered a loose track under the
driver seat. The part was ordered and I'm waiting for it to come in.

swebco · May 2001

My daughter reset the light while we were going down the road using the radio settings as outlined in the owners manual. Many thanks to 'wwnf' for that information. I also went out to the NHTSA site and looked through the technical bulletins that had been sent by GM on the Impala and there have been none sent on the "Low Tire Pressure" light. So I'm going to ask for the Regional Service director's name and give him/her a try. This dealership has given me more headaches over service than Impala's got parts.

Thanks for the help and advice.

Susan

calgalred2 · May 2001

Discovered tear in plastic on rear door near closing handle area. (Maybe done by long finger nailed teenager!)Any suggestions or experience with this? Thanks.

dsw7311 · May 2001

Mine was one of the first Impalas to be repaired with the famous pop/clunk noise. After having it in for four times for the recurring problem (which did include replacement ofintermediate sterring shaft, welding cradle, shims, chassis lube, ) they put a complete new 2002 Cradle under it. Even though the 2002 models are not out yet.
Wont be able to give feed back because I am trading my 2000 LS for an Avalanche.

hunter39 · June 2001

I had the same thing happen for three straight days, turns out I had a nail in the tire and it was a very slow leak, I didn't notice it(the nail) because I must have been parked on it all three times I looked at my tires. I finally found it, I'm very impressed with that Tire Monitor, don't think I'd have noticed otherwise.

hunter39 · June 2001

I have the same thing on my back seat door, however I did it while taking a piece of lumber from the back seat (doh!) I asked my service advisor about it and he said they had someone come in an fix those all the time, cost: about 40.00 he said and it looks good as new. Ask your dealer's service dept.

calgalred2 · June 2001

Appreciate your prompt suggestion and assurance it can be fixed.

scott_7758 · June 2001

I have 66k on my 2000 Impala LS. Overall I love the car. I've had the problem with the tire pressure indicator too. I don't worry about it.. takes about 10 seconds to reset it. Wish all computer problems were that easy.
My tires did make noise too. I just replaced with Kelly Chargers and no more noise. I think it is a GoodYear tire problem. I had a Monte Carlo with the same issue. One thing that bothers me is the AM radio stations come in very poorly. I took the car in several times for this problem and it was never resolved. Perhaps I will call Chevrolet on the problem.
Besides those minor problems. The car has been perfect. I have not even had to put brakes on it yet. It handles and runs great. I will probably buy another Impala.

calgalred2 · June 2001

On this base Impala with 18,000 miles purchased 11/99 have found rips on 3 of the doors. Most on the drivers door on bottom (6 rips and a one inch split!)Another appeared on other rear door near handle since last posting. Wonder if this car is spontaneously shredding? Haven't called dealer yet. Hope Hunters estimate was to fix all, not per rip. Anyone else with early models having this happen???I am seriously concerned.

hunter39 · June 2001

if there is a change in the humidity inside your car that is causing the interior covers to shrink and then split? Hmmm, interesting, but worrisome for you Calgal! Let us know what happens when you take it to the dealer.

rhett2 · June 2001

I am new hear and was told this was a good place to find answers to my questions and I like this setup I have been reading for two days now and have had trouble finding a fix for my problem I have read lots of different fixes for it so I would like to know the latest on it and if it has been narrowed down to one or two things I have a clicking coming from behind my front wheels and I have a popping noise coming from the steering when I turn at 10 mph or over and the clicking hapens with the car off or on moving or not the dealer has put shims in it that did not help so I took it back and they told me that gm is working on the problem so what have you guys and gals heard I read in hear that it was only 2000 models that do it but I have a 2001 and I notesed that most of the ones I read about started doing it at 10,000 miles and over mine started at about 2,000 miles so if I could get some help it would be greatly apresated

teo · June 2001

Start improving your writting skills by putting some periods and commas in your posts....very difficult to read!

Front end clicking: What is the build date of your 2001 Impala????

(Check the factory sticker located inside the driver's door jamb)

Get that info first...

kenbuzz · June 2001

AT LEAST RHETT DIDN'T TYPE EVERYTHING IN ALL CAPS LIKE MY DAD DOES EVERY TIME HE EMAILS ME BOY THAT MAKES IT REALLY HARD TO READ AND NOT HAVING PERIODS OR COMMAS DOES NOT HELP EITHER

ontheotherhandiknowsomeguyswhorefusetousetheshiftkeyatall, andwhomustbeusingadefectivekeyboardthatdoesnothaveaspacebar. itsashamethatwecantallbesuchgoodtypersasoutbuddyteo!

bbrowne74 · June 2001

Ok my biggest pet-peeve is a 40-page run-on sentence. That's what I felt like when I read the post above.

Not to knock your problem, but it will be easier and it is somewhat courteous if you'd like a response to take the time to post with punctuation and grammar correct.

Spelling is a different story - I'm guilty there sometimes!:>

rhett2 · June 2001

Sorry next time I will do better. I didn't know that would upset people. I'm not good at typing but I will take more time and do a better job thanks.

rhett2 · June 2001

The build date on my car is 10/2000.

trappy · June 2001

I have a 2000 Impala which as the 3.8 engine. When I had only 2000 miles I had a loud clicking noise in the tearing when you turned left or right at slow speeds. The dealer replaced the complete rack and never heard it again. Something to do with having 3.8 vs. 3.4. I purchased the car in July 1999 built in June 1999 I now have 16,000 miles June 2001

kenbuzz · June 2001

We're all friends here. We're just funnin' with ya.

marcm101 · June 2001

I have a 2K LS with 30K miles and recently took it to the dealer because of a shimmy whenever I brake. I was told that there was nothing wrong with the brake pads or the rotors, but they had found that "a belt in the tire had shifted." After additional testing, they did determine that the car would shimmy when the rotors got hot and as a "good-will" gesture they will replace the rotors and pads.

So I have to ask, has anyone else had problems with their tires or brakes?

In a few days I will have had this car 1 year and this is the only problem that I have had. I really, really like this car!

Thanks in advance for any input.

hunter39 · June 2001

Very magnaminous of them... warped rotors is a problem with this car, that's probably what it was and they are just not saying so, either trying to make themselves out to be good guys or they just don't see it as a warranty item (which it is!) A couple other owners reported the same thing. I'm starting to get a feeling in my brake pedal like the pads are dragging on the rotors. I've run my fingers over the rotors but they are smooth, I'm going to have it looked at. I'm at 18,000 miles.

impalanator · June 2001

It's a useful item. Learn how to reset it because it will probably come up everytime you rotate the tires. I know mine does. If every tire doesn't have exactly the same pressure when they rotate or if they change the pressure it comes up.

I too had the issue with warped brake rotors. This is caused in many cases by overtorqueing the lug nuts (some service guys never heard of a torque wrench). If your car is under warranty don't let them get away with just turning the rotors. Make them put new ones on. If they turn them they effectively shorten the life of the rotor (most can only be turned once) and you'll be footing the bill for new rotors right after your warranty runs out.

hunter39 · June 2001

tire monitor! It's saved me twice so far, and it's no big deal to reset after the tires have been rotated I always make a habit of having them note on the service page, 4 and a half quarts of oil, and 100 ft lbs. torque...

woo_by · June 2001

I experienced that shimmy at around 10500 miles...
by the time I brought it to the dealer, the car was at around 13500

my dealer said the rotors were only warrantied for 12000 miles and suggested I just stay with my current setup as opposed to paying for rotor replacements

my car is now at 17000 miles (shimmy still present)

hunter39 · June 2001

Are the rotors only covered for 12k miles? I never heard of such nonsense, 3 years 36,000 miles "bumper to bumper" is the warranty. I'd call customer service and ask, then complain about the dealership. New rotors are not cheap.

kenbuzz · June 2001

I'm swapping out my oil this weekend, going with Mobil One, and I'm planning to run synthetic oil for the life of the car. I know that the Oil Life Monitor (OLM) is calibrated for standard oil, and I know that synthetics should last longer, so I was wondering how I go about using the OLM to help recommend changing the oil.

One possibilty is to run the car for maybe 2000 miles after the oil change, then manually reset the OLM, and wait for it to trigger. That would allow me to run synthetics for one normal "lifetime", plus 2000 miles, between changes. Another possibility is to wait for the OLM to go off twice, which would have me running synthetic for twice the life of normal oil.

I guess my ignornace is showing. Anyone have an idea as to what kind of benchmark I should use, and how to use the OLM to help me change my oil in a smart (=non wasteful) manner? I would really hate to be changing oil that dosen't need changing, especially when Mobil One is running $4.59 a quart!

jeffbog · June 2001

My opinion would be to just use regular motor oil. Synthetic is great for extremely low temps and severe service such as police use, taxi or towing (we really can't tow anything anyway). For low temps, change to 5W-30 as the owner's manual suggests. As for the oil monitor, I definitely would not wait for it to notify you that it is time for an oil change. I never bother to reset mine until is goes off. It has always notified me between 6000 and 7000 miles. Way too long in my opinion. I follow the 3 months/3000 mile routine and have driven many cars over 100K with out an oil related failure. Just my opinion. Jeff

wwnf · June 2001

My oem tires were at 3/32 after 24K miles. I replaced them with a set of Goodyear Aquatred 3. They have a limited 80K warranty but I like the wet traction performance. So far they have been good to me.

Rotors, I have had my oem rotors turned TWICE. My shop guy has told me that my rotors are cheap plus my imapala is under braked. Too much heat. So I'm trying to look into high performance brake/rotors so I don't have to worry about it anymore. I've been finding it very hard to find anyone who sells any. Most auto parts only carry the cheap stuff. I've looked in PowerStop rotors with 911 brake pads but they don't make the pads for the impala the guy said. Oh well, I will be looking some more.

later

teo · June 2001

"Impala underbraked?"

That doesn't make any sense to me. This car has monster sized brakes and so far have had no problems in this area. Malibus are notorious for premature brake wear problems and those cars are incredibly underbraked...but the Impala? I don't buy that.

NEVER agree to have the rotors turned. This just decreases the useful life of the part. If you ever experience premature rotor warping problems under warranty, insist to have the rotors replaced with NEW units. Also, make sure that whenever the car gets its tires rotated or the brakes are serviced that the lug nuts are manually HAND wrenched to specifications. NEVER allowed them to use an air wrench to tighten the nuts...this will only cause to warp the rotors due to excessive lug nut torque!!!!!

hunter39 · June 2001

This is true, my tire guys said they got a service bulliten from Gm telling them not to even do the brake jobs because of some problem within the brake assembly, can't recall what it was but he told me that the brakes would wear prematurely if it wasn't done correctly. Something about some screws not being torqued properly, don't recall now, anyone else heard of this? I agree, these brakes are huge!

teo · June 2001

The link is right here:

http://www.shotimes.com/brakes/part1.html

teo · June 2001

What is the wheel lug nut torque specification??

Is it 90 or 100ft lbs for the Impala LS???

hunter39 · June 2001

Is 100 ft lbs.

rhett2 · June 2001

I don't know if you got my last message. You asked what the build date on my car is. It was built on 10/99 as a 2001.

teo · June 2001

Ok,let me get this straight.....

Your car has a build date of '10/99' or 10/00'????

If it is the first,your car is a 2000 Model year Impala.

If it is the second date, then your car is a 2001 Model year Impala...

Which one is it?

rhett2 · June 2001

I'm sorry it was built 10/00 as a 2001

teo · June 2001

I am not certain if 2001 Impalas built during October 2000 already have the 'revised' welds in the two rear most brackets that hold together the cradle frame and attach it to the body undercarriage. There is a TSB from GM titled 'Shim Fix Kit' which was issued on 10/23/2000. This TSB is intended only for 2000 model year Impalas and Montecarlos; however, some early 2001 Impala buyers have also reported poping or ticking noises coming from the engine cradle. One thing to understand... First 'Series' 2001 Impalas were built between 6/00 and 11/00. Second 'Series' 2001 Impalas were built between 12/00 and 5/01. Some significant changes were introduced 'Mid-year' in the 2001 Impala. 'Mid year' is also understood as cars built beginning December 2000. During 12/00, GM began installing an improved version of the Stereo Amplifier for vehicles equipped with 'Premium' stereo systems. Also I believe the new revised 'Enforced welds' cradles were also introduced in December.

This means that your car built in 10/00 barely missed some of these important changes.

But to make absolutely sure, please refer to this excellent Impala website. Read the section titled "How to indentify a 2000 and 2001 engine cradle". Its got pictures that I took a few months ago, along with full detailed explanations on how to identify a new revised cradle from an old one, what to do, etc.

To check your engine cradle and the two rear most brackets in the cradle assembly, it is advisable that you put your car in a lift as it will be very difficult for you to slide all the way under the car to see these brackets.

Here is the link to the website:

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

If you have any further questions, pls let me know.

Good luck!

Chevrolet Impala: Problems & Solutions

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Chevrolet Impala: Problems &amp; Solutions

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Chevrolet Impala: Problems & Solutions