Chevrolet Impala Audio

hunter39 · June 2001

If the amp boosts the signal any, I have trouble only with AM reception myself, all the Fm stations seem to come in fairly well. There is an AM station here locally that claims their signal can be heard all over the state, I have trouble picking it up on my side of town and that's only about 15 miles from their transmitter! It's another bad thing about the built in antenna, makes the car look nice and clean but lousy reception.

b4z · June 2001

Is the amp a booster amp or a line level amp?

jack51pine · June 2001

The amp is presumably a baseband (audio frequency) power amplifier that amplifies the signal after it comes from the radio unit to the speakers. In order to improve reception you would have to install an RF (radio frequency) amplifier which amplifies the RF signal input from the antenna to the radio unit, very uncommon for cars, or get a better antenna. This amp should have no effect on reception performance, the reception is primarily determined by the antenna.

hunter39 · June 2001

my service manager upon ordering my new amp said it was listed as "booster" rather than "amp" But the numbers matched and that's all I was concerned about, they can call it whatever...as long as it does the job it was supposed to do.

b4z · June 2001

So, there are no phono style(RCA)cables running from the headunit to the amp?

bh0001 · June 2001

No. The amp is "speaker" level, not "line" level.

licavy · June 2001

I own a 2001 impala ls that was built in aug/00. i suspect my amplifier is either the 102 or 104 part number and i would like to get it replaced with the newer one, part number 103. can anybody tell me were i could find the part number on the amp without pulling it out.
thanks
frank

hunter39 · June 2001

will tell you where to look...

teo · June 2001

Flip open the back seat and peek under there...you should be able to see the AMP part number.

sim3 · June 2001

Called Chevy to get the process started. They opened a case file # for the issue and I have a appointment with my dealers Service Manager next Tuesday - he wants to compare the "103" and "104" amps side-by-side. Chevy customer service already told me they'll call me back on Wednesday to check on how the meeting went - so I guess I'll wait and see what happens on Tuesday and take it from there. Have to remember to bring some good CDs to the dealer to demonstrate - and then hope he can hear a difference :-)

hunter39 · June 2001

I've heard others say, it's a night and day issue, I certainly noticed a difference when I bypassed the amp, if there is one that has a good amp with this unit it should be very noticable. Frank (teo) has had both and should be a pretty good judge. Fortunately for me, my service manager didn't want a comparison, he trusted what I said was true, only asked if changing the amp would make me happy.

licavy · June 2001

Went to the dealer today and they checked my amp and said I have Part# 10432572 in the car.
They are ordering Part# 10309548. Is there a real BIG difference, I hope so since I'm not to please with the unit I have now. If anybody can answer me, please do. Thanks Frank

00impala · June 2001

Tonite I re checked my numbers on the Amp and on the Speakers, I have the 10432572 Amp. and the Speakers Read 10289181 CHEVY 4 DOOR UQ3 REAR Can someone with the Newer Amp check the numbers on the Speakers and Post them so we can all know if the Speakers are the same with the Updated Amp/Booster. I undid my By Pass to really energize me to make an issue of this with my Service Manager, It only takes a few seconds of this inferior Stereo to remind me that it has to be taken care of. I immediately noticed the Lack of BASS when I un did the By Pass. UHHHHH Terrible! Bass all the way up and the Treble all the way up and there is NO Stereo effect with the Volume past half way, even with a "NOW 6" CD, The Newest CD that has current Hits, It rocked with the By Pass, I intend to go by the Dealership tommorow and see if they have an Impala with the UQ3 Stereo, I hope they do so I can compare. Thanks All Don

teo · June 2001

Yes the speaker part numbers are exactly the same in the 2001 Impala LS with the 'Upgrade' stereo. Good news for those of you seeking a new replacement Amp for your 2000 rides. Your only 'worry' is to get the amp, not additional speakers.

00impala · June 2001

I planned a trip to my Selling dealer this morning, My wife and i got there and there was a 2001 Silver Impala LS parked right in front, so I parked right next to it, I found my Salesman from 12/99 and told him about the lack of Bass and asked if I could try out the Stereo in the 2001 parked there, No problem, I turned on the radio and it was GREAT! No, No., AWESOME!!!! Build date of 3/01 and the #103 Booster, He sat in my car and said I see what you mean "NO BASS". he walked off to talk to the Service manager after he said " Maybe they can SWAP one of the NEW Amps from a Car on the lot" they had 4 loaded LS's in sight, I was Very Happy for 2 minutes....He comes back and tells me that they have had "ZERO" complaints and that my Radio head unit is in their knowledge defective from the factory and would need to be sent off to Delphi or somwhere to be rebuilt, WHAT??? FORGET THAT I said, all it needs is a Newer "Improved AMP" I then go to the Service area and there are 3 Service Writers, Each with a different opinion,, One guy is Convinced it is the Head Unit, one called on the phone to the Delphi place and was told it has to be the AMP, the other guy is convinved it is the way it should be, he even pulls up a customers Base Impala and has me sit in it and listen to some radio station, It Sucked! Besides I got out and said that thing didn't even have a Cassette player let alone an AMP!! What the %#%@%@$ Is going on? While the one is playing in my car adjusting the controls I mention the New Amp has a different Part Number, They seen reluctant to try a '01 AMP in a '00 Impala, I about went nuts,(Even though I kept Cool througout the 1/2 hour Train Wreck) he is like this, "Well the differnt Amp may be used for Tire Moniter reset and the like,WHAT? They may have added capacity to the new one to run different features..hence the different Part Number...He had no idea what he was talking about and I was beside myself, my Top of the line Radio is Exactly the SAME as the Top of the Line one in the '01...then the other guy refers to the 2001 built in 3/01 Car I sat in with the GREAT Stereo as a 2002, My car as a 2001 and the Customers car I sat in as a 2000, and says they may all be different,They guy on the Phone had the right idea "Change the Amp" But the guy on the other end of the Phone (Delphi Radio repair or something) wanted to know if it was a BOSE System (I WISH) what a mess, needless to say they are ordering me an AMP, my geuss and I'd almost bet a $1,000 dollars on it that it will be a 104 Amp the SAME as I already have...I rushed home and Re-Did the BY PASS....if this does not pan out I will go to another Dealer until I get Satisfaction. He printed me out a record of the times my car has been in their Service bay, Once for Delivery prep 12/15/99 and once again on 2/23/00 for an oil change, NEVER AGAIN After this deal pans out,, OH Yea, I saw a guy carrying an Aluminum Engine Cradle and setting it against a wall by the parts Counter, Topped off my day...I Did enjoy the Stereo in the 2001 and that GREAT intoxicating NEW CAR LEATHER Smell! Could have stayed in there all day! What Should I do next? Wait and make a File with Customer Service or what, I read in the manual to try and resolve it with the dealer on the local level, but I can see what a Pain that can be trying to get 4 people to agree on a common goal, I now one thing they are NOT Taking my Radio out of my car, I will live with the By pass and get a Newer Amp out of a Heap at a Junk yard in a few months first! I'm done rambling for a while! Don

gdanfam · June 2001

I've had my 2K Impala LS since 10/99 and have been frustrated with the lack of bass since day one. I accidentally found this board on edmunds while looking for new car prices! I spent hours yesterday reading the history of messages and even went and looked at duras photo and then ran out and did the amp bypass last night. Thank you, thank you , thank you. It's still not the best factory car stereo I've heard... but man what a difference! I cranked the bass way down and could keep the volume down and it sounds great. I even tried my favorite Bad Company CD and got the back window to vibrate! It still sounds like GM does not recognize the problem nor has taken the time or effort to read this forum as you guys suggested early on. Again a big thanks to y'all!!

hunter39 · June 2001

Folks, I'm telling you, you need to deal with the service manager only on this issue, don't let them get all these other yahoos listening to your problem, this is a subjective issue, there are many people who have a 104 amp that think it sounds fine, probably enough of them that GM doesn't want to rock the boat by offering this swap as an alternative. Your service manager has the power to do this, let him know that he can not count on your business in the future if he doesn't want to help you, also follow it up with a letter to the owner of his dealership (this is how my swap started) The service manager couldn't wait to make me happy. I promised a letter of commendation to him, they love crap like that!

Make sure you go in armed with the new amp number and tell him you know it's not available to his parts department, he will need to order it from the manufacturer, it should take about two weeks, you will be willing to wait...

jci1 · June 2001

Does anyone know how to remove the rear speakers?
Also, is #10432572 the old or the new amp?
Thanks, John

teo · June 2001

The serial numbers belong to the old amp.

hunter39 · June 2001

10289187, this is for Impalas built before 12-99

teo · June 2001

Those that 'older' amp has the same sound quality issues as the 104 unit?

00impala · June 2001

My Impala LS was built sometime in Mid to late November, Door Reads 11/99 and I am yet to figure out the EXACT Date/day, But is has the 104 AMP. Maybe that older am was before November of '99? Don't know. Don

this_is_nascar · June 2001

Has anyone with the older AMP actually had it swapped with the new one? Does it really make a difference? If you did swap it out, were you running with the AMP-buypass prior to the swap-out?

00impala · June 2001

I had it ordered on Friday Before Noon and I just got a phone message that it is in the Dealership.. Monday 3 pm....Maybe they took one out of a 2001! Yea wishfull thinking, I cannot find out if it is a 103 or a 104 until tommorow as they are closed for the day

.....If it is a 104 I am going to get ahold of the Mgr and demand they try the 103, Good question, has anyone actually had the 103 amp put in a 2000 Impala? Or is everone still Waiting for them to come in, Do any of you guys think I should reveal the Amp Bypass to them to save the hassle of having the want to send my radio off to the shop if it is a 104 amp and it sounds the same? That would prove the radio works fine with the By Pass, but they will have some reason to think I had Blown something, that would be the reason for my lack of bass... and refuse to try and fix it then.....I really wouldn't reveal that By Pass to them, I 'd be too afraid of the concequences of 8 wires dangling in my trunk and a Service Mgr looking at it....I just hope it is a 103. Don

hunter39 · June 2001

I'm going by what the service manager said in regards to the build dates for amps with a 102 number, if you have the 104, that might be an older number too. Does anyone else find it unusual that the 104 was put in before a 103? Does it stand to reason that the 103 should have gone after the 102? Just wondering...as for having the new amp put it, I'm still waiting for mine, Don I would guess that you are getting the 104 , since the 103 is not even in GM's inventory, I was told it must be ordered from the factory and that it would take 2 weeks...

impalanator · June 2001

Hunter39 or 00impala, I'm trying to get my service manager to address the amp problem also. Would you guys be willing to post your Service Managers Name and number as a point of contact? It might be easier that way if one Service Manager can just call another to see how they resolved the issue rather than rehashing it out again for every person involved. For the record my LS has a build date of 8/99 and has the 102 p/n for the amp. Thanks guys and keep up the good work.

jci1 · June 2001

when you folks say bypass the amp, are you referring to unplugging it?

Does anyone know how to remove the rear speakers???

Than!

jeffreyw1 · June 2001

Those of you that are having your old amplifier replaced, are you having to pay for the new amp or is your service manager allowing it to be something that is covered under warranty? Also, when you say they are having to order it from the manufacturer - who is the manufacturer and will a small dealership have the phone number or the right contact to be able to order the amp? Thanks for everyone's help.

sim3 · June 2001

Talked to the Service Manager today, as well as his boss. I even had the service manager listen to my car and a car withOUT an amp at all (that's the way he wanted it for some reason) and he did agree they sounded "different" - he tried not to say "better" because at that point he had already made their decision - they're not going to shell out for an amp replacement :-(

Anyway, I'm going back today just to let my sales rep also listen to the new and the old amp just to keep him informed. After that, I suppose I'm going to approach the owner of the dealership and explain how good their self-proclaimed "excellent" customer service really is.

hunter39 · June 2001

I'm going in this morning to have my amp replaced. I have confirmed that the new amp is the "103" model that is present in most 2k1 Impalas.

When we are talking about bypassing the amp we are reffering to unplugging the unit and then jumping the wires in the plug to compensate for the interuption in power. A detailed "how to" can be found on Nightowl's website, very informative.

hunter39 · June 2001

I'm going to ask my service manager if he would be willing to let me send you his name and number, one of the stipulations was that he not be contacted by "30 people wanting their amps replaced" However he didn't say that he wouldn't tell another service manager how to go about it. I will ask this morning. If he doesn't want to, I will honor his request and not post his name and number.

I will find out who he ordered it from (the manufacturer)and what number he called if that will help though, I don't see why that information wouldn't be open to any service manager no matter how big or small his dealership.

sim3 · June 2001

Congratulations :-) I hope the new amp does everything we're expecting it to do. I, too, would like to provide my dealer with a service manager that was willing to go the extra mile. (See my post a couple posts back, I wasn't that lucky). If not, I understand that your service manager doesn't want to get swamped with calls.

Let us know how the system sounds with the new amp.

teo · June 2001

I quite frankly can't understand your service Manager's attitude. First of all, he doesn't have to pay for the replacement AMP out of his own pocket, neither the dealer's pocket. This should be handled as any other warranty claim where the dealer gets paid for the part + labor charges. It is clear that the dude is not interested in helping you at all. He just gave you some lame excuse and pushed you away.

My suggestion: Never go back to that dealer! They do not deserve your business and loyalty. The AMP is a VALID warranty claim and therefore he is under strict obligation to honor the terms of the car's limited warranty.

Have you followed my list of follow up steps for a successful resolution in replacing the AMP? You must contact Chevy customer service, get a file case number and ask to get the Service Manager OFFICIALLY involved in your claim. If you don't ride the ponies one at a time, don't expect any results or help from any one. The manager's and dealer's reputation are put in the line of fire when they get involved by GM to work on a customer satisfaction issue.

Don't take his lack of attitude as the final word. Try a different dealership where they might be willing to satisfy you and earn your business...BUT CALL CHEVY/GM CUSTOMER SERVICE FIRST!!!!

Good luck, and don't give up on this fight!

TEO

audiocrazy · June 2001

Hello once again,

A while back I mentioned to this group about an audio upgrade I am going to have done to my 2001 Impala LS. Here is the latest info on the install and component choices. This install is to begin July 1 and take till (approximately) July 7th. I anticipate that it will take a bit longer because of the complexity of the system. And I have had to make a few changes due to the fact that the Stock radio will not have the sound quality needed for this type of install.

Components:

Head unit: Rockford Fosgate 9400 (Stock deck to be relocated to trunk)
Equalizers: Audio control EQT (30 band 1/3 octave equalizer mono block - so 2 are needed for stereo)
Amplifiers: Lunar
100-watt x2 for front channel
40-watt x2 for rear channel
200-watt x2 for Subwoofers
Front speakers: Focal 165 K2
Rear channel: Stock (rear fill only)
Subwoofers: JL audio 12W3D4 (dual 4ohm voice coils)

Now, keep in mind that this is not your typical system upgrade. And I will be hitting some local car audio competitions. But this can give you some ideas of what can be done. IT will loose some trunk space (not ideal as I like a big trunk). As the system install progresses I will be taking pictures and eventually getting a web site up for those interested. If you have any questions let me know. Thanks and have a great day!

teo · June 2001

That sounds pretty impressive. If you are not careful enough with that volume knob you run the risk of blowing someone's car doors at about 20 miles away!!!

Please keep us up to date...interesting project to keep a close watch on!

Enjoy!

sim3 · June 2001

Yeah, well, apparently the words "customer service" don't mean too much to them. I'll write up a mail to the General Manager of the dealer explaining the situation, but after that I think I'll stay away from them. I'm a little surpised and disappointed, I expected more from the service manager.

I do have a case number open with GM - they are supposed to call me back tomorrow to see how today went. I'll have to come up with a polite way of saying I got "zero" service ;-)

night_owl1 · June 2001

To remove the rear speakers, you will have to remove the seat (the backrest only), remove the c-pillar covers, then remove the package shelf. You can try and pry up the speaker covers, but I'm not sure you can remove them without some damage and you may not get enough access to remove the speaker.

hunter39 · June 2001

Ok folks, got my amp/booster replaced today. All those with the new amp (103) were not kidding, it sounds very good now, with the bass turned up to where I used to keep it for the old amp(104)I can feel the doors vibrate! I actually had to turn down the bass a bit. It is as easy as unhooking the harness and plugging in the new one, I did it myself. The service manager took out the old one and snapped in the new one, lickety split , whole thing took two minutes.

Now for the bad news. My service manager has contacts within GM parts to get the things he wants/needs to keep his customers happy. Therefore he would prefer that I not give his name and number for other service managers to contact, he tells me if he told everyone how he does it, he might never be able to get things in the future. I'm going to honor his request. He told me that any service manager can do the same thing if he knows who to talk to.

As far as this being a warranty item, it is. He told the service writer to bill it under warranty and took the old amp to send back, no money from them. This is definately a "Customer Satisfaction" situation, they should treat it as such. He told me that 20% of his bonus depends on his getting "Completely Satisfied" marks on all his surveys that are sent out by Chevrolet Motor Division.

This can be done though folks, it all depends on how much your dealership wants your business. If you don't have any other option, then go the route that Teo mentioned, open a file and press thru Customer Service, get them to force the service manager to do it.

Let me know if there is any other way I can help those who are interested in swapping out amps. I'm sorry I can't post his name though...

sim3 · June 2001

Good to hear the new amp solves the issue just as we thought it would. Too bad you can't give out the service manager's name, but I understand his point as well. Is it OK with you if I print out your post and take it to my service manager? I want to show him that some dealers actually care about their customers..

00impala · June 2001

I'm Glad it worked for someone, I called the Parts Dept today and confirmed the AMP they got so fast was the 104, I'm tired of playing around with these people,. The Service Manager is as Inept as the rest of them, Screw it! If I let them put the NEW Inferior 104 Back on they will see it is the same and think I Need to have my Radio sent away to be fixed.. I am putting my By-Pass Back on Permanant Duty and I will find a 2001 Wrecked Impala LS someday that was built after 3/01 and Snag the Booster From a Salvage Yard, I have bigger things on my mind right now than playing he said she said with a Dealership. Too bad for this Dealership , My Wife and I have bought 3 cars there in 4 years, 2 of them New. UHHHHHHH Don

teo · June 2001

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!

I imagine that you are now driving down the street with a BIG smile!

What a difference the new AMP makes, eh? Truly amazing!!!

Well enjoy and kudos for a successful gestion!

And yes, It can be done!

teo · June 2001

Don't give up so easily...just follow my steps and watch 'em moving their collective butts to make you happy.

Don't wait for the warranty to run out..this is a GM Quality Control issue, not your fault!

hvan3 · June 2001

If I was unhappy for this long, I would have bought an aftermarket amp myself. It's only $75 for a nice aftermarket amp. Why put up the fight and be unhappy? My philosophy is.....if you want something done, do it yourself. Don't rely on others (dealers) to do it for you.

I'm not pursuing a new amp. My 2000 LS sounds just fine. One of my favorite channels does have this "problem" that you guys are experiencing. However, all the other stations I listen to is just fine. Lots of bass.

b4z · June 2001

The build date on mine is 01/01 and i have the new amp. So you can go back earlier on your search.

hunter39 · June 2001

Sorry, maybe you've got money to throw away but I don't. I paid 220.00 more for an amp booster for my premium sound system. I said it before and I'll say it again, it's a subjective thing. Or is it? The fact GM changed the amp in later models tells me there was something wrong with the amp they were selling. If you are happy with it, then fine, those that aren't... well it's good that we can do something about it. Yeah I could have forked over another 75.00 for an amp, but would it fit the harness? Let me see, is there something else I could use 75.00 on? Undoubtedly!

teo · June 2001

Hunter39 made a very valid point....we all paid (Including myself when I bought my first '00 LS back in February 2000)extra for this *great* premium sound system. To put it flat out it did suck big time.

When GM bought back my '00 LS and gave me a new '01 LS the first pleasant surprise I had was the incredibly good sounding stereo. I was already prepared to do the by-pass on this one as well, but happily I don't have to anymore!

Yes, it is a very subjective matter and I don't expect GM to issue a recall on a component that might not be cause for complaints on 50 or 60% client base that currently own Impalas. However they do know that the 104 AMP is a piece of junk and it was replaced mid-production year 2001 (Around 12-00) for the 103 unit.

Based on this eveidence, the AMP issue is indeed a very valid warranty claim item. But if you are happy with it as it is, then don't touch it. For others the effort to get the AMP replacement means the difference between liking the car 80% of the time with a lousy radio and 100% with a good sounding system.

To me that difference is worth all the time and effort in the world.

00impala · June 2001

You also got 8 (ha ha) speakers and a few other items for that $220.00. Look at your Window Sticker and see the other items, I'd say that booster is worth about $40.00 of all those things included in the Package. given the fact that the $220.00 is RETAIL and usually the price of the car is Purchased from Invoice price...SO you paid less than that for ALL those things, Regardless the Darn Stereo should work as intened, Why don't the Svc mgr and others see it that way? I know they would rather sell you a $4,000 Transmission for your out of warranty car instead of help you out on a Warranty Stereo item, Teo... Where do i go from here? The AMP 104 is at the Dealer, that is what they ordered, they know the 103 in the 2001 Sounds better but they think my '00 Head Unit is to blame, (I'm sure that is the case although it is fine) How do I convince them to even try the 103, let alone try to figure out how to order it, they already had resevations about the year to year changes of the cars and think the radio components are not compatible? I have not thrown in the towel yet! Don

teo · June 2001

Can you work this issue out with a different dealer?

Do you have a GM file case number?

I don't think your '00 head unit is to blame for any problems. If you just hook up the 103 AMP in your existing system, the sound quality should change radically as it did for Hunter.

Pls let me know..

sim3 · June 2001

I dropped by the dealer once again with the intention of giving my sales rep a chance to compare the old and new amps. I brought along printouts of a couple recent posts (one from teo re: that it's a valid warranty claim, another from hunter of his success with the change).

Well, guess what? A Sales Manager that dropped by said, and I quote, "I disagree with this 100%" and that "these guys are full of it". How's that for customer service? He basically said it's all a lie.

If you two are half as outraged as I am by those comments, feel free to give them a call. The dealership is Clay Chevrolet/Oldsmobile in Newton, MA. Phone: 617-964-3000. I've talked to the Service Manager Billy Maloney, his boss Ken MacLeod and the above comments were made by the Sales Manager Timothy Savage. Appropriate last name.

I can't believe this.

00impala · June 2001

I never would have thought of the Head unit,and I'm 100% Sure it is fine, that is what one of the guys said to me and tried to convince the other 2 that the head unit was problem, I know it's not the problem,THEY WILL NEVER TAKE OUT MY RADIO.... Just getting the 103 is the problem. I also let me Salesman in on the the difference and he was astounded at the difference, he even said "Maybe they will switch it with one of the in stock cars" I wish the Service mgr was as enthusiastic! I do not have a Case File, But now should I get a case file and go to a different dealer? The dealer closest to my home is up on their Customer Satisfaction, always calling and sending out questionares after Oil Changes etc. I just went back to the selling dealer figuring I would have an advantage, So much for that. Don

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