Problems with 2001 Chevrolet Impala ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Turn signal on 2001 chevy impala works intermittently. expensive repair. blog sites have many entries complaining of the same thing. this is a safety issue if my turn signals work on and off.

2001 chevrolet impala security light will flash and blink not allowing vehicle to start. i have tried new keys amongst other possible inexpensive problems with no desired results. so after i am late for work or other things on my schedule, sometimes after the system "relearns" and "fixes" the problem. the vehicle still won't start. i do not feel that i should be spending more money out of my pocket to fix such a wide spread and surprisingly common problem with multiple vehicles manufactured by gm! *tr

Security passlock system keeps car from starting at random times. safety concern is that someone can get stranded on a sub-zero cold night or can be in a dangerous situation and not be able to start the impala. car will work fine for months at a time, then randomly will not start. after 15 minutes or so, the car will then start... sometimes. there are many complaints of this problem (see carcomplaints.com and look under electrical problems). *tr

2001 impala won't start at different times have to wait 20-30 minutes, door locks don't work anymore, inside lights don't won't when this happens they come on at different times, when security light comes on sometimes the ac doesn't work. i had the ignition lock changed but still same problem. this is a safety issue at night since i am a single parent with grandchildren and also in the heat of summer having to wait for the car to start. *tr

My chevy impala ls 2001 don"t start sometimes. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet impala. when the contact's wife attempted to start the vehicle before jumping the dead battery, the fuel system bypassed through a regulator and created an explosion. although the vehicle caught fire, it was not destroyed and was capable of being repaired. the dealer stated that nothing could be done because the vin was not included in the recall. the purchase date and recall number were unknown. the current and failure mileages were 131,000.

Service traction system light on at 78k miles; and mechanic claims it is a faulty ecm. many others complain of this and abs light problems with an electrical issue. *tr

Turn signals fail without warning. updated 01/11/08. *lj updated 12/12/07.*jb

Ignition -we bought the car in june 2007 and we started having problems in july 2007 with the ignition .its left my family stranded about 20 + times sense then. i looked at the service bulletins and noticed that it was on there. what does that mean? *tr

2001 chevrolet impala..passlock security lockout problem...one week ago, i changed the oil in my wife's impala, and disconnected the battery connections, to clean and lube them. car would not start again, and one week later, it still has not started. i am currently unemployed, in a very depressed area of upstate new york, and we are trying to hang on to our home, though that looks in doubt. did not need this to happen right now, and i am absolutely furious that gm will not do anything about this widespread problem, and that they have you pay for it, when it happens to you. this passlock problem is found on all makes of gm cars. i have researched the internet, and there are thousands of people out there with this problem, yet nothing is being done. i cannot pay the $500.00 to $1000.00 to get this junk going, and if you read the forums online, you will see that if you do, the problem will come back anyway! sorry, but the term legal scam comes to mind. so, my wife and i are out of a car....too bad we still had faith in america...when is something going to be done about this? big brother wins again...this is an outrage, a shame, a downright crime...action to reimburse owners for their purchase price would be nice, because even if this car is fixed now, i no longer wish to have this lemon, which forced me to replace the brakes on all 4 wheels at 24k miles, due to bad design!!! *tr

Vehicle shuts off randomly while driving, i have to pull off the road, and the car will restart. there is not always a safe place to pull off the road, this car shut down on me in a snow storm in the sierras, in the dark i was lucky to find a place to pull off and restart. this car is extremely unsafe at this time. the dealer cannot find the problem and just wants to start replacing parts, very expensive. the comment from the dealer was if the part we replace does not fix the problem the we know that was not the problem. i have no problem paying to repair this car if they can tell me what the problem is, i don't want to start replacing parts good parts @ $500.00 a pop because gm can't find a problem,right now i am afraid to drive this car because some can be hurt or killed. *jb

Several electrical problems one turn signals and flasher only work about half time, one brake light works about 1/2 time driverside heated seat over heated could not cut it off took straight to dealer pogue chevrolet said they would have to put it on computer to see what the problem is, said it would cost $100.00 to check it out i asked them if they could check it with out me paying the $100.00 they said no i told them i could not drive it like that they unplugged the seat, later i was informed by my cousin who came up from florida this was a safety issue and i should file a complaint with you people he said chevrolet were obligated to fix any safety issues. *tr

Major electrical failures on our 2001 chevy impala. turn signals work intermittently, power windows failing, alarm sounds if the remote key is used to open car. i have read many complaints online and experienced a couple from acquaintances as well. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that the electrical system in the vehicle was faulty and a major safety risk. the turn signals do not work, the dome light remains illuminated, the trunk opens automatically, the security light illuminates, the headlights flash off and on, and the daytime running lamps do not illuminate. the vehicle has not been repaired. the current mileage was 205,000 and failure mileage was 90,000.

No accident has occurred as of yet. the car stops when i am at stop signs and red lights. it has even stopped when on the interstate and i have gone from 70 mph to 0 mph in less than 60 seconds. *nm

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that her abs light and traction control light continuously illuminated. the vehicle speed and weather was not a factor. the contact also stated that the fuel gauge on her vehicle does not work and continuously fails to display the amount of fuel in the vehicle. the vehicle purchase date and engine size were unavailable. the current and failure mileages were 128,000.

2001 chevy impala engine, radiator and battery replaced. consumer had the vehicle fixed at her own expense because gm would not help her out. she stated that the transmission went 3 months after the engine. *kb the power switch and side mirror was replaced. *jb

I have had issues with my 2001 chevrolet impala regarding the passlock sensor, which is part of the ignition switch. there's a service bulletin out on the part. i've contacted gm and they out right told me that they weren't going to do anything about my problem because my car has too many miles on it. i had the part replaced within the first 6 months of purchasing the car brand new. i had it replaced again on 11-10-05, which took a year and a half to diagnose the problem. now i am having the problem again. i contacted chevrolet today and they refused to even help...wouldn't even open a complaint for me. they're saying that no one else is having this problem, but i've researched forums and it appears that several people are having this problem. i don't feel that i should have to pay to have this repair done again since it was done 11 months ago. i'm irritated and i would like a response from someone as to what will be done. *nm

Turn signals fail sporadically since dealer replaced body control module. dealer doesn't think new bcm is problem but can't fix trouble for sure until there is a complete failure. *nm

2001 chevrolet impala ls 3.8l: body control module failure at 60,000 miles and again at 90,000 miles. car will not start; vehicle and driver stranded. *nm

My security light stays on on the message center. the dealer cannot find cause of problem (code). i can start the car so far with no problem. the light problem started after new battery was replaced in june 2006. i have found gm tsb 04-08-47-003, no thanks to gm' s customer relations. it states that bcm's may be needlessly replaced, when problem could be loose wire terminals or codes that have to be reset after changing the battery. i have read many instances of this occurring and think it requires a recall. customers may be paying for replacement of the bcm, when it is not required. i have called this to the attention of gm customer service and they say that they can't help me! if you can get a copy of the bulletin, read it! it could save you several hundred dollars! *nm

Traction control rust on wheel speed sensor gm recall number#05068 why was my vehicle's not listed on recall 2001 impala ls 51000 miles. *nm

Dt*: the contact stated the security light illuminated intermittently without cause. after the illumination occurred, the vehicle failed to start until the engine rested for 15 minutes or longer. the vehicle was driven to the dealership where the problem could not be duplicated.

I have a 2001 impala we bought new. it has 62,379 miles. i took it in for a brake job last month for the first time. the company i use has a good reputation in town. they told me after the first turning of the rotor which they did that there was not enough metal left to turn again. that seems ridiculous. also, the car at times wont start and have to let it sit for 10-15 minutes before it will start. i have read a lot of reviews on various sites and it seems this is a very common complaint. i can't afford to throw out hundreds of dollars jut hoping that it will be fixed. i have heard anything from the ignition switch going bad to the passlock anti theft systems errors and or the bcm module going back. also someone suggested that i might just need to get a new key cut as the old was has gotten worn and the anti theft devise is thinking that someone is trying to steal the vehicle. *jb

Reported to fairgrounds chevy that all the emergency lights came-on intermittently - aug 12, 2005 we heard a hissing noise from the dash area and that the emergency lights still come on as reported earlier. they determined that the instrument cluster was bad. *jb

Service traction system, abs light continue to come on. i have taken the vehicle to get serviced for this problem since i purchased it. it had one of the bearings replaced while under warranty, but i've had to replace the other bearing, and hub sensors at my expense. the abs brake system activates for no reason and creates a vibration and inability to brake on time. the car also has a security light come on intermittently and the car sometimes doesn't start for no apparent reason. usually if we wait about 30 min. it will turn back on, but i have had it towed to a dealership when nothing would turn it on. the check engine light is on and was first told it was the egr valve that needs to be replaced, but now am being told it needs a new catalytic converter. i've taken it to a certified dealership at least 5 times a year since 2006 and these problems are never corrected. *tr

My 2001 chevrolet impala started this problem about a month ago. obviously, it is annoying, but it concerns me mostly due to the safety aspect. i believe i have discovered the problem by my research on the internet as well as finding the same problem with the 2001 pontiac grand am on the internet from other owners. my trips to multiple dealerships and repair shops have proved worthless. the car will fail to start at times. the security light comes on. after 10 to 15 minutes it will start and run great. it appears to be a passlock security problem that will be very costly to repair. i believe gm should issue a recall so the consumer does not have to foot the bill to have this repaired. the car cranks over fine and the battery is new, but it sounds like no fuel getting to where it is supposed to go. please research and i am sure you will find that other impala owners have the same problem. i did not see a recall out on this problem yet. *jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet impala. while attempting to start the vehicle, the contact noticed that it would not start due to the security pass lock. the issue has been occurring for the past three years. the vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. the current and failure mileages were 137,933.

For the last year, every so often, my impala won't start. i've put a new battery in it, but the day i did that, it still wouldn't start. i took it to the dealership to have them look at it, but they weren't able to duplicate the problem and also refused to work on my car. in contacting chevrolet regarding the problem, their response was for me to trade in my car and make it someone else's problem. the dealership told me that it could be one of two things, either the passlock system or the ignition switch and both would cost around $700 each to fix. i'm tired of wondering if my car is going to start or if i'm going to be stranded somewhere.*jb

Dt: the consumer stated that his 2001 chevrolet impala had an ignition problem. the key could be removed while the engine was running. the key could also be removed while the vehicle was in reverse. the consumer parked the car in a garage and the car rolled out into the street and hit a tree. the consumer was aware of the problem since june 2004. the consumer contacted gm last year and gm was suppose to call the consumer back but he has not heard from them. the consumer is having the car repaired.*ak

Dt: the batteries positive terminal came out and there was no electrical power in the vehicle when it happened. noticed this on september 17, 2005 because the vehicle would not start. the consumer contacted the dealer for a new battery, but they have not looked at it. *ak *jb

2001 chevrolet impala had a clogged catalytic converter.***no answer required***. *mr the vehicle lost pressure while driving up a hill, the battery had gone dead without warning, rear defroster shorted out and almost injured the consumers daughter, the doors seized, the driver window seized constantly, and the fan blower only worked on 5. *sc

Dt*: the contact stated vehicle would not start on two occasions. when this occurred there were no dashboard lights illuminated, and it appeared as if the battery was dead. after waiting a day or two the vehicle started. the dealer stated that nothing can be done unless problem originated at dealership. *ak vehicle is not under warranty. *ak

Car security light has come on and then would occasionally be unable to start the car. turns out the passlock anti theft system is not working correctly and would cost $450 to repair. there should be a way to disable or bypass the system since i could really care less to have an anti theft device for my ignition. now i either have to dish out the money to the dealership (other mechanics seem unable to repair this of course), or take the risk that the car will not fail to start somewhere with my two little kids in the car.

Problems with the wiring system on the 2001 chevrolet impala after the vehicle was impounded. *mr the temperature gauge, gas mileage and the turn signals were inoperative and the radiator hose had burned against the battery. the consumer found that the wiring system was changed. the consumer also found missing components such as a fuse and a huge hollow area due to the missing fans. *sc *jb

I am having problems starting the car. about once every 2 week it just will not start. i have had the battery replaced twice in one year. in the winter you can turn the key nothing happens but on the flip back it will start,. now this summer it just won't start and i still have electric. then sometimes it will go into a very high idle and i turn it off and restart it to fix it. what do i do? *nm

(1) cooling system failure, temp gauge not working, check engine light, cooling fans running continuously (2) improper engine operation, roadside stoppage (3) reset connection on coolant sensor , system returned to normal operation. i'm not sure there was any correlation with the sensor connection. the computer reset itself after a few minutes and all conditions returned to normal.*ak

I would like to report a possible defect with gm/chevrolet's electrical system or body control module, which disables my car's directional signals (e.g., blinkers). i have had this problem for several months and took it to the dealer, who told me it was an electrical problem with the body control module (bcm), which needed to be replaced. they replaced the bcm with a new one, but the directional signals still do not work.*ak

A clanking/growling noise was heatd while driving and making turns. vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the consumer that the steering shaft needed to be replaced. consumer had a concern that the vehicle had less then 41,000 miles of wear. *nm the battery was replaced. *jb

Vehicle would intermittently not start. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak the consumer stated that when the security light comes on the vehicle will not start. the vehicle has to sit for 15 minutes before it will start. *tc

Battery dead after 7 days left at airport. replaced battery, but same thing happened again after sitting in driveway 6 days. noticed a .4amp drain on battery with everthing off. will take to dealer but i don't expect much from them.*ak

Incident, car will not start. over the past 6 years when key is inserted into ignition the car will not start. security light flashes and i will get locked out for ten minutes. there is no warning as to when this will happen, one day it happened 4 times. that's 40 minutes locked out. i have taken it to mechanics who said they can't find anything wrong, some wanted to charge $400 to look into it. when i asked a chevy dealer about it they said they have no known fix. one dealer said install a remote starter, but it may not resolve the issue. the problem happens alot when it is hot and humid, but can also happen at any given time. *tr

Consumer wass able to remove the key out of the ignition while vehicle wass in gear. *ak this occurred with the gear shift in reverse and the ignition switch in acceleration. the key was easily removed. *sc *jb

I have a 2001 chevrolet impala ls and i noticed a problem with it right after i bought it. the security passlock system is either not functioning well or it's defected, i researched the problem on the internet forums and i found out that almost 70% of people that own impalas have the same problem. i took it to the dealer and they gave me an enormous sum for the replacement. why should the buyer pay for something that is obviously defected when the majority of the owners have the same problem. gm is at fault here and the owners have to pay for it. i, and many others, believe that it is not us at fault, but gm since they are aware of the high failure rate of their passlock system. my question for you is: why didn't gm issue a recall for this defective part? what can the owners do so we can initiate a recall for this problem? *ak

It started when i bought the car in 2003. a week after i had it. it would not start and the battery was not dead i then call the dealer and after about a hour i got it started and took it straight to them. they told me that they had to clean the cables and thats what it was. but after a week it did it again every time i got in it. it would not start but after a while it would start. so i took it back and they then said it was the ignition switch so they replaced it they said. so about a month went by and everything was fine then it started again. so i took it to another dealer for a radiator flush because it keeped on getting hot which it still does and i did not tell them about it not starting because it only does it every now and again, but when they went to start it, it would not start so they put it on the computer thing and they said it was in the ignition again so we told them about what happened before and they said they have alot of trouble with these cars all the time. so we paid $320.00 to get it fixed but it acts like it is going to do it again. i just have this feeling the way its acting. it takes to long to turn over and when it does it grinds like i am over starting it. the thing is i love my car but i have not even had it a year yet. i just think that if i have to pay alot of money for a vehicle it needs to be right. *ak

We bought a chevrolet impala new in 2001. within three years we experienced intermittent shutdowns of the car. several times the auto just quit on expressways, but getting over to the side of the road we would turn the key off and then it would start perfectly. this occurred perhaps 5 times in the following 3-4 years. it was a dangerous situation. finally we took it in to the dealership where they had it for 5 days finding nothing wrong. we started calling mechanics, contacted general motors executive offices (an amy green) and other sources. several mechanics informed me to have the crankshaft sensor replaced. i "forced" the dealership to replace it and have not had a problem since. this was a dangerous situation as a shut down at high speeds a scary proposition. with all of gm's current (2014) handling of dangerous situations, we thought it time to comment on this one. of course all this gm work was at our expense. i foolishly bought a new 2006 chev. diesel 2500 pickup and had the whole back braking system rust up within 3 years, but that's a different story. *tr

Car would start but none of the gages nor the radion or any of the electronic components would come on. shut it off wait a few minutes and it would work again. happened many times, got it "fixed" started happening again a month later and was again "fixed" but with a different remedy so far shelled out 700 dollars for a car with sixty thousand miles on it*ak

I get a shock whenever i use my power locks upon leaving my car- not from inside the car but from the outside of the car. jb

This agency owns two (2) 2001 chevy impala (police packages) vehicles have ahd extensive trouble with electrical systems. vehicles will not start, vehicle will shut down after being started and then wont start. amounts to a serious safety issue while in traffic or being used for emergency operation, problems have been ongoing since purchase of autos in 2002

Purchased 2001 chevrolet impala base model. i have 51,000 miles and my transmission went out on me. i had a diagnostic test which showed that there was an electrical problem within the the transmission. a new transmission had to be installed. this cost $2500. there is no reason for a car this age with this many miles to have such a problem, granted the warranty goes to 36,000 miles or 3 years whichever occurs first. i am very upset, and it basically solidified that i will never buy a gm car again. *ak