Problems with 2004 Chevrolet Impala ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The turn signals stopped working. after panicking and turning on hazard lights, then again trying the turn signals, did they decide to begin working again. now the turn signals randomly decide to stop working, and must use the hazard trick again to get them working. almost caused numerous accidents, and caused a traffic ticket. can not figure out the problem as to why they do this, but read up on many different sites that many different people experiencing the same difficulties. very dangerous for people with children. *tr

2004 chevrolet impala. customer received repairs due to recall and is requesting repairs. *ta the consumer stated the transmission had to be replaced, because the vehicle would to hesitate and then jerk. pieces of metal were discovered in the transmission pan indicating an internal fault. also, the ignition and cylinder were replaced. *jb

2004 chevrolet impala. customer requesting reimbursement car quit, due to ignition switch malfunction. *mw

(1) heating system failed. no heat, coolant was ok. fan was running. dealer examined. three actuators in the electronics are failed and have to replace at a cost of over $550.00 (2) temperature gauge stopped moving. dealer examined. estimated cost of $~400.00 to replace ipc unit. there is one of the recalled ipc units for gm autos made between 2003-2007; but impala was not included in the recall list. i don't know why? same electronics failed in one unit must be recalled from all the units.. these defects could increase heat in the engine block and could increase fuel consumption, failure of the engine and possibly cause fire, contacted gm but they were not cooperative and denied any claims. *tr

When you try start vehicle security light comes on and vehicle does not start. there are many reports of this issue noted online and customers are spending money on batteries and other parts without a fix. gm needs to fix this issue seems like many notes are indicating disgust with the company not responding to this issue.

Tl-the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start on the first attempt and would have try several times before the vehicle would start. in addition, the ignition switch and key and would become extremely hot. the vehicle had not been repaired or diagnosed. the vehicle was included in the nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system). the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure was unavailable. ne

Parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552 (b)(6)[xxx].

While driving on a rural and curvy road, my lights when out when i switched from my high beams to my low beams. i could not see for a few seconds and luckily the high beams came on when i used the multifunction switch to engage them. i am lucky that no one was coming because i was unable to see where i was going. the multifunction switch did not ?click? like it typically does when i switch from high beams to low beams. luckily no one was injured when i was driving but if this happens in the future to someone else there could be tragic results. *tr

We are the original owners of this automobile and, until this date, we have had no significant problems. on the above date, the tachometer and speedometer ceased to work properly. the tachometer went to zero but the speedometer went up and down sporadically. the entire rest of our vacation, over a two week period, both would cease working until auto was turned off and restarted after sitting overnight. we took the car to our dealership and, after scanning on their machine, was informed the instrument cluster needed repair or total replacement and was not covered by any warranty and the almost $500.00 cost would be our responsibility. we feel this is a safety issue, no matter the age of the car or the mileage, and should be at least partially paid for by general motors. we then filed a complaint with general motors corporation and have been advised they will do nothing to assist us with the cost. we cannot imagine what the reaction would be if an elderly person or an inexperienced driver were driving on the freeway and their speedometer shot up to 90-100 mph what their reaction would be. it is difficult to believe this would not be classified as a safety issue. any assistance we receive in addressing this problem will be greatly appreciated. *tr

We were driving our 2004 chevrolet impala this evening and have been having issues for the past month with the headlights. the dim lights would not work at all, only the brights worked. this evening, we smelled something burning and suddenly the multifunction switch was smoking and on fire. we shut off the car and waved the fire out, luckily we got out safe. we now have no headlights and had to have the vehicle towed. i have seen that this is a problem with many impalas and chevrolet needs to take action. someone could be injured in an accident due to their lights failing or get injured because their car starts on fire. it's a lawsuit waiting to happen. *tr

i bought car 2 yrs ago and drove it for 3 months no problems then sat for 6 months, i start driving it and this is all the stuff that went out and stuff still going on. radiator temp sensor, water pump, heater, water pump bearing, instrument cluster, low coolant sensor, radiator, vss, key stuck in ignition, lock cylinder, 8 wires under hood shredded in half due to rubbing on belt, power lock wont work on driver side door, chimes go off when key not in ignition. my problem now is key locked up again finally got it to turn then anti theft system comes on and the car wont reprogram codes. my code reader says it cant read from car. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet impala. while the vehicle was parked, the ignition key in the start position would not start the vehicle. all the other electrical functions were working normally. the contact stated that the security warning light illuminated during the failure. it took the contact ten minutes to start the vehicle. the failure recurred on multiple occasions. the dealer stated that the key ignition cylinder needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 120,000.

On two separate occasions after dark my lights shut off . this caused a panic as i was in city traffic and could not see. my lights were on the dim mode . i discovered i could make them come back on if i used the multifunction lever to change to bright lights. i'd then switch back to dim and the lights would work for 60-120 seconds and then go out. once again i would go through the whole process with the same result. after my second night of this happening i decided to check their inner net . i had noticed there were 26 complaints relating to the 2004 multifunction lever. i had a car load of people the first night and by the grace of god i did not hit another car . the multifunction selector lever needs to be recalled on 2004 impalas before someone is killed or seriously hurt. if nothing else i think general motors should replace the part when reported malfunctioning at their cost. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that when the ignition key was turned to the on position, the vehicle failed to start intermittently. the contact inspected the vehicle and stated that the ignition switch needed to replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 122,000.

Car would not start security light blinking ,let it sit for 15 minutes then it starts, really disappointed . *tr

The day i bought the car used, the lights went out on the way home. after complaining on a chevy forum, i bought a used multifunction switch which i learned was a common problem in impalas and monti carlos. this year in spring (sorry i don't remember the exact date or miles) that part malfunctioned when on bright. the salvage yard was sold out in used switches because it was such a common defect and i couldn't afford a ne,w one. while driving on dim i hit two deer which caused $100s of dollars in damages. i complained chevy said they knew it was a problem and that i would have to pay for the part myself. i paid over $300 to replace with my labor. then my lights went out on dim. chevy did the math, its cheaper to take the chance o someone dying and suing then to take away this money source for dealers *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that upon starting the ignition, the fuel gauge registered an inaccurate fuel level reading. in addition, the traction control warning indicator would illuminate after driving in reverse and then in drive. the steering wheel would emit a grinding noise whenever being turned with the illumination of the traction control warning indicator. the vehicle had not been repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 71,000.

When i attempt to start the vehicle , sometimes it will not start. no ignition. there is power but not ignition. after i wait 10 minutes it will start. it has something to do with the ignition switch. i have been informed that this is a security switch in the ignition switch, the shuts the car down, so the car cannot be started. and after 10 minutes exactly the vehicle will start. i have talked with other individuals that state that they too have this problem. *tr

Head lights will not turn on, blinkers will not turn on, traction control turns itself of and you cannot turn it back on. the following dash lights illuminate. check engine, battery and abs. this has been happening for about a year on and off. started at about 80,000 miles. sometimes only one of the above conditions occur and sometimes all at once. problems happen day and night, damp or dry, usually only occur during engine start up, but occasionally has occurred while driving. i found a trick to make the head lights come on (turning on and off my hazard lights). my fog lights are not affected by these issues. i have had the battery and alternator tested multiple times because that is the direction everyone points me too. both are good. i see others having the same issues. i hope this gets look into. *tr

The car will not start all lights and heat comes on or air the security light flashes will take anywhere from 5mins to 30 minutes to start you guys really need to address this issue i have seen so many complaints about it and im not understanding why there has not been a recall issued as of yet. me and my 2 year were stuck in the car in 0 below conditions for at least 20 mins i cried the whole time thinking my baby was freezing were we had left from had just closed and there was nothing to do but wait i need my car to get around please recall and fix this issue for your customer we look to you guys to give us safe cars. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. the vehicle was able to restart. the contact mentioned that there were no other keys on the ring and no additional weight other than the single ignition key. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number 14v400000 (electrical system). the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

Went out to the car to start it and it wouldn't start or turnover. this happened on various occasions. i had to put it in neutral than slam it into park and then turn the key over. i did this a couple times before it finally started. i was told that it sounded like my neutral safety switch but another mechanic said these cars don't have neutral safety switches. very annoying especially when your on vacation and far from comfort. *tr

While driving on the freeway on a black night the headlights suddenly went out completely. the dash lights remained on and everything else was normal. after braking to an emergency stop i discovered that if i flicked the dimmer switch the lo-beam would come on. some time later, when i flicked the dimmer switch the hi-beams came back on. this situation happened periodically since then but i could also regain some light by flicking the dimmer. on september 4, 2015 on a busy highway at night the lights went out and i could not flick the dimmer switch. it would not click. it seemed to be jammed so no lights. at present i have headlights (bright only) if i hold the dimmer switch up. as soon as i let it go all lights go out.

Made stop.continued,did not see other vehicle it hit our car in side&front end. we were hit at by another car,which was traveling at extremely higher speed. our air-bags did not deploy and the ignition turned itself off locking the key in the off position,the key could not be removed or turned either on or off. *js

First at buying my chevy impala it had 115,000mi on it already but desperately needed a car being a single mother. after having the car a little over a month the fuel injectors blew where my car would no longer start. got it fixed. next i had to keep putting power steering fluid in (once every week) went to a mechanic, he said my power steering is going to eventually go.. next 2 months after that my car caught on fire through the lighter. electrical. called the fire dept. they had to cut the wires and pull the fuse. 2 months after that, my transmission blew. just like that. i was driving on the high way and approached an accident. after coming to a complete stop tried to pick speed back up and it wouldn't go anymore than 15 mph. i pulled off to a rest area, sat there for 30mins. reversed out of the parking lot, put it in drive, it wouldn't budge... not to mention a month after buying the car. the turn signals,, brake lights, cruise control, flashers all worked when they wanted too and not when i needed it too. came close to a few people running in the back of me due to back lights not working.. and my temp, gauge, speedometer and gas gauge do not work. id be in park with a full tank of gas, it says im going 80mph and gas is empty.. hate this car with a passion.. very dangerous car...would never recommend this car to anyone.... *tr

I was in a k mart parking lot i hit a speed bump and when i did my car just shut off. recently i was at work i got in my car to go st home and my car wouldn't start i waited 20 minutes tried it again it started up this has occurred quite frequently now and when i took it to my mechanic he hooked it to a car analyzing machine it just says security fault. my mechanic feels it is in the switch and my father is a retired mechanic and he said it is a bad part of the switch also. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that when driving at any speed, the tachometer would not provide a reading. after time progressed, the fuel gauge and the speedometer began provided inaccurate readings. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 75,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that the speedometer and the tachometer was inoperable. the contact also stated that the speedometer constantly displayed 30 mph and the tachometer constantly displayed 1000 rpm. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who test drove the vehicle but was unable to locate a failure and stated that the vehicle was functioning properly. the manufacturer was notified who stated they needed more than one hundred complaints on the website before issuing a recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 105,500.

The speedometer is out of control. it will tell me i'm either going way faster than i am or it will tell me i'm going way slower than i am. it will reset itself if the car is off for twenty minutes or so but it will just happen again in a few days or hours. i don't feel safe driving in a car where i don't know what speed i'm going. many others have had this same exact problem in their own 04 chevy impalas. it's an ongoing problem that needs to be fixed. *tr

I have a electrical problem with my ignition switch. sometimes it starts, sometimes it doesn't do anything, sometimes security light comes on. sometimes it shuts off. had it looked at and they said it needs a new ignition switch. is that under a recall. had problem for about a year or so, but they couldn't say for sure it is the switch???????????? *tr

2004 chevrolet impala. consumer writes in regards to ignition switch recall repairs and requests reimbursement for the ignition switch he paid to have replaced. *smd

When i tried to turn the ignition key nothing would happen this happened 3 separate occasions. after sitting for several minutes it would start this also happened to my brothers 2004 impala. took it to my mechanic and he fixed it with a new ignition switch have had no trouble since then. the part cost $195.95 and the labor was $100. we took our cars to 2 different mechanics and was charged the same price with the same problem. *tr

Vehicles gauges do not work@! some are stuck and work periodically or not at all. false readings for speed, fuel and temperature. contacted the dealer about recalls and there are none although i have read hundreds of complaints about the same thing. this car drives highway every day and this is very dangerous. i was told that it is a problem with the instrument cluster that is well know an cost $600 to fix. this is unacceptable. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that the key released from the ignition switch intermittently. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the contact stated that the vin was included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system). the failure mileage was 90,000.

My speedometer has stopped working which is definitely a safety issue. also, i have to wait 10 minutes or longer for my car to start because of the security system. i am requesting a recall on these vehicles as there are many consumers with these same problems on the internet. thank you. *tr

I have been having issues with my speedometer sticking the past few months. my husband took my car in to our local chevy dealership and was told we need to replace the instrument control panel which would cost around $600. not happy with the fact that we will have to shell out this kind of money for a faulty factory part, i contacted the chevrolet customer complaint line. i was told by the complaint line that they could not do anything for us at this time. i have read many complaints in regards to the same issues from the following link: http://www.automotiveforums.com/t752665-discuss2004_impala_speedometer_problems.html it sounds like there should have been a factory recall on this issue a long time ago. apparently it is going to take an accident or death in order for chevrolet to make this right. the government just bailed out gmc not to long ago; however, gmc can't step up and fix this. what kind of business does this to their customers. i informed chevrolet that i will no longer buy their vehicles. no wonder everyone is buying foreign these days. *tr

Speedometer does not display accurate miles per hour. while driving, the odometer went to about 60 mph, when i was going about 40 mph and i tried to decrease the speed by depressing the brake pedal but it remained at 60 mph. i came to a traffic light and stopped, then i noticed that the speed was at 10 mph while setting still. i asked another person to drive the car to see if the same type of thing was happening with the speed odometer, and it was. the vehicle was taken to the dealership. the mechanic said he reset the odometer and said if that did not work, a part will need to be replaced. that worked about two weeks, and the same thing started all over again. i am afraid to drive the vehicle because i can not tell how fast i am driving. which poses a safety hazard. *tr

The speedometer stopped working. it first started misreading speeds, saying it was 30 mph on highway (i was around 55 mph) and then stopped reading. it will work and then months later start malfunctioning one or twice, until last week it totally stopped working. al other gauges seem to be working, but it makes a 'light flash' now and then. some interior lights (mirrors) will stop working when it does this panel flash. i'm told it is a cluster issue, known for these models. i bought this car straight from the dealer, brand new in 2004, and have maintained per spec, regularly. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that while driving, the vehicle suddenly stalled and the engine was unable to be restarted. the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch was faulty. the ignition switch was replaced and the defect was remedied. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 113,000. updated 06/10/14 ma

Tried to start car, wouldn't turn over even though car had power, no noises or sounds made when trying to turn over even though i had full power to radio winders doors and electric dash board. had a new starter put in because i thought that was the issue. 2 weeks later security light comes on while driving and stayed on. tried to turn car on same thing happened have power. but no turn over and security light is still on. turned off car took out keys and left car alone came back later and car started w/o incident. no security light on. same issue keeps happening maybe 4 times a month if not more have to wait 10 mins in order for car to start. issue happens at gas station, home, work, hot and cold weather. before i figured out 10 min delay had car towed and spent money on repairs that aren't necessary. noticed one day while i sat in car for 10 mins in summer heat with 3 month daughter, that car makes a sort of computer humming/buzzing sound. after the 10 or so i hear a click or as i call it a shut down sound and then i am able to start car. *tr

I have been having problems with my 2004 chevrolet impala off and on since i got it. there are times when i turn the ignition off and it will not start. the dash and lights will work, but when i turn the key over it does nothing. this just recently occurred while i was out of town. i had to leave the car and go back for it 2 to 3 hours later, and it still did not start right away. i got to my hotel room and turned the ignition off and immediately tried to restart it and it failed again. after tossing and turning all night and worrying that i would have to call a tow truck, the car started the next morning. i dared not turn the ignition off until i made it home safely. this was the scariest incident of them all, a country girl being stranded in the city. i notice that other 2004 impalas have the same problem. it would be nice to get the problem taken care of. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the speedometer and fuel gauges both failed. the vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the cluster inside the instrument panel would need to be replaced. the vehicle had not been repaired. the failure and current mileage was 98,186.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet impala. after several attempts, the vehicle failed to start. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system); however, the dealer stated that the part was not available. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vin was unavailable. the failure mileage was 120,000.

While driving in heavy traffic, it just stops running. my husband puts the car in neutral and is able to start it back up again. it has done it a few times since that occurrence. this could result in a very serious situation if the car stalls in an intersection and won't restart. the car also has a security issue that prevents us, as the owner from starting it. this has been an ongoing problem from the purchase date. if you turn on the ignition and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, it will start up. we now leave the car running when filling the car with gas because we have had to sit and wait for it to restart at the pump. this could cause a very serious problem also. if you go on line, you will see numerous complaints about both of these problems. we bought this car used and knew we would be responsible for some issues, but not this, it should be a recall issue. we have had to replace the rack and pinion (very costly) all new brakes and rotors, all new tires, and some other minor issues. i feel, as do numerous other gm owners, this is a factory defect in the security system (passlock key system), causing both problems. anyone having this problem, should be able to take the car to the dealership and they should have to fix it at no cost to the owner of the vehicle. i took it to the dealership just after we purchased it and he said he would have to replace the ignition and something else at a cost of almost $800. i am certain this can be taken care of by rerouting wiring in the security system at a very minor cost, or just resetting the computer system. any assistance you can give would be greatly appreciated.

Engine hesitates,stalls, and shifts hard. had to replace ignition switch and lock cylinder, heat sensor, fuel cap, reprogram antitheft, water pump, always getting bubbles in tires, gauges dnt work, puddle on pass side, heater core, 2 sets of warped rotors, traction control(abs) keeps going off, found wires under hood chaffed( by rubbing on belt i believe)which caused no start. new problems are lights on dash and head lights will turn off at night while driving, i have a coolant leak which i think its due to blown gasket, and tonight i am driving in fog and my front window fogs up in 2 seconds. i wiped w hand and realized i was heading towards a person walkn. way to dangerous!!!!! i have had car for only 2 yrs. i am divorced w 3 kids and 1 special needs child w lots of appts. i need a reliable car, cant afford new car or a shop to fix car. i have had to become a mechanic cause of this car and i have no time for that, thank god for internet, i wnt take kids in car after dark, it unreliable and thats sad. please look into issues. *tr

While driving on the interstate to begin our vacation, the speedometer began showing increased speed while cruise control was set. we were going 65, but the speedometer eventually registered 120 mph. after cruise was turned off, it continued to read 120 mph, regardless of actual speed. we had to use our gps to monitor speed for the entire 1300 mile round trip! gm has recalled other models with the same problem. why hasn't a recall been issued for the impala? *tr

Last july the dash lights and interior panel lights stopped working. they could be made to work intermittently by wiggling the headlamp switch and / or banging on the instrument panel. last night my son was driving home at approximately 9:30 pm on a 4 lane secondary road at approximately 45 mph in moderate traffic and all of the headlamps went out with no warning, leaving him unable to see the road ahead. he ran over a curb, but was able to maintain control of the vehicle and bring it to a stop in a nearby parking lot. he and his passengers (2) were very shaken emotionally. the car was left there overnight. when it was picked up during the daylight hours today, the headlights were working again. after driving it home and turning the headlights on and off manually, they quit again. they could be made to work intermittently by wiggling the dimmer switch / turn signal lever on the steering column. i called the chevrolet dealership nearby and was told that this was a common problem and the part was over $500. i believe this to be a severe safety problem if this is common to these vehicles, as my son and his passengers could have been seriously if not fatally injured had the circumstances been different. *tr

Speedometer works sometimes. other times it gets stuck on mph. i can be sitting still and the speedometer will read 52 miles per hour. other times it will keep going up until the needle is more than buried. *tr

When driving down the road the dash controls {speedometer and temp gauge] stop working .. i could be driving at 40 but the speed odometer reads 120 and when stopped at a red light it could read 80 {sitting still} also have heard of many of the impala and chevrolet cars and truck having the same issue. i only drove my car 62000 miles since i bought it in 2004. my friends went out at 43000 and i was lucky and got 53000 miles. they want to charge 900.00 to fix their mess. i had a ford that was a 1969 and the speed odometer and temp gauges worked til i sold it and never had this problem. i want jba to fix it at their expense cause my car has never been wrecked and it is the first brand new car i ever owned. i think they should have a major recall on these vehicles cause they are charging an arm and leg for them only to have to fix them after a few thousand miles. i have no clue how fast i am driving i just find a car or truck that looks like it is doing the speed limit and follow it. i am not rich and cannot afford to have it fixed right now. i am laid off for the summer. i drive a school bus and do not get paid while i am off for the summer. so please consider a recall on all these vehicles before someone gets a major ticket because of a defect. ## vin failed ## 2004 chevrolet impala ## *tr

Instrument cluster does not work. sometimes the gauges stick and i do not know how fast im going or how much gas is in the car. *js