Problems with 2001 Chevrolet Impala ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Car doesn't want to start if it's cold outside (35 degrees or colder). sometimes it takes 10-30 minutes for the car to finally start. it happens numerous times. i've replaced battery, i've had car alarm system checked, starter checked, and still have problems. i have read online of thousands of people with the same problem with various brands from general motors. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that the starter switch continuously failed and the vehicle could not be started. in addition, the headlights had become inoperable. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who advised that there was an electrical failure, such as the anti theft and pass lock systems, which constantly caused the entire electrical system to fail. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised that they were unable to repair the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 153,000.

2001 chevrolet impala ls. electrical problems causing vehicle not to start if is sits a number of house i.e. overnight. took vehicle for servicing to dealer they tried twice and they cannot fix the problem. took the car to chevy dealer they disconnected car alarm system only for the problem to still exist. i work nights i cried because of being stranded in the middle of the night alone. how could this be and gm not doing anything to help. so many complaints and still no action. i will try to contact to see if assistance can be given. if not i will make it my personal mission to make sure this does not happen to anyone else. this happens almost everyday now and i am beyond fed up. the alternator, two batteries, starter, control module, and fuses were replaced and yet experts cannot fix the problem. gm should be ashamed i taking a plan of action to contact my local news station and bbb. this is not fair and not customer service. as a result my children have been late to school and missed school, i have been late to work and missed work. this car has been a curse and i would sell the vehicle but i cannot imagine disadvantaging someone else as it has been done to me. may god continue to bless. *tr

While making a left turn in an intersection, car completely shut down, and i lost brakes and steering. car immediately restarted but time on clock was wrong. i believe the computer is shutting the car down. shortly after this incident, my keyless entry failed to lock the car until i restarted the car and tried again. i, again, noticed, the time on my clock had changed, indicating a computer shutdown. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that anti theft system malfunctioned and the contact was not able to start the vehicle. the dealer was not informed about the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 91000 and the current mileage was 96000.

Headlights, taillights, interior lights were all flashing. the car also would have incidents where it wouldn't start and i'd have to wait for 10 minutes to restart. i was told by the mechanic at the dealership that these problems were well known in gm cars and were caused by the bcm and passlock system. i was told that installing a new bcm for $400 would fix the problem. immediately, i noticed that the flashing lights had stopped. a month later, i was leaving a grocery store when i tried to start my car and it wouldn't start. i had to wait 10 minutes before it would restart. i called the dealership service center and they told me that when this happens, the passlock system is resetting itself and the only remedy is to replace the bcm again. i had a 1 year warranty on the replacement of the bcm, so i took it to the dealer the next day. the car wouldn't do it when they had it, so they weren't able to determine that the bcm was the problem. i was never able to get it replaced because it wouldn't happen while at the dealership. now that it's been over a year, the non-start issue has been happening weekly. gm will not assist with paying for another bcm because of the mileage of my vehicle. *tr

The vehicle doesn't recognize your key and won't start. this issue can happen once a week once a month once a year, you just never know. usually if you wait 20 minutes for the computer to reset it will start, but that is not always the case. the turn signals on the vehicle also do not work 50% of the time. *tr

I have a 2001 chevy impala. on occasion it just won't start. i had it into the chevy dealer several times to know avail. there has been millions of complaints about this issue. why hasn't gm addressed this problem? *tr

This models electrical system is flawed. its been nothing but problems, for example i have replaced the blower motor and resister two times now took it to a mechanic and problem persist!! others include one headlight dual, lights in dash cutting in and out, and rear defrost. i am done with this car and its company! from now on i am only buying ford! *tr

Bought my chevy 2001 impala may 2010 at 114,000 miles. a week later the check engine light came on for the mass air flow sensor. car ran fine, changed the maf in february 2011 as the car began to chug at stop lights. a week later the car stalled on the way home after about an hour of driving. had spark plugs, filters, fluids, tps sensor (twice), crank shaft sensor and ignition module changed. car is now chugging, stalls out, after stalling the turn signals do not work for a while and has trouble climbing tall hills (does not accelerate). the check engine light comes on occasionally and it reads the tps sensor is bad. checked the wires near the tps sensor and maf sensor noting when touching wires the idle of the car increases. come to find out there was a compartment fire before i had bought the car and it appears some wires were spliced. in process to change the wiring harness. unsure if this will fix the problems. *tr

Gm starting electrical error. 2001 chevy impala. the security thinks the car is being stolen. and the only easy fix is disconnect the battery. so to all the thieves take mine. this problem occurs on a regular basis. ie three to five times a day, depending on how many times i use the vehicle. currently 132k miles. car runs great otherwise. why doesn't gm recall this error???? *tr

Electrical problems.... my car is a 2001 and it just quit while we were approaching a busy enter section on easter sunday. after being towed home $255 later. we figured out it was a #15 fuse and it drove okay for about 1 mile and the fuse blew again, then i inserted a new fuse. that night we replaced the relay and this worked for about 40 miles and then what to get it towed home again. now it is in the dealership for electrical damage. it scared the daylights out me, never had this problem before. we replaced the fuel pump i think 8 months ago. *tr

This has happened about a dozen times in last several months since i purchased the car. i go to start it and nothing. it will not turn over. security light comes on. radio and lights continue tol work. if i wait 10 minutes it will start. it happened again today making me late to work again.

I bought a 2001 chevy impala 1 week ago and now it will not accelerate over 30 miles an hour plus it cuts off when it reaches those miles. i had new spark plugs installed, wires, coil packs and a new fuel filter installed. *tr

2000-2005 chevy impalas experience flickering interior lights and exterior lights, faulty dash gauges, no shifter signs on dash, no manual interior lighting or exterior lights, no crank or start. was told that a bad bcm was the problem. (body control module) part# gmab166 is very old for the make of car the it was put in. there is a nhtsa bulletin out and gm refuse to fix it. bulletin $ 010603005 and 110501. because of this hazard i crashed my car into the back of another going 65 mph when the car just suddenly stalled and there wasn't adequate brake pressure to stop the car. *tr

Dash and instrument lights dim to where i can't see what speed i'm doing while driving at night. i can't manually adjust them with headlight knob when this problem occurs making for a very dangerous situation while driving at night. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chevy impala. while driving the pass lock system light began flashing. when the pass lock system light flashed the radio turns off, the doors locks, the dome light flashed on and off, the truck lid opens, and sometimes the vehicle will shut off and will not restart. the fuse must be removed in order to restart the vehicle. the failure is currently causing the headlights to shut off intermittently while driving. the manufacturer informed the contact that they were unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. the contact is concerned about the safety risk since a crash could occur due to the failure. the current and failure mileages were 150,000.

Passlock system failure intermittently. car will not start for 10/15 min. i've been stranded late at night and in some bad weather. dealership said they don't know what it is unless the problem happens at the garage, otherwise they don't know what the problem is. i've spent in the thousands of dollars. have had bcm replaced, cylinders and sensors replaced. still doesn't work. dealership said they don't know what the problem is. there are many complaints on this problem. (see carcomplaints.com and look under electrical problems). *tr

On my 201 impala, the turn signals sometime fail to operate - i have found that i can turn on the emergency signals and then disengage them to restart normal turn signals. instrument lights also dim at times making it impossible to read speed or any other instruments - problems do not necessarily occur together but can and do at times - random in problem occurrence; mileage approx 144,000. *tr

Security light comes on, traction light comes on, rpm's drop to 0, gas drops to 0, constant draining of battery and is dead after 10 or so hours. many people on forums are all complaining of the same thing and even mechanics say that this is a very common problem with these cars yet there is no recall! i have spent as of now 1000 dollars on this problem and my dealer is telling me that might not fix the problem completely!!! i have put in a new alternator, new battery, new bcm, and now a new ignition switch! i currently have the old bcm and the new one is in my car. *tr

My 2001 impala with a 3.8 v-6 would not start after golf last thursday, so i had it towed to a repair shop. the shop put in a new fuel pump, fuel filter, spark plugs and wires. the bill came to $900. i had the same problem various occasions over the next couple weeks and decided to look on the internet. this site popped up when i "searched stalls while driving" because the car started stalling occasionally while driving under just about any condition. i bought a new crankshaft position sensor from car quest installed it myself in less than an hour and haven't had any problems for about a week now. thanks for the info. *tr

Problem starting 2001 chevy impala in extremely warm weather. all lights on dashboard light up and car will not start. replaced the battery the first time it happened in fall. replaced the alternator. replaced the wires to the battery. researched and found that it was the passlock security system, for which numerous people are having similar problems. have been stuck at work parking lot in evening, at gas station after filling up and other locations, usually when i'm alone. will not allow my son or daughter to drive vehicle. definitely a safety issue. *tr

I have a 2001 chevrolet impala sedan. without warning the turn signals stop working. if i stop the car and restart it, the signals usually start working again, but for how long? the mileage is 175,000. i went online and found that gm has identified that the hazard switch is the root cause. this switch is the same switch on several models. i went to chandler chevrolet in tappahannock , va .gm will replace the hazard switch on the 2001 malibu (this is the same switch that is in my car). then the service manager said up to 150,000 miles. nhtsa investigation #peo2064 my other problem is that i have experienced right rear stop light failure. however the running tail light does work. at first the shop where i took it, reynolds garage in ottoman, va figured it was a burned out stop light element. replacing the bulb did not bring the stop light back into service. then we replaced the section of wiring harness. still no luck. i left the car at the shop and mr. reynolds spent a lot of time on it w/o solving the problem. i wonder if this right rear stop light problem is related to the failed hazard switch and its weak solder joints. thank you for listening. *tr william e. steinmetz

This problem started several years ago. at random engine will not start. this seems to affect many different models of cars. i have a 2001 chevy impala. i used to have to replace the battery bc it would happen every yr. now i have to turn key to on and wait ten minutes to crank it. i am a single female and this problem is not only inconvenient but unsafe. something needs to be done to correct it. i have spoken with my dealer and they acknowledge the problem but say nothing works for it and not to spend the money and there is nothing they can do. there has to be something because of numerous complaints here and on the internet. *tr

While operating my car, when moving or stopped at a light, the engine would suddenly shut down. if the car is moving at 50 to 65 mph the engine would restart on its own. at 35 mph or less i must coast to the side of the road, stop moving and put the car in park. the car will restart with the turning of the ignition switch to start. *tr

I have a 2001 chevrolet impala. i have had my car since february of 2009 and it is a terrific car with the exception of the car cuts off in the middle of traffic, on the highway and anywhere it likes. i could be driving down the road and the car just cuts off. the battery light comes one and i turn the car switch off and back on and it starts up again. i have taken it to several places and no one seems to know what the problem is. this is very dangerous for a person to be driving and this happen to them. i have gone on the 2001 chevrolet impala website for recalls, defects, and other issues and there are sooo many impala's with this same issue. i have three small children and this is not safe but it is my only source of transportation. *tr

I have 2001 chevy impala and it has starting issues. it doesn't start at times and it's getting to be more often and nothing will get it to start. i just leave it sit, sometiimes for 2 hours and it may or may not start. it quit while getting ready to stop at a red light and almost caused an accident, as i couldn't steer my car and it smelled hot. also the blinkers won't work at times and i have to press my emergency flasher switch to get them to work. i have replaced the starter and the starting issue hasn't improved at all. it is very maddening as i never know when it will not start when i go to leave somewhere and it's very undependable to take anywhere. please can you help with this problem? it has been happening for the last year and is happening more often lately. *tr

Security light flashes and car will not start. *tr

2001 chevrolet impala car was totaled before recall was issued *cn the consumer stated the air bag did not deploy. *jb

The bcm (body control module) caused my 01 impala to do some crazy things. it started with turn signals intermittently working. my wife and i were in several near accidents because other drivers could not tell what we were doing. then it progressed to each time that i applied the breaks the headlights would flash from high beam to low beam at least a dozen times. it distracted the drivers in front of me when driving at night. on many occasions it caused the entire dash instrumentation to fail with the exception of the speedometer. the message center would give me false indications of required maintenance and low tire pressure. twice it locked the car out on "security" the vehicle would also intermittently start. after about 10minutes the vehicle typically started backup again. once, the vehicle left the headlights on after vehicle was turned off. i had to disconnect the battery to keep it fromdraining the battery. again, after about 10 minutes it would allow something to reset and all would be fine. after searching on the internet for similar problems on the make and model i took it toa gm dealer leading them towards the bcm. i didn't want to pay an exuberant amount of money forthem to chase an "electrical ghost". after $500 they replaced the bcm and the vehicle ran perfect for about 2 1/2 months and now the turn signals are intermittent once again. *tr

My 2001 impala's right rear turn and brake light stop working. i checked for voltage at the right rear light. no voltage was present but i had a good ground. i started to check the harness back tracking the circuit to the turn signal switch, the harness was good. i removed the multi function switch and noticed a lot of grease from the column. i cleaned the switch and assembled it back together. it worked for about a week or two and once again the rr turn signal stop working. i priced a switch for my impala from my local parts dealer, it was over $300. i researched to see if this was a common problem and was surprised on how many incidents were reported. i think gm need to back up their cars and consider this as a safety recall.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. the contact stated that after several attempts the vehicle started. the failure recurred multiple times. the contact also stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. the vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign id number: 14v400000 (electrical system) however, the contact was concerned that the remedy did not repair the vehicle. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 114,000.

I own a 2001 chevy impala. basically since the moment i bought it, it would randomly flash the "security" light then not start. i got several explanations about why (security fob, neutral switch, battery) and took it in several times for repairs. because they couldn't replicate the problem, they said, well, don't worry, it's just an intermittent problem. i guess that's easy to say when you're not stuck on the side of the road with a non-starting car... now i find out that chevy installed a passlock system which is supposed to keep your car from being stolen, but that since it was installed in their new cars, it causes this problem. they refuse to recall the cars and fix the security system problems, instead forcing their customers to waste time and money on something that they should fix. *tr

2001 no-start situation similar to hundreds of others that are posted on the internet for the 2000-2003 chevy impalas & malibus (there may be other model years with similar problems). the car will not crank when the key is turned to the start position. no noise when this happens but sometimes security light will come on. it is an intermittent problem that we've spent over $1000 trying to resolve. it occurs with no rhyme or reason and has put our daughter in dangerous situations. car always starts eventually and it seems that it's just a matter of waiting a range of 10 minutes to 2 hours. always a pain in the butt but sometimes a safety issue with bad weather and other factors. local gm dealer not too concerned about our problem and gm corporation doesn't seem to care either. maybe nhtsa can get gms attention to resolve this problem because it's obviously affects many people. *tr

The light went out on the speedometer. the instrument lighting cluster was replaced at the dealer for $614.00 and it went out again in about one year. it is out now. the speedometer speed cannot be read at night. *tr

Car stalling at stoplights and stop signs, and driving down the road with no warning. numerous mechanics have looked at it and no conclusion has been made. finally it stalled and now its stranded. it will not start. *tr

I owned a 2001 chevrolet impala automobile. "security lock" light came on during normal drive 2 days before car failure. on the morning of failure, car doors were unresponsive to remote key. a continuous low droning noise emits from inside of dashboard. when key was inserted into ignition cylinder and turned, nothing happens. engine did not start, electronic system checks did not come alive. not even a sputtering sound from the car hood. after checking online for similar problem, profile fits the recurrent problem of passlock sensor of general motor cars. car technicians quoted me $400 - $600 for replacement of ignition switch and cylinder; $600 on average for change of body control module. http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/t147983.html http://www.topix.com/forum/autos/chevrolet-impala/t30r7cej84ktjel1m/p4 to the best of my knowledge, this recurring problem has been reported on various sources for the past 7 years. to this day, it remains un-resolved. i implore the authorities to take charge and investigate thoroughly the extent of this "non-start" problem that afflicts thousands and thousands of chevrolet cars on the road. sincerely yours, dexter (keng hao) chun *tr

This is an ongoing repeated problem. my 2001 impala randomly won't start about 3 times a week. i will take the key out of the ignition wait 10 minutes and the security (passlock) system will reset and the car will crank, but no time in between...this has been going on for about 8 months now and i have seen numerous occasions of this happening to other people both that i have spoken with and that i have read online.. this does not just occur in chevrolets. one person said that it occurred in a pontiac. i would assume this is a gm problem...and why has this not been recalled? this is an extreme inconvenience from chevrolet and i have read instances where the problem had been fixed by replacing the ignition, bcm, etc. and this problem still continues. why are there so many people with this problem and no known solution. recall? defect? *tr

I have a 2001 chevy impala and when you go to start the car it won't start. it doesn't do it all the time, but when it happens it takes numerous attempts with the key to get it started. *tr

2001 chevrolet impala recalled and customer is requesting refund.*cw the dealer replaced the pass lock sensor. *jb

Passlock system in chevy impala prevents car from starting intermittently. depending on circumstances, location, and persons on board, this could lead to illness or injury. *tr

My car randomly doesn't like to start. i have been stranded in many places because of it. i do not think it is fair to me to have to be late to work just because my car doesn't feel like starting for 10 minutes. it's getting to the point where i am going to have to start it like a half hour early just so i know that i won't be late to work. i have also been stranded at a store at night. what would have happened if someone would have came up to me...let me see a young girl sitting in a car late at night all by herself...that's not a good way to get robbed or anything else...thank you gm for a wonderful car. *tr

2001 chevorlet/impala purchased new, current miles 51,000. intermittant loss of directionals. **now complete loss of directionals and emergency signals. failed recent car inspection. additional failures include: complete brake loss at 38,000. resulting in replacement of entire brake system. firestone tire, west roxbury, ma stated on documents that "rotors were thinned down to size of sheet of paper &/or completely gone." two tire blowouts at 35,000, also replaced by above repair shop, with 4 new tires. battery leak with corrosion to extent of need of connection cables to be rebuilt for attachment. battery replaced with new connections at 40,000 by sears auto body in dedham, ma. passengar side wiper fixed and replaced after failure. worked for 3 months and has failed again, has not at present been replaced/repaired. care of car was updated and maintained according to all requirements/recommendations by manufacturer. no history of accidents. this including, oil changes, wiper blade changes, tire rotations with evey other oil change, which was done every 3 monts, etc. brake inspection and pads changed on car 1 year before complete failure. brake loss was thankfully uneventful only due to time of night and low traffic, only able to stop car with gliding to stop. then towed to service station. on average my present yearly milage is probably less than 3000. i am the only driver/operator to this car and althogh mentioned #1 owner, my father originally purchased the car, (howard chevorlet, west roxbury, ma) but did not drive it. i currently am the title holder. please feel free to contact me anytime if you have any recommendations that could help me. i feel that there is major failure that beyond my control and is dangerous to myself, others and most important to me, my 4 y/o daughter. thank you for your time. i hope to hear from you (someone) soon. teresa corrigan *tr

2001 chevy impala security light came on for a week car shuts down while driving, won't start, only after 30 minutes it will start,installing a new passlock ignition switch cost of over 500.00 with tow and diagnostics, this should be a recall, or covered by gm. this is the cost if this works it still could be something else, but the code reader spit out the passlock fault. *tr

For the past few months, my 2001 chevy impala has been very difficult to turn the ignition to start. it is becoming increasingly worse as time goes on. i have to keep turning the wheel as i turn the ignition to get it to start. i am thinking that one day i will not be able to turn it. i have no idea why this is happening. *tr

Car thinks it is being stolen, and it will not crank with original keys. appears to be a security issue. must wait at least 10 minutes before attempting to crank again. it will not crank (motor will not turn over to crank) for at least 10 minutes after attempting to crank. nothing happens when key is turned to crank/on position. i purchased this car new, and i have had it checked out by an independent mechanic. after searching online, this appears to be a common problem that has not been addressed by gm. please help the consumer/car owner with this very serious problem. thank you. *tr

I began having electrical problems in my 2001 chevrolet impala in mid 2008, which continued to get worse until around late 2009 when the car was no longer safe to drive. these problems consisted of headlights flickering on and off randomly, intermittent turn signal failure, and a variety of other electrical related issues. doing minimal research on the internet shows that many consumers have or are suffering from the exact same problems, and it appears that the majority of these claims are (temporarily?) solved by replacing the body control module in these vehicles. after replacing my body control module at the dealer ($600), the airbag light came on within a few days of the repair. i presume it is also related to a faulty body control module since that is what many voices on the internet say to check. i called my local chevrolet dealer and asked about another replacement, and they told me it would cost 170$ just to look at it and they said it was instead related to an airbag control module (more electrical). this vehicle has been in my family since it was purchased brand new, and has experienced a variety of electrical problems, most of which went away after replacing the body control module. after replacing the bcm, some have come back already. please put a stop to this! it is highly dangerous to be driving down the freeway at night and have my headlights suddenly stop working or turn signals that are unreliable at best or an airbag that fails to launch during an accident. the symptoms seem to get worse the older the body control module, and i can see it happening all over again now that my airbag light is on after replacing my body control module.

2001 impala sometimes won't start. had car three years. replaced ignition cylinder once already. when this happens you turn the key clockwise and wait 10 minutes then turn off and try again. usually after 10 minutes it will start, but sometimes have to go to round 2 or 3 and once through round 7. that's right an hour and a half! occurs about 4-5 times a month i'd guess. not what you want to have to endure alone and 19 and late at night and my daughter. this is a safety hazard whether gm wants to admit it or not. this should be recalled and fixed! *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet impala lx. the contact stated that the security warning light illuminated and prevented the vehicle from starting. the dealer was contacted who advised him to bring in the vehicle for inspection. the manufacturer was not contacted. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 89,000.

Security light comes on, lights flash on and off (especially dangerous at night) clicking noise, radio locks, battery light comes on, air bag light comes on. clicking noise happens whether the car is on or not. cannot unlock or lock car with the report. i've seen hundreds of complaints on the blogs about this. there is a bulletin from gm #04-08-47-003 so obviously they know about this problem. this a very dangerous situation. *tr