Problems with 2003 Chevrolet Impala ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I have a 2003 chevrolet impala, i called the customer care line and my car is not on the ignition switch recall list. i explained to the lady that all of my lights will go off whenever i go over speed bumps including speedometer and radio. when attempting to start my car i have to jiggle the key for several minutes before it will turn and i do not have any key rings with my car key. the lady clearly stated that my car is having the ignition switch issues, but not being on the recall list i would have to take my car to the dealership and pay for this out of pocket. i do not understand why my specific vin was not on the recall list and why i would have to pay for this when i was told by a contact at gm that my car has the issue. i just want this fixed. i have had this car for a year now and it has given me nothing but issues. i can't see my speed when i drive at night which i could get a ticket for and is dangerous. who can i contact to be added to the recall list? *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, odors of smoke were noticed before the passenger seat warmer caught on fire. no police or fire report was filed. the contact extinguished the fire. the contact did not sustain any injuries. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

It takes at least 2 tries or more to get the car started. while in park and the car was on it suddenly just shut off. *tr

(3) problems that are, and have been, occuring. 1) security issue: car will not start when key is turn to start. happens randomly. have to let security reset itself after 10 minutes and car will start again. 2) abs light on: random. brakes will grind at certain times when braking. harness and/or sensor problem. 3) traction control light on: traction kciks in when driving for no apparent reason. have to turn tractoin off for it to stop. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start on several occasions. the contact mentioned that the battery was replaced and the vehicle was able to start. additionally, the contact heard a loud abnormal noise when starting the vehicle. the vehicle was also taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the security system sensor data circuit, and the keyless entry data link may not have been reading properly and the computer needed to be reset. the independent mechanic suggested that the contact have the vehicle repaired by an authorized dealer. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign id number: 14e021000 (aftermarket replacement ignition switches). the approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

With all of our many complaints of ignition problems on 2003 impalas how can they not recall these too . my cost to fix was $ 520.00 my car would not crank because of same ignition problems as all the other complaints. still have dealer bill security codes went crazy had to replace passlock sensor ,and theft deterrent module. *tr

My 2003 impala has a security passlock feature which either does not allow vehicle to start or shut vehicle off when it thinks it's being stolen. my vehicle randomly shuts off while driving when this security light comes on, at this point i lose all control of vehicle functions. this is an apparent problem with thousands os gm vehicles that they know about but give no solution or recall to. instead, consumers are being stuck footing the bill to try and find a solution to a problem no one seems to know how to solve. please help hold gm responsible and repair our vehicles before fatalities occur. there are pages of posts in several forums online with people having the same issue with no help. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that the vehicle stalled several times. the security sensor illuminated and the contact had to wait a brief moment before attempting to restart the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop, but the cause of the failure could not be diagnosed. the dealer was unable to replicate or diagnose the failure. the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system). the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 125,000.

Car would not start desplaying security message, have had this problem multiple times had to disconnect the battery and then was able to start car most of the time have seen alot of this problem on similar vehicle and would like gm to do something about this proble they are haveing because i dont want the car to just stop running and cause an accident. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that the instrument panel failed intermittently. in addition, the headlights, the daytime running lights, and the stereo console lights intermittently illuminated. the contact also stated that the drivers seat heat control failed to activate. the contact noticed that the service engine, the traction control and the air bag sensor illuminated intermittently. additionally, the contact stated that when the brake pedal was applied the brake pedal traveled abnormally to the floorboard floor on numerous occasions. the contact also stated that the vehicle stalled various times as the traction control light engaged and disengaged causing the brakes to fail. the contact was not aware if the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign id number: 14v400000 (electrical system).the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 186,000. updated 10/02/14*lj

Bought this 2003 chevrolet impala on jan. 2 2012 and rocker arms have been replaced 6 times since then, just today march 11,2013 ( miles are 67483) back in for same thing, car was just in on feb. 13,2013 for rocker arms ( miles were 100396) and the dealer put a new engine in and in less then a month back in same thing. head lights don't work right.this car is faulty and should be recalled and off the road before someone kills them self or someone else. when the rocker arms went didn't have power and almost crashed onto a was when turning a bend.very dangerous vehicle!!! *tr

March 2, 2013 my car would not start. the security light had been on and after looking in the owner's manual, it was determined that the passlock system, aka the security system, was engaged and not allowing the fuel injectors to start my car. upon research on the internet, a lot of tips were provided on how to "fix" the problem. they ranged from disconnecting the battery, taking apart the ignition cylinder and leaving the key in the on position for 10-30 minutes. for other people experiencing this problem, show this official service bulletin from gm #04-08-47-003 to your dealer or repair person! (#04-08-47-003: security light on, engine will not crank, diagnostic trouble codes b2958 and/or b2960 (repair poor terminal connections at body control module) - (aug 31, 2004)). *tr

Car will shut down while driving and security light will flash. has done it numerous times, worried it will cause an accident. there are multiple cases of this problem on internet. *tr

We own a 2003 chevy impala i purchased it because i thought they were safe vehicles. in the last 2 months we have had multiple issues with traction control and our interior and exterior lighting. we have lost all function to our dash lights our head lights only work when they decide too and my traction control fails to work and when i don't need it engages.....this is not ok! we have had everything checked. all fuses and bulbs are good. we have had diagnostics done a couple of times and nothing ever shows up. i have seen hundreds of complaints about the same stuff. please tell me nobody has to die or get seriously injured before you make them fix these issues. we all paid a lot for these cars they need to fix them now!! *tr

When on the highway doing approx. 65 mph with my cruise control on, all of sudden the cruise control dropped out and vehicle slowed down dramatically.. also the heat and ac would not work at all. these conditions continued intermittently. when we went to my mechanic he had an ignition switch waiting, he knew of the problem before we arrived. as soon as he touched the ignition switch the engine shut off. since we had the switch replaced we have had no problems. this sounds like a similar problem as the recall. thank you *tr

Cruise control goes off and on intermittingly. heat and ac goes on and off. had ignition switch replaced and problem was solved. sounds like same problem as recent recall. *tr

Tl* the contact owned a 2003 chevrolet impala. while driving 35 mph, the contact's vehicle stalled and crashed into a telephone pole. the air bags failed to deploy. a police report was filed and minor injuries were sustained. medical attention was not received. the vehicle was destroyed. the contact received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system).the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 87,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that he attempted to turn the vehicle off but when he removed the key, the engine remained on. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they stated the ignition switch needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 81,483. updated 5/29/14*cn

When i attempt to start the vehicle, the security light flashes, radio locks up and the car stalls. after reading the manual and contacting a dealer, i was advised to turn the key into the on position and wait for the security light to stop flashing, then start the car. the first time this happened it took over an hour for the car to start. the second time, it took over an hour as well. this is the third time and im on day 2 of leaving the key in the on position and nothing is happening. i contacted the dealer again and at first i was told i needed to bring it in for a security system reset. then i was told that i need to replace bcm without anyone actually looking at my car. after researching online, there are several complaints regarding this same issue on model 2000-2005. gm is clearly aware of this defect but refuse recall. those that have paid over $500 to fix replace the bcm are still having the same issue. can gm be held accountable for the flaw that they are aware of yet charging people hundreds of dollars to fix a part that may not be broken? *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition failed and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system). the contact felt that the recall remedy was performed incorrectly and failed to repair the vehicle. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was unavailable.

My turn signals went out. will not work and idk what's going on but i have read many same complaints the net. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that when attempting to start the vehicle, the anti-theft system would activate and the vehicle could not be started. the contact would have to wait approximately 10 minutes before he vehicle could be started. the vehicle was not inspected by a dealer or an independent mechanic. the manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. the failure mileage was approximately 120,000. the current mileage was approximately 133,000.

Multiple times the key has been unable to turn in the ignition. usually after a few minutes the key will turn and i am able to start the car. however, on september 30, i was unable to turn the key in the ignition and the car has not started since. i can not turn the car on to put it in neutral. the key will not turn at all and i read that this is actually a common problem. *tr

Engine accelerates to 3,000 rpm during warm up (sometimes). usually occurs about five minutes after cold start. has lasted 10 to 15 minutes while driving. has not repeated during same day and not happen again for days or weeks during the past five months. replaced ecm (computer), iac (idle air control), coolant temp. sensor and cleaned throttle body. dealer cannot suggest solution. unable to get car to dealer while problem is happening. scanned for dtcs multiple times, none. controlling speed with brake is not a good solution. safety hazard! *tr the consumer stated when the body control module failed, the key fob would not work, the engine would not start, the interior lights would not come on and the head light would not turn off. the consumer had to disconnect the battery, in order to turn the head lights off. after reconnecting the battery, everything returned to normal. the bcm was replaced. updated 03/19/13

Recently, when i arrived at a local business center, i attempted to turn the ignition key to off and i could not. the key was stuck in the acc position, and thus could not be removed. in addition, all the accessories were on. reluctantly, i had to leave my car in a public parking lot with the power on and my keys dangling in the ignition. when i drove home, once again the key would not rotate to the off position -- it remained at acc. i attempted many fixes for the problem -- repeatedly shifting into park, turning the steering wheel, etc. i was forced to leave the car on, and with the key in the ignition. my battery in time would be dead. perhaps worse, my car was just sitting there waiting for an opportunistic thief. i searched online for help and found scores of reports of impala owners who had the identical problem. the ignition key gets stuck in acc and can't be removed. it's an intolerable situation because you can't secure your car. not to mention that you can't turn the accessories off, so you have a guaranteed drained battery. here is just one forum where this specific impala problem was discussed: http://repairpal.com/ignition-key-stuck-due-to-failed-shifter-020. chevrolet should issue a recall and fix this problem. there's no way one can force the key out of the ignition, and the only means of avoiding the drained-battery problem is to remove the battery cables. that's not technology, that's a nightmare. my car is constantly at risk of being stolen, and i'm hooking and unhooking the battery cables all the time. this is a very pervasive and persistent problem with impala owners. just this one web site alone (above) contains detailed accounts by scores of complainants, and it's but one of many. we paid too much for these cars to be ripped off and jerked around. *tr

The car will not start and i have to sit and wait 5 minutes or so until it will start. i have been reading online that this is a big problem and chevrolet has not done a recall to fix it, it is very sad. i would like to have this electrical problem fixed. *tr

Low-beam headlights have failed to come on and will no longer function. high-beams and daytime running lights still function, but at dusk the low-beams will fail to light; however high-beams can be used instead creating a traffic hazard. i replaced the multi-function switch with a new switch, and replaced the relay with a known good working relay. the relay will still work and actuate indicating that the relay is not the problem. i checked the bulbs and they are still good, fuses are fine, 12v positive power is present at the bulb, but the ground is not activated on either side at any time. all problems point to a bad body control module (bcm). i have checked online and there are many many complaints about this vehicle with the same problem. if the low-beam headlights fail on somebody while they are driving, it could cause a crash and with that comes the possibility of the fatality of the driver and passengers. the bcm computer is known to cause many problems with starting the vehicle, flashing the lights both interior and exterior and these will cause safety issues with the vehicle. *tr

The vehicle was parked for 2 days in mexico and i attempted to start it early afternoon and it after 1 hour of waiting to start it again, it would not start. this has happened to me a in the past and the last time it did was about 3 months ago. my car would not start at first and then after 10-15 minutes of waiting it would then turn on but now its taken longer to function. i don't know the exact reason why this problem is occurring but would like it to get fixed asap. *tr

Security lock out, when security light is flashing will not allow to start, have to wait 10 min. and hope that it will reset, when light stops flashing turn key off and then try to start, if not wait another 10 min. sometimes have to wait 60 min, this is in a dark parking lot after getting out of work at 9:30 pm gm will not recall since there have been no deaths reported because of this issue. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. while driving over a bump and shifting gears, the contact was able to remove the key from the ignition. the speed was unknown. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified. the failure mileage was 90,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that the security system independently engaged preventing her from starting the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. the technician diagnosed that the body control module, the ignition cylinder and the pass code kit needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance. the vehicle was repaired. the failure mileage was 58,000 and the current mileage was 63,802.

Security system will not allow you to start the engine, you turn the key and nothing happens, the security light blinks for 10 minutes. if you do nothing after the light stops blinking you might be able to start engine, sometimes you have to let it cycle 2 or 3 times. this is very dangerous for my wife as she gets out of work at 9:30 pm and is alone in a parking lot. chevrolet knows about this problem and will do nothing as there have been no deaths because of this. *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. the security warning light illuminated as the contact attempted to start the vehicle. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer and the manufacturer was not contacted. the vehicle was not repaired and the vin was unknown. the failure and current mileages were 100,000.

My 2003 impala ls 3800 car cuts out when i start it after its been sitting a while. i hear this is most common for these gm models but i cannot find out the issue to stop it. shop workers could not tell at the shop by doing a diagnostic scan. i really want to get this issue resolved. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that while parked, the vehicle failed to start and the anti-theft security warning light illuminated. the contact was able to start the vehicle after several minutes. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where the technician stated that the body control module and the ignition would have to be replaced and reprogrammed. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was not available. the approximate failure mileage was 90,000. *tr

I have been having recent trouble with my car not starting. i try to start it and nothing happens. i get a security light that flashes. i am using the original key. i will sometimes be able to start with within 15 minutes later, but sometimes i am stuck somewhere for hours before it will start again. it is not the battery because i just recently got a new one thinking that could be the problem. i read online that it has something to do with a faulty pass securitly lock issue with flawed gm system. i also read that paying to try the fix the problem is worthless because it will usually just reoccur so there seems to be no way to fix this without continiuing to waste my hard earned money. this is both a nuisace and has caused me many troubles being late to importatnt meetings etc. i once had to take my granny to the hospital and was not about to because my car wouldnt start. please do what you can to get this thing recalled as i think it is unfair to all these people. i love to buy american but this is ridiculous and makes me not want to but another american made car. thanks *tr

When to start car and would not start. lights and radio would come on. had a new battery put in and the alternator checked. 2 weeks later when to pick up niece from the baby sitter, was inside for 3 minutes came back out car would not start again. after 45 minutes of trying to start it finally started. yesterday, went out to my car to drive to a meeting and once again it would not start. about 40 minutes later i went back out to try it again and it started right up. i did research online and found several complaints. apparently this is a pass code issue. i do not feel i should have to go and get all this work done when there is no real solution. the code will not always come up so nobody knows what exactly is wrong with the car. in summary, the security system thinks that i am trying to steel my own car. this has left me stranded in the cold 3 different times. i am a 25 year old lady. that is totally unsafe and as there is no real solution to the problem that anyone can find how and i supposed to get it fixed. i have a child on the way. this is not the only year that does it either. all impalas have this issue from the years 2003-2005. how can a recall not be issued. i called chevy and they basically said to go to a dealer but that is not an acceptable answer when i read that several people have spent thousands of dollars at their dealer on the same issue and are still having issues. please help!! here are several articles on the issue: http://www.justautorepair.com/chevrolet/impala/589-security-light-not-starting-ignition-2003.html http://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/showthread.php?t=30631. http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20081001165133aacvyjchttp://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/chevy_impala.html. *tr

2003 chevy impala 87,000 miles on it- security pass lock system begins flashing periodically while i am driving and then randomly will not start. the entire dash lights up and i have power to the windows, but the key will not start the ignition. if i wait 10 minutes, it will start. i took my care to gm service and they said it car need to change some electrical parts like bcm computer, ignition key set, etc etc will cost me around $850 after my research online discovered that gm knows about the issue in their system, but does not care to fix it. in this economy, no one can afford to replace a 850 dollar error. it is disheartening. the reason we went with a chevy impala is the dependability. i cannot afford this issue and it is simply careless on gm's part. i'm a very disappointed customer and i will spread the word around to not purchase gm vehicles. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the technician replaced the key cylinder however, the failure was not corrected. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 98,000 and the current mileage was 159,396.

Key in ignition cylinder is able to be pulled out when engine is running. engine stays running without a key in the cylinder. vehicle was recalled for plastic inserts on keys but not for key cylinder. *tr

Ignition switch will not turn. i've had it replaced and the computer will not recognize the new key. *kb

As with many other owners of a 2003 impala the security system constantly mis functions and leaves me stranded with the car unable to be started. the search on the internet exposes the fact that this is common with many makes and models of chevy. *tr

Tl* the contact owns 2003 chevrolet impala. the contact stated while driving various speeds, the contact noticed that the defrogger,the turning signals and the instrument panel had malfunctioned. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a diagnosis and the mechanic stated that the ignition switch and blower resister had failed and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired multiple times,however,the problem recurred multiple times. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and the vin was included in nhtsa campaign number:14v4000 (electrical). the approximate failure mileage was 98,000.

Gas gauge giving incorrect reading. jumps from full to empty and can reside anywhere in between regardless of amount of gas. causes car to run out of gas without proper warning. *tr

2003 chevy impala , sometimes it won't start, after a few minutes it will. *tr

I have had incidents several times over the years where i would hit a bump in the road and my car would completely shut off. i have also had several incidents where i was traveling down the expressway and my car turned off on me. i had to shift my car into neutral and restart it to continue going. i was fortunate not to have an accident. *tr

2003 chevy impala security light randomly comes on while driving vehicle. light will turn off sometimes after driving or sometimes after car is turned off. can go at the longest a week between light coming back on again. car without warning did not start. turned key lights worked radio worked and ac but wouldn't turn over. *kb

My 2003 impala ignition switch fails every 2-3 years. it causes the car to stall or not start. this part is known in the industry to be faulty and should be replaced. *tr

Bcm - body control module - 2003 chevrolet impala. started with failure of electronic door locks, then radio went out, then car will not start. new bcm ordered. *tt

My chevy impala 2003 intermittently will not start; it seems that there is some electronically activated lockout system that temporarily prevents the car from being started. (the battery, starter and other conventional part of the starting system are ok.) under certain situations, this is a safety issue since the car has been in potentially hazardous locations for a 30 second stop but then it won't start for 10 minutes due to an unknown problem with the car's passlock security / electrical / key tumbler / systems. aside from the frustration, i cannot rely on my automobile when transporting my 90+ year old parents to lunch or whatever because i may become stranded and their health issues cannot tolerate sitting in a hot car for unknown periods of time. *tr