8.0
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$394.00
Average Mileage:
98,686 miles
Total Complaints:
38 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (24 reports)
- replace ignition switch (5 reports)
- replaced bcm unit and passlock sensor (2 reports)
- reset passlock in 15 min. (2 reports)
- check ground wiring and clean battery posts - will fix bcm (1 reports)
- door open, key in, when ding loud key recognized, car starts (1 reports)
electrical problem
Helpful Websites About 2001 Chevrolet Impala engine won't turn over sometimes
2009Jun 26
Impala 3.4L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 50,049 miles
I am the original owner of the 2001 Chevy Impala and take good care of my vehicle. I get all scheduled maintenance performed, and the car is in a garage when not in use. In the early spring of 2009, I noticed that on occasion the car would pause slightly when I first get in to start it. Then in late June, one day after work, my car would not start at all. I called my husband from my cell phone to let him know and while I was talking with him, I tried to start the car again and it did start. The next morning, the car started, I drove to work, but that afternoon, it would not start again. We purchased a new battery for the car and for the next 4 or 5 days I had no problems other than the remote keyless entry fob would not lock or unlock my doors. About the 5th day after purchase of the new battery, the car failed to start again. I took it to a local garage only to find out that it was a computer problem that only a dealer garage can fix. So now GM has a captive audience, as I can only take it to a dealer!! So off to the Chevy garage I went and after $408 and a new computer in a car with only 50,000 miles, I am not a very happy GM owner. The expense I have put in to this car over the past 6 months and 4,000 miles is mind boggling. GM has lost a customer as I will not ever buy another GM product.
2009Jan 15
Impala 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 111,847 miles
Having a problem with my impala not starting. Turn the ignition and the starter clicks. Turn the ignition over 15-20 times and it starts. Battery has full amps and is only 3 months old. I believe it the ignition contacts but not sure...any ideals. also getting a low coolant level warning but coolant is not low.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Jan 15
Impala 3.4L
- Automatic transmission
- 74,000 miles
Same problem that many others have had with the intermittent no-start situation. Bought the car 2 1/2 years ago from local GM dealer and vehicle had 40,000 miles and was very clean and nice. Car would not start when salesman attempted to bring it around for us to pick up. This should have raised a red flag but we had already bought the darn thing. Dealer replaced the Body Control Module and delivered it to our house the next day. Several months later, car wouldn't start and daughter living three hours from home is calling on phone in tears. Definitely intermittent no-start problem has been a pain.
Same problems as everyone else has described with the security light coming on during the no-start incidents. Turn the key and nothing happens, no noise or anything else other than the security light. Never know when the problem will occur and eventually the car would start and everything seemed fine till the next incident. We have since replaced a starter, another body control module, ignition switch, and finally took car back to local GM dealer where they removed the added-on keyless lock features. (Initially they wanted to replace a third body control module until I did a bit of ranting in order to get them to delve deeper into the problem.) After this, no problems for one year.
Then recently another no-start situation. This time it happened when I was around and I was able to troubleshoot it by rapping on the starter solenoid. Had the hood and door open, so I didn't disturb anything else in the process. The car started on the next try! (The security light was not on during this incident.) I replaced the starter and everything seems okay for the moment. Hope this solves the problem for a while but definitely GM has an issue with these temperamental vehicles. Great car other than that but what a pain in the butt this intermittent no-start problem has been.
The local dealer has lost us as a customer because we've been screwed over with this problem and it really does turn us off on buying a GM product. I can't believe that GM doesn't step in to resolve this problem for the 2000-2003 Impalas and Malibu's. (There may be additional model years with similar problems.) They'll take a deserved beating on their quality and customer service reputation. Yes, it does give justification for buying a foreign car even at the risk of putting my neighbors out of work. Thanks for offering this web site as an opportunity to exchange information and vent our frustrations.
2006Jun 01
Impala
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
Randomly, the engine would not crank and the security light would blink. All accessories/gauges would still work, but turn the key to start and I would get nothing, no crank, no sounds, only the blinking security light. There was really no pattern to when it would decide not to start; sometimes it would go weeks without a problem, other times it would occur more than once in the same day.
I could wait ten minutes, try starting again, and it would start right up. This only failed me one time in the more than 12 months I lived with this problem. It was helpful to leave the key turned to ACC while waiting because after ten minutes the security light would stop flashing and that's when I knew the car was ready to start. Turn the key to off, then crank away. On one of my first trips to the dealer, I learned that the ten minute deal is related to the car's built-in security mechanisms. The car thinks it's being tampered with and kills the ignition; after ten minutes, this mechanism resets.
Ok, now on to the services that were attempted. First off, I would like to mention that unless your mechanic knows about this problem specifically, they will most likely be no help; this is mostly due to the intermittent nature of the problem. They will not be able to reproduce the problem and can only guess as to how to fix it.
The first mechanic I went to could not reproduce the problem. He suggested to start small and try the starter relay ($80 installed), but that did not fix the problem. Next, I took it to the dealer and they told me that the Body Control Module (BCM) had a short. They explained that the BCM is sort of the main brains and that if it had a problem, it could be causing the no start problem. They also explained that with the BCM not functioning properly that the error codes would not get stored correctly, and that the codes reported would be bogus. Replacement of the BCM cost about $400. Still, the problem persisted. This time the dealer said the error codes were reporting a bad ignition switch, and estimated it would be $600 to fix.
In the end, I took the car to a mechanic and had the ignition switch replaced for $400. Problem solved... finally.
2007Jan 09
Impala LX
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
I have the same problem with my Chevy. For some reason I feel better knowing I'm not alone! My boyfriend suggested this and so far it has worked... when you put the key in the ignition turn it half way. Let your seat belt reminder ding 3 times then turn the key the rest of the way over to start the engine... saying a little prayer before hand might help too! What's it going to take for GM to do a recall on this and other electrical issues?????
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2007Jul 19
Impala LS 3.6L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 93,985 miles
Ok lets see.. where the hell to begin! I bought the car in August of 2006 and was in love with it... for the next six months she ran great.... my car's name is Bella by the way. I drive a white LS 2001 impala she's a beauty... wait what I should be saying is that she was a beauty! 1. the car starts to act as though it is possessed... the car wont start and the radio was staying on without the car even being on plus the ignition would not allow me to start the car.. I got a new ignition in the car which was $600 and a complete waste of money, next I got a whole new factor cd player/radio put in since it was saying check cd and there was no cd in the player and it wouldn't turn off. That expense was $400. Next my blinkers stopped working and that had to be replaced. Let me remind you this is all in a 3 to 6 month period. It has been in and out of the Chevrolet Dealership six times now and let me remind you... "these ARE professionals!" The new problem now is that my car wont start!! the security light flashes while the coolant light may come on or the check light may flash and still no answer as to what the hell is wrong. I figured it was my battery or alternator yet they check out to be good. So since my car has been sitting at my apartment complex getting sh*t on by birds for the past week, it still wont start. Finally today I unhooked my battery to let the security system reset itself.. go figure it still wont start. I jumped it off with my sister's truck thinking the battery was dead but still NO POWER! Finally my mother saw that someone had said to turn the key to on and put the car in drive and magically the car... Bella by the way... started. SO I drove to O'reilly's.. and had them test my alternator which they said was fine and come to find out my battery is supposedly bad!! so I go to drive off in my impala and whooo hooo she didn't start!! so the O'reilly manm brings out the Booster Pack to jump off my car and still nothing... so I just left her! Here it is 2 hours later and I go to see if my car would start because I didn't want it to get towed from the O'Reilly parking lot and she started! I figured it was due to putting the parking brake on and then it was fine!! SO whats a girl to do with a piece of sh*t car??
2007Jul 01
Impala 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 124,000 miles
GM should fix this piece of crap. I am a single mother with two teenage boys and the piece of crap never starts. I have been on a four day not starting mode. Not one person can find the problem. Something electrical let me tell you people, it started out as the 10 minute wait over a year ago and this problem has escalated to this. I owe 1 payment and no recalls on this crap everybody I know who owns one has the same not starting problem. I WILL NEVER BUY A GM AGAIN.
2008Jun 11
Impala LS 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 95,000 miles
Glad I'm not the only one experiencing some issues with my car. I have a '01 Impala LS that:
1. Occasionally trips the PassLock system and won't start for 10+ minutes.
2. Occasionally has problems with the turn signals turning on.
3. Has a popping noise in the steering when turning.
4. Collects water in the passenger side floor when the car is parked on an incline during rain...still confused on this one.
5. Driver side heated leather stopped working.
...As far as PassLock is concerned, I have found that the old 10-minute rule is the best fix. Occasionally even after 10 minutes pass and I try to start up, the car will act as though it still does not want to start...if this happens to you, HOLD the key in the "START" position for about 20 seconds or so. One of two things will happen: 1. The car will start, 2. The indicator lights on the dash will flash on and nothing will happen. If the lights come on and the car doesn't start, you'll have to wait another 10 minutes.
Also, I have found that having a new set of keys cut at your local hardware store or at Wal-Mart solves PassLock problems that continue to happen more than 3-times in succession. (I got stuck at a gas pump one day for (4) 10-minute waits sessions before I broke out my extra set of keys and tried them...started right up.
Still trying to figure all the quirks out on this car...slowly but surely figuring it out.
Anybody have any problems with heated seats? I've checked the fuses but it doesn't seem to be the problem and I can't even find a replacement element for sale...any info would be great.
2005Oct 18
Impala 3.4L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
GM is failing because of garbage like this. They're too smart by half. The entire PassLock system is baggage--in sales parlance "feature, not benefit". Think about it like this: your car gets stolen: who do you blame? THE CRIMINAL!!! Your car strands your wife in 9 degree weather on the side of an interstate in the middle of the night and who do you blame? G-freakin'-M! Worse, those of us who can repair a car with some degree of skill are near-helpless when it comes to something like the ignition cylinder, so, being a car enthusiast, we tell about 50 other people about our frustration. And what is the benefit? Has GM sold a single vehicle because of the PassLock feature (again, feature not benefit)? They're carrying a piano on their back due to legacy costs of employees. They choose to pick up another piano by adding costs and complexity with their electrical systems. They need to kill all PassLock systems, put a simple fusebox and wiring harness in their cars, announce to the world their new simplification, and move on with lower vehicle costs and performance. This Chevy guy is inching toward a Camry, and hating myself less for feeling that way everytime my Impala refuses to start.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2007Jul 25
(reported on)Impala V8
- Automatic transmission
- 118,000 miles
I have a 2001 Chevy Impala. About every 2 or so weeks it won't start. If we wait about 30 minutes it'll crank. We've taken it to our mechanic and we've tried several different things to fix it. So far nothing has worked and he is as perplexed as we are. When ever it won't start, we take it in, but of course it'll always crank for the mechanic. Now it just had a new problem... I was driving (fortunately in a quiet neighborhood at a reasonable speed) and the car cut off on me. Every thing still worked (radio, lights etc) but it just stopped. Luckily it started back up. I read on a previous blog that changing the "computer ground wire" corrects this problem. Has anyone tried this with success?
2007Nov 01
Impala LS 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 126,000 miles
I have been having this problem since Nov.2007 and didn't do anything about it until Feb. when I got stranded in 15 degree weather (thanks a lot GM). I decided to take it to the mechanic, at first I was told that it could be the starter, he checked it, it was fine. Then he checked my battery and I needed a new one that cost me 130.00 (that's pretty expensive for a battery if you ask me). I went to the store later that day came back out and it wouldn't start. I did the 10min on and off routine and it started. This goes on for about a month until I get stuck again. This time I take it to the chevy dealer and they keep it because of course it would not do it for them. So, on the third day I called them and they said it still wasn't doing it so, I told them I would be by later in the day to pick it up. The mechanic called back 40min. later to tell me I need a new ignition switch. I go ahead and replace it and that cost 400.00 (i'm not sure if it really needed that or they just wanted my money) but I am still having the same problem and the dealer says there is nothing they can do about it. All they want is our money they don't care if they solve the problem or not. GM SUCKS!
2008Apr 23
Impala 3.4L
- Automatic transmission
- 114,000 miles
Actually for the past year or so I have had trouble with my car not starting. I initially took it to the local Chevy car Dealership and after about $600.00 they said it had something to do with the security system. They installed a passlock system and program passlock sensor. Well this fixed the car for about a couple months or so and then the same thing kept happening. I would get in my car to start it and it would act like it had no spark to turn over. After doing the "wait ten minute thing and working the ignition switch and moving the gear shift it eventually would start. About two years later and putting more money into this car I have come to the conclusion that General Motors has no idea what the problem is. Last week I tapped the starter while a friend turned the key over and it started. I thought just maybe it must be the starter. After replacing the starter I went about three days and I was back to the same problem of my car not starting. Tapping the starter does get it to turn over. But the starter is not the problem. After reading numerous complaints on this subject it is about time General Motors Fixes the problem instead of gouging their customers for unnecessary work and money. I will take this to car dealership at their expense this time. Thanks to AutoBeef, I am more aware that this is an ongoing problem.
Cindy in Pennsylvania
2008Mar 18
Impala 3.4L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 181,000 miles
Okay, I thought we were one of the lucky ones and never had the problem with our Impala not starting on us until a few weeks ago. I did the wait thing for 30 minutes and it started. It's happened to my wife twice now. She didn't feel like waiting 30 minutes so the first time she hit the gas pedal 3 times and it started. Second time that trick didn't work so she locked and unlocked the car while the key was in the ignition and that worked. I've decided not to go to the dealer with it so I'm searching for a permanent work around solution.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Mar 29
Impala LX 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 69,000 miles
I just wanted to add my complaint for the record. Sounds like the same issue everyone else has. This happened to me before at 30000 miles (3 years ago) and the dealer replaced the ignition cylinder for $400. This time I thought I'd search and find out how I could bypass the sensor. I actually don't care if the car can be started without the key being recognized. Just want it to start! I saw the note about leaving the key in (without turning it) and with the door open long enough for the "ding" to be loud (allow time for the key to be recognized), and that worked at least for now.
2007Sep 01
Impala Police Package 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 147,000 miles
HERE'S THE FIX
I purchased a 01 police special from a county auction, love the car but started having the same problems you all are having, probably the reason I got the car so cheap�
1) INTERMITTENT STARTING PROBLEM- "wait ten minutes thing" "reset computer thing" problem is in the ignition switch. Not the lock cylinder, but the switch attached to it. Inside the switch there are six metals contacts that resemble fingers, they make contact in a set pattern when you turn the key, the problem is these contacts are metal and when they open and close they are prone to arching which in turn creates carbon build up. Your passlock system reads the resistance from these contacts to determine if the vehicle is being stolen, the more build up, the more resistance and your computer thinks you are jacking the car. You can buy a new switch from any parts house for around $120.00, I opted to remove mine and clean the contact's myself. I removed the ignition switch from the cylinder and opened it up, as I did this some of the contacts and springs fell out, don't panic, if you can remove the ignition from the car you can figure out how to put it back together. I used my rotary tool's brass brush to clean them up, I've heard of others using emery cloth, what ever works, you really can�t damage them. I haven't had any problems since. GM claims they don't know what the problem is, SHAME on them. DO NOT SPEND ANYMORE MONEY on computers or sensors, and ask yourself how much, do you trust your mechanic?
2) STALLING WHILE DRIVING- this was due to a bad crankshaft position sensor, I purchased from local parts house for $31.00 I removed the front passenger side wheel, took off the splash guard, removed the serpentine belt and removed the harmonic balancer to access the sensor, two bolt's removes the sensor and plug in the new one. The only problem I had doing this job was my air compressor was not strong enough to remove the harmonic balancer bolt so I put the belt and wheel back on, drove the corner garage and paid the mechanic $10.00 to loosen it with his air wrench, he agreed to tighten back down when I was done. No problems since, no more stalling.
3) HARD START-I also discovered from my inspection that the fuel line quick disconnect attached to the fuel rail would spray fuel when wiggled, this could be causing the fuel to leak back into the tank and aggravating the hard start thing, never the less fuel on the manifold is not a good thing so I installed a new fuel line purchased from GM $90.00
Now, does anyone know why my passenger floor board is soaked after a good rain?????
2007Apr 25
(reported on)Impala LS
- Automatic transmission
- 96,000 miles
My 2001 Chevy Impala seemed to not want to start in the worst places. After this happening pretty much every weekend, my father and brother looked over the whole car. As my brother noticed the fuse box cover was upside down (obviously checked out before) he noticed my Fuel Injection Fuse was very loose and dirty. He gave it a simple tap, next thing you know the car started (after sitting for 2 days). After this was cleaned and tightened 2 months ago, my car has started perfectly everyday. I even see lights during the startup that weren't there before. As if something is all of a sudden registering. Hopefully this can help being that it seems like too easy of a solution, you never know. Check it out!
2008Feb 21
Impala LS 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 150,000 miles
Problem started a year or more ago. Key in the ignition, battery is fully charged, but
the car did not start. Nothing. Then like magic, after 10 or 15 minutes, the car starts. Eventually the problem became more frequent so... I took it to my local guy... for $600 he replaced the BCM. 2 months later the car wouldn't start again. This time I was on business travel away from home. After frantically trying for 15 minutes, the car magically started. I was mad so I took it to the dealer. They replaced the BCM.
Another $600. Several months later, with the Impala in the garage, I try to start it on a cold Feb morning. Again, it wouldn't start. I say magic words, do a dance on the hood and click my heels 3 times. Nothing. Later my wife goes out and starts the car on the first try. Frustrating is only part of it. I have a new driver with my child turning 16 soon. I am not going to let my child drive a car that randomly doesn't start. I can see them in a dark parking lot trying to start the car... fearing for their life because of low-life kids who are noticing their problem and approaching with evil intent... scary thought!
2008Mar 03
Impala
- Automatic transmission
- 109,000 miles
I had issues with my 2001 Chevy Impala not starting. I personally replaced the ignition switch, battery, starter, and then had the Chevrolet dealership replace the Body Control Module, and the Pass Lock Security which included yet another ignition switch. This originally occurred in July of 2007, and now it is happening once again, and the dealership has told me twice, "Well, let's wait until it happens again and then bring it back". I have never seen customer service so sorry. The type of business that I am in, if I were to tell a customer let's wait and see if it happens again, then I would be out of a job. I am very put out with Chevrolet that they make vehicles that their "Certified Mechanics" (yeah right) can't even work on, or even have the know-how to work on. I regret the day that I ever bought this car. It is a 50-50 shot that when I get in my car that it is going to start. I was actually glad to see that I am not the only one that has ever seen this problem. You would think that with so many issues that Chevrolet would know how to fix it by now, Obviously not.
2008Feb 16
Impala LS 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 98,000 miles
The security light comes on when I am driving the car. I have to try to start the car at least 1/2 hr early everyday just because I never know when it is going to start. I have had the starter replaced - not it. I have had the relay switch replaced - not it. Sometimes I just have to wait 10 or 15 minutes for the car to start and sometimes it can be hours. Over the past weekend, it would not start for 2 days! This is a real problem for me. I am tired of going through this. I am tired of the car not starting when I have to be somewhere. I have a friend who is a mechanic looking at it and he seems to be baffled. He is now thinking that it may be the neutral safety switch which he says is located in the transmission that I am sure would cost an arm and a leg to replace and is that even a possibility? Everytime it gets put on a scope, at least 6 or 7 different codes come up. I have had the car towed 3 times and each time, by the time someone gets a chance to look at it, it starts!
2008Feb 13
Impala 3.4L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 167,770 miles
I have similar problems as mentioned in most of these complaints with my 01 Impala with 270,000km's...The shocks and the annoying no start problems even though the friggin blower fan works and dash lights (no dome light though) and then somehow when you turn it of turn it on wait turn it off touch your nose and click your heels it works again.... - check the battery and positive mount - oh gees look there is a handy plastic boot to cover all that nasty corrosion - the actual problem!. I had the ignition cylinder replaced - I even mentioned the corrosion problem but oh 'that was nothing'.... you mean woulda cost nothing instead of the 500$ you got from me for the repair that didn't fix anything. ARGH!
Anyway I do like Chevys, I despise mechanics! The BCM (Body Control Module) gets interrupted sensory info from the battery due to bad corrosion poor connectivity voltage drops or surges and thus disengages the starter - a good idea but frigging annoying! With a Chev - which I have learned from my 23 year old Cavalier who still starts in a spark at 20below zero- the solution to most seemingly major problems is always the simplest and the one thing most mechanics won't tell you. Good luck! and Never trust your Mechanic unless he's your Dad even then...be suspicious!
2007May 21
(reported on)Impala 3.4L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 83,845 miles
Car just won't start at times, out of the blue. Wait 10-15 minutes, everything is fine. Frequency rate of once every 2-3 months. Driving my mechanic nuts. Won't go to the dealer, as past experience resulted in they will do everything possible to track down a problem.... at my expense!!!!
2008Jan 04
Impala V6
- Automatic transmission
- 222,112 miles
OKAY! SO...thanks to a drunk driver in southside RIchmond, I was forced to bury my Mazda, and RESSURECT THE "FRANKENSTEIN IMPALA". I purchased the Impala from a random guy, YES, and it has ALOT OF MILES; however, with no credit ~ what's a chic to do? EVER SINCE I BOUGHT THE DAMN THING, i have been getting the JUNK shocked out of me, and the SECURITY LIGHT would flash, and the engine wouldn't turn. After calling the OVERLORDS at Chevy, they told me to "put the key in; put it on ON for ten minutes, the light will stop flashing, hold the key on START for 10 seconds, take the key out, and then re-start"...A bit Obsessive Compulsive, but it DID work at first... well, as of LAST NIGHT, IT DON'T WORK NO MORE!!!! My car has def got some voltage flying through it! I wa shocked several times while trying to start the damn thing, and the radio was off...but there was static comming through the driver's side door. I am tired of looking up stuff on starter solenoids, pass lock sensors, ignition switches... this just sux. If ANYONE out there get's their car crushed by a drunk driver, do NOT buy an IMAPALA as your 're-bound' car :( OH YEAH- And I got the SPAZZOID turn signal problem too!
2007Aug 15
(reported on)Impala Base 3.4L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 76,020 miles
I too have joined the club of the infamous bad ignition switch. I took my car for a simple inspection and I noticed the security light came on, I never noticed this before and didn't give it much thought, until the guys at the garage couldnt start my car when they were done. So the guys told me it was the security system and they reset it for free (which was very nice) but told me to take it to a dealer to have it serviced. So I did, and they called me saying it will take 500 dollars to replace the ignition switch. I was like w t f?? I just spent 250 on a tie rod, tires, alignment, and a signal switch just so it will pass inspection and now I need to spend another 500? It looks like I will be living in my car that wont start.
2007May 19
Impala LS 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 82,000 miles
The engine will not turn over at the most random times. I had a new battery put on it but the problem still exists. The most frustrating thing is that when it won't start I call my husband to deal with it and by the time he can get to it it will start without any problem. I know when it is fixing to happen because the temperature gauge will randomly stop working and the cooling fans run all the time, even when I shut the car off. When I go to start the car again it won't start. All of the interior lights and gauges are on, but the car won't turn over.
2007Aug 29
(reported on)Impala Police Package V-6
- Automatic transmission
- 73,000 miles
... I called the number to Chevy customer service. The CSR took my name, address, phone #, vin, and my complaint. He looked for any outstanding recalls on my car. None found. Then he I was advised to take my car to a Chevy dealer to have it checked. He told me that if I have any problems to call back and they would see what they could do!!
2007Aug 22
(reported on)Impala Police Package 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 72,696 miles
My '01 Chevy Impala wont start sometimes!! You turn the key, all the lights come on but no crank. It seems to happen when I NEED the car to start, like in the middle of a thunderstorm or in the pouring rain! I've done everything except take the car to the dealer. I've checked the ignition, battery, starter, fuel delivery system and so on... all normal. I think it's the fuses under hood but I want to be sure. Can anyone help me with this?
2007Jun 03
(reported on)Impala 3.4
- Automatic transmission
- 83,000 miles
Engine won't always start, sometimes just waiting a few seconds and it will go.
2007Jun 11
(reported on)Impala V6
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
I am glad to know that there truly is something wrong with my car and not just operator error as my husband has suggested. The engine will not turn over at the most random times. I will park it and go in somewhere and then come out to find that it won't start. I had the starter reworked thinking that might be the problem and also had a new battery put on it. Nothing has fixed it yet. The most frustrating thing is that when it won't start I call my husband to deal with it and by the time he can get to it it will start without any problem. I have had problem after problem with this car.
2007Jun 25
(reported on)Impala
- Automatic transmission
- 81,000 miles
2001 Chevy Impala... same problems I have read on this site .. all of them... I have found the car does not turn over after being exposed to direct sun light for long periods of time... If I park in the garage.. never a problem... put it in direct sunlight.. car will not turn over... crazy? If you disconnect battery cable (negative) car will sometimes start immediately after reconnecting... but the solution I found something this week that works every time... which may direct us to a cause. When the vehicle does not start.. I open the hood and pour water on the circuit breakers and relay assembly(located just above battery on passenger side) the car starts right up... I am guessing one of the relays is stuck open/closed and the water cools it to allow it to reset. It has done it four times this week and this worked each time. I am looking into replacing this part from a junk yard.
Do not pay for a new ignition, battery, Body Control Module or starter or pass system... this is not the problem. If you look on the internet as I have been doing for 6 months you will see people replacing these parts without success.
Chevy knows about these problems but is doing everything they can to have you think this is a problem with your vehicle only.
2007Apr 13
(reported on)Impala
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
This is got to be the biggest piece of crap I have ever owned!! The lights flash on and off. the radio would play on its own, there is a ticking in the dash when the car is off. All the controls will go off at random times. you could be driving at night and the lights go off!! no one can figure it out!!and guess what, I owe more than its worth!!
2007Mar 24
(reported on)Impala LS 3.8
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
Okay so while driving my car all day today everything was fine... I went to go pick up some food, got back in the car and the Traction, brake light, ABS light, and check engine lights were on... my fuel gauge was on E right after I filled my tank.. the radio wouldn't come on, the outside lights went on, and no interior lights worked... This is the first time its happened and I don't know if I should be really concerned to take it to the dealer or just keep doing the reset thing and let it go.. any suggestions?
2007Feb 26
(reported on)Impala 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 82,000 miles
This car often will not start for no apparent reason. This is a major problem that has left me stuck in some very dangerous situations. I have not found one particular thing that will help it to start, sometime it takes as long as 30 minutes to get started.
2006Oct 18
(reported on)Impala
- Automatic transmission
- 112,000 miles
the car would not start after performing well all day, wait 10 to 15 mins and it would start took to the dealership and at a mere $6oo the problem has been fixed HA! HA! parts 369 and the balance labor & sales tax
2007Jan 26
(reported on)Impala LS 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 106,200 miles
I saw that others had problems with their engines not turning over. I changed the fuel filter, did a complete tune up and nothing seems to be helping. The problem has gotten progressively worse over the past two months. Now it is to a point that it won't turn over anytime I try to start my car. I have to turn and let it try to turn over for about 10-15 seconds, then turn it off, turn the key to on but not start it, count to 30 then start it. I'm not sure if it is electrical or fuel related. I'm assuming electrical considering I have extensive work done on my electrical system. Within the past 6 months the dealership replaced the entire computer system after I had pass-lock and Security issues. I will try the pass-lock reset and see if that does anything. Otherwise, I'm sure it will be another repair bill. I really love how the car drives, handles, rides... I just wish it didn't break down all the time.
2006Dec 20
(reported on)Impala 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 106,000 miles
Every once in a while my car won't start. Lately it seems to be happening more frequently. It won't turn over or anything. I am getting power to everything, but nothing happens when I turn the key. The first couple of times that it happened I moved the gear shift and then it seemed to eventually start. Now I am wondering if it is just that I waited enough time.
2006Sep 19
(reported on)Impala
- 60,000 miles
Passlock act again several time and each time will not start. Found information somewhere on the web and it fixed the problem.
Put key in and turn to on. Do not start. Wait 15 minutes. Turn key to off. Wait 10 second. Then turn key to start. It should work. What is holding me is I had to wait 15 min somewhere out of home area.
2006Sep 15
(reported on)Impala
- 45,555 miles
THIS GD PIECE OF --- EXEMPLIFIES WHY THE USA IS DOOMED... GM CANNOT BUILD A DECENT CAR... THIS JALOPY OCCASIONALLY WILL NOT TURN OVER UNLESS WE WAIT TEN (10) MINUTES. EVERY FEW WEEKS IT HAPPENS.
WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHERE WE BOUGHT IT CALLED GRAND PRIZE CHEVROLET ON SW 152 ST AND 119 AVENUE IN MIAMI FLORIDA AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG EVEN THOUGH THEY CHARGED US $90. DIAGNOSTIC FEE. A LAME MFG. CO. AND A REALLY LAME DEALER!!! WE HAVE BEEN INCONVENIENCED TERRIBLY ON THE HIGHWAY!
We have partnered with JustAnswer to offer online auto repair help and advice from expert professional automotive technicians. You describe your electrical problem or ask your question and they try to help you figure it out. The fee is typically $9 to $15, but you can offer to pay more for really tough questions. You will usually receive an answer in 10 minutes or less, and you do not have to pay anything unless you accept the answer.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Mar 17
Impala 3.8L
Just want to add my experience with all the others for a 2001 Impala that will randomly not start. Ours seems to be worse in summer than winter. Two mechanics, including dealer have no idea. One other customer suggested praying, which seems to work for us better than anything else.
We like the car except for that. there seems to be enough of this complaint that should earn consideration by GM. Glad I have a Ford pickup as a standby.
Paul J.
Rigby, Idaho, USA
SEND A COMMENT »