8.0
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$541.00
Average Mileage:
86,748 miles
Number of complaints:
153 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (49 reports)
- letting car sit for approx 30 minutes (31 reports)
- recall (11 reports)
- wait 10 min till securty light stops flashing, try again (11 reports)
- replace ignition switch (8 reports)
- replaced body control module (8 reports)
electrical problem
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Chevrolet dealer.
Helpful Websites About 2002 Chevrolet Impala passlock problem, won't start and security light is on
2007Aug 31
Impala 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 61,000 miles
I filed a complaint on here a few years ago. My husband completed the passlock bypass last week...didnt work. So finally, my car is being towed to the Chevy dealer where it is being diagnosed. Thank goodness we know the head mechanic and he is aware of our problem and actually suggested we do the bypass since he legally could not. I will keep everyone posted as to the actual problem. I'm so sick of being stranded with my 5 and 3 yr old. This is totally insane and completely unsafe.
Update from Jun 30, 2009: OK dealer diagnosed a TON of computer codes all associated with the BCM. It was diagnosed and replaced in under 4 hours. My security light is off, no more clicking, door locks work, no more battery light on, etc. Everything is fine....for now. I'm still sitting on eggshells, but for now, it starts, runs and is fine...to the tune of $571.00 plus $65.00 for the tow...
2002Nov 13
Impala 3.4L
- Automatic transmission
- 30,000 miles
I have decided to never sell this car. If it takes 20 years until GM admits the problem and does a recall, I want to have the satisfaction of pushing the car onto the lot and making them fix it.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009May 29
Impala
- Automatic transmission
- 38,000 miles
In the past month, this car has completely locked up five times. Before I realized it was the passlock system I purchased a new battery thinking that was the problem. Now that I know that GM is responsible for this travesty I am as frustrated and angry as the rest of you. I purchased this 2002 Impala from my aunt after my uncle died last year; it only had 22,000 miles on it and the asking price was fair. I am 62 years old and disabled and currently a student in college so financially I am quite insecure. I don't know where to turn or what to do! I've researched and found a "bypass kit". Does anyone know if this will take care of the problem if I get this installed?
Update from Jun 30, 2009: Just an update from my previous complaint regarding the faulty passlock system on my 2002 Chevrolet Impala. Even the dealership manager said Chevrolet made a huge mistake when they implemented this system years ago.
2005Mar 15
Impala LS 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
leaving work 2004 got in car, it started and SECURITY light came on and stayed on and IS STILL ON to this day 6-16-2009. Took car to dealer about a month later in 2004 due to a broken window motor, I said check the security light too. They DEALER (in OHIO)checked and could not figure out why the SECURITY light was on. Charged $150.00 for the check. NO RESOLUTION. They stated since the car still starts I would not worry about it. Went to another dealer maybe 6 months or so later for an oil change and asked them check the SECURITY light. Paid another $130.00 they did not know and basically stated the same thing, DO NOT WORRY ABOUT IT.
One day went back home to Chicago and on my was back to Fort Wayne, IN at 12:30am DEAD AT A GAS PUMP in the middle of nowhere. Gas station closed and there we were stranded. I would turn the key all the lights came on but would not turn over. Waited (doors locked) about 15min. tried again and boom it started. As I lived my life in Fort Wayne one afternoon leaving for lunch, AGAIN no turn over. Waited 20min STILL did not start. Went back in and 4hours later leaving for home car started. Went to dealer there same thing as above and another 100+ bucks GONE!!!! Back in Columbus Oh (GOODYEAR GEMINI) got hoses, bad steering column(replaced it) some other stuff an asked check the SECURITY light they said GO TO A DEALER.HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME! Today in Houston Texas(where we live now) NO TURN OVER. HEY CHEVY WHEN ARE YOU GONNA GET SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THIS!!!! IT SUCKS! Oh I think I am in the wrong compaint page I should be number 149!
2006Jul 15
Impala
- Automatic transmission
- 25,000 miles
This is the same problem listed here by 147 others! It has happened twice to may car: 2006, dealer fixed and we had to pay half, Chevy paid other half. After, I called and raised cain with their customer service. Then it happened two years later, $500 to repair at dealer. I Told Chevy to go on AutoBeef and read the complaints, but the lady said that they really could not go by things on the internet to verify a problem. This will continue to happen. We have done the turn engine off, key on and off, and wait and usually it works, but this is Chevrolet's problem and if they will not recall, then at least they can pay the total repair each time it happens to all of us. I have also contacted the National Highway Traffic Safety Adm. at 1-888-327-4236. This may not merit a recall to them but it is a safety problem. A woman or man can be stranded and killed in this day and age. (Sitting on a parking lot waiting for the car to start!). If we all can file a complaint by calling maybe Chevrolet will at least pay for the total repair each time this occurs. This is totally their problem and caused by them! This happened again to us at about
45,000 miles. If there is a class action suit or petition, I will certainly sign up. Does anyone have the solution to fix it? Please post it!
Thanks!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Jul 02
Impala 3.4L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
I finally read about a solution to the problem. I tried it and it seems to be working. Someone smarter than me figured out what was causing the problem and worked out a solution for it. The problem is that the computer on the car has to ID the ignition switch through a chip on the side of the tumbler assembly. The chip has a certain resistance to it that the computer reads. If the resistance is not right, the security system engages. One person on this site by-passed the chip by wiring in some resistors. there are 3 wires connecting to the chip. Yellow, black and white. The connectors oxidize over time and cause extra resistance. This can be affected by temperature (which I noticed) and humidity. Unplugging and re-plugging a tumbler assembly scrapes some of the oxidation off and helps it to work for a while. I plugged and unplugged the wires several times and then placed a small amount of di-electric grease on the connector and plugged and unplugged it a few more times. This grease helps prevent oxidation in the connectors. I put just tiny bit more grease on the connector and put everything back together. So far, so good. Before I did this I had to re-program my car 2 - 3 times a day. If you can do this yourself it will cost you about 4 - 6 dollars. If you hire a mechanic, you will have to pay for the labor of removing and installing the ignition switch. Instructions for removing the switch can be found on the internet. Good luck! We know GM (Government Motors) will never be interested in this.
2007Jun 06
Impala LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
This is my 3rd posting. I was going to trade in the car but I bought this used so I still owe on this and it's hard trying to get a new car and take what I owe on this and add it to another payment. Plus, I was afraid of taking my car to a dealer to look at it because 9 times out of 10, IT WON'T START. So I knew it woudn't start when the dealer went to drive it.
So, my husband and I decided to replace the ignition switch that Chevy told us it would take to fix this. We already replaced the BCM and it worked for 2 months then started happening again. We heard that if we replace the ignition switch, this would solve the problem. We were hesitant about this since other's have mentioned they had this done and it didn't work. Anyways, I had that done on Monday for $380.00. It's now Friday, 5 days later and my car wouldn't start during lunch. So we're taking back in on Monday and re-opened my complaint file with GM. Not that they care. I just love how GM found a way to totally screw me out of money.
2007Apr 01
Impala
- Automatic transmission
- 145,000 miles
I have to leave myself an extra 10 minutes everywhere I go. I have to sit in the parking lot with my 3 kids in the car after shopping and just wait. I have been late to appointments as well because if you try to start it one minute 2 soon, you have to wait another 10 minutes. It is so embarrassing. Now my cooling system has began to fail as well. I am so fed up with this car. GM needs to do something.
2006Nov 14
(reported on)Impala 3400 V6
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
There should be a recall on the GM cars for the passlock problems.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2007Apr 03
(reported on)Impala
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
There have been several times that my car simply would not start. When I first got the car I thought it was a battery problem so I would get jump offs. This has been a huge inconvenience and the dealers say they could not diagnose the problem unless the security light was on even though know what the problem. The dealership expects you to bring the car there when the light is on which is always not the case. And when it does come on you may not be near a dealer. I called Chevrolet stating they need to have a recall on these cars and I just wasted 30 daytime minutes on this. The dealer is going to charge me $650.00 to fix the problem. This is foolishness, so I think there needs to be a petition for a recall.
2007Jul 01
Impala LS 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
I have posted here a couple of times. I refuse to take my car to any dealership. They like to over charge and play dumb as to the particular problem with this model car.
I had taken my car yesterday to be diagnosed from a local, honest and reputable auto center. The codes that were reported were; PO128 Coolant Thermostat P1189 Engine Oil Pressure Circuit, P1626 Anti-Theft System fuel Enable Circuit, P1631 Theft System Password Incorrect, U1046 Loss BCM, VTD, DIM, PZM, and or SBM Data. Also revealed; Parking Brake Affects the Behavior of Problem with Lights. Also, the owner of this shop did not charge me for the diagnosis. A local GM dealership wanted to charge me $250.00. This is exactly why I refuse to deal with any greedy dealership. There only purpose is to generate revenue at the expense of screwing the vehicle owner.
The service center I took my car to told me they could have trouble shot each code by replacing parts, but they were honest enough to tell me it would have not solved the initial problem and may not even made a difference to replace the parts. I firmly believe it has to do with the BCM still. I have an appt on 03/26 to take me car to the Auto Electronics company they send their service techs to for advanced electrical trouble shooting classes. Basically, my car needs a specialist. I will update this post after my appt with the "Electronic Auto Specialist".
2009Mar 18
Impala 3.4L
- Automatic transmission
- 62,652 miles
Ok, I found out it's NOT the security. It is your fuel. You have to put gas treatment and fuel injector cleaner in your car, and it will start every time. If you still have problems, I don't know, but paying $10 at a Winn Dixie is better than paying tons at a dealer.
2007Jul 14
Impala LS 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
Hi everyone.. well I just want to share with you owners I have been enduring this for over a year now. It started July of 2007. Of course I was stupefied at first since I had a brand new Sears Gold diehard battery. I have been fortunate that the "no start" has not affected me as much as others. For over a year now, EVERY TIME I turn the key, on a daily basis, I have to pull on my headlights. If I don't, my headlights will flash in unison with the passenger side relays clicking away. Also, if I don't manually turn on my headlights, while driving people think I have an emergency since my headlights are flashing. If I want to to use any of my interior lights, I experience a "disco" inside with lights flashing like crazy and the relays tripping. My A/C will not blow cold air either. You can hear the compressor kick on and off the with the relays triggering. Sometimes my radio will read "locked". Since I love music, I refuse to let this remain. So I have to turn off my car, open the driver door, apply the emergency brake and turn the key to the on position. Watch until the "locked" word disappears, then turn the key to start the engine. My dash lights are not active either. At night, I use the light from my cell phone to see my speed or gas level. What a gas huh !!! Other than this "Pass Lock" pain in the azz, this has been a very good car for me. Did not have to replace my original brake pads till 70,000+ miles!!! So brake pads and battery is it, and I'm the original owner.
I am just now calling around to get input from GM repair shops, to see if they "acknowledge" this BS issue since many played dumb to it. I've read where some people will install auto start to bypass the "pass lock". Others have replaced the BCM (body control module). Some have even gone as far as putting a type of toggle switch on a wire. If your car DOES NOT have any symptoms, do not take it to get diagnosed via computer. The computer will not recognize any issue unless it is happening while being hooked up.
As everyone should now know..... Toyota has finally surpassed GM as the number 1 automaker by sold cars. Way to go GM....I'm from Michigan and have many family/friends who have been and are retired from GM. GM has fallen due to poor management. PERIOD.
If I get this issue resolved, I will post my resolution on this site. In the meantime...keep positive with this challenge.. LOL
2008Sep 11
Impala LS 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 115,000 miles
I am just so mad! This is my first car, and it took me a year working long hours to save up for it. Sometimes it won't crank, so I have to unhook the battery and let it sit for a few before it will start. The dealer that I brought it to said he was 80% sure that it was my BCM (body control modules) and he would have to reset my radio. The two repairs would run me about $1,200 and that isn't even 100% guaranteed what the problem was. To make it worse, $1,200 is all that I still owe on my loan through the end of 2009, and trading it in wouldn't be beneficial because I owe more than its worth.
Before I buy next time, I will do my research. I think my next purchase is going to be a Toyota!!! I was a Chevy girl but no more!!!
2009Feb 21
Impala LX 3.2V6
- Automatic transmission
- 115,000 miles
I had this issue occur when I had about 32000 miles on the car...the ignition and related modules was replaced. Now I have had the issue occur two times within the last three weeks. Both times I sat around fiddling with the ignition and eventually it started.Of course the signal lights went out as usual and the radio stopped working ...a safety hazard I have been living with on and off for the last year.
The dealers eyes light up and the quotations are ridiculous ...I was offered $1500 on a trade for the car and close to $1000 to repair the system..go figure.
2009Mar 11
Impala LS 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 33,000 miles
Well, add another unhappy Chevy Impala owner to this list. My car has been having this security problem now much more frequently. I thought it may have had something to do with the weather going from hot to cold as well as humidity that was causing havoc to the passlock system. Now this morning in pleasant conditions outside the car didn't start. 3rd time in one week.
Waiting 10 minutes and then restarting does work, but this is a royal pain and, of course, I was late to work. I'm hesitant to go to the cleaners, er, the dealership because I really don't feel like forking over my hard earned money for a problem that may just come back over time--plus, they're going to be claiming bankruptcy soon anyway, so now I really don't want to give them my money.
Rest assured GM, this is my last car from you guys.
2009Feb 16
Impala LS 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 129,373 miles
Have noted that the security light comes on periodically, but paid no real attention as car always started and ran great. Today, I left for work went approximately 4 miles and stopped for gas. After filling up ($1.75 a gallon) my car wouldn't start. Attendants helped push my car to a parking space where after 10-15 min. the car started. During attempts to start (at the pump and parked) lights/electrical were strong, no indication of a charging system problem (6 month old battery), etc. but also no clicking or any attempt of the engine to turnover. Though it might be the transmission/ignition switch (starter won't turnover if the car is in gear) or possibly some sort of starter motor problem.
Drove to the dealer where I bough the car and received a call just a bit ago that it was related to the Pass-lock system/ignition switch and the Body Control Module (BCM), codes in memory. Dealer service rep couldn't even explain what the BCM was or did other than some sort of Body control. Maybe I need one for my out of shape (human) body.
Approximate cost I was told will be $948.
2008Nov 14
Impala LS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 89,000 miles
This happened several times 'til I figured out what was causing it. After that as long as I started the vehicle before opening the front passenger door I had no problems.
2007May 20
Impala LS
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
BCM Mod. Replaced and a Loose wire reattached. Please check for the loose wire FIRST.
Dealership told me there was a loose wire (as others listed in complaints) and to bring car back following day for a new BCM mod. because they were out of the BCM and would order it. As I was going to leave with the car (dealership was closing) with the wire reattached, I was stopped and told that they had a BCM and would replace. I wondered
if it really was just the wire and had I left without the BCM replaced would the car have
been ok? So please check for possible detached wire. Car works No more flickering
lights, car starts, all the myriad of symptoms OK, Even the radio went out after months of this problem. I didn't trust any other dealer because each one of them said they never heard of this problem (I called each dealership for miles) and I suggested they
look up this site, etc. GM totally ignored and was NO HELP WHAT SO EVER!
Finally one service manager said he knew of this problem and that is who I had fix after a long conversation with him.
It has been several months now and the car starts and door locks work, no flickering of lights, etc. etc.
GOOD LUCK!
2009Feb 07
Impala LS 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 148,000 miles
This starting problem is just straight silly n stupid n GMC act like they don't care, but I hope they get what coming 2 them. I love GMC but after I might just go foreign as well.
2007Jul 01
Impala LS 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
I urge everyone that puts up with this issue to go to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and submit you claim. Remember.. power of the people speaks volumes !
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Your complaint information will be entered into the NHTSA vehicle owner complaint database. NHTSA technical staff review this information to identify potential safety problems. While you may or may not be contacted by a NHTSA investigator to clarify the information submitted, all reports are reviewed and analyzed for potential defects trends. Also, the NHTSA complaint database provides valuable information to other consumers and to manufacturers.
If you have any questions regarding this complaint, please contact ODI:
* By phone: 1-888-327-4236 8:00AM to 10:00PM Monday-Friday
TTY: 1-888-424-9153
Have your ODI Number available.
(Spanish-speaking operators available)
* By e-mail: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/contact.cfm
Indicate your ODI Number in the contact form.
Thank you,
Office of Defects Investigation (ODI)
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
2008Nov 12
Impala 3.4L
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
Typical passlock issue - get in car, try to start, nothing......wait 15-20 minutes, start car, go on your way.
Call dealer - can fix for a few hundred dollars........no thanks. I asked why this is not a recall........"silence"........hello?........."silence"......he doesn't know why it's not a recall?????
I gave up and said....."and you wonder why nobody wants to buy an American made car"?
2007Jul 01
Impala LS 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
I urge all of you to call the NHTSA or go online to fill out the complaint! I have called and filed online. Not so sure how much this helps. There is a Service Bulletin on this plague. Here is the link: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/tsbs/results.cfm (888) 327-4236
I have called several GM dealership and ask the service dept mgr if they are familiar with the passlock issue. Guess how many said yes? NONE. They know of this issue and have known for years. Sadly, this is merely a business and they know how to generate revenue by nickel and diming us with so called resolutions to the problem.
This kind of customer service and quality, of a very large portion of GM vehicles has substantially impacted their fall from grace. They will try to sell the public is has been the economy, Don't let them pull that one you. Toyota passed GM in sales this year, the first time any manufacturer has done that. Look how many troubled GM owners have switched to foreign cars. I think this is what you can call a "no brainier".
Good luck to all who spend the money at dealerships. Logic dictates here, you have a 50% chance of the same thing recurring in a few years since they are replacing the OEM "BCM" with with same OEM defective part to begin with.
2007Jul 01
Impala LS 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
This is my 3rd post. I have done a lot of research and still have not chosen to fix the car due to the high recurrence. I am lucky...my car starts everytime, it's just everything else that goes with the known problem. I found this while doing research today.. OH YEAH.. SIGN THE PETITION. It's located a few post below mine.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This letter is addressed to General Motors.
Why are many of your vehicles experiencing vehicle "security light on" (random events) and "vehicle will not start" (random events)?
My 2003 Impala has experienced these issues over the past 2 years. The "security light on" (who really cares) but the issue with the "vehicle not starting" is really serious.
I have investigated many difficult problems in my lifetime... I like to explore things fully!
I have vast experience in Electronics, Engine control management systems and Auto repair.
Currently, I am working as an Embedded Software Engineer.
I have fully investigated the PassLock II issues "online" and have found such a large number of complains directly relating to my complaint.
What is staggering, is that many times, consumers take their vehicle to a certified GM dealership and pay for the repair (I've seen up to $450.00 posted).
A day or a week later the problem comes back...
Many consumers have simply defeated or by-passed the PassLock system. The information and kits are available by doing a simple search.
I would like 1% of the money GM dealerships have extracted from consumers regarding this issue!
Now here is some interesting news for GM and their dealerships.
I have personally investigated my PassLock problem from a serious technical view point.
The dash was tore apart and eventually, I was able to remove the ignition switch which has the Pass Lock (magnetic sensor system) mounted in it.
The ignition switch was dissasembled and I looked closely and observed a few interesting things about the PassLock system design.
1) The male connector does not fit securely in the female connector receptacle. It can wiggle up and down and back and forth.
2) The connection is a "blind connection" meaning that during assembly one would not know if the PassLock connector was connected correctly or not.
3) The male and female pins used on the PassLock system are "Tin" plated and subject to oxidation over time. The pins should have been "gold plated."
The grey oxidation was clearly visible under 10X magnification.
4) The Body Computer does not adjust over time for the oxidation that build up on the PassLock pins.
The critical analog PassLock signal drifts depending on mechnical issues, temperature and humidity.
Ok - GM -> The PassLock cat is out of the bag!
What I did about this problem.
I certainly did not take the vehicle to any GM Dealership and get "rear-ended."
I simply hand soldered the three wires (Black, White and Yellow) directly to the PassLock sensor.
The vehicle is repaired and I would like to let GM know that when I sell this vehicle, I will offer a "LifeTime Warranty" on the security system for this vehicle (more than you can do)!
So what is GM doing? Well, the Dealerships are collecting a lot of money from us. They, the Dealershipsr are simply replacing the sensor ($150.00).
Can all of these sensors be going bad? The answer is no...
When the sensor is replaced the oxidation on the female connector pin is temporarily scraped and makes a better connection. Three years down the road (guaranteed!) you will be up against the same issues.
So the "root cause" of this failure and GM's inability to permanently fix this problem is now understood.
When consumers are installing bypass kits they are not bypassing the Body Computer or the three required signals to the Powertrain Controller (Class II serial communications, Fuel Enable and Crank Enable) they are bypassing the sensor and the connector. The problem is with the connector and its pins!
OK -> GM and Dealerships wake up and return all of the money you've swindled from us! You use technology against consumers and we are sick and tired.
GM, I've seen your last quarterly report and it looks like "we the consumers" in "North America" will not have to be dealing with you for very much longer.
I wish you all the best of luck!
Dr Zach
2009Jan 01
Impala LS 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 127,000 miles
This problem actually began 3 years ago. I tried everything and eventually had the car towed to the dealer. They said I had a bad battery and replaced it. I found this hard to believe as the battery only a couple of years old. I had no problems for a while and then it happened again. No start, nothing I could do, tried disconnecting the battery etc... and still nothing. With no other choice I had it towed to a different dealer. Same explanation, Battery!!!! Recently the security light has been coming on and it has happened twice in six weeks. I took it to the dealer and they saudered a loose wire at the body control module and also replaced the B.C.M. 500 bucks. It just happened again so the 500 was for nothing. Has to be the security system/passlock. Still not fixed but the temporary solution until a permanent one can be found is to remove key, open door, replace key in ignition, sit 10-15 min. and try again.
2009Feb 08
Impala LS 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 189,000 miles
This has happened yet again; stranded out in the middle of nowhere. Thanks GM.
Remember; SIGN THE PETITION, even if it probably won't pan out into anything... Tell everyone you know :)
http://www.petitiononline.com/75020780/petition.html
2002Feb 01
Impala LS 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
After finding this site (1st timer), I'm amazed at number of complaints. I unknowingly have this problem, but my car always starts. I feel the reason is because when I got my car I installed a Viper security/auto start system. This system bypasses the Pass-Key System. Recently though sometimes I've noticed my overhead info system wasn't coming on and A/C-defrost for at least 5mins after I started the car. Mechanics said computer had a bunch of "odd" codes stored. They cleared the codes and reset the computer, cost was $39.95 (in SD and not at a dealership and will scan n/c if check engine comes on again). Obviously it's the PassKey System and/or bad connection issue. It should be GM's responsibility to fix this problem and reimburse everyone, because of their design flaw. It saddens me to say, but after being a lifelong GM buyer, shortly my next car will be foreign. Because of issues in the past and now this, I'm tired of GM not standing by it's product and leaving it's customers hanging. This is another instance of GM and it's dealerships, knowing there's a problem with their cars and acting dumb while the dealerships profit by "parts changing" the problem, instead of bypassing the Pass-Key System or better yet FIXING the actual problem. I know this doesn't help everyone (unless you install a security system where bypassing the PassKey System) but it gives evidence to the problem and/or a possible fix. Best of luck to all. (I'm also a recipient of GM's BAD intake manifold/plenium gasket design problem w/3.8L V6's.)
2007Mar 01
Impala LX 3.4L
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
Passlock system been a problem for almost 2 years now - had ignition replaced, lasted 2 months, now will be getting a new bcm. I wrote to my US Senator and told him they should not bail out GM until GM stops making defective cars. Anyway, this is my last Chevy.
2009Jan 23
Impala LX 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
My mechanic told me this is a very common problem for the Impala's. I just got done paying $600 regarding the seals and the coolant system (at least I will be getting money back from that class action suit to help defray costs). I have always bought American being a 1st generation American and this was instilled in me. Don't know if I will again.. Thanks
2007Mar 31
Impala LS 3. 4L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 69,000 miles
intermitant starting has turned from periodic to daily. sometimes every time i get into the car. sounds like everyone else's problem. would like to know if there is a real fix, or am i just stuck with this. why doesn't GM own up to this incompetence and have a recall?
2009Jan 02
Impala LS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 102,212 miles
The car won't even start. I had to tow it to the local Chevrolet dealership. The service tech told me that I had to replace my bcm and ignition switch. Approx. $1200 for everything. I was told that I couldn't buy a used bcm because it has already been programmed. I can not believe this is not a recall. IF and WHEN it becomes a lawsuit, count me in.
2009Jan 10
Impala 3.4L
- Automatic transmission
- 64,000 miles
Tried to start the car but there would be nothing...not even a click. Took the car to the shop and had ignition assembly replaced along with whatever the other part is that it communicates with. On the way home, the security light came on. Will be taking back to the shop tomorrow to have it scanned. THIS is crazy! GM should do a recall. Why would they want their customers to be afraid of driving one of their products?!?!?
2008Dec 22
Impala 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
click to see larger images
Complaint Photos
I bought my Chevy Impala 2002 in November 07' The car it self has been really nice, I have put about 20,000 miles on her in the past year. After fighting with the place I bought her from about a few problems. I decided to just let things ride! Then this NO START problem happen.I noticed that the security light would be flashing when it would happen. I replaced a few different things: starter, moduel,and went to replace the ign.switch and decided to wait. This no start problem started in March and it's December and I am still having the same problem its random.This will happen a few times in a week and then not do it for a couple weeks. Strangest thing ever and a real pain in the azz!! I didn't know that alot of people were having this problem now I do and Yes I feel that Chevy should do a recall!! This not a fluke thing we are all going through the same kinda problem here!!
2008Dec 20
Impala LS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 146,000 miles
My F'n 2002 Chevy impala is currently not working the "Security" light is on and have stopped my engine for a total of 3 days now and i mean 3 days. When this happened before it only took about 15-20 mins now its been 3 days when the action suit becomes in affect please contact me so i can join because this is very stressful right before christmas..The dealer said it may take $400 plus to fix what do i do......
2008Dec 18
Impala Limited V6
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
I had this problem with my 2002 Chevy Impala too. It started with my car not turning over. Every thing turned on but it would not turn over. I would wiggle the steering wheel a few times and wait 20 minutes or so and then it would start up. This would happen maybe once a month maybe less. Then one day my key would not even turn. I had to get it towed and the total cost was a little over $400.00. After seeing other peoples cost to have it repaired I guess $400.00 wasn't all that bad. I think their should be a recall on this. It's only fare.
2008May 17
Impala 3.5L
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
I've had numerous problems with this car. Thank you GM for Dex-cool. I just traded 2 weeks ago for a Pontiac Montana SV6. Couldn't handle this latest issue anymore. The problem with the security lock out was the icing on the cake. I also HAD the turn signal issue, coolant issue, headlight issue. We just needed to get rid of it. Even though it blue booked at 1800 to 2200 with the issues, the salesman knew the minute he got in my car and looked at the dash and the low coolant light was on what was up. I got 1100 for it. I would suggest if anyone is having one of the issues get rid of the car. You will develop more.
2007Dec 10
Impala LS 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 74,565 miles
I have been noticing many people are having some sort of bad electrical experience with these Impalas. I have started a petition so no one will have to bear the massive cost of this KNOWN ISSUE which should have gone through a RECALL.
Sign it here: http://www.petitiononline.com/75020780/petition.html
2008Oct 31
Impala LS 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 111,000 miles
car lights blink after driving security light blinks with lights on console and radio clicking noise heard and even when car of after drive headlight blink and radio stays on for couple of mins could break down or blow up anytime not sure
2008Apr 15
Impala LS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 98,000 miles
I went grocery shopping one day. I put all my groceries in my car. I went to start it and it didn't start. The security light was on. It was late at night and I had to have a friend come and get me. She left her house. I just kept letting the car sit and tried to restart it. After about 45 millions tires, it turned over and started. I took it to a dealer and was told that it would cost so much to fix it, it wouldnt be worth it. I was informed that a lot of these cars do that and to get rid of it as soon as possible...Great!!! Thx!!
2008Nov 30
Impala Impala 3.4L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 179,576 miles
THIS IS THE 2ND TIME IN A WEEK THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED.
ANNOYING BECAUSE IT HAPPENS AT RANDOM. INITIALLY THOUGHT IT WAS AN IGNITION PROBLEM WHILE ENGINE TURNS OVER ONCE, MISFIRES AND DOES NOT START. IT ALWAYS WOULD START ON THE SECOND TRY. AS OF LATE WHEN I TRY TO START THE SECOND TIME ,THE COMPUTER CONTINUES TO DELIVER FUEL TO THE INJECTORS AND FLOODS THE ENGINE. HAVE TO WAIT A COUPLE OF HOURS TO RESTART ENGINE.
FORTUNATELY I HAVE A GOOD MECHANIC AND HE ADVISED ME TO LOOK AT THE ANTI-THEFT (FLASHING LIGHT IN THE GAUGES AREA) AND SEE IF THE RED FLASHING LIGHT STAYS ON OR OFF. MY MECHANIC SAID THE NEXT TIME THIS HAPPENS TURN THE IGNITION KEY ON AND DON'T TRY TO RE-START, JUST LEAVE IT ON THE ACCESSORIES SETTING FOR 10 MINUTES. THIS SHOULD CLEAR OUT THIS PROBLEM AND RE-SET THE ANTI-THEFT TO ITS CORRECT SETTING. HAVE NOT DONE SO YET AND I'LL FIND OUT IF THIS WORKS WHEN I GO OUT TO START MY CAR AFTER WORK TODAY.
2008Oct 30
Impala
- Automatic transmission
- 79,000 miles
it's the same thing as everyone else. we just need a recall from Chevy. I love Chevy but this is really a pain in the ass and unreliable that it makes me think of going foreign.
2008Sep 01
Impala 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
I have put together instructions for by-passing the security system. This will correct most if not all of the complaints on here.
shofner_aron_w@yahoo.com
2008Sep 11
Impala 2.4L
- Automatic transmission
- 133,000 miles
My car for whatever reason decided just not to start. It has something to do with the module not being able to read my key. I had my car up on the wrecker before it would finally start. Please Please Please if you have this problem let me know! Im trying to make GM responsible for this problem that is so common with Chevy Impalas. I think that GM needs to stand behind their faulty product and make good on it for consumers! If you have this problem a quick fix is to disconnect the positive battery cable then reconnect it.
2008Aug 24
Impala LS 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 86,992 miles
I only had the car not starting once recently. But now the Passlock light comes on all the time while I was driving. It is very stressful knowing that the car may not start next time I need to go to work or some other places in a rush. Dealership wanted to replace the ignition cylinder, the computer, etc for over $800 and reading some of the comments here, it might not even fix the problem. There should be a recall from GM to fix this inherent design problem. May be a class action lawsuit would force them to do this.
2008Sep 10
Impala 3.4L
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
Well I just bought this car from my boss and it was suppose to be a dependable car. Well it did have the 4 doors that my family of 5 needed, but my wife has been stranded twice now and it is more of a pain then anything.
Problem first happened when she was giving a friend of ours a ride and she allowed her to unlock the door while the car was still in drive to exit the front passenger door.The door was shut and my wife drove off, she said about 5 miles later the security light came on and stayed on.Once she turned it off it wouldn't start back up? Well I told her to not allow the doors to be opened unless it is in park and then today she had it happen again.This time car was in park, then passenger door opened , then turned off car. Went and did what she needed to came back out on wouldn't let her start the care again.
Both times it took her 15-20 mins of waiting and trying stuff to finally get it to start.Of course she told me I can take the p.o.s car and shuv it ! and I found this website and found I am not alone in the sh*t hole of a mess ! Chevy should recall these cars and fix the damn problem ! If any body has a way to fix it please contact me.
2008Aug 30
Impala
- Automatic transmission
- 93,600 miles
have same problems a week ago car would not start lights would not go off security light comes on now the radio locks doors would not lock husband looked on the net and found this web site i called Chevy he said that i need to go to the dealer and get a diagnosis then call him back he will then call the dealer about the problem then he would write in a a complaint he said they have to get a certain amount of complaints before they can do investigation for a recall so please start calling and complaining 1-800-222-1020 this needs to be took care of
2007Jul 15
Impala
- Automatic transmission
- 106,876 miles
My car thinks I am trying to steal it. It will not recognize my key. Without warning I went to start my car and nothing. Not a sound or a ping just nothing. It was pouring rain I was late for an appointment and still nothing. called CAA even he was at a loss as to why it would not start. Towed to dealership paid eighty dollars for a diagnostic to be told it was the passlock system. What's a passlock system I asked? More over it must be covered as this is not a result of lack of maintenance just luck of the draw. Much to my surprise not covered. I chose to pursue this with GM and not have it repaired immediately as the car started just fine for the mechanic. I was told about the "turn your key to accessory - wait ten minute trick and off I went. After the diagnostic the passlock warning light started to flash occasionally as I am turning off the ignition. Then as I emailed, called and kept going up one more level of management with GM for six to eight weeks the passlock light would come on and stay on as I was driving. GM refused to do any thing about it telling me if this had happened while under warranty they would have but not now. Why not, this is a wide spread problem with many makes and models of GM vehicles (as I discovered on the internet) to a system I had no choice of opting out of when I purchased my car. It is not an internal system to the operating of a vehicle and has no maintenance schedule. I was quoted a cost of $700.00 to repair the problem with no direct guarantee this would not possibly re occur. So I live with the problem. When the ten minute trick doesn't work (Which happens every 5 to 6 months I take my car to another GM dealer ship pay $80.00 for a diagnostic (since they told me this does a reset) and continue to pester GM to do something about this problem. Excessive heat seems to accelerate the occurrence rate of the problem as well as severe electrical storms. It haunts me! I am frustrated to no end that had this happened 12,000 km earlier GM would have gladly fixed the problem but now refuse rather rudely to admit the passlock system is a problem.
2006Sep 02
Impala 3.4L
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
The problem is bad... Same thing as the others.... Getting worse as time goes on, Seems like the Hotter weather and humidity really make it act up! Not as much of a problem in the winter months...
2005Apr 20
Impala
- Automatic transmission
- 150,000 miles
First off I never even knew I had a security system until the light started flashing and my car wouldn't start. That was roughly 21/2 years ago and it's still a problem. I've tried everything. Recently took the car to a Chevy dealer and they said it would cost me $800.00 for a new ignition, ignition housing and computer module. I asked if there was any way to disable the system and they of course said there was no way. Come to find out there is a way but dealers refuse to disable it seeing as they it makes them money.
I will never buy a Chevy again. It's ridiculous that every time I go to my car there's a 30% chance of it actually starting. I even called the GM Headquarters and was fighting with the guy for 45 minutes, all he had to say was it was my problem and they can do nothing to help me. There has been times when my car wouldn't start for months. The security system ended up draining the battery costing me a new battery also. Now it starts and the radio is locked..don't know what to do. I've had it with Chevy!!
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Jun 01
Impala 3400
Amazing array of problems - all electrical. The door locks lock continually, the interior lights turns themselves on, the radio locks, the e-brake light is reversed, the high beams come on themselves, sometimes it won't start and multiple warning lights cycle on - when the dash is working - a few times it has cut out completely.
I bought this car partly because it was made a couple hours down the 401 from me - trying to support the local workers. Now I'm hung out to dry with a car that is continually sucking cash for problems that shouldn't be showing up this early. My last car was a Hyundai and my next will not be a GM either.
Craig H.
London, ON, Canada
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