electrical problem
7.3
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$859.00
Average Mileage:
66,402 miles
Number of complaints:
29 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (24 reports)
- replaced bcm module then said passlock code was bad (2 reports)
- take off positive cable, and clean corrosion (2 reports)
- pass lock cylinder (1 reports)
Helpful Websites About 2003 Chevrolet Impala no engine start, apparent security problem
2008Jun 23
Impala LS 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 30,000 miles
It's one problem after another with this car. A few months ago, it wouldn't start because of passlock problem. I had fixed and now the dealer says the computer has to be changed to start with and then they will see what else needs to be done, maybe they will change the computer under the seat. They will let me know. The car is currently at the dealer and I have no control or knowledge if they are right or if they are just taking me for a ride. This car is like new and I barely have 30000 miles on it. This is my last GM product - I have always believed in supporting North American products but next car will be Japanese.
2008Jun 17
Impala LS 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
the same problem happened to my car. I get some gas, go back to start my car and nothing. this happens about every 3-4 weeks. I replaced the starter as instructed and it still happens. extremely frustrated and nobody seems to know what the problem is.
2007Jul 01
Impala 3.4L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 38,000 miles
I paid $100 for the dealer to tell me they couldn't find the problem. I had parked the car, went into a store, came back in about 3 minutes and it wouldn't start. I even had a tow truck on the way when it finally started (about 15 min). Didn't happen again until about 8 months later, and now it has happened 3 times in the last 3 weeks. I especially love when it happens at the gas station. Wonderful feeling. I have had the Security light come on, then go away, and I have the Check Engine light come on during these instances. I have since leased a Honda and will never buy American again. For the amount of money I paid for this car, and now the gas I am piling into it, it HAD BETTER at least start when I turn the KEY!!
2008Apr 25
Impala ES V6
- Automatic transmission
- 125,231 miles
This was actually the fifth time this problem has happened in the last month, causing me to be late for work or appointments. Our mechanic told us to take it to a Chevy dealer, but it appears from the lengthy list of complaints that the dealer hasn't done anything to solve the problem. They really need to do a recall and get this issue resolved at their expense. It is very annoying and embarrassing to be late for things because of a "security/electrical defect". Come on Chevy, fix the problem.
2007May 07
(reported on)Impala LX 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 89,678 miles
I'm sure Chevrolet (GM) have heard enough rants about the issue with the Security display and the car not starting. Have they figured out a solution? This is driving me away from GM products.
2007May 17
(reported on)Impala LS 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 54,000 miles
Passlock (security) system light tends to come on for varying periods of time but car still runs. On occasion, car won't start and we must wait 10 minutes with the ignition on until the passlock light stops flashing. Then the car will start. Dealer has run some diagnostics but can't identify problem. Suspects faulty ignition and has suggested replacing ignition would solve problem (cost $600.00). We have extended warranty (third party) but that won't cover replacing the ignition unless it can be proved that the ignition is the culprit. We are currently keeping a log of when the light comes on and for those occasions when the car won't start. We really like the size, ride and features of our Impala but we won't be buying any GM car with Passlock on it until we can be assured that the dealers have the competence to solve their cars' problems.
2008Feb 18
Impala 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 74,011 miles
the security light came on while driving today. i was on my to work. when i was leaving it wouldn't start. it's making a noise like the ignition is turning ,but no engine noise. the noise won't stop and the car won't start.i've never had this problem before. i've had the car for 3 months and no problems til today.
2008Jan 01
Impala 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 138,000 miles
I have a 2003 Impala. Along with it came the same problem every one that owns an Impala has. The most annoying is when the car doesn't start at random times. I've seen different possible reasons and like all of you, I really don't want to take it to the dealer yet. We all know that if we take it to the dealer, we'll BE TAKEN by the dealer! This security problem should be recalled since there is obviously enough complaints about it. This passlock security problem has me going crazy!!
2006Aug 08
Impala
- Automatic transmission
- 65,000 miles
every time something stupid happens like this to the car. they want you to take it to a dealer so they can screw you again
2007Nov 09
(reported on)Impala LX 3.6L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 103,000 miles
Here I am, another fellow annoyed Chevy owner!! Same problem with getting stuck with my 2 sons in the car, late for work because I had to shut this off at the pumps. I've had this car for 30,000 miles now and it has done this to me at least a dozen times. My 1970 Impala never gave me a problem! I should have kept it. Matter of fact, Chevy should have kept this car!! Overall it is a great vehicle, when it starts!!! Hopefully someone will find a fix for this because Chevy won't!! Way to boost the American car confidence there Chevy!! I hope you learn something when the BOWTIE has TOYOTA written across it!!
2007Sep 25
(reported on)Impala LS
- Automatic transmission
- 84,000 miles
I have the same problem as the rest of you. Actually as I sit here right now my 2003 Impala wont start. Passlock code came on twice yesterday but it still started fine. Got up this morning and it wont start. I agree that GM should take responsibility for the problem. At least now I know not to take it to a mechanic because there is nothing they can do that is a long term fix. If I find anything out will post it!!
2007Sep 19
(reported on)Impala LS 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 82,000 miles
Same problem as everyone else, my mechanic thinks it is starter but according to all these posts it is a security passlock system. I have purchased 6 Impalas over the years, this will be my last !!!! GM should recall this and PAY FOR IT !!!
2007Sep 09
(reported on)Impala 3.4L
- Automatic transmission
- 91,200 miles
We were on our way home from a mini vacation & was stranded at the gas pumps at a Pilot Station because "SECURITY" lights & car wouldn't crank. Needless to say, after 2 hours, we got it to suddenly start. I agree with all the other complaints. Here lately it seems to happen every other week. We removed some of the fuses & was able to get it to start. But I felt that it mostly happened with the remote keyless entry. Knock on wood, it hasn't happened in a while. Having 3 kids, the keyless remote was nice but being stranded is a pain in the @$#!!!! I just wish GM would recall it & fix the actual problem. I had a warranty too but refused to use it, I knew they wouldn't fix it either. Sounds like from others complaints, I saved myself some money. If anyone finds a true lasting resolution or a 100% cure to the "SECURITY" feature not letting the car to crank, please post it - - I need to know!!!!
2007Jul 10
(reported on)Impala LX 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 28,000 miles
Security light came on and then off one day (it came on about a hour after going thru deep street water after a rain storm- then turned off after a few minutes(?). A few days later the engine would not turn over. Did this twice in a two month time. Got it started both times after ten minutes of several on and off key turns. Battery is fine, all electrical systems works but will not ignite. It acts as if your car is in gear and it won't start until you're in park or neutral. One queer thing is on some key turns you can shift out of park and place the automatic trans in gear - the next key turn you can't. The first time I got it restarted, I got it in neutral and it started right away (after I already waited ten minutes though), but seems like ten minutes or so of waiting is the only way to restart(?) SOS
2007Jun 26
(reported on)Impala V6
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
The security light will come on every now and then when I am driving. Other times when I try to start my car it won't crank. Nothing happens. I wait exactly 10 minutes without doing anything else and the car will start every time. I was going to take the car in, but after reading that so many people have this problem and there is no solution I won't waste my money. This is obviously a recall situation that they are not owning up to, I'll never buy a Chevy again.
2007Apr 27
(reported on)Impala LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 91,532 miles
In March of 2007 my security light started coming on. I ignored it at first then at 11 pm one night I could not start my car. All lights were working but my ignition would not turn. I had my car jump started and got home. Next day I went to the dealership and was told it was a faulty BCM module and it would be $361 dollars to replace. So they replaced it. One week later Security light starts coming on again. Three days later on the way to work I stopped and the car would not start again. Again I had my car jumped off and took it to the dealership. This time diagnostics showed nothing. After researching this problem on the internet I called GM and was assign a case manager. He then called my dealership and I was told to bring my car back in. This time I was told it was a passlock code had to be reset and somthing else installed and it would be $530 plus tax this time. I told him to fix it. I told GM about this and was told if something had not been wrong with my BCM module they would not have fixed it. I am now out close to $900 for this problem and I am getting sick of this. I have ask GM to keep my case file open until this is fixed and to report what actions was taken as I think there needs to be a recall on this problem.
2007Mar 18
(reported on)Impala
- Automatic transmission
- 40,000 miles
Security light comes on and vehicle came to a complete halt while
driving 80mph. Thank God I go into work at 3am and no traffic is
on highway.
This only happened once. To numerous to track are the amount of times security light would come on prohibiting car from starting.
Sure do miss my Grand Prix.................
2006Aug 01
(reported on)Impala
- 22,000 miles
Intermitant: Car engine would not start. This has happened twice. Chevy dealer could find nothing wrong. Corrected itself after 20 minutes. Car is very well kept with only 22,000 miles.
2006Oct 12
(reported on)Impala LS
- 67,000 miles
Motor does not turn over, All electrical components are fine, after a few minute it cranks like nothing is wrong, Anyone have a solution??
2006Jul 26
(reported on)Impala
- 70,000 miles
The car won't start. In fact when the key is turned no power to anything at first. NOT the battery since the headlights etc. work. When I pull VERY hard to the left on the steering wheel while turning the key the car will FINALLY start. But then service alerts for "security, battery, and service engine" flash. NO A/C when this is going on and radio says "locked". This is extremely annoying since it usually happens to me when I am running late. I also don't enjoy driving around in 90 degree heat with no a/c and 2 small kids in the car because they whine. Don't know what is causing this and want to fix it quick.
2006Nov 02
(reported on)Impala Not Sure V6
- Automatic transmission
- 52,000 miles
Our car is in the shop for the second time in less than a month. The car runs fine and then all of a sudden you drive to the store and it will not start.
The first trip to the dealer they told us that the computer code needed to be reset and charged us $120.00 because the warranty was only good it there was a part that needed to be replaced.
This is what they just called and told me they found wrong so far, Pass lock cylinder and they are ordering the part and it will be covered under the warranty.
I am sure that this is what was wrong with the car all along and if more things pop up I will keep you posted.
2007Feb 04
(reported on)Impala 3.2
- Automatic transmission
- 35,000 miles
I too am one of the unfortunate people who have this security issue with my Impala. I bought the car used with warranty. I first took it to the dealer when the warranty was still valid. The response is well it is not doing if for us it must have been just a freak occurrence, i had it to the dealer a second time and was told that what ever was causing it was not showing up on the computer, so no fix then as well. well of course there is no longer warranty-not that it would matter. I have had the vehicle for less then 36 months it has left me waiting or late for appointments and work at least 8 times and left me and my family sitting and waiting in a small town on Thanksgiving day, thankfully the weather was about 20 degrees as opposed to the negative temps we often see. I live in a vast rural state were public transportation is not provided. We have winters that can see -25 degrees, so i would prefer if he kids did not have to walk to school and it would be nice not to have to wait the 30-60minutes for the car to 'read' the key and realize I am not trying to steal my own car. It is equally frustrating that GM does not seem to think there is a problem. I am still kicking myself for getting rid of my Mercury Grand Marquis with over 170,000 miles(which was paid for)and did not leave me stranded at the drop of a hat for something that is unreliable, that I have payments on, and can not take a road trip in because of its undependable quality. This has turned me off of Chevy products altogether, they will not fix a problem when a problem is discovered, it is no wonder there sales and profit margins are down.
2007Jan 20
(reported on)Impala V6
- Automatic transmission
- 51,000 miles
Same thing is happening. Every now and then. (I'd say 1 in 5 starts the engine won't turn over at all) I've tried many different things to reset the security feature, which i guess is the problem, because the battery is fine) But then all of a sudden it will just start. After it happening so many times and trying many different things to reset the security. It's never the same thing each time so i have no idea what reset it if anything. I am scared to take it in for fear of what has happened to rest of forum. Not getting it fixed and still paying out the bucks. If anything is found definitive i would be appreciate to know about it.
2007Jan 02
(reported on)Impala LS 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 40,000 miles
Dead battery if vehicle is not used for three or more days. Replaced battery and checked charging circuit; OK there; Still discharges after 3 days. No visible sign of lights on or other electrical activity except theft alarm light pulsating. Vehicle equipted with ONSTAR. All circuits operate normally, otherwise.
2006Nov 29
(reported on)Impala 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 113,000 miles
The Security Msg came on the day before. I drove the car numerous times later with the light off, and the following morning, it started fine and drove fine. I could not start the car about 2 hours later. After a ride to get tools and later in the day, I took the positive battery cable off and found a little corrosion. I cleaned the corrosion off with a wire brush and coke and the car started right up. I have a 1989 Bonneville that did the exact same thing a while back. Must be a GM problem. The battery was just replaced about 2 weeks before.
2006Sep 15
(reported on)Impala
- 58,000 miles
It wouldn't start, thought a jump would do it. It seemed to kind help that one time. But now it won't turn over. The battery has plenty of charge everything works except turning the key doesn't do a thing. I'm assuming it is the same problem everyone else has had, some security issue. I'll post any solutions...
2006Aug 26
(reported on)Impala
- 35,000 miles
Third time in three months this has happened. Everything electrical works fine, except car will not turn over. After about 10 or 20 minutes I tried car again. Initially will not turn over, but will start immediately once I flip the electric locks up and down. There are no messages on the message centre, and the dealer can not find any error codes.
Note: I do not have the Pass Lock security system (option not activated). In fact the only security system I use are the door locks.
2006Jul 21
(reported on)Impala
- 57,000 miles
intermittant problem: once every 60 days. Key will not activate starter; battery and accessories OK. Corrects self in about 30 minutes. Occasionally security warning shows as you drive and remains on until car turned off. Not associated with "no start", but odd. Chevy dealer charged $85 to check this out: no diagnosis. No computer codes. Could this be a false anti-theft shut down?? Otherwise car serves us well. Help!
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Jul 30
Impala
OK GM/ Chevrolet What's the deal? This is my wifes car. And now she tells me she's scared to turn it off at the gas pumps.Maybe I should write OSHA on this matter. What ya think of that? Time for a RECALL don't you think? It seems to happen more often. At least we get the SECURITY alert to let us know it's about to occur again. So how about it? Before someone gets blown into next week at the gas pump, where the signs clearly state SHUT OFF ENGINE. It's a shame my 91 S-10 with 200,000 plus miles is more dependable.
bandit50
Graham, NC, USA
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