Chevrolet Impala electrical problems

electrical problem

8.5

pretty bad

Typical Repair Cost:

no data

Average Mileage:

48,000 miles

Number of complaints:

4 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. leave in on position for 10 minutes (3 reports)
  2. i soldered the 3 passlock wires on the pass lock sensor (1 reports)
problem #4

2008Apr 28

Impala 3.1L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 27,000 miles

This sux. With some many complaint all the dealer could say was give me $100 buck (or whatever) and we'll diagnose the problem. Any repair costs will be your problem but we'll apply the 100

Joe J.

Chicago, IL, USA

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problem #3

2008Apr 01

Impala 3.4L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

GM has a serious issue with their Pass Lock system.

Now I have investigated a lot of weird stuff but this one is all GM (To blame).

To make a very long "root cause investigation" short...

1) They (GM) have used connectors in the ignition Pass Lock system which do not
mate up properly.
2) They (GM) did not use gold plated connector pins for this specific application.
3) They (GM) did not understand compensating software for the Body Computer.

The main issue is that, over time, the Pass Lock connector pins oxidize.

This oxidation changes the critical analog Pass Lock signal to the Body Computer.

So the Security light comes on whenever and the car does not start whenever.

You can buy a Pass Lock "bypass kit" online and disable the system... easy and cheap.

I ended up hand soldering the three wires (Black, White and yellow) directly to the
Pass Lock sensor on the ignition switch. Not so easy but it does not disable the security system...

My Impala is finally fixed and it cost me nothing...

So now everyone knows the truth about your expensive GM problem!

Maybe a Consumer Advocacy group would like to contact me as a "key wittiness" in some litigation?

I have a very advanced background in Electronics, Automotive Engine Management Systems and a Degree in Computer Science. Presently I am working as an Embedded Software Engineer.


Dr Zach

David Z.

Franklin, WI, USA

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problem #2

2008Jan 22

Impala

  • Automatic transmission
  • 81,000 miles

I'm having the same problem as everyone else with what I believe to be the passlock system. The car won't won't start half of the time and when I brought it to the dealer it didn't do it for them and they said we don't know what the problem is???? Has anyone started a "class action law suite"??? If so, sign me up!!!! This problem is getting really old really quick, I have learned however turn the key on for about 10 minutes and the car will start, but it seems to be getting worst.

Bill A.

Cambridge, MN, USA

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problem #1

2006Jul 12

(reported on)

Impala

  • 39,000 miles

The security light stays on while driving and eventually the car will not start. Called the GM customer care and was instructed to lock/unlock the doors twice, turn the ignition to the "ON" position and let it sit for at least 10 minutes, then turn it to the "OFF" position and start the car. This has worked so far but only lasts a little while.

Christina G.

Tipp City, OH, USA

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