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2005 and Earlier Chevrolet Impala

13618 messages,  Last post on Mar 19, 2013 at 11:54 AM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Impala, Sedan

    

Messages Page 1359 of 1363

#13572 of 13618 Re: Blocked a/c condensation drain ... 2004 Impala SS ... [johnalston] by edl79

Jun 18, 2010 (8:15 pm)

Replying to: johnalston (Jun 18, 2010 6:40 am)
I have a 2004 Impala, though not an ss. The condensation drain is a small rubber or plastic elbow shaped piece that is on the on the firewall. Facing the engine I think it's a little to the right of the power steering pump about a foot or more down from the cowling. It pulls off easily, just hard to see and to locate with your hand.
 
Mine was clogged, but that wasn't the real problem. There's a short piece of rubber under the cowling and above the cabin air filter. It's not put on with adhesive and it eventually comes off, allowing water into the blower motor which then leaks onto the floor. I didn't know that was the problem until there was enough water in the blower to hear it. I ended up replacing the blower resistor and blower motor.
 
To fix the rubber piece, raise the wipers, and remove the push pins and one screw in the cowling. From the front of the cowling peel the weatherstrip back halfway to the center and lift the cowling. You'll see the cabin air filter and the rubber above it which should be part-way off. Use adhesive to reattach it. You can replace the cabin air filter too. Then put the cowling back into place. That takes about 15 minutes and a few minutes more to locate the condensation drain.
Haven't had the water problem again after doing this.

#13573 of 13618 oil change intervals by the_big_al

Jul 14, 2010 (10:24 pm)

Heres a general question for the Impala drivers out there. I have a 2004 with the 3.4 motor. I currently run a 10K oci with Mobile 1 0w30. My question is this. I reset the oil change light a long while back and I think it has been at leat 10K since I reset it. I know the oil monitor is calibrated for standard dino oil and a 10K oil change on dino oil seems really long for, me at least. How ever, if true, I may just go back to dino oil, or extend my M1 change to 15K miles???
 
I'd be curious as to what other OCI of the last generation Impala owners have been running.

#13574 of 13618 oil changes at 3K by revjim64

Nov 21, 2010 (1:28 pm)

I have an 02 Impala with about 110k on it. It has the 3.4 V-6 and typically I use Quakerstate 5/30 and I change the oil about every 3k miles. If I use the synthetic blends, I may go 6 or 7k between oil chnages.
 
I heard on my local news channel that modern blends of detergent motor oils can go up to 10-15k and still maintain their viscosity.
 
So, basically you may go 10-15 k between oil changes without damaging your engine. (Under normal driving conditions)

#13575 of 13618 2004 impala radio issues by kaatje03

Jul 07, 2011 (7:00 pm)

I have a 2004 Chevy Impala and the radio has stopped putting out sound. The radio display is still working but no sound.. I talked to my friend who is a mechanic and he said that the radio is probably going out.. Any one have any suggestions on how to check and see if its going out or if there is a simple fix. I'm really disappointed in this car as well. Not only is the radio not working but have a speedometer issues twice and the rack and pinnon is bad... Needless to say I wish I could afford to get rid of it...

#13576 of 13618 Re: 2004 impala radio issues [kaatje03] by the_big_al

Jul 10, 2011 (7:57 pm)

Replying to: kaatje03 (Jul 07, 2011 7:00 pm)
unfortunately the only radio fix I know of is to replace it. You can try and get one from the junkyard or go aftermarket. With aftermarket however, you'll have to get an adapter that will still allow you to access the vehicle functions such as programming the locks and resetting the oil change light.
 
You're speedometer issue is not an uncommon one as well. It has happened to mine and it's about a $250 fix from an online source. The gears inside have stripped or something along those lines. The speedo signal is still being sent properly, just the needle has stopped reading correctly. All my gauges have stopped reading accurately and so that is a fix that is waiting for funds in the wings.

#13577 of 13618 Help!!! by brittybrat

Jul 27, 2011 (2:02 pm)

I have a 2004 Impala that I got for a steal from a company who used the vehicle as a work car. I have had almost nothing but problems since up to and including replacing the cluster which costed me over $600! Now, I have a few more issues...the factory amp for the radio has seemed to of gone out on me, any one know of a website that I can get a replacement...CHEAP?! Also I got to work one day and turned off my car and my fan and defroster were still running. Well it eventually killed my battery because it just wouldnt turn off, I had to pull the fuse for the motor, but was told it could be the relay or the reciptor (what ever that is). Only problem is, going to Autozone, they said my car doesnt have a relay, so I was wondering if anyone out there has had the same problem and got it fixed and can help me out? And as if to make all this better, I aparently snapped the bearing hub on my left front tire, cancelling out my traction control and my ABS, most places are quoting me at around $400 to get that piece fixed...I cant wait till I can get the finances to get a new car....preferrably not a chevy!

#13578 of 13618 Re: 2004 impala radio issues [the_big_al] by brittybrat

Jul 27, 2011 (2:05 pm)

Replying to: the_big_al (Jul 10, 2011 7:57 pm)
when my cluster went out, i lost my spedometer, tachometer! it was the worst thing ever using a gps to tell me how fast i was going because nothing registerd. no one told me to go somewhere online so i ended up going to the dealer and spent over 600 to replace the entire thing! good luck to ya tho!

#13579 of 13618 Re: 2004 impala radio issues [brittybrat] by the_big_al

Jul 28, 2011 (5:54 pm)

Replying to: brittybrat (Jul 27, 2011 2:05 pm)
Sorry to hear about all your issues. The only issue I've had in 6 years is the gauge cluster. In fact in still isn't fixed. I have been using a GPS for speed when the speedo goes wonky and the trip computer to monitor fuel (although the low fuel light still comes on at the proper fuel level). One day I might get around to repairing, replacing the gauge cluster, but to me it isn't worth making a fuss over.
 
It only took a few minutes of research to discover the gauge cluster problem and while it's only a couple hundred dollars to fix, I haven't taken the time to tear into the dash and correct it.

#13580 of 13618 Re: Help!!! [brittybrat] by the_big_al

Jul 28, 2011 (6:00 pm)

Replying to: brittybrat (Jul 27, 2011 2:02 pm)
Check this site out for a replacement radio head unit...
 
http://www.hifisoundconnection.com/Shop/Control/fp/scat/131380/SFV/30046?gclid=C- P2a8Y6spaoCFRxrgwodOSFqVA
 
Can't help you on the fan motor though. Not an area of my expertise.

#13581 of 13618 Re: 2004 impala radio issues [kaatje03] by calwardt

Aug 08, 2011 (6:26 am)

Replying to: kaatje03 (Jul 07, 2011 7:00 pm)
Your problems has been identified on this website:
http://www.doityourself.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-380384.html
 
Look for two posts ( one from 8-1-09 and one from 6/26/2011)
 
The wiring to the radio is located under the passenger side carpet. Most likely it's shorting out because of moisture from the floorboard. The mositure in the floorboard is most likely coming from the sealing strip at the base of the windshield that falls off- letting rain water flow from the windshield directly into the cars fresh air intake.
 
The posts in the link above will explain about the stereo wiring and about removing the windshield panel to fix the sealing strip ( See linked website in the June2010 post 2002 Impala LS leaks rain water - Topix http://www.topix.com/forum/autos/chevrolet-impala/T7T1J3LJGM5QRF7KJ This other forum should answer your questions as well as guide you into fixing the water issue so it doesnt happen again.
 
Other maintenance that you'll need: Replace the cabin air filter- it's been sitting there absorbing all that rain water and will need to be fresh. This can lead to other problems like the blower motor going out if it's not taken care of. You'll notice a difference right away.
 
If you go to a service center to get the repairs- be very specific about the issues and what you want them to do. (1. Replace seal at the base of the windshield and change cabin filter. 2. replace the orange wire corroded connection in the radio wiring under the passenger seat carpet ).
 
Theres' no need for additional diagnostic work - this problem is VERY common for Impalas it's just nice to know that by fixing my problems with the radio and water issues I can help someone else.

Messages Page 1359 of 1363

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