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Chevrolet Impala: Problems & Solutions - READ ONLY

2014 messages,  Last post on Oct 12, 2006 at 3:07 PM

You are in the Chevrolet Impala - Archived Discussions Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Impala, Sedan

Messages Page 86 of 202

#847 of 2014 cudsoccer, by 0patience

Dec 25, 2003 (8:58 pm)

A recall that may or may not apply to you.
----------------------------------------------------
 
Customer Satisfaction Program -- Engine Coolant Leak #03034 - (07/07/2003)
03034 - Engine Coolant Leak
All 2000-2002 and Certain 2003 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo; Pontiac Grand Prix, Bonneville; and Buick Regal, LeSabre, Park Avenue
 
Equipped with 3.8L V6 Engine (RPO L36 - VIN Code K)
THIS RECALL IS IN EFFECT UNTIL JULY 31, 2005.
 
Condition
General Motors has decided that all 2000-2002 and certain 2003 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo; Pontiac Grand Prix, Bonneville; and Buick Regal, LeSabre, Park Avenue model vehicles equipped with 3.8L (RPO L36 - VIN Code K) engines, may have a condition in which engine coolant may leak at the upper intake manifold throttle body gasket, or at the upper intake manifold to lower intake manifold gasket. This condition may result in a low engine coolant level and higher engine operating temperatures.
 
Correction
Dealers are to replace the three throttle body fastener nuts and add cooling system sealant to the radiator tank.
 
Vehicles Involved
Involved are all 2000-2002 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo; Pontiac Grand Prix, Bonneville; and Buick Regal, LeSabre, Park Avenue model vehicles equipped with 3.8L (RPO L36 - VIN Code K) engines and built within these VIN breakpoints:
 
Year Division Model From Through
2000 Chevrolet Impala Y9100001 - Y9385472
2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Y9100297 - Y9385464
2000 Pontiac Grand Prix YF100033 - YF353313
2000 Pontiac Bonneville Y4101040 - Y4297271
2000 Buick Regal Y1100004 - Y1304443
2000 Buick LeSabre Y4100001 - Y4297273
YU100001 - YU357893
2000 Buick Park Avenue Y4100095 - Y4297269
2001 Chevrolet Impala 19100001 - 19378249
2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo 19100004 - 19378234
2001 Pontiac Grand Prix 1F100004 - 1F275188
2001 Pontiac Bonneville 14100001 - 14298963
2001 Buick Regal 11100001 - 11338085
2001 Buick LeSabre 14108500 - 14298966
1U100003 - 1U302094
2001 Buick Park Avenue 14108918 - 14298968
2002 Chevrolet Impala 29100002 - 29391929
2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo 29100018 - 29391931
2002 Pontiac Grand Prix 2F100016 - 2F293267
2002 Pontiac Bonneville 24100001 - 24245293
2002 Buick Regal 21100001 - 21301745
2002 Buick LeSabre 24100011 - 24245292
2U100001 - 2U306396
2002 Buick Park Avenue 24100009 - 24245294
2003 Chevrolet Impala 39100002 - 39360495
2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo 39100018 - 39360489
2003 Pontiac Grand Prix 3F100002 - 3F181300
2003 Pontiac Bonneville 34100002 - 34180189
2003 Buick Regal 31100001 - 31275410
2003 Buick LeSabre 34100001 - 34180190
3U100002 - 3U251518
2003 Buick Park Avenue 34100004 - 34180177
 
Important
Dealers should confirm vehicle eligibility through GMVIS (GM Vehicle Inquiry System) or GM Access Screen (Canada only) or DCS Screen 445 (IPC only) prior to beginning program repairs. [Not all vehicles within the above breakpoints may be involved.]
 
Computer listings containing the complete Vehicle Identification Number, customer name and address data have been prepared, and are being furnished to involved dealers with the program bulletin. The customer name and address data furnished will enable dealers to follow up with customers involved in this program. Any dealer not receiving a computer listing with the program bulletin has no involved vehicles currently assigned.
 
These dealer listings may contain customer names and addresses obtained from Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any other purpose is a violation of law in several states/provinces/countries. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this listing to the follow-up necessary to complete this program.
 
Parts Information
Parts required to complete this program are to be obtained from General Motors Service Parts Operations (GMSPO). Please refer to your "involved vehicles listing" before ordering requirements. Normal orders should be placed on a DRO = Daily Replenishment Order. In an emergency situation, parts should be ordered on a CSO = Customer Special Order.

#848 of 2014 cudsoccer, also........ by 0patience

Dec 25, 2003 (9:00 pm)

This is not a recall, but a TSB and unless under warranty, your cost, but far cheaper than a manifold and more often the problem.
 
Engine Oil or Coolant Leak (Install New Intake Manifold Gasket) #03-06-01-010B - (10/24/2003)
Engine Oil or Coolant Leak (Install New Intake Manifold Gasket)
2000-2003 Buick Century
2002-2003 Buick Rendezvous
1996 Chevrolet Lumina APV
1997-2003 Chevrolet Venture
1999-2001 Chevrolet Lumina
1999-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, Monte Carlo
2000-2003 Chevrolet Impala
1996-2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette
1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass
1999-2003 Oldsmobile Alero
1996-1999 Pontiac Trans Sport
1999-2003 Pontiac Grand Am, Montana
2000-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
2001-2003 Pontiac Aztek
with 3.1L or 3.4L V-6 Engine (VINs J, E - RPOs LG8, LA1)
 
This bulletin is being revised to change the model Information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 03-06-01-010A (Section 06 - Engine).
 
Condition
Some owners may comment on an apparent oil or coolant leak. Additionally, the comments may range from spots on the driveway to having to add fluids.
 
Cause
Intake manifold may be leaking allowing coolant, oil or both to leak from the engine.
 
Correction
Install a new design intake manifold gasket. The material used in the gasket has been changed in order to improve the sealing qualities of the gasket. When replacing the gasket, the intake manifold bolts must also be replaced and torqued to a revised specification. The new bolts will come with a pre-applied threadlocker on them.

#849 of 2014 Spark plug fire and power steering leak by ksc18

Dec 26, 2003 (9:44 am)

I'm doing some research for my husband's niece who bought my 2001 Impala Sedan (with optional 3.8L engine)a few months ago. The car currently has 40,000+ miles. She has had problems with the power steering fluid leaking and needing refilled frequently. Also, just recently when she was checking the oil a fire occurred in the engine. She was told the spark plugs caught on fire. The car had been shut off for several minutes. Apparently, she is getting confusing opinions about all of this. I'm hoping someone may be able to help her and me both out. Thanks in advance.

#850 of 2014 Radio Problem by banker4

Dec 26, 2003 (10:06 am)

My Impala is a 2001, bought new in Oct 2000. About 2 weeks ago I started having problems with the radio. Sometimes,when I first turn on the radio, no sound comes out for up to 2-3 minutes. Then the sound may cut out and come back. Other times,the radio comes right on and then cuts out and comes back. Usually after about 15 minutes, it doesn't do this. Other times when I turn the radio on its fine.
 
This abnormal behaviour isn't confined to the radio, as I have tested the tape and CD player, when the sound is dead to see if its just the radio. The same abnormality affects those as well, until the sound comes on. I haven't called the dealer, due to just being busy.
 
Any suggestions, comments appreciated.

#851 of 2014 Radio problem... by dgonzalez13

Dec 26, 2003 (10:32 am)

I had a similar problem 2 years ago on my base Impala. It turned out to be a Short circuit behind the radio in the dash. The wiring harness can be caught on something and perforated with the exposed wires causing the radio to intermittantly heat up.
 
Open the Dash trim plate (instructions on www.impalahq.com)
Remove the radio (dont worry, it wont lock itself)
Inspect the wiring harness and look for a bent section, or broken section. Cover the exposed wires with electrical tape. You can then also use 99cent wiring loom to cover it better.
Reinstall radio, and dash trim. It should work fine after you find the short in the wiring harness.

#852 of 2014 Further Impala adventures by cudsoccer

Dec 26, 2003 (11:54 am)

On advice both from this forum and the dealer service representative, I did call Chevy's customer service line and reached a helpful but somewhat helpless representative who called the dealer.
 
The confusing thing here is the difference in recalls between 3.4 and 3.8 model engines. Apparently from what I can ascertain GM has issued recall notices for the 3.8 but nothing for the 3.4 before 2001. But that makes no sense to me.
 
At this juncture I will be paying $800 today for the replacement of lower manifold intake gasket and (thanks to advice of this forum) the Intermediate Steering problem so often referenced.
 
I appreciate everyone's perspective here, and advice, which have enabled me to pursue an informed (if still naive on my part) resolution to this problem of leaking engine coolant.
 
I pitched the dealer service guy on splitting the cost of labor on the job. Hmmmm. Chevy USA guy seems to affirm there is no recall covering the 2000 model year 3.4 engine.
 
cc

#853 of 2014 Re: Spark plug fire?!!! by txguy

Dec 26, 2003 (7:11 pm)

It sounds like you have a leak on the high pressure side of your power steering pump. When the wheels are straight it won't leak, but turn the wheels and a highly volatile stream of power steering fluid will shoot around a hot engine compartment. Not a good situation! This is not a problem with Impalas as far as I know, but I have had this problem on Fords and Chryslers. For some reason they can't make high pressure lines that can take a bazillion degrees of heat without breaking down
 
Get it checked right away, and not at whereever they told her the spark plugs were on fire! Good grief!

#854 of 2014 Thank You by banker4

Dec 27, 2003 (7:08 pm)

dgonzalez 13:
 
Thank You for the suggestion. I will check it out. Yesterday, the radio when turned on wouldn't play at all for up to 15-20 minutes when I turned it on. Then all of a sudden, it would come to life and play ok before cutting out and coming back in a minute or so.

#855 of 2014 Air Filter by emtb

Dec 30, 2003 (3:44 pm)

Ok, I'm trying to replace the big air filter on the right (facing the front) side of the car. I undo the clips on top of the box. What's next. How do I get that cover off? It seems attached by screws or bolts on the bottom. Thanks.
 
-EMTB

#856 of 2014 by alcan

Dec 30, 2003 (3:56 pm)

Engine size would be helpful in future:
 
With 3.4L engine:
Air Cleaner Element Replacement
Removal Procedure
Turn OFF the ignition.
Disconnect the intake air temperature (IAT) sensor.
Disconnect the breather tube from the air intake duct.
Disconnect the mass air flow (MAF) sensor.
Loosen the air intake duct/MAF sensor hose clamps.
Carefully remove the air inlet hose from the throttle body and air cleaner cover.
Remove the 2 housing cover retaining clamps.
Remove the air cleaner cover and carefully remove the air filter element.
Inspect the housing cover, seal assembly, and air duct for damage.
 
Installation Procedure
 
Carefully install the air filter element into the air cleaner assembly.
Install the housing cover and install the housing cover retaining screws.
Carefully install the air inlet hose to the throttle body and air cleaner cover.
Tighten the air inlet hose clamp.
Install the air intake duct/MAF sensor assembly.
Tighten the air intake duct/MAF sensor hose clamps.
Connect the breather tube to the air intake duct.
Connect the MAF sensor.
Connect the IAT sensor .
 
With 3.8L engine:
Air Cleaner Element Replacement
Removal Procedure
Turn OFF the ignition.
Disconnect the IAT sensor electrical connector.
Loosen the air intake duct hose clamps.
Remove the air intake duct.
Unclip the two air cleaner cover retaining clamps.
Remove the air cleaner cover and carefully remove the air filter element.
Inspect the housing cover, seal assembly, and air ducting for damage. If a problem is found, replace as necessary.
 
Installation Procedure
 
Carefully install the air filter element into the air cleaner assembly.
Install the air cleaner housing cover and reclip the housing cover retaining clamps.
Carefully reinstall the air inlet hose to the throttle body and the air cleaner cover.
Install the air inlet hose clamp.
Connect the IAT sensor electrical connector.

Messages Page 86 of 202

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