24th Nov 2003, 16:27
I own a 2000 Chevy Impala. For the past year, the check engine light sometimes comes on. My uncle who is a mechanic used a computer to check for the problem. The diagnosis was a problem with the secondary air compressor. He said it was odd because I don't have an air pump? (Not positive) But, he didn't think it was a big problem. Lately, my dash lights and radio lights aren't working at night time. Also, last night, the air bag light came on. I looked it up in the car manual, and it says it means there is a electrical problem. My question is, what does the TSB mean? Other people have mentioned them in their comments. If the problems I have experienced are TSB, what do I do? Thanks!
4th Feb 2004, 19:33
TSB = technical service bulletin... Which is a bulletin sent to "Authorized service centers". The bulletin will detail any problem or defect that has been discovered, and provide a solution or fix for the problem.
30th Mar 2004, 19:26
I too own a 2000 Impala. I love the way it looks, but am frustrated with my problems. The steering box was first replaced at 35k miles, the airbag lights come on for no apparent reason, numerous brake problems and now again at 80k the steering is having the same clicking and rattling that it did previously. I've never replaced a steering box in one of my autos once, much less twice. When I called Chevorlet Customer Care they said they had no bullentins or recalls for steering problems. How can this be? Of course now they refuse to take care of it. My $80 ceiling fan has a 10yr warranty, should not a factory installed part like the steering box be covered for more than one year? I'm totally frustrated. My family has owned over 40 Chevy's over the years, but now I am considering another car maker for my next purchase.
26th Oct 2004, 17:14
I bought my used 2000 Impala LS two weeks ago at 64,000 miles. I loved driving this car and it seemed nothing was wrong. The dealership had had the car for over two weeks as it fixed mostly cosmetic problems and I just got the car for good yesterday. Today, the car wouldn't start.
When I turn on the car it doesn't turn over and dashboard lights flicker off and on a couple time.
The dealer said I had a bad cell on the battery, but reading these comments makes me think it might be more. What should I do?
19th Jan 2005, 11:38
I also own a 2000 Chevy Impala, It has been 1 problem after another starting at approximately 4000 Miles. Steering Wheel rattles and vibrates, Took the car to a shop and was told this was an Intermediate shaft issue which was not covered under warranty due to regular wear and tear. Also the check engine light is always on and the airbag light turns on and off almost daily. Also the Fuel Pressure Regulator was leaking and then the manifold exploded one morning when I truned the key. Cost me three thousand dollars to repair, two years later a recall was issues and I only got reimbursed one thousand dollars. Chevy and Gm are cheapskates and definitely not customer service oriented.
I've contacted Chevrolet and GM almost 12 times and the Customer service is terrible. I kept getting the run around by inexperienced employees not willing to help.
I got better service from my private mechanic than from any GM or Chevy person I ever talked too. Car is too expensive to maintain and issues keep re-occuring. I will definitely never buy another GM or Chevy car again and recommend you don't either.
Boycott Chevy / GM.
Frustrated with GM / Chevy Customer Service.
19th Jan 2006, 14:53
I'm noticing a lot of airbag comments. My sister had a Pontiac Aztec for 2 years. The third time she had it serviced for the airbag light, she filed a lawsuit. After 2 months, GM settled, refunding the entire amount paid for the car and she returned the car. Airbags are a safety issue no different than seatbelts.
26th Jan 2006, 13:54
I can address a part of the EGR valve issues (Service Engine Soon light comes on and diagnostic indicates and EGR valve problem). I have a '96 Lumina LS with this problem. I took it to AutoZone for the free diagnostic, where I was told the EGR valve needed to be replaced. I then took it to the dealer, they said it did NOT need to be replaced, but that the tubing connected to it needed to be cleaned. They did so, and it was fine for a couple months, then the light came on again. The dealer told me to put Fuel Injector Cleaner in with a full tank of gas with every oil change, which seems to have corrected the problem. I get the cleaner at W**-M*** for about $2 USD.
I hope this helps some of you!
5th May 2006, 18:24
I have 2005 Chevy Impala which is a company car. In a little over a year I have put over 50,000 miles on it. I'm glad I'm not the owner of this car. Intermittently from the start, it has idled roughly and starts strangely where the starter keeps going. At 30,000, I took it to dealer for above problems and also for leaking fluid and the infamous clicking in the steering. Greased the steering shaft, replaced oil pan and gasket and pcv valve for idling problem. Needless to say, none of the problems were resolved. Had been really busy with work so had no time to take car in.
Well, had a flat tire around 50,000 and guess what the spare is flat. Not only is it flat, but the spare rim is cracked and came that way from the factory. Well after getting a new regular tire and going to the dealer to get a spare, I left the car at the dealer since they could not get a spare tire for a couple of days. I told them to fix the problems that they had worked on before. For leaks, they replaced transmission gasket and filter this time.
For the clicking in the steering they lubricated it again.
Well as soon as I got in the car, I checked the steering and it clicked when turned. Went back and told the service writer and he acted dumb founded. He called the service manager who went and tested it and acted like he didn't hear anything. He called another service guy who test drove it. He acknowledged the problem and said it was due to metal expanding and contracting. He said they would put lock tite on the steering column again. I told him they did that at 30,000 and it didn't work why would it work now. He said that was the only thing he knew to do and wanted to try it again. Oh now he has to order the lock tite kit and the car still smells like something is leaking. Also heard him tell the service manager "the clicking noise is same noise as with the other impalas" hmmmm!
This clicking problem on the steering dates back to the 2000 impalas. One would think in fives years that GM would have the steering problem fixed by now. It seems the clicking is getting a lot worse so now it is a safety issue.
AND GM WONDERS WHY THEY CAN'T SELL CARS WITHOUT GIVING THEM AWAY AND ARE GOING BANKRUPT!!! Go Figure.
22nd Oct 2003, 14:57
I drive a '00 Impala for work, I got it with 54 miles on the odometer and as of today it has 168148 on it, the steering problem which my dealer fixed wich they said was a steering coupler that needed grease started at around 30k, the air bag light is a switch conector under the driver's seat, it is for the side airbag, when my light comes on and I move the yellow plug under the seat the light goes off, other than that I have had no problems what so ever with this car, I love to drive it and the 32mpg on highway impresses me to this day.