2001 Chevrolet Impala: engine overheating

Filed Mar 13, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · CA

The cooling overheat light went on and the car turned off on me and my child on the exit of the 170 fwy, it now makes a screeching sound like metal, the radiator leaks and something smells burned, the mechanic I went to that was close by said I have to now replace the engine and other expensive items that seem to fall under the 2001 impala recalls, my fuel pump has an issue as well and the electrical problem even worse it turns of and on as it pleases.

Filed Sep 14, 2012 · Engine, Steering · 70,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that the temperature gauged indicated that the vehicle was overheating but the contact did not notice a coolant leak or any smoke. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic for a diagnostic. The mechanic replaced a sensor. After the repair the check engine warning light illuminated and the temperature gauged still indicated that the vehicle overheating. The mechanic suggested the contact take the vehicle to the dealer. The contact did not take the vehicle to the dealer. The contact also stated that the steering wheel made a strange sound when turned. In addition, the steering wheel would jerk abnormally. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic and the mechanic advised that there was an issue with the steering shaft. The failure mileage was 70,000.

Filed Aug 25, 2010 · Engine · CA

Engine/low coolant level light on! Overheating. Problems appear to be same as other owners of 2001 impala's! Had to replace engine. Still same problem w coolant.

Filed Jul 31, 2010 · Engine · 125,000 miles · OH

Intake gasket failure. I noticed that the antifreeze in my vehicle was often low, so I took the vehicle to get diagnosed. The mechanic told me that I need to get the intake gasket replaced and that this was a common problem on impala's. He stated that all of these vehicles will need to have the gasket replaced and that gm is aware that this is a problem, but since they haven't been forced to recall the vehicles, then they're going to replace the gaskets. This is quite an expensive repair and I can't afford to costs at this time. I contacted gm for assistance and they stated that the mileage on my car prevents me from being able to be assisted. I'm not sure why this issue hasn't made it as a recall because the cars will overheat and isn't something you normally expect to need to get fixed on a car.

Filed May 9, 2008 · Lights · 155,000 miles · TN

Headlights went off for several seconds,at night, and came back on working the dimmer level. Thank god we were not in heavy interstate traffic. No manufacture should be allow design headlight circuits that can malfunction through faulty switches. Why were the allowed to defer from the old way going straight from battery? My repair source indicates this is not an new problem . I understand there could be problems with the wiring plugs overheating ,since there is a "jumper "supplied with replacement. Five day order replacement .original owner

Filed Jul 9, 2007 · Engine · 70,100 miles · NY

On 12/13/06 after 1 year of owning the vehicle we had a loss of power upon accelerating. We were advised the coolant was leaking. A common problem with this vehicle upon research. In addition, the coolant leaking onto the catalytic converter causing it to fail and need to be replaced. The manufacturer would not honor the warranty for the catalytic converter , claiming the coolant caused the problem and was not covered. Had to pay over $!,000 for repairs. 2 days later could not start the car. Was advised that these vehicles had an anti theft feature if work was done on the car it could cause the anti theft feature to fail and would be a need for a new ignition. Several hundred more dollars). As they would not cover this either. These failures were due to the awful design of the vehicle, and they should be recalled and the owner reimbursed for the cost of repairs. Here we go 7 months later and the vehicle was now in the shop again about the same type of failure , sluggish upon acceleration.

Filed Apr 4, 2006 · Engine · 40,000 miles · MN

I recently bought a 2001 chevy impala. Shortly after I notice when I first started the car,the temperature gauge showed the car overheating, took to the dealer. They said that it was normal operating temperature. A few week after that it quit working all together. So I look on the car stats. Com and found complaints concerning this problem. Solution I took the car to repeatable car mechanic .the first thing he did was to take the radiator cap off, it was full of brown sludge, he said that gm tried to save money by putting in a $2.00 manifold gasket in all 3.4 engines, they all fail between 35,000 and 40,000. It cost $580. You can not replace one gasket you buy all three in a replace kit and change the oil and antifreeze. I found out that this problem is routinely missed. They just reset the computer and the gauge works for a short time then without warning it quits. My mechanic said this is so common he has paid for his childrens college education. Gm does not cover this common failure under any warranty. I will think twice before I buy any gm product.

Filed Nov 6, 2005 · Engine · MI

The temperature gauge is not working consistently. It will go below cold sporadically. This will cause the fans to run continuously and the check engine light to come on. The codes do not match the problem and the haynes book does not match the car either. Coolant leaks from intake manifold, probably bad gaskets.

Filed Apr 27, 2005 · Engine · MI

The low coolant light stays on indicating that the engine could over heat. Consumer checked the engine and found that there was a fluid leak out the engine. As a result the consumer has to put in coolant about once a month to avoid overheating.*ak dealer put new gasket in at intake manifold and repaired radiator. *bf

Filed Mar 15, 2005 · Engine · 65,797 miles · CA

Our low coolant light came on, then my engine light came on we took it to get it service at first the dealership did a leak infection and found nothing to be wrong with the car they reset the engine light but my low coolant light kept coming back on the needle on the dash board hardly moves,then we brought it back and they said they found coolant leak at intake manifold gasket they also replace a tapping noise (which occured on our way to the dealership) which was caused by the lifters along with a brake check/pad replacement our bill total was $1504 out of pocket because our warranty expired already. I have been reading the internet and found an info regarding this leakeage on manifold is caused by dexcool which what they use in my car,I found out that the chemical doesn't contain an agent to fight rust but contains some acid chemical instead, do not quote me but go to website type dexcool and you'll see it.

Filed Jan 21, 2005 · Engine · 65,000 miles · MI

The intake manifold/gasket on this vehicle has to be replaced. Car was overheating when idle. No heat was being generated. Cost to repair has been quoted as $580. This is a known problem on these vehicles, gm needs to issue a recall as any knowledgeable mechanic is aware of this very common problem, due to poor-quality intake manifold/gaskets being used on these vehicles.

Filed Jan 17, 2005 · Seats · 29,585 miles · IL · 1 injury

The seat warmer in my 2001 chevy impala overheated causing 3 large(quarter sized) blistering burns on my backside. I turned it off upon feeling the burning, and later it did not turn on at all. My chevy dealer fixed the seat warmers and the repair was covered under warranty. 18 days later the blisters are still healing.