2002 Chevrolet Impala: jerking or lurching

Filed Sep 1, 2011 · Engine · 130,000 miles · NJ

My well-maintained 2002 chevy impala, 3.4l v6, base model shut off a couple days ago while driving on the highway. I was accelerating, as the traffic was finally picking up. That's when I felt the car jerk and suddenly shut off. It was horrifying - the brake pedal & steering wheel locked, so I forcibly turned the wheel with all my strength, coasted to the shoulder, with two near-collisions, pressed the emergency brake, then shifted to park. The red battery symbol was illuminated on the dashboard as if the key was set to "on", but no check engine light. I noticed the headlights and the dash lights were off, but I believe that's because the car shut off (which is what would normally happen after shutting off a car with auto-off lights). Several attempts to start only resulted in sounds of a car struggling to turn over, but never actually turning. Eventually the car stuttered, but started. I was back in highway traffic, and after a few minutes of driving, it shut off again. Same drill - coasted off the road, and several failed attempts to start before finally starting. Back on the road, a few minutes later, it happened again. After 2 more episodes of this, instead of struggling to start, the wasn't even coming close. The car radio and hazard lights were still working. Which LED me to believe that constant starting attempts may have exhausted the battery. After a successful start, I was able to drive it home, using local roads for fear of a highway crash. 25 minutes later, the car was still running just fine. It didn't shut off again until I was parked at home and idling for a few minutes. Everytime it shut off, I'd see *no* check engine light, *no* warnings from the mil, though it's fully functional. The next day I moved the car for alternate side parking and it started up just fine, no hesitation. Several more starts since monday - no hesitation or problem. I'm afraid to drive it long for now, for fear of an imminent crash. This could be fatal.

Filed Jun 10, 2009 · Fuel system · 47,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet impala. When the vehicle is traveling or accelerating from a stop, the vehicle jerks. The jerking stops when the accelerator pedal is released. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing and they found no failures. A mechanic stated that there was a low fuel surge and advised the contact to take the vehicle back to the dealer. The dealer stated that the diagnostic would cost $90 and there were no recalls available. The failure mileage was 47,000 and current mileage was 58,000. Updated 062909 *bf updated 07/01/09.

Filed May 12, 2003 · Brakes, Electrical · 34,860 miles · TX

I wanted him to check my driver side back door because it wouldn't open very easily at times, and the window to that same door would not open at times. Also, my trunk wouldn't open when one would use the trunk release button at times. I also had him check my dimming headlights, my steering which had a jerk in it when I went around curves, clicking sound in engine and an over all check since my warranty is about to run out in 1,000 miles. Turn out-after leaving the dealer my air conditioner was humming like a helicopter, my brakes were horrible and grinding and the car feels like it has no get up and go power. I took my car to brake check after leaving because when the dealer did the overall check of my car they said I needed a front brake job. And they wanted to charge me over 200.00 dollars. The dealer told me it was not covered under my warranty. Well brake check took off all four tires and found that my problem was due to left and right caliper problems on the inboard side and left rear hard wear problems and wear on the outboard side. The caliper is engaging but not disengaging and caused my pads to wear out and my rotors are ate up. The pads are not worn evenly which is definitely a sign of caliper problems. Also, the dealer upon the overall inspection of my car said that my intake gaskets were ruined and leaking coolant. They said they replaced them, however I am afraid that there is further damage to my vehicle that they are not telling me, just like my brakes. Due to the fact that steve at lone star told me that it was caused due to lack of oils changes and gil said it was a problem with the gaskets being improperly seated from the factory or just a defect in the gasket. Well is this why my car has no get up anymore? My car also made a grinding sound when hitting bumps under the right front fender area that nothing was done about and my headlight problem they said was due to a faulty battery cable.

Filed Aug 15, 2002 · Acceleration · OR · crash

Consumer was backing out of driveway and vehicle suddenly accelerated and crashed into a fence. Consumer then put vehicle in drive, and it lurched forward and collided with another automobile. Vehicle was checked by dealer, who could not determine any problem.

Filed Feb 21, 2002 · Brakes · NH

When applying brakes, consumer feels vehicle jerking. Front rotors were warped and had to be shafed down by dealer.*ak