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2003 Chevrolet Impala electrical complaints

Page 6 of 10: complaints 131 to 160 of 264, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2003 Chevrolet Impala electrical problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Jul 30, 2013 · Electrical · 95,000 miles · IL

Gas gauge giving incorrect reading. Jumps from full to empty and can reside anywhere in between regardless of amount of gas. Causes car to run out of gas without proper warning.

Filed Apr 19, 2013 · Electrical · 143,000 miles · IN

Car would not start desplaying security message, have had this problem multiple times had to disconnect the battery and then was able to start car most of the time have seen alot of this problem on similar vehicle and would like gm to do something about this proble they are haveing because I dont want the car to just stop running and cause an accident.

Filed Apr 3, 2013 · Electrical, Lights · MT

We own a 2003 chevy impala I purchased it because I thought they were safe vehicles. In the last 2 months we have had multiple issues with traction control and our interior and exterior lighting. We have lost all function to our dash lights our head lights only work when they decide too and my traction control fails to work and when I don't need it engages.....this is not ok! We have had everything checked. All fuses and bulbs are good. We have had diagnostics done a couple of times and nothing ever shows up. I have seen hundreds of complaints about the same stuff. Please tell me nobody has to die or get seriously injured before you make them fix these issues. We all paid a lot for these cars they need to fix them now!!

Filed Mar 26, 2013 · Electrical · 90,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that while parked, the vehicle failed to start and the anti-theft security warning light illuminated. The contact was able to start the vehicle after several minutes. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where the technician stated that the body control module and the ignition would have to be replaced and reprogrammed. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

Filed Mar 20, 2013 · Electrical, Engine · 257 miles · OH

Car will shut down while driving and security light will flash. Has done it numerous times, worried it will cause an accident. There are multiple cases of this problem on internet.

Filed Mar 19, 2013 · Electrical · 175,123 miles · MN

March 2, 2013 my car would not start. The security light had been on and after looking in the owner's manual, it was determined that the passlock system, aka the security system, was engaged and not allowing the fuel injectors to start my car. Upon research on the internet, a lot of tips were provided on how to "fix" the problem. They ranged from disconnecting the battery, taking apart the ignition cylinder and leaving the key in the on position for 10-30 minutes. For other people experiencing this problem, show this official service bulletin from gm #04-08-47-003 to your dealer or repair person! (#04-08-47-003: security light on, engine will not crank, diagnostic trouble codes b2958 and/or b2960 (repair poor terminal connections at body control module) - (aug 31, 2004)).

Filed Mar 11, 2013 · Electrical, Engine · 67,483 miles · PA

Bought this 2003 chevrolet impala on jan. 2 2012 and rocker arms have been replaced 6 times since then, just today march 11,2013 ( miles are 67483) back in for same thing, car was just in on feb. 13,2013 for rocker arms ( miles were 100396) and the dealer put a new engine in and in less then a month back in same thing. Head lights don't work right.this car is faulty and should be recalled and off the road before someone kills them self or someone else. When the rocker arms went didn't have power and almost crashed onto a was when turning a bend.very dangerous vehicle!!!

Filed Feb 12, 2013 · Electrical · 58,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that the security system independently engaged preventing her from starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the body control module, the ignition cylinder and the pass code kit needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 58,000 and the current mileage was 63,802.

Filed Feb 9, 2013 · Acceleration, Electrical · 52,000 miles · KY

Engine accelerates to 3,000 RPM during warm up (sometimes). Usually occurs about five minutes after cold start. Has lasted 10 to 15 minutes while driving. Has not repeated during same day and not happen again for days or weeks during the past five months. Replaced ECM (computer), iac (idle air control), coolant temp. Sensor and cleaned throttle body. Dealer cannot suggest solution. Unable to get car to dealer while problem is happening. Scanned for dtcs multiple times, none. Controlling speed with brake is not a good solution. Safety hazard! *tr the consumer stated when the body control module failed, the key fob would not work, the engine would not start, the interior lights would not come on and the head light would not turn off. The consumer had to disconnect the battery, in order to turn the head lights off. After reconnecting the battery, everything returned to normal. The bcm was replaced. Updated 03/19/13

Filed Dec 31, 2012 · Electrical · 120,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that when attempting to start the vehicle, the anti-theft system would activate and the vehicle could not be started. The contact would have to wait approximately 10 minutes before he vehicle could be started. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. The current mileage was approximately 133,000.

Filed Nov 30, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 119,000 miles · MO

When I attempt to start the vehicle, the security light flashes, radio locks up and the car stalls. After reading the manual and contacting a dealer, I was advised to turn the key into the on position and wait for the security light to stop flashing, then start the car. The first time this happened it took over an hour for the car to start. The second time, it took over an hour as well. This is the third time and im on day 2 of leaving the key in the on position and nothing is happening. I contacted the dealer again and at first I was told I needed to bring it in for a security system reset. Then I was told that I need to replace bcm without anyone actually looking at my car. After researching online, there are several complaints regarding this same issue on model 2000-2005. Gm is clearly aware of this defect but refuse recall. Those that have paid over $500 to fix replace the bcm are still having the same issue. Can gm be held accountable for the flaw that they are aware of yet charging people hundreds of dollars to fix a part that may not be broken?

Filed Oct 19, 2012 · Electrical, Lights · 194,511 miles · OK

My turn signals went out. Will not work and idk what's going on but I have read many same complaints the net.

Filed Oct 16, 2012 · Electrical · 123,752 miles · KY

The car will not start and I have to sit and wait 5 minutes or so until it will start. I have been reading online that this is a big problem and chevrolet has not done a recall to fix it, it is very sad. I would like to have this electrical problem fixed.

Filed Oct 2, 2012 · Electrical · 158,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. While the vehicle was parked the contact noticed the security light illuminated on the instrument. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic stated the key had to remain in acc mode for a few minutes before it would start. The failure occurred intermittently and became progressively worse over time. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician stated the pass lock key sensor had to be replaced. The failure continued to occur after the vehicle was repaired. The dealer stated the failure did not occur with both keys used to turn the vehicle on. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 158,000.

Filed Oct 1, 2012 · Electrical · 97,658 miles · IL

Multiple times the key has been unable to turn in the ignition. Usually after a few minutes the key will turn and I am able to start the car. However, on september 30, I was unable to turn the key in the ignition and the car has not started since. I can not turn the car on to put it in neutral. The key will not turn at all and I read that this is actually a common problem.

Filed Sep 12, 2012 · Electrical, Lights · 98,200 miles · MS

Headlights keep going out, have installed 2 parts will last a couple months than will go out again. Will go dim than go off.

Filed Sep 10, 2012 · Electrical · 146,064 miles · VA

Recently, when I arrived at a local business center, I attempted to turn the ignition key to off and I could not. The key was stuck in the acc position, and thus could not be removed. In addition, all the accessories were on. Reluctantly, I had to leave my car in a public parking lot with the power on and my keys dangling in the ignition. When I drove home, once again the key would not rotate to the off position -- it remained at acc. I attempted many fixes for the problem -- repeatedly shifting into park, turning the steering wheel, etc. I was forced to leave the car on, and with the key in the ignition. My battery in time would be dead. Perhaps worse, my car was just sitting there waiting for an opportunistic thief. I searched online for help and found scores of reports of impala owners who had the identical problem. The ignition key gets stuck in acc and can't be removed. It's an intolerable situation because you can't secure your car. Not to mention that you can't turn the accessories off, so you have a guaranteed drained battery. Here is just one forum where this specific impala problem was discussed: http://repairpal.com/ignition-key-stuck-due-to-failed-shifter-020. Chevrolet should issue a recall and fix this problem. There's no way one can force the key out of the ignition, and the only means of avoiding the drained-battery problem is to remove the battery cables. That's not technology, that's a nightmare. My car is constantly at risk of being stolen, and I'm hooking and unhooking the battery cables all the time. This is a very pervasive and persistent problem with impala owners. Just this one web site alone (above) contains detailed accounts by scores of complainants, and it's but one of many. We paid too much for these cars to be ripped off and jerked around.

Filed Aug 17, 2012 · Electrical, Lights · 148,086 miles · MI

Low-beam headlights have failed to come on and will no longer function. High-beams and daytime running lights still function, but at dusk the low-beams will fail to light; however high-beams can be used instead creating a traffic hazard. I replaced the multi-function switch with a new switch, and replaced the relay with a known good working relay. The relay will still work and actuate indicating that the relay is not the problem. I checked the bulbs and they are still good, fuses are fine, 12v positive power is present at the bulb, but the ground is not activated on either side at any time. All problems point to a bad body control module (bcm). I have checked online and there are many many complaints about this vehicle with the same problem. If the low-beam headlights fail on somebody while they are driving, it could cause a crash and with that comes the possibility of the fatality of the driver and passengers. The bcm computer is known to cause many problems with starting the vehicle, flashing the lights both interior and exterior and these will cause safety issues with the vehicle.

Filed Aug 7, 2012 · Electrical · TX

The vehicle was parked for 2 days in mexico and I attempted to start it early afternoon and it after 1 hour of waiting to start it again, it would not start. This has happened to me a in the past and the last time it did was about 3 months ago. My car would not start at first and then after 10-15 minutes of waiting it would then turn on but now its taken longer to function. I don't know the exact reason why this problem is occurring but would like it to get fixed asap.

Filed Aug 2, 2012 · Electrical · 70,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that the engine failed to start. The failure recurred constantly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who advised that the board module control would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the malfunction persisted. The vehicle had not been repaired for the most recent failure. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

Filed Jul 13, 2012 · Electrical · 85,000 miles · CA

2003 chevy impala 87,000 miles on it- security pass lock system begins flashing periodically while I am driving and then randomly will not start. The entire dash lights up and I have power to the windows, but the key will not start the ignition. If I wait 10 minutes, it will start. I took my care to gm service and they said it car need to change some electrical parts like bcm computer, ignition key set, etc etc will cost me around $850 after my research online discovered that gm knows about the issue in their system, but does not care to fix it. In this economy, no one can afford to replace a 850 dollar error. It is disheartening. The reason we went with a chevy impala is the dependability. I cannot afford this issue and it is simply careless on gm's part. I'm a very disappointed customer and I will spread the word around to not purchase gm vehicles.

Filed May 23, 2012 · Electrical · 100,000 miles · MN

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The security warning light illuminated as the contact attempted to start the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and the manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired and the VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 100,000.

Filed Apr 8, 2012 · Electrical · MI

My 2003 impala ls 3800 car cuts out when I start it after its been sitting a while. I hear this is most common for these gm models but I cannot find out the issue to stop it. Shop workers could not tell at the shop by doing a diagnostic scan. I really want to get this issue resolved.

Filed Mar 4, 2012 · Electrical · 73,400 miles · SC

I have been having recent trouble with my car not starting. I try to start it and nothing happens. I get a security light that flashes. I am using the original key. I will sometimes be able to start with within 15 minutes later, but sometimes I am stuck somewhere for hours before it will start again. It is not the battery because I just recently got a new one thinking that could be the problem. I read online that it has something to do with a faulty pass securitly lock issue with flawed gm system. I also read that paying to try the fix the problem is worthless because it will usually just reoccur so there seems to be no way to fix this without continiuing to waste my hard earned money. This is both a nuisace and has caused me many troubles being late to importatnt meetings etc. I once had to take my granny to the hospital and was not about to because my car wouldnt start. Please do what you can to get this thing recalled as I think it is unfair to all these people. I love to buy american but this is ridiculous and makes me not want to but another american made car. Thanks

Filed Feb 22, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 140,000 miles · IN

When to start car and would not start. Lights and radio would come on. Had a new battery put in and the alternator checked. 2 weeks later when to pick up niece from the baby sitter, was inside for 3 minutes came back out car would not start again. After 45 minutes of trying to start it finally started. Yesterday, went out to my car to drive to a meeting and once again it would not start. About 40 minutes later I went back out to try it again and it started right up. I did research online and found several complaints. Apparently this is a pass code issue. I do not feel I should have to go and get all this work done when there is no real solution. The code will not always come up so nobody knows what exactly is wrong with the car. In summary, the security system thinks that I am trying to steel my own car. This has left me stranded in the cold 3 different times. I am a 25 year old lady. That is totally unsafe and as there is no real solution to the problem that anyone can find how and I supposed to get it fixed. I have a child on the way. This is not the only year that does it either. All impalas have this issue from the years 2003-2005. How can a recall not be issued. I called chevy and they basically said to go to a dealer but that is not an acceptable answer when I read that several people have spent thousands of dollars at their dealer on the same issue and are still having issues. Please help!! Here are several articles on the issue: http://www.justautorepair.com/chevrolet/impala/589-security-light-not-starting-ignition-2003.html http://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/showthread.php?t=30631. Http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20081001165133aacvyjchttp://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/chevy_impala.html.

Filed Jan 1, 2012 · Electrical · 54,000 miles · PA

This car first failed to start in may of 2010. Since then, it has repeatedly left us down, and we and mechanics have tried varies fixes. Usually the car will start after a ten minute session of having the key turned on, then off for five seconds. Most times after that, it does start. However, this is becoming untenable. After checking online, I find that I am one of thousands of people having the same problem.

Filed Nov 29, 2011 · Electrical · 126,000 miles · DE

Ignition switch will not turn. I've had it replaced and the computer will not recognize the new key.

Filed Nov 21, 2011 · Electrical · 150,000 miles · NY

As with many other owners of a 2003 impala the security system constantly mis functions and leaves me stranded with the car unable to be started. The search on the internet exposes the fact that this is common with many makes and models of chevy.

Filed Oct 26, 2011 · Brakes, Electrical · WV

Got this car new 2003,at 376 miles had brake problems,had it back to dealer 10 or 11 times for same problem,so about every 3-4 months I have to turn rotors or get new one;s+brake pads,also dash lights are out,as the car is out of warranty now,this is the worst car I ever owned ,as I am a retired otr truck driver ,so I dont misuse brakes.

Filed Sep 12, 2011 · Driver assistance, Electrical · TX

I have a 2003 chevy impala. My car cranks fine in the morning. After being driven after a while; I have to wait for it to cool off before it will crank. I have had to wait up to 2 hours for my car to start. I have taken the car to several machines and they are lost regarding the issue. I called the chevy place and they gave me a list of possible problems and want me to spend 99.99 for a diagnostic test. I told them I was told that it was possible the bcm (body control modular). I have been looking out on consumer pages and there have been response about the bcm being fixed and it only resolved the problem for a short time. Spending 99.99 plus a charge of 450.00 to 500.00 to get a temporary fix is way out of the question. I feel this is something that needs to be recalled and fixed asap because this is electrical and can be dangerous to the consumer. I also it should be at a cost to the company due to the fact no one can detect the problem outside the company and it seems that the repair is only a temporary fix and it to expensive for that.

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