2003 Chevrolet Impala: multiple warning lights

Filed Jul 4, 2016 · Electrical · 75,000 miles · NY

The passlock theft deterrent system is not pleasant. The issue occurs whenever I have driven the car and then park it then when I come back to the car and try to start it, nothing happens. All the lights turn on and the needles on the gauges move and the security light is lit. I am left unable to start my vehicle for 15 minutes or longer. I have had to have my car toad home not nowing what this was and has also had to deal with this when I was out of town and not sure what was going on this is very inconvient. Why is this happening? I have been told by other impala owners an dealers this is common in the chevy impala's. Would like to know why this would not have been a recall seeing this has been an ongoing issue? I gave my son the car and would like to find out what is the cause of this. I do not want him strainded and I cant keep replacing parts hoping that works. Thank you for your time

Filed Jun 27, 2016 · Electrical · 170,000 miles · CA

The passlock theft deterrent system is not pleasant. The issue occurs whenever I have driven the car and then park it for a few minutes and then when I come back to the car and try to start it, nothing happens. All the lights turn on and the needles on the gauges move and the security light is lit. I am left unable to start my vehicle for 10 minutes or longer. I live in an area where temperatures rise up to 120 plus degrees so being "stuck" trying to start my car is not pleasant especially when I have my child with me. Sometimes disconnecting the battery and reconnecting it works but not all the time. It seems like the passlock is kicking in more than usual. Is there a way to permanently disable this so I have no further problems, it is very frustrating and unsafe.

Filed Dec 23, 2014 · Electrical · CT

2003 chevrolet impala recurring problems with the ignition over the last five years. *mw the consumer stated the vehicle would not start. It would take multiple attempts to get the vehicle started, then at times, the vehicle would stop running suddenly. The only explanation seemed to be the key was hit inadvertently going over a bump, knocking it out of the drive position. In january 2009, the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to the repair shop, where the ignition tumbler was bad. A new ignition lock cylinder was installed. February 2009, the engine raced uncontrollably, which required constant braking and placing the vehicle in neutral to stop. In october 2011, the ignition cylinder was replaced again. March 2012, while driving on the highway, there was a major electrical lighting system failure. All of the lights went out. The multi-function switch was replaced. July 2013, the vehicle would start and then stall. September 2014, the consumer received a recall notice, regarding the ignition lock cylinder.

Filed Dec 1, 2014 · Lights · 80,000 miles · NJ

While driving on interstate 78 at 60 MPH I attempted to switch from low beam to high beam. Asi did that, I lost all lights. I jiggled the high beam switch and the lights came back on. This has happened several times since then.

Filed Feb 14, 2011 · Lights · 64,000 miles · IA

When switch is pulled to put on bright lights all lights go off, leaving me driving at night with absolutely no lights. Wiggling, jiggling, or moving the switch eventually puts the low beam lights back on. Had this fixed at a cost to me of more than $600. I purchased this car new and have every service record on it, can prove it was well maintained and not abused. Even have saved failed part from this service. Have seen a vast number of complaints with this same problem listed on web. I was lucky, the next person might not be so lucky. At the very least people who own this make/model need to be made aware of the potential for this to happen. I would not like to see this happen to my grandmother or other loved one.

Filed May 1, 2010 · Electrical · 85,000 miles · NJ

Car will not start then will start 10 minutes later, or while your riding down the road all the lights interior and exterior will flash on and off.

Filed Oct 23, 2008 · Electrical · 79,000 miles · WI

Drive car and park and turn off. Return 1 hour to 1 day later car will not start intermittently. All lights came on but car will not crank. Keep trying and within a half hour car will start. Have had it towed to a mechanic in which they replaced the starter and the occurrence happened 1 month later. Mechanic wanted me to drop off car and leave it there until it happens again. Can not afford to have my car sitting at a mechanic for who knows how long and even then they still may not know what's wrong. Have been to many online discussion boards and many people have the same problem but no known fixes. As of this writing the no start problem has not been resolved.