2004 Chevrolet Impala: multiple warning lights

Filed Sep 8, 2015 · Electrical · 110,000 miles · CA

While driving on the freeway on a black night the headlights suddenly went out completely. The dash lights remained on and everything else was normal. After braking to an emergency stop I discovered that if I flicked the dimmer switch the lo-beam would come on. Some time later, when I flicked the dimmer switch the hi-beams came back on. This situation happened periodically since then but I could also regain some light by flicking the dimmer. On september 4, 2015 on a busy highway at night the lights went out and I could not flick the dimmer switch. It would not click. It seemed to be jammed so no lights. At present I have headlights (bright only) if I hold the dimmer switch up. As soon as I let it go all lights go out.

Filed Feb 19, 2015 · Electrical · 90,000 miles · PA

The car will not start all lights and heat comes on or air the security light flashes will take anywhere from 5mins to 30 minutes to start you guys really need to address this issue I have seen so many complaints about it and im not understanding why there has not been a recall issued as of yet. Me and my 2 year were stuck in the car in 0 below conditions for at least 20 mins I cried the whole time thinking my baby was freezing were we had left from had just closed and there was nothing to do but wait I need my car to get around please recall and fix this issue for your customer we look to you guys to give us safe cars.

Filed Mar 17, 2014 · Electrical · 110,000 miles · AL

While driving on a state highway in alabama, all of the warning lights in my instrument cluster became illuminated. I determined that my engine had shut down. After shifting into neutral, I restarted the engine while the vehicle was still in motion. After I arrived at home, I decided to try and determine why the engine shut down. I was able to determine that while driving, my driver's seat was positioned so that my knees were close to the ignition switch. My knee bumped the ignition switch, causing the engine to shut down. Further investigation revealed that when I start the engine, if I suddenly release the ignition key (switch) , the ignition switch stops just short of the off position. A slight bump or jar causes the ignition switch to move to the off position. I now drive with my driver's seat farther away from dash to ensure I do not accidentally shut down the engine.

Filed Mar 13, 2014 · Electrical, Transmission · 30,000 miles · IN

Speedometer changed twice by another chevy dealer, transmission slipping, all lights went off while driving at night, cruise control went off by itself. Called gm customer service and about the lights and cruise control, answer was to have it checked, also had the transmission checked by three dealers, only one said yes it was slipping (transmission had been slipping since I got the car). No paperwork due to cost to have it checked by two dealers. One dealer (where I got the car) no longer in business but had the paperwork for the transmission complaint. But they too said they could not duplicate the problems and because of this they refused to work on the car.

Filed Jun 9, 2013 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 135,000 miles · MA

Was turning left from stop when traction light came on also ABS light and traction off switch light, now it happens in reverse and sometimes when I start the car. It makes a growling sound,if I shut off the car and restart it all the lights go out.

Filed Dec 19, 2012 · Electrical · 210,000 miles · KY

Every now and then you go to start the car it won't do anything. All the lights, radio, everything comes on as normal but when you turn the key over to start it won't do nothing, click, or anything. One time we left the car over night, locked up, the next day it started like nothing was wrong. Another time I let the car sit for 15 mins and it started fine. Then another time, I kept trying every 10 to 15 mins for an hr but nothing. Then let it sit for 25 to 30 mins then nothing but I left the key in on position for a couple minutes while all the lights ran and then it started fine. Some people say its the starter, ignition or even the security. A lot of people have had this problem there's even videos of people complaining. Id say that there's something that needs to be looked into so everyone w these vehicles know what's wrong. Thanks

Filed Nov 18, 2010 · Lights · 82,000 miles · IA

In my 2004 chevrolet impala night driving is unsafe. I will be driving down the road when its dark and I will have a chance to turn on my bright headlights for a better vision of the road. After turning them on I can drive about 5 or so miles and the headlights will shut off. The only way to regain the headlights is by turning off the brights. You loose all lights, not just the brights. The only lights on are the parking lights. Very unsafe and you cannot see the road. Also everyones in awhile the lights will blink. It happens at least once every time if I go on at least a 20 minute drive and are turning brights on and off. No buttons are involved when the lights go out. They just automatically shut off by themselves. Very scary and very unsafe if you don't know how to get them working again. Have heard that it may be the brights switch but those are way overpriced.

Filed Mar 4, 2010 · Electrical · 70,000 miles · MI

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet impala. While driving 30 MPH all of the lights on the instrumental panel, headlights and rear lights shut off. He then pulled over to check and replace the fuses. The fuses blew out again immediately after he drove a few miles. The dealer diagnosed the failure and stated that there was nothing wrong. A different dealer stated that someone tampered with the light switch and it was repaired. The failure mileage was 70000 and the current mileage was 80000.

Filed Nov 1, 2009 · Electrical · 9,400 miles · KY

The car wont start but all the lights and it acts like it started but the motor wont turn and no1 nos how to fit it does this ever day I try to start it and it wont do anything until I wait 10to 20 min and then it starts like nothing happen if I know how to fit it I wont but no1 can tell me what's the calls of it can you just tell me what I need to do to get it fixed?

Filed Oct 14, 2009 · Electrical · 52,998 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet impala. When the contact attempted to start the vehicle she noticed that occasionally the vehicle would not start. The contact also noticed that all of the dashboard lights would flicker on and off while the contact was attempting to start the vehicle. A local dealer stated that the failure could not be reproduced. There were no prior warnings. The current and failure mileages were 52998. Updated 12/7/09 *cn the consumer stated the security light would come on. The consumer believed there was a problem with the pass lock system. Updated 12/08/09.

Filed Aug 25, 2008 · Electrical · 55,000 miles · OR

Driving at night with high beams on, all lights went out, approx. 10 mins later started functioning again but did it twice more in 10 miles. Since that time speedometer and tachometer are erratic, if they function at all. Repair shop stated that dash computer, replaced it but did not correct problem. Been running w/o high beams since and have to use GPS for speed.

Filed Jul 9, 2008 · Electrical · 52,000 miles · IA

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet impala. Occasionally, when the contact attempted to start the vehicle, there was a delayed crank. The vehicle takes several hours to start sometimes. Prior to the failure, all of the warning lights illuminated on the instrument control panel. The vehicle lost all power as if the battery failed; however, the exterior lighting was still operative. The contact also heard a dull humming noise. The contact was advised by another consumer who was experiencing similar failures that the computer chip was not recognizing the key. She took the vehicle to an authorized dealer, but they could not duplicate the failure or provide a sufficient repair. The dealer also stated that there could be several defects with the electrical system: ignition module; however, they were afraid to make repairs because they did not know if either of the remedies would resolve the issue. The starter and battery were replaced, but immediately after the repair the vehicle failed. The failure and current mileages were 52,000.