2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo: sudden loss of power

Filed Mar 15, 2015 · Electrical · 95,443 miles · AZ

While operating my vehicle at various speeds my vehicle appeared to lose power at the dash. Certain dash instrumentation and the AC blower motor would just stop operating, for no apparent reason. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where their first diagnosis was a bad AC blower motor that was causing the issues as mentioned. The dealer charged $365 for a new AC blower motor to be installed. After the new AC blower motor was installed and within the first 5 miles after leaving the dealership, the brand new AC blower motor stopped working. Vehicle was taken back to the dealership, where they now determined that it was a faulty ignition switch that needed to be replaced and that it was not the blower motor as previously diagnosed. I asked about the recent recall on ignition switches and I was informed that only the ignition key is covered under the recall and not the ignition switch. A new ignition switch was installed and now everything appears to be ok. I contacted the dealership in an attempt to get my money back for the cost of installing an AC blower motor that didn't need to get replaced. The dealer refuses to reimburse me the $365 for what I had paid for the AC blower motor. They claim that the ignition switch is not covered under any recall. I am claiming that the ignition key switch was damaged and ultimately failed as a direct result of the current recall key issues for my model and year vehicle. I should be reimbursed the $365 that I paid for an AC blower motor that I really didn't need. The recall should not just cover the ignition key, it should also include the ignition switch if it proves to be defective and/or has been compromised in any way by the ignition key itself.

Filed Sep 13, 2014 · Brakes, Electrical · 160,000 miles · MO · fire

My 2003 monte ss had been smoking and having problems accelerating & shifting and put on testers and read code and I needed a air flow sensor so I had that put on, was recommended I get tune up so I got that, and had just put new battery in the car. The following day after putting gas in the car I was leaving gas station and lost acceleration again and the car smoked again. I soon lost all power including gas & breaks and windows. People passing by were honking and said the underneath of car and under hood had flames in front of car. I had to throw it in park and jump out because the peddles quit working and the car exploded in flames and had I not had my window down I would have been locked inside and could have lost my life. The engine and whole electrical wire harness had caught fire and the car burned up with 3-5 minutes. This was our only car and the only means of getting disabled child to the appointments he needed and to work and has put hardship on our family.

Filed Apr 6, 2011 · Driver assistance, Transmission · 57,000 miles · CA

Just purchased 2003 chevrolet monte carlo ls 2d today, vehicle has 1st gear engagement (slips), when pulling off from stationary position vehicle will lose power then jerk/clunk forward like being hit from behind only occurs when pulling off from stand still position or making turns, also noticed dash board panel is separating from airbag compartment and glue/foam showing.

Filed Sep 21, 2009 · Fuel system · 65,000 miles · NJ

I have a 2003 chevy monte carlo ss. On july 31, 2009 the vehicle stalled while on an entry ramp onto the garden state parkway. I lost power steering and braking but was able to pull over to the shoulder and restart the vehicle. Over the course of the next several weeks the vehicle would stall intermittently either at stop lights, approaching stop lights/signs, while turning in the middle of intersections or while highway driving. I initially took it upon myself to pop the hood and see if there were any obvious issues. I noted a leaking fuel fitting that would spew fuel when moved around in the slightest. I brought this to the attention of my local chevy dealer. They replaced the whole fuel line (I was told they cannot just replace the little plastic fitting), the fuel injection system was 'serviced' and I was told my steering column had to be replaced because the knuckle joint was about to snap because it was almost fused. Several days later the stalling issue arose again. I brought the car back to the dealership and they had it for 2 days (I even let their mechanic take the vehicle home in the hopes of reproducing the issue). They were unable to offer a solution because they couldn't have the vehicle stall while in their possession. Several days later it again stalled. I contacted gm corp. And they said that I need to bring it back to the dealership again to look at. This stalling issue does not happen frequently enough to be able to diagnose while in their possession and I am being told that there is nothing that can be done. I have no confidence in driving the car because I lose all power functions (I.e. Steering/braking). The vehicle only has about 65,000 miles on it and has been maintained properly. The dealership even told me the car is 'in good shape'. This is a serious safety issue and a potential threat for accidents.

Filed Nov 12, 2008 · Engine · 95,000 miles · OH

I have an 2003 monte carlo ss 3.8 . I have had loss of power . It wont go past 4 grand on the tac. I have replaced the plugs and plug wires, coils, fuel filter, idle sensor, tps sensor, egr, I have had the fuel pump pressure check it is 55 psi. I think it may be the catalytic converter. I noticed they were recalled on the 01 & 02 models why not the 03 models?

Filed Aug 20, 2008 · Transmission · 84,569 miles · TX

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet monte carlo. While driving 35 MPH, the contact heard a loud snap similar to the sound of a rubber band. The vehicle then lost all power and shut off on its own. The contact managed to pull off the road. A diagnostic indicated that the transmission lines had ruptured. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic at the pit stop and it was confirmed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 84,569 and current mileage was 104,000.