TSB and News

Wanted to know what the Tecnical Service Bulletins are for the Impala? Looking for fixes for your problems?  Interested in any upcoming news?  This is the place to find it.  Anything I can personally verify I will mark as "verified."  This doesn't mean something isn't true, just that I didn't verify it.  Urban and net myths are a pet peeve of mine so this is my attempt to keep the amount of disinformation to a minimum.


TSB

This is a list of TSBs that apply to the Impala.  These are ones that I know of and is probably not a complete listing.  Some of the TSBs are on this site and you can click on the number to view them.  They have been sent to me by people and I cannot vouch for their accurracy.  If you can provide me a copy, I can post it here and give you credit for enlightening the rest of us.  Most of the ones here were provided by Garypen.

Keep in mind just because there is a TSB, it doesn't automatically mean your car has or will develop this problem.  By the same token, the TSB may not apply to the exact issue you may have.  I am listing them just in case your dealer is unaware of a specific TSB.

"Knowledge is power" - Schoolhouse Rock

01-03-10-008 False Tire Inflation Monitor (TIM)Message/Lamp Illumination (Install New Electronic Brake Traction Control Module --EBTCM); 2000-01 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo
99-01-38-005 A/C not cold. Refill with refrigerant. NOTE: This is not the full description of the TSB.  I got this TSB second hand.  It deals with the A/C, but I don't know the full details.
00-01-38-003 Popping Sound Heard Underneath Instrument Panel When Switching from Defrost to Heat or from A/C to Defrost (Replace Defrost Valve Actuator); 2000 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo
00-01-38-003A Popping Sound Heard Underneath Instrument Panel When Switching from Defrost to Heat or from A/C to Defrost (Replace Mode Valve Actuator); replaces 00-01-38-003; 2000 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo
00-01-38-012 Carpet Wet On Passenger Side of Vehicle (Clean Evaporator Case Drain, If Plugged); 1999 - 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 2000 Chevrolet Impala
99-01-39-004A Air Conditioning Odor (Install Kit)
01-02-32-001A Clunk Noise From Front Of Vehicle During Turning Maneuver/Steering Wheel Rotation (Lubricate Intermediate Shaft)
00-05-22-002A Brake Rotor Warranty Service Procedure
00-05-23-006 Rear Disc Brake Groan/Squeal (Install New Rear Brake Pads); 2000-2001 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo Built Prior to VIN Breakpoint 19117621
01-06-01-007A Engine Coolant Consumption or Coolant Leak (Inspect For Material Degradation/Replace Intake Manifolds)
NOTE:  This is not a TSB for the Impala.  However it may address a problem with the plastic upper intake manifold that some Impala owners have experienced.  This TSB is incomplete as it doesn't have any of the photos/tables.
00-06-02-004 Brown Colored Gel-Like Substance on Radiator Cap and Upper Filler Neck (Replace Radiator Cap and Clean Radiator Upper Filler Neck); 1996-2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 2000 Chevrolet Impala
01-06-03-005 Interior and Exterior Lamps Vary in Brightness (Replace Generator Voltage Regulator Ground Screw)
00-06-04-018 Intermittent Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) and PCM DTC P1404 (Recalibrate PCM); 2001 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo
00-06-04-028 Bang/Slosh From Rear of Vehicle (Install Fuel Tank Insulators); 2000 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo
00-06-04-037A Service Engine Soon (SES) Light On with DTCS P0716 and/or P0717 Set (Repair Input Speed Sensor Wiring at Transaxle Wiring Pass-thru Connector)
00-07-30-014 4T65-E Transmission Delayed Shifts, Slips, Flares or Extended Shifts During Cold Operation (Replace Shift Solenoid Valve Assembly) 2001 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo
00-07-30-018 High Effort to Turn Ignition Key and Remove Shift Lever from Park Position (Replace Transmission Shift Control Cable Assembly and Fasteners); 2000 Chevrolet Impala
01-07-30-030 Diagnostic Information on Harsh 1-2 Upshift
00-08-42-011 Intermittent Dead Battery (Install Diode/Connector); 2000-2001 Chevrolet Impala Police Vehicles Equipped with Emergency Rear Compartment Lid Lamp Package (RPO T53)
01-08-44-011 CD Cannot Be Inserted Into CD Player or Ejected (Reset Radio); 2002 Impala, Monte Carlo
01-08-44-012 Radio Bass Level Too High (Adjust Bass Level Using Tech 2)
01-08-46-002 Programming of Replacement OnStar® Vehicle Communicatoin and Interface Modules (VCIM); 2002 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo With OnStar System
01-08-46-005 Unable to Connect to OnStar® After a Dropped Cellular Call During Vehicle Configuration; 2002 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo
00-08-47-002 Service Vehicle Soon (SVS) Message, DTC B2647 and/or B2648 Set (Replace Body Control Module); 2000 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo Built Prior to VIN Breakpoint Y9255551
01-08-50-008 Power Seat Track Adjusters; 2001 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo, built after specified VIN breakpoints
00-08-51-001 Outside Rear View Mirror Housing Turns Chalky/Dull (Color/Clear Coat Mirror); 1998-2000 Monte Carlo, 2000 Chevrolet Impala
00-08-52-004 Intermittent Operation of Remote Keyless Entry System (Replace Instrument Panel Cluster); 2000 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo
00-08-52-004A Intermittent Operation of Remote Keyless Entry System (Replace Instrument Panel Cluster); 2000 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo
00-08-61-003 Clunk/Pop Noise From Front of Vehicle (Shim Rear Frame/Cradle Mounts); 2000 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo
01-08-64-008 New Style Water Deflector; 2000-2001 Chevrolet Impala
01-08-66-004 TrapAlert System; 2001 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo
01-08-111-003 Roof Panel Joint (Ditch) Molding
00-08-111-004 Debris Collects in Front Lower Portion of Rear Wheelhouse (Install New Wheelhouse Liner); 2000 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo
NOTE:  Seth told me that this repair was done on his car and he was very unhappy with it.  He feels that it collects more dirt now then it did before and he can't clean it out as easily.  If he could, he would have them reinstall the old liners.  Seth's suggestion is to look at a 2001 Impala first before you have the liners changed out.



NEWS

JET to come out with a Power Programmer for the Impala?

Robert tells me that he talked to JET and they are working on a Power Programmer for the 2000+ Chevys with the V-6 engine.  It sounds like what we were all waiting for: changing 100% of the throttle response, timing, adjustable shift points, and elimination of the speed govener.  He wsa told that it will be $329 and will be available after christmas.  We'll see if this actually makes it to market or becomes another vaporware product.

Iridium Spark Plugs Replace Platnium
According to Matt, GM has come out with their own iridium spark plugs.  As of 2003, the new 3.8L and 3.4L come standard with these plugs.  In addition, if you try to buy the original platinum plugs for a 2000-2002 3.8L, the GM system changes the number to the new Iridium plug stock number.  They are also right around the same price as the platinums.  It is unknown if the older 3.4L will accept the Iridium plugs or not. The GM number is: 12568387.  The AC Delco number is: 41-101.  What's the difference?  Go to Sparkplugs.com, scroll down and click on the "iridium" link under "Precious Metal Types".

2004 Supercharged Impala SS
Paulchee picked up a flyer for the new 2004 supercharged Impala SS at a dealer in Canada.  Click on this link to view it.  Caution, it is 32K in size.

New Intake Manifold Bolts
Jim took his 2001 3.4L Impala in to address an oil leak from the intake manifold gasket.  While he was there, the dealer found a bulletin regarding the manifold bolts:

"LOWER INTAKE GASKET
When replacing the lower intake gasket, the old lower intake bolts must be replaced. For proper installation use the following bolts with the corresponding torque values:
- For the four center bolts use part number 11588914 with a torque value of 13 Nm (115 lb.in).
- For the four center bolts use part number 11588915 with a torque value of 25 Nm (18 lb.ft).

Refer to the published service information for complete service instructions.

Important
The new fasteners feature a new bonding agent which is critical to maintaining the proper clamping load."

Jim goes on to say:
"Here is the kicker of it all. When the dealer ordered 11588914, these are backordered with no delivery date.  But an even bigger issue came up when they ordered 11588915 - this order was rejected as "the requested part is not currently available (yet)."  This change is so recent that the bolts aren't even out of production yet.  Owners should be aware of this if they have this major work performed on their car."

Thank for the info, Jim.

Traction Control Light and Broken Rear Hub
Ebraun sent the following:  "I have been having touble with the Traction Control light coming on as soon as I hit rain or in the carwash, etc...  No one could find the problem without replacing the rear wheel hub, which was apparently cracked.  The part is $519...plus labor...of course, I am just out of warranty...  So my mechanic blew the hub out good and seal coated it and it has been working fine."

2002 SEMA Awards
Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) holds an annual SEMA Show where hundreds of companies compete in the new products showcase.  Go to SEMA's site to see the winners.  Thanks to Dave for the link!

2004 V-6 Impala SS
It's official.  The Impala SS will make it's debut with a supercharged 3800 V-6.  It will be a '04 model with limited distribution in '03.  Chevy listened and painted the body molding to match the vehicle but I could do without the "SS" emblem on the interior door panels.  Want more info? Go to GM's SS site.  Don't drool on your keyboard.  Thanks to Glenn for the link!

GM News Release on the 2004 V-6 Impala SS
Direct from the source.  Go to this site for the full scoop.  Thanks to Steve for the info!

2004 V-8 Impala SS
More V8 rumors?  See the report in Autoweek Online, courtisy of Steven.  He also says that the '03 SS Impala will have a Supercharged 250hp V-6.  Go to this link to read the article.

Impala SS
Ever since the 2000 Impala was introduced, rumors of a V-8 rear wheel drive version have flown about.  GM did produce a 5.7L LS1 FWD Impala show car which fanned the flames.  However, other than a few photos, no real specs were offered.  Steve sent me a link which contains a lot more info on the show car but the possibility of it making it's way to production is still conjecture.  Interested?  Go to this link to read the article.

Flickering Lights
Scott ran into an article about an Impala problem in his local paper.  The following is an edited version:

Dear Doctor: I own a 2001 Impala with the 3.8L.  My headlights and interior lights flicker.  Neither the dealer nor local shops have found a cause.  Can you help?

Dear Dale: Flickering lights are a sign of voltage change or a poor connection.  There is a TSB #01-06-03-005 referring alternator connections.  Give this number to your local dealer and they should be able to fix the problem.

Extended Warrany on Brakes
The dealer Danny took his car to replaced his front rotors to fix a problem.  The dealer told him that Chevrolet has changed the warranty on the brakes from 12 months 12,000 miles to 24 months 24,000 miles.  Anyone else heard about this?

CD Player Does not Accept CD
verified
Normally, when you insert a CD into the CD head unit, it will pull the CD in without requiring you to use force.  However, on some Impalas and Monte Carlos this doesn't happen.  This problem has been linked to cars where the battery cable has been disconnected and reconnected.  To fix this problem, remove the fuse that powers the radio and replace it after 30 seconds.  This should reset the radio and fix the problem.  This only applies to vehicles built before September 2001.

Remote Door Locks in a Base Impala
Don't have remote controlled door locks on your Impala?  You can add them on, all you need is a transmiter fob, module and reciever.  However, the module needs be programmed so you will need to visit the dealer. - submitted by Neil

Drive in the Snow?
If you drive in cold weather, consider replacing your windshield washing fluid with the yellow de-icing type.  It is more expensive, but it will keep the fluid from freezing in the spray holes in the wiper arms. - submitted by Sonny

Does Your Airbag Light Flicker?
verified
If the airbag light randomly flickers in your '01 Impala or Monte Carlo, you are not alone.  Chevy knows about it and has corrected the problem on the production line.  They are working on a service bulletin to correct existing problems.  According to the company, this flickering will not affect the operation of the airbag system.

Is There Water In Your Headlight Lens?
verified
It may appear that there is water, condensation, or dirt accumulating inside the perimeter of the headlight lens.  That water/debris may not be in the lens itself.  The lens has a flange around the edge that can trap dirt and moisture between it and the rubber lip seal outside of the housing.  You can take a soft brush and wash this material away.  Chevy plans to paint this flange black in future lenses to camouflage this area.

How Does the Oil Life Monitor Work?
verified
The oil life is measured in terms of engine revolutions.  Chevy has determined how many revolutions it would take for engine oil to break down in a particular engine/drivetrain condition.  The PCM (Powertrain Control Module, aka: the computer) counts down the number of revolutions from this pre-determined number and when it hits zero, the change oil light comes on.  The PCM also takes into account hot engine conditions (faster oil breakdown) and cold engine conditions (water & acid piston ring blow-by) and increases the countdown rate (i.e.: subtract 2 revolutions for every 1 actual revolution) during these conditions.  A final note.  Changing to synthetic oil does not affect the monitor.

Low Tire Warning Light On
verified
If your Impala is equipped with the tire inflation monitoring system, the warning message may come on while driving on bumpy roads.  The system monitors the rotation of the tires and if a tire is rotating faster than the others, this would indicate that tire may be flat.  A tire with lower air pressure would ride lower, reducing the apparent circumference of the tire.  If your tire inflation warning message appears after driving down a bumpy road, check your tire pressure.  If the pressure is within specifications, reset the monitor.

New Door Water Deflector in '01
verified
A new style door water deflector is being introduced in the 2001 Chevrolet Impala.  The molded deflector, a GM first, incorporates an attached acoustic mat.  The benefits include better water control, better sound insulation, and an improved installation procedure and fit.

A critical part of the design of the new water deflector is the adhesive at the bottom.  It is positioned to run precisely at the edge of the opening in the door panel.  This ensures that water is directed back inside the door instead of being allowed to puddle between the door and the deflector.

I checked my '01 LS and this deflector is not installed.  An upcoming service bulletin will be released with information on installing the new deflector in earlier vehicles.

Sticky Rear Door?
verified
Does the rear door of your 2000 or 2001 Impala feels like it is "stuck" if it hasn't been opened for several days?  This is caused by the rear door header lip seal sticking to the body or molding in the door opening.  The fix is to apply one of the products listed in Dealer Technical Bulletin 99-08-64-016, preferably GM Weatherstrip Lubricant 3634770.

From Henry: "If you have STP Son of A Gun just spray some on a towel and treat the gasket like you would any rubber part.  It works great my doors for the first time don't stick.  If it can take the Texas heat and humidity then it's a winner.  So easy, no expenditure of gas or cash.  Armorall might even work too."

TrapAlert will be introduced mid year on the 2001 Impala and Monte Carlo
verified
The TrapAlert System is mentioned in the Impala Owner's Manual but has not been available in 2000 and 2001 Impalas.  However this is to change.  The system will be made available for 2001 Impalas and Monte Carlos around mid year.  The TrapAlert System consists of a sensor that is mounted under the rear package shelf in the trunk.  If the sensor detects motion and a difference in temperature in the trunk and the ignition is in the OFF position, the horn will chirp and eventually the trunk latch will release.  The system can be disabled via a switch on the sensor.

Brake Issues
Mike has provided an excellent link to information about the rotors on GM Passenger Cars.  It makes very interesting reading.  Click on the GM logo for more info.