Problems for specific Chevrolet Impala years:
Problem Reports
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2003 Chevrolet Impala Problems
Stalling Due to Mass Air Flow or Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
The mass air flow or crankshaft position sensor may fail causing the engine to intermittently stall. It may be necessary for the engine to cool down before it will restart.
Check Engine Light With Code P0171 and/or P0174
The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) tube which connects the EGR valve to the intake manifold may develop an engine vacuum leak, causing the Check Engine Light to illuminate with code P0171 and/or P0174 stored.
Engine Starts and Stalls Due to Secutiry System Fault
The engine may start and stall with the security light flashing. This is commonly caused by a failed passlock sensor which is part of the ignition lock cylinder. A secondary cause could be the ignition switch itself. Worn contacts inside the ignition switch can cause voltage drop issues which can affect the passlock system. Proper diagnoses should be performed before replacing any parts.
Intake Manifold Gasket May Leak Coolant or Engine Oil
The intake manifold gasket can develop external engine oil or coolant leaks. In some cases the failed gasket will leak coolant internally. The manifold gasket will need to be replaced to correct this issue.
Crankshaft Position Sensor, Ignition/Powertrain Control Module May Fail
The crankshaft position sensor, ignition module, and/or powertrain control module (PCM) may fail resulting in illumination of the Check Engine Light with ignition system related fault codes stored in the PCM. Patience is necessary when dealing with this specific situation as normal diagnostic procedures are not effective. In many cases, the best option is to replace parts, one at a time until the fault is corrected.
Serpentine Belt Tensioner Pulley May Wear Out
The serpentine belt tensioner pulley may wear out. Our technicians tell us that in order to get a new pulley from General Motors you must purchase a complete belt tensioner assembly.
Loss of Engine Power Due to Plugged Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter may become plugged resulting in loss of engine power. General Motors has extended the catalytic convertor warranty on some models to 10 years or 120,000 miles. Please contact your local GM dealer to see if your vehicle is included.
Key Stuck in Ignition Lock Cylinder
The automatic transmission shifter may fail, or a wire may break near the shifter causing the ignition key to become stuck in the ignition lock cylinder.
Erratic Shifting of the Automatic Transmission
The transmission pressure control solenoid may fail causing erratic shifting. Our technicians tell us that partial dis-assembly of the transmission is necessary to replace a failed pressure control solenoid.
Engine Stall Or No Start Condition
The fuel pump may fail causing engine to stall and not restart.
Speedometer or Other Instrument Panel Gauge May Work Erratically
The speedometer or other instrument panel gauge may begin to work erratically at times. Our technicians tell us that the instrument cluster must be sent to a repair facility to correct this fault.
Engine Overheating Due to Water Pump Leak
The water pump may develop a coolant leak resulting in an engine overheating condition.
Driver side wiper arm comes off.
Wiper arm came loose and would not turn during heavy snow storm. Fixed by pulling cap off nut holding arm down. Ensure arm in correct place and tighten down nut, then replace cap.
DexCool antifreeze forms sludge
DexCool antifreeze formed brown gel-like sludge, first observed at radiator cap. Supposed to last 100,000 miles. Lawsuit settled for cases where engine failed. Flushed system and replaced coolant. Keep air out of system by ensuring coolant reservoir always at proper level and check radiator periodically by removing cap.
Steering May Develop Clunk Noise From Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft
The steering may develop a clunk type noise from the upper intermediate steering shaft. Our technicians tell us that you should check with your local GM dealer to find out what the latest repair is for this condition.