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2000 Chevrolet Impala Question: Won't start, won't crank, electrical system dies- then revives.

 

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Lalo, 3.8L V6, West Unity, OH, December 17, 2009, 16:06
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2000 Chevy Impala LS. When I turn the ignition switch to crank, I hear some electrical device contact chattering, the engine does not crank and the electrical system immediately goes dead, no lights, horn, turn signals, not anything.

After a few minutes the electrical system revives fully until I try to crank the engine again and the same thing happens. Seems like a short circuit somewhere. The temperatures have been in the teens and 20s lately. Mabye temperature related? I checked all of the fuses under the hood, all OK.

I have the front up on blocks ready to drop the starter, but thought I should get some other opinions first.

I checked the battery and the alternator when I could still get it started. The battery is marginal, the alternator output is good, the battery terminals are clean.

I just went outside to try to start it one more time before sending this email. Guess what, it started 10 times in a row. I really need some help.

Please Help
Lalo

4 Answers
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  • Answer #1

    dandd December 18, 2009, 12:34
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    First thing to do is to replace your Battery. The chattering is your Starter solenoid. After you replace your Battery, then make sure you have at least 14.1 volts at the Battery terminals when your car is running,if not, then your Alternator maybe worn out. If your Battery is already new, then Charge it up and do the voltage check.

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    Lalo, December 29, 2009, 08:47
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    I removed the starter and had it checked. It was OK. I reinstalled the starter and tightened all the connections and so far it is starting OK. The alternator output is almost 15 volts. Still using the same battery.

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  • Answer #2

    Visitor, March 27, 2010, 10:41

    I HAVE A 2000 IMPALA AS WELL IVE HAD THE SIMILAR PROBLEM TOO....FIRST I GOT A BRAND NEW BATTERY THEN AFTER THE PROBLEM PERSISTED I ENDED UP PUTTING IT IN THE SHOP AND HAD THEM CHECK THE CRANK SENSOR AND/OR IGNITION CONTROL MODULE...THAT WAS MY FIX!

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  • Answer #3

    Visitor, June 09, 2010, 11:48

    Hello LALO I have the same problem in my impala 2000 v6 3800 what was the solution that your you found already I have taken it to different mechanics and no has been able to fix to thank for it you would answer the mail engelberth@prodigy.net.mx

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    Visitor, June 10, 2010, 03:31

    I removed the starter myself and had it tested. It was OK. I reinstalled the starter and tightened all the connections. I have had no problems since. I am still using the same battery. Apparently there was a bad connection somewhere. It is working fine now.

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  • Answer #4

    Visitor, June 11, 2010, 10:13

    i had the same problem...i replaced the ignition cylinder...where the key goes there was a bad connection....solved the problem.

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