2000 Imp. problems already!

1st time poster and love the website.
I read alot of the forums and could really relate to alot of the problems that impala owners are having. Here's my problems, any feedback would greatly be appreciated.

Just purchased a 2000 Impala 3.8L on 2/25/05 for $2,700.00 so i know i got a steal, it does have a 175k but for the price i just couldn't resist. The car is an Ex squad so I know that it has been maintained well.

First- The message center in the car says that the trunk is open but the trunk is not and is firmly secured closed but stays on as well saying open (seller stated that because the car was freshly painted that they may have painted over the trunk sensor) is this a easy fix and how?

Second- The fuel gauge even when the tank is half full stays at full until it reaches a quarter tank when then it dramatically drops down. (has anyone had this problem) Whats the fix for that?

Third- I read in a few forums about the abs light coming on an off. My car is doing the same thing, but i here a chatter comming from the front passenger side that sounds like the abs system when i first start the car and drive for like 5 min the abs light turnes on & off during the whole time. what is the exact problem and how big of a fix?

I had the tire's rebalanced yesterday and can see what you guys are talking about the brakes being bad on them, especially in the rear, mine will need them soon.

But let me finish for the price and the car i couldn't pass i have always loved impalas and will always. Thanks for your replies ahead of time.

First- The message center in the car says that the trunk is open but the trunk is not and is firmly secured closed but stays on as well saying open (seller stated that because the car was freshly painted that they may have painted over the trunk sensor) is this a easy fix and how?


Well, i always thought the trunk sensor was that little "button" type ting that you can press down in the middle of the trunk (right above the impala symbol on the rear taillights).

Maby try jiggiling that?



Also, how do you know that the rear brakes are bad? 99% of the time your front brakes willl be bad since the cars rear brakes dont do much of the stopping, everything relies on your front from the force of your car pushing foward when you stop.

1st time poster and love the website.
Just purchased a 2000 Impala 3.8L on 2/25/05 for $2,700.00 so i know i got a steal, it does have a 175k but for the price i just couldn't resist. The car is an Ex squad so I know that it has been maintained well.

Second- The fuel gauge even when the tank is half full stays at full until it reaches a quarter tank when then it dramatically drops down. (has anyone had this problem) Whats the fix for that?


Welcome Firstly, and nice to see another 2000 Ex squad around. Also a owner of a 00 squad car (156k on my clock)

I have the fuel problem, I have never looked into fixing this problem yet, mostly because its likely more costly than its worth, I always use the trip odemeter, the car can easily get 300 miles to a full tank... over 400 if your highway rolling.

Also to note in case you didn't know Impala's have 17 gal tanks.

Where did the squad car come from? Any interesting story, I had thought my car to have a lot of miles... :biggrin: