2001 Impala Ignition/Starting problems

[em_city]

Maybe someone is familiar with this problem.

Once in a while my Impala refuses to start. Nothing happens when I turn the key. This happened about three times in the last 6 months. If I give it a little time it will then start. We thought it was the starter so we got a new once from Chevy and the same thing still happens. The battery is fully charged and the connections are clean and stable. I took it in to my mechanic and he told me that it's a mechanism in the ignition that causes the car to turn over without fully turning the key. I plan on selling the car but would like to resolve the problem before the next man is stuck with it. Nor do I want to take it to the Chevy dealership where they will charge me an arm and a leg just to look it over. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

[GMMerlin]

I have replaced quite a few ignition switches on those model cars for intermittant no-start complaints.

At the dealer I work for we would only charge you an arm and a few fingers.....At my shop I would charge you a little less than an arm

[em_city]

Thanks. I guess I could spare a few fingers.

[em_city]

Below was a comment on another forum regarding this problem. Which makes sense because the security message comes on every so often when starting the car. Any thoughts?


There is a relay that is controlled by the PCM. It's not like the old days when the ignition switch just sent power directly to the starter solenoid. Possibly a problem with the theft deterrent system. We see that frequently. Also, the BCM is involved in the theft deterrent and BCMs are a known problem on the Impala/Monte Carlo.
It really helps to have a scanner to look at inputs and outputs so you can tell what may be going on. Otherwise, you're just going to be doing a lot of guessing and replacing parts and not fixing the problem.

[GMMerlin]

Plenty of thoughts..you left out the little tid-bit about the security light in your original post.
Pulling the trouble codes is a definate. there are also some parameters you can watch with a scan tool in regards to theft deterent.
The starter does have a relay in the underhood electrical center which the PCM controls the ground side of the relay.
An improper or invalid reading from the passlock sensor can prevent the starter relay from engaging and also disable fuel enable.
Most intermittant starting and passlock problems that I have seen, have been narrowed down to problems with the passlock sensor and the ignition switch. I have replaced a couple BCMs for the same problem.
Diagnosis is a must to insure proper repairs and customer satisfaction and in no way would I suggest just throwing a part at a problem in the hopes of fixing it.

[em_city]

Thanks for the comments. It's all beginning to make sense now. I'll see what the mechanic can do, hopefully their familiar with this problem over at the Chevy dealership. Thanks again

[kelly_b]

Originally Posted by em_city

Thanks for the comments. It's all beginning to make sense now. I'll see what the mechanic can do, hopefully their familiar with this problem over at the Chevy dealership. Thanks again

Did you take your car to the dealership? What was the diagnosis? I have a 2002 Impala with some of the same symptoms. When I tried to start the car by turning the key to the start position, there would sometimes be about a second delay before the car started. Also the fuse on the automatic door locks kept blowing out and the security light would come on.

I took my car to the Chevrolet dealership, twice. The first time they replaced a passlock sensor and that did not fix the problem. The second time they said that my after-market alarm system was causing a conflict with the passlock system and that I needed to disconnect it and replace the control module. I did that and it seems to have corrected the problem.

I am currious if the after-market alarm could be the cause and why it took over a year and 38,000 miles for it to start giving me problems.

[ponchonutty]

Originally Posted by kelly_b

Did you take your car to the dealership? What was the diagnosis? I have a 2002 Impala with some of the same symptoms. When I tried to start the car by turning the key to the start position, there would sometimes be about a second delay before the car started. Also the fuse on the automatic door locks kept blowing out and the security light would come on.

I took my car to the Chevrolet dealership, twice. The first time they replaced a passlock sensor and that did not fix the problem. The second time they said that my after-market alarm system was causing a conflict with the passlock system and that I needed to disconnect it and replace the control module. I did that and it seems to have corrected the problem.

I am currious if the after-market alarm could be the cause and why it took over a year and 38,000 miles for it to start giving me problems.

The aftermarket alarm would not be the cause with the factory "security" light to come on. Now, if you have remote start too, then yes it COULD have been the culprit. Some of the Passlock interfaces used to get the vehicles to remotely start can go bad just like any electronic part. It's just not very likely but I have seen it.

[satxblackss]

Hey Guys I am new here but I post a lot on other forums. This time my sisters impala will start sometimes and other times it won't. Not turning over no clicking, nothing. I would like to know where to start. I am pretty sure it's not the starter because when it does start it has no hesitation and no wierd noises. Should I take it to get a diagnostic check from a dealer? If it's one of these modules you speak of, how hard are they to change. I am somewhat mechanically inclined(i have changed motors and tranny's on older small block Chevy's, and most recently I replaced my hydrolics and clutch on my 2000 Camaro SS) so I am pretty sure I can handle it. I just need a push in the right direction. Thanks for the help.

[showtime305]

What's the estimated cost of replacing the ignition passlock system. I recently started having problems with mine. I also have a remote start system that maybe be causing the problem so i'm going to get that checked out before I pay for those costly repairs. One dealership quoted a repair cost of $430. Does that sound right?

Showtime305

[GMMerlin]

Originally Posted by showtime305

What's the estimated cost of replacing the ignition passlock system. I recently started having problems with mine. I also have a remote start system that maybe be causing the problem so i'm going to get that checked out before I pay for those costly repairs. One dealership quoted a repair cost of $430. Does that sound right?

Showtime305

To be totally honest, the dealer I work for has been taking a hard look at Passlock problems and remote starters and aftermarket alarm installations..It seems that we are getting slammed with Passlock problems and 90% of those have some sort of aftermarket system installed....Pretty much, we aren't touching them until the system is put back into factory condition (especially with warranty concerns).
Here is the deal, since I do a lot of these vehicles..
The operating systems on these vehicles use low voltage circuits as data and reference. Any disruption in the flow of electrons will cause problems.
A good number of systems that are installed use wirenuts,scotch locks and cheap butt connectors to hook the system wiring into the voltage sensitive wiring to the factory componants (especially to the PCM and BCM).
When the integrity of the wire is compromised by non-approved methods, this creates a voltage drop across the connector. The module is looking for a pre determined voltage change from the data sensor..if the voltage change is different than desired, then the module disables the system..(the module thinks someone is stealing your car!)
The car manufactors have developed certain wire repair techniques to prevent unwanted voltage drops on critical circuits.
These are the only approved methods and all GM techs that are involved with wiring repairs should be trained on the procedures.

[ponchonutty]

Originally Posted by GMMerlin

To be totally honest, the dealer I work for has been taking a hard look at Passlock problems and remote starters and aftermarket alarm installations..It seems that we are getting slammed with Passlock problems and 90% of those have some sort of aftermarket system installed....Pretty much, we aren't touching them until the system is put back into factory condition (especially with warranty concerns).
Here is the deal, since I do a lot of these vehicles..
The operating systems on these vehicles use low voltage circuits as data and reference. Any disruption in the flow of electrons will cause problems.
A good number of systems that are installed use wirenuts,scotch locks and cheap butt connectors to hook the system wiring into the voltage sensitive wiring to the factory componants (especially to the PCM and BCM).
When the integrity of the wire is compromised by non-approved methods, this creates a voltage drop across the connector. The module is looking for a pre determined voltage change from the data sensor..if the voltage change is different than desired, then the module disables the system..(the module thinks someone is stealing your car!)
The car manufactors have developed certain wire repair techniques to prevent unwanted voltage drops on critical circuits.
These are the only approved methods and all GM techs that are involved with wiring repairs should be trained on the procedures.

Well, then there's me. I am on the other side of the fence. I am one who installs these remote starts for a living. I too have seen a high failure rate with Passlocks for some reason. Now, I use DEI remote starts which is part of GM's AC Delco. At first, I was soldering and shrink wraping everything. Then, I started to get people comming back saying they had no start conditions. So, I would go back in and take everyrthing out. They'd go round and round with the dealer and usually would end up having the Passlock system or parts of it replaced.

Because of my having to take these out and put them back in, I started just using 3m t-taps and barrel connectors. Funny thing is that I haven't noticed any more problems than what I had before. Luckily, I work inhouse at many dealerships and talk with a lot of the techs there. Those dealers that I willing to understand how my systems work then are more open minded on how to fix this problem.

This sort of problem is just made worse when you have a remote start for the most part. It is always easy to lay blame on any nonoriginal part that is in the vehicle. The is especially true with an OEM system that has so many faults of its own. Just in a short time Gm has went from Passlock 1, 2, and now #3. All revisions were made because of no start conditions.

[GMMerlin]

Originally Posted by ponchonutty

Well, then there's me. I am on the other side of the fence. I am one who installs these remote starts for a living. I too have seen a high failure rate with Passlocks for some reason. Now, I use DEI remote starts which is part of GM's AC Delco. At first, I was soldering and shrink wraping everything. Then, I started to get people comming back saying they had no start conditions. So, I would go back in and take everyrthing out. They'd go round and round with the dealer and usually would end up having the Passlock system or parts of it replaced.

Because of my having to take these out and put them back in, I started just using 3m t-taps and barrel connectors. Funny thing is that I haven't noticed any more problems than what I had before. Luckily, I work inhouse at many dealerships and talk with a lot of the techs there. Those dealers that I willing to understand how my systems work then are more open minded on how to fix this problem.

This sort of problem is just made worse when you have a remote start for the most part. It is always easy to lay blame on any nonoriginal part that is in the vehicle. The is especially true with an OEM system that has so many faults of its own. Just in a short time Gm has went from Passlock 1, 2, and now #3. All revisions were made because of no start conditions.

Dude, you and I have gone around about this before. I respect your opinion and you definately know your stuff in regards to the aftermarket installation field.
I will not argue with the fact that there are problems with the GM passlock system..the fact is, most of the complaints I see both at work and here in AF concern vehicles that have an aftermarket system installed (with a remote start).
To properly diagnos the problem, the system integrity is important..If GM is going to improve the operating system of Passlock, then they must be able to identify the fault of the system and GM engineering must be able to come up with a resolution.
To do this, the system must be in the original condition as designed.
Revisions have been made due to several reasons and to meet the demand of the public in regards to the desire to prevent their vehicles from becomeing someone elses due to illegal activities.

Like I said earlier, GM operating systems use low voltage,low current data and control circuits. Any fault whether GM or outside induced, that causes a voltage drop on a circuit reeks havoc with the operating system.
Personally, a remote starter is for the lazy..and we wonder why Americans (including myself) are getting fatter and unhealthier..but that is another subject altogather.

Due to the popularity of remote starters, GM has introduced the remote start feature on its 04 Malibu..Hopefully it may cross over to other popular makes.

[ponchonutty]

Originally Posted by GMMerlin

Personally, a remote starter is for the lazy..and we wonder why Americans (including myself) are getting fatter and unhealthier..but that is another subject altogather.

Due to the popularity of remote starters, GM has introduced the remote start feature on its 04 Malibu..Hopefully it may cross over to other popular makes.

Dog gone it Merlin. This is where I get upset. Gm and all of the other makers should come up with something that can be dealt with. Not some half-butt design that has problems of it's own even before someone like me gets their hands on it. Now, I can't state anything about any one else's mode of install other than mine. I've never had a problem with my remote start on my '01 Silverado, mother-in-laws '02 Rendevous, or my dad's '03 H2 Hummer. I'll even include all the other 100's of cars that I have done. This crap of these crappy designs is enough. Don't even go there about them intregrating all kinds of crap in stereos trying to leave their customers without a choice or the fact they do not let out information on how to repair the vehicles so you can take the car to a private repair shop.

Now, in the last year and a half(out of 10), I've had 2 vehicles that had a no start condition. The one was a '00 Silverado that was very intermittant but more persisant that the next one I will talk about. Anyway, this customer talked about the truck doing this after he tried to remote start. So, I installed a new module and haven't heard anything bad about it even though the original part checked out OK.

The 2nd car was a '02 Grand Am. The owner said called and told me it was getting hard to start. I said that I would look at it. Then she called back and said it wouldn't start at all and that she'd had it towed to this dealer I feared. The reason I feared them was that they always rip out remote starts then charge the snot out of the customer. She later called me and said that they said it was the remote start and she can come pick up the car plus pay $418. She was obviously upset so I asked her if her ignition was replaced under the recall that was sent out recently. She said no so I told her to call the dealer back and tell them about it. They stated that they had no records of a recall. She then made her way to the dealer thinking how she was going to get me to pay for it. Then the dealer said that it was a recalled repair and that there was no charge WHAT THE!!!! So, this means that if I hadn't known about the recall and told her, I'd had to foot the bill or get in a spitting match over this.

Besides, remote starts are not for the lazy but for those who choose to be law abiding citizens well around here atleast. It's against the law to leave your car running unattended with the keys in the ignition. Just because there are people who like to have their cars warmed up (or cooled down) makes them lazy? I suppose since I have power locks, power windows, antilock brakes, power steering, (well you get the picture) that makes me real lazy? What does it mean that I work out most every day then???? I think it means that I am a person that welcomes technology and will use it when I see that I can.

I am also aware that GM is trying out the remote starts on their lower end cars. Too bad it's not gonna make it. The range on those is terrible because it is derrived on the old style keyless entries which accept a lot of interferrance and the design of them is funky. Anyone that has a DEI unit from a reputable shop will not like those GM remote starts.

Did you think that DEI/Delco would have made parts availible to dealerships that could in affect put me out of the bizz? I do not think so.

[bmp1967]

I also had a recent problem with starting my imapla 2001. i was listening to the radio (for like maybe 20 min max)and it statred to beep on me and then i turned it off then tryed to start and died on me. though it was the batery for shure. then i got a jump and started fine. So i took it in to the dealer because i have been having problems. they said the batery was fine. but i realy took it in for the shifting problem im getting. when i floor it no matter what gear its in it will hang at about 4000 RPM so i have to ease off the gas and then it will shift. I recently went to a transmision place i used to worked at and my mechanic said the trany is fine no slipping no burnt cluches no metal flake in the fluid. so we flushed it and all and still the same problem. he ran the codes but nothing the check engine light would be on. I noticed the last time i floored it the check engine light went on only while the non shifting was going on. Its at the dealer now they said there"mechanic" that need to check it out was off the weekend so its monday now and hoping they will figure it out. my mechanic said it might be a fuel silinoyed or something he said for shure it is something electronical. I also had an electrical problem when driving my blinkers wouldnt work but would come back after i restart my car but this happens not very often. my impala has 58000 miles on it to. Anyone have any idea or have this happen to them? I just listed to sell it to thanx