Rick's Free Auto Repair Advice » Impala

Intermittent problems on GM vehicles

Rick — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 21:23:07 +0000

GM vehicles from the mid ’90′s to the present are known for faulty ignition switches. The problems are almost always intermittent. Intermittent starting, dying while driving, A/C to start blowing warm air or for the blower fan to stop (depending on which GM model we’re talking about), along with an ABS light. In fact, any time you see erratic or intermittent problems that could be electtrical in nature on a GM vehicle, you should immediately suspect the ignition switch. Always test the igntion switch during an intermittent problem to see if the switch is providing power (use a meter).Or, wiggle the wires going to the switch. GM techs replace so many of these that it’s almost automatic for them to head there first

In the case of the A/C the problem is usually the ignition switch heating up and not providing power to the A/C clutch and the ABS computer. If you want to diagnose the problem, buy a wiring diagram for your vehicle form eautorepair.net or alldata.com (there are way to many GM models to list their wiring diagrams here) and test for power at the switched terminals when the problem happens. Or, just replace the ignition switch.

For more information on this repair or any others for your vehicle, buy an online subscription to either Alldatadiy.com or eautorepair.net. Click on this link to compare the two services: Compare Alldata and Eautorepair.

If you just need information for a single repair and want to save money,eautorepair offers a lower price 1-week subscription for only $11.99. Or, if you’ll be working on this vehicle in the future, you can buy a 1-year subscription (Alldatadiy.com for $26.99, or eautorepair.net $29.99)

Alldatadiy.com

eautorepair.net

Both Alldata and Eautorepair offer professional grade shop manuals at a price you can afford. Check them out!.

P0332, Circuit Low Input (Bank 2) on GM products

Rick — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 04:10:36 +0000

Also P0335 and P0340

If you think you should replace the knock sensor after getting this code, think again. This is a perfect example of where a sensor can be telling the truth and the root cause of the problem is somewhere else. Here’s the scoop. Most late model engine use variable valve timing to change the opening and closing timing of the valves. The device that actually changes the valve timing is called the cam phaser (yeah, like on Star Treck). Some cam phasers use oil pressure to rotate the camshaft slightly to change the timing. That’s great when it’s working well. But if you’ve changed your own oil and used a viscosity that’s different from the manufacturer’s recommendations, you can screw up the phaser. For example, some people don’t believe the manufacturer’s recommendation to use 5W-30. So they change their oil with 10W-30. The slightly thicker oil can cause the phaser to respond more slowly to computer commands. And when the cam is out of phase from the commanded position, you can get pre-ignition, or pinging. Yup, if you used this oil and now have this trouble code, point your finger right at yourself.

The same holds true if you think you can get away with not changing your oil on time. Think sludge buildup isn’t a problem? Well guess what, sludge in a cam phaser can also cause trouble codes.

If you’re getting these codes and think it might be caused by oil, change your oil and filter and drive the vehicle first. Perhaps the clean oil can clear out the passages.

Here are a few other things that can cause this trouble code:

Check the electrical connector on the cam phaser. If you see oily buildup, disconnect the connector and check inside. Oil can sometimes seep into the connector and that would give false readings.

Alldatadiy.com

eautorepair.net

Both Alldata and Eautorepair offer professional grade shop manuals at a price you can afford. Check them out!.

A/C doesn’t work and ABS light on

Rick — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 17:53:39 +0000

GM vehicles are known for faulty ignition switches. The problems are almost always intermittent. One common symptom is for the A/C to start blowing warm air or for the blower fan to stop (depending on which GM model we’re talking about), along with an ABS light. The problem is usually the ignition switch heating up and not providing power to the A/C clutch and the ABS computer. If you want to diagnose the problem, buy a wiring diagram for your vehicle form eautorepair.net or alldata.com (there are way to many GM models to list their wiring diagrams here) and test for power at the switched terminals when the problem happens. Or, just replace the ignition switch.

Alldatadiy.com

eautorepair.net

Both Alldata and Eautorepair offer professional grade shop manuals at a price you can afford. Check them out!.

GM vehicles with B0071 or B0081 trouble codes.

Rick — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 02:02:52 +0000

If you own one of the vehicles listed below and see a lit SRS (supplemental restraint system) light on your dash, you may have one or both of these trouble codes: B0071 or B0081. Both codes relate to a problem in the Sensing and Diagnostics module. Don’t start replacing air bad components like the clock spring or the module. The problem is most likely the result of a defective seat belt tensioner sensor located in the passenger side seat belt buckle. Contact the dealer for the updated sensor and install it. That should clear the code.

2005-07 Buick Terrazas
2005-09 Chevrolet Uplander, Pontiac Montana
2006-07 Chevrolet Impala
2006-10 Buick Lucerne, Cadillac DTS, Chevrolet HHR, Hummer H3s
2207-10 Cadillac Escalade, ESZ and EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Cobalt, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Canyon, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon Denali, Yukon XL, Pontiac G5
2009-10 Hummer H3Ts

Alldatadiy.com

eautorepair.net

Both Alldata and Eautorepair offer professional grade shop manuals at a price you can afford. Check them out!.

Turn Signals Problems on Malibu, Impala, Alero, Cutlass, Grand Am, Monte Carlo, Saturn Vue, Chevy S Trucks, Chevy T Trucks, Corvette

Rick — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 18:14:29 +0000

Turn Signals Problems on Malibu, Impala, Alero, Cutlass, Grand Am, Monte Carlo, Saturn Vue, Chevy S Trucks, Chevy T Trucks, Corvette

The GM vehicles above all seem to have a common problem with turn signals. The problem may show up as the following symptoms:

No turn signal operation
Rapid flash even though no bulbs are burned out
Flasher clicks even though turn signal isn’t on
Intermittent turn signal or flasher operation

The source of the problem is usually a faulty Hazard Warning Switch. Yes, you read that correctly. All turn signal operations flow through that switch and it seems GM may have under-engineered the electrical contacts in that switch. Some shops report that even after swapping out the switch, the problem remains and they must replace the entire turn signal mechanism (called the Multifunction Switch). However, dealers report extremely high sales of these Hazard Warning Switches. The dealer list price on the Hazard Switch is about $30. However, Dorman Products makes aftermarket replacements that are half the price of the GM part and are a direct fit for the factory switch. But, if you shop on Amazon you may find AC Delco parts (made by GM) for the same price as Dorman.
To replace the switch you’ll have to remove the bezels and trim panels. I suggest a subscription to Alldata because they show much better interior trim removal diagrams than eautorepair.net.
I’m listing some applications, part numbers, and links. But please double check before you buy to make the part is for your vehicle

1997-2005 Chevrolet Malibu

2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala

1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero and Cutlass

1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am

2000-2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

1997-2004 Corvette

Alldatadiy.com

eautorepair.net

Both Alldata and Eautorepair offer professional grade shop manuals at a price you can afford. Check them out!.

P0128 and temperature gauge dead – GM vehicles

Rick — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 00:07:38 +0000

If you get a P0128 diagnostic trouble code with your OBDII scan tool AND the temperature gauge is dead, head right for the thermostat When a thermostat goes bad on a GM vehicle, the PCM sets a P0128 trouble code and commands the cooling fans to run and disables the temperature gauge. Don’t waste time trying to fix the gauge. First, replace the thermostat. If the gauge still doesn’t work, then you can start diagnosing that problem after you’ve cleared the P0128 code.

Find a thermostat for your vehicle here

Alldatadiy.com

eautorepair.net

Both Alldata and Eautorepair offer professional grade shop manuals at a price you can afford. Check them out!.

Engine surge at highway speed – Chevrolet Impala

Rick — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 23:54:47 +0000

Chevrolet Impala 1999-01 may experience a surge at highway speed. While this may be an air fuel related problem, it can also be caused by a slipping torque converter clutch. This happens when the torque converter clutch (TCC) is not fully applied. GM refers to this as a slip/stick condition. The TCC is applied with fluid pressure from a solenoid valve in the transmission valve body. The solenoid is pulsed by the PCM. In this particular model, Chevrolet has experienced some electronics failures where the pulsing is not correct. The result is a slipping TCC that can burn the transmission fluid and destroy the torque converter.

If you experience a surge at highway speeds above 40MPH, first check the transmission fluid to make sure the level is ok. Then check the fluid color. If it is dark brown and smells burned, you may have to pull the transmission and have it rebuild. But that’s not the full repair. You must also replace the PCM with an updated unit to prevent this from happening again. Chevrolet fixed the problem in the 2002 model year.

Alldatadiy.com

eautorepair.net

Both Alldata and Eautorepair offer professional grade shop manuals at a price you can afford. Check them out!.

Key won’t come out of ignition switch – GM vehicles

Rick — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 23:44:23 +0000

Believe it or not, this is related to a rash of bad ignition switches in GM vehicles. When the switch fails in the open position, it doesn’t provide battery power to the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) fuse. The BTSI system consists of the brake pedal switch and a solenoid on the shifting mechanism. The BTSI prevents you from shifting into and out of park unless your foot is pressing on the brake pedal. Unfortunately, when the ignition switch fails, the BTSI system also prevents you from completely shifting into park and removing the key. To confirm that this is the cause of the problem, check for battery voltage at the BTSI fuse in the fuse box with the ignition turned OFF. If you don’t get voltage at the fuse, move to the ignition switch. Check for battery voltage at the B+ terminal. It should read within 1 volt of battery voltage. If not, replace the ignition switch For more information on this repair or any others for your vehicle, buy an online subscription to either Alldatadiy.com or eautorepair.net. Click on this link to compare the two services: Compare Alldata and Eautorepair. If you just need information for a single repair and want to save money,eautorepair offers a lower price 1-week subscription for only $11.99. Or, if you’ll be working on this vehicle in the future, you can buy a 1-year subscription (Alldatadiy.com for $26.99, or eautorepair.net $29.99) © 2007 Rick Muscoplat

Alldatadiy.com

eautorepair.net

Both Alldata and Eautorepair offer professional grade shop manuals at a price you can afford. Check them out!.

Performance Chip? GM Revokes Warranty on Chipped Vehicles

Rick — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 23:16:46 +0000

GM issued a technical service bulleting (TSB) #09-06-04—026 regarding revocation of warranty coverage on any GM vehicle in which the factory calibrations (software) has been removed or altered. The TSB applies to ALL GM gasoline passenger cars and trucks from 2006- present.

It’s important to note that GM is seeing enough damaged engines and transmissions to make this announcement. Here’s a direct quote from the TSB:

“When alteration to the GM-released engine or transmission control calibrations occurs, it subjects powertrain and driveline components (engine , transmission, transfer case, driveshaft and rear axle) to stresses that were not tested by General Motors. It is because of these unknown stresses, and the potential to alter reliability, durability and emissions performance, that GM has adopted a policy to cancel any remaining warranty coverage to the powertrain and driveline components whenever the presence of a non-GM (aftermarket) calibration is confirmed – even if the non-GM control module calibration is subsequently removed.”

The TSB goes on to instruct the dealers on how to determine if the factory calibrations have been altered or removed. So don’t think you change restore the factory programming and tear into the dealer when they refuse to cover your warranty claim. They CAN tell what you’ve done.

So, if you’re planning on “chipping” your vehicle (which I do NOT recommend), be aware that you’re on your own and that the likelihood of damage to the engine and transmission increases dramatically.

Also, remember this: engine design is always a compromise between power, responsiveness, emissions, and fuel economy. You cannot change one variable without changing all the others. So, while chipping may increase power in one range of operation, you will pay for it in other areas. There’s no free lunch, despite what the chipmakers want you to believe.

Alldatadiy.com

eautorepair.net

Both Alldata and Eautorepair offer professional grade shop manuals at a price you can afford. Check them out!.

Hover your mouse over the REPAIR ARTICLES tab at the top of the page. The click on DIAGNOSTICS to search by SYMPTOM, TROUBLE CODE, or read TECH TIPS on how to diagnose a problem

Click on MAKE an MODEL to see all the articles I’ve written for your vehicle
Click on REPAIR TOPICS to read individual articles written for specific automotive systems

If you’ve had your car scanned and know the trouble code go to TROUBLE CODES

Here are some quick links to speed up your research

Click on the link below for speedy navigation:

ABS issues, how to bleed ABS brakes

Airbag issues or SRS light on

Alternator issues or how to test

Belt diagram or serpentine belt issues

Blower motor

Blower motor resistor

Brakes, brake issues, what kind of brake parts to buy, ABS issues

Car Alarms or Antitheft systems

Cooling system, Water pump, What type of coolant to use

Engine flush

Firing order, cylinder layout, finding #1 cylinder

MAF or MAP sensor

Oxygen sensors, How they work, How to change, How to test

PassLock or Passkey

Thermostat issues

Transmission flush

Serpentine belt diagrams

Window issues, power window motor, replace window regulator, glass adhesive

Windshield Washer pump failure on GM vehicles

Rick — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 02:16:14 +0000

Windshield Washer pump failure on GM vehicles

GM has issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) #07-08-43-004C to address problems with the windshield washer pumps on the following vehicles: 2006-07 Chevrolet Monte Carlo and 2006-08 Chevrolet Impala. Users may experience either poor pump performance or a an inoperative and intermittent pump. GM warns dealers NOT TO REPLACE THE WASHER PUMP. The problem is an underrated fuse.

GM’s official fix is to replace the 10 amp windshield washer fuse (labeled WSW) in the Underhood Bussed Electrical Center (UBEC) with a 15 amp fuse. Yes, you read that right. GM wants you to put in a larger fuse. They say that’ll correct the problem.

Alldatadiy.com

eautorepair.net

Both Alldata and Eautorepair offer professional grade shop manuals at a price you can afford. Check them out!.

Hover your mouse over the REPAIR ARTICLES tab at the top of the page. The click on DIAGNOSTICS to search by SYMPTOM, TROUBLE CODE, or read TECH TIPS on how to diagnose a problem

Click on MAKE an MODEL to see all the articles I’ve written for your vehicle
Click on REPAIR TOPICS to read individual articles written for specific automotive systems

If you’ve had your car scanned and know the trouble code go to TROUBLE CODES

Here are some quick links to speed up your research

Click on the link below for speedy navigation:

ABS issues, how to bleed ABS brakes

Airbag issues or SRS light on

Alternator issues or how to test

Belt diagram or serpentine belt issues

Blower motor

Blower motor resistor

Brakes, brake issues, what kind of brake parts to buy, ABS issues

Car Alarms or Antitheft systems

Cooling system, Water pump, What type of coolant to use