Alternator/generator/regulator problems of the 2001 Chevrolet Impala

On Dec, 12, our 2001 Impala was sitting in the driveway. It had not been driven for a few days and since the weather was cold, my husband wanted to make sure it would start. When he turned the key, there was an explosion in the injector system. Flames shot out and the system was blown apart. Fortunately, the car was not in our garage at the time and he was not injured. We called vermilion Chevrolet in danville, illinois and the person who answered said it was a defective fuel regulator that had caused the problem. He seemed to be aware of the problem. We had recently received a recall for possible under the hood fires, but he told us that was for a leaky valve cover gasket, not the fuel regulator. We have comprehensive insurance, but they are balking at covering the damage. We have not had any estimates on getting it repaired yet. We are still waiting on the insurance. Meanwhile we have a car we cannot drive. We did some research on the internet and it appears that this is a known defect, but that the 2001 models were not included in any recall. Why not? help!!.

For the third time a power window "regulator cable" has broken in my car, twice in the driver door (9/29/04 and 5/15/11) and once in the passenger door (09/15/09), each time while driving the vehicle on a street or highway. Nothing noticeable before windows dropped. Had to drive it to a dealer (once for several hundred miles). Cost of repairs were as high as $433. I have owned this car since 11/2001.

Problem starting 2001 chevy Impala in extremely warm weather. All lights on dashboard light up and car will not start. Replaced the battery the first time it happened in fall. Replaced the alternator. Replaced the wires to the battery. Researched and found that it was the passlock security system, for which numerous people are having similar problems. Have been stuck at work parking lot in evening, at gas station after filling up and other locations, usually when I'm alone. Will not allow my son or daughter to drive vehicle. Definitely a safety issue.

The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Impala. When the contact's wife attempted to start the vehicle before jumping the dead battery, the fuel system bypassed through a regulator and created an explosion. Although the vehicle caught fire, it was not destroyed and was capable of being repaired. The dealer stated that nothing could be done because the VIN was not included in the recall. The purchase date and recall number were unknown. The current and failure mileages were 131,000.

Customer states dash lights and headlights are dim, especially when driving at night. Dealer test drove and found that the lights flicker, however dealer stated this was normal due to the drop in the voltage regulator, and should not cause lights or electrical system to fail.