Three problems related to starter solenoid have been reported for the 2004 Chevrolet Impala. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Chevrolet Impala based on all problems reported for the 2004 Impala.
The ignition switch at times fails to send power to the starter solenoid or the ignition coil. When the switch is turn on nothing happens at times, the coil works when connected to directly to the battery and the engine starts but stops in a few seconds when the battery lead is removed. .
For 5 or more years when I try to start the motor I get nor response from the starter, the lights dim and other electrical driven things shut down. If I touch the solenoid terminal of the starter with a hot wire the starter runs and the engine starts. When I take the hot wire off the terminal the engine dies. Sometimes if I clean the fuse contact and try again it will start but often will not. I have found that reaching under the dash and moving the wires that come out of the switch behind the dash key will get it to activate the started but even this some times isn't immediately effective. I have at time had to walk and try again at a latter time. This could be a very severe safety hazard. If me and my family members including many children, grandchildren and great grandchildren could be stranded when we stop along the road or even in the back country where we like to go. Example: a severe storm or other reason to have get going fast such as injury or sudden sever illness, when I discussed this problem with chevy dealers they say that this recall will not even get me and inspection re the ignition switch without a large service fee. I feel that is a defective switch and should be replaced. It appears that the power wire to the coil is on the same circuit as the one activating the starter solenoid so if the engine should stall for any reason one may not be able to start it and you would have the condition that this recall is about. I t doesn't matter if I use a single key and I have tried both keys. The dealers don't will not even look at the switch itself. My experience shows that just putting a plug in the in the key slot will not solve the problem. .
The speedometer doesn't work sometimes. When it moves it doesn't move smoothly, but it jerks up and down, often indicating an incorrect speed. The car has low miles on it and the tcc solenoid and another solenoid regulating line pressure in the transmission has failed, requiring replacement.