Anti-theft Controller Problems of Chevrolet Impala - part 2

Car has had several major safety problems (1) defective fuel cap - lead to fuel emissions into atmosphere and malfunction of emission control system. (2) defective speedometer - could have lead to excessive speed, inappropriate speed, and/or crash (3) defective anti-theft security system - can either not allow the vehicle to start, or can cause vehicle to stop running and then not start upon operator command. Could lead to death or dismemberment.

See all problems of the 2004 Chevrolet Impala 🔎.

There is a safety issue with 2003 chevy Impala due to it will not start at times due to problems with passlock system. This is especially dangerous as I am a female who at many times is alone at night going to and fro from work and school and must sit in my car until it decides to start. There are several consumer complaints on various websites about this issue, however gm will not address this.

See all problems of the 2003 Chevrolet Impala 🔎.

I have what I am calling the "classic gm passlock problem" with my 2000 chevy Impala. It started about 2 years ago very randomly not starting. On November 28, 2008 I reported a vehicle problem to the local general motors dealership. My 2000 chevy Impala anti-theft warning light was occasionally coming on and vehicle would not start at times. ¿ the dealership charged me $812. 00 to replace faulty passlock module, new ignition switch and cylinder. Im concern about all the work being done as stated and charged for factory defects, many vehicle owners have had the same problem with their gm auto. In addition, I did not receive a new recoded key. Second, the replacement part for the faulty passlock module was not listed on the invoice as an itemized part ordered and replaced as appear other items. Thirdly, if the part not listed on the invoice, how is the warranty covered? I later learned that the door, trunk and ignition should be operated by one key. And if procedure requires ignition switch lock cylinder to be replaced, new ignition switch lock cylinder should be recoded to old key. Also, passlock sensor was an integral part of ignition switch assembly, but I still paid too much; I am seeking a full refund.

See all problems of the 2000 Chevrolet Impala 🔎.

Sometimes when you go out to start the vehicle, it will not start. Have been told that they have a problem with the anti-theft system on these vehicles, I can believe this since the security light does not flash when the problem occurs. This is very troubling since it can happen at any time, you never know if you will get the car to start. Someone should make gm own up to this problem and get it fixed, as I am sure it is not just on my vehicle.

1. Casual use of vehicle appears to be the only variable leading up to the display of the security message and the car not starting. 2. My research suggest the etiology of the problem (car not starting and security message display) may be a malfunction of the passlock system, but failure can still occur once passlock is replaced. The car fails to start about once every two weeks and is unpredictable. This problem has occurred over the past two years, with the exception of a three month period over the summer of 2008 during which the car's body control module was replaced by a gm dealer. The consequences of the car failing to start include the driver missing work, being late to work, being stranded in 90 degree heat and in secluded areas. 3. A body control module was replaced in an attempt to correct the security message/passlock issue as well as an other issue (charging system failure). Approximately three months later the car again would not start and the security message was displayed. ***while no injuries have yet occurred, the car not starting can leave the driver and passengers vulnerable to the elements and victimize (robbery, assault, rape, and murder).

See all problems of the 2002 Chevrolet Impala 🔎.

I have a 2003 chevy Impala and the security light keeps going on when I drive or a few minutes after sometimes it wont start too. Has new fuel pump,filter,complete tune up, everything is up to date on my car but the security light will still come on. I have heard plenty of complains and they all lead down to the " passlock system" so far no one can figure it out. They said the ignitions wire must be soldered directly to the passlock sensor? but I don't really know.

The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Impala lx. The contact stated that the security warning light illuminated and prevented the vehicle from starting. The dealer was contacted who advised him to bring in the vehicle for inspection. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 89,000.

See all problems of the 2001 Chevrolet Impala 🔎.

We have been having problems with our turn signals not working properly. Also the security light flashes and the radio says locked and the vehicle will not start. The only way we can get it started is to disconnect the battery and let the computer reboot.

The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Impala. The contact attempted to start the vehicle, but was unsuccessful. The security light on the instrument panel flashed. The failure occurs approximately during every tenth start attempt. The vehicle has not yet been taken to the dealer. The contact called the manufacturer and was advised to make an appointment with the local dealer. The current and failure mileages were 94,000.

Vehicle ignition is locked up, no warning, this is a problem with most of these vehicles produced with in dash ignitions. At 51,000 miles gm wants customers to pay for repairs of these at the customer cost being around $900. 00 and in most instances within 18months the failure occurs again. I feel that this is criminal of gm to be aware of this problem and not recall every vehicle to cover repairs. Towing bill 75. 00 to date as well 900. 00 for repairs.

One day I was just going to work like and my car wouldn't start. The security light was flashing so I referred to the manual. I found out it was the passlock feature on the car and it was malfunctioning. I don't have the time or the money to fix the problem.

Received 2000 chevy Impala as an inheritance. Within 2 weeks car at times would not start. All lights on dash would illuminate followed by the yellow/orange security light. This is due to a passlock problem where the passlock system thinks that something other than a legitimate key is being used to try and start the car. My sister had this problem and at times would have to turn the key in the ignition to "on position" and wait 10 minutes. After several days of research I was able to determine that to reset the passlock system the key needed to be left in the ignition switch in the "on position" then removed and repeated two more times (3 times, 30 minutes total). After doing this I had no more problems. My only problem is there are lots of people out there that are not mechanically inclined, and plenty of people have had to had their vehicles towed and face a diagnosis fee (and plenty of times misdiagnosis). According to all the information readily available chevy/gm has to know about this and I consider it shameful that they do not allow some kind of concession or modification so that a customer of theirs with a legitimate key cannot start the vehicle.

2004 chevy Impala would not start. Security light came on. Called the dealership and was told that the vehicles security anti-theft system can sometimes lockup making it appear as if the car is being stolen. Very expensive to replace. Was told to reset the security system as follows. . . Turn key to on position and wait 10 minutes until security light stops flashing. Turn the key off for 5 seconds and restart the car. This has worked each time we have had this problem, however, my 17 year old daughter was stranded. . By herself. . At 10:30pm in a university parking lot and had no idea what to do. Luckily she had a cell phone so she could call me. I stepped her through the process to get the car started again. This could be a serious problem for young women to be stranded. I searched the internet and found several people having the same problem. . Even in much older models. When is gm going to fix this problem?.

The security lights in my vehicle comes on and engine will not crank for 10 - 20 minutes.

Theft system had to be disabled because car would not start 3 times and had to be towed. Remote car access had to be removed for above reason. Cost over $500 to repair. Faulty theft module.

Faulty system cause anti-theft mechanism to activate intermittently during a normal start attempt. The vehicle's message indicator will flash security/battery/service vehicle soon despite having a new battery and a well maintained car with a clean history. The messages always flash together in a cycle, and is always accompanied by the symptoms below: during the above condition, the vehicle will neither crank nor start, or the vehicle will start, with the above indicators, and the radio will lock as well as the disabling of the air conditioner, heat and ability to defog/frost. This creates a dangerous driving condition whereby the windows fog dramatically, completely obstructing my view. The defect has also created a dangerous situation for me in cases where I've had to turn off the car on the shoulder of a highway and have been unable to restart it, and in one instance was subsequently grazed on my arm by a passing car after I exited my vehicle. Several mechanics have linked it to either a faulty passlock sensor, faulty bcm or bad wiring, all of which I was told should last at least the life of the engine, as it is not included in the maintenance schedule. The car has not been modified from it's original assembly and has never been in an accident or other damaging circumstance. The vehicle has also followed its maintenance schedule to a t. The problem has gotten progressively worse and more frequent (several times daily as of 9 months ago) since the initial date of incidence, but because of financial hardships, and uncertainty from representatives at several Chevrolet dealership service centers, I have been primarily using other means of transportation until I can cover what will be an exorbitant cost to repair.

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that the security alarm intermittently restricted the vehicle from being started. He never took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The current mileage was 7,800 and failure mileage was 6,900.

See all problems of the 2005 Chevrolet Impala 🔎.

Pass lock system failed. This was the 3rd time in five years , the second time in less than 2 years. While this did not pose an immediate danger it could become a problem if someone needed to use their car for an emergency , and because of the pass lock failure enabled to receive the help they needed.

I have a 2004 chevy Impala. It now has 43,000 miles on it. We purchased it Dec. 30, 2004. It only had 13 miles on it. Over the past month it failed to start twice. I took it to the dealer and learned that the passlock sensor needs to be replaced at a cost of $475. 00. After investigating the issue, I've learned that this has been a common failure in gm cars for many years. One would think that this type of failure should not be so common, and especially on such a young car. Gm should be pressured into redoing this system. At $475. 00 per car, they are making quite a bit of money to make these repairs.

Passlock failure no start. Has happened total of 8 times in a little less than 5 years. Fortunately it has not happened when I have absolutely needed the car to start, although it has been inconvenient with a small child with me several of the times. I dread the occasion when it happens and I need the car to start because of some emergency. From review of web forums, gm is aware of this problem and it is much more extensive than would be indicated from reviewing complaints on this site.

I have been having trouble with the car starting. We thought it was the battery. We bought a new one. It did not help. When a mechanic look at it he said that it may be a neutral safety switch. He told me how to start it , first I have to have the key on the on position and the car in neutral to start it. This helped, but I was wondering if anyone else has had any problem like this?.

Dear gm customer service representative, please forward this message to mr. Douglass j herberger, vice president and general manager of service and parts operation. Dear mr. Herberger, I have been trying to get the codes for the pass lock theft deterrent system on my 2002 chevy Impala LS and the dealers around memphis, TN refuse to give it to me. They also refuse to reprogram it for free. I feel that I should not have to pay a dealer to unlock that system. I'm paying for and own my car, not the dealer. In addition, I went in to the service department of chuck hutton Chevrolet to and was told that I would have to pay $47. 00 for them to enter and reprogram the theft lock system, that they cannot do it by hand. Why should I have to pay the dealer $47. 00 everytime I change out my battery - to reprogram my theft lock system? I thought that I purchased the car to become the owner of it. I pay taxes on it, I pay my insurance and maintenance fees. Why should I have to pay a dealer to codes that I should have free access to. Why was my car designed to lock me (the owner) out without free general access to unlock the vehicle? I have exhausted my attempts to resolve this matter out of court, however, unless this matter gets fixed at no expense to me, I will take it to the lawful limit. I want to hear from you mr. Herberger, not these no thinking that understand the difference between owner and dealer.

My chevy's passlock anti-theft deterrent system is stuck on and I have been told that I must take it to the dealer.

I have a problem with my vehicle that involves the passlock ignition security system failure with no-start. I purchased the 2002 chevy Impala from a dealer used with 80,000 miles on it. A couple months after purchase I started having the problem and the dealer kept putting it on diagnostics and charging me for items that did not resolve the problem. I now, through research, have discovered the gm dirty little secret of the defective system they will not recall and I am a single woman in her late 50's that lives on a fixed income and can't afford to get a new vehicle. I am getting the run around from dealers and they will not give me a honest solution that will not require almost $1,000 replacement on the ignition and passlock sensor. I am very angry and sitting with a vehicle that I cannot go anywhere with that I paid too much for because of the defect and no one will help. I am having health problems due to this and I want help to make the manufacturer to take responsibility for the problem and recall the defective part.

The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that the security light illuminated which indicated that the anti-theft device was defective. As a result, she was unable to start her vehicle. The dealer inspected the vehicle and stated that the path lock sensor caused the failure. They made the replacement however approximately ten months late the failure occurred again. The mechanic stated that the path lock sensor caused the failure and they made the replacement. Approximate six months later the failure occurred again. The mechanic stated that the path lock sensor caused the failure. As of April 21, 2008, the mechanic had not repaired the vehicle. The failure mileage was 65,000 and current mileage was 88,000.

I have had issues with my 2001 Chevrolet Impala regarding the passlock sensor, which is part of the ignition switch. There's a service bulletin out on the part. I've contacted gm and they out right told me that they weren't going to do anything about my problem because my car has too many miles on it. I had the part replaced within the first 6 months of purchasing the car brand new. I had it replaced again on 11-10-05, which took a year and a half to diagnose the problem. Now I am having the problem again. I contacted Chevrolet today and they refused to even help. . . Wouldn't even open a complaint for me. They're saying that no one else is having this problem, but I've researched forums and it appears that several people are having this problem. I don't feel that I should have to pay to have this repair done again since it was done 11 months ago. I'm irritated and I would like a response from someone as to what will be done.

Several electrical / security problems - lights go off while driving. Also at times when approaching car, it won't start due to security system shutting down starter circuit. Although these things correct the problem after waiting, the dealer doesn't find the problem. It has been suggested that I pay for replacement parts that might fix this problem. I don't want to spend more money on this vehicle.

The contact owns a 2000 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that the anti theft system was faulty. When he inserted the key into the ignition, it did not recognize the key and the vehicle would not start. The dealer advised the contact to bring the vehicle in for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage was 93,000 and the failure mileage was 81,000.

: the contact stated the security light illuminated intermittently without cause. After the illumination occurred, the vehicle failed to start until the engine rested for 15 minutes or longer. The vehicle was driven to the dealership where the problem could not be duplicated.

I have a 2001 Impala we bought new. It has 62,379 miles. I took it in for a brake job last month for the first time. The company I use has a good reputation in town. They told me after the first turning of the rotor which they did that there was not enough metal left to turn again. That seems ridiculous. Also, the car at times wont start and have to let it sit for 10-15 minutes before it will start. I have read a lot of reviews on various sites and it seems this is a very common complaint. I can't afford to throw out hundreds of dollars jut hoping that it will be fixed. I have heard anything from the ignition switch going bad to the passlock anti theft systems errors and or the bcm module going back. Also someone suggested that I might just need to get a new key cut as the old was has gotten worn and the anti theft devise is thinking that someone is trying to steal the vehicle.

Is there a way to look into the Chevrolet Impala 2002, 2001, and 2000 models for failure of the security system. The light comes on at times and when taken in for service you are told that the problem can't be found. After the light comes on, you don't know when or if the car will start and you have it towed and no problems are found. I think this can lead to some type of safety problem if you need to move your car in a hurry and it don't start. I've talked with many owners of the type of cars and they all have this problem.

I was driving home from work around 7:30 pm on Tuesday on January 24, 2006, dark outside. I had my lights on bright and all of a sudden there were no lights. I did have fog lights on and I could still see them, but there weren't any headlights. I quick flicked the dimmer switch and they came back on. I've never experienced that before. However, when I talked to my mechanic the next day he said someone the week before experienced the same thing twice in one drive. The piece to replace this is quite expensive. I have not had it fixed yet, but I felt it should be reported. This happened once. Another item of concern is that my security light inside my car has been on for about 2 months. Every once in a while my car won't start on the first turn. Only once did I have to have it jumped. There is plenty of power as the lights and radio still work. My mechanic has tried replacing an ignition switch (I think), but the first time I started it didn't turn over and then it did, but the security light was still on. It's back in the shop today. The other person mentioned above has experienced this same defect. They also own an Impala. This has happened several times on my car. My mechanic cannot figure out what is wrong.

For the last year, every so often, my Impala won't start. I've put a new battery in it, but the day I did that, it still wouldn't start. I took it to the dealership to have them look at it, but they weren't able to duplicate the problem and also refused to work on my car. In contacting Chevrolet regarding the problem, their response was for me to trade in my car and make it someone else's problem. The dealership told me that it could be one of two things, either the passlock system or the ignition switch and both would cost around $700 each to fix. I'm tired of wondering if my car is going to start or if I'm going to be stranded somewhere.

Car security light has come on and then would occasionally be unable to start the car. Turns out the passlock anti theft system is not working correctly and would cost $450 to repair. There should be a way to disable or bypass the system since I could really care less to have an anti theft device for my ignition. Now I either have to dish out the money to the dealership (other mechanics seem unable to repair this of course), or take the risk that the car will not fail to start somewhere with my two little kids in the car.

I purchased my '02 Impala through the corporate leasing company of my father's employer. He had no problems with the car other than the transmission fluid turning black by 85,000 miles. When I got the car in June of '05, it was at 121,000 miles, I drove the car around all day, parked the car for 5 minutes, and when I went to start it, nothing happened. The dash lit up, the radio came on, but the car didn't turn over, not even a clicking sound, indicative of a dead battery. I waited 10 minutes, tried again and it started right up. I went for another month without any problems, however in late July, the car failed to start. Again I waited 10-15 minutes, and it started right up. This continued sporadically until October 20, when it took 30 minutes of waiting to get it to crank. I took the car to a local gm dealer, who put it on the machine and advised me that the bcm (body control module) had failed and was sending a signal to the passlock system telling it that my keys were incorrect. The service writer informed me that a new bcm installed would run about $500. 00, and the service tech advised that this has become a common failure in both the Impala and the malibu, which gm has yet to recall. The technician did suggest that a more cost effective option existed with several of the after-market shops, in which a bypass-relay was installed under the dash, to block the erroneous signals from the bcm, which will allow the vehicle to operate normally. The cost for this bypass is about $55. 00 and takes approximately an hour to install. The only problem with this solution, is it blocks the key recognition feature of the passlock system, which will make it easier to steal, if someone can start it without damaging the key ignition. I think it is necessary for gm to understand that a vehicle's failure to start due to faulty component in the anti-theft system is a very serious concern which needs to addressed.