Ignition problems of the 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled without warning and crashed into a snow bank. The vehicle restarted after numerous attempts. A police report was not filed and no injuries were reported. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that there was too much weight on the key. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 116,000.

The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo ss. The contact stated that when at a complete stop, the ignition suddenly locked up; he was able to insert the key but it would not turn. The contact called the dealer about the failure but was told that there were no related recalls and repairs would be at his expense. The vehicle had not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 120,000.

Stop & go driving. Abs warning light comes on, traction control turns off, service traction control warning light comes on, brake pedal vibrates. All lights stay on while driving but reset after ignition turn off/ turn on procedure as described in owners manual. Next day, same lights & warnings. Take vehicle to dealer on 4/05/06. "computer checked system codes p1189, p0135, c1216 in system. Items tested per trouble tree. All items test good. " no charge. Next day, 4/6/06, same warnings! take to dealer again without resetting warnings. No computer system codes showing, but no input signal from right front hub. Dealer replaces right front hub assembly - cost $479. Vehicle seems fine, until about 4/20 when brake pedal vibration comes back and warning lights come on and off. I turned off the traction control system and everything was fine for several days. On 4/25, with the traction system off, the pedal vibration was back and the abs & traction control warning lights came on again. Went back to dealer. Although they told me the computer check show codes of c1222 and c1226, the codes do not show on my invoice. Code c1226 appears on NHTSA technical service bulletin item number 10017271 for my year and make of vehicle. However the service bulletin number 3500 is not know to the dealer as a valid TSB number, and they could not locate any information about it. Dealer "diagnosed and replaced ebtcm, and programmed system" - cost $697. I feel that by replacing the "brain" (ebtcm) and programming it, the dealer and/or the manufacturer may be covering up a potential safety issue with either one or both systems, abs and traction control. I also feel that the dealer put me and my family in a dangerous position by failing to diagnosis any problems on the first visit, and then doing it again by making me feel safe by paying for a replacement part that has nothing to do with either system!.

The vehicle experienced the following: stalled when cold and upon hard acceleration, the key stuck in the ignition, suspension and brake problems(rod kit was installed/no brakes), the transmission had gone out(repaired), the vehicle hesitated and jumped from park gear to drive, and after the ignition repairs, the vehicle stalled and hesitated in shifting to gear. The consumer requested the dealer to repurchase the vehicle, and reimburse for the repair(s), and the rental. Mr scc.

The consumer felt the overall design including the engine, transmission, and the brakes were seriously flawed. The vehicle was properly repaired by the dealer. On two occasions, the ignition had gotten stuck, the engine lost oil, and the dipstick cylinder had loosened. The consumer requested a refund. Gm did not agree with the above comment, and stated the dealer handled the situation properly. (model ss) mr scc.

While traveling and without any indication vehicle stalled, causing loss of power. Consumer coasted to side of road. Dealer has been contacted. Please provide further information.