🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Impala

Years Covered:

2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005

Chassis Code:

GMT800 (W-body)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Full-size sedan

Target Audience:

Owner-operators, independent repair shops, automotive technicians

Key Competitors Era:

Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, Toyota Avalon, Chrysler LHS/300M

Powertrain Options:

V6 and V8 engine options, known for comfort and spaciousness

Value Proposition:

Affordable full-size sedan with a comfortable ride and ample interior space

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Factory Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (likely PDF)

Page Count:

Estimated 2000+ pages (typical for factory service manuals of this era and scope)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, valve train, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (components), exhaust system (components)

Engine Performance:

Ignition system, fuel injection system, emissions control, engine performance diagnostics, troubleshooting

Transmission Drivetrain:

Automatic transmission (4T65-E), overhaul, diagnosis, service, torque converter, drivetrain components, front axle, rear axle (if applicable), driveshafts

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems, hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), parking brake, brake fluid specifications, component replacement, bleeding procedures

Steering Suspension:

Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, bushings), wheel alignment specifications, troubleshooting

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), lighting system, instrument panel, gauges, body control module (BCM), power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horns, body electrical troubleshooting, wiring diagrams

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant handling, compressor, evaporator, condenser, blower motor, climate controls, diagnosis, repair

Body Chassis:

Body construction, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass replacement, body repair procedures, corrosion protection

Safety Restraint System:

Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, restraint system components, diagnostic procedures, safety precautions

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement

Repair:

Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures for major systems (engine, transmission, brakes), component diagnosis and repair

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical system diagnosis using wiring diagrams, engine performance issues

Diagnostics:

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, trouble code (DTC) interpretation, sensor testing, actuator testing

Depth:

Comprehensive factory-level detail, including torque specifications, clearances, diagnostic procedures, and step-by-step repair instructions

Illustrations:

High-resolution illustrations, photos, and diagrams for clarity

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Likely PDF (searchable and printable)

Print Quality:

High resolution, suitable for clear printing of diagrams and text

Binding Type:

N/A (digital format)

Paper Type:

N/A (digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Base:

3.8L V6 (L36/VIN 2) - Naturally Aspirated

Engine Code Optional 1:

3.8L V6 Supercharged (L67/VIN X) - Found in Impala SS models

Engine Code Optional 2:

4.6L V8 (L37/VIN Y) - Northstar V8, found in higher trims and later models

3.8L V6 (L36) Horsepower:

Approximately 200 hp @ 5200 RPM

3.8L V6 (L36) Torque:

Approximately 225 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM

3.8L V6 Supercharged (L67) Horsepower:

Approximately 240 hp @ 5200 RPM

3.8L V6 Supercharged (L67) Torque:

Approximately 280 lb-ft @ 3600 RPM

4.6L V8 (L37) Horsepower:

Approximately 240 hp @ 5200 RPM (may vary slightly by year)

4.6L V8 (L37) Torque:

Approximately 280 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM (may vary slightly by year)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended, higher may be specified for supercharged/V8)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Base:

4-speed automatic overdrive

Transmission Model:

4T65-E

Transmission Options:

No manual transmission options were offered for this generation Impala.

Transmission Control:

Electronic control with adaptive shift logic

Transmission Fluid Spec:

Dexron III (or equivalent, later updated to Dexron VI)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 110.5 inches

Length:

Approximately 201.1 inches

Width:

Approximately 73.0 inches

Height:

Approximately 56.7 inches

Passenger Volume:

Approximately 104.5 cubic feet

Trunk Capacity:

Approximately 18.6 cubic feet

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3500-3800 lbs (depending on engine and options)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

5-star (for most years)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

5-star (for most years)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:

4-star (for most years)

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:

4-star (for most years)

IIHS Front Crash:

Good (for most years)

ABS:

Standard (4-wheel disc brakes on most models)

Traction Control:

Optional on some models, standard on supercharged/V8 variants

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags optional on some models.

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts in all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player or cassette tape. Optional premium sound systems available.

Climate Control:

Manual or optional dual-zone automatic climate control.

Cruise Control:

Standard

Onstar:

Optional on many models, providing telematics and emergency services.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by modern standards. Primarily focused on audio and basic vehicle functions. No integrated Bluetooth or USB ports in the factory systems of this era.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used (consult manual for specifics).

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 miles

Spark Plug Replacement V6:

Around 100,000 miles (typically iridium-tipped plugs)

Transmission Fluid Change:

Recommended around 50,000-100,000 miles, or per manufacturer's severe service schedule.

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 3.8L V6: 5W-30; 4.6L V8: 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity and API service rating, e.g., API SN or higher)

Coolant Spec:

Dex-Cool (GM P/N 12346290) or equivalent orange long-life coolant (50/50 mixture)

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3

Engine Mounts:

Premature failure of engine mounts, leading to vibration and clunking noises.

Intake Manifold Gaskets:

Leaking plastic intake manifold gaskets (especially on earlier L36 3.8L V6 engines) can cause coolant leaks and misfires.

Transmission Problems:

Some 4T65-E transmissions can develop issues like torque converter shudder or solenoid failures. Regular fluid changes are crucial.

Power Steering Leaks:

Leaking power steering hoses or pumps are not uncommon.

Window Regulators:

Weak or failed power window regulators are a frequent complaint.

Suspension Components:

Wear in ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings can lead to steering looseness and noise.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Legacy:

Chevrolet has a long history of producing reliable and popular sedans and family cars in the American market.

Impala Heritage:

The Impala nameplate has a storied history, dating back to the iconic 1950s and 1960s models, evolving through various iterations of American automotive design and engineering.

Generation Context:

This generation (2000-2005) marked a significant return of the Impala nameplate after a hiatus, built on the modern W-body platform.

Platform:

GM W-body platform (GMT800), shared with other GM sedans like Buick Park Avenue, Oldsmobile Aurora, and Pontiac Grand Prix.

Manufacturing Location:

United States (primarily Oshawa, Ontario, Canada and Detroit, Michigan)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Varies by year, often rated average to below average in predicted reliability by sources like Consumer Reports during its production run, particularly regarding specific components.

Value Award:

Often recognized for its affordability and value as a large sedan in its segment.