Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2000 Chevrolet Impala LSFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
3.8L Engines
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Firebird and 2002 Chevrolet Camaro. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Connect scan tool to Data Link Connector (DLC). DLC is located below left side of instrument panel, to right of steering column. If scan tool powers up, go to next step. If scan tool does not power up, perform TEST A: SCAN TOOL DOES NOT POWER UPΒ under SYSTEM TESTS.
- Turn ignition switch to RUN position. Using scan tool, attempt to communicate with Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM), Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) and Powertrain Control Module (PCM). If scan tool communicates with EBCM, IPC and PCM, go to next step. If scan tool does not communicate with EBCM, IPC and PCM, perform TEST B: SCAN TOOL DOES NOT COMMUNICATE WITH CLASS 2 DEVICEΒ under SYSTEM TESTS.
- Attempt to start and idle engine. If engine starts and idles, go to next step. If engine does not start and idle, repair starting and idling concern. See appropriate TROUBLE SHOOTING - NO CODES article in ENGINE PERFORMANCE.
- Using scan tool, select DISPLAY DTCS function for EBCM, IPC and PCM. If scan tool displays any DTCs, go to next step. If scan tool does not display any DTCs, go to step Β 9.
- Using scan tool, select CAPTURED INFO, in order to store PCM DTC information. Go to next step.
- If scan tool does not display any DTCs which begin with a "U", go to next step. If scan tool displays any DTCs which begin with a "U", perform TEST B: SCAN TOOL DOES NOT COMMUNICATE WITH CLASS 2 DEVICEΒ under SYSTEM TESTS.
- If scan tool does not display DTCs P0601, P0602, P0604 or P0606, go to next step. If scan tool displays DTCs P0601, P0602, P0604 or P0606, perform appropriate test procedure. See appropriate SELF-DIAGNOSTICS article in ENGINE PERFORMANCE.
- If scan tool does not display DTCs P0560, P0562, P0563, P0621, P0622, P1637 or P1638, perform appropriate test in accordance with DTC retrieved. See appropriate SELF-DIAGNOSTICS article in ENGINE PERFORMANCE. If scan tool displays DTCs P0560, P0562, P0563, or P1637, repair charging system as necessary. See appropriate GENERATORS & REGULATORS article in STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS.
- If concern is not automatic transmission related, go to next step. If concern is automatic transmission related, perform appropriate diagnostic system check. See appropriate ELECTRONIC CONTROLS article in AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS.
- If concern is not with Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing, go to next step. If concern is with I/M testing, perform inspection/maintenance system check. See appropriate SELF-DIAGNOSTICS article in ENGINE PERFORMANCE.
- Inspect for driveability symptoms, such as hard to start, surges, lack of power, etc. If driveability symptom exists, perform appropriate test. See appropriate TROUBLE SHOOTING - NO CODES article in ENGINE PERFORMANCE. If driveability symptom does not exist, problem is intermittent. See TROUBLE SHOOTINGΒ .
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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