Hey guys, 2000 Impala LS 230,000 miles, 3800 and the SVS light is on the dash screen in the corner. Also, my headlights are on all the time even in full sun. I used to be able to pull the light switch out to parking only to turn off the headlights while I warmed it up when it was fully dark. Now the headlights are on continuously. I tapped on the light sensor on the dash a little, pulled the battery for about 30 minutes and it is still the same. I heard the BCM (body control module) are trouble prone and this could be the problem? I also read that this is a dealer only code read and therefore at least $100 or so I'm guessing just to identify the problem. Anyone ever have this and fixed it yourself? The rest of the car runs and drives fine. Thanks...
"00 Impala LS "Service Vehicle Soon" light on
- Thread starter Tzu
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Did you scan for codes?
I'd have Autozone pull the codes if you don't have a scanner.
No I didn't. It just happened this morning. I looked at the temp screen near the sun visor and could barely see it. That's when I knew the lights were on driving home in full sun. The check engine light is off, but the SVS notice light is on.
I had a 2001 impala ls, bcm caused all sorts of issues for many years until finally replacing it.
Bcm caused:
-Loss of cruise control.
-Power doors locks would shutter lock unlocked 1k times a second randomly while driving.
-Truck would pop open randomly
-Car thought it was being stolen and would disable engine (pop hood, disconnect and reconnect battery).
So while I'm pretty sure it might be bcm related for you I would get codes read to be sure. Part is cheap, having dealer flash it is more expensive.
When I replaced the bcm all those issues were resolved
Bcm caused:
-Loss of cruise control.
-Power doors locks would shutter lock unlocked 1k times a second randomly while driving.
-Truck would pop open randomly
-Car thought it was being stolen and would disable engine (pop hood, disconnect and reconnect battery).
So while I'm pretty sure it might be bcm related for you I would get codes read to be sure. Part is cheap, having dealer flash it is more expensive.
When I replaced the bcm all those issues were resolved
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Not all scan tools will read BCM codes, or any other codes that don't involve the engine. Most auto part stores can only reach engine codes. Often the repair shop will need a special scan tool, or a special laptop computer to detect those codes. Maybe a big independent shop has such a code reader, but it will never be cheap to scan for those codes.
I had to have a BCM in my 2003 ION replaced due to electric power steering problems, and my dad needed the same thing in his 2007 Pontiac G6 for electric power steering problems. Mine failed while the warranty was in effect, dad had no warranty left, so he had to spend $500 total in repairs.
One thing that is annoying about those modules is that not all are rebuildable, and in many cases, replacement modules need to be reprogrammed at an extra expense.
I had to have a BCM in my 2003 ION replaced due to electric power steering problems, and my dad needed the same thing in his 2007 Pontiac G6 for electric power steering problems. Mine failed while the warranty was in effect, dad had no warranty left, so he had to spend $500 total in repairs.
One thing that is annoying about those modules is that not all are rebuildable, and in many cases, replacement modules need to be reprogrammed at an extra expense.
Definitely not a dealer only thing. Many independent shops should have a scan tool capable of scanning the BCM. My Snap-On Solus Ultra will read Powertrain, Body, Chassis, ABS, Airbag and others where applicable.
You can do some leg work before relenting and taking it in- start with the usual low hanging fruit... Grounds for sure. After that, pull the connectors off the BCM and look for loose/damaged terminals and/or corrosion. GM had corrosion issues with certain years and models, so it'd be worth looking into. Grounds are uber important on today's autos as the computers use them for all their inputs now to signal transistors when to switch loads off and on.
You can do some leg work before relenting and taking it in- start with the usual low hanging fruit... Grounds for sure. After that, pull the connectors off the BCM and look for loose/damaged terminals and/or corrosion. GM had corrosion issues with certain years and models, so it'd be worth looking into. Grounds are uber important on today's autos as the computers use them for all their inputs now to signal transistors when to switch loads off and on.
Thanks guys for the tips. I'm getting a little tired of working on this car so much recently, but it runs fine so I'm not rushing to get it fixed. The ideas are very helpful.
FIXED!! I had a local guy scan it for free and found out it was a bad ambient light sensor that is on the dash. Found another Impala at a junkyard and they charged me $2.00 for it. Popped dash panel up to switch sensors and everything works great again. It would have been atleast $100 at the dealership to diagnose, so I guess I owe my guy a dozen doughnuts. 
Thanks guys.
Thanks guys.i replaced mine with a 4.7k-ohm resistor years ago, so the lights stay off at all times. (unless of course i turn them on with the switch). i think it costed me 99 cents for a pack of 5 from radio shack
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Originally Posted By: Tzu
FIXED!! I had a local guy scan it for free and found out it was a bad ambient light sensor that is on the dash. Found another Impala at a junkyard and they charged me $2.00 for it. Popped dash panel up to switch sensors and everything works great again. It would have been atleast $100 at the dealership to diagnose, so I guess I owe my guy a dozen doughnuts. Thanks guys.
Yes, you definitely owe him at least that...
Thanks for the update- good to hear you have a simple, cheap resolution.
FIXED!! I had a local guy scan it for free and found out it was a bad ambient light sensor that is on the dash. Found another Impala at a junkyard and they charged me $2.00 for it. Popped dash panel up to switch sensors and everything works great again. It would have been atleast $100 at the dealership to diagnose, so I guess I owe my guy a dozen doughnuts.
Thanks guys.Yes, you definitely owe him at least that...
Thanks for the update- good to hear you have a simple, cheap resolution.
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