2009 Impala Electronic Problems

The 2009 Chevrolet Impala has one recall on the vehicle, but it has 35 technical service bulletins (TSBs), including electronic problems, according to Edmunds.com. Since the Impala is controlled by electronic systems, its general operation is affected when parts of the computer system aren't functioning.

Fuel Gauge

  • One of the nine TSBs on the 2009 Chevrolet Impala concerns an electronic problem with the fuel gauge. The float arm inside the gas tank affects the operation of the electronic sending unit, which tells the Impala's operator how much fuel is in the tank. The fuel information is incorrect by up to five gallons, which can cause the Impala to run out of gas unexpectedly. The electronic sending unit should be replaced by the dealership to ensure the electronics don't continue to send false information to the fuel gauge.

Automatic Door Locks

  • The 2009 Chevrolet Impala has electronic problems with the automatic door locks. The electronic actuators affect the solenoid, which controls the operation of the automatic door locks, by burning both units out prematurely. This door lock problem causes the Impala to remain locked; the operator can't manually or remotely unlock the vehicle. The front doors of the Impala are affected by the electronic problem. The actuator and solenoid must be replaced to correct this issue.

Passenger Side Airbag

  • The passenger side airbag in the 2009 Chevrolet Impala has a TSB posted on the electrical device that controls the airbag. A connection between the actuator assembly, which engages the airbag during a crash, is coming loose from the electronic controls. The airbag will not deploy during a front-end crash because this loose connection will not inform the airbag to engage. The Impala owner needs to take the car to a dealership to correct the issue.