# 2008 Chevy Impala accelerator pedal sensor

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-chevy-impala-accelerator-pedal-sensor/87140>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** sensors\
**Created:** [September 13, 2014, 11:27am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-chevy-impala-accelerator-pedal-sensor/87140 "2014-09-13T11:27:19Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![ingridindc](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/d07c76/32.png) [@ingridindc](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ingridindc)\
**Post date:** [September 13, 2014, 11:27am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-chevy-impala-accelerator-pedal-sensor/87140/1 "2014-09-13T11:27:19Z")

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Our engine light was on, then a message “monitor tire service” (that’s paraphrased). One tire was a little soft. The technician who filled it said the problem might be in the sensor, and even if not, it might take a while to clear the message. Well, the message did not clear, and on the way home the car was running uneven and a little jerky at times. We went to our mechanic who (using a hand-held computer) told us we need a new sensor for the accelerator, BUT that he didn’t have the equipment so we had to go to a dealer.

Now, looking for a dealer, and info, my husband stumbled on several Youtube videos showing how to replace the part yourself. The pedal and remote sensor are a unit, and they unplug and unbolt in \<5 minutes. These people all went to AutoZone and bought the part for $72. And they say it self-programs when you plug it in. (The dealers want between $300 and $600 for the part, labor and programming.)

So the question: Is the programming necessary? Is it safe to just put the part in yourself? AND, if safe, how about getting a used one? (There’s a great pick-your-own place near here.)

The other thing I wonder about, one of the service mechanics at a dealership said they should do an analysis to make sure what the problem really is. So, are they saying the code our mechanic got was not enough? Do they make a better analysis, or is this just to scare people?

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**Author:** ![MY\_2\_CENTS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/22d042/32.png) [@MY\_2\_CENTS](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MY_2_CENTS)\
**Post date:** [September 14, 2014, 3:51am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-chevy-impala-accelerator-pedal-sensor/87140/2 "2014-09-14T03:51:26Z")

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I definitely wouldn’t buy a used one. This part is too critical. $72 is not that much.

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**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\
**Post date:** [September 14, 2014, 3:55am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-chevy-impala-accelerator-pedal-sensor/87140/3 "2014-09-14T03:55:04Z")

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That $72 pedal assembly is probably a Dorman cheap chinese part

If it works, great

I’m really hesitant to recommend such cheap parts. I’ve had spotty luck with them over the years

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**Author:** ![MY\_2\_CENTS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/22d042/32.png) [@MY\_2\_CENTS](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MY_2_CENTS)\
**Post date:** [September 14, 2014, 4:57am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-chevy-impala-accelerator-pedal-sensor/87140/4 "2014-09-14T04:57:58Z")

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Autozone lists “Duralast” brand, whatever that is. Rock Auto lists only Airtex/Wells and Standard Motor Products, both at just over $60 a pop.

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**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\
**Post date:** [September 14, 2014, 5:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-chevy-impala-accelerator-pedal-sensor/87140/5 "2014-09-14T05:16:15Z")

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What is the price for an OEM part from the dealer? Even if it’s $100 or so, that’s a lot better than dealer installation.