Engine start problems

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Wont start! SolvedSolved

Chevrolet Cavalier 2004  250000 miles
2004 cavalier wont start! The battery is fairly new have had no other problems up until 2 days ago, put the key in the ignition and all I get is a clicking noise
Red Baron from United States 7 years ago  
RE
Rank 1
17 reports 
Solved
Best answer (according to Red Baron)
Red Baron from United States 7 years ago
Thank you for your help. I did check the battery cable and there was alittle corrosion on it, the cable has a broken wire inside and also was loose, I hate those batteries that mount on the side, they are nothing but trouble! Thank again
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Stells after warmed up SolvedSolved

Chevrolet Cavalier 1998 2 dr. 2.2 liter 217000 miles
Start the car up when it's cold and runs fine. Gets up to operating temperature and stalls. Tried starting turns over but won't run. Let it cool down for a half an hour will run after starting. Checked coil packs when cold there's spark. Check them after the car stalls out no spark. Replaced coil packs does the same thing. What could it be. It gets fuel cause you can hear the fuel pump running when you turn the key. Any insight would be appreciated. Thank you.
Mook from United States 7 years ago  
MO
Rank 2
7 reports 
Solved
Best answer (according to Mook)
Mook from United States 7 years ago
If anyone out there has this problem. Check for spark if there's no spark then check again after it cools down. If there is spark after cooldown it's the ignition control module behind the coil packs which are mounted onto.
Comment

Accelerating and power loss

Chevrolet Cavalier 1997  200000 miles
Hi everyone, I have an automatic Cavalier 97 2.2 engine and my problem is that, when driving over 40 mph, the car starts having an accelerating failure: revolutions reach and go over 3000 per minute but the vehicle won't develop that speed. I need to reduce the speed until revolutions come back to normal, but again when I want to drive over 40 mph, the false acceleration appears. I've been told the cause of my problem can either be the gearbox or that the injectors are stuck or dirty. When the car loses power or it won't change gears, I need to stop the engine and start it again for it to work properly. Does anyone have an idea what can be happening to my car? Thanks.
fredric from United States 8 years ago  
FR
4 reports 
VIOLETTA from United States 8 years ago
It must be a gearbox failure. In order to check whether it is this or not, you should tune the car up, change the oil and the filter. You need to check the oil's color and if there are some little metal pieces coming along with it. If it is a soft red or slightly dark, there is no problem with it, it only needs to be tuned. But if it really dark or brownish and with the metal pieces I mentioned previously, it means your vehicle needs to be repaired and the transmission changed. Hope it helps!
Matthew from United States 8 years ago
This occurred to me and it was the TPS.
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Car won't start

Chevrolet Cavalier 1996 2.2l 180000 miles
I've change the battery and starter in the car still won't kick on so I replaced the starter again and the solenoid and it won't kick on but it will kick on with a screwdriver I help I need my car
Babyg from United States 6 years ago  
BA
3 reports 
Danno from United States 4 years ago
Check your fuse box under the dash on drivers side & the fuse box under the hood, for an ignition related fuse that's blown.
Inkman66 from Canada 2 years ago
Sounds like a fuse issue, (especially if it will crank with a screwdriver at the solenoid). Consult the owners manual as there is more than one fuse related to the ignition system. If the starter was recently replaced, have you ensured the wire contact lugs were clean and free from corrosion before attaching to the starter? Due to the starter location, these contact lugs are especially susceptible to corrosion. My guess is that you just need to replace the ignition fuse.
Abel from United States 9 months ago
Same also I have tested all fuel injectors new spark plugs and new fuel pump
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T/C light and gears

Chevrolet Cavalier 2003  80000 miles
My problem started after the car overheated, the cylinder head cracked because of the heat and it needed to be replaced. At the same time, the transmission oil was changed. The T/C light started turning on and, when it does so, every time I change the gears, they seem to generate a kick in the engine. It is not the only case but, every time I turn on the air conditioning, this failure takes place. If I am driving and the T/C light is off, then there is no gear failure either. The starter light sometimes turns on by itself as well. Something else: when the car stops moving, the air conditioning stops cooling too. Two sensors have been changed and a tuning was made, but the problems are still with me. Any recommendations?
frances99 from United States 9 years ago  
FR
5 reports 
aubrey from United States 8 years ago
Check the TPS sensor, located in the throttle body. It is the most probable cause of your problem.
Hugh from United States 8 years ago
I had a car with a 2.2 engine and your same problem and the cause was the damaged TPS sensor.
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Anti-theft blockage and starting problems

Chevrolet Cavalier 1998  155000 miles
I own a Chevalier 98 2.2 engine. In the morning and at night, when it is really cold outside, the anti-theft is blocked and it takes long to start. When you finally do, only the check gages turns on and the fuel and temperature needles stay half of their way. After a while, the dashboard lights turn on and the theft system starts flickering. When cold outside it takes up to 15 minutes for the engine to start, while during the day the car has no driving failures.
arthur from United States 9 years ago  
AR
16 reports 
Ceci from United States 7 years ago
How can I fix this. I have exactly the same problem.
Bozz from United States 6 years ago
There's a code on you tube or way to dial in some pattern on your stereo and it takes the anti theft completely off,looks easy but Lonnie
Anasazigypsy from United States 6 years ago
Me too. Anyone? Did either of find a solution?
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Cranks but No start

Chevrolet Cavalier 2002 LS Sport 2.2L 140000 miles
Drove my car to work one day and drove home. Next morning went to drive it to work again but, wouldn't start. Have replace coil module and spark plugs due to 1,3 having low visible spark. Still no start. Checked timing and appeared to have jumped upper chain 7 teeth. Installed new timing kit and set timing for upper and lower timing chains. Still no start. I'm confused about this. Is there anyone who might know what's going on? Please help. I'm borrowing bosses truck, so really need my car running.
Ace0911 from United States 6 years ago  
AC
1 reply 
Danno from United States 4 years ago
Check the magnet on the crank sensor, I had one break off once, struggled an struggled to figure it out. If you got no signal from the crank sensor, it'll never start.
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Starting

Chevrolet Cavalier 2001  150000 miles
Hello, I have a Cavalier 2001, 2.2 engine and it had some starting failures; it needed to be pumped in order for it to start working. The fuel pump and the damaged battery were changed and now it does not start no matter what you do. It seems as though the battery was disconnected. What can be happening?
Richie from United States 9 years ago  
RI
2 reports 
annie from United States 9 years ago
You should check your battery's connections. It would be advisable to know whether the starter has something to do with your problem, and you can check this by creating a direct link between the battery's positive wire to the solenoid and seeing if it starts or not.
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Wont turn over or start

Chevrolet Cavalier 2002 2.2l coupe 190000 miles
My 02 cavalier died when my roommate was driving. It wasnt getting fuel and no sound from fuelpump. It would turn over not start. I replaced pump checked all fuses and relays all good. Then you would hear pump engage with key on still no start but now there is fuel pressure i have fire but seems fuel not getting to injectors. I could spray parts cleaner and car would run till burn off. Thats first problem.
Ok second problem i opened my door to roll up windows car alarm went crazy now it wont turn over nothing. Light is flashing and there is a clicking under dash that clicks then stops bout 30 sec clicks again. Please help. The guys 2 of them are lost. Im a female i know alot but this no...please n thanks
Tlyn from United States 7 years ago  
TL
6 reports 
Seffy from United States 8 months ago
Any solutions? I've got the same problem
Space from United States 6 months ago
Try disconnecting the ground from the battery overnight. Sounds like a anti theft system issue
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No start after cable came loose driving

Chevrolet Cavalier 2002 Manual  200000 miles
Cable came loose and now car won't start cranks over and no dash lights
Carolyn from United States 9 months ago  
CA
1 report 
Bryan from Canada 8 months ago
Was driving home after taking wife to work and car quit and cranks but no start
Comment

Doesnt wanna start

Chevrolet Cavalier 2004 Sedan 194000 miles
Tried starting my car wont start and kept making flicking sounds. I didnt use it for a week and was just sitting in the cold so i figured i would just need to jumpstart it hut it still didnt work
Simon from United States 2 years ago  
SI
1 reply 
GG23 from United States a year ago
Sometimes a jumpstart won't help and the battery needs to be replaced. If you have another vehicle you can remove the battery from your Chevy and take it to a parts store to have it tested and possibly switched out for a new one.
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Starting problems

Chevrolet Cavalier 2004 cavalier 147000 miles
Replaced starter, tps sensor, plugs, ign mod, coil, fuel filter, ckp sensor, ckd bat, cleaned fuel pressure reg, ckd timing chain. Still wont start almost eith gas pedal to floor help
zuperdave53 from United States 6 years ago  
ZU
1 reply 
Ant$$ from United States 5 years ago
Try your injectors but it may be your ECM cause u know any an everything about these car's
Comment

Stalled, on hiway,all warning lights came on ,won't start, battery ok?

Chevrolet Cavalier 1998 4cyl 180000 miles
Wont start,turn the key, nothing just a click,all warning lights came on , battery,ok
Jimmy from United States 6 years ago  
JI
3 reports 
Meza from United States 5 years ago
Same put new alternator in 2months ago oil light comes on but dont need oil. Before starting problem all dash lights stayed on except blinkers didnt work all asudden went dead. Let set over night still Now battery drained& lights still work but dead battery Just clicks
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Electrical problems

Chevrolet Cavalier 1997 Sedan(2 door),2.2 liter 183642 miles
After i start my car it runs good but when i turn to cut it off it stays running so i pull the ignition fuse out to stop it running,i have put in a new ignition switch in and still does the same. 2nd problem,i have to disconnect my battery every time i stop at a store and home if i dont to that i have totally dead battery. I had the altartor,battery,starter checked all is Good. Pleaseee help.
Barb from United States 6 years ago  
BA
5 reports 
colin hare from United States 6 years ago
I am going through the exact same thing. 1997 cavalier 2.4l please please let me know if you figure it out. !
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Engine starting

Chevrolet Cavalier 1996 2.2 4 cyl  140000 miles
Car will not start unless gas pedal to floor somebody please give me some advice on problem. Thanks.
RYAN from Canada 7 years ago  
RY
2 reports 
Zael from other 6 years ago
Cuando fue la última vez que le cambiaste el filtro de la gasolina? Si ya paso más de un año deberías tenerlo en cuenta
Comment

Car will not start

Chevrolet Cavalier 1998 4 dr 250000 miles
When you turn it over it will start but it dies right away. When you go to try it again it won't start. It has a new useds fuel pump with only a week and a half of minimal driving on it.so at a loss here please help!!!!
Tonya from United States 7 years ago  
TO
4 reports 
Riley from United States 6 years ago
I have the same problem with my 1984 Chevrolet cavalier
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Installed a new car stereo & everything died

Chevrolet Cavalier 2000  120000 miles
I replace the factory radio with another radio and now the car won't start and I have headlights only & no power to the interior of my 2000 chevy cavalier. No dash lights or anything but the headlights. Tries to start then kills itself.
Any suggestions?
FlaGator from United States 8 years ago  
FL
8 reports 
Danno from United States 4 years ago
Disconnect the radio wiring, then double check your fuses all work (with key turned forward) and check both sides of each fuse. Then try starting your car.
Comment

Car just dies

Chevrolet Cavalier 1998  2000000 miles
Just dies while driving then wont start for a bit it will try to start it seemes like no fule is getting to it
steph from United States 6 months ago  
ST
2 reports 

Starting issues

Chevrolet Cavalier 1994 2 door, blue, it's a four banger 100000 miles
I bought a new battery and it still won't start. All I get is clicking sound... Plus the previous owner jury rigged a fuse from the battery to the starter...it may be bad... it doesn't have your ordinary fuse it is almost like a relay...
1
Rico from United States a year ago  
RI

Starting problems

Chevrolet Cavalier 2005 automatic v6 200000 miles
On the way home my 05 just died and now it wont start it has lights
Amanda from United States a year ago  
AM
4 reports 

Car died while driving no start

Chevrolet Cavalier 2002 2.2l Manuel 150000 miles
New fuel pump new plugs new plug wires new coil packs. Will turn over but will not fire. Any suggestions??
Clayton from United States 2 years ago  
CL
2 reports 

Getting fuel but wont start

Chevrolet Cavalier 2001 2.2 85000 miles
It shut off after running low on oil now won't start
Missy from United States 2 years ago  
MI
1 report 

Crank but not start

Chevrolet Cavalier 2005 Sedan 250000 miles
I dont know how to tell if its my timing chain or my coil pack
Mamak from United States 2 years ago  
MA
3 reports 

Crank but not start

Chevrolet Cavalier 2005 Sedan 250000 miles
I can hear it trying to start but it wont turn all the way over i was thinking coil pack but not 100 %
Mamak from United States 2 years ago  
MA
1 report 

Ignition switch

Chevrolet Cavalier 1996 2.4 187624 miles
What is the power output on the signal wire from the ignition switch because it will not clear the theft system light is stay solid red and does not flash
Skippy from United States 2 years ago  
SK
2 reports 

New starter car well not start

Chevrolet Cavalier 2001 2.2 l 200000 miles
I put a new stater in my car. Then i need a jump start. Started up then about 15 min it stole out and now all i here is a clicking noise and it wont start.
godsmack42070 from United States 6 years ago  
GO
2 reports 

Start good warm runs bad

Chevrolet Cavalier 1988 Z24 2.8 litre 195000 miles
Starts fine sounds smooth. The minute it warms up it misses sputters stall dies. Have to double foot it to get it home. Let it cool off rand repeats all over again. I have replace all the sensors two new brains new cool packs new plugs and wires ran injector cleaner through it sea foam through it i'm ready to scream. One day it started acting up like this nothing traumatic happened to the car. Super frustrated. I read on a blog that where the computer is grounded under the coil packs sometimes the harness look like they are connected but here not getting enough connection they were all right. Any suggestions ? Help
88z24 from United States 7 years ago  
88
6 reports 

My light in bottom right Hand corner (I think it's the alternator

Chevrolet Cavalier 2000 Sedan 133690 miles
Had starter replaced within last month. Shortly thereafter trouble starting which turned out to be ground terminal. Now I think it is the alternator light that keeps coming on.
Betty from United States 7 years ago  
BE

2003 Cavalier misfires and idle goes up and down

Chevrolet Cavalier 2003 base automatic 88000 miles
My 03 Cavalier only starts if I hold gas to the floor and let up when fires -Sometimes it idles but most times it's iratic checked spark and it looks like it's going backwards into the coil ?
rollen223 from United States 7 years ago  
RO
2 reports 

Flickering lights and stalling

Chevrolet Cavalier 2002 Chevy Cavalier 4-door 110000 miles
Lights flicker, sometimes the dome light works when the driver door is opened sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes thre is a chime when the headlights are left on, sometimes there isn't. All of this leads me to believe there may be a short? Today the car wouldn't start, then all of a sudden it did start only to stall out a few miles down the road. Prior to stalling all the lights and gages surged. It did start again, got it home. Took off the negative battery cable with it running to check the alternator stayed running. I took the battery out so I can get it checked. Any other ideas?
Chevy 02 from United States 7 years ago  
CH
8 reports 

Won't start when cold

Chevrolet Cavalier 1994  140000 miles
Ran great all summer. Last winter I replaced alternator and battery. It sat for 3 days and the temp dropped beliw 40. Had a tow truck jump, it started, ran great for 1 day. Idrice it with headlights which quickly started dimming. Pilled in lit and it died. Went in to work 3 hours later it started right up dtove home. No start after.
Mike from United States 7 years ago  
MI
8 reports 

Won't start

Chevrolet Cavalier 2003 03 chevy cavalier 2.2 ecotec  127000 miles
Put new headgasket on time it put back together stared missed bad I forgot to put on fuel injection spacer put them on started up ran fine gave some fuel died and never started back got fire got fuel
Derrick from United States 7 years ago  
DE
1 report 

Car will not start

Chevrolet Cavalier 2004 2.2 ecotech 190000 miles
Last Monday I got in my car started it and drive 1.5 miles home. It was very loud pulled in my parking lot parked, and turned key off. Waited bout an hour went out and checked my oil and to my surprise there wasn't any registering. I added 2qts and started it waited 10 minutes for car to warm up and noise starting away. Put it reverse backed 15ft changed to drive and it died. No restart. I have thus far have replaced the:
Ckp sensor
Starter
Fuel filter
Spark plugs
Fuel regulator
Coil above spark plugs. I'm getting spark and if leave foot on pedal a minute I smell gas. I've checked the pressure and it is right. It also turns over. I am stumped
Cobaltlover from United States 8 years ago  
CO
12 reports 
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