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Chevrolet Cavalier Electrical System Questions

rl55rl55 Member Posts: 8
I have a 96 chevy Cavalier. The horn went on by itself when no one was in car. I had to disconnect horn from the wire to it. Now the airbag cover where I hit to activate the horn clicks alot. I think the hornpad or relay is bad. Does anyone know anything about this or how to fix it.
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Comments

  • tommy58tommy58 Member Posts: 3
    I have the basic Cavalier, standard shift, etc.. The basic am/fm cd radio.

    The problem, I can't set the clock, never could ! Read the manual and I don't have the button they say I do on my radio.

    Before, the clock was right 1/2 the year here on the East Coast. Today I had a new battery put in and now it's totally not close to the time of day and now never will be :(

    Anyone know how to set the clock on a 2002 Cavalier ???

    Thanks much, tommy
  • iat0110iat0110 Member Posts: 4
    Hi,
    I bought a 2000 Cavalier for my teenage daughter this year. It ran great thus far until Monday morning when she called me at work frantically and stated her car won't start. Needless to say, she missed her school on Monday. Anyway, I helped her to take the battery to the nearest auto shop and had the battery tested out. We brought home a new battery, install it, and the engine starts without a doubt. This morning she realized none of the gauges are working. Anyone know what went wrong?

    Thanks in advance,

    Iat
  • gonogogonogo Member Posts: 879
    A new dash came out in 2000, the panel processor has a glitch, when the battery is disconnected it ceases to function. A fix was installed starting 2001, not backward compatible.
    Try this, turn the ignition key to run, pull the panel fuse for a few seconds and reinstall, panel should come to life.
    Fuse panel is located at end of dash, open drivers door to access. Pull fuse marked [CLSTER].
  • iat0110iat0110 Member Posts: 4
    Thanks buddy. I will try it tonight and report back my finding.
  • iat0110iat0110 Member Posts: 4
    Thanks a bunch gonogo. Your tips fixed the problem.
  • tpdeeltpdeel Member Posts: 2
    My horn is not working. I've checked the fuse in the fuse box located in the panel inside my car, and the fuse looks fine. I cannot find the relay for the horn although a mechanic told me it was under the hood. Where can I find it? Also, I was told to check to see if a wire was loose, but where do I look for that? In the steering wheel? If so, how do I get the front off? I'm ignorant when it comes to cars, so any advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance.
  • hoodlatchhoodlatch Member Posts: 255
    Before you spend alot of time tracking down shorts or grounds, try hot wiring direct from the horn to battery to make sure horn does work. :)
  • tpdeeltpdeel Member Posts: 2
    I finally ended up taking it into the dealer, luckly it was under warranty. They told me that the relay switch was bad, but the horn was fine. Thanks though.
  • hansbhansb Member Posts: 1
    I am experiencing the same problem. I an told that the horn pad consists of tw plates with foam inbetweeen. This foam now has crumbled, causing the spontanious contact.
    My problem now is that I do not know how to disassemble the pad since there is also an airbag. anyone knows?
  • gonogogonogo Member Posts: 879
    Too long to explain here, get Chilton or any book that has the information.
  • pmckennapmckenna Member Posts: 1
    fan not working but when I turn blower on inside of car the radiator fan starts?
  • ricksback3ricksback3 Member Posts: 1
    please help i cant get my dash lights to go out even with the keys removed and head lights out the dash lights stay on ..how do i fix this thanks
  • karen30karen30 Member Posts: 1
    Hello!

    I had a bit of a problem with my 2000 Cavalier this morning, and I was hoping someone could help me.

    I started hearing this noise like really loud radio static coming out of the steering wheel/gauge area this morning. It stopped when I turned on my blinker. I got home, took the blinker fuse out and it stopped. Put a new fuse in, and it started up again. As long as there is no fuse in, it doesn't make that noise.

    Any ideas what could be causing this?
  • kayla7654kayla7654 Member Posts: 2
    I recently bought a 2001 Chevy Cavalier after about 2 months i was having problems with it starting and then the battery dying well it ended up just being a loose groundwire but in this long draw out process i discovered that the thing you plug the computer into to find out what code is setting off my different dash lights doesn't work it won't put anything out...this has happened on two different machines..i am aware that there is a fuse that could cause this to happen (my fuses in my fuse box on the side and the ones under my hood have been checked) what i'm wondering is there anywhere else this fuse could be...and if not and the thing is just broken how much is this going to cost to fix?? Any Help is appreciated thanks in advance! Kayla
  • gonogogonogo Member Posts: 879
    look for the cig fuse, that is power to the diagnostics.
  • kayla7654kayla7654 Member Posts: 2
    Thank you very much good tip i will go ahead and check that out and let you know! Thanks again
  • melissa123melissa123 Member Posts: 1
    I have a used 2001 cavalier, and I have this problem with my stereo, I am guessing that I need an unlock code to calibrate my stereo, is there any way i can do this on my own or do I have to take it to a dealership that specializes in chevs? I took it back to the one I bought it from but they said they cant do anything for me because they dont know anything really about them, idiots I tell you. Any help would be great thanks !
  • sean_isean_i Member Posts: 2
    I drive a 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Z22. When I turn on the headlights the "ext lamp" fuse blows and my dash board and break and signal lights go out. But when the headlights are off and I hit the breaks the same tail lights turn on and the signals will still work. I have replaced all of the bulbs that are effected and the problem still exists. If someone could provide some additional information it would be greatly appreciated.
  • sean_isean_i Member Posts: 2
  • gonogogonogo Member Posts: 879
    Not sure what you have there. Here is a schematic of your wiring out of a Chilton, not sure how accurate it is. Maybe it will help. http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f98/gonogo/scan_r1_1_1_1.jpg
  • grinch2grinch2 Member Posts: 1
    Hello

    My day time driving lights are on half the time,. when I flick the regular headlights on at night , they shut off completely. So I usually drive with just my fog lights on, and my lights signal on my dash flick on and off. I checked the fuses, they are all good.

    Any idea on what the problem could be?

    Any help would be greatly appreciated!
  • muscledieselmusclediesel Member Posts: 1
    I'm wondering if there is a way (like earlier models) to jump terminals at the ALDL connector in order to obtain MFL blink codes? Or is the diagnostic reader a must?
    Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.

    Thanks In Advance,
    David
  • gonogogonogo Member Posts: 879
    Can't jump Cavalier 94 and up, need code reader or scanner.
  • jgallagherjgallagher Member Posts: 1
    i have a 2000 cavalier that has a am/fm/cd stock radio. it reciently quit working, ie no radio, no cd, no clock. as far as i know it isn't a theft lock system. i bought the car new and never had a code for it and it doesn't say it anywhere on the redio. the car has factory alarm system and remote door locks. also the warning chimes for the key, headlights and parking brake no longer work. the chimes play thru the drivers door speaker. i have disassembled the dash and inspected the radio. i have identified all the wires for the 4 speakers, the constant hot power for the memory (its good, the one that turns the lights on with the headlights, and the grounds. BUT i can't locate the wire that provides the power when the key is turned on. Does anyone know which wire this shoule be and what all it runs thru that might be causing it not to power the radio. i have checked every fuse i can find in the fuse box and under the hood, they are all good.
  • gonogogonogo Member Posts: 879
    At drivers side panel the RDO/INTLP is the radio fuse. I would check the fuse with a 12 V test light, couple bucks at walmart.
  • twitchosxtwitchosx Member Posts: 1
    03 Cavalier LS Sport

    I installed my stereo, amp and sub about 2 years ago WITHOUT using the $100 wiring harness. Everything worked fine.. but I had battery drain. Without being able to figure it out, I finally removed the stereo but left the amp and sub plugged in the way they were.. without being plugged into the stereo of course.

    About a year has gone by, and I got some money so I got the $100 wiring harness but got confused so I just took everything to Circuit City and had them do the install. Again, everything worked fine.. until Saturday night. Car was dead. Had it jumped Sunday morning and took it back to CC. I figured I might as well buy a new deck since the old one had some issues.. .so I bought a new deck and had them install that.. asked them to see where the drain was if it wasnt the stereo. The guy said he couldnt find anything and if it was the amp, then I would have to send it back to the manufacturer.

    I figured I might be able to figure this out another way. Talked to a mechanic this morning and asked if he could check out some stuff. Right now the power line from the battery to the amp is disconnected. If I get him to get a voltmeter or whatever and check the draw on the battery with the amp disconnected and then with the am hooked up that should show if there is a big difference in draw correct?

    Anything else I should check? Any ideas? Really frustrating. Thanks,

    CHris
  • gonogogonogo Member Posts: 879
    You got the right idea. I had a chart and it showed the draw in milliamps, don't know if I can find it.
  • paula57paula57 Member Posts: 2
    We have a 2000 Cavalier 2.2 liter, automatic with 39,400 miles. Well cared for.

    We recently returned from a 4500 mile trip without a hitch. Get home, hubby does all necessary maintenance. Take it out for a Sunday drive, cruising at 65 mph, middle lane of the freeway when I hear a strange gurgling/creaking noise coming from drivers side dash area. Car dies!! It starts again and we pull over to have a look-see. Nothing found. Continue on our way. No more problems until I go to an appointment. Dang car just keeps rolling over but won't start until about the 7th time I try. Get home, hubby doesn't believe me until it does it to him too. Take it to the local Chev dealer. Car won't start for them one time only in the 2 days they had it. They said no codes came up so we bring it home. I go out to use it two days later, won't start.

    When I turn the key on, I can tell if it is going to start just by listening for the fuel pump sound. No noise, won't start but it does go through the entire dash cycle. Incidentally, that "gurgle/creak" noise only happened one time.

    Don't know where to go from here. Any suggestions? I really like this little car :confuse:
  • alternatoralternator Member Posts: 629
    I'm not sure I can help but ----- Are you saying that when the Cav does start you can actually hear the fuel pump operating? All Cavs I've owned (6 of them), the motor starts so fast that no fuel pump noise could ever be heard. Also, what does "it goes through the entire dash cycle" mean exactly?
  • gonogogonogo Member Posts: 879
    With no sound from the pump with a no start, the pump circuit needs checked out. There is a relay, plug connector at pump.
    If the pump electrical system checks out then the pump would be the likely cause. Don't throw parts at it, get it checked out.

    What did the dealer say, no pump sound, no code, no problem? If so, not a good dealer.

    I have owned 4 Cavaliers, and never had a pump go.
  • paula57paula57 Member Posts: 2
    When I insert the key into the column, then turn it to the next position (just before actually trying to start the car) there is a fuel pump noise that lasts for maybe 2-3 seconds that can be heard. The motor USED to turn over and start up quickly and I never HAD to listen for the fuel pump so this is just a way we found to see if (or not) the car would start. No sense in grinding away at the starter and battery.

    The dash cycle might not have been a very good way to put it but what I meant is that every warning light flashes and I hear some clicking noises as though the car is going through some kind of a cycle. (Possibly some type of diagnostics?)

    I went out again last night, it didn't start the first time I rolled it over but the headlights came on. I guess the problem is going to have to get worse before it can be diagnosed by Chevrolet.
  • cav_rider666cav_rider666 Member Posts: 8
    Did you take a look at the fuel pump relay? It's located inside the engine fuse compartment and can sometimes be at fault. Its a simple check not sure if it is the problem but it's worth checking out. :)
  • tweety10tweety10 Member Posts: 2
    I have a 97 Cavalier. The A/C goes in and out. I don't know what to do. I know that it iI s not the blower motor or the switch bc those both have recently been changed. Um, I think it maybe an electrically problem but i don't know where to start. Please Help, I need some air...
  • lastbluetigerlastbluetiger Member Posts: 1
    I have a 94 chevy and for some reason the brake lights and the blinker lights just turned off at the same time. Can someone help?
  • novaguy200novaguy200 Member Posts: 12
    Hey all...I have a 96 Chevy Cavalier automatic, and about three montsh ago the check engine light came on a day after I got my oil change. Took it back, they couldn't find anything wrong but said it was an Evap System Leak code, and they reset the system. All was fine for 3 months, and it just came on again. Took it in, same code. They said to do tests woul dbe about $200, then when they find a problem it could be as much as $300 more. He said it's related to emissions, and I probably wouldn't notice any driving symptoms, at least now. I was planning on getting a new car by the end of the,year/early next year...any one have evap system knowledge or experience with a similar problem? Hesitant to pay up to $500 to fix it if it won't really affect performance for 3-4 months...any help is appreciated!
  • 11071107 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 96 cavlier have a new starter ,alternator recently it would not start had it jumped and took it to have battery checked tested bad so got a new battery now all the gauges stay on I had the code reset and they are still on any suggestions?
  • shrekkshrekk Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2001 Cavalier I am trying to replace the alternator. I can not get the belt tensioner to release. I have a serpentine belt tool but can't get it to go on the bolt. I only have about 2 inches to work with so I can't use a socket. Anybody have any advice for me.
  • alternatoralternator Member Posts: 629
    The tensioner is released by turning the tensioner pulley bolt in the CLOCKWISE direction. Can you get an open end wrench on the bolt?
  • bobble60bobble60 Member Posts: 5
    2000 Cavalier 2-dr coupe, I noticed the floor shifter is not illuminated and the digital odometer is not lit at night. Also one or two ares of the instrument cluster seem dark. Any ideas on how to access these lamps?
  • jamn69jamn69 Member Posts: 5
    Not exactly sure on the access of that particular year but you need to remove the guage panels noting which hardware goes where for reinstall. The shifter is quite similar with screws possibly mounted on the sides. Make sure voltage is up if new bulbs are not the complete remedy. :shades:
  • ggantzerggantzer Member Posts: 1
    Hello,

    I am replacing the alternator in my 99 cavalier. I removed the old part fairly easily, but it seems about impossible to get the new one installed. Is there some way to loosen the belt? Should I remove the engine mounted piece?
  • lilgzalilgza Member Posts: 1
    how do i connect them and how many peaces are there
  • jrs54jrs54 Member Posts: 1
    Daughter left lights on all day. Calls AAA for jump start, drives car for 45 minutes, stops and turns engine off. Attempts to re-start car then and there and gets no engine response, but alarms go off, a loud repeating beep, and interior lights blinked on and off. Red warning light on the dash blinked on and off. Lights went out of their own accord in about 10-15 seconds. Attempting to start the car causes the same behavior, as does opening the drivers side door.

    Battery should not be dead after a 45 minute charge. Can the system be re-set?

    Thanks!
  • gonogogonogo Member Posts: 879
    Disconnect the negative battery terminal for a few minutes.
    Sometimes trying to charge a dead battery with the alternator will burn it out.
    Another thing check the battery for charge, the charge is not known at this time.
  • nanahotrodnanahotrod Member Posts: 4
    I just love my Cav. The only problem I have is that there is no warning alarm when key is left in ignition, the door is open, and when headlights are left on. Does anyone know what my problem is? I've checked the fuses. Got stuck today when I forgot to turn off headlights. Please Help. Nanahotrod
  • gonogogonogo Member Posts: 879
    Check the door switch, maybe stuck.
  • bswardbsward Member Posts: 2
  • bswardbsward Member Posts: 2
    this miss's car has some gauges that are acting up. she said when she was driving the other day the spedo and other gauges just shut off, then sprang back into action. as well as the warning lights came on. it sounds like what happens when you turn the key off then back on. but the car never shut off. it s a 2000 chevy cav with a 2.2 anyone have any ideas??
  • lightning5lightning5 Member Posts: 2
    Hi I have a 2005 cavalier 2.2 litre. I have problem with my battery light blinking on the dash board on and off once in awhile. I check my ground wire and clean them. Problem still coming back. I am wondering if it is my alternator. Help?
  • mikeboimikeboi Member Posts: 6
    i want to put blue LED aftermarket fog lights on my 2002 chevy cavalier. does anyone know how to do that? do i just hook it up to my daytime running lights where the BCM module is which is located under the dash? i want it to hook it up so when i start my car and when i turn on my headlights it will go on. i also have an aftermarket pioneer car deck and i got someone to install it for me. i dont kno where they connected the power because i kno cavaliers are a hastle to instal these stupid car decks. would that affect my connection to my aftermarket foglights? thanks!
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