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Chevrolet Cavalier

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  • joe3891joe3891 Member Posts: 759
    You went in for repairs, you were quoted a price, you had the option to refuse and go else where. If the work was done without your ok you have a case.

    There is some truth that all aftermarket converters will not work on all cars, when OBD2 came out they had more sensitive sensors and more of them. OBD2 has pre and post converter O2 sensors, if the converter is not in the proper range for the sensors a O2 sensor check engine light will come on, as the tech was telling you.
  • greypelegreypele Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2002 with the factory stereo, and about a month ago the sound started cutting out (especially when I went over bumps). This happened more and more frequently, usually because of bumps but not by any means always, it will occasionally cut out for no reason. The strange part is that when the sound eventually comes back, it fades back up. Well, I've never done any kind of car or electrical work, but I figured that the problem was from the connections to the head unit. So I followed a wonderful manual by lTeam Forward Motion that outslines dash romovial step by step (oh why do you make it so hard to get to the stereo chevy?).

    To make a long story short, the connections look fine. What else could it be? I haven't found anything on the net about this problem. Any ideas? I must say- visit this site if you ever need to remove the dash, seats, or door pannels.

    Other than that, I love my car. I take a lot of long road trips and haven't had trouble.
  • warrobwarrob Member Posts: 1
    Any body have any idea. Checked vac lines cleaned throttle body. Battery needs jumped because ?repeated starting and stopping while checking. Ran fine until accident. Headlight and bumper repaired. Also checked wiring connectors.
  • z24_cavalierz24_cavalier Member Posts: 2
    Hey all
    Was wondering if the small bottles of Dupli-Color touchup paint are good to use for painting in the Z24 lettering on the trim? Also, what paint preps should be done, and how mant coats are needed?
    Thanks for any info
    Thom
  • lscavalierchiklscavalierchik Member Posts: 3
    I just had the crappy news given to me that to fix my water pump and replace the timing in my LS (I have the 2.4L), it's going to cost me about $1189. There is only one person around where I live in Virginia who would even touch that engine to do it. Is this normal everywhere? I even had one guy practically laugh at me because he said there is no way in heck that he would take that much time to even bother with it. I am pretty thankful though, because my car has around 223,000 miles on it and that is the only thing wrong with it (take that naysayers). I am considering putting it out to pasture when I am able to financially afford a whole new car. Maybe a Cobalt. Haven't heard anything bad about them yet LOL!!!! (key word-yet :) )So anyway, has anyone else had this issue with their Cavalier???
  • joe3891joe3891 Member Posts: 759
    Well the best thing about the 2.4 is it's not made anymore, the pump job for the miles seems about right. Many a 2.4 has been ruined by mistimed cams during pump change. :)
  • alternatoralternator Member Posts: 629
    The Chilton Repair Manual for 1995-2000 Cavaliers does not mention any need for re-timing when replacing the water pump on the 2.4L engine.

    It does call for removing, and later reinstalling, the timing chain "tensioner" --- but that should not effect the timing. Am I missing something here?
  • lscavalierchiklscavalierchik Member Posts: 3
    No, you're not missing anything. My timing chain also needed replacement due to excessive wear and tear on it, not just because I was getting the water pump replaced :)
  • joe3891joe3891 Member Posts: 759
    Even without removing the chain it can get out of time, there is a tool to lock the cams, not many DIY have the tool. Do a google and you will see what I mean. :)
  • astrocreepastrocreep Member Posts: 1
    Hi everyone, new to the board (but have been lurking for quite some time).

    I own a '95 Cavalier that has had a new cluster put in (broken speedometer). When I got home, I noticed that the odometer was off by 2,006 miles (higher). Should I just leave it alone or have my GM mechanic have it sent out to be reset?

    Mike

    FYI
    '95 Cavalier (infamous 2.2L, 3 speed LS sedan) bought in December of 2004 with a little over 64,000 on it (now has a little over 67,000mi). Owned by a little old lady in Allentown (original owner). Very well maintained and 4 mechanics have told me that it was a real good deal and is in great shape (I still keep my eye on the head gasket).

    Since owning it, I've had a small hole in muffler soldered, coolant hoses replaced, valve cover gasket replaced, gave it 4 new BF Goodrich Traction tires, new gas filter and as stated above, a new speedometer "cluster". I don't think that's bad for a 10 year old car :) .
  • gregoryvwgregoryvw Member Posts: 9
    I know nothing about Cavaliers other than what I've read on the net today....over the weekend my parents(ages 73 and 80) bought a used 05 Cavalier with 25K on it for a second car... they shopped around some first and were told by a couple of dealers that the 2.2 four cylinder was made by Toyota..after much looking on the net, I can find no information to substantiate that...one of the big reasons they bought it was that they thought it had a Toyota made engine..they've had several Camrys and loved them...Can anyone out there set me straight on this? I know there was a Toyota Cavalier sold in Japan in the late 90's...is there any other connection between GM and Toyota on this car? I'd hate it if my parents misunderstood or were misled....Thanks in advance for any information you can send my way.....
  • rippedcavyrippedcavy Member Posts: 1
    I've have heardthat too, I've also heard that there is a Toyota cavalier too.
  • alternatoralternator Member Posts: 629
    I'm pretty confident that no GM 2.2L Ecotec engines have ever been made by Toyota. But most reviews have been very favorable regarding that engine.

    The following reference seems to indicate that all Cavalier 2.2L Ecotec engines were made in Tonawanda NY :

    http://www.masterliness.com/a/GM.Ecotec.engine.htm

    And the following reference says that "most" Cavaliers were assembled at Yorktown OH plant :

    http://www.masterliness.com/a/Chevrolet.Cavalier.htm

    I do believe however that some right-side steering wheel Cavaliers were assembled around 1996 at a GM/Toyota plant in California - and these were sold in Japan as Toyota Cavaliers (very small quantity)
  • gregoryvwgregoryvw Member Posts: 9
    ..for taking the time to respond and for the links. Today I went to two Chevy dealers, and they both said there was no connection between Toyota and the Ecotec engine. I can find no such connection on the net. My parents, though, were back at their dealer today, and he said, " The 2.4 engine in your Camry is a slightly larger version of the 2.2 that's in the Cavalier. My dad tells me on the phone tonite(they live a ways from me so I haven't seen this myself) that his Camry engine says Ecotec on the valve cover. It's a base model '05 Camry if that would make any difference. I'm pretty confused, and I think my parents are, too, and I do thank you for helping me try to clear this up...I, too, am led to believe that the Ecotec is a respectable engine, but I can't help but be curious about all this Toyota talk...Again, thanks, and any speculation on your part would be welcome....greg
  • alternatoralternator Member Posts: 629
    I don't believe that a Camry has ever been originally equipped with an Ecotec engine.

    Perhaps the name on your dad's engine is a word similar to "Ecotec" ?

    Here's a good photo of a 2003 4-cyl Camry engine :

    http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/images/03camry_se4.jpg

    Doesn't look anything like an Ecotec engine does it?

    Maybe your dad's dealer meant the 2.4 Camry engine is similar in basic design to the 2.2L Ecotec engine? Just a thought.
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,281
    The only 2 GM cars and/or engines that was ever made by Toyota for GM were the Geo/Chevy Prism which was an undercover Toyota Corolla, and the Pontiac Vibe which is the sister to the Toyota Matrix.
  • keddiekeddie Member Posts: 2
    I own a 2004 Cavalier and I would like to know if anyone knows where I can find Fender Skirts for the rear fenders?

    Thank You
  • alternatoralternator Member Posts: 629
    to sell in Japan. See :

    http://www.j-body.org/faq//79/
  • joe3891joe3891 Member Posts: 759
    The engine design is from Opel, a German subsidiary of GM. :)
  • lori133lori133 Member Posts: 1
    So, I just spent the lovely amount of 600 dollars getting my a/c compressor fixed on my '98 Chevrolet Cavalier. Unfortunately, my car is still shaking and stalling when I put it in reverse and even when I drive it. On top of that, the "check engine" light came on today, and the ABS light has been coming on and STAYING on for the past few days. Of course, the dealer told me AFTER he charged me for the a/c compressor, that I'd have to get a tune-up for all of that to go away--is he right? He told me that a new a/c compressor would fix my problems--but he was obviously wrong about that. Should I trust him when he tells me that a 200 dollar tune-up will fix everything? What do I do! And is it safe to even drive with all of these problems?

    Please help!
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    It sounds like the dealer was trying to use Toyotas good name to infuse some reliability(image) into a not too reliable Cavalier. I guess the "Cavalier" name just didn't cut it as far as image is concerned. ;)
  • lscavalierchiklscavalierchik Member Posts: 3
    Please, please, please....FIND A DIFFERENT MECHANIC. If he has misled you so far, what makes you think he won't do it again, especially since you're a woman? My lights came on in my car before too, but went out after I had the oil changed and computer reset. It could just be a simple glitch or it could be something more serious. You might want to try a transmission specialist for the other problems; it may or may not be an issues with the transmission. All in all, it's safe to say that the guy you have now is definitely not someone I would trust from the sounds of it. At least he only charged you 600 for the AC; it probably needed it anyway. You could always take it to a dealer or a more well known place, get a free estimate, then shop around once you know what's wrong with it. Either way, you definitely need to find somewhere else to go with your car. Good luck :)
  • blue01cavalierblue01cavalier Member Posts: 1
    Hey everyone!! I have a 2001 Dark Blue Cavalier and I'm thinking about doing some work to my car. I was wondering if anyone would recommend a place to get a body kit or exhaust and how much the price range is. :)
  • shelby314shelby314 Member Posts: 1
    Once my 1994 is warm and running for 10 -12 miles and I come to a stop it stalls. When I try to start it she fires right up put it in gear it stalls. It does this and shutters.It usually takes an hour or more to get going again until the next complete stop and here we go again. Help!
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    Sorry I'm late to this, but I thought y'all might find this interesting. My wife and I took a trip to England in 1998, and our hosts there took us around the country in a Vauxhall Cavalier. After a day or two, and seeing other Vauxhall Cavaliers and then a Vauxhall Nova, I had to ask my host about it. And sure enough, Vauxhall is the UK subsidiary of GM. They're not the same cars by any stretch (kinda like Holden in Australia), but they use the same names!

    Here's a link with a pic if you're interested in seeing what one looks like ...

    http://www.answers.com/topic/vauxhall-cavalier

    Meade
  • joe3891joe3891 Member Posts: 759
    TCC solenoid, the side cover has to come off. Did the trans. get regular oil and filter changes at least every 30K? :)
  • buster8buster8 Member Posts: 1
    I have an oppurtunity, I think, to buy a 2000 Z24 with about 75000 mi.
    What is a good price and is the car reliable with this many miles on it.
    Thanks for the in put.
  • gabitzagabitza Member Posts: 1
    Hi all,

    I am a newby to this forum and have no much knowledge about cars. I'm planning to buy a 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier VLX, 6600Km, auto, sunroof, a/c, am/fm stereo, CD, all power. The person who is selling it asks for $13K (CAN). Do you think it is a good deal? I didn't see the car yet.

    Also, what kind of things should I check when going for a drive test of the car? What kind of problems I may face at the long run with this type of car? How good is on gas.

    your help is greatly apreciated! Thank you!

    Gabby
  • supergrasssupergrass Member Posts: 3
    I own a '97 Cavalier LS (2.4L), and recently the oil pressure light (the oil can thingy) has started coming on after the following conditions have been met:

    a) After I've been driving (highway driving) for at least 30 minutes. Usual speed is 75 MPH or so.
    b) I slow down to about 10-15 MPH or lower. The oil pressure light will remain on until I start moving forward again, at which time it will turn off.
    c) I suspect it may be somewhat influenced by the weather -- I see it more often in hot, humid weather than at more regular temperatures.

    Any idea what the problem might be? If it's going to be an expensive repair I may have to just sell the ol' car, as I've been looking at buying a new one anyway. :) Thanks in advance.
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    Stupid question, but someone had to ask it ...

    Have you checked your oil?

    Meade
  • supergrasssupergrass Member Posts: 3
    Yeah, the oil level is fine...should have mentioned that. :) I had to add a little bit but it wasn't below the "add 1 quart" on the dipstick or anything, and I haven't had to do anything since then, but the problem keeps popping up.
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    Well, don't call the coroner just yet. It could be something as simple as a faulty sensor or sending unit. Find a mechanic who'll give you a free estimate before you unload an otherwise healthy car!

    (Then again, if you're looking for reasons to tell your wife you need a new car ...)

    Meade
  • fetchdixon221fetchdixon221 Member Posts: 2
    I've owned my 1998 cavalier for a little over a year and I've had a few problems with it that I was wondering if anyone else has had. For starters, the ABS light has been a problem since I got it. The light comes on sometimes (sometimes it doesn't) and recently the brakes gave me some troubles (it's in the shop right now). Also, within the past few months, the horn has stopped working and I can't find anything in the manual about how to fix a broken horn. It's not a fuse...any idea what it could be and how I could fix it? Thanks!
  • kypkyp Member Posts: 1
    hi, I'm a newer of this forum, but I have a question to ask. I have a 99 cavalier 2-door coupe, it runs well. but recently, after I start it in the morning, the engine vibration is a little bit tough, and also the engine noise is a little bit loud, I can see the vibration of steering. But after I drive it for a while, the vibration and noise disappear, even when the car is idle. what is the problem? Thanks a lot!!!
  • joe3891joe3891 Member Posts: 759
    I would bet it's the horn, it's in a lousy spot. :)
  • fetchdixon221fetchdixon221 Member Posts: 2
    Can you tell me wexactly where the horn is?
  • alternatoralternator Member Posts: 629
    Service Manual shows horn mounted on impact bar (behind bumper cover) on passenger side
  • joe3891joe3891 Member Posts: 759
    Alternator got it right. :)
  • carlos83carlos83 Member Posts: 2
    My cavalier 98 has given me much trouble: the water pump broke, the transmision failed, the alternator failed, the ABS light is constantly on, the horn failed, the gas pump makes a hissing sound when tank is under half full, etc (over 1000$ spent on repairs).. Lately, the trouble is that the engine stalls, or rattles roughly, when the car is on idle (or on "park"-or when not accelerating, or stopping) and when it stops after some rattling, it will have trouble starting again(will only start if I step on the gas pedal). The car will run fine as long as I am stepping on the accelerator. I can predict when the problem will arise because the temperature needle will suddenly drop (from 3/4 to 1/4) while running. The problem is spontaneously resolved for 3 days or so and then returns, mostly after a day of long driving. Need help on possible causes of trouble: Thanks.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Hi Carlos - you might also want to post this in our Idle or Stalling Problems discussion while you are waiting for an answer here.
  • longo32longo32 Member Posts: 81
    My Grandson just bought his first car, a used 1993 cavalier 4 door sedan with the Auto/air and power locks. It is the last of the boxy designs of the early 90's and still looks great, I have been quietly collecting items for it that will make his 'first car' look a little nicer in the high school parking lot.
    I have also uncovered a list of perpetual problems that other Cavy owners complain about in those 91 to 94 years. Head gaskets, rusty lower doors, a/t problems with the TCC valve and the ignition switch failures.
    Still, these old beaters' seem have a loyal following and people hate to give them up for the new Jelly Bean styles that everyone else is driving.
    His car also has the bad cylinder lock that makes inserting the key, a frustrating, wiggling, stabbing, routine to get it to turn on.
    As it seems the maintence has become my department, I need to hear from someone who has changed these cylinder locks out and walk me through the process. The locks themselves are over $200.00, the relay switch on the back is $50.00 and the garage wants $125 to do the R&R.
    Anyone have any thoughts on how to soften this up a little, that's a lot of lawns to cut for him.
  • 4everchevy4everchevy Member Posts: 4
    My ABS light was on for quite a while and it felt like my car wasn't going to stop, come to find out I had to replace the entire ABS unit. I ended up buying it from an online salvage store for about $60. Otherwise, the part is $300 new before labor or you can have yours rebuilt for $125 but you are without your car for 7 to 10 days.
  • k4everk4ever Member Posts: 1
    I just changed the original stereo of my 2001 cavalier with a new sony xplod. Everythings allright except for 2 things : First, the alert sound that chimes when you leave the lights on or your keys on the car while opening the door ... and second, the odometer light ( the one that shows the mileage ).
    For the first problem I found the cause ... the device that actually makes the sound is located inside the original stereo box and when I putted it back .. the alert came again .. I guess Im gonna have to buy that specific part and plug it in.
    Now for the second problem .... I really dont know what happened .... I took it to this place ( a car stereo warehouse ) to have the job done .. but I think they messed up something .. maybe a cable, a bulb .. I really dont know.
    They say its not their fault because putting a new stereo or speakers has nothing to do with the lights on the main panel or on the lights of the odometer in this case ... they say theres no way its their fault ... but I know the problem started when I went to those guys ...
    I just want to know if anyone has had any similar problems and that knows the possible causes .... in that way I will go back to the store and tell them what really is going so they can help me.
    Thanks.
  • krismkrism Member Posts: 11
    Its probably the fault of their, or whomever did the radio install, since 2000 GM used what they call class 2 wiring in the j cars. What this does it integrates the cars main computer (PCM), body control module (BCM), Instrument panel/gauge cluster/driver info center, and the RADIO onto a common serial data bus.

    The radio in your car had a few more wires then the radios in other cars. Usually u have power wire, ground and 8 speaker wires, +anthena. Your car has a few more that connect directly with the instrument cluster. If a wrong wire got hooked up to where its not supposed to be, it would definately fry something on the cluster. The only fix for the odometer backlight is to replace the cluster. No bulbs there, just led's.
  • woobegonewoobegone Member Posts: 21
    Well, I am VERY happy with my 2000 Z24 convertible. Have had no mech. problems and only had to replace a fuel tank seal. Bought it 5/03 with 27,891 miles and now have 58,500 on it. Got it because my son wanted a Sunfire or Cavalier cnv because I then had a 96 Sunfire cnv which was a blast to drive (5-speed). He couldn't afford the insurance on a 2000 anything, so I gave him the Sunfire and I bought the Cavalier. (He has 125K on the Sunfire with only a replaced waterpump and it's still going strong.) I think the 2.4 engine is great -- 150 hp and it flatout moves! Lots of admiring looks and complements for my silver Cavalier. And with gas @ $3/gal. it's really nice to get 30 to 34 mpg and still look COOL! I'm only saddened because GM stopped making the cnv after 2000, so when I finally have to get something new, it will probably be way more expensive, like a used BMW or Saab cnv. :D
  • 03caviracing03caviracing Member Posts: 1
    Hello all the Cavalier owners out here. I bought my 03 Cavalier and it came with 8000 miles. I bought it for 8 grand, not to bad. A little 5 speed. I recently jus got my muffler put on and I do gotta say that it sounds good. I plan on doing the whole chip to get rid of the limiter and go a little faster then 108. Also I recently purchased rims and its looking alot better. In the next couple of months i do plan to get a turbo kit for my car and get the horse power over 155. I also have a cold air intake in there and upgrading to a short ram Weapon R Dragon shotram intake. I plan to do alot more to it but first i gotta have the money. I alreay replaced all of the stock speakers and put in brand knew alpines in the front and back. Got the cd player installed and the whole sub amp and copasotor thing going. So I got the whole works goin good. Well no mechanical problems so far and i do take alot of care in the car. But thats all for now.
  • pooh2pooh2 Member Posts: 2
    My alternator went out last night. Went to remove it and I can't get it out without loosening up the serpentine belt. I'm not sure how to loosen that belt. Anyone fill me in on the magic bolt. I would appreciate it. thanks Mike
  • alternatoralternator Member Posts: 629
    The belt tensioner is automatic (does not have any bolt you can loosen to relieve the tension).

    To remove alternator, disconnect negative cable at battery, with 15mm socket rotate tensioner pulley clockwise while you force belt off of alternator pulley, disconnect regulator connector and battery B+ cable from alternator, then remove mounting bolts from alternator. Reverse this order to install new alternator.
  • pooh2pooh2 Member Posts: 2
    Thanks, I'll give it a try.
  • alternatoralternator Member Posts: 629
    The Chilton manual for your Cav says turn tensioner pulley clockwise, but an accompanying sketch seems to show that counterclockwise is called for !

    In any case, turn it in whichever way removes some of the tension on the belt ---- comprende? Good luck.
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