Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!

Chevrolet Cavalier

1272830323341

Comments

  • chispaschispas Member Posts: 94
    Transmission problem is likely....

    Let us know ? ....

    A transmission specialist will diagnose it
    VERY quickly....

    (GM's late model automatic transmissions are one of the
    BEST features of Cavaliers.)
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    Do you live in a cold climate? If there is not a serious drop in power throughout your rev range, the "problem" you describe may actually just be the vehicle keeping itself in a lower gear to facilitate a quicker engine warm-up. Most automatics now do this, and its quite noticeable in my 2003 Sentra.. for the first mile or two, when under moderate acceleration, the vehicle almost feels as though its lugging... holding gears to a higher RPM before upshift. Temps have been in the low teens for a few weeks now...

    I'm not saying you definitely DONT have a problem, Im just offering a less harrowing, more optimistic explanation.

    ~alpha
  • chispaschispas Member Posts: 94
    Let's hope you're right, and I think you are...

    If it's really something wrong inside that transmission...

    Probably it's the torque converter...

    Let's hope he lets us know...
  • rae52rae52 Member Posts: 102
    Of ourse your engine is going to "roar" because the transmission is in 2nd gear! Leave it in drive and you'll be happily amazed at how quiet it (the engine) is.

    For the record, I also own a 2002 Cav LS w/4spd auto. It has 17k miles on it
  • lilcityboy87lilcityboy87 Member Posts: 2
    my mother bought a 2002 Cavalier Sport (it has the 16" wheels, cladding, chrome exhaust tip etc...) and it is the 4 speed auto. It has the basic 2.2 (not the ecotec). She had a 94 cav. with the 2.2. Has anything changed between the 2.2 of 1994 and the 2.2 of 2002? I know from the outside it looks different, but is it essentially the same engine? Would it have been a better idea to go with the 2.4 or the ecotec engine? I have the 2.4 with a 5-speed in my Grand Am GT (1997), and absolutely love the engine. Is the ecotec a better engine even though it lacks some of the 2.4's power? PS.. just a word to the wise... if you decide to purchace a Sport model with the optional performance tires... opt for a good set of snow tires on the side.
  • chispaschispas Member Posts: 94
    Pros and cons about different J-body engines can
    be found at :

    http://www.j-body.org/

    It's tedious process to search through all that's
    available at this site.

    My summation : The old cast iron 2.2 engine was
    many times improved, and the last ones in 2002
    are reliable and easier to work on. The more
    powerful engines (with dual o.h. cams are very
    complicated).
  • chispaschispas Member Posts: 94
    I received this in the mail today from GM Protection Plan :

    "Dear Mr. XXXXXX, This may be your last opportunity to protect yourself against the rising
    cost of repairs. Your vehicle's GM Warranty
    may be about to expire, and after that it will be
    too late to consider GM Protection Plan coverage.

    This plan offers extended service coverage protecting you against the potential high cost of
    parts and labor for repairs to your Chevrolet
    Cavalier.....Blah....Blahh."

    I'm not going to, but if I replied, I'd say, "Dear
    Mr. GM, I still have 18 MONTHS of coverage on
    my 2002 Cavalier....So, take your $600 offer and
    CRAM it !"

    GM must be getting DESPERATE to stay ALIVE !!!
  • chispaschispas Member Posts: 94
    Using the GM filter numbers, the PF-47 is recommended for the late Cavaliers with the
    2200 engine and 4 speed automatic.

    It's very difficult to change the filter because
    it seems like the transmission (next to the filter) is too big for the car. Working from
    below is next to impossible.

    Working from above (after removal of some electrics) is still "painful" due to the limited
    space between engine, cooler lines, transmission,
    and "things".

    Some owners have recommended using the longer
    PF-52 filter to make it easier to hold on to the
    filter for installation or removal. (I realize
    the thread and mating surfaces are the same between the PF-47 and PF-52. There's no problem
    there and the PF-52 should provide more filtering
    media.)

    Once, I tried to use the longer filter. I just
    couldn't find enough room to "wiggle" and get
    it in place.

    Anyone who can make the PF-52 work, I applaud you.
    The longer filter definitely would be better.
  • joe3891joe3891 Member Posts: 759
    works great on a 00 Cav LS.
  • 02cavalier02cavalier Member Posts: 20
    I just started using the PF-52 on my 2002 Cavalier (2200 5 speed). Works well, but I can see where the automatics can be a problem.
  • chispaschispas Member Posts: 94
    Was studying what this "stuff" is all about....

    There are lawsuits against GM because sometimes
    it will "sludge"....

    Whew !!!

    Then, I found this site...

    It seems to give an unbiased opinion...

    Just sharing info....

    http://www.penray.com/bulletins/dexcool.htm
  • chispaschispas Member Posts: 94
    http://www.noln.net/features/feature3.html

    Personally, I think GM has made the right choice
    to use Dexcool.

    Maybe some warnings should be given, however.
  • n_vanexel31n_vanexel31 Member Posts: 6
    I would like to install an intake on my 2002 cavalier. I bought the car about 3 months ago and the dealer hooked me up with a 75000 mile warranty. I was just wondering if putting an intake on my car would void the warranty. If so, could I just take it off if I ever need to take my car in to be fixed by the dealer. Any input would be helpful. Thanx.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Consumers' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2004 Survey is posted and ready for your input!
  • john232john232 Member Posts: 3
    a couple of months ago I bought two 2004 Cavaliers, one for my 17 year old Daughter and one for me to be used as a "go to work car". I did not expect to buy one for myself but after driving my Daughters for about a week (while I was waiting for her insurance to be activated) I fell in love with the performance and styling, and features this car had for the price. We ordered ours with the exact same options which were the popular PKG which included tilt steering, floor mats, intermittent wipers, mud guards, and AM/FM/CD player, and side moldings. Also I am VERY GLAD I ordered the Auto trans and Sport appearance PKG with 16 inch aluminum wheels, Perf. tires 205/55R16s,and a spoiler with sport suspension, and cruise control.
         Sticker price was 16,685.00 less rebate of 4,250.00 plus my GM employees discount was about another 2,000.00 wich brought the price down to about 10,500.00 plus TTL. This little car looks great.
        The car handles really nice with the 16" tires and the sport suspension. The radio is more than I expected, and the Auto trans is super smooth. What can I say except that I feel like I made out pretty good and after I pay these cars off I will finally get my Vette and keep the Cav for my work car. Later
  • chaz7311chaz7311 Member Posts: 2
    I purchased a 2000 Cavalier LS with 25,000 mi on it. It was a granny car and in excellent shape, anyway in my book it says if you would like to have the RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) give horn feedback when you press the unlock button, to contact the dealer to activate, but i really dont want too go back to my dealer, does anyone know how to turn this horn feedback feature on? I would really like to have it enabled. Thanks in advance.
  • joe3891joe3891 Member Posts: 759
    Far as I know only the dealer can program the BCM which controls the horn feature.I also have a 00 LS and the only time my horn blows is when the RKE locks the car or when I push the panic button.
  • occupant1occupant1 Member Posts: 412
    I guess anyone who is willing to shift for themselves can get a terrific deal on one. $10,700 MSRP, TMV is $10,328 in black in my zip code, and several local dealers are showing them in stock in my color (black, of course).

    I saw two seperate ads in Saturday's Dallas paper advertising SV Coupes for $7995 and every other Chevy ad was $8500-$9000. I wonder if the cars can actually be purchased at that price. I think 2002 models are still selling used at these prices. Maybe the 2-door, 5-speed, used Cavaliers will go further down in price!

    Anyone else around the US find similar deals? I couldn't find a Prices Paid/Buying Experience for the Cavalier so I posted here...
  • joe3891joe3891 Member Posts: 759
    In New England 04 new $8900 but they are coupe and striped, Lutz dropped a lot of the std equipment like ABS and A/C.
  • mitzijmitzij Member Posts: 613
    Read the paperwork for your service contract. It will tell you in the fine print. I think most contracts are voided if aftermarket parts are installed. All the ones I've read void the contract if you install a spoiler on the back end.
  • kmagkmag Member Posts: 98
    I am pretty certain that I have seen ads for 7995 Cavs in the paper recently here in Columbus OH. I do remember the 10700 MSRP. Edmunds does not list AC as an option so I assume it is standard. If so its a great deal.
  • zanderson1977zanderson1977 Member Posts: 4
    I can't tell if you are really talking used or new--the Cav is an old model Either way, avoid the Cavalier. It is so outdated (my wife's 2000 Cav had a 3spd tranny! that's 1980's technology) and plagued with problems. GM is replacing it finally later this year. The engine hp is the only thing the Cav has going for it.
    On the other hand, you can find a 2001 Hyundai Elantra, with a 2.2L 138hp engine, with power everything, for about $8500 depending on mileage (wife has 45k on hers). A new one should only set you back about $14,000 if you catch a good rebate, and their warranty is unbeatable. GM couldn't afford to offer 10 yrs on their powertrains in ANY of their cars, let alone the cheapest, junkiest, most outdated model in their lineup. Even a new Accent would be a better choice, though the Elantra is more comparable in size and power to a 4dr Cavalier.
  • joe3891joe3891 Member Posts: 759
    as I know a 4 sp auto was the only one available in 00 , I have a 2000 Cavy.
    I also have run 3 sp auto about 1/4 million miles, a great trans for its day.
    As for modern technology look how many new cars of all brands that still use rear drum brakes.
    If you buy a Hyundai get an apartment near the dealer ship you will need it.
  • aitchpee44aitchpee44 Member Posts: 16
    Does anybody drive a new Cavalier? I saw somebody driving a brand new one the other day and it looked as nice or nicer than any of it's competitors. Should I wait until the 2005's come out a few months from now? Will there be many changes?
  • zip2zip2 Member Posts: 3
    I bought a 2004 in Mar, this year. Have about 1600 miles on it.
    Get the LS as it has 15 in tires and most of the power options. Also, a better radio ( 6 speakers). Town gas mileage is 22.5 to 23.8, normally. I do have a heavy foot.
    The console rubs my leg a little. So I put the seat back to keep my legs stretched. There is wind noise with the window down.
    It rides better than I expected. The AC is very good, I'm in Florida. The 2005 will be a different car.
    I got $4250 in factory discounts. You might not get that on the 2005's.
  • venus537venus537 Member Posts: 1,443
    the cavalier is due to be replaced by the chevy cobalt for the 2005 model year. styling aside, the cavalier is rather crude compared to most of the competition and the cobalt promises to be a major improvement over the cavalier.
  • joe3891joe3891 Member Posts: 759
    I was looking at the rear end design of the Cobalt in a mag the other day and they have gone back to the Cavalier gen 2 rear like my 94, springs on the swing arms, I thought so much for progress, GM must think we are all stupid.
  • kmagkmag Member Posts: 98
    The suspension is a problem area on the current Cavalier, and all small GM cars I have driven in the past 15 years, except for Saturn. A relativly soft ride is their only virtue. Clunky, noisy and bouncy would be the terms I'd use to describe any of them - my wifes 01 Cavalier, the Cavaliers I test drove in 2000, the 93 Grand Am she had when we started dating, the two Sunfire rentals I had in the early 90s, and the Cavalier rental in 1988.

    In comparison, the other small cars Ive had have been better - my 91 Hyundai Excel, 94 Escort LX and GT. My 02 Saturn has a stiffer ride, but also more controlled handling and much less noise and clunks. Irregardles of the design it uses, the Cobalt should show improvement in this area.
  • joe3891joe3891 Member Posts: 759
    improvement in this area.<< If you believe that you are a dreamer. I know GM better than that, everything they do on the small cars is on the cheap, like going back to and old design. I have owned a 85,92,94, and now a 00 so I know Cavalier, I also do my own work, whatever it happens to be.
  • aitchpee44aitchpee44 Member Posts: 16
    I may wait and check out the Cobalt. There has got to be some improvements over the Cavalier in order to compete with the imports from Japan and Korea.
  • joe3891joe3891 Member Posts: 759
    for the Ion and one writer said we waited 7 yrs for this. MY 94 Cav was a better car than our present 00 Cav so I have low hopes for the Cobalt. The bean counters have more with developing a car than the engineers, cheap, cheap, cheap.
  • jrestjrest Member Posts: 26
    I have a 1998 cavalier and the only problem I have had with it is ALTERNATORS!!! I am on #4. All 3 previously reoplaced by GM dealers. Am moving to the Chevy Equinox.
  • crewchief1949crewchief1949 Member Posts: 2
    great car. has 57000 on it and had a sensor and a wheel bearing replaced. i drive the car in scca events and beat the crap out of it. pretty tough little car. if anyone is planning on racing the z on a road course, use some chains on the rear of the car to compress the springs if you cant afford the lighter springs. helps tremendously in cornering. it keeps the springs under a load without much rebound. incase anyone is wondering, got to 142 mph when i ditched the speed limiter. but that was turning 6000 rpm so i wouldn't do it for to long. only hit 135 until i removed the spoiler and closed off the radiator intake on the bumper.(CAR IS REALLY UNSTABLE AT THOSE HIGH OF SPEEDS ESPECIALLY WITH SPOILER OFF SO IF ATTEMPTING, BE REALLY REALLY CAREFUL) i left the opening at the hood latch and car hit 205 degrees but no hotter.
  • alternatoralternator Member Posts: 629
    My 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier (2.2L) engine (30,000 miles) has a mildly rough idle (like little surges), that comes and goes from hour to hour of operation.

    My dealer changed the fuel filter and then told me that my problem was a leaking valve cover gasket that had allowed oil to foul the plugs, ruin the plug wiring, and ruin the serpentine belt. He proposed to replace the valve cover gasket, replace the plugs, replace the plug wiring, replace the serpentine belt, clean the jets, all to the total of about $600 (I said no thanks).

    I had already replaced the air filter and PCV valve. Only a minute amount of oil seems to have leaked out onto the block (at one corner only). The plugs are nearly new and look normal (no oiling
    or white deposit, and the gaps are okay). There is no oil on the wiring and the serpentine belt appears clean to me. Please give me your best guess of what my problem might actually be.

    Anyone?
  • hoyahenryhoyahenry Member Posts: 399
    O2 sensor?

    When were the plug wires last replaced?

    Alternator checks ok?

    Just some thoughts.
  • joe3891joe3891 Member Posts: 759
    if the plugs are not Delco platinum that is the problem.
  • alternatoralternator Member Posts: 629
    Thanks for suggestions. I tried "fuel injector cleaner" added to the gas and the idle seems improved. If that doesn't do all I want, I will try O2 sensor, EGR valve, etc. one after the other. Plugs are nearly new Bosch Platinums (a brand I've had success with over many years). Alternator is fine. Wires seem fine ---- I've never had to replace plug wiring in any car I've ever owned, including my preceding four Cavaliers.
  • cachin14cachin14 Member Posts: 1
    Does the 2001 Z24 Cavalier have back-up lights. I've never seen them work on mine. My fuses and bulbs are all o.k. The owners manuel lists the taillight panel to have three different bulbs yet when I pull my tail panel off I see only 1 bulb. Any Ideas?
  • joe3891joe3891 Member Posts: 759
    I thought you would say Bosch Platinum that is sure your problem they don't work good in the GM cars. It has to do with plug resistance, its a long story. The j-body forum will tell you about them Bosch in the Cavalier.
  • alternatoralternator Member Posts: 629
    however, it seems strange that I never before have had trouble with using Bosch Platinum plugs in my previous four Cavaliers (about 200,000 miles of use).
  • joe3891joe3891 Member Posts: 759
    few people in the j-body forum claim they have good luck in the gen 3 Cavy with Bosch plugs, 95% say they had to go right back to Delco at about $5-6 each but well worth it to have a good running engine.
  • orangelebaronorangelebaron Member Posts: 435
    I just rented a new Cavalier in Kauai. It was absolutely the worst car I have driven in my life. So pathetically cheap. It is beyond me why anyone here would even consider one. The handling and steering were numb.
    The floor shift sometimes would not want to go into park. Sometimes the door refused to open. It was like sitting in a hole in the ground. The plastic door handles had rough mold flashing sticking out. There was NO remote for the passenger side mirror. Maybe it was specially stripped for Alamo.

    Worst of all the car was equipped with cheap Goodyear Conquest tires. Not good for twisty roads. The car went out of control skidding on dry pavement and I almost crashed (I wasn't even going fast).

    The next day I brought it back and got a new Ion which was 100% better. The Ion felt like a real car, while the Cavalier felt like... well...I can't use those words here.
  • kmagkmag Member Posts: 98
    My wife's 01 Cav isnt all that bad of a car. I have definately driven worse cars in my life. The Cavalier rentals I had around 92-93 were worse. The Festiva I owned for a year in 93 was worse.

    I like the seat and the seating position, I find the Cavalier seats are more comfortable and you sit higher than in my Saturn SL. Dont like the tires, I think it has the Conquests also. Handling is really not this cars strong point but its not that bad. I think the steering is OK, about average for small cars. The interior quality is about the same as my Saturn-cheap. I had two Escorts and a Mystique before and I think Ford has better interior quality in small cars.

    My Saturn has no remote for the right mirror either. Or the left for that matter. But rentals are often base models, these usually aren't that well equipped, hence the cheap tires and lack of amenities like remote mirrors.

    I look at the Cav as basic transportation, so I guess I dont expect much of it. It does what it does and is what it is. But I'd probably rather have an Ion for a rental.
  • btrflybtrfly Member Posts: 21
    Wow, seems the cavalier has really taken a nosedive since I purchased mine in 1996 (104k miles and nothing but tires/battery!, I hope my brother's 2000 gets the same. But I'm looking for a new car and nothing thrills me. Seems they all have some drawback and that really puzzles me since they've been making cars for so long, why can't they keep the good things? And what's with everything power these days?
      Wish there were more people who posted they liked their 2004 cavs but than again, I didnt' know about this site till I started looking for my new car:)
  • nollocsnollocs Member Posts: 1
    I have a 03 cav, 5sp, 4dr base. It has no options so i don't have abs, or power locks. I did buy a cd player cuz the am/fm radio was just not cutting it. But so far I really like my car. it has 24,000 miles on it and it rides and handles good. I have had it in the shop because my vent control broke. That was 4 months ago, and it is breaking again. They say its a bent rode. Now i have a rattle coming from the front. My dad has worked on older cars and he said the rattle sounds really bad, and i need to get it checked out. So i guess i have to take it to the shop again. . but other then that, its been a good car. I got it for $6000 brand new with 10 miles on it. That was with the gm discount and gm credit car and rebates. So you can get a new cav for about $8000 new with out the creditcard and discount.
  • kdog539kdog539 Member Posts: 1
    I bought an 03 cavalier a year ago and it has been nothing but trouble! I've had it into the shop at least 8 times for various problems. First the light on the rearview mirror broke. Then I had a lot of problems with my back turn signals going out numerous times before they figured out to replace the socket. Now my shifter cable broke and I had to have it towed to the garage. Not a good record for a year old car. Anyone else with similar problems?
  • robcollierrobcollier Member Posts: 1
    I've had my car back to the dealership more times than I can count. First my engine's RPMs would drop below 500 and the car would stall. After one of these episodes the car was hesitant in starting and the engine clangs and bangs really bad. The dealership says they've fixed the problem by reprograming the ECM and yet it keeps coming back. Of course the car won't reproduce the symtems for them. The shifter knob was broke when I bought the car brand new and it took the dealership 18months of half-fixes before they finally ordered a new one. I can't keep my tailights working. (Neither can the dealership). Plus I don't like the body roll-over the car has when turning or on curves. Feels like I'm going to fly out of the window. I wish GM would put a better suspension on it and move the stinking temperature controls where someone can stinking use the cup holders. The car probably wouldn't be so bad if GM could get a hold on their dealership's service departments. 18 months to repair a defective devise is intirely way too long. I used to be die hard chevy fan. Thanks to the service I've received from their service department AND their headquarters, I won't be back in a chevy any time soon.
  • micwebmicweb Member Posts: 1,617
    For what it's worth, when I was researching Cavalier before getting my short lived 2004, I found out that GM updated the entire wiring harness in 2003 or 2004.... you might research this, the other stuff sounds unrelated.
  • xcavalierxcavalier Member Posts: 1
    yes my right turn signal has a short in it and i have to take this car back yet another time. 1st time was the driver side window motor gone bad. my brakes make a rubbing sound also. 16000 miles only a year old. wow!
  • gmoudygmoudy Member Posts: 67
    I have a 1998 Z24 with the Bosch +4 sparkplugs. I have had very good luck with them. The car runs really great and I still get 33 mpg on a rode trip and about 29 mpg around town.
Sign In or Register to comment.