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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.)
I'm not saying you definitely DONT have a problem, Im just offering a less harrowing, more optimistic explanation.
~alpha
If it's really something wrong inside that transmission...
Probably it's the torque converter...
Let's hope he lets us know...
For the record, I also own a 2002 Cav LS w/4spd auto. It has 17k miles on it
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).
"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 !!!
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.
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
Personally, I think GM has made the right choice
to use Dexcool.
Maybe some warnings should be given, however.
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
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
When were the plug wires last replaced?
Alternator checks ok?
Just some thoughts.
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.
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.
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:)