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Natalie
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Join Date: Nov 2018
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2002 Chevy Cavalier Won't Start After Replacing Spark Plugs

11/04/2018 11:03 AM

My 2002 Chevy cavalier LS 4 cylinder had a check engine light come on and it was misfiring so I took it to AutoZone to have the code read and it said basically that I needed to replace spark plugs and 4 so I went ahead and replaced all of the spark plugs and wires one at a time so I know the order is correct. Now the car won't start...it cranks but won't turn over. I checked to make sure I was getting a spark, I checked to make sure the fuel pump is running, I don't know what else to do I don't know much about cars so if anyone has any idea of what the problem is please help!!!!
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SolarEagle
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#1

Re: 2002 Chevy cavalier won't start after replacing spark plugs

11/04/2018 11:22 AM

It could be any number of things, that's why you need to troubleshoot the problem....

https://easyautodiagnostics.com/gm/2.2L/how-to-test-the-ignition-coil-pack-1

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-t2089_ds757508

https://www.autozone.com/repairguides/Cavalier-Sunfire-2001-2005/Firing-Orders/Firing-Orders/_/P-0996b43f80cb3add

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=troubleshooting+ignition+2002+cavalier

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lyn
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#2

Re: 2002 Chevy cavalier won't start after replacing spark plugs

11/04/2018 12:51 PM

Read this and try it.

I replaced the spark plugs in my 2004 chevy colorado. now ...

Recheck everything. Note the final cause (in this case) was wiring.
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Tornado
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#3

Re: 2002 Chevy cavalier won't start after replacing spark plugs

11/04/2018 2:32 PM

Maybe you should have replaced everything else instead of the spark plugs....

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Doorman
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#4

Re: 2002 Chevy cavalier won't start after replacing spark plugs

11/04/2018 3:21 PM

You said “...it said basically that I needed to replace spark plugs...”

Basically? Can you tell us all of the codes that were thrown, please?

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SolarEagle
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#5

Re: 2002 Chevy cavalier won't start after replacing spark plugs

11/04/2018 3:39 PM

Could be the timing chain out of sync....

"Sounds like it could be a timing chain issue. Was it making a ticking noise on passenger side of valve cover in the days or weeks prior to it going dead? If so possible the timing chain tensioner failed and it has jumped time."

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-t2089_ds591203

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SolarEagle
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#6
In reply to #5

Re: 2002 Chevy cavalier won't start after replacing spark plugs

11/04/2018 4:06 PM

..At some point you may want to consider just scrapping the car you have now and buying another one...another car minus the scrap money for the broken car = near break even...that's the beauty of driving a beater, it breaks you just get another one...

..."It's fairly easy to determine the value of scrap steel at local recycling yards. Prices of around $150 per ton are common, so your average car is usually worth around $300 to a scrapyard."...

Used 2004 chevy cavalier for sale

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JWthetech
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#7

Re: 2002 Chevy cavalier won't start after replacing spark plugs

11/04/2018 7:42 PM

Why did you come to an engineering site for help with your car? There are several Cavalier forums specific to that model. These are folks who know the car and all of its quirks. We have some very smart people, but they for the most part are not expert in that vehicle. Some even disparage it.
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tonyhemet
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#8

Re: 2002 Chevy Cavalier Won't Start After Replacing Spark Plugs

11/04/2018 11:31 PM

According to Edmunds dot com.used car values, your car is worth $58.00 on the low side to 270.00 on.the high side.
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setlock77
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#9

Re: 2002 Chevy Cavalier Won't Start After Replacing Spark Plugs

11/05/2018 6:19 AM

well if it ran before you messed with it, i would have to say that you have the wires on the wrong plugs.

the worse case senerio which is a bit far fetched is that the timing belt was about to take a crap and did.

i think it is time to bring to a shop.
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Jose1
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Join Date: May 2017
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#10

Re: 2002 Chevy Cavalier Won't Start After Replacing Spark Plugs

11/05/2018 9:06 AM

Spark plug connector(s) are not tight (insert) enough; double check them.
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Kilowatt0
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#11

Re: 2002 Chevy Cavalier Won't Start After Replacing Spark Plugs

11/09/2018 11:23 AM

Did you check the gap on the spark plugs you replaced, or just put them in straight from the box?

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setlock77
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#12
In reply to #11

Re: 2002 Chevy Cavalier Won't Start After Replacing Spark Plugs

11/09/2018 1:55 PM

with the power of electronic ignition, this is not a big deal, unless they are shorted out.
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Anonymous Poster #1
#13

Re: 2002 Chevy Cavalier Won't Start After Replacing Spark Plugs

11/12/2018 12:18 PM

Try this.
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Users who posted comments:

Anonymous Poster (1); Doorman (1); Jose1 (1); JWthetech (1); Kilowatt0 (1); lyn (1); setlock77 (2); SolarEagle (3); tonyhemet (1); Tornado (1)

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