2003 Chevy Cavalier Won't Start

Sounds like an immobilizer problem. Does it have one?

I get the same effect when I forget to plug the dongle in to disable it (after e.g. driving another car for a while).

I don't think it has an immobilizer. It doesn't need a special key to start. If the audible theft deterrent is activated, once the key is entered, the car will start.

When you say you've tried jumping it, I assume you mean with jump leads from another car(?).

I assume also that you've done the obvious - i.e. checked the fuses.

Do you get any power to the solenoid when you turn the key?

Have you tried push-starting it (assuming it's not an automatic)?

May be the neutral safety switch which prevents you from starting the engine when not in park or neutral with an automatic trans or with the clutch depressed with a manual trans. The switch is adjustable - check out a Haynes repair manual for instructions. If not the neutral safety switch then it may be the ignition switch is defective and not providing voltage to the starter solenoid (assuming that you have determined that the fuse and starter relay are ok). You can use jumper cables to send voltage directly to the starter motor battery cable terminal to rule out starter motor problems. This bypasses the starter key circuit.

Check that the solenoid is well earthed and also getting 12 volts (on the respective connections!) when the key is turned. If yes, the solenoid (probably part of the starter) is defective.

If not, then start looking at immobilizer and similar problems. (2003, surely has an immobilizer?) Try another ignition key in case the chip in yours is defective.....

If lights dim completely when trying to start, you have a bad connection, probably on the battery.

i had the same problem on my 03 Cavalier and found that having a duplicate made will will let the car start again.

GA. You are correct, that circuit is purple in color. It starts at the ignition switch runs to the neutral safety switch, or the clutch switch, and ends at the starter solenoid. There is a possibility that a fusible link feeding that part of the ignition switch has failed.GM has used two separate fusible links to feed the ignition switch. One for the Ignition circuit, and one for the accessories. (fans, radios etc.) I can't remember which one the starter is on. Checking the purple wire on the starter solenoid should give some good answers. I seem to remember that the only additional relays that were used were for the immobilizer equipped vehicles, with the chips in the key. I do think that a wiring diagram would be a wise investment if the problem has not been found with the information you have sent.

hello bob, the idea of the chip in the key is very much correct but as usual the m.u.f.b.a.r. dept. has another toy to have play with. besides the chip there may or may not be what looks like a 1/2x1/2x about 1-3/8 box that sits on top of the lock's cylinder plug assembly. that is the reciever for the chip that may or may not be visible in the key blade but is covered somewhere in the key head by the fancy hard plastic cover. the idea i guess is to make it this way in order that the interlock chips' resistance can't be read with a meter or take less than the usual hour for the antitherft sytem to allow another attempt at devoding the ignition to occur.

personally i think it looks like g.m. is following the way the multi lock company out of israel set up their high security clik electromagnetic lock system before they sold the patent, apparently that buyer has bought out just about every keyed and electromechanically keyed or carded locking device manufacturing company in the world. i understand but again don't quote me the company was or is based in finland and started out as a company making cement powders.

'da ber

I will add, that based solely upon my experience as a GM tech years ago, that a Cavalier will most likely not have the anti-theft feature.

Generally, GM higher end and sports-type models featured anti-theft.

It's not totally out of the question, but most likely not equipped with this feature.

Also, the mysterious switch mentioned in several posts is, as stated, a fuel pump cutoff switch for Ford models.

As a side note on that subject, I have seen Ford vehicles with this cutoff switch located in several positions on the firewall, from extreme left to extreme right, and a very few (truck) models with this on the frame rail.

Let us know how the Cavalier ends up!

Do forget to check the relays and fuses.

Under the glove box look for a small switch that is suppose to cut off all electric to the system incase it is rolled over. the switch is kind of long like a push up or slide switch.

had that problem once took for ever to find it.

Also check the starter the senlinoid might be dead.

Take the starter off test it.

Good point! They always make those switches hard to find, God knows why?

These are fuel shut off switches. I have only seen them on Ford products. The engine should still crank with this switch tripped.

First thing to check is the starter solenoid - that is what "clicks" when the starter is trying to start but won't. If it doesn't make noise, it isn't working. If it does, then it's deeper into the starter (or other systems). Been that, done there.

I just had mine towed and the Tow guy told me he had the same car with the same issue, I have a 2003 chevy cavalier LS. He took out his flashlight ponted it right under the driver side of the engine and said "yep shifter cable". there ya go, its the shifter cable. Everything in my car works but it wont start and the celenoid wont work because the engine never gets the message to start in the first place. Like i said, everything works and while I was driving I couldn't shift gears or go in reverse, it stayed in drive.

The biggest cause of shift cable failure that I have seen is due to faulty battery ground cables. When you try to start the engine with a poor ground connection, the starter current runs through all the available paths, one of them being the transmission shift cable. Check for voltage drop with the headlights on, and heater fan on high. If in dought, add an additional ground wire from battery to engine casting. Use at least 4 ga wire on a small engine like the Cavilier. Use thicker wire for larger engines, or longer runs.

Now I would like to ask you for a favor. Register. At the very least, sign some name on the bottom fo your post. Thanks.