2000 Chevy Cavalier - Electrical Problems

Thank you very much Shadetree. I will have my boyfriend try these things tommorrow, I always fall in love with carpenters never a mechanic ....:) well hope we get her started,

signed puff girl with no power!

always go to the basics first!-->GM loves fusible links; look at the starter for a bad fusible link. Whatever you think: Don't never unless you will!

Hello dodgecavalier you mentioned check engine lights. Have you had them checked?

IF so what were the codes ? that might help .

I have ran into similar probs. with same vehicle and found no problem with fuses but under fuse box in hood area found multiple wires shorted due to one bad fix on the A/C system bye another mechanic.

If you have code numbers from the check engine light please post them it will help.

Often there will be no visible signs of failure such as smoke or flames. A common problem is the battery terminals. They will appear to be OK, but if they're removed you'll find a corrosion layer insulating the battery post from the cable. Clean the posts and cable ends with a wire brush and some baking soda mixed in water to neutralize the corrosion. The car might start right up.

Dude- they are selling brand new cars with 10-yr warranties for $8,900! It's time to consider a newer car...

I would check the fuse able links they should be on the drivers side with a black cover. If these are working check the ignition switch.

The relays in this black put your finger on them you should feel them click when somebody is trying to start the car.

Items to check:

1. Main Accessory Fuse - Located in fuse panel uder hood. Should be labeled.
2. Fuseable Link - Located on starter solenoid main (+) terminal-The Small wire (#12AWG). Check with VOM or apply small amount of pressure by pulling on link. If it is open, the wire (link) will stretch/give.
3. WARNING! IF EITHER OR BOTH OF THESE ARE OPEN, YOU MUST IDENTIFY THE ROOT-CAUSE OF THE FAULT BEFORE RE-APPLYING POWER TO THE SYSTEM. FAILURE TO DO SO CAN AND WILL CAUSE MAJOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM COMPONENT DAMAGE. IF YOU ARE NOT COMPETENT IN TROUBLESHOOTING A DC SYSTEM , HIRE A COMPETENT TECHNICIAN.
4. Easy Things to Look for on Your Own:

• New stereo or other electrical equipment added that exceeds electrical circuit capacity. (too much current draw) VERY COMMON MISTAKE AS HIGH CURRENT AMPLIFIERS REQUIRE A SEPARATE, DEDICATED, PROPERLY FUSED ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT DIRECTLY FROM THE BATTERY AND CANNOT BE ATTACHED TO ANYTHING IN THE FUSE PANEL. AUTOMOBILE FUSE PANEL CIRCUITS ARE NOT DESIGNED NOR CAPABLE OF CARRYING ADDITIONAL CURRENT LOADING. NEVER INCREASE THE SIZE OF AN EXISTING FUSE IN AN AUTOMOTIVE FUSE PANEL.
• Chaffed Wiring. - Check entire car body electrical system)
• Alternator Failure. - Direct short-to-ground failure of the windings and/or regulator. (also caused by excessive loading of electrical system)
• Battery Cell Failure.
• Failed Ignition Switch.
• If So Equipped, The Anti-Theft System.

Hope this helps,

Jim