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geesaman36
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 1

2001 Chevy Cavalier - Starting Problem

03/20/2010 4:53 PM

You can go out and start my vehicle after it sets awhile then go to store shut it off and come back half hour later and you have to crank engine 2 or 3 times to get it to start it does not do this all the time though any ideas i'm leaning to fuel filter or pump?
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standarded
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United States - Member - Member Hobbies - DIY Welding - New Member

Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Southeast US of A
Posts: 555
Good Answers: 50
#1

Re: 2001 chevy cavalier starting prob

03/20/2010 11:06 PM

This is not an all-inclusive list, and it is possible under some circumstances to add or delete items. It is a basic performance testing menu.

Basic testing sequence:

Pre (cold) start attempt:

Check for proper battery voltage

Install fuel pressure gauge

Check for pressure and volume (check spec table in repair manual)

Install engine analyzer

Check for spark at a minimum of two cylinders

Check for injector pulse at a minimum of two cylinders

Pull codes

Check ECM/ECU data stream

Attempt to start: if starts and runs:

During running, recheck:

Fuel pressure/volume

Primary/secondary ignition scope traces

ECM data stream

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wrench
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Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 117
Good Answers: 2
#3
In reply to #1

Re: 2001 chevy cavalier starting prob

03/21/2010 11:09 AM

GA. The only way to quickly determine the cause of no fuel or no spark to the motor is to watch the live data stream. Bob
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Anonymous Poster
#2

Re: 2001 chevy cavalier starting prob

03/21/2010 4:05 AM

Sounds like an intermittent crankshaft sensor.
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Jaguar
Guru

Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Florida
Posts: 940
Good Answers: 28
#4

Re: 2001 Chevy Cavalier - Starting Problem

03/21/2010 9:05 PM

Is it possible the oil pump is weak and it takes a bit of cranking to build pressure with warm oil? In the morning, or after cool down, the oil is a bit thicker (I know viscosity goes down in cool multi-grade oils but we're not looking at flow, just the sealing properties relative to the pump) and the pump works better. How many miles on the engine.

I once came to a very hard stop and lost oil pressure because the pump didn't re prime even though there was plenty of oil. Luckily I had installed a gauge so I knew it was happening. Started it two or three times to see if pressure came up but no luck. That pressure gauge saved me a lot of money.

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toolman1164
Member

Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 7
#5

Re: 2001 Chevy Cavalier - Starting Problem

03/27/2010 1:55 AM

You need to determine if you are not getting gas or a spark during the hard start situation. It could be as simple as the fuel psi is dropping off causing the whole system to be re-primed. Get a friend to help you determine what the engine is lacking during the hard start. Good luck.
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Anonymous Poster
#6

Re: 2001 Chevy Cavalier - Starting Problem

04/05/2010 7:34 AM

When the car is hard to start, loosen the gas cap and take it for a ride if it runs normal , replace the gas cap. Cap not venting causing vapor lock.

(Engine may need tune up).

If still not working. Start with Fuel pressure test first. Fuel filter, Gas pressure regulator on fuel rail may have internal leak. If fuel tests are ok. Test resistance on coil packs should be 80 ohms, and have local auto parts store test the ignition module located under coil packs.

These are some of the possible causes...

Regards,

Tim
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Anonymous Poster
#7

Re: 2001 Chevy Cavalier - Starting Problem

07/16/2010 3:06 PM

I have this same problem. Did you resolve what was causing it?
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