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Leta
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Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 3

Car Problems

12/17/2013 4:04 PM

I own a 2001 Chevy Cavalier and it starts at times and runs great for awhile, then it won't start..the motor rolls over but won't start..you can go out maybe 3 or 4 days later and it starts right up..What would be causing this problem?
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SolarEagle
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Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: by the beach in Florida
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#1

Re: car problems

12/17/2013 4:07 PM

The starting part or the not starting part......?

Seriously though I would change the ignition switch and spark plugs....

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PWSlack
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United Kingdom - Member - Indeterminate Engineering Fields - Control Engineering - New Member

Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: In the bothy, 7 chains down the line from Dodman's Lane level crossing, in the nation formerly known as Great Britain. Kettle's on.
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#2

Re: car problems

12/17/2013 4:11 PM
  • One cause might be the absence of a Google search on the hundreds of Chevy Cavalier problem-solving websites and a review of them in pursuit of a solution.
  • Another cause might be the absence of a listing on an internet auction site (name withheld) that might cause someone to come along in a few days with some money, swap it for the car, and take the problem away.
  • A third cause might be an unwillingness to have the thing towed to the local breakers to have the problem recycled.
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Leta
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Posts: 3
#3

Re: car problems

12/17/2013 4:15 PM

the fuel pump was tested and the electrical has been tested with nothing wrong with either..
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PWSlack
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#4
In reply to #3

Re: car problems

12/17/2013 4:16 PM

That won't get it recycled, though...

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Fredski
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#9
In reply to #3

Re: car problems

12/17/2013 5:57 PM

I can confirm the pump is fine...
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LongintheTooth
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Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Central Canada
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#5

Re: car problems

12/17/2013 4:49 PM

Days later sounds like water fouling the ignition. a few days the water dries out and you get to run again.

OR NOT.

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Leta
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Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 3
#7
In reply to #5

Re: car problems

12/17/2013 5:44 PM

water problem is what we thought also
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Fredski
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#10
In reply to #7

Re: car problems

12/17/2013 8:25 PM

its not water. its the fantastic electronic design of the ignition system. these cars are EXTREMELY problematic. I hate to see people blow money trying to salvage a poor design. If I had a quick fix I'd offer it. I honestly don't think you can chase this gremlin down yourself. I suggest using a competent mechanic with experience working on these engineering marvels.....best of luck and keep the AAA membership up to date
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redfred
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#6

Re: Car Problems

12/17/2013 5:29 PM

My first choice would be to bring this vehicle to a trusted mechanic. They will be able to test the fuel and spark system of this vehicle to identify what is intermittently failing. Most importantly they will be able to look at the failure codes stored in the ECU.

My next choice would be purchase a code reader or shop manual for this vehicle so I could test these systems myself. If anything baffled me I would consult with a Chevrolet specific forum.

Good Luck

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lyn
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#8

Re: Car Problems

12/17/2013 5:53 PM

Leta, leta, leta,

You are wasting your time here.

None of us own a Cavalier, and wouldn't admit it even if we did.

There are a few bona fide mechanic/members but they can't read your mind and can only give you a list of POSSIBLE causes for the phantom gremlin.

If you don't want to take it to a mechanic, go to some of the forums I have listed below.

You have a demon. When the car's running, nobody will find anything wrong.

Cavalier - Chevrolet Forum - Chevy Enthusiasts Forums

Chevy Cavalier Forum - Chevy Forums

CavFanatic Forums

Google "Cavalier forums" for more torture.

Good luck.
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dj95401
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Location: Saint Helens, Oregon
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#11

Re: Car Problems

12/18/2013 4:42 AM

Let me consult my Crystal ball. Oh yes! I can see it clearly now and ..... it's saying " Pick n Pull" will give about $250.00 running or not.

This comes with the normal disclaimers, We do not endorse any particular company and can only suggest where to look. And subject to change without notice, etc. etc. ....

Could be a number of different things, water in the fuel, dirty fuel pick up strainer, faulty fuel pump, ignition coils, ECM, over heating solenoids, bad cam or crank senor, etc. take your pick. if your bent on fixing this your self, as mention before, you'll need both OBD II CAN reader and a good repair manual that has comprehensive trouble-shooting flow chats

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Andy Germany
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#12

Re: Car Problems

12/18/2013 5:22 AM

C.A.V.A.L.I.E.R.

Causes All Very Annoying Largely Internal Expensive Repairs

C.H.E.V.Y.

Causes Heavy Expenses Virtually Yearly

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rhandwor
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#13

Re: Car Problems

12/18/2013 7:32 AM

Advance Auto and Auto Zone will pull the computer codes free. Get this done and post the codes.
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Brave Sir Robin
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#14

Re: Car Problems

12/18/2013 11:15 AM

If I recall from the four or five dozen threads on this issue, it has to do with the <snicker> theft deterrent system. It will randomly decide it thinks you are trying to steal it and immobilizes the car. It will take some serious digging to find the intermittent cause of this feature.
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lyn
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#15
In reply to #14

Re: Car Problems

12/18/2013 11:18 AM

Anti-theft system problem? '97 Chevy Cavalier?3 answersJun 25, 2013

How to bypass theft system in 99 Chevy Cavalier ...3 answersJan 29, 2013

How to reset the theft system on a 99 chevy cavalier?2 answersAug 24, 2012

Disabling a 2000 Chevy Cavalier's Theft System?5 answersJul 25, 2009

More results from answers.yahoo.com
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Brave Sir Robin
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#16
In reply to #15

Re: Car Problems

12/18/2013 11:21 AM

You da man.
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Users who posted comments:

Andy Germany (1); Brave Sir Robin (2); dj95401 (1); Fredski (2); Leta (2); LongintheTooth (1); lyn (2); PWSlack (2); redfred (1); rhandwor (1); SolarEagle (1)

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