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mswingz
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Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Seattle, WA
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Good Answers: 1

2000 Cavalier - Won't Start; Then Runs and Stops

12/22/2013 5:45 PM

99% of the time my daughter's car won't start (poor college student made mistake of often running low and out of fuel), but if the pump burned out completely, logic dictates no more pump at all (new battery, great spark, etc). .?? A couple of months ago she "ran out of gas" at fwy speed. A mechanic tried and showed her to literally bang underneath, on the side of the gas cap. It started. Ever since, sometimes this works alone, other times she'll smack with a broken brick (sigh) while someone else cranks. It may take a while sometimes but will start. It will run, but will die at fwy, street, or at idle. I'm taking her to get a new fuel cap today. I've been thinking fuel pump, esp after reading this forum. She has 3 jobs to survive in school full time; I'm disabled w no $ either. A friend has offered to replace the pump. How to diagnose to know for certain before replacing the pump?
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Pathfinder Tags: car dies cavalier fuel pump srarting problem
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SolarEagle
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#1

Re: 2000 cavalier - won't start; then runs and stops

12/22/2013 5:58 PM

Sounds like a loose connection....

http://www.ehow.com/how_7830326_troubleshoot-cavalier-fuel-system.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_4826087_change-fuel-pump-cavalier.html

http://www.fixya.com/cars/t4630306-replace_fuel_pump_2000_chevy_cavalier

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lyn
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#5
In reply to #1

Re: 2000 cavalier - won't start; then runs and stops

12/22/2013 7:04 PM

STOP! DO NOT FOLLOW ehow instructions FOR ANY REASON!

STOP! DO NOT FOLLOW FIXYA instructions FOR ANY REASON!

PLEASE BELIEVE ME!

ehow instructions are written by IDIOTS who know nothing about car repair!

fixya instructions are no better.

They are written by researchers, not mechanics, for a fee. $25.00 for each accepted article.

Disconnecting a charged fuel line from the fuel rail can result in your being sprayed with gasoline.

To check if a fuel pump works, all you have to do is sit in the car with everything turned off. No radio, heater or anything that makes noise.

Turn the key to on, NOT START position, listen. If the fuel pump is working properly, you will hear a whirring noise for about 5 seconds. Then it will stop. That means the the fuel system is properly pressurized.

If the sound lasts for more than about 10 seconds, it may be defective.

Replacing a fuel pump, inside a tank is not a job for you! Trust me.

Running electric fuel pumps out of gas causes excessive wear and will result in premature failure of the pump. This probably will not cause intermittent stalling, but it might, depending on the fuel level in the tank.

Fuel pumps like pumping from a full tank.

This may be an intermittent connector, or shorting to ground problem.
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SolarEagle
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#6
In reply to #5

Re: 2000 cavalier - won't start; then runs and stops

12/22/2013 8:53 PM

From the top of the fixya webpage....

"CAUTION The fuel injection system remains under pressure, even after the engine has been turned OFF. The fuel system pressure must be relieved before disconnecting any fuel lines. Failure to do so may result in fire and/or personal injury.

  1. Relieve the fuel system pressure using the recommended procedure.
  2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  3. Drain the fuel tank, then remove the fuel tank from the vehicle.
  4. While holding the modular fuel sender assembly down, remove the snap-ring from the designated slots located on the retainer."


If the fuel pump is running correctly and reaching pressure, there still may be a problem with the fuel filter being partially clogged.... That's why I provided a fuel system troubleshooting guide, first...This person said they had a friend who could check the system and change the fuel pump if necessary...The articles are only meant as a general guide, not an education for a car mechanic....

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lyn
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#7
In reply to #6

Re: 2000 cavalier - won't start; then runs and stops

12/22/2013 8:56 PM

This is irresponsible and dangerous advice, "Remove the fuel line from the injector unit with the pliers by squeezing the clamp and pulling the clamp back on the line. Have your small container there to catch any fuell".

Nowhere does this ehow piece caution about fuel under pressure!

That's why it is not good advice and is obviously written by someone who knows nothing about fuel injection systems.

The fixya piece provides no actual details, just generalizations that my 14 year could write, after looking at Wiki.

You should not try to defend the indefensible.
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SolarEagle
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#8
In reply to #7

Re: 2000 cavalier - won't start; then runs and stops

12/22/2013 9:01 PM

If his friend has offered to check the system out, I would assume he has some knowledge of what's involved.....and I believe that is how you remove the hose...I would wrap a rag around it just to be safe....You happy now?

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lyn
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#9
In reply to #8

Re: 2000 cavalier - won't start; then runs and stops

12/22/2013 9:02 PM

Never mind. Let's not confuse the OP any more.
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Fredski
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#2

Re: 2000 cavalier - won't start; then runs and stops

12/22/2013 6:37 PM

replacing parts without verifying their condition first is just dumb and usually adds unnecessary costs to a repair. fuel cap? when those are leaking it usually yields a nuisance "check engine" light. you don't need to replace it just yet. many auto parts stores and repair garages have testers that are willing to test yours (and sell you a new one should yours be defective). I'd call around and save a few bucks.

if you have in fact read this forum you already know the reputation these cars couldn't be poorer.it really isn't an expensive test to check the fuel pressure in the fuel rail(it supplies the gas to the injectors). you said you know the spark to be strong. all you really have left is compression and various engine timing settings.2 or 3 hours with a decent mechanic can verify all of these. if he has issues with pressure in the fuel rail he can advise you further. if you do have fuel, spark, compression and no crazy timing issues( like a slipped belt or defective gear you'll be looking at sensors, electronics and the engines ECU. All of these things are beyond repairing through a forum. consult a pro with all the tools and testing equipment.good luck
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mswingz
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#3
In reply to #2

Re: 2000 cavalier - won't start; then runs and stops

12/22/2013 6:52 PM

Thanks (sigh). It's just weird for it to run for a while sometimes and other times pffttt. It's lasted her over 2 yrs after making pmts to a friend, for $1000. Its mileage is now pushing 200k. I'm now thinking sell it, buy a bus pass & save the difference..., she got her money's worth.
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Fredski
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#4
In reply to #3

Re: 2000 cavalier - won't start; then runs and stops

12/22/2013 6:58 PM

I couldn't agree more
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PWSlack
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#18
In reply to #3

Re: 2000 cavalier - won't start; then runs and stops

01/06/2014 8:58 AM

Good idea. Put it on an internet auction site (name withheld) and get it swapped for some money instead.

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dj95401
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#10

Re: 2000 Cavalier - Won't Start; Then Runs and Stops

12/23/2013 1:22 AM

Click "Here" to see that your not the first one to come here with a Cavalier problem

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harley
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#11

Re: 2000 Cavalier - Won't Start; Then Runs and Stops

12/23/2013 8:58 AM

I had an intermittent fuel pump once. About once a month, the van would not start. I would reach under the vehicle and kick the bottom of the tank. It would run fine for about another month and need a kick again. This went on for about two years until the kick no lionger "fixed" my problem. I believe you have a bad fuel pump.
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LongintheTooth
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#12

Re: 2000 Cavalier - Won't Start; Then Runs and Stops

12/23/2013 9:46 AM

Is it just possible that the fuel cap is no longer venting ? If so, it may be that there is a considerable vacuum in the tank after fuel has been pumped out; and eventually the fuel pump will not be able to overcome the vacuum to remove more fuel. Result : starved engine. Cure : release vacuum. ( bang on cap or filler to break seal allowing decrease in vacuum. ) Eventual result : Damaged cap or filler tube, requiring repair. Eventual Cure : replacement of parts may provide proper ventilation and no one will realize they fixed the problem.

Let us know if the replacement fuel cap solved the problem !!

( I have equipment that does exactly this when the fuel cap is not properly installed )

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Johny451
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#13

Re: 2000 Cavalier - Won't Start; Then Runs and Stops

12/23/2013 10:25 PM

It sounds to me like running out of fuel caused the rubbish in the bottom of the tank to partially clog the fuel line where it exits the tank. "Banging" on the fuel cap dislodges the material clogging the fuel line.

I would get the fuel lines cleaned out then get the tank cleaned.

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Frugets
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#14

Re: 2000 Cavalier - Won't Start; Then Runs and Stops

12/23/2013 10:28 PM

Did the fuel filter get changed to? Might be clogged. Good Luck. Merry Christmas & hope you get things sorted.
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Allan Evans
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#15

Re: 2000 Cavalier - Won't Start; Then Runs and Stops

12/24/2013 1:14 AM

I think "Longinthe tooth" nailed it. The petrol tank does need a clear vent. Petrol pump does not work to well with a negative suction.

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LongintheTooth
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#17
In reply to #15

Re: 2000 Cavalier - Won't Start; Then Runs and Stops

12/24/2013 1:05 PM

Thanks for the support, Allan.

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rhandwor
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#16

Re: 2000 Cavalier - Won't Start; Then Runs and Stops

12/24/2013 7:49 AM

Auto Zone and Advance Auto have loaner test Gauges this is a good place to start.

If she has to bang the pump to start I would say you need a new fuel pump.
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Users who posted comments:

Allan Evans (1); dj95401 (1); Fredski (2); Frugets (1); harley (1); Johny451 (1); LongintheTooth (2); lyn (3); mswingz (1); PWSlack (1); rhandwor (1); SolarEagle (3)

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