1998 Cavalier Won't Start When it Rains

Air, fuel and fire.

Can you hear the fuel pump run when you turn the key to "on"? Does it stop after 2-5 seconds?

Do you have confirmed spark?

Air, I don't think it's that.

Gotta think wet wiring, connection is causing the problem.

Maybe check some Cavalier forums.

CR4 only comes up because so many lost souls come here for solace.

Yep fuel pump is fine. It seems at some points it wants to fire then goes i see others suggested new plug wires. I'll try that tomorrow. There was moisture everywhere and i hadn't driven it yet. Very damp conditions. Started right up twice after it dried off.

THERE'S no cap just coils but I got what you're saying. Someone else suggested the same.

its a WATER DISPLACEMENT spray, it really works

consider yourself lucky. most owners of these cars get stranded far from home. your car is doing you a favor.

It's probably a ground wire not making a good connection....trace em out, clean em off, use some dielectric grease on the connection...I would start with the battery connections....

I was thinking the same thing right after I posted. Thank you

One way to check is to use a jump start lead from the engine block to the battery ground, see if that improves things.

Internet auction sites are great for solving problems like this. One simply lists the vehicle with a photograph, and a few days later someone shows up with some money, swaps it for the vehicle, and takes the problem away.

Check the wiring harness going to the crank position sensor; the insulation deteriorates, allowing the wires to short-circuit when they are wet.

Don't know what kind of ignition you have, but the pickup in the distributer or cranckshaft position sensors are possible problems: Been there done that

I had a 1994 Pontiac Sunbird that did the exact same thing after four trips to the service garage and nearly in a fist fight with the service manager for changing only one spark plug wire each time, I went to another dealership service garage and had it fixed in about an hour. It ended up being the ignition module/coil pack had a hairline crack in it.

I don't think you want to throw every part that has been mentioned so far into the car. Do the overdue routine maintenance. Plugs and wires. If the issue continues, use the dark night method to look for spark jumping. It helps to put a load on the engine, so back it against a tree, or wall, and leave it in reverse. parking brake full on. Once you identify any arcing issues, WD 40 will dry them out, But spraying clear lacquer on the parts will seal them well against water intrusion. Just respray it every 3-4 months. Do it to a hot engine with the engine off. Allow overnight to dry well. One spark will ignite the wet lacquer.

That's what I did and that's what it was..lol Plug wires. Its also took care of a secondary issue that I was having. it seemed like it was missing but I am betting it was arcing instead thanks all.

Another satisfied Cavalier owner.