Here's a thinker for you all:
I've got a 2000 Cavalier 2.4L Z24
I've started my car about 6 times today going to work and doing errands around town. Only drove about 20 miles today. Car starting took longer and longer each time, with the final time taking about 5 seconds to start with alot of cranking. It didn't crank slow, just took some time to fire-up and start the engine.
Going to the store tonight I also noticed one or two times that when I would let off the gas pedal and let the car coast there was a hesitation in the engine as if I was superhumanly hitting the brake a couple of times to slightly slow the car down, like if an air bubble in the gas line was causing the car to lunge backwards for a split second.
Anyway, I got home and opened the car door and revved the engine a couple of times and the exhaust smelled of sulfur more than usual. I don't know if that is a symptom of my issue, but perhaps it is.
Anyway, any ideas out there? Anyone ever have the same problem?
Thanks.
Owner of 2000 Cavalier Z24, Black, Stock, and Lookin' Good!
clogged cat?
how many miles, what kind of maintenance was actually done?
Yeah clogged cat or clogged fuel filter.
Rob
Sold 2/2/05
Went to AutoZone last night. No codes recorded. Bought injector cleaner and a fuel filter.
Car has only 69,000 miles on it. I had a tune up last year.
Would a bad catalytic converter cause my vehicle have difficulty in starting.
It does have a rough idle.
Owner of 2000 Cavalier Z24, Black, Stock, and Lookin' Good!
Here are my thoughts since my '99 Z likes to do this from time to time:
1.) Bad o2 sensor. Mine have been replaced 3 times over the past 7 years. Not once has it ever thrown a code. Usually the car just runs like crap, stinks, or gets bad mileage.
2.) This last time when I was having hard start issues, it turned out to be my fuel pressure regulator (at least I think that is what it was called). It was bad and flooding the engine out on cold starts.
3.) You said it had a tune-up last year. What type of plugs were put in?
Could be the Oxygen censor.
My fuel pressure regulator was leaking about a year ago and replaced it. It's been great ever since unless it is now somehow bad.
I have no idea what type of plugs were put in it. I'm assuming OEM spec. I never asked. My ceramic engine cover that holds the "wires" was cracked and had to be replaced, so the plugs were changed at the same time.
I'll be changing my fuel filter this weekend, then I'll do the O2 sensor next if I have to.
Owner of 2000 Cavalier Z24, Black, Stock, and Lookin' Good!
my coil packs went bad when that happened on my 2200
My coil packs were the culprit. They're being fixed now, with new plugs being installed.
What's the normal cost for replacement? Anyone remember that've had it done to their car?
Thanks.
Owner of 2000 Cavalier Z24, Black, Stock, and Lookin' Good!
Each coil pack is about $35 each at dealer cost. So at least $80 for the coil packs, $25 for new plugs, and then labor. Then again it depends on how much the shop marks up their parts on what your final costs will be.
