This is the third or fourth time this has happened, and only when it rains. My 98 2.2L sits outside and when it rains. like today, all it will do is crank over until I run the battery down- it sounds like it's trying to start, but will not fire. Smells like raw fuel, too. And, I'm not driving it in the rain, either, it's just sitting out in the rain. I recharge the battery, let it sit for a day or too, after the rain, and then it starts and runs fine. Anybody got any ideas on what it could be? I'm charging the battery now as I write. Car has 125K, bought it with 100K- don't know the state of the tune, Thanks in advance, Joe
I would definitely disconnect the battery, check the connections on the battery and the cable connections to them then disconnect the Negative battery Ground connections to the chassis and engine block.
There may be one of these ground connections under the battery tray.
If this does not fix it-how are your spark plug wires (If you have them?)
Alont
Alont
Thanks for the reply!
I will follow your suggestions and report back.
It does have ignition wires- they LOOK ok- but I don't know how old they are.
Joe
If your smelling fuel while your cranking, then it goes back to the ignition (plugs, wires, coils, ICM, etc...)
If its trying to crank but isnt, then do what Alont suggested!
now DIE!
This is the spark plug wires, thye have tiny holes in them and get damp when it rains, causing them to short out your spark.
Wnat proof?
When its dark outside, take a spary bottle of water and spray the wires.
- 2004 Cavalier - 124k, owned since new
