My girlfriend's 1998 2.2 Cavalier won't start. She drove it to work, and came out afterward and it wouldn't start. The car turns over fine. It either sounds like it's trying to start or kicking back a little. I can't tell witch . I pulled to off two plug wires (both coils) and it looks like they're firing. She said that it was idleing pretty rough when she first started it a few mornings but it came out of it when it warmed up. Other wise it ran fine. Has anyone had a problem with these cars jumping time? How can you tell if it has? Or do you think it could be another problem. I don't really know where to start on this. I havn't had much experince with Cavaliers. Are there any sensors that could go out that would cause this?
The fuel pump sounds like it is coming on. I switched the fuel pump and AC relays just to make sure the relay worked. It didn't solve the problem. When I was working on it I noticed that the Theft light comes on and doesn't go off. I never noticed if it came on before the car had this problem. Could this have anything to do with it not starting?
yes, the anti theft causes the ignitoion and fuel injectors to cut out, causing a no start. disconnect your batter for 10-30 minutes and try again
I disconnected the battery but the car still won't start. I'll try to find out if it's getting fuel. Is there anyway to see if the injectors are working without taking apart the fuel rails?
no, if that anti theft light is on, the car will not start, if it does, it will shut off after 2 seconds
When you turn the key forward, but do not start it does the Theft light come on normally? I never really paid attention before? It might be working fine, I don't know. I am just looking for a place to start. The car sounds like it is trying to start or maybe kicking back like it might be out of time. It is hard to tell witch. T thought it could be doing that because it is not getting fuel. That's why I wanted to know if the Theft light is normally on when you try to start the car.
i had a problem like that with a friend of mines car. we towed it to a shop and found out that the timing chain was actually broke. i have an 04 cavi and the theft light does come on in mine when i just turn the key without starting. i would suggest getting someone who knows alot about cars or take it to a shop and have it looked at.
Verify you have spark at all plugs. Check and make sure your air filter is clean. Put a screwdriver or hose to each injector then to your ear and listen for clicking (solenoid operation), this, however, won't tell you if the injector orifice is clean. Verify fuel pressure with a gauge on the fuel rail. If spark, air & fuel are good it should start unless, as Matt sugested, the timing chain is broken. You indicated it was running rough, have you pulled the codes? I would check for codes even if your CEL isn't lit. Good luck.
I had a very similar problem this spring and it was in the ignition switch. By the time the garage was done it was $700. GM issued a recall and mine was never taken in so now that has been done. They told me it would take a load off the ignition switch and the problem probably never reoccur.
