Edmunds Answers questions

2002 Chevy Cavalier problem.

bowler218 — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 11:48:58 GMT

I have a 2002 chev cavalier and have the same prob you had. Did you get it fixed, if so how? thanks

Bleeding a 2002 Chevy Cavalier ABS brake system.

xsys2001 — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:54:30 GMT

Can anyone with experience tell me how to properly bleed the system from the master cylinder down on a 2002 Cavalier with ABS? What tools are needed to rehone the ABS motor? do I need a pressure bleeder? if so, where can I get one and how do I use it?

Thanks!!

95 chevy cavalier 2.2 l cooling fan only runs w/ect unplugged.

jdcreep — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 12:14:54 GMT

car is 2.2 l, auto trans, with a/c (but shorter serpantine belt has been put on eliminating a/c compressor). engine gets about 3/4 way to hot on temp gauge, fan never comes on. checked sensor with meter, 5 vdc @ sensor and ohm values close to chart, temp around 200. fan will work with ect unplugged; check engine lite comes on, gauge dies. fuse and relay ok, fan runs when hot wired. turning a/c on has no affect (saw this as a tip on another board). what am i missing? could ecm be bad? is it getting signal and not responding? is there another sensor? thanks in advance for the assistance.

1987 chevy project car won't roll into garage after sitting outside - it is an automatic w/brake off and in neutra

igloo1 — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 11:30:31 GMT

Car is an automatic 4 cyl Cavalier with just under 41,000 miles on it. It has been sitting for about 2 years while I took care of other projects. Put the car in neutral, made sure the brake was off and tried to roll it. Car would not move. Tried to tow it with my truck and it just dragged as if the car was in park. Dropped a good battery in to see if it would drive and the battery drained as soon I turned the key.

Last time I started the car - about two years ago everything worked fine.

97 Cavalier-The interior courtesy lite remains on AFTER engine is started and REMAINS on for up to 1 minute.

rshideler — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:49:16 GMT

The problem occurs regardless of what door that happens to be opened and shut. Again, when you start the engine, courtesy light does not immediately go out. It remains on for up to 1 minute. Real annoying especially at night when you are driving.

Thank-you.

97 Cavalier-dash light for seat belts remains on or flashes when buckled up.

rshideler — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:53:13 GMT

Even after buckling up, the seat belt dash light remains on or flashes (very erratic). When I don't use the seat belt at all it does not exhibit the behavior.

Thanks!

I have a 2003 chevy cavalier ls, we cant find the oil filter. hate paying for something i can do cheaper at home.

tabetha — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:36:12 GMT

I bought my car brand new in hawaii. my ex husband tried changing my oil himself and couldnt find the filter. and some other family memebers and frinds have looked as well. the car is so compact that the filter is hidden. just sick and tired of paying someone else to change my oil when we can do it home alot cheaper. Does anyone know where the filter is hidden?

What is ACU computer for? What if main car computer is not working what will happen?

93cavalier — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 16:11:41 GMT

I just want to know if the main computer for the car starts giving you the problem or not working, what will happpen?

1998 Chevy Cavalier tranny doesn't shift good.

janaprehung — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 10:14:44 GMT

1998 cavalier 2.2 w/ auto 3-speed tranny. doesn't shift good. shifts into 2nd at 35mph & then 3rd at 60+. There are no strange noises & it shifts smoothly when it finally shifts. It also doesn't downshift well either. Changed tranny fluid & filter, which smelt hot, still doesn't shift properly. No engine light code on either. Any one got any ideas?

I have a 2001 Chevy Cavalier. The tranmittion skips going up hills and under load and the tach jumps. Help!

mrslip1234 — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 11:24:40 GMT

A car dealer has put three trannys in the car and it still jumps or skips. It will jump at steady highway speeds as well.

The vehicle was involved in an undercarridge accident, that originaly cracked the trannys outer casing.

Driving at 110 km my 2001 Chevy Cavalier dies. Oil light comes on and oil is fine and none under car. Car would not start again.

greger — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 19:23:56 GMT

I was driving at 110 km car just dies no power,oil light came on,pulled over and oil level was good.the car would not start even with a boost.

How do I take the door panel off my 2000 Chevy Cavalier?

adam08 — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 17:55:51 GMT

i unscrew everything and i try and pop it off but the window crank keeps stopping me

I have new brake shoes and pads but ABS is not working. Car is hard to stop. What do I do? Chevy Cavalier.

m33m33 — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 22:02:48 GMT

i have a 1995 chevrolet cavalier when i start to slow down i hear a scraping sound then it dont wont too stop i have to pump the brakes to make it stop before i hit a car or something.i was told it was my ABS because i have new brake pads and new brake shoes what do i do.

My 1996 Chevy Cavalier has broken three inner cv joints on the driver's side in the last three months. Any ideas why?

ssteuart — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:58:39 GMT

the inner cv joint broke about three months ago on the drivers side we had it replaced and it broke in the same spot the very next day we took it back to the garage and they replaced it saying the trans and motor had shifted, they said they got back in align and replaced the axle again . now 45 days later the inner cv joint has come apart again and we do not have an answer for the problem. any info would be welcomed, thank you scott

What is the proper way to bleed brakes in a 93 Chevy Cavalier, 2.2 liter 5 speed?

dalexis — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 19:15:36 GMT

I am working on a 1993 Chevy Cavalier 2.2 liter engine, 5 speed manual. I am getting different answers from the neighborhood "mechanics" as to the proper way to bleed brakes. One guy is telling me that the only way to do it is to hook it up to a computer. I need help!

What size are the speakers in the door of a 2002 Chevy Cavalier?

dtmtjr — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 13:44:00 GMT

my door speakers are blown and I need to replace them

97 Chevy Cavalier front brakes are in good shape. Rear new. On dry roads want to grab. On wet and snow roads brakes want to lockup.

dlnel — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 10:43:54 GMT

The brakes are new, but the anti lock brake system wants to kick in when it is not needed. The brakes grab on the dry roads and lock up on the wet and snowy roads.

Have a 2004 Chevy Cavalier. Having problems with steering.

Mr_Fisher — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 18:55:25 GMT

the problems that i have most is my stearing.........most time hoppin in the car start pulling out of drive way and street as i make my turns stearing wheel squeaks few minutes and it goes away......mainly drivin down the road turn the wheel a little to the right and right turns and also on straight aways car also sqeaks like wheels are rubbin......had the car takin in for that reasons to 2 different mechcanics and both said nothing wrongs checks out fine......both put new grease and re lubed it all and still have the same problems.......thank you

I need to replace the inner tie rod on a 1999 Chevy Cavalier. Anything I should look out for?

ltz1 — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 11:17:38 GMT

I'm looking at replacing both inner and outer tie rods on both sides. It appears to be a straight forward job with puller and torq wrench. Are there any pitfalls I'm missing? Or things to watch out for to make it easier and done correctly?
I appreciate your help.

I would like a detailed description on how you install an adjustable coilover kit on a Chevy Cavalier.

Volkalier — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:26:53 GMT

I'm going to purchase an adjustable coilover kit for my 2000 Chevy Cavalier and want to know how to install them. Do i need a spring compressor if they are adjustable? i am also going to keep my stock shocks. the purpose is to lower my car about 3 to 4 inches i was recommended an adjustable coilover kit to be able to set any ride height. If anyone has experience with coilovers, any tips or suggestions would be appreciated...(preferably detailed directions.)

How do you install lowering springs on a Chevy Cavalier?

Volkalier — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:28:21 GMT

I am thinking about buying lowering springs for my 2000 Cavalier. I want to drop it about four inches. I prefer to install them myself instead of spending more money to pay someone. I would like to know what tools would be needed and a detailed description if possible on how to install them. The are adjustable coilovers, so they allow me to adjust them to the height that i want them. Any info would be appreciated.

My car's motor keeps wanting to jump when it's running like it's going to shut off. And it runs rich. Chevy Cavalier. Any ideas?

sweetheart21 — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 22:48:59 GMT

I have a 95 Chevy Cavalier. Everything is perfect except that when its running the motor wants to keep jumping like it wants to shut off. It also runs very rich. Any ideas?

94 Chevy Cavalier tilt steering not locking. Removed screws for cover. Will not separate. How to separate? What do I look for?

grandpa9x — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 17:08:06 GMT

I have tried to seperate the cover from around the steering column but it will not seperate. Does the steering wheel need to come off? I does't look as though it has to but nothing I try will seperate the cover. Once I access the tilt mechanisim what do I look for to be able to fix the problem? this is a 94 chev. caviler
Thanks

05 Chevy Cavalier front left squeals turning left and when I use my brakes and steering. It doesn't jerk when turning left.

bobcooper20 — Tue, 12 May 2009 10:49:32 GMT

I have had my bearings in the front left replaced about 4 years ago.

Had just been fine since but lately when I turn left the front left squeals and my steering wheel doesn't jerk any. And when I tap my brakes it also squeals on the front left.

Where is the oil filter on a 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier 2.2 front wheel drive?

edro911 — Sun, 24 May 2009 09:44:34 GMT

Where is the oil filter on a 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier 2.2 front wheel drive?

How do you change the belt that runs every thing on a 1994 Chrevrolet Cavalier? It has a 2.2 liter engine.

dadkison — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 17:50:19 GMT

How do you change the belt on a 1994 Chrevrolet Cavalier (2.2 liter motor) that runs every thing. I look but I did not see no where to loosen the belt up. The idler pulley looks like it doesn't move. Any suggestions. Thank you.

1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. Steering hard. Power steering has fluid. Really hard to turn, checked lines, no leak. Help?

unicorn2010 — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 23:35:43 GMT

have a 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier- steering on this vehicle is hard as driving a Mac truck- have fluid in- no line leaks.

Also this vehicle seems like it is over heating help? is it the thermostat or is there something else?? radiator has fluid- oil good-

What would cause the temperature gauge peg but the engine isn't overheating?

gkillebrew — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 19:59:37 GMT

2004 2.2 Cheverolet cavalier.64,000 miles.No codes,computer scanner shows ECT at 185F,however the temp guage is pegged on the high end!Engine runs fine. checked a few websites for recalls and tsbs.I didn't find any.Any ideas? Thanks!

where is the heater core on the 97 chevrolet cavalier. how do you access the heater core for replacement.

pjones2 — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 17:19:05 GMT

The car has begun to overheat and leak coolant. I suspect the heater core because you can smell coolant inside the car and the windshield fogs up. The hoses have all been replaced and the thermostat as well. All done in response to the fluid leakage. The water pump has been inspected and is said to be circulating properly. It is also visible to the eye that it is circulating. There aren't any leaks around the water pump.

Per the 2004 cavalier temperature gauge question

gkillebrew — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 23:18:19 GMT

I actually removed the gauge cluster from the dash. I disconnected and reconnected the main wiring connector to the gauge cluster. I noticed that each time that I would cycle the key on and off,the temperature gauge needle would advance forward to the point that it would physically touch the MPH needle and not reset to the lowest point when the key was turned off (like the fuel gauge does). I think that the temperature gauge is screwed up.Thanks for your answer. Do you know of any chevy experts that might be able to shed some light on this.What physically operates or moves the temperature needle? Can the computer board on the dash be removed without destroying it? This sounds like a trip to the dealer.Ouch! Thanks!

2005 chevy cavalier has erratic misfire code no power at take off or on a incline

msdawn2001 — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 14:32:37 GMT

2005 chevy cavalier running rough engine missing. code is reading a erratic misfire. Changed the ignition coil and the spark plugs and no change. no power comeing out of first and second gear in a automatic and loses speed and power on a incline

Why are the rear brakes locking up on my 2000 Chevy Cavilier?

mikeh77586 — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 20:16:30 GMT

I have replaced the front pads, calipers, rotors. rear shoes, drums, wheel cylinders, springs, flushed out the old fluid, bled and adjusted them made sure there were no leaks. Also I made sure that the rear shoes were installed properly. The ABS Regulater (I guess that is what it is called, Cast aluminum box next to the master cylinder with the four brake lines going into the top of it) is the only item that I can think of as the culprit. It seems to be hydraulic and doesn't have any electrical wiring. I am adding this for your info as there are no check engine lights or ABS lights illuminated on the display console.

1995 cavalier has anti-freeze around spark plug. Fouls out, won't run, spits and sputters. Help!? PS-rebeaded head

hot1toknow — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 13:10:00 GMT

I've fixed everything under the hood at least once. Including recalls, brakes, tires, eletrical. It's a money pit!!! Everthing is new and it still won't run. P.S. I'm a single mom. HELP!!!

Speed

vaper34 — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 18:46:28 GMT

I got a 2004 Cavalier i realy like it but its governed out WHATS UP WITH THAT !!!!!! How can i get that fixed?????? stuck on the i-10 in tex.

1995 Chevy Cavalier. "elec spark control (esc) module or sensor problem", "quad driver 2 bad".

jdcreep — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 12:01:01 GMT

2.2 L, auto, a/c (belt off). only throws codes after being driven (will sit and idle half hour without issue). what should i be looking for / replacing? looking at with actron 9190.

94 Chevrolet Cavalier z24 3.1. Little power when you hit the gas and bucking every now and then any suggestions.

sbarkdoll — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 21:14:18 GMT

I bought the car 3 weeks ago. had hesitation when i bought it. took it to Firestone said the computer said it was a spark plug fouling out. still ran rough. then we replaced the catalytic converter. that took care of the idle rough and hesitation. now i am noticing that it bucks every now and then and after you run it for a while the rpm sits at one and then drops half way between the 0 and 1 and then comes back up. any suggestions.

blinker problem 95 Chevrolet Cavalier

bigendjen — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 21:38:10 GMT

the blinkers first stopped blinking then 2 days later they went out all together, no light, no nothing. I've checked the fuses, checked the bulbs, replaced the relay and replaced the switch in column. still the blinkers wont work. somebody before me installed an alarm and when that goes off the lights work. the emergency flashers still work just fine. please help im at the end of what I know. thanks

How can i find out what a warning light on my dash means? It's a 2000 Chevy Cavalier. I don't have the manual.

kima34 — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 20:29:22 GMT

The light came on during a small 100 mile trip. It is the light located next or close to the seat belt one. I know its not the brake, battery or oil light. Its an odd shaped picture.

Whats the best engine to put in a 97' Chevy Cavalier. I need something with a lot of horsepower.

jguynes — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:29:55 GMT

I got a custom 97' cavalier and the engine isn't that great i haven't owned a front wheel drive car before and need to know whats the best racing engine that will fit in this car.

2004 Chevy Cavalier automatic. Can tranny be filled/flushed and levels checked without great difficulty?

msaker51 — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:59:49 GMT

It must be a 4 spd auto (has D + 1-3 ) Cannot find dipstick or fill hole

2004 Chevy Cavalier is a 2003 for the tranny question but where is the fill hole?

msaker51 — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:35:24 GMT

Found red tranny fill plug on top but no sign of other on pass. side. Do I need to remove parts to access? Why two fill holes? Where's cheap site for tranny pan & gasket?

Need help with a power window problem on my Chevy Cavalier.

krusher78 — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 06:57:36 GMT

I have a 2000 Z24 Cavalier and the power windows will roll down but they will not roll back up, does anyone have any idea what my problem is?

I just got a 98 Chevy Cavalier with the 2.4 motor. Ran last winter, now won't start. I can't hear the fuel pump, what more could it be?

willjmc — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 20:38:52 GMT

like posted i am not sure.. what could i check first to make sure

I have a 93 Chevy Cavalier. I would like to know how to read the check engine light without a reader. Please help.

nascrfan2 — Fri, 09 May 2008 19:37:51 GMT

My check engine light only comes on after about 10 minutes of driving and only after it reaches normal temperature. It will then go out and come back on twice in my daily commute of 15 miles.

93 Chevy Cavalier that likes to stall.

nascrfan2 — Sun, 11 May 2008 15:46:45 GMT

I have a 93 cavalier that likes to stall but it doesnt do it all the time. I read the codes and got a 13 which i believe is the o2 sensor. I also know that it really stinks when i drive it. Is it possible that the o2 sensor and maybe a clogged cat converter may cause it to stall? It only stalls when i am coming to a stop, or have to stop really hard, but again it doesnt do it all the time.

Engine and transmission swap on a Chevrolet Cavalier

schwhack — Sat, 24 May 2008 23:00:52 GMT

hey everyone,im doin an engine swap from a 96 rs 2.2 4-speed auto to a 97 rs 2.2 3-speed auto car. does anyone know what all is involved in doin the swap,as far as electronics and shifter linkage type stuff. whould it be easier or better to change transmissions on the motors? im not sure the 3 speed trans is good.i have both cars side by side.
i would appreciate any helpful info.

1999 Chevy Cavalier won't stay running after it's cranked.

mindsintwine — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:58:05 GMT

okay when i crank the cavalier it wont stay running even if i give it gas it dies.ive changed the spark plugs and wires but still nothing..i just wonder if its something major or will it be easy to fix....any help would be appriciated

1996 Chevy Cavalier stalling. Can you help?

mzmoss1987 — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:33:31 GMT

Ok, i have owned a 96 chevy cavalier for about 2 years now. It has given me no problem and when i first purchased the car, i did a tune up on it, spark plugs, wires, all...i have did the regular oil change and new air filter routine and everything....i didnt start to see problems in my car until about 5 months ago, only when it rained outside and the check engine light popped on. It only did it when it rained and i thought nothign of it. Well about a month ago, my mom borrowed my car one day while it was raining really bad and she went to a gas station and put fuel in it. She returned home and said my car started to stall and putt really bad. I just thought it was because it was raining. I took my car out that night and when i was returning home, about 2 blocks from my house, my car went dead. I tried to start it about 10 times but nothing happend...it turned over but it just wouldnt start. Well i went to a local auto parts place and put it on a machine. They told me i had a multiple misfire and my crankshaft and TPS sensors need to be replaced..ok..well i went to a auto mechanic to be sure and he put it on the machine again, he told me that i need a new coil pack and two of my spark plugs were bad, ok well i went to another mechanic for another opinion and he also put it on the machine for the 3rd time and said that i needed a crankshaft and tps sensor but my sparkplug wires were fine. Well i bought sparkplugs, tps and crankshaft sensors and got my car serviced by a trusted mechanic. Well that didnt do the job..now my car is running even worse, i cant go over 35mph and the check engine light blinks constantly...he said i need a module, coil pack, and sparkplug wires..please help, i dont know what to do or who to believe anymore. OH AND I ALSO PUT FUEL INJECTOR CLEANER IN MY FUEL..TWICE!

Where is the vent control relay on an '03 Chevy Cavalier?

jshepp — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 16:38:35 GMT

All vents work in the car except two. The drivers vent and the middle vent closest to the driver do not work. All others do. I'm guessing a relay switch?

Is it hard to replace a front seal on a transmission on a 1996 Chevy Cavalier?

lilmama1 — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 22:11:07 GMT

front seal on tranny is pouring fluid out. i know ya have to pull the tranny but is it very hard to do yourself an how long it roughly take????