Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Chevrolet Cavalier
Chevrolet Cavalier Models:
Chevrolet Cavalier Problems
Power Window Not Working Due to Window Motor
A door window may move slowly or stop in mid travel due to a failing power window motor. The affected window may start working again after the motor cools off. Replacing the faulty window motor will commonly correct this concern.
Front Brake Rotor Wear Can Cause Pulsations
Front brake rotors can wear causing a pulsation felt in the brake pedal. Our technicians tell us this condition is best corrected by replacement of the front rotors and brake pads.
Turn Signal Switch May Fail and Cause Signals Not To Work
The turn signal switch in the steering column may fail causing the turn signals not to work on one or both sides.
Check Engine Light Due to Gas Cap Issue
Illumination of the Check Engine Light may be the result of a loose or worn gas cap.
Transmission Fluid Leak From Cooler Line
The rubber section of an automatic transmission cooler line may develop a fluid leak . In some cases the leaking section of hose can be replaced. In others, the complete cooler line must be replaced to correct this concern.
Chevrolet Cavalier Recalls (Recent)
Rear Safety Belt May Be Installed With An Incorrect Fastener
RepairPal Expert Overview:
On 37 vehicles, the passenger-side rear safety belt may have been installed with an incorrect nut and bolt. In a severe crash, the upper seat belt anchorage may separate reducing the effectiveness of the seat belt and increasing the risk of injury. Dealers will inspect the safety belt anchorage and install a new nut and bolt. The recall began August 23, 2004. The GM recall number is 04056.
Learn more »Pontiac Sunfire Recall 02V070000
Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE FAILS TO START AND THE DRIVER HOLDS THE KEY IN THE "START" POSITION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, HIGH CURRENT FLOWS THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND SOMETIMES PRODUCES ENOUGH HEAT TO MELT INTERNAL SWITCH PARTS.
Learn more »Pontiac Sunfire Recall 04V036000
Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE FAILS TO START AND THE DRIVER HOLDS THE KEY IN THE "START" POSITION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, HIGH CURRENT FLOWS THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND SOMETIMES PRODUCES ENOUGH HEAT TO MELT INTERNAL SWITCH PARTS.
Learn more »Brake Lights And Turn Signals May Not Work
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The brake lights and rear turn signals may stop working due insufficient contact between the socket and bulb. Inoperative tail lamps may not communicate the driver's intentions increasing the risk of a crash. If both tail lamps become inoperative, the cruise control will also not engage. Dealers will inspect the rear lamp bulb socket assemblies and apply grease, or replace them if needed. The recall began January 18, 2005. The GM recall number 04083.
Learn more »Pontiac Sunfire Recall 02V286000
Summary: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE AND SOME OTHER RETAINERS USED IN VEHICLES ASSEMBLED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARINGS TO ESCAPE.
Learn more »Chevrolet Cavalier Questions and Answers
Question: 1998 Chevy Cavalier / Hubby changed Batt. then everything went
wrong.
Dash lights=ABS,Brake,Air Bag,Antitheft, and when I touch the brake it boggs
down, and won't change out of 1st. ...
I just purchased a 1989 Cavalier with 24,000 miles on it. It has been sitting idle. Had to replace the exhaust system as rusted. Tires are good but believe all rubber hoses have dry rotted and a...
When I turn on the headlights, the dashlights go out???
This is an 89 Z-24 Cavalier. The spark plug pops out with the wire, now it won't stay in at all. In the early 90's my ex bought a part at the auto store that fit right into the engine and the spa...
it started missing at low rpms and then gradually higher when i accellerated. now it always misses and im am loosing a lot of power
Chevrolet Cavalier Stories
I had purchased aa 1998 with 167000 miles on it,was told the head was sent off and checked,it checked o/k.i boughtt noing that it would get hot,after much research,found when in pssing gear to red line 6 thousand rpm,the very next morning startup,the dash had major air pockets run through the heater core,kid of rigged it so it would run good normaly,until 4 in the morning on a 300 mile trip,it ran over a single one ton tire wheel assembly,deploying both air bags,totalled the,hauld back on a tandem trailer.it was doing quite well.
2005 Cavilier with 185,000. No problems so far except for a sqeeky clutch pedel. Fixed it by taking a can of WD 40 with the extension tube and giving a few blasts under the dash on to the clutch pedel spring and the noise went away. Easy fix, but it drove me crazy for a year.
Come to think of it, I did have an issue with a weak throttle body spring that caused my gas pedel to go to the floor one dark and stormy night and acellerate very high. I just took my adjustable stretchy pants belt off and attached it to the throttle body pawl with the other end around the radiator cowling just under the hood and drove home. I had no flash light so it was all be feel, but it worked. You can do this simple fix with bungy cords also if you want a good glove compartment safety item. Other then that, great car, runs like a clock. Cav is far better then my old Volvo, thats for sure. Wouldn't part with her for anything.
A Tip, use good qaulity full synthetic oil every 3000 miles and change the standard transmission oil every 40,000 miles and keep it rust proofed annually and it will run forever. The Cav has a 2.2 Ecotec, one of tyhe best moters around and works for me.
Also, I use high quality tires like the Michelin Hydro tracks and Dunlop Graspiks for Winter and it rides like a BMW.
Chevy POS is what they should have named it. It always needs something done to it even though I take complete care of it with good gas not the cheap water crap, plus I add gas additives routinely, and I get all the routine maintenance. I have always taken good care of my car and usually never have a problem, but this one is nothing but a money pit. Not my first car but my first Chevy and definitely my last. Skip Chevy and get a Trabi or a Yugo it will definitely run better, faster, and get better gas mileage.
Overall agood car. Center heat vents no air. Foam stuck in center vents. Front end makes cracking noise when turning. On third blower motor. Great motor 2.2 Ecotec.
At around 100k struts were bad. By 124K, lots of issues. Battery, brakes, starter, alternator, tires...AC still works, though! Only AM radio. ? Power locks bad, too. Only small engine oil leak, though. Trans ok. Made it from lower Michigan to upper Kentucky okay just a month ago. Whining getting worse. Two different repair shops say it is the power steering beginning to go. Running better than the other car (Honda Accord, approx same age and mileage)! Exterior body not holding up so well as the HOnda.