'97 chevy cavalier won't start when cold this is a electrical problem ?
What is your question?
ok when it is cold and I turn the ignition on, the check engine light only comes on and the temp gauge goes up to half way point and car starts to run for about a second and shuts off no matter how many times I try but I put a space heater in the drivers seat on high for 20 min. then turn the ignition switch on and all the dummy lights come on and the temp gauge goes down to cold setting and the car fires right up and runs fine but if I shut it off on a cold day and it gets a chance to get cold inside the car then it won't start until it is warmed up again
the problem is not in the engine it is electrical I've changed the Ignition switch still have same problem
What makes this problem better or worse?
running a spare heater in the drivers seat for 20 min makes the problem go away
How long has your 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier had this problem?
not sure it's my niece's car i think a couple of years
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For this kind of engine performance concern, consider what is needed to start a cold engine.
1) Fuel pressure must be adequate and consistent.
2) Spark. Ensure spark is firing at all cylinders.
3) Air intake. The amount of air needed inside the engine varies depending on ambient temperature, as well as how "warmed up" the engine is. If the engine gets too much air, then it won't start.
4) Exhaust flow. If the exhaust is restricted, the engine won't run properly.
Testing is required to find out what element is lacking. I suspect an issue with air intake, vacuum leak, or other air related concern.
DaveJM
Thank you, but the fuel pressure is good, I have spark in all cylinders, the intake air flow is good, and there is no Exhaust flow restrictions the problem is not under the hood but in the passenger area.
to get the car to start when it is cold I have to put a space heater in the drivers seat and run it on high for about 20 min. until it is warm enough in the car that the dummy light all come on ( they don't come on when the car is cold) then the car will start and runs great no matter what the ambient temperature is out side
DaveJM Thank you, but the fuel pressure is good, I have spark in all cylinders, the intake air flow is good, and there is no Exhaust flow restrictions the problem is not under the hood but in the passenger area. to get the car to start when it is cold I have to put a space heater in the drivers seat and run it on high for about 20 min. until it is warm enough in the car that the dummy light all come on ( they don't come on when the car is cold) then the car will start and runs great no matter what the ambient temperature is out side