1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Logo
Anonymous Posted on Nov 08, 2011

1997 cavalier has no spark 1997 cavalier wont start? I have a modded cavalier with a 2.2l engine 4dr 5 speed. The other day i pulled it to the front yard to install under glows on it. I installed them and had my brother take a look to make sure they were installed correctly and they were. i played with them about 15min with the car off and killed the battery. I went to jump it and it would act like it wanted to start but wouldn't. i have a wire running straight of the positive terminal of the battery running to the radio so it has enough power to push the under glows and the system. when i pushed the clutch in to start i accidentally cut that wire with the clutch and sparks happened. after that i keep blowing the cls/pcm fuse.. i redid the wires and everything, the cls/pcm fuse is not blowing now how ever it still wont start, changed all the relays the computer and fuses. i have compression gas but no spark. I think its either the coil pack or alternator but im not sure that's why im asking for all opinions that may help. im no expert looking for all advise. i have checked all grounds on the frame, computer,relays,fuses. im stumped. the only thing like i said i think it could be is the coil pack or alternator ill find out this weekend. If you could please help me out if you have experienced this problem or have a good solution that may resolve this problem would greatly be appreciated ready to drive it. Thanks.. i learned to leave the under glows and stuff to the pros.....

  • 1 more comment 
  • Anonymous Nov 09, 2011

    i have checked all the wiring i havent seen anything out of place. The cls/pcm and pcm fuse are not blowing anymore but yet i still dont have spark. i have put a new computer (ECU) in and still nothing. is it likely that when i cut the wire with the clutch i could have sent a surge of power and blown the coil pack,alternator, or soemthing like that. The only thing that wire was connected to was the positive terminal of the battery and the positive part of my radio thats it. the radio fuse didnt even blow. im stumped. I have checked the wires like i said but im no expert so i may have missed something. i am just trying to it started and im really stumped as it starts one moment and not the next. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

  • Jeremy W.
    Jeremy W. Nov 09, 2011

    Have you checked for injector pulse?
    Have you checked for power to the ignition module?
    have you checked for signal to the ignition module from the PCM?
    Have you checked for power to the fuses?
    Are you sure you only cut through one wire?

    It is unlikely the alternator. Its only role is to charge the battery.

  • Jeffrey Turcotte
    Jeffrey Turcotte Nov 10, 2011

    That fuse feeds the instrument cluster via the PCM. I think it might also have something to do with the speed sensor. I recommend you disconnect the speed sensor (on the transmission) to see if it will start. If it does, replace the speed sensor. If not, try disconnecting the instrument cluster. Maybe you cut into one of the cluster wires or fed a pulse back to the cluster thru the radio.

×

10 Answers

fordexpert

Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

  • Chevrolet Master 5,692 Answers
  • Posted on Nov 09, 2011
fordexpert
Chevrolet Master
Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Joined: Apr 20, 2009
Answers
5692
Questions
1
Helped
1973267
Points
17063

Seems like you were given very good advice and Diagrams. You may be unfamiliar with the term "Flash" so I will add that the operating instructions(Software) may not installed on the computer you purchased. The operating info may need to be added (Flashed) so the computer can work. Just having the box fit the connections does not mean it is ready to go.

Another point is that when you add electric equipment to your vehicle, always have a fuse in place. If you don't want to use an inline fuse then there are Aftermarket parts that clip into your fusebox and they provide power terminals you can use with your existing fusebox.

Your Alternator could be damaged, but an engine can run without an Alternator for a short time period.

Check your coilpak using an Ohmmeter with the Battery disconnected. If it has continuity, it should work. Then set up a test light to the supply wire for power to the coil and turn on the Ignition to RUN position after you reconnect the battery. The coil should be getting power in the RUN position. If it does not, you need to trace down that power line.

  • Anonymous Nov 11, 2011

    Thanks man you were right on also. Im glad to know that there are people out there willing to take the time to pass on their knowledge and help. Thanks like i said. Im really good and great with computers if you ever have a computer problem im your guy just email me at [email protected] anytime and ill do what i can. Thanks man.

×

Harvey N Tawatao

Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

  • Chevrolet Master 3,854 Answers
  • Posted on Nov 09, 2011
Harvey N Tawatao
Chevrolet Master
Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Joined: Apr 05, 2009
Answers
3854
Questions
0
Helped
2794574
Points
16501

The Ignition Control Module (ICM) could be the source of all of your car's problems. It's also simple to fix. Shop around online to get the best price.

I always recommend replacing ICMs at 120,000 miles or 10 years, whichever comes first. These are extremely problematic components. Conceptually, the ICM is a large output transistor (switch) controlling current through the primary coil. ICMs replace points and condenser in older vehicles. In the primary coil, current builds to 5 to 12 amps, generating lots of heat (due to inductance). Then, the ECM controls when the ICM "switches off" current to the primary coil, causing amperage to go to zero. When this happens, 12 to 14 volts in the primary coil is "stepped-up" to 30,000 volts in the secondary coil. This process creates a "type" of alternating current required for the coil (step-up transformer) to work. In a properly working ICM, timing is precisely when needed to fire each spark plug. In your Cavalier, I believe fuel built up and was ignited at the wrong time, because the ICM was not firing when it was supposed to. It resulted in blowing out the exhaust.

IMPORTANT NOTE: I am not a fan of bench testing ICMs and coils. DIY bench testing does not simulate the heat that often causes these components to exhibit intermittent failure. It's safer to replace these critical ignition system components every 120,000 miles or 10 years, whichever comes first.

Thank you for using fixa and keep us posted, stay safe and post back.


  • Marvin
    Marvin Nov 09, 2011

    Try using rockauto.com, they have low prices and name brand parts. I have used them for years.

×

Ad

Clifford Beard

Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

  • Chevrolet Master 1,975 Answers
  • Posted on Nov 09, 2011
Clifford Beard
Chevrolet Master
Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Joined: Jan 25, 2011
Answers
1975
Questions
13
Helped
1992323
Points
6937

That fuse that kept blowing is a direct wire to the PCM. Below is a picture of one of the connectors at the PCM. I have marked the pin number that you need to check. Make sure you're getting power at that pin number (it's a pink wire). Also below is a picture of a main ground for the circuit that the fuse was blowing. Also is a picture of the connector that that ground wire goes through. It's a black and white wire. Also I see you said you got a new computer. Did you have it or was it flashed for your vehicle ? Any questions feel free to email me at [email protected] and I'll do my best to help.

1997 cavalier has no spark
1997 cavalier wont - 11_9_2011_11_30_51_am.jpg
11_9_2011997 cavalier has no spark
1997 cavalier wont - 11_9_2011_11_32_34_am.jpg
11_9_2011_11_32_34_am.jpg

  • 1 more comment 
  • Anonymous Nov 11, 2011

    Man thanks a lot this was very helpful. Your AWESOME.. GREAT DIAGRAMS... I found out the problem. I had to replace a wire harness. i didnt fry anything at all thank goodness. What happened was i went over everything atleast a dozen times and finally found it. I jacked my car in the air and looked everywhere and with my flashlight got a glance of soem copper wire. i looked what my stupid tail did was mount a freckin light on a wiring case and screwed the dam screw right into the wires. after all this time it was that simple. need to say i will not install something i dont know how to unless i have my brother help me which i should have waited for him to do so this time but i was to ansy to get them on. and second of all i wish my car wasnt lowered 3inches because i would have seen this problem a lot sooner. i guess we all learn from our mistakes and this was a big lesson learned and a hard one to. like i said thanks a lot for all your help my car is running again finally. Thanks...

  • Anonymous Nov 11, 2011

    I just wanted to add one more comment to let you know that you were right on the money man. These diagrams were very helpful. I the type of person you could tell me where to look a hundred times and be lost and show me once and ill always know where to go after that. Thanks a lot again i will refer you to anybody.. Thanks.

  • Clifford Beard
    Clifford Beard Nov 11, 2011

    Anytime and thanks for the compliment. If you have questions in the future you can email me directly at [email protected] and I will do my best to help

×

Anonymous

Level 1:

An expert who has achieved level 1.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Guru:

An expert who has written 7 tips or uploaded 3 video tips

  • Contributor 1,326 Answers
  • Posted on Nov 09, 2011
Anonymous
Contributor
Level 1:

An expert who has achieved level 1.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Guru:

An expert who has written 7 tips or uploaded 3 video tips

Joined: Aug 06, 2009
Answers
1326
Questions
0
Helped
383299
Points
68

The alternator wouldn't keep it from starting if its being jumped by another vehicle, it would only die out after the cables were removed (if battery was below 10volts or until battery voltage was low as the car would run off of a good battery until it drained it) I would not recommend installing another PCM only because if your short to ground is on that circuit it will fry the new one (and they are expensive). If you have no spark and are 100% sure of that start there. If your not Pull plug wire out and put a spark tester on it while cranking. Harbor Freight has these for a bout $5 and you can test each plug individually. If no spark start start with the easiest which is the coil pack. Ohm them out and see if they have the proper resistance (I can look u the specs for you later. You probably have one that does all 4 cylinders. Chances are you fried something on the ignition circuit but being that its electrical its really hard to diagnose one the net. If no fuses are blown (double check) and you have verified your also getting fuel to the motor then spark is your next option and if spark then timing which leads you to the PCM/ECU etc and additional wiring.

Duane Wong

Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

  • Chevrolet Master 6,826 Answers
  • Posted on Nov 08, 2011
Duane Wong
Chevrolet Master
Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Joined: Jun 20, 2010
Answers
6826
Questions
6
Helped
2859511
Points
20233

Sounds like pcm or wiring has a short causing fuse to blow. Maybe try another pcm.

  • Duane Wong
    Duane Wong Nov 08, 2011

    You could also remove the alternator and have it bench tested at autozone or advance auto parts or your local auto parts store. This will tell you if the alternator is blown.

  • Duane Wong
    Duane Wong Nov 08, 2011

    Check that there aren't any shorts to ground from the wiring, as well, but this can be more time consuming.

×

Marvin

Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Top Expert:

An expert who has finished #1 on the weekly Top 10 Fixya Experts Leaderboard.

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

  • Chevrolet Master 85,242 Answers
  • Posted on Nov 11, 2011
Marvin
Chevrolet Master
Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Top Expert:

An expert who has finished #1 on the weekly Top 10 Fixya Experts Leaderboard.

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

Joined: Jun 20, 2008
Answers
85242
Questions
28
Helped
29025397
Points
266281

What is this post about, what do the laws of Spain have to do with this repair?? Silly Asss post, has zip to do with problem at hand.
"Its illegal to fit these lights here in spain and you would face a big fine and points on licence for unauthorised tampering with a vehicle causing it to not conform with the original certificate of homoglonation"

Jeremy W.

Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Top Expert:

An expert who has finished #1 on the weekly Top 10 Fixya Experts Leaderboard.

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

  • Chevrolet Master 5,332 Answers
  • Posted on Nov 11, 2011
Jeremy W.
Chevrolet Master
Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Top Expert:

An expert who has finished #1 on the weekly Top 10 Fixya Experts Leaderboard.

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

Joined: Sep 24, 2010
Answers
5332
Questions
0
Helped
2057990
Points
17799

I agree, if you can't supply information that would help solve the issue at hand than there is no reason to post!

I’m happy to assist further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/jeremy_d728a59f986299fa

Colin Stickland

Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

  • Chevrolet Master 22,516 Answers
  • Posted on Nov 11, 2011
Colin Stickland
Chevrolet Master
Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Joined: Nov 04, 2008
Answers
22516
Questions
3
Helped
6990264
Points
66324

Its illegal to fit these lights here in spain and you would face a big fine and points on licence for unauthorised tampering with a vehicle causing it to not conform with the original certificate of homoglonation

  • 2 more comments 
  • Anonymous Nov 11, 2011

    why is it illegal i dont see why? its for car shows and stuff. Its illegal here to ride with certain colors like blue,red,green,white and purple but other than that u can ride with the other colors on. it doesnt make much since but every country has there rules and stuff im glad that rule isnt here in the US.

  • Anonymous Nov 11, 2011

    im not tryin to be rude or anything im just being honest. Did you really need to post this as a soultion to fix my car. If so this wasnt helpful. I can understand you may be against underglows for whatever reason but i would have really appreciated some advice on how to help me get my car started than a lecture on what is illegal on my car. Its legal to smoke weed marjuana in canada but not in the us should i post that for a solution on someones page. i duno you get what im sayin. Thanks for making me relize tho that im pround to be an american and atl least i know im free and can do pritty much whatever i want to my own personal vehicle that i paid for...

  • Colin Stickland
    Colin Stickland Nov 12, 2011

    this is spain and anything and everythinig has to have a bit of paper with a stamp on it by some beaurocrat or the other ,thats why wood and furniture is so expensive here as all the trees cut down here they make paper out of ,trust me on this you havent tried to transfer ownership of a car or fit a towbar here without certificate of this or that after 26yrs here iam a expert on how to do things like this and earn a living doing paperwork for ex-pats who can only master beer in spanish .If it isnt on the certificate of homoglonation for the vehicle you cannot fit it without a technical engineers report and then another vehicle inspection .Your famous big trucks like the E350 or a GMC thingys are classified as commercial vehicles here and as such when they get to 10 yrs old have to be inspected every 6 months ,i dont mind as it keeps me in work and the first thing they check on the inspection --- chassis number not that thing in the dash but the stamp on the chassis ,and if its corroded ----- well dont go their .must fly have work to do this morning

  • Jeremy W.
    Jeremy W. Nov 12, 2011

    Since this sight can have posts from around the world than use the "ask for clarification" link under the askers question to help answer questions you may have. If you think the information you have is relevant and will help solve the problem then by all means post a solution.

    Posting a solution with no relevance to the question is just irresponsible posting!

×

Paul Bade

Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

  • Chevrolet Master 1,818 Answers
  • Posted on Nov 09, 2011
Paul Bade
Chevrolet Master
Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Joined: Dec 13, 2008
Answers
1818
Questions
1
Helped
574169
Points
5816

As others have noted, you've probably damaged the ignition module. While you're at it, check the crankshaft sensor (usually attached to this module) and replace it if the housing is cracked.
The main point of my post is this: If the electrical fault was so severe it took out your ignition system, there is a good chance you damaged the regulator or diode pack inside the alternator. I would recommend changing these even if the alternator passes the bench test; there's now too high a probability one of these will fail (and according to the Murphy's law corollary, it will happen after dark when you are at least 100 miles away from the nearest available replacement).
If you have added a lot of electrical accessories, particularly a high-power audio system, you should consider replacing the stock alternator with a unit having a higher current rating. To determine the size you need, add up the current draws for each item, then add that to the rating for your original alternator.
Note: be very careful about tacking accessories onto existing vehicle wiring. If you overload a wire, it could overheat, leading to insulation breakdowns and consequently shorts to ground (fuses blowing), or fire. For something like fog lamps or high-power audio amps, it is better to run a separate wire with an in-line fuse block to a terminal stud attached to the battery clamp. The stock radio supply wire is not intended for lights! Use proper wiring methods; twisting bare wires together and wrapping with tape is unreliable. As you have already discovered, proper wire routing is mandatory - you have to keep the wire away from heat and moving parts. BTW, it really stinks to work on a wiring harness that's been made into a rat's nest (If i see that in a car, I automatically devalue it by $500). Keep it neat, use color coding to distinguish the wires or attach permanent ID tags to them, and document your changes on paper inserted tucked into your owner's manual. That will save you a lot of hassle if you need to work on it a few months later, or if someone else needs to work on it.

Jonah Oneal

Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

  • Chevrolet Master 14,092 Answers
  • Posted on Nov 09, 2011
Jonah Oneal
Chevrolet Master
Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Joined: Mar 17, 2009
Answers
14092
Questions
0
Helped
7234453
Points
44533

CHECK IGNITION FUSE TO IGNITION COIL AND IGNITION MODULE GETTING POWER.IF BATTERY POWER GETTING TO IGNITION MODULE AND COILS.IF POWER GETTING TO IGNITION MODULE.EITHER IGNITION MODULE FAULTY OR CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR AND PCM FAULTY YOU NEED A DIAGNOSTIC SCANNER TO SCAN ENTIRE PCM CONTROL SEE WHAT CAUSING NO START CONDITIONS.

Add Your Answer

×

Uploading: 0%

my-video-file.mp4

Complete. Click "Add" to insert your video. Add

×

Loading...
Loading...

Related Questions:

0helpful
1answer

1997 Chevy Cavalier. What causes car to stop running while driving it and you let it sit 15 minutes and it will start?

Question edited for clarity.
Question moved to model category..

Jeff, our professional automotive electronics technician provides a great answer.

Jeff Armer
Dec 22, 2023
Ignition control module going bad could cause this. Test for spark when it happens, you know how to do that? Pull a spark plug wire an hold a screw driver in the end an close to engine ground, have someone crank the engine.

You should see a blue or weak white spark, or do you see nothing?
..
1helpful
1answer

Stalling

IAC valve - idle air control valve or IAC air passage is pluged also clean the throttle plate and it's bore . Or take it to a repair shop that has the diagnostic equipment to test .
007 Idle Speed Problems Scan Data for Idle
1helpful
1answer

Stalling

Try cleaning the throttle body and butterfly plate. If that doesnt work, replace the IAC (idle air control) motor.
0helpful
1answer

2004 cavalier wont start

If your plug boots come off with ignition coil housing, remove it, then use spark tester in plug boot. Crank the engine and watch for spark. You would probably want to pull fuel injector fuse, no need to spray gas.

Then use a gage and check proper fuel pressure. Some vehicles don't have a Schrader valve, so you need proper fittings to tee into supply line, in order to use pressure gage. Don't take any fuel lines loose unless your sure, no pressure on the system.
I can only help with testing.
1helpful
1answer

1997 volvo 850R cold start issue

could be an air temp sensor,you need a computer to check it but it controls air fuel mixture at different temp,almost like a choke but for modern day vehicles
0helpful
3answers

Where are the spark plugs located on a 1997 2.4 liter engine?

FRONT AND BACK JUST FOLLOW THE WIRES THERE THICK AND BLACK AND THERE,S SIX OF THEM AND THATS WHERE YOUR SPARK PLUGS ARE
0helpful
1answer

Daylight lamps dont work

is car a 5 speed? parking brake switch cuts out daytime running lights when pulled up.
0helpful
3answers

My 1997 chevy cavalier wont start.its getting spark and fuel.but wont fire it has a 2.2 ecotec.

Sounds like cam belt has snapped. If it broke while starting, could be cheap fix...new belt. Worst case: cylinder head off for overhaul...bent valves / pistons replaced.
0helpful
2answers

1997 2.2 Cavalier sporadic/cutting out

I had a similar problem with an earlier model Cavalier, with the problem being much more pronounced. The fuel injector nozzles on two cylinders turned out to be the culprits. Once replaced, the car ran beautifully like it always had before.
0helpful
1answer

1998 Cavalier No Spark in cylinders 1 & 4

ignition mod. grounds,pcm or timing belt could all be it but, I would have to look at timing first.
Not finding what you are looking for?

2,296 views

Ask a Question

Usually answered in minutes!

Top Chevrolet Experts

ZJ Limited
ZJ Limited

Level 3 Expert

17989 Answers

Ronny Bennett Sr.
Ronny Bennett Sr.

Level 3 Expert

6988 Answers

john h

Level 3 Expert

29492 Answers

Are you a Chevrolet Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

Answer questions

Manuals & User Guides

Loading...