20 Most Recent 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier - Page 3 Questions & Answers

Hello there and thank you for chosing fixya
Well i have to start by saying WOW AND A DOUBLE WOW AT THAT.
oK HERE IS WHY THE WOW
I have the exact same year and make as you this happend to me and unlike you i have 2 grand stuck into this for the same problem and i didnt need to.
The problem in mine is the fuel pump it was faulty and was not letting the electrical path be complete.. 4 chevrolet houses tested and tested and tested then they found there was no power getting from the fuel pump so they dropped the tank pulled the pump out of the tank and walla the fuel pump was bad
they repaced it and the car has been running ever since
Originally i had no spark at all so i changed out everything crank sensors camshaft sensors igniton modulator new computer spark plugs wires still to no avail till they found the bad fuel pump.
So there you have my nightmare so please do your self a favor and have the fuel pump tested first hopefully it will save you big bucks in the long run.
Best regards Mike

remove bulb and insert fuse if blows test circuit -check switch-dome - wiring and connections if doesnt blow check dome unit wiring and connections

It sounds like a battery problem or a battery connection issue. Do you have side mounted connections on the battery is the battery solidly mounted to the tray it can't bounce around . Have the battery tested for a dead cell also if nothing else works check the main junction mounted on the fire wall or inner fender wall all of the wiring comes together at this point computer ignition and and all acc voltage

Do the valves move?

Hello Court, For complete instructions with diagrams and CAUTION notices go to Autozone.com and search for Ignition Lock Cylinder. You may need to set up a an account to access the repair guides, its free and very helpful....especially the caution warnings. The Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system must be disarmed before performing service around SIR components or wiring. Failure to do so may cause accidental deployment of the air bag, resulting in unnecessary SIR repairs and/or personal injury. With Key

1. If equipped, disable the SIR system. For details, please refer to the procedure located in Chassis Electrical of this guide.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
3. If equipped, remove the tilt lever from the steering column by gripping the lever and twisting counterclockwise.
4. Remove the upper and lower steering column covers.
5. Turn the lock cylinder to the RUN position.
6. Push against the locking button on the back side of the bearing and housing assembly and remove the lock cylinder.

Hi, you have to get the front left wheel removed for a better inspection to see what the problem is sooner rather than later.

Check your owners manual for the correct shift pastern...It is a natural H pattern, with 5th gear upper right...reverse should be all the way to the right and lower right to engage...the knob does not always indicate the correct pattern...may have been changed...also be sure it is a 5 speed...most of these Cavaliers were 4 speeds...with reverse being upper right instead of 5th gear upper right...confirm in your owners manual if possible...will show illustration...Hope this helps.

Hook it to the engine block and to the body on the fender.

There are generally 2 electrical posts to a starter. One post is the large one the positive battery terminal goes to, and that is used as a junction for the alternator, main fuse block input, etc. It usually has a .5" nut and washer. The other wire to the starter is small and usually a push on jack terminal. You can tell this one because it will normally be cold to a test light until you try to crank the engine. Color is not necessary and could differ due to repairs.

it depends...you did not mention if it is a manual or automatic transmission........

does the engine stay idling with no response to throttle movement? or does the engine cut-out when the throttle is pushed?

my next step is to MANUALLY attempt to see if this engine will turn. Disconnect battery, remove starter completely which will expose the flywheel. With a HEAVY flat blade screwdriver partially inserted by a tooth in the flywheel, exert pressure in a pivot movement trying to move the flywheel . If it doesn't move the engine is seized.