1995 Chevrolet Cavalier: won't start

Filed Apr 1, 2004 · Electrical · 168,006 miles · MI · fire

Fire under hood - had the recall ignition work done on 09/23/2003 while getting the fifth alternator replaced since march of 2002. On 03/28/2004 car would not start for 20 minutes. Finally started, drove approx. 2 miles when smoke poured out from under hood, parked and raised hood, flames. Fire was put out by extinguisher. This is the same problem I read about in the recall notice before I got the recall work done on the ignition. Called dealer that did the recall work who stated he had never heard of a fire after the recall work had been done.

Filed Jun 24, 2003 · Electrical, Engine · 85,000 miles · NJ

Since the end of august 2002, my car has been falling apart. It all started when my air conditioner stopped working. I had freon put back into it, but after a few days, the freon was gone. The mechanic put a dye into the system to see if there was a leak, but he couldn't see any problem. My car has always overheated in traffic. Oil is leaking from my head gaskets. Now, it is having trouble starting periodically. I was in camden when it wouldn't start. Now I'm afraid to drive it. When I start the car, a clicking noise comes from the starter. Oh yeah, I had the starter "fixed" a year ago because of the recall. There is a noise coming from my alternator. I don't know if it is the alternator or the starter that's keeping the car from starting. From what I've seen in my car and the complaints from others, this is not a reliable car.

Filed Oct 30, 2002 · Electrical, Engine · TX

The ignition switch failed. The bypass switch was disconnected and the ignition replaced at consumers expense. The consumer is requesting refund for the repair cost of defective parts. The vehicle would not start at times only a clicking sound is heard. The starter was replaced, but the problem still exists. Also, the engine light stayed illuminated and it intermittently runs rough at idle. *j's

Filed Jun 20, 2002 · Electrical · DE

Prior to receiving recall notification, the engine and steering wheel were smoking and it would not start, dealer replaced starter and battery. Consumer is requesting a refund, recall #02008-s, the federal safety agency campaign id # 02v070000.

Filed May 23, 2002 · Electrical · TN · fire

Prior to recall notification (02v07000), vehicle would not start, a new starter was installed, on the second occasion consumer had difficulty starting the vehicle and it would click several times before turning over, then on july 20, 2001 while attempting to start the vehicle, the passenger compartment became filled with smoke which was emitting from the steering column which resulted in a fire, consumer is now seeking restitution for the damages incurred.(attorney timothy hill on behalf of client)

Filed Jan 19, 2002 · Electrical · WI · fire

Total loss of vehicle. Went to start my car, wouldn't start. Turned key, starter clicked, but engine didn't turn over. Turned key again, engine did not turn over. Turned key to "off" position, then the engine began to turn over, with the key in the "off" position. Removed key and went into house. App. 15 minutes later car was completely engulfed in flames. Fire department stated "electrical malfunction" was cause of fire. Prior to this fire have had several experiences of car not starting for a week at a time and then suddenly will start. This all began after having recall work done appx. 2 years ago on PCM.

Filed Feb 2, 2001 · Lights · NH

I was traveling about 60 MPH on a highway when the panel lights came on and the car quit. I traveled about 10ft when the car came to a halt and would not go any more. After about 15 minutes, I tried turned the key and the car started. I traveled about 15 miles with the car almost stalling 2 to 3 times along the way. It started fine for the next 4 days and almost stalled another 5 times. During this time the engine light would flicker. After 5 days the car wouldn't start, at all. It had to be towed and fixed. This is related to the modulator and crank sensor. In regards to the serpentine tensioners and belt, the first belt was replaced after it was squeking. While driving, at about 40 MPH, I forget which light came on, but I had to pull into a midas station and they diagnosed that the tensioners had to be replaced. This previous belt was also squeeking before the tensioner was replaced.

Filed Oct 4, 2000 · Electrical, Engine · PA

On 10/2/00 I had my 95 chevy cavalier towed to 2 dealers, bryner chevrolet (they would not accept the warranty) and then to the dealer I purchased the vehicle, ne auto outlet because the car would not start. On 09/25/00 my car began to start with a hesitation. Each day thereafter it got worse. On 09/25/00 I replaced the battery thinking that the battery may have been the problem. That did not help. By thursday the problem worsened so I called bryner chevrolet and made an appointment. I could not get an appointment until 10/3/00. On 9/30/00 the car would no longer start at all. On 10/2/00 I had the car towed to bryner and then to ne auto outlet as I stated before. I was told that ne auto outlet could not look at the car until 10/3/00. I received a call at 11:30am from joe didonato at ne that I needed an ignition switch and an alternator. I was told that the bad components were draining the battery. I was also told that I needed a new serpentine belt. I had the serpentine belt replaced twice before at bryner chevrolet on 5sep97 and 6feb98. It seems to be highly unusual that I would need to replace the belt almost every year on a 1995 vehicle with only 27961 miles on it. I don't even drive 5,000 miles a year. I feel the same about having to replace the ignition switch and the alternator/generator. I have had 3 recalls since I purchased the vehicle. Hazard lamp, leaking cylinder (head gasket was replaced), and PCM assy. The problem with the belt has been ongoing with noise in the pulley area of the belt. The noise began again a few days after the recalls on the head gasket and PCM assy.