1996 Chevrolet Cavalier: check engine light

Filed Dec 6, 2011 · Airbags, Driver assistance · 17,035 miles · CA

I replaced the battery on my 1996 chevrolet cavalier 2.4l with manual transmission about 3 days ago. Today as I was driving to get gas the vehicle started to idle low as if it was not getting enough fuel to the engine. As I came to a stop it got worse and then I check the dash for any indication of malfunction only to see my airbag, check engine, ABS, check oil & battery lights flickering. Moments later as I shift into 3rd gear it dies rendering all safety and normal operation of the vehicle nearly impossible. I had to call a friend to jump me 3 more times before reaching my home which was less than a mile away!

Filed Sep 9, 2010 · Engine · 226,250 miles · CA

I purchased a 1996 chevy cavalier in 1999 and from the beginning had problems with the check engine light continually on etc. From 1999 to sept 2010 - I took it to several chevy dealers while it was under warranty and they never fixed the problem completely and the lights remained on. I was told to put fuel injection cleaner in it by one car dealer of course that didn't work. Years later and many repairs, engine rebuilt, thermostat replaced, water pumps, fans etc.. Four catalytic converters I still have the same problem - loss of power, car shutting off and leaving me in intersection, freeways etc.. Causing a very dangerous situation, I have over these years become very frustrated the codes read o2 sensors, the cat converter pieces fall apart easily causing very costly repairs because these defective parts clog the air flow causing overheating and loss of power, it should not be this difficult or cost to keep this car in repair order. Cat converters, sensors, head gaskets, seals, water pumps, sticking thermostats etc.. Continually replaced and still the same on going problem with no hope of ever finally fixing this dangerous defective problem.

Filed Feb 26, 2008 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

Ets and check engine lift on all the time. From the time that I purchased the car these two lights remained on. The car would lose power while I was driving causing me to be left in the middle of intersections and traffic. I took the car back for repairs numerous times to the dealer and the seller and to various car repair places. But, no one was able to find the problem and repair it. A few years ago - I took my car for repairs to another chevorlet dealer and they told me that it was the catalytic converter. And that it would be cheaper to have it replaced tby someone other than a dealer. So, I took my car muffler repair and had it replaced (at a very expensive cost). The lights did not go off after the repair. I was told they had to be re set which they could not do. So, I took it to a car repair place and had the lights reset. It seemed to fix the problem. Now, a year or so has gone by and the lights came back on. A few months later the car started to lose power again and I took it back to the muffler shop - they could find no problem . Again I took it to a repair place and had the lights reset. At this time the lights have remain off, but the car still loses power off and on.

Filed Dec 21, 2004 · Electrical, Engine · MI

The vehicle stalled causing the driver to pull off the road. *ak the trunk would lock without the remote entry, the check engine light flickered and the vehicle would not start. *sc

Filed Jun 28, 2003 · Engine · TX

Car suddenly leaked coolant, engine temp was reading hot on dash. Thought problem was related to a stuck thermostat, replaced thermostat and coolant. Belt starts slipping a couple weeks later, and engine light comes on. In the process of replacing radiator, water pump, and belt.

Filed Jan 31, 2003 · Fuel system · NC

When car fuel tank is reading below 1/4 tank, car will not start. Car backfires, while trying to start and check engine light comes on. I have been fighting with this since I [urchased the car in 1997. Everytime that I take the car in, I am being told it is always something different. This item definately needs to be looked at cuase I have been told by numerous chevy cavelier owners are having this same problem.

Filed Jan 10, 2003 · Transmission · 37,000 miles · IL

1996 chevrolet cavalier: check engine light and ets off light came on during highway driving, off again by the time we got to he dealer. Happened again during highway driving a week later. Dealer found that computer code indicated failure of a pump seal in the automatic transmission (4-spd overdrive transmission). Cost to repair will be at least $1,305. Other similar complaints found on the federal safety agency site show problems with pumps installed in transmissions prior to june, 1996. Car has only 37,000 miles.

Filed Aug 17, 2002 · Airbags, Electrical · FL

In april 2002 I received a letter from teh recall information processing center, royal oak, mi in regards to a defect with the ignition switch. When I checked the internet "the federal safety agency" I found out that in fact this was not the only recall on my car. The is also an airbag, check engine light and mud flip kit recall. I contacted the dealer and brought my car in to repair all these defects. The next day the check engine light came on again and the car was running rough again. I contacted the dealership and reported the problem. I was told that this has nothing to do with the recall and that the recall for the "check engine light" was fixed the day before and I have to pay if I want to find out what is causing that light to come on. I am not satisfied at all. First of all, I was never contacted in regards to all these other recalls. I have problems with my car everysince around the middle of 2002. When I drive and take my foot of the gas pedal the car keeps going the same speed without slowing down, sometimes it even speeds up. The engine check light keeps coming on and the engine runs real rough. Also when driving the car keeps jerking, like somebody is hitting the brakes and then speeds ups right afterwards. All these problems occur at no particular speed. Please be so kind and assist me in this matter or advise me who I have to contact. Thank you so much. Best regards, manuela m. Leno.

Filed May 21, 2002 · Electrical · IL

Vehicle began having problems prior to recall 02v07, engine light illuminated, vehicle experienced hard starts after sitting overnight, would stall and had no power, dealer replaced several components to correct this and consumer is requesting reimbursement for the unnecessary replacement parts.

Filed Jun 11, 2001 · Brakes, Transmission · NY

While driving at highway speeds or for extended periods of time four-speed overdrive transmission will automatically shift down to a lower gear, and "ets off" and "check engine" lights come on simultaneously. Vehicle remains in low gears until lights go off or until vehicle cools down. Also , that when this problem occurs vehicle jerks and vibrates as if the ABS is kicking in at speeds in excess of 40 MPH. Please provide any additional information/attachments.

Filed Apr 23, 2001 · Fuel system · MD

Engine light has come on/ off. Consumer replaced gas cap. Took vehicle to a private mechanic that diagnosed vehicle with computer. Mechanic reset computer to remove engine light, however, engine light came back on 2 days afterwards. *ak the dealer pointed out that there had been a recall on problem of the engine light coming on, but the manufacturer had not notified the consumer.

Filed Mar 4, 2001 · Acceleration, Electrical · VT

The head gasket blew while the vehicle was stopped, the check engine light was illuminated for 2 years. Nlm