1997 chevy cavalier steering column and dashboard caught on fire on march 10, 2011. Car had no mechanical or electrical issues prior to the fire. Car was in excellent working condition. Car had been parked for approximately one hour after being used for a short drive. The cavalier was parked outside in front of the house no one was in the vehicle. Fire department had to be called to extinguish the fire from the car. No prior knowledge of the recall for the electrical system ignition switch defect.
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier electrical complaints
Page 2 of 5: complaints 11 to 40 of 107, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I bought this car used last year for my daughter. We have been having problems with the key to start, the key was left in the start position a few times trying to get started. We noticed a spark come from the column and nothing. I noticed that there was a recall on the ignition switch doing the same thing as I stated above. Dealership will not honor recall because now they are stating the lock cylinder mechanism is broke and they cant get into the column without breaking it. This is ridiculous that now that it is failed they won't fix the car.
I have been having trouble starting my chevy cavalier. The problem is the theft system. I am a single mother and the chevy place said it would be 400 dollars to fix. I have read that alot of chevy owners have the same problem. Please have this recall. I beg you thanks
The ignition system.
Sometimes I have trouble starting car.
Passlock/theftlock system enables with known key in system preventing the vehicle from starting or shutting down while driving disabling power steering and brake systems. A google search indicates this is a very common problem in all gm vehicles equipped with this system. Gm's attitude is lackadaisical toward this issue at best. Dealers will not disable system and after hundreds of dollars are spent on fixing the problem, it still exists.
My car has recently caught fire. The fire started in the steering column. My car was a total loss.
Dt recall 00v053000 was issued concerning the fuel system. This vehicle was not included due to VIN. Gasoline was leaking from the return and the feed line. The return line started leaking first and then a month later, the feed line started leaking. Noticed it on july 29, 2005 this is when the return metal fitting was leaking and the return started leaking on august 29, 2005. Contacted the dealer, the part that has to be replaced, including the whole unit, and with labor would cost $600.00 or $700.00. Also, ignition switch recall 02v070000. This vehicle failed to start. The vehicle would not turn over it completely. The dash warning lights would come on. The dealer has not looked at any of these problems. There was also a recall 98v146000 concerning air bags. Vehicle's air bag light was on. Did not have the dealer check this. *ak
Dt: the dash area of the vehicle caught on fire, it started around the ignition switch. They do have a recall not sure if it includes this vehicle. The vehicle started without the keys in the ignition after turning it off, and that was when it caught on fire. This happened on july 6, 2005. The fire department and insurance company came out and inspected vehicle.
The cylinder lock has been replaced four times. The vehicle is in the on position. The key is stuck. Consumer had to let the vehicle run until it shut itself off, meaning it had to run out of gas. It will not let the consumer release the key from the ignition.
Consumer had the same problem as stated in the federal safety agency recall 02v07000. On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts. This recall failed.
While driving, the horn failed to work intermittently. *ak there was erratic horn operation. The horn didn't work 50% of the time. The dealers never resolved the problem. *sc
Consumer attempted to start vehicle but it failed to do so. Consumer lifted up the hood and noticed that main wire to starter caught on fire. The driver was able extinguish the fire. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic replaced the ignition switch due to a worn out relay switch.
Vehicle was taken to dealer for recall repairs on the wiring harness. Consumer noticed that while driving vehicle was running very rough.
When attempting to start vehicle ignition switch stuck. Recall 02v070000 repairs were performed, but problem still recurred. Also, while driving the bearing hub produced a grinding noise on the left side. The cause has yet to be determined by the mechanic.
Loss of steering and air bags deployed before vehicle came into contact with anything. Regarding jannie welch.*mr prior to the accident a recall was issued and was repair by the dealer on oct. 7, 1998. The vehicle tape player sounded garbled and the speakers were not very loud. The horn wire inside the steering column broke. A leaking seal within the power steering shaft caused a whining sound. (bradley banks attorney for client).
My ignition switch recall is a problem and the recall notice says that the internal parts os the switch will melt if held too long in the start position and I have had a problem with my switch. I took it off and apart and found that the internal parts were melted as it says in the notice. My notice says that they were to test and replace the switch if necessary as well as put the addition to the circuit and I did not get a new switch please advise as what to do. All I would like is my switch replaced. I called the chevrolet 800 customer service number and I did not receive any help. Thank you ted l howard 714‑630‑3844
On april 23, 2003 vehicle was taken to the dealer for two recalls. The first was recall 02v070000 concerning ignition switch. The second was recall 02v286000 concerning power steering assembly. After recall repairs were done, the vehicle wouldn't start intermittently. Vehicle was taken to the dealer three times, dealer did diagnostic testing and could not determine the cause of problem. The vehicle did not have these problems before the recall repairs.
Request for reimbursement for towing, and electrical repairs after recall. *mr ph
The recall remedy for the ignition switch recall 02 v 070 000 failed. The defect occurred and almost caused an accident.
The federal safety agency#02-v-070-000 the recall which was performed on the vehicle regarding the ignition switch failed.
The engine overheated, and stalled. The spark plugs melted. The technician found the head warped, causing excessive internal exhaust heat. The dealer replaced the relay switch, removed the head and resurfaced. The electric fans don't turn on. The technician found the fan relay, ect sensor, and fusible link shorted(removed replaced). The vehicle had surged and died out. The sensor connector clip broken and was replaced. The console under the radio had cracked. The vehicle wouldn't start, due to multiple dtc plugs fouled. The vacuum line had broken, and the connectors were re-pinned. The vehicle wouldn't start until the engine cooled down. The alternator was not charging and there was poor battery contact to the terminal. The alternator was replaced. Between the speeds of 25-30 MPH, the vehicle felt like it was going to rev up. The transmission did not shift into gear. The transmission was replaced and the cooler lines were flushed. There was noise coming from the engine and or the defective timing chain. The tensioner was replaced/resealed, the timing chain was greased, and the serpentine belt was replaced. Scc
The starter was replaced twice.
Electrical wires had blown under the dash board. Consumer would like to know is it related to the electrical recall. Warning lights on since purchase of vehicle. It took three trips to dealer before dealer found short under dash. A few weeks later vehicle had to be jump started. Received recall notice for electrical ignition. When air conditioner was serviced, mechanic found circuits supplying power to the compressor had blown. Mechanic traced wires under dash and found wires had melted and shortened out. He repaired what he could and the air conditioner was worked. However to correct the wiring problem the entire dash needed to be removed and new harness installed. Consumer is concerned the electrical/ignition recall is related to electrical problems. *tt *jb
When the brake was applied, the vehicle experienced stopping distance. *jb after the consumer received service for the ignition recall, the consumer heard a loud noise and the vehicle didn't start until three tries later. Scc
Consumer called complaining about having problem with an electrical fire on the vehicle. Also stated that vehicle was not on when this happened. Dealer was contacted and call the consumer but nothing was done. Ts
My car was parked all day at work. After work I drove down two blocks to a store where I needed to run in to pick something up. I returned to my car 10 mins later and my car would not start. Dash lights were functional, but car would not turn over. Initially it sounded like it was trying to turn over but did not have enough power to do so. After attempting to start several times, it no longer made any sound when I turned the key. Tried to jumpstart car, but car would not take it. Checked all fuses, seemed to be fine. Does not appear to be the battery, as all lights and car alarm work. This problem came without any warning signs, with the occasion of a few times in the past where the car stalled out. No warning signs/problems prior to this current problem. Taking car in for a diagnostic test 09/01/02.
Dealership charge for recall 02v070000 repairs after work was done.
Prior to recall notification, (02v070000) consumer was having trouble with the vehicle starting, the dealer was unable to diagnosis the problem, after receiving recall notice, consumer took vehicle to the dealer and had the work performed and stated that all the work that was performed previously was recall related, consumer was informed that a claim would be submitted for reimbursement, however consumer has waited for 60 days and has not heard from manufacturer.
While waiting for recall 02070000 repairs appointment date ignition switch caught on fire and damaged other components. Consumer was charged.
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