1997 Chevrolet Cavalier: misfire or rough idle

Filed Feb 4, 2003 · Engine · 162,800 miles · GA

When first started strong gas fumes in car; then hesitation/stalling while driving, has gone dead two times; rough idling.

Filed Jan 16, 2003 · Engine, Lights · 23,000 miles · NJ

Consumer states that when vehicle is cold it takes several attempts to start. When vehicle does finally start it will continuously stall. If started successfully vehicle has an excessively rough idle. Ph the vehicle did not start in cold weather, the lights on the dash board didn't light. The vehicle was diagnosed as cold start followed by a hard restarting and high oil pressure related to the oil pressure pump in the engine. Tsb#7761-09b. Scc

Filed Jan 5, 2000 · Engine · NJ

In december 1999, I experienced a loss of engine coolant level and the low engine coolant indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. I assumed the thermostat was failing and had a local service station replace it and flush the radiator. Several days later the low engine coolant light illuminated on the instrument panel. Upon inspection, I had lost some coolant and experienced the smell of hot coolant which I attributed to the recent radiator flush. I took it back to the service station and the coolant system was pressure tested to check for leaks and passed. After being idle for over 1 week, on january 3, 2000, I checked the engine coolant level and it was low. I filled the engine coolant reservior to full and after short trips the level had held at full. On january 4, 2000, while driving to work, I experienced a rough idle and in addition to the low engine coolant level illuminating on the instrument panel, the check engine light and the traction control lights also lit up on the dash. I took it to the dealer, hawthorne chevrolet, expecting to have them finally resolve my problem and they informed me they suspected my engine block was cracked and estimated the job at over $3400.00. I noteiced service bulletin #'s 67-62-04, 970501776109 & 970501738309 posted on your website refers to similar defects as those I have experienced. If the engine has a defect, what recourse do I have? I have followed the recommended maintainance schedule and feel frustrated that gm and hawthorne chevrolet knew of the potential problems but failed to take the preventative measures to avoid perminant damage to the engine. I have taken the car to the service station where I had the thermostat replaced and their conclusion is the head gasget has failed or the head has cracked, based on the fact that there isn't any coolant in the oil pan. I received an estimate of $950.00 for the repairs. I'm not a happy cavalier owner. I thank you.

Filed Oct 20, 1999 · Airbags, Body · CA

Also had to have driver's door realigned, side mirror realigned, seat belts replaced, seat belt covers replaced, windshield wipers replaced, and the airbags were recalled. Also, this car still runs rough but, they can't seem to duplicate the problem.

Filed Feb 7, 1999 · Electrical, Engine · LA

On may 29 1998 my cars ets/ engine check light came on, and I took it to a chevrolet dealer to find out what the problem was. They told me that it was the number 2 engine cylinder misfiring, and they tried to fix the problem. Within the next few days I was back for the same problem. This time the called the technical assistant for help, and they did this another time as they did not fix the problem. I then move to ft. Polk la. As I am in the military. On 1 jan 9, the same problem started up again. This time they did the same thing the other shop did. I have had my car in the shop for a total of 4 times that they have worked on it, replacing the cylinder cap/fuel injector and coil housing. And they talked to the technical assistantce personnel at chevrolet. The last time I had my car in the shop was 29jan 99, and they hooked a computer up to it. Drove it for a week to try to creat the problem so they could take a picture of the system. But the lights never came on. So they gave me back my car with the problem still not fixed, and the chevrolet corp. Won't do any thing about the problem, but continue to work on it under the warranty. I have been told that they can't fix the problem, and the technical assistants are out of suggestions. I have filed a complaint with the chevrolet corp, and feel that nothing will be done about my problem. I feel that they have had several attempts to fix the problem and can't , and they won't replace the car.

Filed Jan 21, 1998 · Acceleration, Suspension · PA

Noisy rear due to defective rear struts. In addition, accelerator sticks at stop lights and rough idle.