1997 Chevrolet Cavalier: won't start

Filed Feb 18, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 119 miles · CA

As I was going to turn the switch on to turn on my car it didn't want to start. I had some one fix it but could not find a way to fix it. They had to add a button under the steering wheel to start the car as I turn the switch on. There was couple a of times where the car would go on passlock by itself and wouldn't start until a long period of waiting. The external headlights burn constantly and I would buy new bulbs for the back lights. One time our neighbor said he heard noise like fireworks on our property and he said that he seen our car was sparking light out of the steering wheel. That morning of that day he told us and as we were checking the car I could smell something burned. As a result of that the car didn't want to start . The auto repair people had to come to our house to figure out what was wrong with it. They had told me that some wires inside the steering wheel had burned but mostly I have been fixing more of electrical switches and burned wires. I appreciate for taking your time to read this and I'm looking forward to hear from you.

Filed Sep 29, 2005 · Airbags, Electrical · 112,000 miles · NY

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

Filed Jul 30, 2003 · Electrical, Steering · CO

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.

Filed Mar 25, 2003 · Acceleration, Body · NM

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

Filed Feb 24, 2003 · Brakes, Electrical · IL

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

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 Sep 1, 2002 · Electrical · PA

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.

Filed Jul 17, 2002 · Electrical · IA

Since recall 02v070000 repairs on ignition switch were done vehicle would not start intermittently. Dealer has repairedvehicle a second time, and charged the consumer for the work.please provide further information.

Filed Jul 12, 2002 · Engine, Lights · UT

About 1-2 months ago my wife tried to start the car and she said that all of the systems(I.e. Windshield wiper blades, interior warning lights, etc.) started going off all at once, the brake pedal would't push in, there was a loud buxxing noise, and the car would not start. Ever since we have had to try several times before the vehicle would start and there have been multiple occasions when we are driving along (speed doesn't seem to play a role) and the car will react in a similar manner and stop running. After this happens, it can take us up to 10-15 minutes to get it started again. Just this morning it happened again and if the truck behind us had not swerved as it did, it would have totalled our car. We then spent almost 20 minutes in the middle of traffic trying to start our car.(this was submitted by brian quinney - husband of said owner).

Filed Apr 22, 2002 · Electrical · IL

Consumer states vehicle fails to start. Consumer is aware of recall 02v070000 relating to no start condition. However, dealer cannot perform recall repairs due to lack of parts. Consumer is concerned that vehicle may catch fire.

Filed Apr 10, 2002 · Electrical · CA · fire

While attendant was servicing vehicle he placed key inside of ignition, and vehicle wouldn't turn over. Ignition switch started smoking , and vehicle caught on fire.

Filed Apr 5, 2002 · Electrical · CT

I am worried about the recent recall on my 97 chevrolet. I currently have the defect and the car can catch fire at any time. The problem is recall april 2002. My car is having the problem described in this recall notice. Ie, when key is turned, there is a clicking noise, engine does not turn over. Car at the dealership. Relay repair kit not due to dealer until may 2002. My car has the defect and I am afraid to drive it until may.