The gas gauge is going haywire. It pegs to the "f", and then immediately pegs to the "e", even though the tank is half full. The gauge then jumps around the middle form one side to the other side. It is impossible to tell how much is in the tank. This happens while driving and also while sitting at lights or stop signs.
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier electrical problems
66 complaints (19% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 76,968.
- owner complaints
- 66
- of this car's complaints
- 19%
- typical mileage
- 76,968
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Ignition: switch14
- Ignition12
- Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers7
- Ignition: module6
- Horn4
- Wiring: front underhood3
- Wiring3
- 12v/24v/48v battery3
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Chevrolet Cavalier electrical problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier electrical
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Electrical system: ignition: switch
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed. The fire could spread to the interior of the car, which could injure occupants or cause damage to adjoining structures.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch, and check that your car will start with a properly charged battery and, if necessary, replace the ignition switch. Owner notification will begin on march 1, 2004. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668, buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080, or oldsmobile at 1‑800‑630‑6537. Customers can also check their vehicle online by going to www.mygmlink.com and entering the vehicle's identification number.
Recall number 04V036000 · Recall details
What 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet cavalier. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 189,467.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet cavalier. While driving at 35 MPH, there was an odor of smoke inside the vehicle. The contact coasted over to the side of the road, lifted the hood, and noticed that the wires from the alternator were on fire. The contact extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 169,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet cavalier. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the key could not be inserted all the way in the ignition. Also, the contact stated that in order to turn on the vehicle the key needed to be slightly out of the ignition switch. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been notified. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet cavalier. The contact stated the anti-theft system failed. When the theft system failed the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was told that the pass lock system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 142,000.
Ignition switch, or anti theft system, causes fuel pump to not work properly and also fuel injectors, been in garage 3 times and finally was told the problem after spending hundreds of dollars, was told gm had a recall on this part.
This car has been in the family for most of its life. When my sister bought it. She would have trouble with it starting up. She would have to try several times before it would finally start up. Im not sure of the problem. I was told it could be the ignition switch. But this has been replaced twice. This gets expensive when you do this? I was wondering if there was any other complaints with this.
All I have to say about this car is it is a piece of junk. I have had mine for almost two years now and in this two years I have had to put about 7,000 dollars of work into it. As of right now my car is sitting 200 hundred miles away on the side of the highway because the wiring to my starter keeps blowing my starters up. And as far as im concerned the car can stay there. I'm not even going to bother going to get it. Someone else can bar the burden that comes with that car! Im done!
No warning of anything wrong, had driven less than 1 mile when trunk caught on fire due to defective wiring.
Wiring harness shorted out and started trunk fire.
Questions about the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier electrical
Does the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier have electrical problems?
Owners have filed 66 complaints about the electrical of the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier, 19% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier electrical problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 76,968 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier electrical?
Yes, 1 recall: 04V036000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Chevrolet Cavalier have the most electrical problems?
The Chevrolet Cavalier model years with the most electrical complaints are 2005 (211 complaints), 2004 (185 complaints) and 1997 (107 complaints).
Other 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier problems
Brakes 59Engine 56Steering 54Airbags 34Body 28Lights 18Transmission 16Visibility 15Acceleration 14Fuel system 14Locks 11Suspension 11Seats 9Seat belts 8Wheels 4Tires 3Driver assistance 1
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