2001 Chevrolet Cavalier: check engine light

Filed Jul 30, 2007 · Transmission · 58,000 miles · OH

This car has been a lemon since I bought it. It had 14 miles on it at purchase. Before it had 5,000 miles, the strut mounts had to be replaced twice. When it hit close to 60,000 miles the trac off/ check engine lights kept coming on. I went to the dealership and they replaced some component in the fuel system to pacify me but stated it had to do with the gas cap not being on right. Not the problem at all because I complained to chevrolet and they replaced this piece yet again (was replaced before) and I drove it out of the dealership to nc and it happened again on the way down there. When the check engine light comes on, shortly after the trac off light comes on and it makes a noise like the transmission is ready to fall out of it. Seems the problems start when you're trying to climb a hill which to me has never sounded like a problem with the gas cap! Now it's completely out of warrantly, and I refuse to drive it because I'm afraid it's gonna die on me somewhere. Hubby drives it locally and he's gotta shift it into second or third to try to keep it from doing that. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. You can't use the cruise control because it automatically kicks the lights on because the transmission can't stay at an even kiel. When you go to stop, you have to put it in park, shut off the engine, wait a minute, turn it on, put it in second and then go. The trac off light then goes off and sometimes the check engine light goes off too. (50/50 chance of that one). The RPM guage forever revs up to 4-5 which also kicks on the lights. I dont' know. Anyone considering purchasing this car better run not walk to a foreign car dealership and buy something trustworthy. I just bought a new car. Toyota corolla s and I'm extremely happy! No more chevrolet cavalier's for me! This car has been a lemon since I bought it. I feel chevrolet and the dealership pacified me itl it was out of warranty and then said, "too bad!". Never again will I buy a chevy.

Filed Sep 3, 2005 · Body, Brakes · 96,376 miles · NY

2001 chevrolet cavalier developed problems with the brakes and the engine.***no answer required***. *mr while turning the steering wheel the consumer heard grinding/rubbing noises intermittently. The fog lamp went out. The brakes were noisy and would stick when applied. Water leaking into the trunk. The vehicle wouldn't start and the vehicle check engine light illuminated. The keyless entry system and alarm stopped working. The transmission not shift into low gear. The daytime running light would not shut off. The HVAC blower would not work in the first and second speed. The dealer foun air in the brake line and determined that hte lower control arm bushing was falling out

Filed Apr 13, 2005 · Lights · OH

My 2001 chevrolet cavalier day time running lights (drl) quit working!. When you put the car into gear, you hear a clicking noise,(maybe a relay switch)? And the drl icon on the dash flashes about 5 or 6 times along with the headlights and the drl turned off, and the service engine light comes on, when you turn off the car and restart it the service light is off, must reset. Also the right side high beam head light does not work after the drl flash and go out(right side if you are facing the front of the car that is) replaced the right side head light and still have the same problem. Day time running lights are a safety feature for my car and they are not working, the dealer wants $100.00 bucks just to hook my car to a machine to tell me whats wrong with it, after the last trip to the dealer for a check engine light, that cost me $180.00 dollars just to tell my wife to tighten the gas cap when you fill up the car.(nice hu?) im not a happy camper. After doing a little research on the internet I see that cavilers have a drl problems all over the place. Why is there not a safety recall for day time running lights? After all they are a safety feature and do save lives, by making the smaller cars more visable to other drivers. With only one high beam head light working and no drl's my car has become a safety hazard for my wife and daughter, and even my self to drive. Please help by asking gm to recall this safety problem before some one get s hurt or even killed.

Filed Jan 24, 2005 · Engine · MD

While driving, the vehicle check engine light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. The consumer noticed a loud knocking noise was heard coming from the front. The consumer was able to drive it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the head gasket had blew and needed to be replaced. *jb there was leaking compression at the head gasket.

Filed Jun 28, 2004 · Electrical, Engine · IA

Consumer complaining about the repair of his 2000 chevrolet cavalier vehicle. *la recall# 04v036000 (electrical ignition switch) after the vehicle was picked up from repair, the check engine light had come on. *sc the consumer had to wait five hours to have the vehicle repaired.

Filed Jul 16, 2003 · Transmission · 19,427 miles · PA

Engine light has come on for the 10th time in 2 months. The dealership resets the computer and sometimes does repairs. The service dept. Manager has asked me to take it somewhere else to see what they can do. All repairs have been related to either gas or powertrain. The engine light always comes on after acceleration going up a hill.

Filed Aug 15, 2001 · Electrical, Engine · IL

Consumer is hearing a clicking noise coming from left front wheel. Vehicle was overheating, cooling system motor was making the noise.*ak consumer states engine light was also illuminating along with the clicking noise, dealer first stated it was the cooling system motor, and then the bearing and hub assembly, consumer states the noise is still present. Dealer stated a fuse shorted and was the cause of the engine light to illuminate. Consumer stated vehicle was shifting rough, dealer could not find any problems. Air conditioner was making a grinding noise.