I have a 2003 chev cavalier. Owned it from the time it had 4 miles on the odometer. Recently I noticed that the speedometer wasn't reading quite correctly. I first noticed it when the speedometer read that I was going 15 miles an hour over the speed limit and people were tailgating me. I didn't realize why until when I came to a stop my speedometer was stuck at 20mph. Over time I have noticed that this problem has only gotten worse. Every now and then it will read at 60mph at a dead stand still. But that is not even the half of it, it still got worse. At a stand still it would read 100mph+ and when moving it would go back over and start at 0mph. Ridiculous!!! I have received two tickets because of this problem. Also, on top of all of that, my temperature gauge will sometimes read 260 degrees. I've checked the water and anything that would be causing my temp to read excessively high and there are no other problems. The whole dashboard cluster is messed up. Sometimes my fuel gauges won't even read correctly. The problem has just gotten out of hand. I have been told it can cost as much as $1,000 to fix this problem.
2003 Chevrolet Cavalier electrical complaints
Page 4 of 5: complaints 71 to 100 of 106, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Please also see complaint odi number 10218011, involving the second instrument panel that will have to be replaced. This complaint involves the first instrument panel that had to be replaced. The speedometer and thermostat gauge did not work correctly and gave erroneous readings. This is a separate complaint about a similar problem as listed above that occurred several years ago. That problem was repaired at a cost to me of about $500. I did not keep all the paperwork, but I suppose that the jack schmitt chevrolet service department will have that data. The "incident date" listed is an estimate, I do not recall the date or year exactly, it could have been in 2006. Mileage at the time is unknown.
The instrument panel speedometer and thermostat gauge are not working correctly, but are giving erroneous readings. The instrument panel has failed for the second time. The car was purchased in 2003 and the first instrument panel one was replaced about three-years later for the same problem. The cost to us then was about $500.
I have replaced the ignition control module 4 times in this car. It fails such that the engine in only running on 2 cylinders. Testing has shown the coil packs are ok and the problem is with the icm computer.
Just driving along. The speedometer starts to jump, slow, speed up, and stop. Per phone conversation 1/14/08 problem with speedometer not working, not vehicle slowing down. Smch
I just watched a report about speedometer going haywire on gm trucks and SUV's. Well, I wanted you to know that my 2003 chevy cavalier is also having this problem and it is scheduled for service on friday to the tune of $400.00.
2003 cavalier engine stall on red lights/ coming to stop/ turning corners at low idle speeds causing a loss in power steering and ABS. Check engine light active, immediate restart is available, however while turning has nearly caused accidents. Believed to be caused due to faulty wiring to intake temp sensor.
The speedometer does not work properly it can say that I am going 90 when I am going only 35 also the heat gauge next to it will go way over into the speedometer area which then they hit each other which causes them to not work properly also the gas gauge does not work right either when I get low enough for the check gauge light to come on it will start going up saying that I have a half tank of gas even though I know that I do not.
Since I purchased the vehicle the radio has turned off by itself it also erases any programmed stations. The windows don't always go up , it happens off and on , it happens to one window and not the other and then reverses.
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 50 MPH on dry road conditions, all gauges except the RPM gauge lost power and stopped functioning. Also, the daytime running lights would not turn off, and an error message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact plans to notify the manufacturer after filing a complaint with the federal safety agency. Updated 11/30/2006- these failures were caused by a dead cell in the battery.
Horn stopped work. Went to take daughter to get license and it didn't work. Checked fuses and still did not work. I took to the deal and they said I had to get the horn module and air bag replaced. I haven't had the car three years yet.
1. Vehicle made a moaning noise when turning at approximately 55,000 kms (and 3 years old). Replaced power steering pump and steering rack. 2. Random clunking from the front end at approx. 56,000 kms. Replaced front bearings and transmission mount. 3. Car lost power, had to be towed to dealership. Dealer couldn't find a problem, insisted the car was fine. I insisted on them taking it out again. Car broke down, had to be towed back to dealer again. Replaced catalytic converter and fuel ignition switch. 4. Burned through 4l of oil and puffed out black smoke. Dealer couldn't locate problem. Happened again approx. 2000 kms later. Faulty piston rings, engine replaced entirely. At 61,000 kms. Now at over $11,000 cdn warranty repairs on a well maintained low mileage car. 5. Random clunking noise in front is back. Going to dealer tomorrow. Warranty: expired.
Dt*: the contact stated the temperature gauge in the instrument cluster goes all the way around which interferes with the speedometer's reading. The two needles sometimes hit each other. Also, the gas gauge continues to go around. The dealership told the contact that there are two locations in the united states that can repair the instrument cluster, and it would have to be sent to them. *ak updated 2/9/2006 -
Dt*: the contact stated while driving the vehicle at 65 MPH the speedometer went erratic, and the temperature gauge went up to 260 degrees. The vehicle was taken to a local garage, and they determined the instrument cluster panel was defective, and the vehicle needed to be taken to a local dealership for repairs.
Dt: the contact stated the horn stopped working. The vehicle was taken to a dealership, and they stated the horn module went out. The airbag would have to be replaced to repair the problem. Therefore, no repairs have been made.
Dt: 2003 chevrolet cavalier. The contact's daughter was driving the vehicle. While driving, all of the lights on the dashboard came on and then went off. About an hour later the contact's vehicle crashed because she could not steer it. The contact stated it was a clear day, there was not a lot of traffic , and no reason for her to lose control. There was a code found, b2625 for display dimming pulse. It appeared to be a problem with the lighting display. There no indication that there was power failure at the time of the accident. A police report was taken. The contact's daughter sustained bruises and had a backache. There has not been any repairs to the vehicle at this time. *ak updated 11/29/2005 - *nm
My speedometer is not reading correctly at times that are not predictable. Today for instance it has lost speed by reading at 5 MPH when I am driving at 40 MPH! It has even read at 85 MPH when I was only driving at 50 MPH! I have taken this problem to dealership and still no result. Now my temperature dial is going bonkers. I have seen several post on sites about the dashboard/car electrical problems! I now have my first speeding ticket due to the result of this!
Just wanted to clarify my call resulting in odi number 10133041. According to the mechanic, prior to the belt breaking, my car's alternator had a "hard spot". This means that it would seize and let go. My understanding is that the alternator should not seize unless there is a collision which in turn stops the engine. This car has never been in an accident. *ak this random seizing, I believe, is what caused my "undiplomatic", steering and braking problems - with loss of control ranging from 1/2 second to 2 seconds at a time. On the report associated with the alternator repair, I again reported braking problems (not just the documented noise), and the oddball sensation in the steering wheel. Both lines of complaint were attributed to the seizing up of the alternator. To me, this means that my life, and the life of anyone else on the road with me - was and still is still at the mercy of a weird alternator, whose intermittent failures result in loss of power to the steering pump, and the brakes - resulting in complete loss of control of the car until the backup kicks in - which takes from 1/2 second to 2 seconds. I wish to make very clear - I do not blame the dealer for lack of ability to adequately repair what is an inherent design flaw. In addition, in the course of research, I have learned that most all new cars regardless of manufacturer are designed the same way. This is a serious hazard, and needs to be addressed on an industry wide scale. At this stage, steering, acceleration, and braking are all erratic. Sound in the front tires is like a clip-clop. I am not a mechanic, but in reading the descriptions placed here, I must also wonder if the crashes and airbag failed deployments in several posts were also due to a seizing alternator prior to the mva.
Dt: the consumer owns a 2003 chevrolet caviler. Was losing control of the steering and the brakes. It started in the winter. The consumer stated the direction that car was headed was the way it stayed. Also, she noticed that there was a hum in the steering wheel which lasted a couple of seconds each time. The consumer contacted the dealer, and they said that it did not sound to them as dangerous. A couple of months later the problem finally came to ahead in june. Lights came on the dashboard. The belt broke, and the alternator seized. When the car was repaired by the dealer they concluded the alternator and the belt malfunctioned. Also heard a grinding noise in the brakes. The dealer never did any repairs to the steering. The consumer said that the key was hot after it had been in the ignition. And the steering wheel was tight when turning to the right. The car went back to the dealer , and she did not have the tightness to the steering. But, the car was still pulling to the right. The brakes were spongy. There was a popping sound in the front wheel. There was a delay in the speed of the car. And almost had a collision.
Chevrolet cavalier 2003, problem exist with the passenger side blinker/brake light continues to operate incorrectly. *bf the starter cylinder was replaced. *jb the dealer replaced the brake light bulb and blinker bulb on several occasions.
I bought my 2003 cavalier in feb. 2003. Within months of purchase I began to have problems with my tail lights. My left tail light burnt out completely (both turn signal and brake light). It was brought into the dealership in which they replaced the socket, bulb and greased the socket. In the following months, my left tail light continued to fail. Two of those times I was pulled over by the local police. Also during the summer of 2003, my battery died, although no lights were left on; my car stalled while in drive waiting at a stop light; my window motors died and had to be replaced; my locks failed to work properly which also had to be replaced. This past year I've had even more problems. As of recently, both left and right tail lights failed, and both were replaced, and the right one went out yet again. The trunk was leaking, which caused mold to grow in my trunk and damaging personal effects, and also causing the right socket and wires to become corroded. The socket and wires were replaced again, and the leak was fixed, but dealer refused to replaced fabric in trunk. Driver's side window motor died yet again, and was replaced. Cd player stopped working. Dealership ordered and installed new system. Currently I have problems with my power steering upon ignition when cold outside, squeaking sounds over front tires while going over bumps and turning, and all air vents, except passenger side are not functioning properly. Dealership looked at vents but stated that they were "operating as designed." over the past 2 years, my "new" car has been back to the dealership about 15 times. Way to go gm...another winner!
While driving approximately every two months the brake light will illuminate the dash board. The fuel pump blew out. The heating a cooling went bad. The vehicle makes noise when making right turns. Consumer has not found out what it is as of yet. The vehicle has been into the dealer at least twenty times.
Starting in october 2004, the dashboard lights in my 2003 chevrolet cavalier began turning off anytime I drove the vehicle with the headlights turned on. I took the car into a chevrolet dealership four times regarding this problem and it has never been resolved. The first time I took the car in, the dealership informed me that they could not replicate the problem and were unable to conduct any repairs. The second time, the dealership still could not replicate the problem, but replaced the multi-function switch. The third time, I took it to a different dealership and they made a "highly educated guess repair." the fourth and last time, the dealership made no repair attempt and basically told me to not bring the vehicle in again unless I am able to bring it in with the dashboard lights turned off. At this point, I am driving the vehicle with a flashlight in the car so that I can see my speed and other gauges when the dashboard lights are off. While they do not turn off every time I drive with the headlights on, they are off quite frequently. At the worst, I fear this will cause an accident. At the least, I assume I will be pulled over at some point for driving with a flashlight on in the car. While I understand that the dealership has not been able to replicate the problem, it is very dangerous. I have a 5-year extended warranty and gm is required to warrant all electrical problems under it. From internet research, I can tell that gm has multiple problems with the electrical systems in the 2003-2004 cavaliers and I feel this is one more manifestation of that manufacturing problem.
Consumer experienced electrical problems with vehicle. While driving, all the lights cut off including the interior lights. The consumer took the vehicle to be serviced three times within the last two weeks. They explained to her that they could not find the glitch and until they do she would have to drive the vehicle as it is. *jb the theft service shuts down in the vehicle. The airbag light came on. When the defroster or heater is on the consumer smells a burning smell.
First problem with my car was a short in the brake lights. Chevrolet repaired that. Then the horn would work randomly. Chevrolet replaced that. The A/C failed to work on the driver side. Chevrolet repaired that. Then the keyless entry randomly stopped working, chevrolet told me they cannot find anything wrong the keyless entry still doesn't work properly. Then the car started turning off while I was driving. Chevrolet again told me they could not repair the problem due to nothing registering on the computer. My car turned off mid turn and I hit a brick wall. Chevrolet investigated the accident and told me my car didn't turn off. I got my car back last tuesday and my car turned off again. I made an appointment to bring my car back to chevrolet and its turned off again. I guess chevrolet will never be able to repair my problem.
Tail/turn light bulbs constantly burning. Replaced them many times. When replaced can notice electrical fire smell and light bulbs plastic base is melted. Have made an schedule to take to dealer, but noticed many other complaints regarding the same matter, from other consumers. Is anything being done? Is there a fix for it?
Various problems with 2003 chevrolet cavalier.*mr the vehicle tail light shorted out three times then the circuit shorted out. The gas gauge would fluctuate. Cold starts. The vehicle would hesitate at stop light or stall out completely. The driver' s side speaker blew. The cd player would eject the cd while it was playing. The RPM gauge bounced. The fuel pump was replaced. The alternator made noise.
While driving at any speed vehicle stalled. Consumer restarted the vehicle, and took it to dealer for inspection. Mechanic that computer needed to be reset and reset it. However, the problem recurred.
Problems with vehicle's turn signals being blown out.*mr the vehicle's turn signal lights have blown on several occasions. Although the dealer continued to repair them, they continue to blow. The consumer believes she was sold a lemon.
I bought my car from apple valley chevrolet in august 2003. The car had 64 miles on it when I drove it off the dealers lot. After the car exceeded 1000 miles it started having an electrical problem with not keeping rpms and shutting off. When the car shuts off I no longer have power steering after this hrepeatedly happened, I informed the dealership of the problem that I was having and took it to them three times and they told me that if it did not come up on their computer that they could not fix it and that there was no problem. *akthe problem has yet to be resoved , no satisfation.due to this being my primary mode of transportation, my car has around 18,000 miles on it now and I have a roaring sound coming from the drivers side wheel. I notified the dealership of the problem and they told me that it would be fixed on may 11,2004. The dealership did not want me loan me a rental and told me and my mother that if I needed a vehicle that I could pick up my car and drive it in that condition. My parents refused to allow me to drive the car in that unsafe condition, my mother got on telephone with the supervisor of maintenance and they agreed to have me pick up a loaner from thrify loan in martinsburg. My mother took me in to pick up the vehicle. I was notified that they had fixed all problems with my vehicle and that I could pick it up, today may 17, 2004. I picked my car up from the dealership today.
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