|
|
|
94 Cavalier Starting issues
|
|
|
| |
|
|
arcxero
New User
Jan 2, 2010, 6:56 PM
Post #1 of 4
(3986 views)
|
|
94 Cavalier Starting issues
|
Sign In
|
|
1994 Chevy Cavalier VL/RS
2.2L L4 MPI OHV 8V
150k miles or so.
Alright, here's the deal. Sometime shortly after winter started, my car started picking and choosing when to start. It SEEMS to be directly related to the cold, as in at a certain point it won't start. There's a 3rd party remote start and alarm installed, and of course, I can not start it via the remote unless I can also get it to start with the key. My battery is fine, or at least seems like it. All of my lights come up like gangbusters, including my instrument panel, CD player, etc.(albeit my CD player's display is... slow? I don't know how else to put it.) But when I turn the key, there's no click. I get nothing but a really low hum. It doesn't try to turn or do anything. And then when the temp rises enough, the car generally starts just fine. Again, there is literally no response whatsoever from the starter unless the car starts.
Kinda at the end of my rope here. Is it possible for a starter to seize up completely just from the cold? Also, I'm talking about anywhere from 25 degrees and below.
|
|
| |
|
|
Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jan 2, 2010, 7:21 PM
Post #2 of 4
(3974 views)
|
|
Re: 94 Cavalier Starting issues
|
Sign In
|
|
arc; The very first thing, would be to have the battery and connections checked. These vehicles use the side mount type cables. Remove the battery, have it charged and tested. A battery can be fully 'charged' and still be bad. These side mount cables must be thoroughly cleaned. Remove the bolt that goes through the cable end and clean both sides of the cable. Make sure the bolt, itself, is clean. It only requires a small amount of voltage and amperage to illuminate lights, but requires a LOT to start a cold engine.
Loren
SW Washington
|
|
| |
|
|
re-tired
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jan 2, 2010, 7:58 PM
Post #3 of 4
(3971 views)
|
|
Re: 94 Cavalier Starting issues
|
Sign In
|
|
Loren is absoulty correct on the battery cleaning .Sometimes the seal for the side post mounr will seep acid and form a glass like corrosion , it will be inside the boot on the cable . So as Loren said clean both sides and bolt till you have clean copper.
LIFE'S SHORT GO FISH
|
|
| |
|
|
Sidom
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jan 2, 2010, 8:46 PM
Post #4 of 4
(3969 views)
|
|
Re: 94 Cavalier Starting issues
|
Sign In
|
|
The advise on the battery is the definitely the 1st place you start. Gotta make sure the battery is good & the connections are clean before you test anything else.....
On ones like this the next thing I usually do is bypass the AM alarm system. I can't tell you how many no starts I see these cause.......
The one thing that has my curiousity is the "low hum", you can't hear it accurately online but I would want to know the source...........
|
|
| |
|
Auto Repair Home
SEARCH
WHO'S 
LOG 
1989 toyota pickup 3.0 crank no start
Please Help - Knock sound & engine fail
