I have a 2001 Chevy Cavalier 2.4L and it has 103,000kms on it, I have done reg. maintanence on it since I bought it 1 1/2 years ago and have not had to fix a thing. Anyways..my problem is that it won't start. I had to boost it this morning to get to work and its a 1/2hour drive(all electronics were off on the drive here). I got to work and tried to start it about 1 1/2 hours later and its dead again, apparently the batteries not holding a charge. My b/f looked at it quickly this morning and said it could be the alternator or the battery. My check engine light has been going on and off for the past few months(is this the reason why?).....anyone have any ideas on what it might be, and if so how much it might cost for the parts - my b/f is very mechanical and could fix/install the parts himself. I'm just asking because he did not have time to look at it this morning and I just would like to have some sort of answer so I'm not worring all day long....Thx in advance to all who answer!
2006-09-15 02:43:59 · 7 answers · asked by lapp562 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
AS I said my check engine light has been going on then off and I don't have $100 to spend to be hooked up to a damn computer just to tell me why the sensor keeps going on then off. And no I have not been ignoring it.
2006-09-15 02:57:51 · update #1
I would also like to add that my alternator is making a high pitch squealing/squeaking noise and that I have a new stereo system hooked up to my battery for an amp & Subs but they are not hooked up.
2006-09-15 03:29:34 · update #2
I'm in Ontario, Canada
2006-09-15 04:06:48 · update #3
As bostonianinmo stated, it is your battery that needs to be replaced. There is a good chance that the battery is original to the car and has reached its life expectancy (which just happens to be 5 years). Go find yourself a new battery, preferrably 'Interstate' brand.
As for the check engine light, it has NO relation to your dead battery or vice versa. Most GM cars that have a sporatic check engine light illiminated will require an oxygen sensor (O2). If you have not noticed any difference in the way your car starts or accelerates since the light came on, then it is a good bet that the O2 sensor is failing and will eventually need to be replaced. There are at least 2 of these on your car, so make sure you know which one is failing before you buy one.
2006-09-15 03:11:44 · answer #1 · answered by jrayhp 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Wait, you have been ignoring your check engine light for months? That's an amazing thing. I always get a kick out of people that come into a shop with multiple ignored problems.
It would be intelligent to prioritize your repairs.
As your b/f is very mechanical, have him fix the dang sensor problem. You may be ruining your catalytic converter or worse by driving with an illuminated MIL. It only takes a good mechanic who is willing to do "diagnosis only" to give your b/f the info he needs for the repair.
It sounds like your alternator is ok if it kept driving although driving with a dead battery is a great way to put an extra load on your alternator and make it go bad too.
2006-09-15 02:53:45 · answer #2 · answered by ne_plus_ultra_1 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Your b/f is correct, it could be either the alternator or the battery. You can determine if it's the battery by applying jumper cables to a running vehicle and allowing it to charge (stay connected) for atleast 30 minutes with the Cavelier off, then remove the cables and let your car sit for a couple of hours and try starting it. If it starts, your battery is probably not the culprit and the alternator is. If it doesn't start, your battery is not holding the charge and may be bad or something is causing it to die (lights, relay, something plugged into the cig lighter, etc
2006-09-15 03:26:31 · answer #3 · answered by Carpe Diem 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Any thing hooked to your battery can cause drainage. Regardless if the cables are attatched to anything except the battery. Watch your battery charge meter while you are in the car- if it is showing a charge between 12 and 14 volts, youre ok on the alternator.
2006-09-15 03:40:27 · answer #4 · answered by 2ndammendmentsupporter 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Most likely it's the battery. Any auto parts store can test it for you, as can any auto service outlet such as Sears or Wal-Mart. They can test both the battery and the charging system. Many do this for free or a very small charge. Get it checked out and you'll know for sure.
2006-09-15 02:47:28 · answer #5 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's most likely the battery, because it did stay running on your way to work,, Go to an Auto Zone and they will decode what your check engine light is, they also have really good batteries !!!!!!!
2006-09-15 03:03:58 · answer #6 · answered by john l 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Find a AUTOZONE or a ADVANCE AUTO near you and they will check your alternater & battery free of charge
2006-09-15 03:47:08 · answer #7 · answered by jepa8196 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋