What's wrong with my car?

Question

I have a 99 Chevy Cavalier LS Sedan with a 2.2L engine. I replaced the starter and the alternator belt it worked for a day and then it wouldn't start again. It'll crank over but won't start. I checked the wires and they all are conected. I also replaced the spark plugs and then it started and worked for about a hour or so then it stopped working.

I haven't had it scanned yet.

How would I check the O2 censor?

How do I check the fuel filter? And for the last about six months after i had the transmission replace the high beams are real low and the low beams don't turn on. the panel lights will flicker on and off. my radio is buggy. they were all working perfectly fine.before the transmission was replaced.

I didn't do anything to the car and it started yesterday and seems to be working today.

I just noticed that the Thert Alert light was flashing. Could this be part of the problem and if so how do i fix it?

It's supposed to read "Theft Alert"

I got a new battery. A new before catalyst O2 sensor. I had the ICM and coils checked at Autoparts and they're good

Answer 1

It more than likely is the ignition module. However, the PCM (computer) will also cause this. Make sure you have fuel pressure first. If you do check to see if you have fire to the plugs.
If you don't have fire to the plugs, it's probably the ignition module.
The O2 Sensor won't keep it from running. It only measures the fuel mixture in the exhaust. The computer uses it to adjust the fuel mixture.
Master tech 40 yrs.

Answer 2

It sounds to me like the mechanic forgot to replace the ground straps that go from the engine to the body (firewall). The engine rides on rubber mounts, so the engine must be grounded to the body and/or the frame. The battery also must be grounded to the body and/or the frame. What I suspect is happening is; the computer is not getting enough ground (-) to work properly. This can be caused by the ground straps being left off or loose. Also; you want to check to make sure the cables on the battery are clean, tight, and secure to the battery, and that there is a (-) strap (wire) ground to the body. Check all these connections, and make sure they are clean and secure. Next a bad battery can cause this, as well as an alternator that has a shorted diode in it, and won't keep the battery charged enough to run the computer. A slipping belt can keep the battery from fully charging. Have the charging system checked to make sure there are no problems with it. A computer will not work properly when the voltage falls below 12 volts. Check the wires around the bell housing where the transmission bolts to the engine. Look for the wires caught between the motor and the bell housing, causing a short. A mechanic must be very careful when bolting the transmission to the motor, because the wires can and will get between the two, and when the bolts are torqued down, they cut or pinch the wires. The last thing I can think of is the ignition module being bad. Sometimes they work, and sometimes they don't. This can be a hard problem to figure out since it doesn't do it all the time. A mechanic will have to see it when it won't start to determine the exact cause of the problem. It may or may not be the mechanic's fault, as I have seen a customers vehicle break down in the shop, and the first thing the customer says is "It was running when I brought it to you." Bad for the mechanic, because it looks like he did something to your vehicle when in fact he did nothing to cause the other problem. I have seen this more than one time. Get to the bottom of the problem, and then determine who is at fault. Any reputable mechanic can make a mistake, as they are only human, and most mechanics will fix (free of charge) anything they done wrong. If they didn't, they wouldn't be in business very long. I've seen some vehicles that was in such bad shape, that the vehicle went from one problem to another, and the customer blamed it all on the mecahnic, when it fact it wasn't the mechanics fault at all. I wouldn't say you would do this, but I have seen some customers try to get things repaired to their vehicle that the mechanic had nothing to do with at all, and went as far as taking the mechanic to court to make him repair the vehicle. This is why it is best to find a good mechanic, and stay with him as a regular customer. This way he knows your vehicle and most of the time knows what to look for right away to resolve your problem. All mechanics aren't rip offs as they are labeled sometimes. You have a "99" year vehicle, an in anyone's standard that is a pretty old vehicle, and it is time it starts giving problems. I hope I have been able to help you in some way. Good Luck!!

Answer 3

If your theft light is flashing, try this:
1. Make sure that your battery is fully charged.
2. Turn the ignition forward (like you are going to start it--but don't
start it).
3. Leave the key in that position for 10 minutes.
4. This should reset your theft/security system.
5. If this is the problem then it will start now.

Answer 4

Ignition Module

Answer 5

Try changing the gas filter.There is 2.There is 1 inside the gas tank,and there is another 1 on your fuel line.

Answer 6

Have you checked if the battery terminals are corroded? We had this problem -- just had to clean them off and then would start fine.

Good Luck

Answer 7

its turning over? is it getting gas..did you knock a wire loose? try checking your fuel filters and pump..could be clogged injectors..good luck hope these suggestions help

it could have jumped time too

Answer 8

sounds to me like you have a bad coil or a fues plug or a main celanoid box under the hood

Answer 9

fuel cut off switch ? anti theft ? crankshaft sensor , ...
have you had it scanned yet ?

Answer 10

check your o2 censor.your o2 to gas ratio may be messed up.