why wont my cavalier start,?

Question

my cavalier 1994,saloon,m reg,wont start at all,its turning but not starting,anybody help me plz,any answers wil be grateful,wat things do i need to check,thanks

Answer 1

probably and finally realised its not only a Vauxhall but also a Cavalier, so given up the ghost... .

Answer 2

You need to do all the usual checks, ie, spark, fuel etc. Does the car turn over as normal or does it sound as if the engine is turning very fast? Could be a broken timing belt.There is a common problem on the Vauxhall OHC engines that is difficult to diagnose but easy to fix. The symptoms are prior to the car actually stopping and breaking down, it will 'pink' and run rough, as if it is off the ignition timing. The cause of this is that the distributor, on the end of the camshaft, is driven by a small plastic slotted washer. The plastic goes brittle and breaks off the drive lug. The part itself only costs a few pence. Just take the distributor cap off , turn the engine over and watch to check that the rotor arm is turning.If not, then thats your problem.To fix this, you need to remove the distributor.If you are not competent enough to do this, have a mechanic do it but it is a relatively easy job. Just mark the position of the distributor casing where it meets the rocker cover and unscrew it by removing the 2 bolts. Dont turn the distributor spindle as this will upset the entire engine timing. The plastic driver is visible on the end of the camshaft.Replace this part, re fit the distrbutor aligning your marks and check the timing with a timing light when you get the car going again.

Answer 3

If the engines turning over quite well, and you have fuel, then its probably something in the electrics.

Could be cracked distributor cap, damaged HT or spark plug leads, condenser, coil. It may simply be moisture in the distributor or broken points. If you have an immobiliser fitted this could also be a cause if it has developed a fault.

Not really enough info to go on, sorry but you will need to get someone who knows something about cars to have a look at it as the range of potential causes & how to fix them is going to be difficult to do over the net.

Answer 4

aaahhh a kindred spirit I too own a 1994 m reg cavalier and my alternator went last week which resulted in total engine failure , first check the ignition lights are they on if not then the problem is electrical probably battery or alternator more likely to be alternator knacked and not recharging the battery, cost you about 120quid plus labour to be installed cos they can be a git to put back on I know this cos I was that soldier in the crap cold weather under the car last week!!!!

Answer 5

Could be the temperature sender unit, one of hundreds of things that can stop a car starting. Take it to a local mechanic and ask him to plug it into his computer, he will find the fault!

Side-bar, why a saloon? I had a Cava hatch and it was probably the best looking motor I ever owned!

Answer 6

Did it just die and then it wouldn't start ? I had a timing belt break on me, it seems like it will try to start, but when the belt doesn't move the sensor stops the fuel pump. Was it running rough? Check the fuel pump and filter (check the fuel pump fuse), check the spark plugs/cables. Its turning over so your starter is fine.

Answer 7

can you give a few more detaisl please does the engine turn over but not start, does the engine not turn ? what engine is in the car is it an ecotec or the 8 valve version ? this info is needed to help make a diagnosis as the different engines have different igntions system i.e. motronic or simtec and each engine has different sensors etc

Answer 8

If you're hearing a clicking noise when your turn the key it is probably likely that you need a new battery. Or you may be out of gas.

Hard thing to tell unless you hear it.

Answer 9

first check for spark- pull spark plug and look for spark while cranking engine.

Second check for fuel, is fuel reaching the engine. fuel should have head pressure at the engine loosen b nut slowly for presents of fuel.

3rd if those work check compression.

I am just guessing now, but I think your timing belt broke.

Answer 10

That ticking noise and no oil rigidity tells me the engine is undesirable. i be attentive to you dont elect to take heed to this Its unlikely to be a standard restoration. The oil rigidity swap won't shop the engine from working.