I have a 97 Chevy Cavalier that has been giving me trouble for about a month. On random occasion I will go to start it and turn the key and no sound at all. The radio and lights come on and everything but no sound from the engine. Usually around 30 minutes to a few hours later it starts right up. I took it to a shop and told them to look at the clutch sensor (it is a 5 speed manual) and basically they couldn't figure it out, but said I would need a new battery... so I went ahead and did that. Basically after spending $300 bucks and not getting any closer to a solution it did it again the other night... but this time I kept at it and finally it gave it and made noise and turned over...
Any ideas on what it might be? I really don't want to take it to another shop and not get any answers... and I am sick of it being unreliable.
2007-11-11 19:00:39 · 3 answers · asked by DavisWalk 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I have a 97 Chevy Cavalier that has been giving me trouble for about a month. On random occasion I will go to start it and turn the key and no sound at all. The radio and lights come on and everything but no sound from the engine. Usually around 30 minutes to a few hours later it starts right up. I took it to a shop and told them to look at the clutch sensor (it is a 5 speed manual) and basically they couldn't figure it out, but said I would need a new battery... so I went ahead and did that. Basically after spending $300 bucks and not getting any closer to a solution it did it again the other night... but this time I kept at it and finally it gave it and made noise and turned over...
Any ideas on what it might be? I really don't want to take it to another shop and not get any answers... and I am sick of it being unreliable.
-Added- It appears it is the neutral safety switch? Any idea how I actually go about taking this off and changing it?
2007-11-12 10:40:22 · update #1
Sounds like the neutral safety switch is bad.... mounted by the clutch pedal. Try replacing or move clutch in and out a bit while starting to see if it helps. http://www.autozone.com/selectedZip,53216/initialAction,partProductDetail/initialpartType,00218/initialR,APP482865/initialvehicleId,2343402/shopping/selectZip.htm
Could be starter bad also but usually they make a clicking noise when going bad (when you try to start) indicating the solenoid is going bad.
2007-11-11 23:20:22 · answer #1 · answered by paul h 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is not wise to go to a shop and tell them what to check, as in you decided the problem ahead of time. It is best to go and tell the problem that you are having with the car. Being that the radio works, I assume the ignition switch is not defective. Your starter could be bad. To check for that one would have to check if current was getting to the starter when the ignition switch is placed in the start position. If current is there, then the starter is defective. Sadly your car needs to have diagnostics done on it ( as there are computer modules that could be defective ). As you know that costs money. I would go to a chevy dealer if you can. Also, the car has to "fail", or be bad as they are testing it for the answer to be found. That is why these things can be costly and frustrating. GOOD LUCK
2007-11-12 03:16:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you've replaced the battery, it's probably either the starter solenoid or the starter.
2007-11-12 03:18:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋