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1997 Cavalier won't start
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Aloha
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Oct 4, 2010, 10:12 AM
Post #1 of 9
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1997 Cavalier won't start
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 (Msg. 1) Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2010 5:53 am
Post subject: 1997 Cavalier
I just bought a used 1997 Cavalier. It needed a battery. So I jumped it to get it home. Found the battery was toast, they charged it at Advanced and it stunk up the place and after being charged to 12v, within 1 hour, not in the car it dropped to 4v. I bought a new battery and a new starter solenoid assembly because I broke a stud off what appeared to be the original solenoid to try and clean the connections. I also cleaned the engine and engine areas to degrease.
Now it will not start. When someone turns the key to start, I do not get 12v to the starter solenoid. The starter side has its 12v because it appears to be hardwired.
All the dash board lights come on as usual.
The antitheft light is solid not blinking.
The lights and radio clock all dim when moved to start position as if it is trying to start.
Found one thread that mentioned the crankshaft position sensor. Can I test this? If so how? Another posting mentioned turn the key on 100 times to reset the computer.? That didn't do anything. Another posting mentioned turn it on leave it on for 10 minutes and try again. That didn't do anything.
Any other suggestions?
Towing it to the shop not a financial option this month. Thanks, Bo - Houston, TX
Links from other site removed
(This post was edited by Hammer Time on Oct 4, 2010, 10:14 AM)
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Sidom
Veteran
/ Moderator
Oct 4, 2010, 9:18 PM
Post #2 of 9
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Re: 1997 Cavalier won't start
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LOL.....You didn't really turn the key off & on 100 times, did you?????
I'm assuming its not turning over and before it was....
You were in the right place to start with. You want to check the small wire going to the solenoid with a test light and it should light up when the key is turned to the on position. You can double check your work by CAREFULLY jumping 12v to the small terminal, this should make the starter crank. So make sure everything is clear and the key is off or the engine will start.
Since it was starting before and all you did was change a battery the 1st thing you need to do is check all your fuses. If there are ok, pull the hush panel on the drivers side and look under there and see if an aftermarket alarm has been installed. If there is one, since you probably don't have the remote for it, I would remove it (reattaching all the factory wires that have been cut) and see if the car starts....
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Aloha
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Oct 11, 2010, 11:20 AM
Post #3 of 9
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Re: 1997 Cavalier won't start
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Still no go.
All dash lights come on.
No 12v to the solenoid side of the starter.
I shorted the starter and the engine turns over but does not stay on.
Removed the intake manifold to access the back of the motor.
Replaced the crankshaft position sensor since it provides signal to the ignition module according to the wiring diaram.
Removed the coil packs and clean connections.
Unplugged and replugged all plugs under the hood.
Will a Chilton manual go in depth for tracing signals from sensors to the computer?
Any ideas that I can use a multi meter on to try and narrow down?
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Sidom
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/ Moderator
Oct 11, 2010, 9:01 PM
Post #4 of 9
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Re: 1997 Cavalier won't start
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1st things 1st.....You really need to get the engine to crank over..
I didn't see where you confirmed there is no AM alarm installed on this car...... Removing a battery can cause these to "arm" when the battery is hooked back up.
Then get under the car and look around and make sure you got ALL the wires hooked back up the hot lead of the starter solenoid......
All this stuff you are replacing would be for a drivability issue, not a cranking problem. I would also see if you can get the engine to run by jumping the starter with the key in the on position (you may have already done this but I'm not sure).
Just use caution when doing this and realize the engine may start & run so don't put yourself in a bad position, make sure the car is in Park, park brk on, & wheels blocked
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Aloha
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Oct 12, 2010, 5:54 PM
Post #5 of 9
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Re: 1997 Cavalier won't start
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I did short the starter with a screwdirver. It does turn over, but does not start.
Other research says the theft light should be blinking if the antitheft system is engaged. It is not, it is solid, just like all the other dashboard lights. Could that still be the problem?
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Aloha
Novice
Oct 12, 2010, 6:16 PM
Post #6 of 9
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Re: 1997 Cavalier won't start
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Also, the purple wire that should have 12v on it at the solenoid when you turn the key goes back to a square flat and thin box under the brake master cylinder, it has linkage to it and 2 electrical connectors, and it appears to be mounted on top of the transmission. It does not look exactly like the ignition modules in the pictures when I search them.
What is that?
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Oct 12, 2010, 6:44 PM
Post #7 of 9
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Re: 1997 Cavalier won't start
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That would be the neutral safety switch at the transmission
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Aloha
Novice
Oct 14, 2010, 1:11 PM
Post #8 of 9
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Re: 1997 Cavalier won't start
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OK, It's Fixed. Yea!!!! And I did it all by myself.
Here is what I did. I will post this since I see this problem posted everywhere and all kinds of crazy ideas about what it could be.
No 12v at the starter sloenoid when the key is turned.
Followed the purple wire back to the neutral safety switch.
There is only one other heavy gauge wire there and it is yellow.
So I assume this has to be the 12v feed the safety switch will route to the starter.
Ok, lets see where that yellow wire comes from.
It comes from the ignition switch. (Had to remove the plastic from the bottom of the steering column.)
Using my volt meter, I found 12v on the heavy gauge red and orange wires at the ignition switch.
O volts on the yellow. Turned the key, and still Ov on the yellow wire.
I am confident at this point that the ignition switch is suppose to route 12v to this wire.
Went to auto store and bought a new ignition switch and an E4 socket for removal.
Engine now cranks.
Thanks everyone for your time and input.
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Sidom
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Oct 14, 2010, 2:11 PM
Post #9 of 9
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Re: 1997 Cavalier won't start
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Good job on finding the problem and fixing it.....
Now I feel a little bad. I think maybe I should've "pushed" you a little harder for an answer on the AM alarm. After asking twice and not getting an answer I figured I'd just let you go the route you wanted to...
That big yellow wire is the one that gets cut in half when an installer is putting in an alarm and one of the most common things to make a car not crank once a battery gets disconnected. No alarm installed & I'm sure you can guess what the next step would've been......
It's nice of you to take the time & post what fixed your problem..... The only thing I will mention for someone else who may be reading this is you need to sure of the wires your are working with. SRS system wires are in yellow looms (same color as the starter wire) and also run along the column so don't confuse the two. The SRS wires are small gauge and the start wire is a single large gauge....
Well you're back on the road and that's all that matters....WTG..
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