Ask the Car People.SM


Chevrolet Cavalier

2171 messages,  Last post on Aug 23, 2012 at 6:41 PM

You are in the Chevrolet Cavalier Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Cavalier, Sedan

Messages Page 56 of 218

#545 of 2171 (Still) Creaking Cavalier by jimm16

Aug 03, 2001 (10:01 am)

I wrote earlier about a problem with "creaking" steering (2001 sedan, 9000 miles) that is due to a bad strut bearing on the driver's side. I have had the car back to the dealership 4 times and the problem has not been fixed. They have replaced both strut bearings and the steering rack.
It is very easy to reproduce the problem and I have demonstrated it to two different service managers. You can put your hands on the coil spring and feel it "chattering" as the handwheel is turned. I believe that the strut bearings, including the replacements, are defective.
I have contacted Chevrolet Customer Service to get them involved and they are making arrangements for one of their troubleshooters to look at it. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to approach Chevrolet and the dealership to get this fixed? Has anyone else seen this problem?
P.S. Built in Lordstown

#547 of 2171 1997 Chev Cavalier LS at 53000 miles by ringtownjoe1

Aug 06, 2001 (3:53 pm)

My 1997 Cavalier with 53k miles has not given me a lot of trouble and has proven to be reliable SO FAR. Problems were wiper motor that took 3 tries to fix, 2 recalls, replacing the tiny front brakes every 2 years along with a set of rotors, coolant temp sensor, and the usual American made squeaks and rattles. Overall, I won't complain as I bought her for a little under $14000 new well equipped.I do have the 2.4 and 4 speed auto which, as far as i'm concerned, is a different car than the 2.2 and 3 speed auto. I also think the 2.4 is a more reliable engine. When I went to the dealer for the last recall which was a cover for the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) I was told that there are several upgrade patches to the PCM memory. One of which is for cold engine stalling and stuttering which I am experiencing. The dealer wanted me to pay for the upgrades. I figured why should I pay for GMs programming mistakes. I contacted GM Customer Service and got nothing but excuses, surprise! The programming upgrades to the PCM seems to be a well kept secret. I wonder how many of the driveability problems people are experiencing are related to this simple reprogramming of the PCM. No parts involved just to download the bug fixes just like we all have experienced with our PCs. Would I buy another Cavalier? With GMs lets "PISS OF THE CUSTOMER" attitude, NO! But anyone experiencing minor driveability problems with no error codes I would investigate the PCM programming upgrades and complain.

#548 of 2171 My experiences with 97LS with 68K miles... by csandste

Aug 06, 2001 (4:17 pm)

is largely positive. It's a Lordstown car.
 
Ignition switch replaced at 38K, largely because I hung a bunch of keys off it. Replaced alternator a year ago, dealer also replaced valve cover gasket. That's about it.
 
This is my wife's present car. I'm driving a 2001 Elantra GLS which has a whole lot more interior room and is a LOT more sophisticated with far better build quality, quietness, etc. However the Cavalier at this point has definitely given me good service. Do think it's getting really long in the tooth, however, and its replacement in 2004 will be long overdue.

#549 of 2171 That PCM thing by dweezil

Aug 07, 2001 (5:38 am)

should still be covered under the emissions warranty, since it affects the control of exhaust.A lot of those parts are covered to 80,000 miles by law.
Check your owners manual to be certain though or try another dealer. It's unfortunate you're having problems with the dealership. So far mine has been great

#550 of 2171 csandste by dindak

Aug 07, 2001 (5:45 am)

Actually, the Cavalier is now due to be replaced with a 2003 model in 2002. The 2002 models have the Saturn 2.2L Ecotec as the optional engine. Cavalier has been left too long and is getting dated. Still don't trust those Korean brands though. Saw two very new Hyundias parked on the side of the road with the hoods up this weekend.

#551 of 2171 ringtownjoe1 by joe3891

Aug 07, 2001 (10:00 am)

The 2.2 with the 4 sp will lay rubber.The 2.4 quad is noted for its short comings,a lot of mechanics will cheer now that they will finally replace it with the 2.2 eco tec.You are coming close to the infamous water pump change,picture this the whole front of the engine has to come apart.I have seen posts of $400 to $800 to replace.Btw when i ordered my LS i took the 2.2,$450 option for trouble,no way.The 2.2 pump is 8 bolts an 1/2 hr labor and more reliable engine.GM could never make a good OHC engine,now they got one from Germany.

#552 of 2171 joe by dindak

Aug 07, 2001 (10:05 am)

It may be from Germany/ Europe, but it's all GM and it's made in the U.S. 2.2L Ecotec is going into the Cavalier, Sunfire, Alero and Grand Am. It's all good.

#553 of 2171 dindak by joe3891

Aug 08, 2001 (8:55 am)

I have yet to find out if you have to tear the engine apart to replace the water pump on the eco tec, would you know?

#554 of 2171 joe by dindak

Aug 08, 2001 (10:39 am)

No idea. I do know the engine has had very good reviews all around so I suspect it will have a more accessible pump.

Messages Page 56 of 218

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement