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 Jim Grant's Tech Tips ‘01
Chevy Cavalier, Cuts Out With A Lot of New Parts
Q:
I’m
having problems with an ‘01 Chevy cavalier the car
is cutting out real bad and the check engine light is on.
Also, the traction control (TRAC) warning light frequently
comes on. That’s when you have to pull the car over
turn it off, then restart it, the check engine light will
stay on but TRAC warning light is off. It’s a 2.2 liter
engine and I’ve tried with no luck by replacing the ignition
coils, module, plugs, wires, battery, air and fuel filter.
All has failed, so I tried a diagnostic on it and it showed
a code for a faulty computer and a code for misfire on cylinder
two and four. So, I changed the computer and had it flashed
and it’s still cutting out. Any suggestions? A:
Wow I’d say your checking account is running on the light side of things after replacing all those parts! The first thing you’re going to have to do is forget any of the work you’ve performed. The focus has to be on the computer codes first. You want to start with the code that says the computer is faulty, which by now you know is not a realistic code. Too may times people jump to a conclusion that because there is a computer code that makes reference to a component, that the component must be bad. Often times it is far from the truth. If you want the balance in your checking account to compete with the federal deficit just keep replacing parts. If you want to maintain a realistic balance, have a qualified technician diagnose the computer codes. I suspect that the code for a faulty computer is the result of a poor electrical connection. Paying for 1 to 2 hours of diagnostic time will be a good start in controlling the deficit spending on your Chevy.
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