Hey all, my gf's 95 Chevy Cavalier is having a problem that I feel you experts can diagnose...

Sometimes the car starts on the first try, other times it takes 10 times before it starts. There has never been a time when I could never get it started and had to leave it. When the key is turned and it does not start, the engine only turns over once then dies, and there is no clicking sound that I hear. It almost sounds like it's gonna start, then nothing. I do hear some fan or belt sounds coming from the engine, but those sounds stop once I return the key to the off position.

What could be some potential problems? I'm thinking spark plugs, fuel filter/pump, or ignition...?

TIA

 

Starter?

 

Sounds like the starter to me as well. Usually an easy take old one out, put new one in job. I did my alltrac's in a half hour.

 

Well if it turned over then dies then i woudnt say its the starter.

 

I'm also thinking starter because of the clicking sound,also spark plugs if its not firing correctly, or spark plug wires which can corrode, especially ones that are 10+ years old...


Just a couple thoughts to get the ball rolling...

 

2 things that I think you guys misread:

S A CHO - There is no clicking.

Jesal - The engine doesn't necessarily turn over and die, it seems like it is about to turn over but it doesn't.

Thanks for the help. I'm going to start with the spark plugs and work my way to the starter.

 

Check the battery terminals too, yes, it could be that simple.

Mike

 

[QUOTE=mc_yanzo]
S A CHO - There is no clicking.

[QUOTE]


Crap, I misread your post...

But still check the plug wires, its worth a shot...

 

I'm thinking fuel system...

Perhaps Fuel Filter and/or sending unit, or may be fuel pump itself. Just a guess though.

 

Battery and terminals...check them.

 

Fuel pump, fuel filter.

When was the last time it has a tuneup?

See how easy it is to replace the fuel filter.

The other thing I'd do is put a 1/2 can of Seafoam in a full tank of super unleaded gas. Sounds like maybe it just needs to be cleaned out.

 

I'm starting to think that it may be a sending unit or pump issue as fuel filter alone shouldn't cause such serious "starting" problems. Clogged fuel filters usually cause driveability issues...but I could be wrong.

 

I think the car has had at least one tuneup in the past 25,000 miles, but not sure...

I'm gonna check the battery, terminals, and spark plugs tonight.

 

When my Accord was having starting problems, it turned out to be the main PGM-FI relay. It just sometimes wouldn't click over to run the fuel pump. Sometimes it would start, but sometimes it would take 5+ tries. If all else fails, maybe look into that...

 

Update - It was the starter. All fixed! Thanks for the help.

 

You should buy her a decent car instead of blowing all that money on Sox tickets

 

Tell me about it!