8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$300
Average Mileage:
140,000 miles
Total Complaints:
1 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (1 reports)
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problem #1

Nov 192010

Cavalier 2.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles

I've had a 1998 Chevy Cavalier that has been working fine until about two years ago. In November when the weather started getting cold I was about to go to work and the car cranked the engine and turned over but it would not stay on. It would just die and then the theft light began to flash on the dash. I had no idea what was wrong and took it to several mechanics (non-GM). The first thought it was the ignition switch so replaced. Didn't fix anything and I just gave up and didn't drive it during the winter. When mornings were 60+ degrees, the car would start. It has no problem during the summer when it's hot. Starts on a dime. So again, this winter I was fighting the starting problem. Took it to another mechanic and he told me it was most likely the theft system and that I needed to put it in run for 10 minutes then try restarting. Then I also read this solution online, but when it's really cold it will not work. It's really pathetic to have this issue. I understand it's most newer GM models and my roommate has a Malibu which hasn't displayed this issue but now I'm afraid of what's to come. I have to agree with another poster about the idea that here the taxpayers bailed out the company and we are continuing to pay the price for lousy manufacturing. I have a Toyota Tundra and have never experienced these type of issues. I will not buy domestic autos ever again.

- Lsa B., Phoenix, AZ, US