General Motors seems incapable of building an electrical system. I have never seen such a piss poor design. At about 102 000km (2000km out of warranty), my alternator blew taking the battery along with it. Luckily this was an easy fix and I was able to perform the repairs at home for about $350 (cost of a new Hitachi alternator and a new Delco battery). An alternator should not have to be replaced at 100 000km. I had owned a 1996 Toyota Corolla prior to this and the only electrical work i performed on that car was to replace a shift indicator bulb. From an engine standpoint the 2.2L OHV engine that was unused in the Cavalier is rock solid but it seems like every electrical component went; fuel pump, alternator, battery, radio, turn signal socket all had to be replaced and the car was only 5 years old at the time. Overall i'm a satisfied owner but these electrical problems are just a major piss off; when will GM learn that a proper electrical system is necessary!!!! I have rarely heard of such problems with Toyota and Honda...
General Motors seems incapable of building an electrical system. I have never seen such a piss poor design. At about 102 000km (2000km out of warranty), my alternator blew taking the battery along with it. Luckily this was an easy fix and I was able to perform the repairs at home for about $350 (cost of a new Hitachi alternator and a new Delco battery). An alternator should not have to be replaced at 100 000km. I had owned a 1996 Toyota Corolla prior to this and the only electrical work i performed on that car was to replace a shift indicator bulb. From an engine standpoint the 2.2L OHV engine that was unused in the Cavalier is rock solid but it seems like every electrical component went; fuel pump, alternator, battery, radio, turn signal socket all had to be replaced and the car was only 5 years old at the time. Overall i'm a satisfied owner but these electrical problems are just a major piss off; when will GM learn that a proper electrical system is necessary!!!! I have rarely heard of such problems with Toyota and Honda...
- Jp T., Mississauga, Ontario, Canada