Hey guys.

So im inquiring about my moms car. its a 99 cavalier. (first time poster.. not a mechanic, just broke and good with my hands p: )

Today she was driving and the car suddenly died on her. the dash lights were still on, and it made a stuttering sound ( it think that has to do with the ignition?) anyways, i drove to her location to check it out and then had it towed.

so...
car died while driving, power to vehicle remained.

car still has bettery power (even jumped to make sure)

will turn over but wont start (when turning ignition AND pressing the little button inside, it cranks with force, telling me the battery isnt weak. she seems charged)

checked to see if i could hear fuel pump engage (heard a humming noise when key was turned to "on" position, i assume thats the pump engaging)


so as i said above, her car starts with to steps. 1)turn key to start 2)press start button
the start button had been loosely connected before to her positive terminal but i reconnected it and she was fixed, so i know the symptoms of that issue and this is not it.


any suggestions? why will it crank and not turn over if the pump seems to be engaging? im lost

edit- i forgot to mention. when engine is cranking, there is a loud knocking happening every .5 - 1 second (if i remember correctly) and its definately not your typical lifter tick... much louder im almost positive this isnt new though. i could be wrong.

 

2200 or 2.4quad four?

 

its a 2200

 

I'd check to see if the valve train is moving. either pull the valve cover or do a compression check.

 

^ concluded this to be the problem today thanks for your reply though.

oh well... when they go they go

 

How many miles?

 

approaching 300k

 

just looked! 370k!!!!!!!!!!!

 

pretty amazing mileage. the chain guides can fail. was there any rattling coming from the front cover....as that is the early warning.