I am in need to expert suggestions. I have a 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier and I have a start problem that randomly developed. In the cold weather I need to crank many, many times to start and sometimes it don't start. When the weather is warm it starts much easier. I noticed that when I move the switch several times as if I was going to crank the key, sometimes all the lights in the instrument cluster light up and that's when the car starts immediately. If all the lights in the instrument cluster don't light up then it won't start. I also noticed that sometimes the radiator fan works and sometimes it doesn't. I tried a new ignition switch from Autozone that didn't fix the issue. I have installed a new fuel pump, new spark plugs, new spark plug wires, new battery, and new filter and none of them repairs fixed the issue. Please help!

 

similar problem, but on hot starts,, most cavaliers suffer from ignition problems,.. cable looms at the fuse boxes is another issue.. you need to get a solve for the key on problem first, then work forward from there, get the car scanned, most probable cause for bad start, igntion module issue or coils, faulty crankcase sensor,, they tend to fail in extreme temps. and the map sensor,, after 20 years or so, these cars fail in sensor longevity they run too hot for a normal car, so nothing will last as long as a normal temp car.. . i would get the ignition module and coils tested first. , if thats ok and you need to change the ckp, be careful,, lots of fake sensors, try to find an acdelco or somthing decent,, same with any cavalier sensor or spare part. check ignition key ground and cockpit fuse box,, sometimes is just a bad contact. same with the relay for the cluster.

 

by the way some key switches are not compatible with antitheft.they dont come with the magnet,. you can change the small magnet from your old cilinder to your new one, its a minor job, and no need to reprogram anything,,

hope this helps

 

Hello. Thank you for the advice. I also replaced the ignition coils and also the ignition switch and that didn't improve anything. Anyone else experienced the same issue that may provide any recommendations?

 

in order to get ignition you need, spark and gas, ,spark issues from spark plugs also have the same simptoms,, and faliure in fuel delivery,, , fuel pump, filters, bad fuel pressure valve and clogged inyectors. i would recommend you either get the car scanned to avoid useless spending, , theres a myriad of cheap scanning tools for diy,, thinkcar bluetooths are real cheap, your car is probably flooding fuel in cold weather,, or not getting none at all, . good luck

 

Hello. Thank you very much for your recommendations. I should probably clarify some important information. When I crank the Chevy Cavalier and all the lights (coolant, battery, and all others) in the dash DON'T turn on then the car struggles to turn on However, when I continue to move the key to on and off position many times and randomly all of a sudden all the lights in dash (coolant, battery, and all others) TURN ON, then the car will start immediately with no issue whatsoever. Any clues as to why that might be?

 

I am in need to expert suggestions. I have a 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier and I have a start problem that randomly developed. In general, I have to crank my 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier many many times so it can start. I noticed that when I move the switch several times as if I was going to crank the key, sometimes all the lights in the instrument cluster light up and that's when the car starts immediately. If all the lights in the instrument cluster don't light up then it won't start, it just cranks. I tried a new ignition switch from AutoZone and that didn't fix the issue. I have installed a new fuel pump, new spark plugs, new spark plug wires, new battery, and new filter and none of them repairs fixed the issue. Please help!