2004 Chevrolet Cavalier Doesn't seem to run right.

JOHNWONSEWITZ92

MEMBER
2004 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
2.2L
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

2004 cavalier 2.2 ecotec auto.

Things I've just replaced;

Spark plugs, fuel filter, oil, air filter and valve gasket. (Spark plug showed normal wear)

cleaned throttle body And iac motor. (Don't know if that motor is working 100% but wasn't to dirty)

150.000 miles starts right up. (Most the time) day or more take few cranks.

When in park and neutral Idle is like butter. Than in drive its rough more like a vibration type. And its slightly hesitating/rough until 10mph.

Aslo its like the car isn't taking off like you would anticipate. More on sluggish a little bit. I had a 2002 cavalier with the non ecotec motor. Less horsepower and it seemed to take off smoother and faster! :(

Thanks!

4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,164 POSTS

Has the check engine light come on? Since you feel the vibration when you shift into gear, have you checked to see if the motor mounts (rubber mount) is bad and allowing you to feel engine vibration? This can be so many things. Also, have you checked fuel pump pressure to make sure it's within spec? Have you checked the catalytic converter to see if it is plugging?

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Tuesday, May 13th, 2014 AT 6:45 PM

JOHNWONSEWITZ92

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Just bought car week ago didn't notice this idle when I drove it home.
NO check engine light has came on. Which is why I cannot understand what is making the roughness.

I did however find a old ticket for a previous Code: P0455.
Don't know if that was fixed right or if it lead to this problem.

Vacuum lines (2 lines all I found) Seem good.
Fuel pump pressure, no (Do not have gauges for that test)
catalytic converter, no
I'll check mounts.

Also, the vibration seems more internal than a motor mount. The engine looks like it shakes up and down slight roughly and kinda fast. Seems like it really does it once warm!

The performance also doesn't appear to be all their!

Please, any past fixes or help I do thank you much!

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Tuesday, May 13th, 2014 AT 8:25 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,164 POSTS

Check the things I mentioned. Also, since you just got the vehicle, you may want to check it for a tune up.

I have to be honest, your description sounds like 90% of these vehicles that are on the road. With that many miles, it could be a number of things.

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Wednesday, May 14th, 2014 AT 9:10 AM

JOHNWONSEWITZ92

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Their does seem to be pressure in the power steering. Hear a hissing noise and take off cap. Sound get louder and you can hear is coming out from the pump there. Could this bet an issue with my problem. I know for one that isn't suppose to be going on.

Thanks!

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Wednesday, May 14th, 2014 AT 7:30 PM