Car wiil not rev up

Tiny
BENNY
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
I have a 1999 chevy cavalier that died & will only start if u push the gas to the floor & crank it over but it idles extremely roughly engine shakes & will not idle smoothly & will not rev up above 1500 rpm and is blowing alot of unburned gas out the tailpipe there are no codes being stored, I have checked the map sensor, fuel pressure, its getting spark to all four cyls. But spark is a yellow - orange color not blue. Compression was checked & all four were between 162 - 180 psi. Fuel filter, spark plugs, plug wires, air filter have been changed wuz wondering if its weak spark or if timing jumped or something else.
Thursday, December 23rd, 2010 AT 11:50 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
The weak spark would result in difficulty in starting as it is not provide sparks strong enough for complete combustion. Have the ignition coil tested.

Get the ignition timing checked as well. It would let you know if there are any fault with the timing.
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Thursday, December 23rd, 2010 AT 11:57 AM
Tiny
BENNY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
If the spark is just weak will it make the car run so roughly it shakes the whole car? Where is the timing mark on the engine is it on top of the motor or do u see it from the bottom of the car. I appreciate any help u can give me, thanks.
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Thursday, December 23rd, 2010 AT 1:07 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
When sparks are weak, it could result in misfiring and run rough.

Ignition timing is computer controlled and non adjustable but it can provide some idea if there are any fault with the timing chains. Our database does not have any information on checking ignition timing so I am not able to get you any information on this.

Engine is equipped with timing chain so the possibility of them skipping are remote.

Did you try to retrieve for trouble codes?

Check if any of the following are aplicable.

LACK OF POWER, SLUGGISH OR SPONGY
Symptom Definition
Engine delivers less power than expected. Little or no increase in speed when accelerator is pushed down.

Possible Cause & Correction
Check following items:

†Ensure air filter and fuel filter are not plugged. Replace if necessary. Check for incorrect fuel pressure. Also check for contaminated fuel.
†Check shift solenoid system and TCC system for proper operation.
†Check knock sensor system for excessive retard.
†Check ignition control system for proper operation.
†Ensure EGR valve is not open all the time.
†Check exhaust system for restrictions, such as a damaged or collapsed pipe, muffler or catalytic converter.
†Check charging system output. Repair charging system if voltage is less than 9 volts or more than 17 volts.
†Check for A/C clutch cutout at wide open throttle.
†Check MAP sensor.
†Using Spark Tester (J-26792), check for available secondary voltage.
†Check air induction system for restrictions.
†Check engine valve timing and compression.
†Ensure the installed PROM and/or PCM is correct for that particular vehicle. Check with dealer for latest application information.
†Check PCM grounds for clean, tight connections.
†Check for incorrect or worn camshaft.
†Check for excessive fuel additives.
†Check for binding accelerator cable.
†Check distributor vent system (if equipped).
†Check engine supercharger (if equipped).
†Check if engine is operating in power management mode (if equipped).
†Check boost control system components and connections (if equipped).
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Thursday, December 23rd, 2010 AT 1:48 PM

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