I have owned a 2000 Cavalier for about 5 years.

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2000 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
125,000 MILES

I have owned a 2000 cavalier for about 5 years now with no electrical problems. About three weeks ago the car just dies in the middle of the road, after inspecting the fuse box I noticed the 20 amp ign mod fuse was blown. So switched another 20 amp fuse from the cig lighter to it and it started up and ran for three weeks then the same thing happened again. I bought a new fuse put it in and now its running fine again. I looked for shorts and could find none, even messed with all the starter wires and battery wires while the car was running and still no problems. I have noticed tho someone direct wired something into the fuse box. I am almost sure it is the radio. When I turn the radio on I have to push up on the bottom of it to get it to work so I just don't use it anymore, Could this be blowing the ign mod fuse. Thanks in advance Scott

Tuesday, October 30th, 2012 AT 5:39 PM

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JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

If I looked at the correct fuse, The only thing on that fuse is the ignition module. How long since a tune-up? What about spark plugs--plug wires-- ignition coils--ignition module. What is litre size of engine?

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Tuesday, October 30th, 2012 AT 5:49 PM

JDL

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Sorry about the doudle post.

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Tuesday, October 30th, 2012 AT 5:50 PM

SCOTTTHOMPSON1

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The liter size engine is 2.2. It has probably been about 2 years since I have changed the spark plugs and wires because it doesn't miss a lick. As in the ignition coil, and module I have never messed with them simply because nothing has went wrong with the car besides this problem and I was hoping the first blown fuse was just because it was old. Now That it has happened again I am starting hunt the cause. I don't really know to much about electrical problems besides oh that wire doesn't look good or that fuse is blown, I am just looking for someone that knows electrical like you to tell me where I might start, So Im guessing maybe start with the plugs and wires and then to the modules and coils. By the way I really want to thank you for your time and the quick response it is appreciated.

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Tuesday, October 30th, 2012 AT 6:06 PM

JDL

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The radio should not be related but when you're talking about something non-factory that someone else did, it's impossible to know. Problems that act up so seldom are almost impossible to find until they get worse. I'd pull the radio out to inspect what's happening when you push on it.

When it acts up more often, a simple trick to finding a short is to replace the blown fuse with a pair of spade terminals, then use small jumper wires to connect them to a 12 volt light bulb. A brake light bulb works well. When the circuit is live and the short is present, the bulb will be full brightness and hot so be sure it's not laying on the carpet or against a plastic door panel. Now you can unplug electrical connectors and move things around to see what makes the short go away. When it does, the bulb will get dim or go out.
With intermittent issues, it can be hard to track down. Plugs and plug wires are part of tune-up. Any applicable trouble codes? Check wiring also. Do you need a diagram?

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Tuesday, October 30th, 2012 AT 6:56 PM

SCOTTTHOMPSON1