Car has been sitting for the past year?

Tiny
TRAGEDYX3
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 100,000 MILES
My car has been sitting for the past year what kind of maintenance should I do to it to get it back on the road?
Friday, January 4th, 2008 AT 5:46 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

You should start with a basic tune up to get it goin.

Change the oil and filter.
Replace air filter.
Replace in line fuel filter.
Also be a good idea to use fuel stabilizer in the tank, just incase you have moisture in it.
Clean mass air flow sensor.
Clear idle air control vale.
Clean Throttle body.
Change Spark Plugs.
Inspect the drive belt. If appears dry rotted, replace it.
You also might have to replace the battery.
It is also important to inspect the vacuum hoses for leaks or cracks.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-tune-up-a-car-engine

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/mass-air-flow-service

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/idle-air-control-valve-service

You also might want to clean out any debris that might be under the hood. That way you don't get any thing to damage an engine component.

This will be a first step. See how the vehicle runs and go from there.
Many times this type of tune takes care of just about most common issue with a vehicle that has been sitting for a while.

I have attached the diagrams for your reference.

Please let me know of any questions.

Thank you.
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Thursday, August 19th, 2021 AT 9:28 PM

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