1997 Chevy Cavalier 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier

Tiny
KENMAXINE2007
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
Engine Performance problem
1997 Chevy Cavalier 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

Posted suspected problems on this web site about 3 weeks ago, in short the cavalier has some performance problems. I have changed out the Throttle postion sensor, EGR, and the Idle air control valve, along with a host of others. I have checked the Ignition wires along with the Ignition, changed out the fuel pump, fuel filter and fuel pressure regulator, installed new spark plugs. I took it to a local repair shop and they indicated the head was having some problems and recommended changing it, this was also accomplished and the vehicle continues to run the same with no improvement.

When the car starts it starts without hesitation, but idles a little rough, when driving down the street top speed is about 30 miles per hr, with the throttle all the way to the floor. The catalytic converter was temorarily removed to checked for clogging and with it removed it ran the same way. I am not looking at the CAM to see if it is worn and not allowing th valves to open as needed. Any other suggestions would be helpfull.



Ken
Saturday, October 4th, 2008 AT 5:08 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Have you tried to run a diagnostic of the PCM? Will the scan tool communicate with the PCM? If not your problem is in the PCM or data lines to the DLC(data link connector) I think yours is powered on the cigar fuse! Car could be running in limp mode.
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Sunday, October 5th, 2008 AT 6:02 AM
Tiny
KENMAXINE2007
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Could you eloborate on your response? I have taken the vehicle to Auto Zone and such and the code that was dowloaded pointed to the Idle Intake Air Valve. Is there another method to check the PCM itself. Your response seems to make the most sense sine I have done everything that I can think of.

Thanks
Ken
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Sunday, October 5th, 2008 AT 12:19 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
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Is yours a 2.2 or 2.4? Timing chain my have jumped a toothor two as well.
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Monday, October 6th, 2008 AT 1:32 PM
Tiny
KENMAXINE2007
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It is a 2.2 OHV timing chain was replaced about a year and a half ago, although it is possible it could have jumped as you say.
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Monday, October 6th, 2008 AT 8:10 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
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Do a compression test on it, this will tell us the condition of the engine, and if timing could be the issue, I am leaning that way.
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Tuesday, October 7th, 2008 AT 3:23 PM

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