1998 Chevy Cavalier Complete Electrical Problems

Tiny
KRAZED_CHICK
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 192,865 MILES
I just bought a 98 Cavalier and went to have a stereo put in at future shop. It was installed and now we believe the car has some kind of electrical problem. There are always a variety of lights lit up on the dashboard, some of them being ABS stays lit and the high beams light flashes and things like that. Sometimes the temp gauge will jump around from 40 to 90 and the battery light and check engine lights flash when this happens. When we put the car into any gear the stereo will not work. It just flashes constantly and turns off. It seems to affect the whole dashboard of the car including the stereo but not the heating controls. Any suggestions as to what the problem might be?
Thursday, October 15th, 2009 AT 7:27 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
It sounds like the shop did a very sloppy install and hooked stereo into ABS power and IP power.

Have them fix it, or remove stereo, but honestly, I am not sure I would let them touch it again.

I would have them remove stereo and if problem persists, have GM fix it and let the stereo shop pay for it.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, October 19th, 2009 AT 9:40 AM
Tiny
KRAZED_CHICK
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
The main problem was that whoever changed the battery did not ground it back to the battery tray. I've noticed a lot of people with cavaliers have this problem. Since putting the ground wire on everything works great. Now to just get those dreadful lights to go off of the instrument cluster. The ABS, both brake lights, traction, and airbag lights all stay on. I'm thinking its unrelated and a different fix. Any ideas anyone?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 AT 7:26 AM
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
Have the car scanned for "B" and "C" codes (Body and Chassis). This will tell you why the ABS and airbag lights are on.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 AT 9:37 AM
Tiny
KRAZED_CHICK
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Is there an easier do it yourself method?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 AT 10:55 AM
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
I'm afraid not.

OBDII equipped cars (cars build after 1995) have 4 different types of error codes. "P" powertrain, "C" chassis, "B" body and "U" communications.

Some autoparts stores will read "P" codes but only a well equipped shop can read the rest.

It is obvious the stereo install was the cause of the problem, so have them remove it or repair it at their expense.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 AT 8:44 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Check Engine Light Content

Code Read Retrieval/Clear Chevrolet
VIDEO
Code Read Retrieval/Clear Chevrolet
Instructional repair video
Check Engine Light
GUIDE
Check Engine Light
Why is my check engine or service engine soon turned on? In this guide we talk about what this is associated with this notorious light, what it is used for and what you...
VIEW MORE