2003 Chevy Cavalier Won't go over 20mph.

Tiny
COPIER28
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 139,000 MILES
This morning it was hard to start the car. It took about 5 minutes before it started. Once it started, it kinda sounded like the engine was winding. I tried to go a half a block and it wouldn't go over 20 mph and I smelled gasoline. The rpm would go high but would only stay below 20 mph.
Tuesday, March 24th, 2009 AT 8:07 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
RHALL77
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,361 POSTS
Do you have a check engine light on? Could be a stuck egr valve, a bad maf sensor, a bad cat converter, ect. Have it scanned and let me know what you find
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Wednesday, March 25th, 2009 AT 8:36 AM
Tiny
COPIER28
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Yes it does have check engine light on and also the trac off light on. It starts up now but right away you can hear the engine kind of shake and wind without putting the car in gear. Once you do put the car in gear the engine sounds horrible and it won't go above 20 mph.
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Wednesday, March 25th, 2009 AT 1:45 PM
Tiny
RHALL77
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,361 POSTS
Have it scanned for trouble codes and let me know what you find
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Wednesday, March 25th, 2009 AT 1:49 PM
Tiny
COPIER28
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
It had an error code of 300(misfire).
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Thursday, March 26th, 2009 AT 5:37 PM
Tiny
RHALL77
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,361 POSTS
Is it an echo tech engine. Check for a no spark condition on the spark plug wires. Check for a possible tune up or a fuel injector that is stuck.
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Friday, March 27th, 2009 AT 7:15 AM

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