95 Cavalier - Can't find electrical short

Tiny
SEANMCR6
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
Looking for some help/pointers in finding source of my electrical issue.

1995 2.2L OHV Cavalier 2 door coupe. Manual Trans, no pwr options.

A couple of weeks ago, my check engine light came on while driving and the engine would hesitate. The light would go off and everything was fine.

On the first big freeze here, about a week ago. My car would no longer start.

When I turn the ignition on. All the lights lit up and the check engine light would light up, turn off, light up. Flicker basically. Evertime it filckers, you can hear the fuel pump click on. I managed to get it started. Tried to go for a short drive. When the Check Engine light would come on, the car would almost stall.(The light only comes on for 1/2 sec). Once, everything died, all the instruments and everything. When it starts, it runs perfectly. Drives, accelerates. Everything is good. When the CE light comes on, it's like all the power to the car cuts out.

I've been checking all the electrical connections. The battery is good. The main ground connection is good. Starter is good. Alternator is good.

At this point, I don't know where to look. I was going to check the fusable link, but I can't find it. My father said if the fusable link was fried, nothing would work anyway. So I'm not sure if that's it.

A visual inspection of all the main connections to all the engine components. And everything is clean (fairly) and nothing is loose.

I've got a digital multimeter, continuity tester and all day tomorrow to try and find the source.

Any electrical genuises out there.I would appreciate any pointers you could provide!

Thanks
sean
Sunday, December 31st, 2006 AT 7:34 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
Get the codes pulled from the computer. If there is a problem happening and the check engine light comes on, it's telling you that it is seeing a problem and wants you to talk to the computer for more info.
Post the codes after your retrieve them.
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Monday, January 1st, 2007 AT 7:45 AM
Tiny
SEANMCR6
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Just for everyone's info.

I bought a code reader to pull the codes. It would not work, kept giving me Err1.

When I had the inner wheel well off and was inspecting the PCM, it was covered with corrosion/salt and I could see gaps in the seal.

Brought it to the dealer, they ran my serial number and found that there were 2 open recalls for my car. One was the PCM replacement due to a faulty seal around the unit allowing moisture/debris/etc to penetrate the unit.

So, now the GM dealership is replacing the PCM on my 12 year old Cavalier, at no cost to me.

Dodged a huge bullet there!
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Tuesday, January 9th, 2007 AT 12:45 PM
Tiny
CARUNDELL
  • MECHANIC
  • 602 POSTS
Now how often does that happen! Congrats!

Chris
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Tuesday, January 9th, 2007 AT 1:21 PM

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