Battery just didn't have enough to turn the engine over

KPRO

MEMBER
2003 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
2.2L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
236,000 MILES

Recently acquired this vehicle and it was running fine through the summer. About a week ago starting it became more and more difficult to start. To me it seemed like the battery just didn't have enough to turn the engine over. So like 3 or 4 days ago I go to start it and nothing. Turn it off try again this time holding the key all the way forward cause it's worked once before. I see smoke coming from engine compartment. Immediately turn it off, disconnect battery and look for source of smoke. Slide under car notice the starter is caked with oil and what not around connectors. Clean it, try it nothing. But I do notice oil in my air intake duct. Remove battery have it charged replace it turn key and nothing. Try it again there is a loud bang from under hood. Turn it off and here I am. Any help?

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,336 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros.

The oil in the intake could be from the PCV. I feel that isn't the issue. What I need you to do is this. To me it sounds like the starter has gone bad. The loud bang is a concern, but without hearing it, I'm not sure of a cause.

With that, we need to check if the starter is getting power. Here is a link that shows how it is done. You will need a helper to complete this.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

If you could do that and let me know the results, it will help. Also, did you ever confirm where the smoke was coming from?

Let me know.

Joe

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Wednesday, June 16th, 2021 AT 4:22 PM

KPRO

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hey Joe.
Thanks for your quick response. My son was finally able to get a day off to assist me. With him tapping starter while I turned the key we immediately discovered the source of the smoke. The starter itself was the cause. So gonna replace the starter. Just to rule out a seized engine. We push started it and it fired right up. Thanks again. Iam sure I'll be using this service again.
Kevin

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Wednesday, June 16th, 2021 AT 4:22 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,336 POSTS

Welcome back:

I had a feeling. Just make sure there was no damage done to the positive cable running to the starter. Since there was smoke, it was drawing a lot of amperage.

I don't know if you need this, but here is a link that shows in general how one is replaced.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

Here are the directions specific to your vehicle. The attached pics correlate with the directions.

______________________________

2003 Chevrolet Cavalier L4-2.2L VIN F
Procedures
Vehicle Starting and Charging Starting System Starter Motor Service and Repair Procedures
PROCEDURES
STARTER MOTOR REPLACEMENT

REMOVAL PROCEDURE
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to vehicle lifting..

pic 1

3. Disconnect the electrical connectors (3,4) from the starter.

pic 2

4. Remove the starter bolts.
5. Remove the starter.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

pic 3

1. Install the starter.
2. Install the starter bolts.

NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

Tighten
Tighten the starter bolts to 40 N.m (30 lb ft).

pic 4

3. Connect the electrical connectors (4) to the starter.

Tighten
Tighten the battery terminal nut to 17 N.m (13 lb ft).

4. Connect the electrical connectors (3) to the starter.

Tighten
Tighten the S terminal nut to 3 N.m (27 lb in).

5. Lower the vehicle.
6. Connect the negative battery cable.

_____________________________________

Take care and let us know if you have questions in the future.

Joe

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