2005 Chevy Cav turning over but not starting.

5

Asked by Reidmere Nov 10, 2014 at 07:42 AM about the 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier Coupe FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I stopped into McD's to get some coffee, come out and my car won't start. I've never
had any trouble before of the sort. It sounds normal, but won't start, even with it
jumped to another car.

Problems I've had (not sure if related):
-Day before, I got into the car and noticed it smelled like a bit of gas.
-Cigarette Lighter and Assessor y output would sometimes not work with working fuse.
-When the car first starts, I there will be clicking inside the passenger dashboard
unless the AC controls are halfway between envir. control and top vents.
-Key stopped wanting to turn forward without jiggling, or putting it back to "Acc", then
quickly flinging it forward (guessing a warn out ignition switch cylinder).
-Not sure the last time the spark plugs were changed: Got the car 4 months ago, so
overdue.
Including these in case they're related.

What I've figured out:
-Won't start even jumped to another car.
-Sounds normal when turning except not starting.
-Thought it might not be getting fuel, but pushed the valve on the rail to the motor, and
gas shoots out.
-Connecting jumper wires to my car, the other end sparks well on it's own, so I doubt
it's the battery, or even alternator (don't know for sure though).

Sadly, same day this happened, we found this out out other car had a flat, so a trip to
some auto stores is a bit hard. I need ideas of what I can try to do to diagnose it, or if
you know what it is based on this, in the cheapest way possible. Money is a major
obstacle for us right now.
Thanks in advance!

1 Answer

5

An update: Turns out it's something fuel related. I can press the gas valve and it will stop spraying until the key is left "on" long enough for the pressure to build up. I'm not an expert, but I think it's the fuel pump, filter, or injectors. I've already switched the relay with one from the AC. Since I know more than I have hands-on, and money's the issue, what's the most likely thing to try to find out if it's the problem balanced with what's cheap? Thanks!

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