04 Chevy cavalier, long story, 2 mechanics are stumped

Asked by Laura Apr 08, 2018 at 06:23 PM about the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier LS Sedan FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

This started out with our Chevy not starting one day. The
trac off light was on, but no other lights.

We had it towed to the mechanic. He said it was the fuel
pump and replaced it.

Drove it home and on the way there, the check engine and
trac off light came on. About a block away, car felt like it
wouldn't go out of first gear. Got it up our driveway. Had it
towed again.

This time the mechanic, without talking to us first, replaced
a bad cylinder (or injector? I don't have receipt with me) and
all the spark plugs. Picked the car up. It was still running a
little rough. On the way home, the check engine light and
trac off light came back on. Brought it right back. He said
the computer said it was running lean, but he couldn't figure
out why and there was nothing he could do.

Drove it back home. For some reason, the check engine
and trac off light went off. I figured maybe the car was ok.
It drove fine for a couple days, then the trac off light came
back on and within 20 minutes, it was unable to go out of
first gear again. Real fun in traffic!

Had it towed to different mechanic. Told them to check
wheel sensors and wiring harness. They checked out fine.
They've checked the pressure in the cylinders and it's fine.
No one has any answers and at this point, we're out $1400.
I don't know what to do.

4 Answers

I'll try to find out. He only said the code indicated the car was running lean. Check engine light is not on anymore.

Turned out to be that injector 4 was no good. They replaced it and car seems fine....but that friggin trac off light is still on. Mechanic says he sees nothing wrong with wheel sensors or wiring harness. Is there anything else he could check?

Your Answer:

Cavalier

Looking for a Used Cavalier in your area?

CarGurus has 3 nationwide Cavalier listings and the tools to find you a great deal.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    John Saffrahn
    Reputation
    4,860
  • #2
    dandyoun
    Reputation
    2,000
  • #3
    mbar1
    Reputation
    1,690
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Malibu
59 Great Deals out of 1,090 listings starting at $1,495

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.