[SAMSUNG8]

Hi all I have a 1996 Cavalier with a 2.4l engine and 4 spd auto trans. The problem is when the temp goes over the normal operating mark towards 100-110 degress celsius (canadian car) the car misfires, hesitates and sometimes will stall out. If it does stall out it will not restart until it cools down. This also happens after a heat soak. I've replaced the crank sensor, coils, and ignition module, and spark plugs. I had the system scanned and there are no codes in the computer. I've also had the throttle body adn fuel system cleaned as well. If the temp never goes above the normal mark car drive fine, but with summer coming this is gonna be a problem. If anyone can provide any help or insight I would greatly appreciate it.


Thanks!!

 

[01sunfire01]

have you checked the coolant? also look at the waterpump and see how that looks. the car should run around 190 US. if its geting to hot theres something up with the coolant. for the hard start im not to sure what could be doing that unless the battery is not get charged or the starter is on its way out

 

[FenwickHockey65]

^^What he said. The first thing that springs to my mind is a coolant problem.

 

[Smaart Aas Saabr]

Why is it getting so hot anyway? It's not too high but it is still weird

 

[SAMSUNG8]

Thanks for the suggestions....I checked the coolant tested it is ok. It was replaced about 35,000km ago. It runs fine when it is cool out, but the problems starts when the temp goes up or when there is a heat soak

Thanks

 

[6angelsmom]

Hi all I have a 1996 Cavalier with a 2.4l engine and 4 spd auto trans. The problem is when the temp goes over the normal operating mark towards 100-110 degress celsius (canadian car) the car misfires, hesitates and sometimes will stall out. If it does stall out it will not restart until it cools down. This also happens after a heat soak. I've replaced the crank sensor, coils, and ignition module, and spark plugs. I had the system scanned and there are no codes in the computer. I've also had the throttle body adn fuel system cleaned as well. If the temp never goes above the normal mark car drive fine, but with summer coming this is gonna be a problem. If anyone can provide any help or insight I would greatly appreciate it.


Thanks!!

I have a '96 sunfire GT (basically the same car) with exactly the same problem...if u have found the solution please post.. this problem is a year old now and giving me a big headache.. lol

 

[scooter10572]

check the vacuum line to the map sensor for cracks,have run into this before.could be a dozen other things ect sensor not reading correctly could cause as well.Im a chevy tech and have seen this before with no codes stored,my personal vehicle with a 2.4 had a problem with this .

 

[01sunfire01]

is the fan kicking on? check and see if it turns on. if not look to the right off the motor bay and you will see all the fuses/ look and see if the switch is bad for the fan. its i a big gray block looking thing.

 

[6angelsmom]

Thanks for the suggestions. I will check the vacuum line to the map sensor.. and as for the fan.. it does come on .. so the fuses must be ok.. lol

 

[jfnz24]

I had a similar problem, and mine was the thermostat temp sensor. It was basically trying to shut down the engine when getting too hot. I would also check that vacuum line.

 

[6angelsmom]

ok was going to have the thermostat and temp sensor changed .. hope that it makes the difference.. although.. i have noticed since its hot out that after driving for a bit and the engine is hot , the car will hesitate taking off from idle either at a stop light or stop sign.. feels like i need to get out and give it a bit push to get it going.. lol

still i hope the replacement will correct the problem. Thanks again

 

[6angelsmom]

I have had the coolant checked and all is fine there.. the thermostat and the temp sensor took care of the car overheating, but the problem with it acting up in the heat and humidity hasnt stopped... it still wants to (flood out?) when sitting at idle and or after driving and shutting it off for a few mins..... it starts to sputter and spit and barely move from stop till i throw it in neutral for a sec and rev the engine gently....then it will go.. lol... if i shut it down and come back to it after 5 or 10 mins. on a very humid hot day the car will start up but stall out doing the same thing.. I have to wait at least an hour to start it up again and then it runs fine till i get it home..

 

[jfnz24]

Still sounds like the vacuum line to me. When mine was in for repair a couple years ago, they forgot to reattach this line, and gave me the symptom you are describing regarding stalling. I would say to replace the line, even if it is attached, as it may have a leak in it. Best of luck.

 

[michou]

I have had the coolant checked and all is fine there.. the thermostat and the temp sensor took care of the car overheating, but the problem with it acting up in the heat and humidity hasnt stopped... it still wants to (flood out?) when sitting at idle and or after driving and shutting it off for a few mins..... it starts to sputter and spit and barely move from stop till i throw it in neutral for a sec and rev the engine gently....then it will go.. lol... if i shut it down and come back to it after 5 or 10 mins. on a very humid hot day the car will start up but stall out doing the same thing.. I have to wait at least an hour to start it up again and then it runs fine till i get it home..

OK I had the same hard start misfire rough idle stall out problem on my Sunfire GT 2.4l heres what i did Replaced crankshaft sensor for code comin up , map sensor for code, fuel filter, new plugs, tested module it tested ok, tested coils they were ok, tested coil pack housing it "SEEMED"to test ok Compression test was ok. got really pissed afer 2 months of trying numerous different things, went to the wrecker bought a whole coil over plug assy which had the module, coils, the coil pack housing . Put it on and it ran bautiful. Decided to see what was actually causing the problam and turned out it was the " coil pack housing". Somethig went bad in it and was causing #2 and #4 cylinder to misfire after engine warmed up a bit. ECM didn't know how to read it so it just hrew out codes. Hopefully this helps you out or anyone else trying to figure out the
2.4l ghost in the machine. Good Luck

P.S. Wrecker usually sells the oil over pug Assmbly for $40-$100

 

[jfnz24]

Did you ever get this fixed?

 

[6angelsmom]

Not sure about the person who originally posted.. but I know that I am still having the same issue.. have replaced the temp. sensor, the coils, plugs, and the map sensor... still the same issue.. perhaps i should just get another coil over plug assembly from the wreckers as well.. lol.. sigh!

 

[6angelsmom]

I am uncertain whether the person of the original post has had any luck with fixing their issue.. I know I am still having problems with mine.. I have changed the temp. sensor., the MAP sensor, and the coils.. the vacuum line to the MAP sensor was changed also.. but still the issue of the car stuttering or stalling out when the engine is warm still exists. I thought maybe the ignition module or the housing might be the problem.. ? Any other ideas.. lol

 

[jfnz24]

I am having a similar problem, see "Weird Car Problem" thread. As for yours, did you ever take it to a dealer?

 

[c.folds]

hi, I was wondering if you figured out the problem you were having with the cavalier. I have a 98 z24 with the same problem! thanks!