94 Chev Cavalier common problems?

Question

car just out of the shop Plugs were changed and the serp. belt adjuster. other than that the car ran fine. I just got it. Started it next morning and it started right away. So while it was warming up and I was getting comfortable, it just shut off. Won't restart. No hint of it. Turns over fine. Tried it 15 minutes later and then an hour later - still no go.
Being new to this car, what weaknesses does it have....most likely to least . Car has 260,000K. Should I be looking at a fuel pump or electrical(ignition coil - or whatever they call it these days). ((Ya, I'm from old car days and been driving diesel for last 10 - - so haven't kept up with the terminology.
Thank you for some insight.

Answer 1

A '94 Cavalier that's lasted 260k miles? I'd say have it bronze plated or donate it to a museum since it’s only on of a handful that has ever survived that long.



With that many miles, it could be any number of things, as dodge man pointed out. You didn’t mention if the engine turns over when you try to start it or not, so I’ll assume it does. You also didn’t mention if it pops, drags, or spins excessively fast when trying to start it, so I’ll also assume the timing belt didn’t break (although I doubt it’s the original one with those miles).

You need to check to see if you’re getting spark and fuel first to help narrow down the problem. If you’re getting both, then start looking at the timing, as air, fuel, spark and timing are the four things an engine needs to run.

If you have spark and no fuel, then test the fuel pump.

If you have no spark… it could be anything in the ignition system.



One more problem to watch out for in the future is overheating and warping the head. The center head bolt doesn’t bottom out, but goes into a water passage. If the head has to be pulled at any time, and the lower threads have rusted, you can pretty much consider the head trash since there’s not enough clearance to get anything other than a thin wall socket on the bolt. The socket will break every time before the bolt does, and a torch will melt the head before it cuts the bolt.

Answer 2

i own a repair shop,and there's a couple of possibilities here for this happening,,they have a control module that can go dead that will make them do this,,and also a coil pack will do this,,and they have a fuse that works the fuel pump relay also,,that could have blown for it,,and the last of things is the timing chain might have broken in it,,or jumped all the way out,,with the mileage it has on it id say the timing chain may have broken in it,,i just got doing one with 240 thousand that actually broke the chain in to,,,im kind of thinking this may be what happened to yours also,,try checking to see if its turning the upper part of the motor over,,you can do this by removing the valve cover on it,good luck with it,i hope this help,s.happy new years.

Answer 3

if its a 2.0 engine check to see if u have spark at the coil if not ign mod is toast if not check ur timming belt may have broke 3 things needed right fire fuel air start with fire good luck hope it helps also maybe plugs were gaped wrong? never hurts to check

Answer 4

The common problem with the 1994 Chevy Cavalier is that it is a Chevy Cavalier. Is there no way you can trade it in for a Hyundai? Even that would be an improvement.

Answer 5

does the car have its other electrical functions working?



Ie radio headlights etc etc



I have seen a few ignition switches go on that not the key switch the electrical one hooked to it...

Answer 6

how to depressurize fuel system to change fuel injector