99 2.2 Auto Hard to Start

For the last couple of years the cav has been hard to start. It goes r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r then fires up. I got a little sick of it recently and have replaced the Spark plugs, Spark Wires, New K&N, fuel injector cleaner and New red top battery. It still has exactly the same problem! WTF! It has great smooth power up to the redline. When at idle it runs totally smooth.

What should I try next? Any help would be greatly appreciated! :confused:

It's hard to start up...so...have you tried THE STARTER!

It's hard to start up...so...have you tried THE STARTER!

No, the starter seems very strong. It just does not fire right up.

turn your car to the ON positon. If you don't hear a humming noise from your fuel pump. Its more than likely not able to raise the pressure of the fuel before the car starts thus for the long time require to start your car. So you'd need a new fuel pump.

That sounds like it could be the problem. How hard is it to change out the fuel pump? Is this a case of beer on a saturday job?

heh... depends on how rusted everything is. You need to drop the gas tank.

You didn't get a recall notice in the mail? I have a 99 cavalier 2.2l and I just brought it into Chevy today.
I got the notice in the beginning of May. It said an ignition part was faulty. It sends too much electricity through the starter relay or something and melts the wires. So even if your car is off it could catch on fire. On my work order ticket it said they installed a new starter relay and harness.
I had the same problem as you, and now it seems to start up fine.
Try looking at recall sites online, if you don't get a notice in the mail. Or call Chevy.
I hope that helps you. :)

You didn't get a recall notice in the mail? I have a 99 cavalier 2.2l and I just brought it into Chevy today.
I got the notice in the beginning of May. It said an ignition part was faulty. It sends too much electricity through the starter relay or something and melts the wires. So even if your car is off it could catch on fire. On my work order ticket it said they installed a new starter relay and harness.
I had the same problem as you, and now it seems to start up fine.
Try looking at recall sites online, if you don't get a notice in the mail. Or call Chevy.
I hope that helps you. :)

Yes I did get that recall notice and had them to the repair I think they did it over 2 years ago. Hmmmm.

They also sent out that recall notice for the '00 Cavs...in case anyone didn't know this, and has the same problem.

Oh. When I looked online it said Chevy started the ignition recall for the 99 Cavaliers in April of 2005.
Sorry, I wish I could help you more.

Oh. When I looked online it said Chevy started the ignition recall for the 99 Cavaliers in April of 2005.
Sorry, I wish I could help you more.

I found my recall notice. In Canada the recall letter I have is Dated March 2004. You must have it fixed by June 30 2005 to get it done for free.

I did have it done shortly after the I got the notice, I guess it was about 1.5 years ago not 2.