2 WEIRD problems with 96 Cavalier!!

[eshovis]

Ok I am at a loss here and am hoping someone can help. I am driving my husband crazy with my car questions, so I thought I would try asking someone else. I have a 96 Cavalier with a 2.2L that I bought through an auction so I know nothing about it's history.

Problem #1-The battery on it was bad, so I bought a new one. Several mornings after, I go out to start it and it's dead. I have checked and double checked to make sure nothing is left on, my terminals are clean, etc. I have also made sure my alternator was good. Any suggestions?

Problem #2-I was doing some repairs on it and also flushed the coolant system. I decided to go ahead and replace the thermostat since it's cheap and easy to do. Now, when I get to 65-70 mph, the car drops to cold. Sometimes even below the first 'notch' on the gauge. If I slow down, drive around town, etc., it's normal operating temperature. What in the world could cause this?

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!!

Thanks,
Shannon

[quake61]

Originally Posted by eshovis

Ok I am at a loss here and am hoping someone can help. I am driving my husband crazy with my car questions, so I thought I would try asking someone else. I have a 96 Cavalier with a 2.2L that I bought through an auction so I know nothing about it's history.

Problem #1-The battery on it was bad, so I bought a new one. Several mornings after, I go out to start it and it's dead. I have checked and double checked to make sure nothing is left on, my terminals are clean, etc. I have also made sure my alternator was good. Any suggestions?

Problem #2-I was doing some repairs on it and also flushed the coolant system. I decided to go ahead and replace the thermostat since it's cheap and easy to do. Now, when I get to 65-70 mph, the car drops to cold. Sometimes even below the first 'notch' on the gauge. If I slow down, drive around town, etc., it's normal operating temperature. What in the world could cause this?

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!!

Thanks,
Shannon

ok number one u have to make sure u dont have any short circuit
in the wiring
easy way to make sure is when u connect the positive from the battery

if it sparks with car off and everything else off u have something shorted

also make sure ur stereo or amplifier (if installed) is totally off

now about the thermostat get the one from nappa autoparts

thats the one that works right just ask them for the 195 degrees

because that one have a stronger spring and wont close sooner than is supose to

[unbe]

I agree with QUAKE but I'd dissconnect the negative instead because less chance of shorting wrench to a ground.Also some light sparking is normal.

[eshovis]

Thanks for the ideas! I will give those a try!