1999 Cavalier Starting Issue

[idalton]

I own a 1999 Cavalier 2.2L, and it will not start when the weather is specifically cold and wet (moisture or humidity). When the key is in the on position the theft light is solid, and when turned forward the car turns over for just a second and then immediately dies. Afterwards, the theft light blinks.

This is where I'm thrown through a loop, this problem only occurs during cold weather. When it is warm and dry, the car will start up just fine, but the theft light will still be solid until it turns over. Once turned over and fully started during dry and warm days, the theft light goes away while running, and will even go away for about 15 minutes after key is taken out of ignition and put back in.

I have replaced the alternator, ignition coils, battery, spark plugs, spark plug wires.

About a year ago I replaced the ignition cylinder, but the problem is just now occurring. Possibly the ignition cylinder is becoming faulty and messing with the theft system?

Any ideas are greatly appreciated, thanks.

I have also tried the 3 turn, 10 minute reset and that has not worked*

[autojoe]

would have to look at the stored code(s) in the body control module.maybe contacts in the key cylinder?need a good scan tool to go into bcm and read these codes.

[Tech II]

I have replaced the alternator, ignition coils, battery, spark plugs, spark plug wires.

About a year ago I replaced the ignition cylinder, but the problem is just now occurring. Possibly the ignition cylinder is becoming faulty and messing with the theft system?

Any ideas are greatly appreciated, thanks.

I have also tried the 3 turn, 10 minute reset and that has not worked*


The fact that the car starts, dies, and then flashes, means you have a TheftLock problem......Codes B2958 or B2960 are probably set......

Surprised you did the reset and it didn't work....

Did you do it correctly?

1. Start car....it dies....don't turn key to off, theft light flashes....wait 10 minutes(does light go out?).....then turn key to off for 5 seconds....

2. just turn key to on......light may flash on just be on steady....wait ten minutes(does light go out?)......turn key off for 5 seconds....

3. repeat #2.....

4. after key is off for 5 seconds, try and start car.....

If the light never went out after 10 minutes, you have a problem.....

You said the lock cylinder was replaced.....was the PassLock sensor also replaced?

I have replaced the alternator, ignition coils, battery, spark plugs, spark plug wires.

About a year ago I replaced the ignition cylinder, but the problem is just now occurring. Possibly the ignition cylinder is becoming faulty and messing with the theft system?

Any ideas are greatly appreciated, thanks.

I have also tried the 3 turn, 10 minute reset and that has not worked*