Many Problems...97 Z24...need help.

[yhandor]

Hey all, I just recently got rid of my 98 Chevy Tahoe SUV and bought a 97 Cavalier Z24. I need to know some things, as I have tried and cant figure it out. I need to know where the tranny dipstick is, can't find it on the 2.4L Twin Cam engine, my Dad can't either and he is fluent with cars. Second, how do I remove the ceiling on the interior to put the blub sockets back into the molding for them, they popped out and I would love to have dome lights finally. Also sometimes when I reverse out of my driveway just in the mornings or the first time starting the car for the day, after reversing and going into drive, the engine revs, but the car barely moves for 3- 5 seconds, then kicks in. Another problem is a noise coming from where the altenator is, it's a metallic sound when the car is running, wounds like something that is turning is worn out or not lubricated, I was told could be the altentaor, or the idler pulley, would like to knwo before I drop money on it. Also, why can't I really squeal the tires if I punch it down from a complete stop, Ive been in other Z24's and they can do it, mine is automatic and so was their's, I also have a Cold Air Intake, and still I really cant squeal the tires.....If you guys could please give me some answers to all those questions, it would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks and looking forward to hearing your responses!

[PulledOverAgain]

Originally Posted by yhandor

Hey all, I just recently got rid of my 98 Chevy Tahoe SUV and bought a 97 Cavalier Z24. I need to know some things, as I have tried and cant figure it out. I need to know where the tranny dipstick is, can't find it on the 2.4L Twin Cam engine, my Dad can't either and he is fluent with cars. Second, how do I remove the ceiling on the interior to put the blub sockets back into the molding for them, they popped out and I would love to have dome lights finally. Also sometimes when I reverse out of my driveway just in the mornings or the first time starting the car for the day, after reversing and going into drive, the engine revs, but the car barely moves for 3- 5 seconds, then kicks in. Another problem is a noise coming from where the altenator is, it's a metallic sound when the car is running, wounds like something that is turning is worn out or not lubricated, I was told could be the altentaor, or the idler pulley, would like to knwo before I drop money on it. Also, why can't I really squeal the tires if I punch it down from a complete stop, Ive been in other Z24's and they can do it, mine is automatic and so was their's, I also have a Cold Air Intake, and still I really cant squeal the tires.....If you guys could please give me some answers to all those questions, it would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks and looking forward to hearing your responses!

The 4t40E (your transmission) doesnt have a dipstick. That's why you cant find it. I'm not up on the auto's too much, so i'm not real sure how to check it... But IIRC it's easier to do from under the car.

For the delayed shift... could be a clogged filter... maybe even a low level (i'd assume that's why you were looking for the dipstick)

The metallic noise...... could be a few things, but i'm going to lean on it being the A/C compressor clutch bearing. It's pretty common.

As far as not being able to squeel tires. Could be a list of things. 1) it sounds like you may have some issue with your trans, by the other question you asked. 2) it could be the traction control activating and keeping you from spinning the tires. Try pulling up the e-brake a couple notches so that the ETS OFF light comes on.

[yhandor]

Okay thanks, so how can I check, fill my Tranny fluid? Also if it helps that metallic noise, is on when the heat isnt on and when i turn it on it is stil lthere but sometimes when i turn the knob to the defrost, it goes away, and when i put it back on normal vent air, it goes back on.....also you said I could have a clogged filter, which one??? And what does ETS mean? Thanks!!

[PulledOverAgain]

Originally Posted by yhandor

Okay thanks, so how can I check, fill my Tranny fluid? Also if it helps that metallic noise, is on when the heat isnt on and when i turn it on it is stil lthere but sometimes when i turn the knob to the defrost, it goes away, and when i put it back on normal vent air, it goes back on.....also you said I could have a clogged filter, which one??? And what does ETS mean? Thanks!!

Clogged filter, i meant the transmission filter. So it would need a fluid change.

ETS is for your traction control. Electronic Traction System or some crap like that.

And yeah, when you're turning it to defrost it's turning on the compressor. Notice how when you do, the little green light comes on for your a/c, even if you didnt press the a/c button. That pretty much assures that it's the a/c compressor clutch bearing. You could either replace the compressor, or remove it.

[muff34]

there is a plug underneath transmission..location"right above the right front corner of the transaxle oil pan,NEAR ENGINE DRAIN OIL PLUG." you have to pull plug out and fluid should be at the bottom of hole and may even drip out a bit .If you have to add fluid you should see a filler cap in on top of trans axle looking at engine compartment.,says trans fluid . put fluid in till it starts to drip out. when you check fluid it should be warm ,car has to be level. might not be a bad idea to drop the pan and change filter .
ETS enhanced traction system.........system operates if it senses wheel spin or loosing traction ..when it happens ,system reduces engine power and may also upshift the transaxle to limit wheel spin.

pick up a Haynes manual ,they come in handy

[yhandor]

Hey PulledOver, your right, when I turn the know to Defrost blower, the green A/C light comes on, always has since I got the car, the green light means it's pooched? Or will come on no matter what even if it's good? My dad said the noise could be idler pulley, or altenator, you say A/C, I too kit to GM, they wanted $50 just to tell me what the noise was so I flipped them off and left....I dont have a lot of money, so just wondering 100% what it is before i fix it, can anyone give prices for these items:

Fuel Filter
Transmission fliter
Transmission Fluid
A/C Clutch Bearing, or whatever I need to fix that noise.

Thanks much guys, these forums are awesome, great way to learn about my car. Also you guys will be proud to know, I beat an older style Monte Carlo, looks like Julians black car in Trailer Park Boys tonight, in a race, completely smoked it, and a Grand Am. Cavalier Z24, LOVE IT. Thanks!

[muff34]

the green light light will come on in defrost position ,that is normal. filters and fluids will probably cost you 40 or 50 bucks at Crappy Tire . If you a/c is not working and as you say you do not have alot of cash ,see if you can get a belt for a non a/c `97 z24. 20 bucks . might as well eliminate compressor or take your chances andget one at a scrap yard. one other thing don`t be fipping the guys off at Gm ,they may turn out to be your best friend some day.......LOL

[PulledOverAgain]

Originally Posted by muff34

If you a/c is not working and as you say you do not have alot of cash ,see if you can get a belt for a non a/c `97 z24. 20 bucks . might as well eliminate compressor or take your chances andget one at a scrap yard.

They dont make a 2.4 engine without an A/C compressor. If it was a 2.2 that would be possible. You CAN get a bypass pulley if you can stand going without the A/C. You take the compressor off and put the bypass there and run the belt around it. Otherwise to fix it, you change the compressor. Which is a tad pricey.

[muff34]

Originally Posted by PulledOverAgain

They dont make a 2.4 engine without an A/C compressor. If it was a 2.2 that would be possible. You CAN get a bypass pulley if you can stand going without the A/C. You take the compressor off and put the bypass there and run the belt around it. Otherwise to fix it, you change the compressor. Which is a tad pricey.

well I learned something here ,thanks . However thinking back kind of old school ,when a belt was actually gone and a you were broke down side of highway you could measure the distance around pulleys and get a new belt to fit. Even with the automatic tensioners I`m sure the same could be done. You would just have to get a parts person that could do more than look up part numbers on a computer screen. just my
Muff

[PulledOverAgain]

Originally Posted by muff34

well I learned something here ,thanks . However thinking back kind of old school ,when a belt was actually gone and a you were broke down side of highway you could measure the distance around pulleys and get a new belt to fit. Even with the automatic tensioners I`m sure the same could be done. You would just have to get a parts person that could do more than look up part numbers on a computer screen. just my
Muff

Yeah the only thing you'll be driving though would be the alternator that way on the 2.4 engine. One could try the string trick, but I dont think it'll work, with the way the tensioner is mounted.

[yhandor]

Kay, got the metallic noise fixed, it was the A/C Compressor Clutch. The clutch was pressed rigght against the compressor so when it spun on regular air options, it made the noise and when i put it on defrost the compressor pulls the clutch in and engages, which made the noise go away, which makes sense because its not rubbing anymore. Anyways, the mechanic, had the same problem on his car, adjust the compressor clutch, spaced it 1/4 of a centiemeter away froom it so it doesnt rub anymore, and presto, no more noise, i was dinged $130 CAD for the labour, thats it. Had to pay it, was sick of that noise.

[jakegday]

that sounds alot better then how i fixed it, i just unloaded a can of wd40 into the pulley, might not have been the greatest idea, but its been a year and a half, everything is still working perfect and i havent heard the noise since,

what EXACTLY did your mechanic do?? i mean, how exactly did he space it?? i may give that a try...

[yhandor]

Well he raised the car up, took the front right wheel off, removed all the plastic trim pieces so you can get at the A/C Compressor Clutch. Then he spaced the clutch about Id say about 2 or 3/16 of an inch away from the compressor. GM suggested buying a whole new compressor for $800 or so, shows what they know.....luckily this mechanic had it happen to his Bonneville so he knew right away how to fix it, it's been a week, no noise, he did good. I suggest getting it done, I have a 97 Z24, with neon plate, euro taillights, xenon heads, clear corners, car looks really good, last thing yuo need at a red light is people to hear that embarassing noise, I felt like such a loser because sometimes it would be really loud which made my car sound like a piece of shit. So I strongly suggest you do it, or pay the $130 to get it done, money well spent. It was only that high because it took this guy 1.5 hours, at $76 an hour labour. Any other questions post, I watched him do the whole thing so I could most likely answer anything.