Hello there. I have a 1997 Chevy Cavalier, and I'm having some difficulties I can't put a finger on at the moment. Every once in a while the past few months (and by every once in a while I mean once every two weeks or more maybe) I will get this strange sound when trying to start my car. I want to say it's similar to metal being crunched, but that doesn't really sound right. As soon as I hear the noise I obviously let up on the key and try again in a few seconds. The problem has never repeated itself in the same week, so it's kind of hard to replicate to show someone what I mean. I never have any difficulty starting my vehicle (it turns right over normally) so I don't know what this could be. The spark plugs were changed out about a year ago and they're platinum so I know they haven't gone bad yet.
The second and most pressing problem is the engine light difficulty. On my way home today my check engine light AND my ETS off light have come on, and have stayed on with every start of the vehicle. The car doesn't seem to be abnormally sluggish or anything, but this is obviously a concern to me. Without something to pull codes I've been kind of SOL today, fumbling around in hopes of finding something online. So far, nothing.
I DID use a test light on the fuses in my fuse box for the heck of it because someone online posted something about the 30 amp fuse being the cause of some ETS off lights coming on. There is nothing wrong with THAT fuse, but there seems to be an issue with the small 20 amp fuse in the panel. I do not have a diagram to reference, so I was wondering if someone could tell me if this could be the cause of the problem. I somehow doubt it, but I figured it didn't hurt to mention it.
Others have suggested checking fuel filters and pouring a fuel injector cleaner into the tank, but like I said... the car doesn't seem to be acting more sluggish than usual (sometimes it putt putts a little, but I was told it was due to a slightly loose motor mount). I would think if there was something wrong with my fuel system the car would kick out on me.
I hope that made a little bit of sense! I'm kind of at a loss here, and I'm hoping this isn't a huge problem... I'm a student (automotive, as it were) and I work, so I can't afford to lose my car! Any help would be greatly appreciated
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11-14-2007, 07:50 PM
1997 Cavalier Check Engine, ETS Off, Intermittant Start Problem
