I have a 1996 2.2L Chevy Cavalier LS sedan, I've owned the car since it was new & thus far the only real problems I've had outta it was replacing the ignition module. I've done routine maintence to it: fluid changes, filters, etc. The battery I currently have on the car is 2 years old, and one guranteed for like 5 years. Well it's getting cold here now, and I know electrical problems start in this weather. So I was out in town, like 5 miles from home leaving to start back and all of a sudden my battery & ABS lite indicators came on, go another mile down the road and the dash lights grow dim, headlights dim, so I start turning off everything I don't need in order to make it the 4 miles home I need. This happened on Wednesday nite when there was a light snow falling, I go out today to start the car it fires up fine and no lights are on. I think it must be the alternator because this car has close to 150,000 miles on it and I've never had to replace it, the belt seems to be in fine condition. So do you guys think it is the alternator? And if so would it be just as well to find one off a wrecked Cav for cheaper than buying an Advanced Auto rebuilt one? I'm female and my dad was a mechanic so I know pretty much how to fix things on my own, and have a guy friend offerin to help me out. I just want to know if anyone else has had these problems? And what their solution was? Because if its the Alternator then I'm going to replace it and replace the belt at the same time. The only thing that confused me was the ABS light coming on, but I guess it's battery assisted or something.
Odd thing is, I have a 2002 Monte Carlo and 3 days ago my TRAC OFF & ABS Lites came on in it, but went off as I think they were just cold & it was sticking. Same thing happened a few weeks ago with the cavalier, the BRAKE (like i had left the parking brake pulled) & ABS Lites were on but went off after it warmed up & I restarted it. Other than that, the only major issue my cavalier has is the fact the fuel gauge doesn't work, when it's at a quarter of a tank it's actually empty, I fixed it once by pouring some fuel system treatment in it, but it's back to doing the same thing... made me run outta gas once. But that doesn't bother me I go by mileage now, I'm just worried about if this is an alternator problem & not wanting to take it out and get broke down.
So do you think it's the alternator? If so where's a good place online that maybe sells good used reliable parts for less. Because I'm sorta ANTI-Advanced Auto parts.
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12-08-2007, 01:24 AM
