I searched some for my main problem, couldn't really find what I needed after an hour of reading through old posts... The rest of my repairs, I'm just throwing in with the main topic just in case it's an easy answer or somebody knows where to point me. Otherwise, I'll search for those later:
I have a 2000 Cavalier Z24 5-speed, ~130,000 miles.
1. Headlight/Engine Problem:
This is my main problem... About a week ago, I noticed my passenger headlight was out. I went to Advanced and bought a bulb, couldn't change it that night (was pouring rain and such), so I went home... I park of the street, and pull into the neighbors driveway to turn around, turning my headlights off and pulling my E-Brake up one notch so the daytime running lights go out (trying to be respectful)... I back up to the sidewalk and lower the E-Brake. My lights click some and then the check and service lights come on.
Symptoms:
* Now the passenger side fog light is out also, and that was replaced 4-5 months ago.
* My friend told me when he changed my fog light, it was normal, but after a week or two, he noticed it was dimmer than the driver's side.
* The trouble code was for the "cooling fan relay". I had this problem back in December, causing my car to overheat and damaging my surge tank... So I had that replaced, and after buying a fan motor, a relay, thermostat, etc... It turned out to only be the fuse, which I replaced... No more trouble code. I checked the fuses, same fuse blew, 4-5 months of life. I replaced it again last night. Trouble codes are still on though.
* If I click the lock of my remote, the passenger-side light flashes. If I turn high beams on, it comes on.
* If I turn the car on with the headlights already on, or turn them on quickly, only the check light comes on. If I have the headlights off or just the parking lights on, with the E-Brake down, the service light comes on also.
* Yesterday, as I was idling in traffic, I noticed my RPMs going up and down within a 500 range.
2. High RPM Problem:
I bought the car at a dealership and it idles at 1,600 RPMS at the lowest. Is a vacuum leak the only possibility?
3. Passenger Window:
Passenger window started going out, it'll act normal rolling down, and part of the way back up, but sometimes I can't get it all the way back closed with my hands, so I stopped using it. I probably just need to replace the motor, clean it out and grease it while I'm at it, but any more suggestions are welcome.
4. E-Brake:
Doesn't work at all, even fully up... Probably just needs to be tightened, but any tips or such are welcome.
5. Front Brake Rubbing?
I don't know @!#$ about this, but I noticed there is a lot of brake-dust on the driver's-side rim. Whenever I clean it, it comes back fairly fast.
6. AC
My dad had the AC fixed before he gave it to me about 10 months ago... It doesn't blow cold air anymore. Just a freon leak? Also, even when I have the fan off, it blows the slightest amount of cold or hot air out (depending on where the switch is). Also, it's made a noise since I got it, kind of a metal clinking noise from underneath. I notice it when idling mostly. My dad told me he thinks it's the AC clutch because it makes the noise when my AC is off, but not when it is on. I would just like to fix the irritating noise.
Really, the main thing I need help with is #1 so I don't get a ticket because I refuse to drive around everywhere with my brights on.
+ 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24
++ Black+5 Speed+Air Intake+Exhaust+Clutch
+++ Race Till Dawn:: Compact Division Sub-Leader
++++ St. Louis, Missouri
1. Check the wiring. A short to ground with do the weirdest things.
2. A vacuum leak is the best possibility, but could also be idle air control valve(IAC).
3. I would replace the motor.
4. Check to make sure the cable isnt pulled out of the handle(happened to my 96 cav) if not, adjust it.
5. Get a set of "low dust" brake pads when you replace the brakes again. Some pads will leave ALOT of dust while others wont. Im running Hawk pads and i dont have any dust.
6. There can be a number of reasons for why it doesnt blow cold. Overcharged, undercharged, dead compressor, dead compressor clutch, etc. Its something that has to be diagnosed in person(if the compressor is fine). The compressor clutch is engaged with an 12 volt electromagnet. Unplug the connector, put 12 volts to it, ground it(if it has a 2 wire plug), and listen.
As for the slight amount of airflow with the system "off", my 03 does it and the blazer i was beating around in does it too. I write it off as a GM quirk.
Tinkles
2003 Cavalier 1SV
Bagged and Blown
