Hi, I'm new to the forum and I'm having some problems with my wifes Cavalier. It started about 2 weeks ago I thought i was having trouble with my alternator. I bought a rebuilt one online, installed it and the charging light kept coming on. At the same time the battery kept draining. Itraced that back to what I thought was a faulty alarm module, I bought one from the local boneyard, then charging was intermitant. I took the "rebuilt" alternator to a local shop and had them bench test it, lo and behold it was not charging at all I had him test the old one and it was fine. I reinstalled the old alternator but then the car wouldn't run, it would start but promptly die. I found online that the passlock system could be the culprit, so I tried the "relearn" procedure and got it to start and stay running almost every time I turn the key. The problem now is when it does startthe theft system light stays on but the drl light flashes, and some of the warning lights come on and off. When i let down the parking brake, push in the clutch, hit the brakes turn on the heat(just about anything) There's a buzzing sound coming from the fuse box and the gauges go all funny (turn off, bounce around, mostly just the tach). I read that sometimes a bad instrument cluster could cause some of these issues but I dont want to go buying parts all willy nilly if it wont help. Sorry about the long drawn-out post but I really need help. BTW: 1998 Cavalier Z24 Convertible, 2.4L 5SPD manual.
Thanks!!!!!!!
95 Chevy Astro AWD 4.3L Vortec
98 Chevy Cavalier Z24 Convertible 2.4L
94 Chevy G30 Full Size 350 CID (Needs a new home)
Why is the rum always gone?
Passlock systems rarely have "issues". Only when something is changed, the vehicle thinks it is being stolen. Unhook the battery, check ALL fuses and relays, check for scortching. Check your ground to the block around the alternator, check the ground from the battery to the chassis. Let the battery stay unhooked for about 30 minutes. Hook it back up and then try the relearn procedure. Have you tested the starter?
Thanks for the advice. I will try the relearn again. I did check the starter.
95 Chevy Astro AWD 4.3L Vortec
98 Chevy Cavalier Z24 Convertible 2.4L
94 Chevy G30 Full Size 350 CID (Needs a new home)
Why is the rum always gone?
Dash instruments and lights going crazy sounds like a bad chassis ground to me. Seen it before.
