i have a 99 cavalier 2200, 3 speed auto. when i start the car, i have to hold the key for a long period of time. the motor turns over, when it finally fires it spits and sputters, almost dies, then the rpms pick up and then it will idle fine. i changed the air filter and put some ngk g-power plugs in it, didnt help. anybody have any ideas?

does holding the gas pedal down a little help it start? mine had this exact problem but not as bad....it was the IAC valve (Idle Air Control valve) i took it out and cleaned it by spraying ALOT of TB cleaner on it...been good ever since. i remember when it started, i had to keep it revving until it held idle

what happens is the IAC is where the motor gets air when the throttle plate is close and if stays closed too much, the motor gets no air and pressing the gas pedal(opening the throttle plate) allows more air to get in.

TB cleaner is like $4 for a can at any auto store, might as well give it a try. The IAC is located on the intake manifold somewhere near the throttle body, im not exactly sure where on the 2200 but on the older 2.2s, it's right up top...it's 2 small torx screws..just try not to break the O ring that's on it...spray everything with TB cleaner, the IAC valve, the hole it came out of, the TB, everything inside the intake manifold...use up the whole can, mostly on the IAC but get everything....when you put it back together, it will be hard to start since everything is wet but once it fires up, give it gas and rev it a little for a while and let it idle (just to burn off the excess Tb cleaner) and after that you should be good

Ive heard cleaning it only makes it good for another few month until it breaks, but it's been 4 months on mine and its been good....for 4 dollars and 10 minute, its worth a try.

Have you checked if your injectors are holding pressure? Maybe when it sits overnight the gas leaks in the cylinders & its flooded when U try to start it? U can check if the oil smells "gassy" or pull the plugs out before you start it & see if you can look for any wetness on the top of the piston.

You can also try turning the key to the on position, don't start it, let it sit until the fuel pump is primed, turn it off and try starting it.

The check valve in the pump that prevents the fuel from flowing back wards into the tank could be bad and letting the pressure release when sitting over night or a long period of time.


"Oil Leak ? What oil Leak ? Oh, Thats Just The Sweat From All The HorsePower!!"