Hi all,

I just sort of "inherited" a 96 Cav w/the 2.2 and 3 sp auto trans. It's a bit rusty but has 67k original miles and runs great. I'd like to fix two things and would appreciate any tips. First: the horn doesn't work, the former owner said it would "stick" and keep blowing. Second, the lighter doesn't have power to it. I tried plugging in a cell phone charger and no juice. I did notice the lighter socket spins, does it just snap in? I guess it could be as simple as a loose wire.

Thanks much!

I wish my horn and cigerette lighter not working were my only problems....


1997 Sunfire SE

Check your fuses. If the owner said the horn would stick, and it doesn't work now, and the lighter doesn't work, he might have pulled the fuse out of the block. IIRC, they're on the same one.

they lighter being loose wouldnt cause it not to work, Its made in 2 pieces and will spin inside and stll stay plugged in. If you want to tighten it just shove 2 of your fingers in it and spin it clockwise till it tightens up.
If the horn is stuck you might have to get a new air bag, I have seen people mess around and puncture the horn button. Its made up of 2 layers of metallic film that when you press on the center of the steering wheel you are pressing the 2 layers together. Its the first thing under the airbag cover. There's U, then the airbag cover, then the horn switch then the airbag , and then the air bag gas cartrage.


01 cav w/01 3400 gam gt 4t45e

the horn relay, try another one it may be sticking

relays go bad often

pull one from a junk car or whatever

i have a million laying around myself i always save them from cars i take to the shredder

ill have three more to add to my collection this week alone


the cigar lighter will spin anyways yes

the whole assembly

thats common

check fuse

or try another lighter in the socket, again froma junk car or whatever

they dont last forever

i just finished up replacing the head gasket on the 97 today

it runs like absolutely mint brand new so much power and so smooth and quiet its so wild

and 215k miles

it overheated a few times and was exhaust smoking and big bubbles out the coolant tank
i took a gamble and didnt even have the head checked for cracks or warpage

well i did good, it is fixed, stays at 195 always

yay

saved it from the shredder

got it for free, so i only have 100 bucks in it


good luck

-96 cavalier 2.2 auto 143k miles

my lighter didnt work either. so i drilled a hole in the top of the door panel(near the mirror adjuster), ran the wires, and problem solved