Who owns a cavalier, and who can help?

[sethy]

I got my first "Service" light tonight, and its driving me insane to think of what is truely wrong with my car.

I did find a problem that is newly occuring, and my running lights down work, and when I turn on my brights, one of my lights is out, but only while I have my brights on.

When a headlight goes out, is this enough to trigger a "Service" message?

How much damage am I looking at here?

[A-TownNavi]

does the light just say "service" or does it say "service engine soon"?

[sethy]

The light just says "Service" there is a "Check Engine" light, but thank god thats not on...

[A-TownNavi]

as for the lights it sounds like a relay problem. and usually having a light out wont turn on a service light but then again i dont know. if its just a service light it might, but if it says Service engine soon, then a light usually wouldnt affect it. whens the last time you had your oil changed? it could be something with your fuel pump or lines? lot of possibilities. id say just take it to the dealership and have them take a look, hopefully its still under warrenty :) . good luck.

[A-TownNavi]

sorry, i was typing when you were typing lol. not sure about the "service" light. im not real familiar with chevy's :) . im sure someone else can help :wink: but if i was to guess then id say its prob the headlight problem because the engine light isnt on. good luck.

[sethy]

I hope so, just had the oil changes last week

[EastGermanOlympicJudge]

The "service" light is no big deal. This only comes on a predetermined point, usually after X amount of miles, or Y gallons of gas consumed. These service lights are almost always resettable by the user, usually some combination like "turn the ignition key to the first click, hit the brakes then count to ten."

I searched the J-body forum; what a wretched hive of scum and villany. Not a single clueful post. I found a couple of half-useful posts elsewhere:

Link 1 (http://www.faqfarm.com/Q/If_your_Chevy_Cavalier_ETS_Light_and_Check_Engine_ light_are_on_but_the_car_runs_fine_how_can_you_fix _it)
Link 2 (http://www.faqfarm.com/Q/How_do_you_reset_the_oil_change_light)

I think your best bet is to go to an Autozone store and have them read the computer codes for you. They do this for free. I don't know if they can reset the light for you.

Bottom line: probably nothing wrong with your car at all.

[AirMoore]

I think your best bet is to go to an Autozone store and have them read the computer codes for you. They do this for free. I don't know if they can reset the light for you.

They in all odds can reset the light for you, it could depend on how well you know them. The problem is it may just come back very soon if something is actually wrong... so even if they reset it the faulty part will soon trigger it again.

What they do Sethy is check the code....check it against a book (to find out exactly what the code means) then they relay that information to you. They could probably just reset it if it will go away just from reseting it (Again depending on how well you know them because they really shouldnt just reset it), however if not, they could tell you what parts you need to buy then give you them...have you fix the problem and go an reset it. Now remember after you get the code cleared it takes about 100miles for everything to reset to its previous state.

(I dnk where you are from but if you pull up a code remember in some states if your vehicle is a 1997 or later you cannot pass your inspection (NYS is this way), so just remember that if you plan on getting the vehicle inspected anytime soon.) It doesnt sound like a big problem though.

[EastGermanOlympicJudge]

... The problem is it may just come back very soon if something is actually wrong... so even if they reset it the faulty part will soon trigger it again.

Well that's half my point here. The "service" light doesn't come on when something's wrong - it comes on after a predetermined interval. The "check engine light" WILL come on when the OBD system discovers a fault. Sethy indicated that the CEL was not on.

I really think this is just an oil-change reminder or whatever. Wouldn't worry about it at all. Maybe check the owner's manual to see if there's a way you can reset it yourself, since you just had the oil changed.

[AirMoore]

... The problem is it may just come back very soon if something is actually wrong... so even if they reset it the faulty part will soon trigger it again.

Well that's half my point here. The "service" light doesn't come on when something's wrong - it comes on after a predetermined interval. The "check engine light" WILL come on when the OBD system discovers a fault. Sethy indicated that the CEL was not on.

I really think this is just an oil-change reminder or whatever. Wouldn't worry about it at all. Maybe check the owner's manual to see if there's a way you can reset it yourself, since you just had the oil changed.


Yeah I just was pretty much agreeing with ya...just adding more on ya know as far as the 'check engine' light, because sometimes (do to electronics being haywire, the service light may come on...even though its actually a different fault)... I know exactly what ur saying 'check engine' would come on if anything was mechanically wrong with the vehicle (inhibiting its ability to function properly) ...the Service light often comes on in peroidicals when most maitnence is needed (looking the in the manual you will probably find at this mileage you will have little 'dots' all the way down your mile mark of what needs to be changed/replaced/checked at this mileage. Again though... there have been cases of a vehicle presenting a 'service' light code when actually it was preempting an electrical system failure that came (I forgot exactly from what...this was a case when I dealt with car audio, so it can actually detect a mechanical problem that could soon lead to a check engine).

Basically as 'eastgermanOJ' said it in all odds is nothing major and if you look in your manual (The table that says what needs to be done at a certain mileage, often towards the back of it...near the service logs and diagrams, you will have many if not 3/4 of the sections of the table filled in with 'black dots' to remind you you 'should' have those done) its probably just reminding you or what what needs to be done, But again it could be something wrong with the electrical system.

As for the headlight deal . I would change the bulbs (immediate action) on then proceed to check for shorts in the wiring if this does not fix the problem with the headlights being out..... Also some headlights are configured so that high and low beams are essentially seperate entities (not sure about the cavi) so it may just be normal and u never noticed it before...but ifnot (and id assume its not the case since you just noticed it), just change the bulbs (even if they seem fine...they are cheap) and check for shorts leading to them.


Problem with cars unless one is there to actually look at and diagnose the problem its tough to tell wether everything is just coincidence or what is actually wrong or whatever else...way to many variables to give a straight 100% awnser.

[SmaartAasSaabr]

Yeah look in your owner's manual, this sounds like the "change oil NOW biatch" light present on many recent GM vehicles. To reset, turn the key on and depress the accelerator to the floor 3 times in 5 seconds. Probably best with the engine off :wink:

[sethy]

I have changed the oil as of last week, so thats not the problem.

I looked in the owners manual and it says

"If the service light stays on, that means there has been a problem detected in your car, take it to the dealer immediatly"

I have been looking for "codes" for the cavalier but I have been unsuccessful for the past few hours.

[jimbonzzz]

Hmmm, I might have some info for ya :wink:

Document ID# 850410
2002 Chevrolet Cavalier


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle
DTC
Descriptor

DTC B0005
In Park Switch Circuit Malfunction

DTC B0016, B0017, or B0018
Right Front/Passenger Frontal Deployment Loop (Stage 1) Circuit

DTC B0022, B0024, or B0026
Left Front/Driver Frontal Deployment Loop (Stage 1) Circuit

DTC B0035
ADS Closed/Shorted to Ground

DTC B0036
ADS Open/Missing/Shorted to Battery

DTC B0051
Deployment Commanded

DTC B0053
Deployment Commanded with Loop Malfunctions Present

DTC B1000
ECU Malfunction

DTC B1001
Option Configuration Error

DTC B1007
EPROM Read Write Error

DTC B1009
EEPROM Checksum Mismatch

DTC B1025, B1035, B1045, or B1055
Audio Output Circuit

DTC B1328
Device Power Circuit High

DTC B1372
Device Ignition 1 (ON/START) Circuit Low

DTC B1382
Device Ignition ACC Circuit Low

DTC B1780
Theft Lock Enabled

DTC B2532
Front Fog Lamp Relay Out Short to Ground/Open

DTC B2533
Front Fog Lamp Relay Output Short to Bat

DTC B2558
Interior Lamp Control Output Short to Battery

DTC B2600
DRL Error

DTC B2601
DRL Stuck

DTC B2602
DRL Relay Output Short to Ground/Open

DTC B2603
DRL Relay Output Short to Battery

DTC B2624
Display Dimming PWM Input Circuit Open

DTC B2625
Display Dimming PWM Output Circuit Malfunction

DTC B2662
Park Lamp Switch Circuit Malfunction

DTC B2707
Gearshift Unlock Circuit Low

DTC B2708
Gearshift Unlock Circuit High

DTC B2752
Horn Relay Coil Circuit Low

DTC B2753
Horn Relay Coil Circuit High

DTC B2947
Security System Sensor Power CKT Low

DTC B2948
Security System Sensor Power CKT High

DTC B2957
Security System Sensor Data Circuit Low

DTC B2958
Security System Sensor Data Circuit High

DTC B2960
Sec Sys Sensor Data Incorrect but Valid

DTC B2965
Key In Ignition Fault

DTC B3031
Security System Controller in Learn Mode

DTC B3033
Security System Indicates Tamper

DTC B3127
Driver Door Unlock Output Short to GND

DTC B3132 or B3133
All Door Unlock Circuit

DTC B3137 or B3138
All Door Lock Circuit

DTC B3267
Decklid Relay Output Short to Ground/Open

DTC B3268
Decklid Relay Output Short to Battery

DTC C0267
Low Brake Fluid

DTC C1214
System Relay Contact or Coil Circuit Open

DTC C1217
Pump Motor Shorted to Ground

DTC C1218
Pump Motor Circuit Shorted to Voltage or Motor Ground Open

DTC C1221-C1235
Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit

DTC C1236
Low System Supply Voltage

DTC C1237
High System Supply Voltage

DTC C1242 or C1243
Pump Motor Circuit

DTC C1254
Abnormal Shutdown Detected

DTC C1255 or C1256
ECU Malfunction

DTC C1261-C1268
ECU Malfunction

DTC C1275
PCM Requested ETS to Be Disabled

DTC C1278
ETS Temporarily Inhibited By PCM

DTC C1295
Brake Lamp Switch Circuit Open

DTC P0105
Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor Performance/Range

DTC P0107
Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor Circuit Low Voltage

DTC P0108
Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor Circuit High Voltage

DTC P0112
Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor Circuit Low Voltage

DTC P0113
Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor Circuit High Voltage

DTC P0116
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Performance

DTC P0117
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Circuit Low Voltage

DTC P0118
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Circuit High Voltage

DTC P0122
Throttle Position (TP) Sensor Circuit Low Voltage

DTC P0123
Throttle Position (TP) Sensor Circuit High Voltage

DTC P0125
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Insufficient for Closed Loop Fuel Control

DTC P0128
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature

DTC P0130
O2S Circuit Closed Loop (CL) Performance Sensor 1

DTC P0131
O2S Circuit Low Voltage Sensor 1

DTC P0132
O2S Circuit High Voltage Sensor 1

DTC P0133
O2S Slow Response Sensor 1

DTC P0134
O2S Circuit Insufficient Activity Sensor 1

DTC P0135
HO2S Heater Performance Sensor 1

DTC P0137
HO2S Circuit Low Voltage Sensor 2

DTC P0138
HO2S Circuit High Voltage Sensor 2

DTC P0140
HO2S Circuit Insufficient Activity Sensor 2

DTC P0141
HO2S Heater Performance Sensor 2

DTC P0171
Fuel Trim System Lean

DTC P0172
Fuel Trim System Rich

DTC P0201-P0204
Injector Control Circuit

DTC P0218
Transmission Fluid Overtemperature

DTC P0300
Engine Misfire Detected

DTC P0301-P0304
Engine Misfire Detected

DTC P0325
Knock Sensor (KS) Circuit

DTC P0326
Knock Sensor (KS) Performance

DTC P0327
Knock Sensor (KS) Circuit

DTC P0336
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Performance

DTC P0340
CMP Sensor Circuit Low Input

DTC P0341
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Performance

DTC P0420
Catalyst System Low Efficiency

DTC P0440
Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System

DTC P0442
Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System Small Leak Detected

DTC P0446
Evaporative Emission (EVAP) Vent System Performance

DTC P0452
Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Circuit Low Voltage

DTC P0453
Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Circuit High Voltage

DTC P0461
Fuel Level Sensor Performance

DTC P0462
Fuel Level Sensor Circuit Low Voltage

DTC P0463
Fuel Level Sensor Circuit High Voltage

DTC P0480
Cooling Fan Relay Control Circuit

DTC P0502
Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Circuit Low Input

DTC P0503
Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Circuit Intermittent

DTC P0506
Idle Speed Low

DTC P0507
Idle Speed High

DTC P0530
Air Conditioning (A/C) Refrigerant Pressure Sensor Circuit

DTC P0562
System Voltage Low

DTC P0563
System Voltage High

DTC P0601-P0607, P1600, P1621, P1627, P1680, P1681, or P1683
ECU Malfunction

DTC P0621
Generator L-Terminal Circuit

DTC P0622
Generator F-Terminal Circuit

DTC P0705
Transmission Range Switch Circuit

DTC P0711
TFT Sensor Circuit Range/Performance

DTC P0712
Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) Sensor Circuit Low Input

DTC P0713
Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) Sensor Circuit High Input

DTC P0716
Input Speed Sensor Circuit Intermittent

DTC P0717
Input Speed Sensor Circuit Low Input

DTC P0719
Brake Switch Circuit Low Input

DTC P0724
Brake Switch Circuit High Input

DTC P0730
Incorrect Gear Ratio

DTC P0741
TCC System Stuck Off

DTC P0742
TCC System Stuck On

DTC P0748
Pressure Control Solenoid Circuit Electrical

DTC P0751
1-2 Shift Solenoid Valve Performance

DTC P0752
1-2 Shift Solenoid (SS) Valve Performance - No Second Or Third Gear

DTC P0753
1-2 Shift Solenoid Circuit Electrical

DTC P0756
2-3 Shift Solenoid Valve Performance

DTC P0757
2-3 Shift Solenoid (SS) Valve Performance - No Third Or Fourth Gear

DTC P0758
2-3 Shift Solenoid Circuit Electrical

DTC P1133
O2S Insufficient Switching Sensor 1

DTC P1137
HO2S Circuit Low Voltage During Power Enrichment Sensor 2

DTC P1138
HO2S Circuit High Voltage During Decel Fuel Cutoff Sensor 2

DTC P1171
Fuel System Lean During Acceleration

DTC P1336
Crankshaft Position (CKP) System Variation Not Learned

DTC P1441
Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System Flow During Non-Purge

DTC P1554
Cruise Control Feedback Circuit

DTC P1585
Cruise Control Inhibit Output Circuit

DTC P1626
Theft Deterrent Fuel Enable Signal Not Received

DTC P1630
Theft Deterrent Learn Mode Active

DTC P1631
Theft Deterrent Fuel Enable Signal Not Correct

DTC P1632
Theft Deterrent Fuel Disable Signal Received

DTC P1810
TFP Valve Position Switch Circuit

DTC P1811
Maximum Adapt and Long Shift

DTC P1860
TCC PWM Solenoid Circuit Electrical

DTC P1887
TCC Release Switch Circuit

DTC U1000 and U1255
Class 2 Communication Malfunction

DTC U1001-U1254
Lost Communications With XXX

DTC U1300, U1301, or U1305
Class 2 Data Link Shorted

[SmaartAasSaabr]

Hmmm, I might have some info for ya :wink:

Document ID# 850410
2002 Chevrolet Cavalier


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle
DTC
Descriptor

DTC U1001-U1254
Lost Communications With XXX



just put a girlie mag under the hood the car will be fine :lol:

[holein1]

Just unplug your battery termanal! It could be a glitch in one of your o2 sensor's and simply need's to be reset! If you reset it and it comes back on right away then take it in for service!

[AirMoore]

Just unplug your battery termanal! It could be a glitch in one of your o2 sensor's and simply need's to be reset! If you reset it and it comes back on right away then take it in for service!


This could also be something to try (start simple/cheap first) (remember how I was talkin about how many variables there are..and its tough to tell without being hands on...this is why its hard to tell...to many things it could be.)


You can try taking your battery off for a while (Leave it off for a a bit...dont just disconnect it and within 2 or 3 seconds hook it back up...leave it unconnected ....only the negative terminal needs to be disconnected) see where that brings you after you reconnect it

REMEMBER after you hook your battery up...leave it in neutral (standard) or park (auto) and start it up... let it warm all the way up to normal operating temp (really the temp doesnt have anything to do with it, but this pretty well assures it will reset properly). (If its a standard...yeah make sure u pull the e-brake/handbrake when it is in neutral...yeah I have seen people not do that before, even a little Cavi is hard to stop when it gets rolling 5MPH by urself). You do actually just want to leave it for like 5 minutes as the system (ECU) resets -properly-. This means no revving the engine...no 'moving it' even just 50feet... no driving down the road...no messing with any of the controls (elctronics/mechanics), just leave everything be (turn everything to its off position before starting it or disconnecting the battery in the first place. Then see if it ('service') continues to stay on (turns back on).

BTW: The codes list wont help you unless you find out the actual code...and you cannot do this unless you bring it to an autoshop (of some kind), and in all odds they will tell you it there, but if they dont...you would still need to bring it back to check the list which 'jimbonzzz' gave to you :shock: (gotta love control+f for searching that)
I'd assume that your vehicle is year 2002...or a comparable one. You could do it(check codes) by urself of course if either you or a friend has the little 'code listing computer' thing they hook up to it.... I know a few people who do...they are pretty cool.

[Dilip]

ON my mazda, a busted headlight or brake light would cause the check engine light to come on!

[sethy]

You think tripping the battery would work?

If the car retains the milage, dont you think it will retain the other info on the car?

[holein1]

You think tripping the battery would work?

If the car retains the milage, dont you think it will retain the other info on the car?


I've done it many times!! Not too long ago I did it to my wife's civic and the light never came back on! Sometimes for whatever reason mabey a voltage overload or something trips an o2 sensor, hey it's free and worth a try! Let us know what happens.

[jimbonzzz]

You think tripping the battery would work?

If the car retains the milage, dont you think it will retain the other info on the car?

Yes, disconnect the battery for maybe 10-15 minutes, and then hook it back up. This should clear the code(s) that caused light, but if the fault that caused it is still present when you hook it back up, the light will come back on. If it does, take it to Autozone and read the code. Then post back and I'll tell you how to diagnose the problem further.

The mileage data is stored in non-volitile memory in the PCM, (and probably also in the instrument cluster too) and will be retained if power is disconnected.

You might be able to just pull the PCM fuse and accomplish the same thing as disconnecting the battery.

After you hook the battery back up, it might idle and run slightly different for a couple hundred miles until it re-learns the values for stuff like IAC and fuel...

Jim

[fallen8511]

Getting your codes read for free at Autozone is always a good start.

The headlight problem sounds like the bulb is just burned out, the low beam of a bulb will often burn out before the high beam (or vice versa). Switch the bulbs, and if the problem reverses itself, replace the bulb.

[sethy]

I took it to autozone, and there were no codes given, the little code reader read "Passed"

So I take it this was triggered by milage, and it was truely a GM "we want your money" tactic?

[holein1]

I didn't read your second post! I thought the CEL came on, if it's just the service light unplug it to reset it no biggie!!

[jimbonzzz]

Sethy is this the light?

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/781/service4gh.jpg

Jim

[sethy]

thats the exact light that i get.

I can get around this light if i turn the car on, turn the lights on, and put it in drive before the self "test" is over.

But still, its annoying as anything...

Will unplugging the battery fix that light?

[jimbonzzz]

Will unplugging the battery fix that light?

Hard to say, it is worth a try. Leave it disconnected for like 10-15 minutes and reconnect it. That -should- clear the light, however if the fault that caused the light is still present, the light will come right back after you key back up or run it. It is strange that you didn't have any codes, I wonder if Autozone gave you some kind of ghetto code reader to use...

Jim

[sethy]

Even bigger problems now.

Unscrewed the battery, just to realize the thing isnt unscrewing and that it was stripping the nut. Now my car wont turn over, and the thing is caroded to hell

[jimbonzzz]

:shock:

[SmaartAasSaabr]

ok well now you need to separate the terminals, clean everything... Might just want to cut off those damned GM side-terminal things and put on the "normal" terminals (which were developed by GM a long time earlier...)

[holein1]

Even bigger problems now.

Unscrewed the battery, just to realize the thing isnt unscrewing and that it was stripping the nut. Now my car wont turn over, and the thing is caroded to hell


Little confused here! Did you get it off or not! Mabey you can ask your girlfriend to give you a hand :lol: Just kiddin'! :)

[holein1]

Does your battery and terminals' look like this. This is a 02' cavalier.

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/7730/663665106full9iz.jpg

[sethy]

looks somewhat similar.

Now my whole headlight has gone out, not just my brights...

[A-TownNavi]

looks somewhat similar.

Now my whole headlight has gone out, not just my brights...

still sounds like a fuse or a relay to me

[AirMoore]

Does your battery and terminals' look like this. This is a 02' cavalier.


Why would anyone put a K&N intake on a Cavi "lets add 3HP to a car that has less (HP) then your average superbike" :lol:

Btw why would he have an Optima Yellow Top Battery in his Cavi? (Something I am missing here?) Does he have a system or *lots* of electronic ACC. in there?


As I said:
Check bulbs and wires (for shorts)
also
Relay/fuses as "A Town Navi" said.

If a fuse is blown...again check for shorts before replacing fuse.

[sethy]

If a fuse was blown, all the headlgihts wouldnt work, not just one side...

[AirMoore]

If a fuse was blown, all the headlgihts wouldnt work, not just one side...


This is not true on all cars....most cars are this way you are correct, but its better to give suggestions and have them not apply then not give suggestions and have them apply.

Did you replace the bulbs yet?
did u check the wiring for short/loose connections?

[sethy]

I just pulled out the headlight and looked, the filament was completely broken.

I went to pepboys, and bought a new light, went home and installed it- light works now, and the service light is gone

Who would have thought that such a cheap car can have such features?

[SmaartAasSaabr]

Reminds me of the old Audi 100 (5000). There was a monitor that made sure the bulbs were working, and if one was out it would alert you. But if the bulbs in the monitor itself went out so did your brakelights and turnsignals :lol:

Cavaliers are surprisingly powerful, 140hp on most of the recent models...

[AirMoore]

I just pulled out the headlight and looked, the filament was completely broken.

I went to pepboys, and bought a new light, went home and installed it- light works now, and the service light is gone

Who would have thought that such a cheap car can have such features?


Your welcome! :wink:

Hope that completely solved it for you.

[AirMoore]

Cavaliers are surprisingly powerful, 140hp on most of the recent models...


Yeah, most people believe they are still underpowered (for the times), just by figuring your 1st gen eclipses and talons ran over 140 HP and that was 15years ago. (I was just picking on this fact....as your average superbike has 160HP).

However I will say they do get pretty good gas mileage if you dont whomp on them.

[blast187]

I have a cavalier and when my head light goes out, my service light comes on but my check engine light doesnt

[SmaartAasSaabr]

Sounds about right, I'd be worried if it wanted me to check the engine when it was only a bad bulb.