Need Help?

2001 Chevrolet Cavalier Base 2dr Coupe

2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
Trim Info:
Front Wheel Drive, 2 Door Coupe, Sub-Compact
23 mpg city / 33 mpg hwy
Other Trims
Do you own this car?
Estimated Mileage
 Miles
Enter current mileage for most
accurate info about this vehicle


Track Your Service Records
Get Recall Alerts
Get Updated Value Estimates on Your Car.
back to question list

Ask the Community

Ask Our Auto Mechanics


November 28, 2012, 6:07 am

Tracy B
 

Question: Whats wrong with my car?

When I put my car in gear some dash lights go on. Then I give it gas and it acts like it wants to die and does a lot. Put new battery in it to no avail. Sometimes I pump the gas and it haltingly goes.


December 1, 2012, 10:49 am

Ron W
Expert Mechanic

For all hard starting or engine performance issues, you should always start with the basics. Make sure the tune up items are done and check the charging and starting systems. The engine must have the basics done in order for it to be able to run correctly. Many things can cause this type of problem, and the simplest sometimes get overlooked.

Also from you description, it sounds like the exhaust system (catalytic converter) may be plugged. A simple back pressure test would be able to tell. Most muffler shops can do it for little or no money.


0/0 users found this helpful.

Ask our panel of certified auto mechanics a question. We pay for their advice so you don't have to



My Auto Score

See the free AutoCheck score

Meet The Experts
Kim Perrin
Kim Perrin is our resident mechanic here at DriverSide. Kim worked as…
Tyler Orr
Tyler Orr is an expert in German and Japanese cars and has been a mechanic …
Elizabeth Kriesten
Elizabeth Kriesten worked as an automotive technician for several years at Dodge…
Tips on Servicing

Car Brakes: How Do You Know When to Change Them?

By Zach Bowman For those who suffer a daily commute through heavy traffic, your vehicle's braking system can bring thousands of pounds of metal, plastic and empty Starbucks cups to a stop hundreds of times before you get to work. It goes without saying that these pieces wear out, but they do so slowly, meaning you may not notice they need attention until ...

Read more…