2001 Cavalier Check Eng light?

[utahpilot]

I've gotten this light very intermittently (twice in the last two weeks), anyone know if this is common to CNG Cavs or cars in general?

[CNGfamily]

Re: 2001 Cavalier Check Eng light?

The check engine light is telling you that there is something coming in and going out... it could be a lot of different things and can be checked with a code reader. I'd guess that it could be an oxygen sensor on it's way bye bye (I've seen that error code myself a couple times on vehicles with a lot of miles). It is something to chase down because the consequeses of not fixing some things get expensive. For example, a bad O2 sensor left to its own devices could destroy the downstream catalytic converter.

[freedml]

Re: 2001 Cavalier Check Eng light?

If the light doesn't stay on, it's probably not serious, but there should be a code telling you what's wrong. Buy a code reader or have a shop read it for you.

[Techie]

Re: 2001 Cavalier Check Eng light?

There are OBD2 code readers available for under $100. If you have about $300, you can get one that reads data stream. I personally would get the one that can read data stream. Keep in mind, the Alternative Fuel Module has no data that ca be read. Not even Tech2 (GM Scanner - very good to have if you are around GM) can directly talk to Alternate Fuel Module. Sometimes, Alternative Fuel Module can have faults that set trouble codes in the Engine Control Module.

I would recommend you check your basics. Make sure gasoline filler cap is tight and the gasket is in good condition. Open your hood, verify no connections became unplugged by surprise. Verify no hoses are broken or hanging loose. Then, check for codes. Let us know what they are. It could be something simple. Codes are displayed in following parameter's: P0300 (misfire), P0440(EVAP flow), etc. You should get a letter, followed by some numbers.

[utahpilot]

Re: 2001 Cavalier Check Eng light?

I'll get the exact codes, but the light came on after I picked it up from a routine oil change at a national chain. took it back and they said codes for electrical short/shift solenoid. I didn't get specific numbers. car has 59K miles.

[Techie]

Re: 2001 Cavalier Check Eng light?

I'll get the exact codes, but the light came on after I picked it up from a routine oil change at a national chain. took it back and they said codes for electrical short/shift solenoid. I didn't get specific numbers. car has 59K miles.

Is your automatic trans suck in a gear and not shifting? Faulty shift solenoid may cause your trans to go into fail-safe mode, only allowing 3rd and Reverse gears.

[utahpilot]

Re: 2001 Cavalier Check Eng light?

auto trans shifts and drives fine, only indication that something is wrong is the light

[kirkbenge]

Re: 2001 Cavalier Check Eng light?

Hmm... You'd need to see the codes to know for sure, but if they started the car without knowing about the long (up to six seconds) crank time, they may have had a few false starts. If I mis-start my cavalier more than once, then the engine light will come on.... can't remember now what the code is for this as it hasn't happened in a while. Back when the car was new to me, I would often forget that it needed longer cranking, and I would try to start it quickly, some times I would get one, two, or three false starts before it started in gasoline mode. This would always cause the check engine light to come on.
If they had some mis-starts, this could be your problem, but I wouldn't rule out something more serious without reading your codes.