1996 Chevy Cavalier Will Click But Not Crank Over
Question:
I Changed my fuel injector, it was leaking. I disconnected the fuel pump at the harness
underneath the car. I put everything back together and now the car will not start. I Checked all
fuses, the battery, the connector I disconnected to see if i bent anything. I replaced the starter. The
cars fuel pump is working I can smell gas underneath the hood. When i crank the engine it clicks
for one second then stops. I also checked the spark plugs.
It will not turn at all. There is no release valve on the fuel rail. I have pumped the pedal, tuned on and off the key to build up pressure but still nothing. I checked the fuel relay and still can not get any response. When I turn the key it makes a clicking noise and the lights in the dash flicker. I dont know why it wont turn. I have checked every thing and nothing is lose or blown. I have asked many people and they say its the battery but I know the battery is good. I really need help, thank you.
Answer:
First off, a fuel system problem would have nothing to do with an engine that wont crank over.
With the lights flickering, and starter only click / cranks for a second, this sounds like an electrical
problem. Batteries can act very odd at times. They can test good even with a professional tester,
but still have an internal short.
You may also have a ground problem. Maybe a ground wires left loose after replacement of an injector. Another area of ground problem is a corroded cable on the battery tray, While standing in front of the car, Check for a cable from the battery tray to the radiator support. It is only a few inches long and may be your problem.
Another possible condition may be that the leaking fuel injector may have filled the cylinder with fuel causing what is called a hydrostatic lock. Basically this means the engine cannot turn over since the pistons cannot compress gasoline. Remove the spark plug of the cylinder you replaced the injector and look for it to be full of fuel. If it is then crank the engine over with the ignition disabled to blow out the gas. Again, batteries can do some weird things.
Thank you for your help.
I have fuel in my head which has caused a hydrostatic lock. I am not sure
what to do next. I wish I had some money to pay you for your advice. I guess I need to drain the oil to
see if I cracked the head or bent a rod. Do you think my engine is toast.
I guess I can pull all the spark plugs and let it air out. I dont know what else I can do to see if the engine turns over. Thank you so much for your help.
Answer:
You can remove the plugs, crank the engine over as long as the ignition system has been disabled so
you dont start a fire. Then let it air dry.
An air gun to blow compressed air into the cylinder is the best way.
Then change the oil and it should start. Just trying to crank a hydrostatic locked engine should not do
any damage. It ust won't turn. You should be OK.
!997 Chevrolet Cavalier security light.
Computer codes- not on a low end scanner.
Repairs for this problem = Replaced ignition key barrel, GM passlock system. Can not get the
system to disarm. Have done the ten on three times so many time I have just about worn the
replacement lock out. Went back to the junk yard, got the ECM and gauge cluster from the same wrecked Cavalier as
the lock, which was mechanically the twin for mine. Donor was also the same year as mine. Still
does not work. My car has never been wrecked, in water, or had no major parts replaced. Have
not had any squirrels chewing on my wiring.
Answer:
Assuming you have done the relearn procedure correctly, I would suggest you get the car
computers scanned for codes with a good scanner. You need to check the PCM and BCM for
codes. If there are codes, then go from there. If none, then you need to find a broken wire.
You are using used parts. The IP and PCM are not for your VIN. Even if the same year and make, the part numbers can be different, and the PCM will not be programmed to your VIN. We do not know of any way to disarm the Passlock or bypass it.
