Four problems related to alternator/generator/regulator have been reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Have put 3 alternators on this car, even when under warranty before 12,000 miles (approximately). Brakes have been replaced at least 3 times. Now, the brakes have failed completely and the abs light came on. Dealer says no recalls, except for the ignition system. Scheduled that for repair 7/23/02. Seat belt plastic covers snapped off (belt loose on one and hit by car door when shutting it. The other one just popped off. Belt continues to slip off engine, causes stalling even if driving 55 mph. Now brakes intermittently failing. Left front brake continues to have brake dust accumulate on wheel cover. Car has 110,000 miles on it (engine repaired last year). Car is also overheating; has had tstat replaced, radiator fluid. What else could cause this, I don't know.
On July 5th of this year my car started making a strange nose when starting it. I took the car to my local Chevrolet dealer so that the and let them listen to the noise and narrow down the problem as to what might be the problem. The said that it sounded like either the flywheel or the starter, I then took the car to my menachic and he told me the same thing, I was going to take the car to him as some as I could be without my car and he told me not to start the car any more that necessary. Before I could find time to take the car to the shop whatever the problem was compleately failed and I had to have my car towed to the shop. This car should not have started problems because even though it has 46,000 miles the majority of those miles are highway miles which dose not require much starting of the car. I think that there is a major defect in my cars started system that should have not of occured to a car this new. When I bought this car it was mainly for the reputation of the Cavalier as a relibale car that would last me for many years.
Alternator failed. Nlm.
The engine overheated, and stalled. The spark plugs melted. The technician found the head warped, causing excessive internal exhaust heat. The dealer replaced the relay switch, removed the head and resurfaced. The electric fans don't turn on. The technician found the fan relay, ect sensor, and fusible link shorted(removed replaced). The vehicle had surged and died out. The sensor connector clip broken and was replaced. The console under the radio had cracked. The vehicle wouldn't start, due to multiple dtc plugs fouled. The vacuum line had broken, and the connectors were re-pinned. The vehicle wouldn't start until the engine cooled down. The alternator was not charging and there was poor battery contact to the terminal. The alternator was replaced. Between the speeds of 25-30 mph, the vehicle felt like it was going to rev up. The transmission did not shift into gear. The transmission was replaced and the cooler lines were flushed. There was noise coming from the engine and or the defective timing chain. The tensioner was replaced/resealed, the timing chain was greased, and the serpentine belt was replaced. Scc.