Two problems related to engine clicking and tapping noises have been reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
There is a constant, loud ticking sound that can be heard in the engine compartment. It sounds like bad lifters. As time goes on, it is getting worse.
When ever the car is started there is a bad knocking/ticking sound as if your car was low on oil. . . And even when the oil is changed and/or checked and the oil level is fine. . . The problem still occurs. . . I have notified the dealer more than 20 times about this problem(while under warranty) and they could not find what was causing the problem. . Their (chevy's)engineer was even in town at one time and they had to bring it in then and he/she could not even figure out what was causing the problem. . . . If he can't figure out what the problem is. . Then I think they need to investigate further and pull the engine completely down there could be a serious problem that could cause the engine to have to be replaced and want the owner to cover the charges when it is not even the owners fault. . . Can you please let me know what I need to do to get a recall done on all the Cavaliers that have this problem.