Two problems related to battery dead have been reported for the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
When the weather began to warm up last summer my car started to have problems starting. I would turn the key and my engine would turn and turn but not fire correctly. After a few tries, it would finally start up. I didn't think any thing of this problem at first, but after a while it started misfiring like this quite freqently after the weather began to get really warm and humid outside and I had previously driven my vehicle that day. I have had all the recalls fixed on my car, including the recall for the ignition switch, but this problem with starting my car still persisted. One day I went out to my car and it didn't start at all and it ended up my battery had died and I don't know if this had anything to do with the above stated problem, but I'm sure the rough starts were not good on my battery either. I finally made an appointment with the local Chevrolet dealer after I had them install a new battery and they kept it for a couple days and couldn't find anything wrong with it. Not suprisingly, the day after I got my car back, it started rough again. I bought one of those manuals that helps you identify and correct automobile problems yourself, so I have replaced coolant sensors, spark plugs, spark plug wires, and fluids, but the problem still persisted. It is now February 2005 and the weather is cooler outside and I haven't had any problems thus far. I'm afraid when it starts to get warmer outside, though, that I'll begin to have this problem again. Is there any help that I can get with this problem? are there any recalls or has anybody else had the same problem? thank you for any help.
Attempting to start the vehicle, smoke came out the ignition and steering column. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the ignition system. The dealer also indicated that the battery was bad and replaced it. After the repairs were made the consumer received a recall notice related to the vehicle ignition system. The consumer request reimbursement for all repairs along with reimbursement for other expenses incurred.