2006 Chevy cobalt turns over but won’t fire

Asked by Vinnie Nov 19, 2018 at 08:00 PM about the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt LS Sedan FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

2006 Chevy cobalt. My girlfriend went out for work
this morning and her car would not start, and the
battery eventually died. Batter is only 1 year old.
When I got home from work, I brought the batter
back to life and it’s holding 14v. The car turns over
fine, but sputters like it’s not getting fuel. When I
turn the key, I can hear the fuel pump come on. I
checked the schrader valve on the fuel rail, and it
has pressure (not quite as much as I thought it
would tho - struck me as odd, but I don’t know for
sure). Tested by giving a couple sprays of starting
fluid into the intake, while she turned it over, and
there was no spike in rpms. I don’t believe it is a
fuel issue. I don’t think it would be the spark plugs
or wires themselves..? Thinking maybe distributor
cap / coil over packs? It was dark and couldn’t
really tell which style this car has. Did some
research and a guy with the same problem said it
was a 15 amp fuse. But I didn’t think to look at a
simple fuse just yet. Any thoughts / ideas? Thanks
guys.

1 Answer

18,325

It's not plugs or ignition wires. They fail gradually, not all of a sudden. Same with coil packs, and they don't all go at once which they would have to for the car not to start. Don't start spending money on parts until you identify the problem. Scan it for trouble codes, that will usually give you some direction. And don't be afraid to consult a mechanic. Usually saves you money in the long run.

Your Answer:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2006 Chevrolet Cobalt

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    munron
    Reputation
    8,180
  • #2
    John Carson
    Reputation
    2,270
  • #3
    MoGo
    Reputation
    1,980
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Colorado
969 Great Deals out of 24,741 listings starting at $2,995
Used Chevrolet Impala
274 Great Deals out of 4,041 listings starting at $400
Used Chevrolet Malibu
1,055 Great Deals out of 18,859 listings starting at $990
Used Chevrolet Corvette
751 Great Deals out of 12,629 listings starting at $4,999
Used Toyota Corolla
1,568 Great Deals out of 22,740 listings starting at $2,450
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
4,280 Great Deals out of 127,366 listings starting at $2,500
Used Ford Mustang
1,018 Great Deals out of 21,617 listings starting at $2,500
Used Ford Focus
403 Great Deals out of 5,468 listings starting at $600
Used Chevrolet Cavalier
53 listings starting at $3,699
Used Ford F-150
6,107 Great Deals out of 141,465 listings starting at $1,100
Used Toyota Tacoma
2,261 Great Deals out of 38,901 listings starting at $3,800

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.