Alternator or maybe electrical?

Asked by Lisa Sep 03, 2014 at 02:42 AM about the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier LS Coupe FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My battery light started coming on, and Les Schwab tested the battery and alternator
and said they were fine. I had been told a few months before that my starter was going
out, so when the car wouldn't start, a mechanic replaced the starter. The battery light
started coming on again within a day, and then the A/C and radio would go on and off,
and then the airbag light started coming on. After a day of this, when I turned off the car
it wouldn't start again.  I tried getting it jumped, but it will start but dies when you try to
put it in drive or reverse. Any suggestions before I just let a shop start working on the
problem?  I'm financially challenged, so if it's possible to rule some things out, I'd like
to.

3 Answers

62,745

Check your battery cables connection. Make sure that they are tight and clean.

2 people found this helpful.
44,815

owning a car, and being "financially challenged" is the big problem- you will need a GOOD mechanic to back you up- I would say take it back to the guy who put the starter in, but it sounds like he is incompetent, if he can't put a starter in without messing everything up-

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Cavalier

Looking for a Used Cavalier in your area?

CarGurus has 49 nationwide Cavalier listings and the tools to find you a great deal.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2003 Chevrolet Cavalier

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    John Saffrahn
    Reputation
    4,830
  • #2
    dandyoun
    Reputation
    1,990
  • #3
    mbar1
    Reputation
    1,670
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Corvette
717 Great Deals out of 12,129 listings starting at $3,200
Used Chevrolet Camaro
585 Great Deals out of 9,399 listings starting at $2,000
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
4,101 Great Deals out of 131,112 listings starting at $1,000
Used Honda Civic
1,339 Great Deals out of 28,695 listings starting at $600
Used Pontiac Sunfire
19 listings
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
1,072 Great Deals out of 19,933 listings starting at $1,300
Used Toyota Camry
2,107 Great Deals out of 37,491 listings starting at $575

Used Cars For Sale

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.