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2004 Chevy Cavalier - replaced battery, car turns over and radio works, but won't fully start...HELP!?

I just replaced my battery in my 2004 Chevy Cavalier and everything turns on. But when I turn the key, the engine turns, but it won't start anymore. What could have caused this?

I purchased a basic remote car start system from Best Buy and had them install it last year. Could that have anything to do with it? What should I do.

Again, the new battery is installed and the radio and all of the dashboard lights work, but when I turn the key, the engine turns, but does not fully start. Any information that you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

James N.

Update:

To further explain, the engine cranks, but does not start. The cranking sound is normal, does not drag or sound unusual.

If it is the spark plugs, shoud I replace all, or just one?

Update 2:

Also, before I changed the battery, I started the car to test out the old battery and it fired up fine.

The complications did not start until after I put the new battery in - I did have some complications with installing it though. The plugs were screwed on but for some reason, the power didn't turn on in the car. It took me roughly 10 times of unscrewing and screwing the connectors into the battery before the power came back on - sparks at the connectors were present each time.

Literally, there was roughly a 30 minute gap between starting the car, changing out the battery, and trying to restart it again. Could the spark plugs gone bad in between that time?

7 Answers

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  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    well it could be the remote car system. But it could be your ignition system, such as your spark plugs or fuel delivery system. If its trying to crank but won't just start it's most likely that. The causes of that are numerous and sometimes they are simple or complicated. They can be mechanical or electrical. Most likely its electrical. Start by checking your fuses to see if they are blown such as your ECM 1 fuse. Check your plugs to see if they are sparking and if they are sparking correctly. Check your compression, you can simply just place your finger over a plug hole and feel for it (very unlikley in this case, if it was it would probably be a broken timing chain). Test your fuel pressure with a test gauge, psi varies based on method but i think yours is multi port. Also check to see if your injectors are spraying gas by taking off one of the connectors on the injector and testing it. Hope this helps

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    what's the temperature like in your area? when the starter motor cranks, is it doing it slowly or at regular speed? if it's cold in your area and the starter is cranking slower than usual, it means that your battery doesn't have enough cold cranking amps. it takes a bit more juice to get a car started in cold weather, and having accessories like a remote starter doesn't help this issue at all. see if you can return your battery and get one that has a bit more CCA, don't buy the cheapest one.

    if this isn't the case, then there's a chance that your starter motor has gone bad. either way, it's not that expensive of a fix, it should cost you about $150.

  • 1 decade ago

    It sounds like your starter may be going. I would go to a local garage and have them run what is called an "AVR test" on it. The AVR is just a test of the charging system, which will tell you how your battery starter and alternator are performing and whether they are good or bad. Most places, this runs about 30-60 dollars.

    Source(s): Im an automotive service advisor
  • Don S
    Lv 5
    1 decade ago

    Do you hear the subtle whirr of the fuel pump when you turn your ignition on? Check for sparks at the plugs. What did you mean by "does not fully start"? Engine cranks but does not fire up at all?

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  • 1 decade ago

    when it turns over does it sound normal or make a whirring sound, if normal then you may need new spark plugs, wires or distributor cap, if not normal then your starter may be worn.

  • 5 years ago

    Try just getting a tune up or an oil change.. it could be that simple... Check the air pressure in your tires too.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    sounds like a bad starter

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