Bad Oil Change?

1996 CHEVROLET CAVALIER

157,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

SEZ009

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hi, I have a 1996 Toyota Cavalier sold by chevolet, just had an oil change and car is jumping at low idle, is this because the oil is too thick? It says on the cap to use 5/30 oil but company used 15/40.

Feb 13, 2011 at 6:12 AM

MHPAUTOS

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
31,937 POSTS

This will not be the oil, they are using a heaver oil for the miles done, get a tune done first.

mark (mhpautos)

Feb 13, 2011 at 6:14 AM

FIXITMR

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
9,990 POSTS

i think the jumping you refer to is commonly called surging? and no, the oil itself has nothing to do with that. did they bump something else that does? who knows?

Feb 13, 2011 at 6:24 AM

SEZ009

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks so much for your advice. My mechanic has drained the 15/40 oil and replaced it with 5/30, now car is running pretty good! Apparently after some research 1 in 100 cars cant handle the wrong oil. I think being a cavalier thats probably true. I have so many problems with this car, in fact I have had the engine fully reconditioned, (which has lower ks than I thought). The auto transmission has been replaced, ignition system replaced, coil replaced oh dear the list goes on. I have had this car for only 6 months, (well the garage has had it longer than I have driven it)
Lucky I have a warranty with the car!!!!
Thanks for letting me share my story. If any other problems occur I hope I can ask you to help!

Feb 14, 2011 at 9:16 AM

MHPAUTOS

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
31,937 POSTS

Good result, although it is a bit unusual, thank you for using 2carpros.

mark (mhpautos)

Feb 14, 2011 at 9:45 AM

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