2000 Chevy Cavalier Battery Problem

Tiny
ERVERSTEEG
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
  • 4 CYL
  • 150,000 MILES
This morning my car barely started. Once it was started I put it in reverse and tried to apply the brake. The brake was oddly hard to push down, but it was enough to stop the car at the end of the driveway. I then tried to turn the car onto the street but the power steering wasn't working. At that point I knew that something was wrong with the car and proceeded to bring the car back up into the driveway but the gas pedal wouldn't work! Finally I looked over at the panel and saw the check battery light was on.

A few hours later I went back to check on the car; it worked perfectly! Any ideas on what is wrong with my car?

Note: The alternator and battery were replaced about a month ago.

Thanks,
Eric
Wednesday, December 1st, 2010 AT 5:23 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,873 POSTS
Serpentine belt is slipping or there was ice on it that formed overnight after getting it wet while driving the day before.

Caradiodoc
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Wednesday, December 1st, 2010 AT 5:30 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Steering and brake problem have the Hydroboost unit checked out-Battery light on check the charging system
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Wednesday, December 1st, 2010 AT 5:31 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Eric:
Check the belt to make sure it is tight. Also, check the vacuum hose to the brake booster.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Wednesday, December 1st, 2010 AT 5:32 PM
Tiny
ERVERSTEEG
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Serpentine belt doesn't appear to be slipping after a successful startup. However, I think Caradiodoc is correct in saying that it was caused by the belt slipping because it rained all of yesterday then dropped below freezing overnight.

Joe - Where is the vacuum hose to the brake booster?

Thanks.
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Wednesday, December 1st, 2010 AT 6:02 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
The brake booster is behind the master cylender. The hose runs to it from the intake. It will be about 3/4" in diameter.
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Thursday, December 2nd, 2010 AT 12:30 AM

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