All warning lights on and misfires

Tiny
JAMIEJUJU
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
Hi I have a 96 chevy cavalier and all warning lights in dashboard are on constantly. Also has a hard time starting and misfires real bad when running
Thursday, April 2nd, 2015 AT 7:31 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,871 POSTS
Suspect the generator. I don't know what "all warning lights in dashboard" means, but when multiple computers are involved, the most common cause is the generator. This one is an especially poor design that develops a lot of harmful voltage spikes. Those spikes can damage the generator's internal diodes and voltage regulator, and interfere with computer sensor signals. The battery is the key component in absorbing and damping those voltage spikes. To reduce the number of repeat generator failures, replace the battery at the same time unless it is less than about two years old. As they age and the lead flakes off the plates, they lose their ability to absorb those spikes.

Slow cranking and elusive engine running problems that defy diagnosis are two more common symptoms caused by the generator and battery.
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Thursday, April 2nd, 2015 AT 7:50 PM

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