1997 Chevy Cavalier Popping and fire from throttle body

Tiny
JCERVANTES627
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
Engine Mechanical problem
1997 Chevy Cavalier 4 cyl Automatic 170000 miles

My 97 cavalier won't start. All this happened after we changed the starter. It cranks but wont fire up. Tried putting starting fluid and gas at different times through throttle body but I just get a pop and starts a fire. Had an electritian take a look at it but didnt find nothing eletrical. Reason I called electrician was that starter got burnt twice, in one week. Had a full tune up before new starter was placed. What can possibly be going on here. Timing chain maybe? Ignition switch? (I know there was a recall on this model) or maybe fuel pump? Again all this happened after we put the new starter.
Sunday, April 18th, 2010 AT 6:46 AM

2 Replies

Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Check fusible links on starter solenoid
Check for codes
Do a fuel pressure test
With key on you should have check engine light on, do you?
Check if security light on and blinking
And if so turnkey on for about ten to 15 min
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Sunday, April 18th, 2010 AT 8:29 AM
Tiny
JCERVANTES627
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Checked links. If I remember correctly most of the codes were misfires. Ok, another reason I want to mention that why we called the electrician was because when my father-in-law was installing the starter, he accidently forgot and put one of the ground wires on the starter solenoid. So after it didn't fire up but cranked we pulled the car to a mechanic down the street. Also when we got there the intake was flooded with gas up to the throttle body. Mechanic immediately said that we might have messed up the computer by doing that after he checked it, but after it was checked by a good reliable electrician, all wires and sensors were working. The check engine light is on and the theft light too but not blinking, its steady on. Tried the key on for about 10 to 15 min and still nothing, cranks but wont fire. If we use starting fluid, it will just pop and start a fire at the throttle body. Here are my last options im thinking before taking this car to the junkyard for giving me a headache. Im going to do a fuel pressure test, going to change ignition coil housing, and check the timing belt. Any other things I can try? Ive had this car for 2 months and hasnt even worked 2 days straight. Have replaced the motor, air compressor, starter twice, did a fulll tune up. I am frustrated here. Maybe its just bad luck since the previous owners friend died in that car, and it has three bullet holes, in different locations. None that would stop the car from working.
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Sunday, April 18th, 2010 AT 11:49 AM

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