1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Runs Rough When Wet

1997 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
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LCN96
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  • 1 POST
I have a 97 cavalier with 130000 miles .The car runs well until it snows or rains very hard. This only happens when I'm driving at which time the engine light begins to blink and the engine runs terrible. sometimes the symtoms go away after a couple of minutes and other times after several hour or the next day. I have replaced the plug wires , fuel tank,and filter and the problem still persists. I have taken the car to a repair shop and every time the tech replaces another part and it still does't work. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Oct 31, 2006 at 9:08 PM
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JDL
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 16,098 POSTS
Sorry for the late reply.

I can help with diagnostics, but, you have to do the testing. Check for applicable trouble codes, see if there are any. Some of the national brand auto stores may check codes for free.

Also, start the vehicle up in the dark, raise the hood, can you see fire jumping, anywhere? When the vehicle is running fine, use a spray bottle filled with water. As an example, spray down the spark plug wires, see if idle acts-up. You can test other components the same way, see if idle acts up. If a problem around a connector, dielectric grease may help keep out the moisture.

I realize this is an old post. In the future, hope you don't have any vehicle issues, but, if you do, keep the site in mind. They are always working to improve the site and it's free to ask a question.
Sometimes it's difficult to diagnose a problem over the internet, unless you can do some testing.
have a good day.
Jun 16, 2015 at 12:15 AM
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SHERRY SMITH PURVIS
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I know that it's been years and years and years since you posted this, but did you find out what it was? Need to know.
Oct 14, 2019 at 6:16 AM
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RENEE L
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Hello,

As you stated you posted your question on a post that is almost thirteen years old. I want to make sure you get your question answered. Please repost your question as a new question. Please list as much information as you can. For you convenience I am including the link for you.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

Make sure you are logged into the site before clicking on the link.

Thank you for using 2CarPros and have a great rest of your day!

Renee
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Oct 14, 2019 at 8:07 AM
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Suggested Repair

Scan for trouble codes. With the engine running in the dark, look for spark jumping. Spray water on plug wires and other ignition components to see if the idle changes, and use dielectric grease on moisture-sensitive connectors.

Conversation Summary

A 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier with about 130,000 miles runs poorly and flashes the check-engine light in heavy rain or snow, then may recover later. Plug wires, the fuel tank, and the filter were already replaced without success. The expert recommended checking codes, looking for spark leaks in the dark, spray-testing components with water, and using dielectric grease where moisture enters a connector. No confirmed repair was reported.

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