01 Cavalier help

[PPro]

A friend of mine is having problems with her 01 Cavalier. She was driving on the highway one day and noticed her RPM gauge going crazy (pulsing up and down). She pulled off the road and wasn't able to restart her car.

I took a look at it, and theres no power going to her car at all. I figured maybe a dead battery, or an alternator. So I tried to jump it from my X (brand new battery, let it charge for about 10-15 min), and the Cav came really close to starting but still wouldn't get running.

What else do you think this could be? Even with a dead batt and alt the car should still jump. Shes kinda hurting for cash right now (who isnt?) and I'm trying to fix this for her as cheap as possible.

Ideas would be great.

 

[PPro]

Anyone?

 

[Rick]

No help possible. It's a Cavalier


Sorry I couldn't help, but be sarcastic

 

[jimbo74]

its probably got a fried ecu... check fuses and everything first off.....

 

[mechanic021]

also if oyu havent already make sure the battery cables are good and tight and very clean on the side posts.

 

[Blee1099]

Couple of possible causes. When you tried jump starting, the battery might have been really drained on her Cavalier. If 10-15 minutes on the cables w/o turning the key to on didn't do anything then its possible the battery is beat. Check the alternator, pull it and have it tested or if you get the car started, check the voltage with the car running using a multi-meter/volt meter. Should register around 14 volts if not more.

 

[PPro]

Thanks guys. I'll look into it all and report back.

 

[toypaseo]

http://www.j-body.org

You will prolly find an answer there. Make sure to search alot before posting.