Top 10 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Questions & Answers

Not wanting to be too general but at least trying to help I would suggest looking under the back end, and specifically at the rear backing plates and to the insides of the rear wheels, to see if you notice any fluids dripping. If these are drum brakes, then you could very well have either a wheel cylinder leaking brake fluid, causing the brake shoe linings to swell up, or it could be a leaking axle seal, allowing differential gear lube out, which will also cause the linings to swell, and minor braking will cause that particular side to lock up.
If this vehicle has rear disk brakes, or was just recently changed from rear drum brakes to rear disk brakes, it is possible that the proportioning valve in the brake line was not changed to match with the disk setup.
Drum brakes operate at approximately ten pounds per square inch pressure (10 PSI) whereas disk units operate at a lower pressure of about 2 PSI.
Just some things to look at. Some brake fluids have no smell, others are very distinctive in odor, and differential gear lube has a very distinct odor...not hard to miss once you've smelled it.

If your odometer is working and your speedo needle doesnt indicate correctly then your problem is the stepper motor in the cluster. I have repaired a lot of instrument clusters....cost is 105.00

Most DRL's are controlled by a relay. The relay malfunctions after a while. Need to go to the dealer and purchase a DRL relay. Once you see what it looks like open hood and match it to the bad one, then replace. If you can not locate it the library has mechanical books for you make and model to look up location of the drl relay.

sounds like what is happening is one of your wheel speed sensors is dropping out when you slow down and this is triggering abs unit. it would not cut abs light on because system thinks one wheel is locking up just like when you are on ice. need to read data while driving and see what is going on when it activates.

One thing to check is the fuel pressure regulator.
If the diaphram is leaking it will cause gas to be pulled into the vacuum system causing lots of white smoke and extreme rough running.

This is a job for the dealer or cerified mechanic. The front cover and timing chain needs to be remove to access the water pump mounted behind the engine. The pump is driven by the timing chain and timing will need to be reset using special tools.

1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 2.4L SFI DOHC 4cyl - Repair Guide
Look at the the lower end of the engine behind the radiator.

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

2.2L (VIN 4) Engine



Fig. 1: Removal and installation of the starter-2.2L engine shown



Fig. 2: Remove the starter electrical connections from the back of the starter



Fig. 3: Remove the three bell-housing cover retaining bolts and ...



Fig. 4: ... remove the bell-housing cover



Fig. 5: Remove the starter support brace-to-engine bolt



Fig. 6: The starter is retained by two bolts



Fig. 7: Remove the bolts and ...



Fig. 8: ... remove the starter from the engine



Fig. 9: Note that the starter bolts are two different lengths, the longer one goes on the inside

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable at the battery.
2. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
3. Remove the electrical connections from the back of the starter.
4. Remove the bell-housing cover.
5. Remove the starter support bracket bolt from the engine block.
6. Unfasten the starter motor-to-engine bolts, then carefully lower the starter.
7. Remove the nuts/bolts that hold the starter support bracket to the starter.

To install:

1. Transfer the starter support bracket to the new starter if the starter is being replaced.
2. Raise the starter into position and secure the starter using the starter motor-to-engine bolts. Tighten the bolts to 32 ft. lbs. (43 Nm).
3. Install the starter support bracket-to-engine bolt to 24 ft. lbs. (32 Nm).
4. Install the bell-housing cover.
5. Install the starter electrical connections on the back of the starter. Tighten the S terminal to 22 inch lbs. (2.5 Nm) and the battery terminal to 106 inch lbs. (12 Nm).
6. Carefully lower the vehicle, then connect the negative battery cable.

2.3L (VIN D) and 2.4L (VIN T) Engines



Fig. 10: When installing the starter, tighten the mounting bolts to 66 ft. lbs. (90 Nm) on the 2.3L and 2.4L engines

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable at the battery.
2. Detach the air inlet duct from the throttle body.
3. Remove the top starter bolt.
4. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
5. Remove the lower starter retaining bolt.
6. If necessary, position the engine wiring harness aside.
7. Position the starter to enable accese to the solenoid wiring, then detach the wiring.
8. Remove the starter from the vehicle.

To install:

1. Raise the starter to the vehicle, then attach the wiring.
2. Position the starter, then secure using the lower starter bolt. Tighten to 66 ft. lbs. (90 Nm)
3. If moved, reposition the engine wiring harness.
4. Carefully lower the vehicle.
5. Install the top starter bolt, then tighten to 66 ft. lbs. (90 Nm).
6. Fasten the air inlet duct to the throttle body.
7. Connect the negative battery cable.

I hope help you with this (remember rated this help) Good luck.

how to get the anti-theif lightoff

There's two engine's, your car could have, 2.2L or 2.4L. so here's both, cylinder head torque for 2.4L engine.
Step # 1
Bolt's 1 - 8 40 Ft.Lbs
Bolt's 9 - 10 30 Ft.Lbs

Step # 2
All bolt's additional 90deg.

Hope this was very helpful.

Here is the chart for the plug gaps for that plug. Glad to help.

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