K
Keys
Guest
First off; This issue is concerning an American owned 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier (Auto | 4-Dr.) and is focused on problems surrounding the Dash Board electrical systems, the Dash Board itself, and even possibly the engine.
To pack up the intro; I have kept up with the maintenance of this vehicle (although it WAS bought used) such as Belt care, fluid care, hose management, and so forth. It is in no way a vehicle in necessarily bad shape.
So let's get to the issue shall we?
1. First off the boat is the Dash lights.
About a month ago the Dashboard Back light stopped coming on when the vehicle lights were engaged. However this; The speedometer, and indicator lights (such as the Check Engine, Seat belt, and so forth) still work leaning me towards the idea that it is a bulb issue and that the dash light bulb has simply burnt out.
However. To ensure this; I was wondering if anyone has had a similar problem in a Cavalier (or other vehicle type for this one) and had a solution and/or tips on replacing the bulb as I've never really delved into the electrical systems of a vehicle.. just not my thing. Contacting my local Chevy dealer did nothing as I was greeted and dealt with by a rummage of morons who seemed to know nothing about the car I was driving, and so thus has turned me here.
So for the first question; Any advice, experience, and help would be extremely appreciated.
2. Check Engine Light.
A week ago the check engine light switched on. I have gone through the car with a friend who so happens to be a mechanic and aside from a cracked hose (due to weather and which has since been replaced) found nothing wrong with the engine or the car itself. We are baffled as to why the engine light has come on. The mileage on the car has recently topped 200,000 miles and a friend in the car business let on that some automobiles will switch on the engine light at specific mileage intervals to get you to take the car in for a checkup, experience or knowledge on this anyone?
The belts, caps, fluids, brakes, plugs, and all the other goodies have been replaced recently (within the year and most within 6mo.) and so I stand baffled at what is up; Any comments or suggestions?
3. And Finally, the Dashboard itself.
Having bought the car used, the dashboard of the car is a little.... less-than-perfect condition wise. The bottom half of the dashboard is pretty beat up and/or missing and needs to be replaced, not to mention the weathering on the top. So my question is; Does anyone know of a website that sells '97 (or other compatible year) dashboard kits to which I could replace the current one with? I have looked into the dealer and they are asking an ungodly price for a cheap piece of plastic that probably cost them .50 US cents to make in some foreign country and they're beefing the price up what seems 5,000% for me to pay. So any help on this would be really appreciative!
Thank you for the read and consideration!
To pack up the intro; I have kept up with the maintenance of this vehicle (although it WAS bought used) such as Belt care, fluid care, hose management, and so forth. It is in no way a vehicle in necessarily bad shape.
So let's get to the issue shall we?
1. First off the boat is the Dash lights.
About a month ago the Dashboard Back light stopped coming on when the vehicle lights were engaged. However this; The speedometer, and indicator lights (such as the Check Engine, Seat belt, and so forth) still work leaning me towards the idea that it is a bulb issue and that the dash light bulb has simply burnt out.
However. To ensure this; I was wondering if anyone has had a similar problem in a Cavalier (or other vehicle type for this one) and had a solution and/or tips on replacing the bulb as I've never really delved into the electrical systems of a vehicle.. just not my thing. Contacting my local Chevy dealer did nothing as I was greeted and dealt with by a rummage of morons who seemed to know nothing about the car I was driving, and so thus has turned me here.
So for the first question; Any advice, experience, and help would be extremely appreciated.
2. Check Engine Light.
A week ago the check engine light switched on. I have gone through the car with a friend who so happens to be a mechanic and aside from a cracked hose (due to weather and which has since been replaced) found nothing wrong with the engine or the car itself. We are baffled as to why the engine light has come on. The mileage on the car has recently topped 200,000 miles and a friend in the car business let on that some automobiles will switch on the engine light at specific mileage intervals to get you to take the car in for a checkup, experience or knowledge on this anyone?
The belts, caps, fluids, brakes, plugs, and all the other goodies have been replaced recently (within the year and most within 6mo.) and so I stand baffled at what is up; Any comments or suggestions?
3. And Finally, the Dashboard itself.
Having bought the car used, the dashboard of the car is a little.... less-than-perfect condition wise. The bottom half of the dashboard is pretty beat up and/or missing and needs to be replaced, not to mention the weathering on the top. So my question is; Does anyone know of a website that sells '97 (or other compatible year) dashboard kits to which I could replace the current one with? I have looked into the dealer and they are asking an ungodly price for a cheap piece of plastic that probably cost them .50 US cents to make in some foreign country and they're beefing the price up what seems 5,000% for me to pay. So any help on this would be really appreciative!
Thank you for the read and consideration!