96 cavalier security

I have a 96 cavvy 4cyl base. I replaced the engine (actually twice) and now it won't start. The security light is on but this car doesn't have passkey. I'm getting spark but the injectors aren't pulsing. I've done this exact swap several times before (including twice on this particular car) and never had this issue before.

any thoughts?

Twist oil cap, lift approximately 4" from valve cover, replace everything that is not touching cap.

Try a simple google search. The hits usually take you to a marque-specific forums and there are enough Cavs out there to have folks with the same prob.

I tried the string "cavalier wont start engine security" and had several promising hits. Don't know enough about those cars with and without security systems to help further, but the search will get you started.

Enjoy, Eric G

Does the engine turn but not start, or just do nothing?

Are you sure that it doesn't have the passlock 1? I mean, really really sure? Passlock is built into the cylinder (so no resistors in the key) and it cuts the injectors when it's pissed.

later, matt

Turn key to "on" position but don't start engine with drivers door open. Leave car this way for about 10 minutes or so. That's the procedure for most GM cars, so it might work on a cav but I'm not 100% sure. It's easy enough to try, right?

skruffy, our correct, I had to query this awhile back for my brother...

xFactor wrote: Are you sure that it doesn't have the passlock 1? I mean, really really sure? Passlock is built into the cylinder (so no resistors in the key) and it cuts the injectors when it's pissed. later, matt

I'm sure... 96 had passKEY, which is the little chip in the shank of the key. PassLOCK is the later one in the cylinder. But regardless, this car has neither.

I'll try that driver's door thing

JetMech wrote: Does the engine turn but not start, or just do nothing?

Cranks great, sparks great, fuel pump provides 40 psi, but injectors won't pulse. They have power and fuel, but the ECM isn't signalling them to fire. Worked fine on the other two engines we had in there.

And just to remove confusion, this isn't a weird engine swap, this is just replacing a dead 2.2 for a running used 2.2. The original engine dropped a valve, so we replaced it with a junkyard engine which ran great but spewed coolant from the front of the head gasket. Now this is #3 and everything is great except for not pulsing the injectors.

aren't the keys resistance specifically coded into the computer on these? I remember installing a LOT of remote starts on them back in the day and having to get a pot resistor out to make pretty close to the exact resistance to get it to fire the injectors.

curtis73 wrote: Cranks great, sparks great, fuel pump provides 40 psi, but injectors won't pulse. They have power and fuel, but the ECM isn't signalling them to fire.

Sounds like a problem with the ECM or wiring now...

I am stunned that there is a security system in a Cavalier. I was pretty sure the badge on the trunk was enough to keep mine safe.

safe from what Wally?

Autolex wrote: aren't the keys resistance specifically coded into the computer on these? I remember installing a LOT of remote starts on them back in the day and having to get a pot resistor out to make pretty close to the exact resistance to get it to fire the injectors.

I have an 02 Cadavalier and the only security option is if you have the high end radio you need the code for it if you disconnect the battery. There is no chip in the key. I can have any lackey make me a spare key and it works.

Is this an identical engine to the one taken out? Between 95-97 they used the 2.2L and switched to the 2200 in 98. The injector resistance may be different? I know one is top fed and one is side fed. I know the crank triggers are a few degrees advanced on the 2.2L. It's been awhile since I read anything about em.

I would try getting the ecu out of the same vehicle as the engine.

happened to mine. i took the battery out for three months and when i tried again after being sick of it sitting in the garage (apx 3mth) it worked...i dunno what exactly happened.

Passlock is a B

While we're talking about 2.2l cavs, is that an interference engine?

mad_machine wrote: safe from what Wally?

Whatever misguided soul that would try to separate me from the joys of Cavalier ownership.

skruffy said: While we're talking about 2.2l cavs, is that an interference engine?

It really only interferes with the people behind me, keeping them from reaching their destination in a timely manner.