Issue ID | 198460 |
Internal NHTSA # | 716914 |
Manufacurer | General Motors LLC |
Brand | CHEVROLET |
Model | CAVALIER |
Model Year | 1997 |
File date | 15/12/99 |
Component | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM |
Product type code | VEHICLE |
Description of the problem | In december 1999, i experienced a loss of engine coolant level and the low engine coolant indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. I assumed the thermostat was failing and had a local service station replace it and flush the radiator. Several days later the low engine coolant light illuminated on the instrument panel. Upon inspection, i had lost some coolant and experienced the smell of hot coolant which i attributed to the recent radiator flush. I took it back to the service station and the coolant system was pressure tested to check for leaks and passed. After being idle for over 1 week, on january 3, 2000, i checked the engine coolant level and it was low. I filled the engine coolant reservior to full and after short trips the level had held at full. On january 4, 2000, while driving to work, i experienced a rough idle and in addition to the low engine coolant level illuminating on the instrument panel, the check engine light and the traction control lights also lit up on the dash. I took it to the dealer, hawthorne chevrolet, expecting to have them finally resolve my problem and they informed me they suspected my engine block was cracked and estimated the job at over $3400. 00. I noteiced service bulletin #'s 67-62-04, 970501776109 & 970501738309 posted on your website refers to similar defects as those i have experienced. If the engine has a defect, what recourse do i have? I have followed the recommended maintainance schedule and feel frustrated that gm and hawthorne chevrolet knew of the potential problems but failed to take the preventative measures to avoid perminant damage to the engine. I have taken the car to the service station where i had the thermostat replaced and their conclusion is the head gasget has failed or the head has cracked, based on the fact that there isn't any coolant in the oil pan. I received an estimate of $950. 00 for the repairs. I'm not a happy cavalier owner. I thank you. *ak |
Vehicle Mileage at Failure | |
Number of Occurences | 4 |
Source of the issue | NHTSA WEB SITE |
City and State | SOMERSET, NJ |
VIN pattern | 1G1JF5240V7XXXXXX |
Was vehicle invloved in a crash? | |
Was vehicle involved in a fire? | N |
Was incedent reported to police? | N |
Was medical attention required? | |
Was part original equipment? | |
No. of injured persons | |
No. of fatalities | |
Date of purchase | 01/10/96 |
Was original owner? | N |
Anti-lock brakes | Y |
Cruise control | Y |
Number of cylinders | |
Drive train type | FWD |
Transmission type | |
Vehicle speed | 45 |
DoT tire identifier | |
Tire size | |
Location of tire code | |
Type of tire failure code | |
Was defective tire repaired? | |
Date of manufacture | |
Type of child seat code | |
Type of restraint | |
Dealer's name | |
Dealer's telephone number | |
Dealer's city | |
Dealer's state code | |
Dealer's ZIP code |