Expert: Skip Bollinger - 4/15/2007

Question
I have a 2003 chevy cavalier that has apprx. 80,000 miles on it. At 70,500 miles we had to replace the fuel pump. It doesn't seem to want to change from 2nd to 3rd gear. Now the check engine light is on. And every once in a while the no trac light comes on. I think that may be from hitting a bump? Why do you think our check engine light is on?

Answer
Lindsay,
  Please let me preface this that I'm a Parts Professional, NOT a tech. I do have some thoughts and will offer them..
  The replacement of the fuel pump should have nothing to do with the transaxle shifting. Have you checked the fluid level in the transaxle? It should be done on level ground with the car warmed up. It might just be low. With 80K miles, have you ever had the filter in the transaxle changed? Pull the dip stick and see if the fluid level is where it is supposed to be, is it brown and does it smell burnt? IF so, you need to change the filter and fluid.   
  I'm not that familiar with your car but the "No Trac" light leads me to believe you have a transaxle problem. If the "Check Engine" light is on, there is a "Code" set in the computer. Kind of like a "Cookie" in your PC. It is telling you that you have a problem and you need to look inside the computer with a "Scan Tool". You can go to any Major auto parts store like O'Reilly and beg, borrow, steal or rent a scanner that will retrieve that code and tell you where the problem may be.
  I guess that is about all the damage I can do here. I hope this gives you some direction. Please remember I'm a Parts Professional, NOT a tech. I hope this finds you and your family well and happy. Good Luck..
Skip