Expert: Roger J.M. Warrington - 5/26/2005

Question
I know your expertise indicates you handles the older models but please do your best here.  Here's my situation... I moved from Portland, OR to Phoenix, AZ a couple of weeks ago. After having no prior problems with my 2001 Chevy Cavalier w/24k miles, this morning this battery indicator light came on. At lunch, upon turning off the vehicle, the car went dead and I was advised by Napa Auto Parts (who happended to be in the parking lot my car died in), that I needed a new battery (2001 battery in car). I purchased my new battery and everything seemed fine although the indicator light was still on. They stated it would probabled turn off in a mile or so. I drove back to work and approx. 10 miles home and it did not go off. Additionally, the daytime running lights indicator light is on unless I turn the lights on or the car off. I checked the lights while in Neutral with the parking brake off and the lights are on during the day. The lights nor the indicator had previously been on during the day, only at dusk or when in a dark setting. I am concerned this may have been why the battery went dead or that there is some wiring/electrical problem going on. Upon calling Chevy, they tried to get me to come on down and buy a new car during their tent sale. I will now have a difficult time trusting their advice since they obviously want me to just buy a new car. Please help... Thanks!

Answer
Laurie,
      I think that the bad battery caused the light to come on and some times it has to be re-set from the computor also it can cause other things to come on like change oil or check engine , etc. I would go to a chevy place and have them put the computor on it if they do not go out , also try to open your gas cap and than put it back on and close the door as that too will cause the light to come on at times , so the dead battery might have caused your condition. And as far as the dealers tell them from the start you must get the car fixed as you have to go to the dr. or some place and it is costing you a lot of money and as far as a new car just laugh and say yea right I must spend all my money in dr. bills.  that should keep them away. good luck. Don't feel bad I had a guy ask  yesterday   what to do with his car as he put the battery in backwords and he melted all the wires cables etc. he has a big-big  job. so dont feel bad  ok.
roger