Expert: Van - 10/29/2005

Question
Hi Van,

My 2001 Cavalier was working great since I bought it last year, but this morning I turned the key to start it, and it would not start.  Battery still good. Checked the fuses for fuel injector and ignition and they seem good.  What else could it be?  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Kenny,
It surely could be one of a number of things, but the first thing I would do is listen and see if the fuel pump is running inside the gas tank.
If you are near the rear of the car, and have someone turn the key to run, not start, but run, then you should be able to hear the pump run for two to three seconds.
If it doesn't run, you need to check the fuel pump relay, and possibly will need a pump.
If you hear it running, I would get a tester, and test the fuel pressure.
You could have just a stopped up filter.

If it is freezing weather where you are, the possibility of water freezing in the system exists.

I assume you have already checked for spark, but if not, do that as one of the early steps.

Van