6.5
fairly significantTypical Repair Cost:
no data
Average Mileage:
34,092 miles
Total Complaints:
11 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (9 reports)
- replace IAT sensor or the idle air control valve (2 reports)
engine problem
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Chevrolet dealer.
Helpful Websites About 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier stalls at idle
2004Jun 15
Cavalier Coupe 2.2L I-4 Ecotec
- Automatic transmission
- 34,000 miles
engine stalls at low speeds or stopped. Only seems to happen when engine is cold. Is a major issue that GM techs have since given up and can not find out what the issue is. Stalls while turning slow turns, causing the power steering and brakes to not function. Engine idle speed with raise at idle to over 1200 rpm and then drop below 300 before stalling. Any ideas what this is? I have heard that the sensors may be the issue, but I have yet to see any defects. Mileage is above warranty now and GM tech will not look at it without 500.00 charge.
2007Jul 07
(reported on)Cavalier V6
- Automatic transmission
- 30,000 miles
My wife's parents bought this car practically brand new in 2003 and the engine has always stalled out when the RPM's drop low. We just got back from a trip to Michigan to visit family and the car stalled out 3-4 times during the trip. Each time was at a very bad time (e. g. merging slowly past construction on US 23 and nearly being rear-ended). I am afraid if this problem isn't fixed soon someone could get hurt unnecessarily. It has been put in the shop numerous times and each time the mechanic/dealer has no idea what is wrong with it. If anyone has the slightest clue what could solve this problem please pass it along. Thanks!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2006Jul 21
(reported on)Cavalier
- 27,000 miles
After blowing the head gasket due to a broken drive chain in December on our 1st engine at 78,000 miles, we paid to have a used engine with 7500 miles installed. Now the car has begun to stall randomly and after sitting for a while will start up and drive fine. The car won't start correctly if the air is on, and now it randomly dies. This problem is a huge pain. Any suggestions. This car SUCKS!!!!!!
2007Feb 25
(reported on)Cavalier LS Sport 2.2 ECOTEC
- Manual transmission
- 27,500 miles
I got my car about a year and 4 months a go. She ran great until I had her for 2 weeks or so. Then she started randomly stalling when I was slowing down or at a stop. The car starts to vibrate and then sometimes will die, the RPMs go up and down. I've been told the quick fix is replacing the factory IAT sensor with an aftermarket with thicker wires. You all should try that, I'm going to when spring gets here.
2007Feb 07
(reported on)Cavalier 2.2
- Automatic transmission
- 35,000 miles
My car stalls at red lights. Now I have even a bigger problem. Last Monday my car wouldn't start, had it towed for the 4th time since Sept 2006. Chevy couldn't find a problem. Then two days ago my car wouldn't start had to have it towed again for the 5th time. Still Chevy has no idea what is wrong with it. It starts up the next day for them at the dealership. They tell me it runs like a champ. My extended warranty is going to be up in August. I don't know if when I try to go to work tomorrow if it will start. I can't take it anymore. I have 24 more payments. I'll never buy another American car again.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2007Jan 12
(reported on)Cavalier
- Automatic transmission
- 1,000 miles
I bought this car brand new in 2003, every year since then, when in traffic jam and I'm in idle, it stalls and shuts off. In 2004, dealer didn't find anything. Took it again in 2005, again they couldn't find anything. Had hoped to resolve this while it was new and under warranty. This week it's happened again twice. Naturally, now car is too old, too many miles to be covered. I've always checked for any recalls throughout the years and never found anything.
2006Nov 25
(reported on)Cavalier LS 2.2L
- Manual transmission
- 35,495 miles
When i'm coming to a stop or down shifting, and even when i just press the clutch in, i lose my rpms. often it drops to 300 to 400 revs then sometimes kicks back up. i've had numerous stallings coming to a stop sign etc. and it sux cause i lose power steering and abs as well as having all my interior lights dim. if i'm moving and i release the clutch the car starts back up but it is a real hassle. has anyone had this prob and fixed it? id appreciate any help/advice. thanx
2006Jun 19
(reported on)Cavalier
- 101,200 miles
My check engine light came on and the rpm's rev when i turn on the air conditioning. i was told it is my IACV.
2006Mar 28
(reported on)Cavalier
- 29,821 miles
I have a 2003 Chevy Cavalier that died at stop lights not all the time be more then i would like it too. The car is in the shop more then i drive it! Please if there are more of you out there i need to hear from you! i know i can not be the only one with this problem...... Thanks
2003Dec 23
(reported on)Cavalier
- 19,000 miles
The car runs great most of the time. This last spring and summer we experienced intermittent stalling after engine was thoroughly warmed up and clutch pushed in, such as at a stop light. If the car was parked for a few minutes and then started up and driven again, the stalling went away. It seems to me an engine sensor is sticking. Never see the check engine light go on. WHATS UP WITH THIS!
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2005Jun 30
Cavalier 2.2L Ecotec
I have had my 03 since November of 2002, never any problems until after warranty went up. I have a few aftermarket parts ie. cold air intake, rims, high-flow exhaust. My car stalls at times as well when coming to a stop. Seems it only happens with the car is not warmed up or I give it a little gas and then stop. Never had it while I was driving though. Also, I found that if I put the car in neutral, idle speeds go right back up. I seriously believe this is a defect that GM is unwilling to admit to. I have 2 other buddies with the same car and same problem. I am an ex-mechanic and it is 100% in the ECU and or a faulty sensor. I have heard from a few other sites that re-flashing the ECU corrects the issue, however I have no proof of this.
Brian D.
Desoto, TX, USA
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