CarComplaints.com Notes: Widespread instrument panel failure is a common and frustrating reality for many 2004-2005 Chevy Cavalier owners. They're often left in the dark when it comes to knowing how fast they're going, what their engine temperature is, or even how much fuel they have left in the tank.
The likely culprit is a series of bad "stepper motors" which control the gauges and are no longer covered under warranty. Think not being able to see your speed is a safety issue and should be recalled for all owners? We'd agree. Trouble is, apparently the NHTSA does not.
The Service light goes on and my headlights will shut off. About a minute later, they will turn on again. Then, shut off. Happens for about 10 minutes. Very odd. Does not happen all the time. Any possible reasons for this?
I wasnt aware of this being a problem with the wiring harness design Chevrolet seems to think was a bright idea placing under the battery tray thus leading to corrosion of the connector causing a loss in your lighting such as this-not only was the connector damaged from corrosion causing my headlights to work inoperable but the headlight switch was defective as well causing my brights indicator to stay lit on the dashboard although the brights werent on-something else that occurred during the process of chasing down the problem from unplugging connectors and plugging them back in my lights barley flash when arming the keyless entry as oppossed to not having done this at all!!
Just a suggestion-I plan to do the following (1)Clean all connectors from corrossion (2)Install 10,000k H.I.D. headlights on a seperate switch to not have to deal with this issue any further seeing that Chevrolet dealers charge in upwards of $500 to fix THEY'RE problem!H.I.D. Cavalier light kits cost $130-those ends definately justify the means!AND (3)Relocate my battery to the trunk but using and Optima gell cell battery-gell cells are less prone to leak acid.
This has happened to the car three times now. The past two times the dealership has eaten the cost on it. I have had the blue, tan and now light blue wires replaced. They are saying this is due to "environmental corrosion". These wires are related to my headlights about once a year a headlight starts acting up and a "wire needs replaced" I have also had the instrument cluster replaced, driver side window motor replaced, back up switch and harness replaced. . Oh yes and after owning the car not even a month the radio started going haywire, it won't keep stations, if I am listening to a CD when I get out of the car I am listening to the radio when I get back in an vice versa (this is all very RANDOM) and the latest is I have gotten out of the car KEY in hand radio was off I get back in the car and the radio is on.And of course the dealership can never get this to happen when they have the car.
I also am having the ABS light issued that others are having.
Has anyone else had all these electrical issues?
I have called GM and they don't seem to think it's their problem
- shopallthetime,
Charleston, WV, US
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The Service light goes on and my headlights will shut off. About a minute later, they will turn on again. Then, shut off. Happens for about 10 minutes. Very odd. Does not happen all the time. Any possible reasons for this?
- Chris R., Mundelein, IL, US