Service light is on in 2001 Cavalier, how can I read this to find the reason. Have checked all the regular items and fluids. Could this just be a mileage item as it was when the car was going on 100,000? Now going on 175,000. Thanks, Bert Jones

depending on how long, the fuel could be bad,, longer times could mean hoses cracked, gaskets brittle and bad, I would do a simple service of things, such as topping off brake , antifreeze,, and changing the oil, check the Power steering fluid ,, and transmission fluid, recharge the battery fully , and give it a try ,, if it starts up,, Great!! just be sure as you begin to use it, that you check under the hoood often,, Look for leaks ,, , if it runs ok and no fluids are leaking from any place,, your good to go,, Just keep up with regular maintenance,, as far as the fuel, Like I said before, thats going to depend on how long it sat! If your talking a couple of months you should be ok, I would add a can ( be sure to add the amount that is required depending on how much fuel is in your gas tank at the time ) of a good fuel additive that also cleans the injectors ( if you have them) if the car sat for more than 6 months I would drop the tank and replace the fuel

Hi, follow the detailed instruction below on how to check the Transmission fluid on your Chevy Cavalier 2001.

1. Turn the Cavalier on and put it in neutral. Make sure your hand brake is engaged to keep the car from moving while you work on it. Open your car's hood so that you have access to the engine.
2. Look for your Cavalier's transmission dipstick. It should stick out from the body of the engine, and be clearly labelled as "transmission fluid." Refer to your Cavalier's owner's manual for a diagram of engine parts if you have trouble locating the dipstick.
3. Pull the dipstick out and clean it off with a rag. Reinsert the dipstick and pull it out again. Check the end of the dipstick for your reading; the transmission level will be measured on the dipstick by labels like "low," "medium" and "high." If your dipstick has no fluid on it, it means that your Cavalier is almost out of transmission fluid and needs more. A low reading also indicates a need to add more fluid. If the fluid is low, add a bottle of transmission fluid, available for purchase at auto supply shops. Add fluid and repeat this process until your dipstick shows a reading of "high" or "full."

You most likely have a problem with the ABS brake system. First, check your brake fluid level as many vehicles have a fluid level switch that monitors brake fluid level and if the level is low it can turn off the ABS and turn on all those lights.[ABS is part of the Trac control] If that is good then you may have a failing wheel speed sensor, wiring, or a problem with the ABS controller itself which would require having someone connecting to and reading the ABS service codes with a scan tool to identify what the system saw that caused it to turn itself off. Brakes are a very important safety item so you should get it repaired as soon as possible!

Changed what fluid? If you changed the Power Steering fluid you must use Mineral type fluid. Pentosin CHF 11S is required I believe for that year. If you used regular fluid get it out quick. Why did you change it to start with? Normally never changed as a maintenance item.

The check engine light would record an error code in the computer, you need to get that information in order to know what the next step is.

If you have an autozone or advanced auto parts store near you, go to them and ask if they do courtesy check engine light or service repair light check . Most do free of charge. When they read the code you will know exactly what your problem is. If you go to mechanic to check your light they will charge you. Your service light is will tell you whats the problem.

The check engine light will come on for more than just a engine problem but usually something else on the car isn't functioning properly. I had a car with a low fluid level in the transmission that would not read but the check engine light came on.
It is a warning and if it doesn't scan check the rest of the car for what isn't functioning since for sure it is connected.
50% of the time a check engine light comes on it is a loose or bad gas cap. Check that first. The oxygen sensor is next but it will read on your reader.

Headlight and parking lights are different

97 cavalier:
http://www.vanisletrader.com/images/97-chev-cavalier.jpg

2001 cavalier:
http://media.canadatrader.com/companies/2175/items/Normal/14-1779271186-F2CDEB43.jpg

Only way it would work is to do the 01 conversion by switching the whole doghouse (fenders, hood, bumper, lights, etc.) It can be done though.

the no connect fault indicates that you have a ecm issue, however the check engine light will come on if your fluids are low(coolant,oil) if your vehicle was driving fine except for the light coming on chances are there will be no codes and i would check the fluids. Incidently not all code scanners work the same way on all vehicles. On mine which is the kind all major dealerships use you have to have key cards that send a certain signal through the data link. this card is mad for a ceratin kind of vehicle. This could be the reason your friends scanner did not work on the vehicle. keep me posted with the result of the fluid check. I would also check the connection of the oil sending unit and or the coolant temp sensor lead this will cause the light to come on as well. please rate this... thanks

Sometimes it's a complaint with the ABS braking system. If it comes on and you have no other problems and stays on for while, check your brakes. I have had this issue before and had my brakes replaced. They were worn but for some reason were not squeaking.