Okay, I hope someone can help me with mycar problem.

I have a 1997 Chevy Cavalier with about 157K miles on it. In Sept 2005 I had a new transmission put in.

Well all was fine until about late May. It began this kind of "burping" feeling under the hood.

It has had a tune up, new plug wires, oil change, but the "burping" continues.

Every once in a while the ETS Off light comes on as well as the ABS light. They don't always come on, and sometimes go off for no apparent reason.

I hope this makes sense.

J_9

Does anyone know anything about this?

I have to begin driving 100 miles per day in this car for school and am afraid it will die at the worst possible moment.

I have to rely on this car for the next 2 years and need to take great care, so I am hoping someone can help.

TxGreaseMonkey

Here's what I was able to find on the Internet:

ETS is Enhanced Traction System is used to stop wheel slip thru reducing engine output. And if the light is on it doesn't mean you will spend x amount of dollars to fix it! It just means that ETS has been disabled because you have a engine problem and the computer cannot reduce power to the wheels because the engine might stall so the computer disables the system! Now some cars come with a switch by the shifter that turns on and off the system because if you get stuck in the snow traction control will keep you stcuk.

Take my word on this for I am a GM Tech who is a Master ASE with L1 certified!

Generally when the ets off light is on (the only light on and not along with the check engine light) you may have a wheel speed sensor not responding. This can happen due to metallic dust on the sensor. Clean the 4 sensor locations at the local spray wash (each located on the hubs - look for the wires going to each)
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From what's said above, I would have a mechanic remove each ABS sensor, using an external torx wrench, and clean it with a spritziled rag (don't use compressed air). Should be a very simple job. See if this solves the problem before doing anything else.

As a nursing student, who will be putting 100 miles a day on a Cavalier, I'd recommend you use Mobil 1 5W-30 synthetic engine oil. Change your oil and filter every 6 months or 6,000 miles, whichever comes first. When you change your transmission fluid next time, which should be around September 2007, switch to the Mobil 1 Full Synthetic Multi-Vehicle ATF and change the transmission filter again. If you take care of your engine and transmission, everything else is financially more manageable.

J_9

I will see what I can do, but to me ETS means electron transport system, (medicine), so when it comes to cars I know they eat gas and that is about it. I do understand that here in TN since we have no snow or ice that this should not be a problem, is this correct?

What about the ABS light, is that the same sort of thing?

Also, this "burping" it happens off an on, but I notice it mostly when I am at a stop and then have to pull out into traffic, there seems to be very little energy.

Something happened today that gets me even more curious, I stopped the car, left it in drive, and when I hit the gas it squealed and died. I had a hard time restarting after this.

Thank you for your info so far, my questions may sound silly, but I really have to rely on this car for the next two years.

TxGreaseMonkey

When you had the tuneup, did they replace your spark plugs with the exact ACDelco plugs that came in your car? Only use AC Delco plugs recommended for your exact 1997 Cavalier engine. I would make sure your fuel filter has recently been replaced. I would also go to Autozone and buy a bottle of Regaine fuel injector cleaner and pour it into your fuel tank (do this every 6 months). This will clean your injectors and fuel system.

J_9

Well, as for the spark plugs, he said that they were fine, but the spark plug wires were not, so he changed those.

Everything was fine for a few weeks then it all started over again.

When I pour the fuel injector cleaner in, do I need a specific number of gallons of gas in the vehicle.

Also, I have been told that regular is okay unless you have a performance engine, is this true?

TxGreaseMonkey

When you get down to 1/4 tank, add the Regaine to your regular unleaded gasoline. Depending upon the size of your tank, you might only have to add half of the bottle.

Still, I would make sure you have the correct plugs in your engine. Many cross-reference plugs don't work well and it sounds like your electrical system could be behind your engine stumbling and stalling. Replace your plugs at half of the mileage recommended by GM. Personally, I would install new plugs if they are over 2 years old--you shouldn't have the type of problems you are experiencing. With only four cylinders, any problem with a plug will be easily noticed.

Cleaning the ABS sensors of dirt and metallic oxides will probably stop the ABS light from coming on.

J_9

Well, I am guessing now that I need to replace the plugs.

The mechanic I last took it to said that they were the "original" plugs but were in good shape. I am assuming that is way wrong listening to you, so I will make an appointment with another mechanic tomorrow.

I thank you for your help so far and I will keep you posted as to what the mechanic says.

Thank you so much for your advice. I really appreciate it.

Janine

TxGreaseMonkey

By the way, my wife used to be a nurse and hospital administrator, Baptist Memorial Hospital, Memphis.

Dr D

At long last, a question about something other than a Honda. I attempted to put a favorable comment on txgreasemonkey but was not able. Obviously you know your trade. I am an old car guy who was left in the dust by computerized cars. I'm still a pretty good wrench on the old stuff.