Don't jinx my AC!The ac won't work..... Ever
Don't jinx my AC!The ac won't work..... Ever
Keys get stuck in the ignition. Fortunately, GM released a fix for this issue via a small button, or plunger, near the steering column. There was also a recall issued for the problem. If you’re shopping for a Cobalt, ensure that the key comes out of the ignition cylinder properly and make note of the button release for it. Also, make sure that the recall was addressed.Won't go into detail but getting an 09 cobalt for next to nothing. I have a small shopping cart on rock auto for very basic maintenance items like filters, wiper blades, spark plugs, etc. I work with the guy getting rid of it and he says it runs ok but is hard to start sometimes. My daughter is turning 16 next month and this will likely be her first ride. It's apparently already had the notorious fuel lines replaced a few years back that are common to rust out on this model. Any advice is welcome.
It tries to start, engine turns. I don't believe it's a starter issue.On the starting issue, does it go click, nothing, then when you let go of the key does it try? that is what my Camry starter did recently, and all I needed was $20 of contacts off ebay to “rebuild“ it.
I can pull a door panel off and test a speaker and I was already watching numerous videos tonight on clear coat repair. Seems everyone recommends some wet sanding and then using the good clear coat with a hardener in it.1. Most likely the speakers are shot. Or the wiring to them as they bend at the door hinge.
2. If you can sand the doors down to an even matte, it might be worth trying to spray clear yourself; it’s fun practicing on an inexpensive ride. 400 grit is your friend.
3. If you want the Ac to stay working, definitely find a pro. Adding a can to a set of lines without pulling a vacuum, not to mention that a lot of those kits have stop-leak in them, is a recipe for destroying whatever is left that still works.
4. I have used half cans of seafoam in the sump long term with great slow success. But not with a 20 weight. I might use a 5-30 if I were to put half a can in there. I also won’t flog it hard with that much seafoam. Something you could do before is actually pour in an oil flush, or a full can of seafoam and let it idle hot for half an hour before draining the old stuff out.
You might just be looking at the top of a baffle; mine also looks dark and varnished there but that's a place that doesn't get much flow. On mine, the rest of the valvetrain looks good as new.Ok update time guys. Car and title now in hand. Spent a good amount of time today just cleaning it, removing debris and such. Current issues...
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Overall it's running fine. Engine sounds great considering it doesn't look great.
- Starts on first try 75% of the time, second attempt it fires up 100% of the time.
- Fob doesn't work ( I think rubber contacts are worn and can probably fix this one )
- I have yet to see the cooling fan kick on when sitting idle for 10 min or so. (it was 93 here today)
- Some of the paint on the doors is bone dry matte finish. Clear coat basically doesn't exist. Suggestions for inexpensive DIY fix welcome.
- Front speakers don't work. Might be the radio. Haven't had time to troubleshoot this yet although a new head unit is planned anyway.
- AC doesn't work but when turned on, I can hear the compressor clutch engage. Perhaps I'll have the mechanic look at if it will hold refrigerant.
- Tons of dark red varnish when I look into oil fill hole. It was 2 quarts low so I added some 5w20 I just had leftover from a previous job.
- I have a filter coming tomorrow and will do a full change. Should I use a little seafoam or anything to slowly start the cleanup process?
IIRC the fobs are notorious for not working after the wrong drop (solder on the battery clip fails). You can likely find some how tos on yourcobalt. Replacement fob and programing was cheap enough when I wanted a second one.
- Fob doesn't work ( I think rubber contacts are worn and can probably fix this one )
If memory serves the car can have trouble firing up if the fuel goes back into the tank. This can take minutes or hours depending on the severity.With all the money people are telling you to throw at this Cobalt you could probably buy something without issues.
I would do some simple maintenance and drive it for a bit, see how it behaves. Is the starting issue more noticable when it sits for a period of time vs a quick restart
I have an '07 that I bought at 85k miles for $1800 from a sad Dad whose son OD'ed in it. The Dad just wanted to be done with it and all the related bad memories.
The timing had been done shortly before I bought it. Now at 185k miles with no major issues. Had the fuel line rust out as others have mentioned. A couple batteries and sets of tires and brakes. No major mechanical issues.
Front door speakers are known to fail. I've replaced two of them so far.
Mine is an oil burner. I check it every weekend and generally add 1/2 to 1 qt depending on how much it has been driven; normally 300-600 miles. It's had this oil consumption issue ever since I bought it. I first discovered it when the oil pressure light flashed on as I made a sharp left turn on morning on the way to work.
No issues with the AC on mine.