I have a 2001 Cavalier 2.2 and I am having a lot of strange electrical issues. First is started with the headlights and windshield wipers intermittently not working and now they both do not work at all, but the daytime running lamps work. When I turn the windshield wipers or headlights on the drivers side door would try to lock. Now since neither the wipers or headlights work the drivers side door will not auto lock with the keyless entry, I have to manually lock it. Another issue that just started today is when I exit the car the radio turns off, but when I use the keyless entry to lock the doors and arm the alarm the radio turns back on. Also every once in a while when I try to use the windshield wipers the wiper motor will whine a little and stop. I have been thinking about changing the headlight and wiper switches out in the steering wheel column, but now think that it maybe something different like maybe the body control module? Any ideas on what may actually be causing these issues?

Like you stated, I'd change out the Body Control Module, 1st, then see what happens. The BCM might be easy to get to, I think, having previously owned a Cavalier....

It'* Haunted

Maybe a bad ground?

May be it contains many issue so my suggestion is don't do the experiments and check the wiring system or bring it to a good reputed car care shop to avoid the further major issues.

Car electrical systems are often funkier and harder to diagnose than home electrical. A bad ground somewhere can cause voltage to back-feed through other systems to get the necessary electricity.

Some of the oddities you describe, such as unrelated parts being activated for no reason (turning on headlights/wipers causing doors to lock, for example), are almost always caused by a bad ground somewhere. First thing I would do is make sure any wires that bolt directly to the chassis are clean and tight.

Ever seen a car (usually VW, Volvo, Saab) with a turn signal on, and the tail light and backup light on the same side flash dimly? Classic ground problem, as the voltage goes through the other bulbs to complete the circuit.

My mother'* '97 Cavalier had no driver side low beam, high beam and DRLs were fine, and a new bulb and socket didn't cure the problem. I had 12v coming to the socket when low beams were on, but as soon as the bulb was connected, the voltage went to 0. I found a corroded and frayed wire going from the driver side to the passenger side low beam, repaired the bad section, and voila! Perfectly functioning headlights.

Good luck, I hope this helps you fix your Cavvie!