When you shake the PCV valve it should rattle. If it does not rattle then it is probably stuck and should be replaced.
No, some rattle is normal.
That is normal. It means it is not stuck.
valve should rattle when shook, and when engine is started it should have a good suction.
The PCV is located on the valve cover. Its the one thing on a s-series that should rattle :) -RC-
Yes, you can clean the PCV valve. Take off the PCV valve and get a spray can of carb cleaner. Just spray into the valve and just enough to clean out any gunk that might be in there. You should hear it rattle when you shake the valve.
PCV means "Positive Crankcase Ventilation." The valve allows crankcase fumes to be routed to the intake system where they can be burned in the engine. Replace the valve if it doesn't rattle when you shake it. If it doesn't rattle that means it's gunked up and isn't letting those gases through.
Generally speaking the symptom of a bad PCV valve is a buildup of pressure inside the crankcase. If it is bad enough it can cause the engine oil to come out through the dip stick tube. If you pull the dipstick out and hear a release of pressure that is probably an indication of a bad PCV valve. The common way to check the PCV valve is to take it out and shake it. If it has a rattle then it is supposed to be good, no rattle it is assumed to be plugged up and no longer working. I am not certain if that is still a valid check.
My Cavalier doesn't have the same engine yours does (mine's the 2.4), but if you really have a PCV valve the springs in them can go weak and they will rattle under heavy vacuum conditions. Mine's been rattling lately as well, I just haven't crawled in there yet to find the valve...
it will be in one of the valve covers connected to a rubber line. It will be metal and when you shake it, it should rattle.
Pull upward on the hose that the PCV valve is in. The PCV valve will pull out of the hose. The PCV valve is located in the valve cover.
Its called a PCV Positive crankcase ventilation. Its the little gadget that plugs into the top of the valve cover. Pull it out and it will rattle. That means its good.