CHEVROLET CAVALIER 1984 1.G Owner's Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine FUEL REQUIREMENTS
Your engine is designed to use Only unleaded gasoline. Unleaded gasoline
must be used for the emission control system to operate properly. Its use will
also reduce spark plug fouling, exhaust system corrosion and engine oil deterioration.
Using leaded gasoline can damage the emission control system and could result in loss of emission warranty coverage. The effectiveness of the catalyst in the catalytic converter decreases after use of as little as one tank of leaded
gasoline. Also, your vehicle may have the "Computer Command Control"
system, which includes an oxygen sensor. Leaded gasoline will damage the sensor, and deteriorate emission control. (For more information, see
"Computer Command Control System" in "Service and Maintenance," Section 5 of this manual).
Federal
regulations require that pumps delivering unleaded gasoline be labeled with the word UNLEADED. Only these pumps have nozzles which fit the filler neck of your vehicle's gasoline tank.
In the United States, Federal law also requires that gasoline octane ratings be
posted on the pumps. The octane rating shown is an average of Research (A)
octane number and Motor (M) octane number. In most parts of the United
States, you should use unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87. However, you may use unleaded gasoline with an octane fating as low as 85 in these high-altitude areas: Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming,
northeastern Nevada, southern
Idaho, western South Dakota, and that part of
Texas which
is directly south of New Mexico.
Using
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating lower than stated above can
cause persistent, heavy "spark knock."
("Spark knock" is a metallic rapping
noise.) If severe, this can lead to engine damage. If you detect heavy spark
knock even when using gasoline of the recommended octane rating, or if you hear steady spark knock while holding a steady speed on level roads, have
your
dealer correct the problem. Failure to take steps to stop such knocking is misuse of the vehicle, for which Chevrolet is not responsible.
However, now and then you may notice light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This'is no cause for concern, becauseyou,,~et the greatest fuel economy benefit from the gasoline's octane rating when there
is occasional light spark knock. Using gasoline with a higher octane rating than
that which allows occasional spark knock is an unnecessary expense.
Gasoline/Ethanol Blends
Blends of unleaded gasoline and ethanol (grain alcohol) sometimes known as gasohol are available in some areas. You may use these blends in your
vehicle, if they are no more than 10 percent ethanol, without jeopardizing the New Vehicle and Emission Warranties. Be sure the gasoline-ethanol blend has
octane ratings no lower than those recommended for unleaded gasoline. Most
drivers
will not notice operating differences with blends of up to 1 0 percent
ethanol, but some may. In that case, your authorized dealer can make certain
adjustments, provided they
do not violate the Federal Emission Standards. If you are still not satisfied with ethanol-gasoline blend performance, you may
prefer
to use unleaded gasoline.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Other Gasolinel Alcohol Blends
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing alcohol without advertising the
presence of
alcohol or giving it a special name such as gasohol. " you are not
sure whether there is alcohol in the gasoline you buy, check with the service
station operator.
DO NOT USE gasolines containing methanol (methyl or wood alcohol) that do
not
also contain cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors for methanol. Also, DO NOT USE gasolines that contain more than 5 percent methanol even if they
contain
cosolvents and corrosion inhib~ors. Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems resuHing from the use of such fuels is not the
responsibility
of Chevrolet and may not be covered under the new vehicle
warranties.
Mhough gasolines containing 5 percent or less methanol and appropriate
cosolvents and inhibitors for methanol may be suitable for use in your vehicle,
evidence of their suitability is as yet incomplete; therefore, Chevrolet cannot, at
this time, endorse their use.
NOTICE: Take care to not spill gasoline during refueling. Guolines containing alcohol can cause paint damage, whiCh may notba covered under the New Vehicle Warranty.
OPERATION IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES
All models are specifically bum to comply with United States Federal Regulations regarding environmental quality. To comply, unleaded fuel of
sufficient octane rating must be used. These
fuels may not be available in
other countries. "you intend to take your vehicle outside the U.S. or Canada,
contact the GM Overseas Service Section at the
following address, to find out
what you must
do in order to operate your vehicles in other countries, or for
additional information and a. copy of the applicable maintenance schedule.
General Motors Corporation, Overseas Service Section, 2-128 General Motors
Building,
Detroij, Michigan 48202, (313) 556-4862.
When
writing, please include:
•
the Vehicle Identification Number and
• the countries in which yOu plan to travel.
Before taking your vehicle to a foreign country, check to see if the proper fuel
is available. Most major oil companies or domestic auto clubs should have this
information. Foreign offices of major oil
COmpanies or auto clubs may also be
of
help.
Be aware that, use of leaded gasoline or use of fuel that has a lower octane
rating than is required by your
vehicle, will cause the emission control system to lose its effectiveness and can cause ,engine knock or serious engine
damage. Ne~her GM Overseas nor Chevrolet will be responsible for damage to
your
vehicle as a result of not USing the proper fuel.
IMPORTANT FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FUEL
ECONOMY AND HOW
TO IMPROVE IT
How you drive, where you drive, and when you drive all affect how many
miles/kilometers you can get from a galion/liter of fuel. You can save fuel if
you avoid
"Jackrabbit" starts, maintain as constant a throttle position as traffic
conditions
allow once you have reached cruising speed, and avoid sudden
stops which waste energy in the form of heat generated in braking.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Frequent short trips, excessive idling and use of the air conditioner in cool
weather (when "vent" would provide adequate comfort), all can contribute to
decreased fuel economy .
The careful attention you give your vehicle as far as maintenance and repairs
are concerned will also help fuel economy . Proper engine and air cleaner
maintenance, lubrication intervals, wheel alignment and tire inflation pressures, when closely adhered to, will pay dividends in improved fuel economy as well as longer vehicle Irte.
Fuel Selection
Use only unleaded gasoline meeting the octane ratings given under "Fuel Requirements " in this section of the manual. Unleaded gasoline must be used
for the
emission control system to operate properly . Leaded gasoline will
damage the Computer Command
Control system oxygen sensor (if so equipped) and affect emission control. Using leaded gasoline can also damage
other parts of the emission control system and could result in loss of emission warranty coverage.
STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS
ANTl-THEFT STEERING COLUMN LOCK
The anti-theft lock (;gnifion) on the right sidecf the st_ing column has live
positionS :
DRIVING TO REMOVE KEY.
POSITION ~~ DEPRESS KEY SWITCH OFF AND S . . RELEASE LEVER
~"!~·\'1-1 ~\\\-=~"
I! ACCES~RY~) , STARTING ~ OPERA. TING ... -HAZARD ENG E 'CCESSOR~sl 0 WARNING J.. KEY RELEASE , ONLY FLASHER \P' ... ~ ,LEVER '.' .'
• Accessory-You can use some electrical accessories when the engine is
not ruming . To engage this position, push in the square-head key and turn
the top of the key 10ward you.
•
Lock- Normal parking position. It locks the ignition and prevents normal use 01 the st_ing wheel and shill controls. The ignition key cannot be turned
to "Lock " and removed until the shift lever is moved to "P" (Park) on
automatic
transaxle models (shift to "Reverse" on manual transaxle
models).
II you have a manual transaxle, "Lock" prevents normal use 01
the steering wheel. The ignition key cannot be turned to "Lock" without
pressing down
the key release lever.
• Off-You can turn off the engine without IocI<ing the st_ingwheel and shift
controls.
• Run-Normal operating position.
• Start-Cranks the engine .
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine CAunOM: tf you need to tum oft the ... whikt the vehicte ls moving, turn the key only to "Oft." DO NOT depreSS the key release lever while turning the Ignition off._This
wln ·lock the steering column and result in loss arability to steer the vehlete.
If you have trouble turning the key to unlock the ignition, first be sure the key is
pushed in all the way . Then , try to turn the steering wheel as hard as you can .
in the direclioo the
wheels are tUrned . At the same ti me , turn the ignition kay
w~h as much eftort as you can apply with your hand. Do not try to use a tool of
any kind to
apply more force on the lock knob , as tnis could break the knob.
NOTICE: Do not park, idle, or operate your vehk:le over combustible materials, such
as grass or leaves . They couki touch the hot exhaust ay8tem and ignite.
Parking
CAUTION: Before the driver leaves this vehicle, to reduce the risk of personal injury ... resun of vehicle movement:
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Shift the automatic transtixle to Park or the manual tranSlale to "Reverse."
3. Tum the kef to "Lock. " On vehietn wrth manual transaxle$, __ ~ the key reiease tever and tum the key to·'Loclic. " .
4. Remove the key (the chime ia designed to remind you).
To reduce the chance of persona' injury and/or vehicle damage due' to engine overheating , never lellVe the engine Idling without an alert driver present. If the engine ahoukl overheat, as indicated by the Erlgine Coolant Temperature light Of gage,
Immediate action 1a required to correct the concIUon. Continued operation 01' the engine . enn FOA -A SHORT TtME may resutt In a fire.
TURN SIGNAL AND MULTI-FUNCTION LEVER
The turn signal lever on the left side of the steering column also controls headlight low-beam and high-beam, the windshield wiper/washer, and the
optional Cruise
Control. (See Cruise Control operatiOn in this section .)
• TUI'fI Si!Jnal -MOve the lever up .to the second stop to signal a right turn.
Move
~ down to the second stop to signal a left turn. When the turn is
completed, the signal will cancel and the lever will return to horizontal.
TURN SIGNAL
• MOVE UPWARD R.H . TURN
• MOVE DOWNWARD L.H. TURN
LANE CHANGE
• MOVE UPWARD TO 1S T STOP·CHANGE
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT LANE
• MOVE DOWNWARD TO 1ST STOP ·CHANGE FROM RIGHT TO LEFT LAN E
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine • Lane Change Signal -In some turns, such as changing lanes, the steering wheel tS not turned far enough to cancel the turn signal. For convenience, you can flash the turn signal by moving the lever part way (to the first stop)
and holding it there. The lever will return to horizontal when you release it.
A green light on the instrument panel is designed to flash to tell you that the
front
and rear turn signal lights are working. If the light stays on, but does not flash, check for burned-out turn signal bulbs. If the green light does not come
on when
you move the lever, check the fuse and indicator bulb.
However, if you ordered a trailertowing·optiOil.·in which extra wiring was added to attach the trailer lighting, a different type of flasher was installed. In this
case, the green light will continue to flash even if a turn signal bulb burns out.
Therefore, you must regularly look at the front
and rear turn signal lights to be
sure they are working.
• Headlight Beam Changer -With the headlights on, pull the lever toward you until you hear a click, then release it. The lights will change from Iow­
beam to high-beam or from high-beam to low-beam. When the high-beams
are
on, a light will appear on the instrument panel.
HEADLIGHT BEAM CHANGER
(HEADLIGHTS ON)
PULL LEVER
TOWARD YOU
• Standard Windshield Wiper -The standard Windshield wiper system
con
ols are on the band marked "WIPER" on the turn signal lever.
• For a single wiping cycle, turn the band toward you. Hold it there until
the wipers begin
Wiping, then release.it. The wipers will stop after one
cycle. For several cycles, hold the band in place as long as needed.
• For steady wiping at low speed, turn the band away from you to the
first stop. For high-speed wiping, turn the band to the next stop. Turn
the band back to
"OFF" to turn off the wipers.
• Delay Windshield Wiper -The optional delay windshield wiper system lets you vary the wiper speed from a 16-second delay between sweeps up to
the normal
low and high speeds of the standard wiper.
• The Delay wipers work the same as the standard wipers, except for the
delay feature. To use the wipers with a delay between sweeps, turn the
band on the turn signal lever to
"ON."
• Turn the "Delay" band away from you to control the amount of delay. The
wipers will move more often the closer the band is to "LO." Turn it fully to
the first stop for steady wiping at
low speed.
• Windshield Washer -To spray washer fluid on the windshield, pUSh the "paddle" on top of the turn signal lever. (This will also turn on the low~ speed wipers.) The spray will continue as long as you hold in the paddle.
After using the windshield washer
on the standard wiper system, turn the band
back to "OFF" to turn off the wipers.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine With the Delay wiper system, the wipers will stop (or return to the action for
which they were set) after completing the wash cycle .
Operating Tips
• Clear ice or packed snow from the wiper blades before using the
wipers. Carefully loosen or thaw wipers that are frozen to the
windshield.
• Check the washer fluid level regularly. Do it often when the weather is
bad.
• Use a fluid such as GM Optikleen to help prevent freezing damage,
and lor better cleaning. Be sure to put thE> lIuid in the proper reservoir .
• Do not use radiator antifreeze in the windshield washer; it could cause paint damage.
• In cold weather, warm the windshield with the defroster before
using the washer--tohelp prevent Icing that may block the driver's vision.
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Automatic Transaxle -Shift the transaxls to "P" (Park) or
"N"(Neutral) ("P" preferred). A starter safety device is designed to keep
the starter
from operating if the shift lever is in any drive position. (If you need. to re-start the engine while the vehicle is moving. move the shift lever to "N.")
Manual Transaxle -Press the clutch pedal to the floor and shift the transaxle to Neutral. Hold the clutch pedal to the lIoor while you are
starting the engine. A starter safety device is designed to keep the starler
Irom operating ~ the clutch pedal is not pushed down ail the way .
3. Start the engine as outlined below for different conditions .
NonCE: Do not crank the engine for more than about 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying agltin. this will help prevent damage to the starter.
COLD OR WARM ENGINE;
•
Do not push down the accelerator pedal. With your foot off the pedal,
crank the engine by turning the ignition key to "Start". Release the key when engine starts.
• n engine does not start after 3 seconds 01 cranking. push down the
accelerator pedai to 1/3 of its travel while cranking . Release the key (and
accelerator pedal) when the engine starts.
After starting. the
idle speed will automatically be reduced as the engine warms up.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 4. Apply the regular brakes and shift into the proper gear. Release the
parking brake and drive oft.
IF ENGINE FAILS TO START AFTER NORMAL STARTING
PROCEDURE
1. If you tried the Cold or Warm Engine starting procedure and the engine still
does not start, push down the accelerator pedal to the floor and hold it
there while cranking the engine. This should clear the engine
~ II is flooded.
2. If the engine has been flooded with too much fuel, it may start to run but
not have enough power to keep running .
In that case, continue cranking
with the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor until the engine clears itseW of excess gasoline and runs smoothly . (But, do not crank more than
15 seconds at a time or you could damage the starter .)
GaSOline Engine Block Heater
The optional gasoline engine block heater is designed to warm the block area
for improved cold weather starting.
II can also help reduce fuel consumption
when a cold engine is warming up.
To use
the block heater:
1 . Open the
hood. '~".
2. Unwrap the electrical cord which is stowed In the engine compartment.
(After using the block heater, be SUre to properly restow the cord , to help
keep it away from moving engine parts.)
3. Plug the cord into any three-prong, 11 O-voll outlet (normal household
current).
NOTICE: • the cord i, too ahort, use a ~avy·duty, three-prong extension corel Do not use an extension cord such .. you would uae for • t.np because the cord rnIIY
--Outside temperature, oil viscosity, etc. will affect how tong the block~ heater should remain plugged .in . Contact your authorized dealer for advice 'jot the
conditions in your area.
TRANSAXLE
DESCENDING A GRADE
CAunON: To reduce the risk of personaJ injUry. before going down 8 .steep or long Wade reduce speed and shift the transaxte -into second or low gear to help control your speed. (00 this with EITHER an automatic or manual transax)e.) Do not hold the brake ~I down too Iorig or too otten white going down • steep or long grade. This COUld ceu" the brakes to get hot and not work as well. As • result, the vehicle will not slow down at the usual r.t.~ Failure to u.ke these steps could r8l,,1t in. Iou of vehicle control.
DRIVING ON. SUPPERY SURFACES
While driving on a slippery surface avoid sudden acceleration, or engine
braking actions (due to shifting to a lower gear), which could cause the wheels
to skid . Skid correction is called for at these times.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES
Automatic Iransaxles replace the standard clutch and Iransaxle . After starting
the engine with the selector lever in "N" (Neutral) or "P" (Park) posnion,
select the range desired (see table) and depress the accelerator. A gradual start with a steady increase in ac ce lerator pressure will result in best possible
fuel economy. Rapid acceleration for fast starts will result in greater fuel consumption.
P -(PARK)
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE - 3 SPEED
This position is used to lock the transaxle
when the vehicle
is parked or wlVle starting
the engine. Never move the shift
lever to Park
until your vehicle is fully stopped . Use this.
position together with the parking brake.
R - (REVERSE) This position
is used fot backing the vehicle.
" Bring your vehicle to a complete stop before
shifting to Reverse .
N - (NEUTRAL)
This is the out-of.gear position. You may restart
a stalled engine while the vehicle
is still moving
with the selector
"in Neutral. This position is also used when towing the vehicle. See the "In Case of Emergency" section for towing facts.
D
- " (DRIVE) Use this position for all normal forward driving.
Forced downshifts -with the selector in "D"
you can get an automatic downshift at speeds
under
3S mph (60 km/h) by pressing Ihe accel· erator pedal approximately halfway to the 1I00r.
You
will also get a forced downshift at speeds
above 35 mph
(60 km/h) by pressing the
pedal all the way to the 1I00r . This will give
you increased acceleration for passing maneuvers.
2 - (LOW2) This range is used when extra performance is
required for hill climbing or it can also be used to provide "engine braking" to slow the vehicle
when going down medium grades. The shift lever may'be moved from "D" to "2n(and vice
versa) under most driving conditions.
1 - (LOWl) This position
is used to provide maximum engine
braking
when driving down very sharp grades
or when maximum performance is required
to
climb a steep hill or run through deep snow or
mud. You may shift into 1 at any speed but the
transaxle " will not lock into Low until vehicle
speed
is under 40 mphl.60 km/h).
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine ....rr -~
II'!
I~ ,
Automatic transaxle shift quadrants of all GM vehicles continue the uniform
sequence of
selector positions. Shift indicators are arranged with "P"(Park) position at one end, followed in sequence by "R"(Reverse), "N"(Neutral) and
the forward driving ranges. All automatic transaxles are equipped with a starter
safety switch designed to permit starting the engine
only when the transaxle selector is in the "P"(Park) or "N"(Neutral) position. For additional engine
braking eftect,
as sometimes needed in mountainous driving, place the
transaxle in an intermediate or low range.
Your automatic transaxle has a clutch-type torque converter. The clutch is
designed to engage when the
vehicle reaches a steady speed aibove 25 to 45 mph (40 to 72 km/h). When engaged, the clutch provides a direct connection
between the engine and the drive wheels. This direct connection allows for
more efticient operation of the transaxle and thereby
helps contribute to
improved
fuel economy.
With the clutch-type converter,
you may notice some operational differences
compared to open-type automatic transaxle equipped vehicles. When the
clutch engages, for example, you may notice what feels like an extra transaxle
shift Also, on occasion, you may feel certain incidental engine pulSi'tions in the
30 to 50 mph (50 to 80 km/h) range. This feel is similar to that sometimes
experienced in a manual transaxle equipped vehicle. In addition, when the
accelerator
pedal is released abruptly, you may feel a slight impulse before the
clutch disengages.
These conditions
are normal. They have no adverse effect on your vehicle and
do not indicate the need for repairs.
Notice
The following practices could result in automatic transaxle failure:
• Shifting between forward and reverse driving range while operating the
engine at high speed or heavy throttle, such as when the driving wheels
are on snow or ice--commonly called "rocking." (See the correct method
for
"rocking" a vehicle under "Freeing Vehicle from Sand, Mud, Snow or
Ice" in "In Case of Emergency," Section 3 of this manual.)
•
Shifting to "R"(Reverse) or any forward range while operating the engine
at high speed in "N"(Neutral) or "P"(Park).
•
Shifting to "P"(Park) while the vehicle wheels are still turning.
• Operating the transaxle at or near "stall condition" for more than 1 0 seconds at a time. ("Stall condition" is when the engine is running at high speed while the transaxle is in a driving range and the drive wheels aren't
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine moving, such as when stuck in deep sand or when the vehicle is against a
fixed barrier.)
• Holding vehicle on an upgrade with the accelerator pedal. (Use the regular brakes to hold vehicle on an uphill grade.)
MANUAL TRANSAXLE
The standard 4-speed manual transaxle shift pattern is shown in the figure.
This
transaxle is designed to be completely synchronized in all forward gears
and may be downshifted into "I st" gear at any speed below 20 mph (30 kmf
h). Always depress the clutch pedal fully before attempting to shift into any
gear.
In "1st" and "Reverse" gear -- slowly release the clutch pedal while at
the same time pressing down on the accelerator pedal. In all other gears the
clutch may be released a little faster. This helps to reduce clutch wear.
When shifting into
"Reverse" gear, push clutch pedal in then lift up on the ring located on the gear shift lever, hold ring in position until you have moved the
shift
lever into "Reverse" gear. The gear shift lever on a 5-speed transaxle is
uninhibited, therefore, there is no gear shift ring.
Driving Precautions -Manual Transaxles
• Do not ride the clutch pedal; this produces a partly disengaged condition
that may result in damage to the clutch.
•
Downshift one or two gears from high gear when driving at slow speeds (less than 30 mph or 50 kmfh) in stop-and-go traffic for improved vehicle
performance during acceleration and when descending steep grades.
• Shift to the next lowest gear for extremely hard pulls at low road speeds.
• Do not overspeed engine when shifting down to next lowest gear.
• Shift the gears with a moderate effort to allow time for the transaxle synchronizers to coordinate.
• When stopped on an upgrade, do not hold car with engine. Use your regular brake.
• Do not coast in "Neutral" (illegal in many states).
• Set parking brake firmly before leaving the car.
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