engine CHEVROLET CAVALIER 1999 3.G Owners Manual

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The 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier Owner's Manual
1-1 Seats and Restraint SystemsThis section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains the ªSRSº system.
2-1 Features and ControlsThis section explains how to start and operate your vehicle.
3-1 Comfort Controls and Audio SystemsThis section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system.
4-1 Your Driving and the RoadHere you'll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions.
5-1 Problems on the RoadThis section tells you what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc.
6-1 Service and Appearance CareHere the manual tells you how to keep your vehicle running properly and looking good.
7-1 Maintenance ScheduleThis section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use.
8-1 Customer Assistance InformationThis section tells you how to contact Chevrolet for assistance and how to get service and owner publications.
It also gives you information on ªReporting Safety Defectsº on page 8-10.
9-1 IndexHere's an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find
something you want to read.

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The Heritage of Chevrolet
The dynamic William C. ªBillyº
Durant shifted gears from making
carriages to making cars,
forming half the team that gave
birth to Chevrolet.
Louis Chevrolet, the other half of the team,
at the wheel of his experimental ªClassic
Six,º which entered production in 1912.
That year 2999 vehicles were produced.
Welcome to the largest
automotive family in the
world -- the family of Chevrolet
owners. You have selected a
vehicle designed, engineered
and crafted by teamwork, avehicle backed by a proud
history of performance and
value. Since the first ªClassic
Sixº rolled off the line in 1912,
more than 110 million
Chevrolet cars and trucks haveworn the Chevrolet marque.
That kind of reception from
auto owners is unmatched by
any other car manufacturer in
the world.

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For example,
these symbols
are used on an
original battery:
CAUTION
POSSIBLE
INJURY
PROTECT
EYES BY
SHIELDING
CAUSTIC
BATTERY
ACID COULD
CAUSE
BURNS
AVOID
SPARKS OR
FLAMES
SPARK OR
FLAME
COULD
EXPLODE
BATTERY
These symbols
are important
for you and
your passengers
whenever your
vehicle is
driven:
DOOR LOCK
UNLOCK
FASTEN
SEAT
BELTS
POWER
WINDOW
AIR BAG
These symbols
have to do with
your lamps:
MASTER
LIGHTING
SWITCH
TURN
SIGNALS
PARKING
LAMPS
HAZARD
WARNING
FLASHER
DAYTIME
RUNNING
LAMPS
FOG LAMPS
These symbols
are on some of
your controls:
WINDSHIELD
WIPER
WINDSHIELD
WASHER
WINDSHIELD
DEFROSTER
REAR
WINDOW
DEFOGGER
VENTILATING
FAN
These symbols
are used on
warning and
indicator lights:
ENGINE
COOLANT
TEMP
BATTERY
CHARGING
SYSTEM
BRAKE
COOLANT
ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE
ANTI-LOCK
BRAKES
Here are some
other symbols
you may see:
FUSE
LIGHTER
HORN
SPEAKER
FUEL
Vehicle Symbols
These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.

2-
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2-1
Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is
working properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
2
-2 Keys
2
-4 Door Locks
2
-6 Remote Keyless Entry (If Equipped)
2
-11 Theft
2
-12 Passlock

2-13 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2
-13 Ignition Positions
2
-16 Starting Your Engine
2
-18 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
2
-20 Automatic Transaxle Operation
2
-25 Manual Transaxle Operation
2
-28 Parking Brake
2
-29 Shifting Into PARK (P)
(Automatic Transaxle Only)
2
-31 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
(Automatic Transaxle Only)
2
-31 Parking Your Vehicle
(Manual Transaxle Models Only)2
-32 Parking Over Things That Burn
2
-32 Engine Exhaust
2
-33 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
(Automatic Transaxle)
2
-34 Windows
2
-35 Tilt Wheel (If Equipped)
2-35 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2-41 Exterior Lamps
2
-44 Interior Lamps
2
-46 Mirrors
2
-47 Storage Compartments
2
-47 Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter (If Equipped)
2
-48 Sun Visors
2
-49 Sunroof (If Equipped)
2
-49 Convertible Top (If Equipped)
2
-60 The Instrument Panel -- Your
Information System
2
-62 Instrument Panel Clusters
2
-65 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators

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2-10
3. Read the instructions inside the case.
4. Put the two halves back together. Make sure the
cover is on tightly, so water won't get in.
5. Check the operation of the transmitter with your
vehicle. If the transmitter does not work, try
resynchronizing the transmitter with the receiver.
Resynchronization
Your remote keyless entry system is equipped with a
security system that prevents anyone from recording and
playing back your signal. The transmitter does not send
the same signal twice to the receiver. The receiver will
not respond to a signal that has been sent to it more
than once.
To resynchronize your transmitter and receiver, follow
these directions:
1. Stand close to your vehicle.
2. Press and hold the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on
the transmitter at the same time.
3. Hold the buttons for at least five seconds. During
this time, the doors should lock and unlock once.
This confirms the resynchronization. If the doors do
not lock and unlock, see your dealer for service.
Trunk
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid
open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You can't see or smell
CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
If you must drive with the trunk lid open or if
electrical wiring or other cable connections must
pass through the seal between the body and the
trunk lid:

Make sure all other windows are shut.

Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed with the setting
on any airflow selection except MAX. That
will force outside air into your vehicle. See
ªComfort Controlsº in the Index.

If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
See ªEngine Exhaustº in the Index.

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2-12 Parking Lots
If you park in a lot where someone will be watching
your vehicle, it's best to lock it up and take your keys.
But what if you have to leave your key?

If possible, park in a busy, well lit area.

Put your valuables in a storage area, like your
trunk or glove box. Be sure to close and lock the
storage area.

Close all windows.

Lock all the doors except the driver's.

If your vehicle has a remote keyless entry system,
take the transmitter with you.
Passlock
Your vehicle is equipped with the Passlock
theft
-deterrent system.
Passlock is a passive theft
-deterrent system. Passlock
enables fuel if the ignition lock cylinder is turned with a
valid key. If a correct key is not used or the ignition lock
cylinder is tampered with, fuel is disabled.During normal operation, the THEFT SYSTEM light
will go off approximately five seconds after the key is
turned to the ON ignition position.
If the engine stalls and the THEFT SYSTEM light
flashes, wait until the light stops flashing before trying
to restart the engine. Remember to release the key from
START as soon as the engine starts.
If the engine is running and the THEFT SYSTEM light
comes on, you will be able to restart the engine if you
turn the engine off. However, your Passlock system is
not working properly and must be serviced by your
dealer. Your vehicle is not protected by Passlock at this
time. You may also want to check the fuses (see ªFuses
and Circuit Breakersº in the Index). See your dealer
for service.
In an emergency, call the Chevrolet Roadside Assistance
Center at 1
-800-CHEV-USA (1-800-243-8872).
In Canada call 1
-800-268-6800.

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With the ignition key in the ignition switch, you can turn
the switch to five positions.
ACCESSORY (A): In this position, you can operate
your electrical power accessories. Press in the ignition
switch as you turn it toward you.LOCK (B): This is the only position in which you can
remove the key. This locks your steering wheel, ignition,
shift lever and transaxle.
OFF (C): This position unlocks the steering wheel,
ignition and transaxle, but does not send electrical
power to any accessories. The instrument cluster and the
automatic transaxle gear shift indicator have electrical
power while in OFF. Use this position if your vehicle
must be pushed or towed, but never try to push
-start
your vehicle. A warning chime will sound if you open
the driver's door when the ignition is off and the key is
in the ignition.
RUN (D): This is a position to which the switch returns
after you start your engine and release the switch. The
switch stays in RUN when the engine is running. But
even when the engine is not running, you can use RUN
to operate your electrical power accessories, and to
display some instrument panel warning lights.
START (E): This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will
return to RUN for normal driving.
Note that even if the engine is not running, the positions
ACCESSORY and RUN are on positions that allow you
to operate your electrical accessories, such as the radio.

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CAUTION:
On manual transaxle vehicles, turning the key to
LOCK will lock the steering column and result in
a loss of ability to steer the vehicle. This could
cause a collision. If you need to turn the engine
off while the vehicle is moving, turn the key only
to OFF. Don't press the key release button while
the vehicle is moving.
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can't
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if
so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the
steering wheel left and right while you turn the
key hard. But turn the key only with your hand.
Using a tool to force it could break the key or the
ignition switch. If none of this works, then your
vehicle needs service.
Key Release Button (Manual Transaxle)
The ignition key cannot be
removed from the ignition
unless the key release
button is used.
To remove the key, turn the key to OFF. While pressing
the key release button in, turn the key to LOCK. Pull the
key straight out.

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Starting Your Engine
Automatic Transaxle
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won't start in any other position
-- that's a
safety feature. To restart when you're already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.
NOTICE:
Don't try to shift to PARK (P) if your Chevrolet
is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transaxle. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transaxle
The gear selector should be in NEUTRAL and the
parking brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to the
floor and start the engine. Your vehicle won't start if
the clutch pedal is not all the way down
-- that's a
safety feature.
Starting Your 2.2 Liter L4 Engine
1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let
go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your
engine gets warm.
NOTICE:
Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be
drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can
damage your starter motor. Wait about
15 seconds between each try to help avoid
draining your battery or damaging your starter.
2. If your engine still won't start (or starts but then
stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor and holding it there as you hold the key in
START for about three seconds. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again, do the same thing, but
this time keep the pedal down for five or six seconds.
This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.

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NOTICE:
Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way
the engine operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your dealer. If you don't,
your engine might not perform properly.
If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see
the part of this manual that tells how to do it
without damaging your vehicle. See ªTowing
Your Vehicleº in the Index.
Starting Your 2.4 Liter L4 Engine
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let
go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your
engine warms up.
NOTICE:
Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be
drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can
damage your starter motor. Wait about
15 seconds between each try to help avoid
draining your battery or damaging your starter.
2. If the engine doesn't start right away, and if the
weather is very cold (below
-20
F or -29
C), push
the accelerator pedal about one
-quarter of the way
down while you turn the key to START. Do this until
the engine starts. As soon as it does, let go of the key.