ECU CHEVROLET CAVALIER 2000 3.G Owner's Manual

2-46
Storage Compartments
Center Console Storage Area
To open the center console, pull the lift lever up and
the lid back.
To close the center console, push the lid down until
it clicks.
Center Console Cupholders
There are two cupholders located at the front of the
center console, in front of the shift lever. There are also
cupholders for the rear seat passengers located under the
center console lid. Open the center console lid all the
way to uncover the rear cupholders.
Convenience Net (If Equipped)
Your vehicle may have a convenience net. You'll see it
inside the back wall of the trunk. Put small loads, like
grocery bags, behind the net. It can help keep them
from falling over during sharp turns or quick starts and
stops. Un
-clip a corner of the convenience net to fit
larger objects behind the net, then re
-clip it to secure
them in place.The net isn't for larger, heavier loads. Store them in the
trunk as far forward as you can.
You can unhook the net so that it will lie flat when
you're not using it.
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
(If Equipped)
To use the lighter, just push it in all the way and let go.
When it's ready, it will pop back out by itself.
NOTICE:
Don't hold a cigarette lighter in with your hand
while it is heating. If you do, it won't be able to
back away from the heating element when it's
ready. That can make it overheat, damaging the
lighter and the heating element.
To clean the center console ashtray, remove the entire
ashtray and empty it.

2-48
Convertible Top (If Equipped)
The following steps explain the proper operation of your
convertible top.
NOTICE:

Remove any items from the convertible top
storage area before you lower the top. Even
small items in the storage area can damage
the top or other parts of the system.

Don't raise or lower the convertible top
when the temperature is below 20F (
-7C).
The cold can cause cracks and other damage
to the top as it is being lowered or raised.

Don't raise or lower the convertible top
while the vehicle is moving. The wind could
damage the top. Bring the vehicle to a
complete stop before attempting to raise or
lower the top. Always make sure that the top
is securely latched before driving the vehicle.
Lowering Your Convertible Top
1. Set the parking brake and shift your automatic
transaxle to PARK (P) or your manual transaxle to
NEUTRAL (N).
2. Turn the ignition to RUN.
3. Lower the side door windows completely to avoid
wear to the weatherstrips.
4. Push the button in the latch handle and turn the
handle down to unhook the latch pins from the holes
over the windshield.

2-57
5. Push the handle forward toward the windshield and
hold it until the convertible top is fully raised, and
the latch pins are all the way in the holes above
the windshield.
6. Turn the latch handle up to lock the top. Be sure the
top is securely latched on both sides.
Lowering the Top Manually
NOTICE:
Do not attempt to lower the top manually as
damage to the vehicle will occur. If the top fails
to raise or lower completely, see ªRaising the Top
Manuallyº following.
Raising the Top Manually
If your vehicle loses power, or something else happens
that prevents you from raising the top electrically, you
may need to raise the top manually. This will allow you
to safely drive the vehicle until you can get the top
repaired. Raising the convertible top manually should
only be done in an emergency and requires two people.
Before you do these steps, check to make sure that
the bypass switch in the trunk is switched up to the
NORMAL OPERATION position. If it is not, switch it
to the NORMAL OPERATION position and see if the
power top works.

2-59
8. Raise the top until it is all the way up. Line up the
top so the pins are even with the holes.9. Pull down on the top and rotate the latch handle
up to lock the convertible top. Be sure the top is
latched securely on both sides.
10. Press the bypass switch up to the NORMAL
OPERATION position.
11. Close the trunk.

2-75 Service Vehicle Soon Light
This light will come on
briefly when you turn on
the ignition.
It will stay on or come on if it detects a problem on
the vehicle. If this happens, see your dealer service
department as soon as possible.
Passlock
Warning Light
United States Canada
This light will come on briefly when you turn the key
to START.
If the light flashes, the Passlock system has entered a
tamper mode. If the vehicle fails to start, see ªPasslockº
in the Index.
On vehicles equipped with the remote keyless entry
system, when the ignition is off and the security system
is armed, the light will flash to indicate that the security
system is active.

2-76
If the light comes on continuously while driving and
stays on, there may be a problem with the Passlock
system. Your vehicle will not be protected by Passlock,
and you should see your dealer.
On vehicles equipped with remote keyless entry, the
Passlock warning light will flash to indicate that the
security system is active when the ignition is OFF
and the security system is armed.
Up-Shift Light (Manual Transaxle)
This light comes on when
you need to shift to the next
higher gear. See ªManual
Transaxleº in the Index.
United States Only
Check Gages Light
United States Canada
This light will come on briefly when you are starting
the engine. If it comes on and stays on while you are
driving, check your various gages to see if they are in
the warning zones or if you are low on fuel.
See ªEngine Coolant Temperature Gageº and
ªFuel Gageº in this section for more information.

4-26
Winter Driving
Here are some tips for winter driving:

Have your vehicle in good shape for winter.

You may want to put winter emergency supplies in
your trunk.
Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, a supply
of windshield washer fluid, a rag, some winter outer
clothing, a small shovel, a flashlight, a red cloth and a
couple of reflective warning triangles. And, if you will
be driving under severe conditions, include a small bag
of sand, a piece of old carpet or a couple of burlap bags
to help provide traction. Be sure you properly secure
these items in your vehicle.

4-34
CAUTION:
Things you put inside your vehicle can strike
and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or
in a crash.

Put things in the trunk or rear area of your
vehicle. In a trunk, put them as far forward
as you can. Try to spread the weight evenly.
If you have fold
-down rear seats, you'll find
four anchors on the back wall of your trunk.
You can use these anchors to tie down lighter
loads. They're not strong enough for heavy
things, however, so put them as far forward
as you can in the trunk or rear area.

Never stack heavier things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle so that some of them are
above the tops of the seats.

Don't leave an unsecured child restraint in
your vehicle.

When you carry something inside the vehicle,
secure it whenever you can.

Don't leave a seat folded down unless you
need to.
Towing a Trailer (Models with
2.4L L4 Engine and 4
-Speed
Automatic Transaxle)
CAUTION:
If you don't use the correct equipment and drive
properly, you can lose control when you pull a
trailer. For example, if the trailer is too heavy,
the brakes may not work well
-- or even at all.
You and your passengers could be seriously
injured. You may also damage your vehicle; the
resulting repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Pull a trailer only if you have followed
all the steps in this section. Ask your dealer for
advice and information about towing a trailer
with your vehicle.
If your vehicle is not a convertible, your vehicle can
tow a trailer if it is equipped with a 2.4L L4 engine
and 4 speed automatic transaxle and the proper trailer
towing equipment. If your vehicle is a convertible or
is not equipped as stated above, do not tow a trailer.

4-38 Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue
of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to the road
if it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions
about safety chains may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the
manufacturer's recommendation for attaching safety
chains and do not attach them to the bumper. Always
leave just enough slack so you can turn with your rig.
And, never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Does your trailer have its own brakes? Be sure to read
and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so
you'll be able to install, adjust and maintain them
properly. Because you have anti
-lock brakes, do not
try to tap into your vehicle's brake system. If you do,
both brake systems won't work well, or at all.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you'll want to
get to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel
of handling and braking with the added weight of the
trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you
are driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer.
This can help you avoid situations that require heavy
braking and sudden turns.

5-8
Towing Your Vehicle
CAUTION:
To help avoid serious personal injury to
you or others:

Never let passengers ride in a vehicle that is
being towed.

Never tow faster than safe or posted speeds.

Never tow with damaged parts not
fully secured.

Never get under your vehicle after it has
been lifted by the tow truck.

Always secure the vehicle on each side with
separate safety chains when towing it.

Use only the correct hooks.
NOTICE:
Use the proper towing equipment to avoid
damage to the bumper, fascia or fog lamp areas
of the vehicle.
With current trends in automotive styles and design, it is
essential that the correct towing equipment is used to
tow a vehicle. Your vehicle can be towed with
wheel
-lift or car carrier equipment.
Consult your dealer or a professional towing service if
you need to have your vehicle towed. See ªRoadside
Assistanceº in the Index.