CHEVROLET CAVALIER 2001 3.G Owners Manual
Page 271 of 357
6-33 Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a moderate brake stop, your disc
brakes adjust for wear. If you rarely make a moderate or
heavier stop, then your brakes might not adjust correctly.
If you drive in that way, then
-- very carefully -- make
a few moderate brake stops about every 1,000 miles
(1 600 km), so your brakes will adjust properly.
If your brake pedal goes down farther than normal, your
rear drum brakes may need adjustment. Adjust them by
backing up and firmly applying the brakes a few times.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex.
Its many parts have to be of top quality and work
well together if the vehicle is to have really good
braking. Your vehicle was designed and tested with
top
-quality GM brake parts. When you replace parts
of your braking system
-- for example, when your
brake linings wear down and you have to have new ones
put in
-- be sure you get new approved GM replacement
parts. If you don't, your brakes may no longer work
properly. For example, if someone puts in brake linings
that are wrong for your vehicle, the balance between
your front and rear brakes can change
-- for the worse.
The braking performance you've come to expect can
change in many other ways if someone puts in the
wrong replacement brake parts.
Page 272 of 357
6-34
Battery
Your new vehicle comes with a maintenance free
ACDelco battery. When it's time for a new battery,
get one that has the replacement number shown on the
original battery's label. We recommend an ACDelco
battery. See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the
Index for battery location.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
Vehicle Storage
If you're not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or
more, remove the black, negative (
-) cable from the battery.
This will help keep your battery from running down.
CAUTION:
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you
aren't careful. See ªJump Startingº in the Index
for tips on working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Contact your dealer to learn how to prepare your vehicle
for longer storage periods.
Also, for your audio system, see ªTheft
-Deterrent
Featureº in the Index.
Bulb Replacement
The following procedures tell you how to replace the
bulbs for your vehicle. For the type of bulb to use,
see ªReplacement Bulbsº in the Index.
For any bulb changing procedure not listed in
this section, contact your Chevrolet dealer's
service department.
Halogen Bulbs
CAUTION:
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside
and can burst if you drop or scratch the bulb.
You or others could be injured. Be sure to read
and follow the instructions on the bulb package.
Page 273 of 357
6-35 Headlamps
1. To remove the six plastic fasteners from the shield
use a screwdriver to pull up the center of the
fastener. Be careful not to break the fasteners that
hold the shield in place.
2. Using a 13 mm socket, remove the two bolts from
the headlamp. Pull the headlamp assembly up and
toward the front of the vehicle to access the
bulb assembly.
When replacing the driver's side headlamp, twist the
bulb assembly one
-eighth turn counterclockwise and
remove it from the headlamp assembly.
When replacing the passenger's side headlamp, twist
the bulb assembly one
-eighth turn clockwise and
remove it from the headlamp assembly.
Page 274 of 357
6-36
3. Disconnect the bulb base from the socket by lifting
the plastic locking tab.
4. Remove the black collar by turning it counterclockwise.5. Remove the bulb by pulling the bulb straight out.
6. Snap a new bulb into the socket.
7. Reinstall the bulb assembly by reversing
Steps 1 through 3, making sure the lower leg of
the headlamp bracket is properly seated into the
wedge
-shaped retainer.
Page 275 of 357
6-37 Front Park and Turn Signal Lamps
1. Follow Step 1 under ªHeadlamps.º
2. Place the tip of a screwdriver through the rectangle
hole in the headlamp bracket. Apply pressure to the
snap feature (toward the outboard of the vehicle).
Guide the lamp forward.
3. When the lamp is removed twist the socket to
remove from the lamp. (The bulb is connected to
the wire harness).
4. Replace the bulb and reinstall the socket.
Page 276 of 357
6-38
5. Align the outboard pin to the outboard tab in the
bracket. Align the (two) inboard pins with the hole
in the headlamp bracket.6. Push the front park and turn lamp straight in until
you hear a snap. The snap feature is visible through
the slot in the headlamp bracket.
Page 277 of 357
6-39 Taillamps and Rear Turn Signal Lamps
To replace a bulb, do the following:
1. Remove the fastener which holds down the trunk
trim. On vehicles without a convenience net, pry the
fastener loose. On vehicles with a convenience net,
remove the net and unscrew the fastener. Then pull
down the trunk trim.
2. Remove the assembly by turning it one
-quarter
turn counterclockwise.
3. To remove the bulb, pull it out.
4. Push in a new bulb.
5. Reverse all steps to reinstall the taillamp assembly.
Page 278 of 357
6-40 Back-Up Lamps
To replace a back-up lamp, do the following:
1. Open the trunk lid and locate the back
-up lamp
assembly on the trunk lid.
2. Gently remove the bulb from the socket by turning it
counterclockwise and pulling it out.
3. Replace the bulb in the socket by aligning the tabs
and turning the bulb clockwise.
Dome Lamp with Integral Reading Lamps
To replace a bulb, do the following:
1. Insert the tip of a screwdriver into the slot at the
rear of the lens.
2. With the screwdriver, push the tab rearward to
release the lamp lens.
3. Push the lens forward to release the two tabs at the
front of the lens.
4. Gently remove and replace the bulb(s).
5. Reverse Steps 1 through 3 to reinstall the lens.
Dome Lamp without Integral
Reading Lamps
To replace a bulb, do the following:
1. From the rear of the dome lamp lens, insert the
flat tip of a screwdriver between the roof trim and
the lens.
2. With the screwdriver, push the tab at the rear of
the lens forward to release the lens.
3. Pull the lamp lens rearward to release the two
front tabs.
4. Gently remove and replace the bulb(s).
5. Reverse Steps 1 through 3 to reinstall the lens.
Page 279 of 357
6-41
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear or cracking. See ªWiper Blade
Checkº in the index for more information.
Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. For the proper type and
length, see ªCapacities and Specificationsº in the Index.
Here's how to remove the Shepherd's Hook type:
1. Pull the windshield wiper arm away from
the windshield.
2. Push the release lever and slide the wiper assembly
toward the driver's side of the vehicle.
3. Install a new blade by reversing Steps 1 and 2.
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6-42
Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by
a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions
about your tire warranty and where to obtain service,
see your Chevrolet Warranty booklet for details.
CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.
Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result of too much friction.
You could have an air
-out and a serious
accident. See ªLoading Your Vehicleº in
the Index.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
Underinflated tires pose the same danger
as overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.
Overinflated tires are more likely to be
cut, punctured or broken by a sudden
impact
-- such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If your
tread is badly worn, or if your tires have
been damaged, replace them.