CHEVROLET CAVALIER 2002 3.G Owners Manual

6-32
What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT
-3 brake
fluid. Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only.
See ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in
the Index.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
NOTICE:

Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just a few
drops of mineral
-based oil, such as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system parts so badly that they'll have to be
replaced. Don't let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.

If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately. See ªAppearance Careº in
the Index.

6-33 Brake Wear
Your vehicle has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
Disc brake pads have built
-in wear indicators that
make a high
-pitched warning sound when the brake
pads are worn and new pads are needed. The sound may
come and go or be heard all the time your vehicle is
moving (except when you are pushing on the brake
pedal firmly).
CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won't work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
See ªCaliper/Knuckle Maintenance Inspectionº in
Section 7 of this manual under Part C ªPeriodic
Maintenance Inspections.º
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to GM torque specifications.
Your rear drum brakes don't have wear indicators, but if
you ever hear brake rubbing noise, have the rear brake
linings inspected immediately. Also, the rear brake
drums should be removed and inspected each time the
tires are removed for rotation or changing. When you
have the front brake pads replaced, have the rear brakes
inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
See ªBrake System Inspectionº in Section 7 of this
manual under Part C ªPeriodic Maintenance Inspections.º

6-34 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 need 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.

6-35
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.

6-36
Bulb Replacement
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 dealer.
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.
Headlamps
To replace one of the headlamps, do the following:
1. Remove the seven 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. Remove the front park and turn signal lamp. Follow
Step 2 under ªFront Park and Turn Signal Lampsº
later in this section.

6-37
3. Remove the two bolts from the headlamp assembly.
Pull the headlamp assembly up and toward the front
of the vehicle to access the bulb assembly.
4. Remove the black collar by turning it counterclockwise.5. Disconnect the bulb base from the socket by lifting
the plastic locking tab.

6-38
6. Remove the bulb by pulling the bulb straight out.
7. Snap a new bulb into the socket.
8. Reinstall the bulb assembly by reversing
Steps 1 through 5, making sure the lower leg
of the headlamp bracket is properly seated into
the wedge
-shaped retainer.
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 side of the
vehicle). Guide the lamp forward.

6-39
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.5. Align the outboard pin to the outboard tab in the
bracket. Align the (two) inboard pins with the hole in
the headlamp bracket.

6-40
6. Push the front park and turn signal lamp straight in
until you hear a snap. The snap feature is visible
through the slot in the headlamp bracket.
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.

6-41
3. To remove the bulb, pull it out.
4. Push in a new bulb.
5. Reverse all steps to reinstall the taillamp assembly.
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.