check engine light CHEVROLET CAVALIER 2005 3.G User Guide

Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is
a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool
between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much
faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace
with the traffic and allow realistic following distances,
you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking.
That means better braking and longer brake life.
If your engine ever stops while you are driving, brake
normally but do not pump your brakes. If you do,
the pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine
stops, you will still have some power brake assist.
But you will use it when you brake. Once the power
assist is used up, it may take longer to stop and
the brake pedal will be harder to push.Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle may have anti-lock brakes. ABS is an
advanced electronic braking system that will help
prevent a braking skid.
If your vehicle has anti-lock
brakes, this warning light
on the instrument panel will
come on briey when
you start your vehicle.
When you start your engine, or when you begin to drive
away, your anti-lock brake system will check itself.
You may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while
this test is going on, and you may even notice that
your brake pedal moves or pulses a little. This is normal.
4-6

Put on extra clothing or wrap a blanket around you.
If you have no blankets or extra clothing, make
body insulators from newspapers, burlap bags, rags,
oor mats — anything you can wrap around
yourself or tuck under your clothing to keep warm.
You can run the engine to keep warm, but be careful.
{CAUTION:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your
vehicle. This can cause deadly CO (carbon
monoxide) gas to get inside. CO could
overcome you and kill you. You cannot see it
or smell it, so you might not know it is in your
vehicle. Clear away snow from around the
base of your vehicle, especially any that is
blocking your exhaust pipe. And check around
again from time to time to be sure snow does
not collect there.
Open a window just a little on the side of the
vehicle that is away from the wind. This will
help keep CO out.
Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little
faster than just idle. That is, push the accelerator
slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat that you get and
it keeps the battery charged. You will need a
well-charged battery to restart the vehicle, and possibly
for signaling later on with your headlamps. Let the
heater run for a while.
4-27

A. Coolant Surge Tank. SeeCooling System on
page 5-25.
B. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-13.
C. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-13.
D. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 5-32.
E. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-30.
F. Clutch Master Cylinder Reservoir (If Equipped)
(Not Shown). SeeHydraulic Clutch on page 5-19.
G. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-36.
H. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-17.
I. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-31.
J. Engine Compartment Fuse Block. SeeEngine
Compartment Fuse Block on page 5-84.Engine Oil
If the oil pressure light
appears on the instrument
cluster, it means you
need to check your engine
oil level right away.
For more information, seeOil Pressure Light on
page 3-33.
You should check your engine oil level regularly; this
is an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check your engine oil every time
you get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading,
the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be on
level ground.
5-13

When to Check and What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule to determine
how often you should
check the uid level in your
master cylinder reservoir
and for the proper
uid. SeePart B: Owner
Checks and Services
on page 6-18and
Part D: Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-24.
How to Check and Add Fluid
You do not need to check the uid level unless you
suspect a clutch problem. To check the uid level,
take the cap off. If the uid reaches the step inside
the reservoir, the uid level is correct. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-12for more
information on location.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if you add
only DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how
to add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating
on page 5-23.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
5-20

Checking Coolant
The surge tank is located
in the engine compartment
on the passenger’s side
of the vehicle. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for more
information on location.
{CAUTION:
Turning the surge tank pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam
and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you
badly. Never turn the surge tank pressure
cap — even a little — when the engine and
radiator are hot.The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your
engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the
FULL COLD mark.
If the low coolant light
comes on and stays on,
it means you are low
on engine coolant. See
Low Coolant Warning Light
on page 3-30.
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOL®
coolant mixtureat the surge tank, but only when the
engine is cool. If the surge tank is empty, a special ll
procedure is necessary. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 5-23for instructions on “How to Add Coolant to
the Coolant Surge Tank.”
5-22

Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed in this part are owner checks and services
which should be performed at the intervals specied to
help ensure the safety, dependability and emission
control performance of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
in Part D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant to
perform these underhood checks at each fuel ll.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-13for further
details.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-20for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in the windshield
washer tank and add the proper uid if necessary. See
Windshield Washer Fluid on page 5-31for further details.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Visually inspect your tires and make sure tires are inated
to the correct pressures. Do not forget to check your
spare tire. SeeTires on page 5-47for further details.
At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken airbag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The airbag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
6-18

Audio System(s) (cont.)
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-69
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-70
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-71
Automatic Transaxle
Fluid..........................................................5-19
Operation...................................................2-20
B
Battery..........................................................5-36
Run-Down Protection...................................3-16
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-21
Brake
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................ 4-6
Emergencies................................................ 4-8
Parking......................................................2-25
System Inspection.......................................6-23
System Warning Light..................................3-26
Brakes..........................................................5-32
Braking........................................................... 4-5
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-16
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-41
Back-Up Lamps...........................................5-45
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps.............5-44
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-41Bulb Replacement (cont.)
Headlamps.................................................5-42
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-45
Taillamps and Turn Signal Lamps..................5-44
Buying New Tires...........................................5-56
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
Caliper/Knuckle Maintenance Inspection.............6-23
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications............................5-85
Carbon Monoxide...........2-10, 2-29, 4-24, 4-37, 4-43
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-74
Your CD Player...........................................3-70
Your CDs ...................................................3-70
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-35
Chains, Tire...................................................5-60
Charging System Light....................................3-25
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-30
Gages Warning Light...................................3-34
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-78
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-33
Infants and Young Children...........................1-30
2

Customer Assistance Information (cont.)
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors.......7-11
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government............................................7-11
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States
Government............................................7-10
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-11
D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-13
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Door
Locks.......................................................... 2-8
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-9
Rear Door Security Locks............................... 2-9
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-13
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-15
City...........................................................4-19
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Freeway.....................................................4-20
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-22Driving (cont.)
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-16
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-29
Winter........................................................4-24
E
Easy Entry Seat............................................... 1-6
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-80
Engine Compartment Fuse Block...................5-84
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-81
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-80
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-82
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-81
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-81
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-17
Battery.......................................................5-36
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-30
Coolant......................................................5-20
Coolant Heater............................................2-19
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-29
Cooling System Inspection............................6-22
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-29
Oil .............................................................5-13
4

Engine (cont.)
Overheating................................................5-23
Starting......................................................2-18
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)........................ 4-8
Active Light................................................3-29
Warning Light.............................................3-28
Entry Lighting.................................................3-16
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-9
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-26
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-13
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-17
Finish Damage...............................................5-77
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-71
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................5-61
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-62
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-70
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-19
Manual Transaxle........................................5-19
Power Steering...........................................5-30
Windshield Washer......................................5-31Fog Lamps....................................................3-15
Front Reading Lamps......................................3-16
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-5
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-6
Gage.........................................................3-35
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-5
System Inspection.......................................6-22
Fuses
Engine Compartment Fuse Block...................5-84
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-81
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-82
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-81
G
Gage
Check Gages Warning Light..........................3-34
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-29
Fuel..........................................................3-35
Speedometer..............................................3-23
Tachometer.................................................3-23
5

Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-5
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-5
Headlamp Wiring............................................5-80
Headlamps....................................................5-42
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-41
Daytime Running Lamps...............................3-13
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps.............5-44
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-41
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
On Reminder..............................................3-13
Heater...........................................................3-18
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-34
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-22
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-22
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-10Horn............................................................... 3-6
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-13
Hydraulic Clutch.............................................5-19
I
Ignition Positions.............................................2-16
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-30
Ination -- Tire Pressure..................................5-53
Inspection
Brake System.............................................6-23
Caliper/Knuckle Maintenance.........................6-23
Engine Cooling System................................6-22
Exhaust System..........................................6-22
Fuel System...............................................6-22
Part C - Periodic Maintenance.......................6-22
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal.........................................6-22
Throttle System...........................................6-22
Instrument Panel
Brightness..................................................3-15
Cluster.......................................................3-22
Overview..................................................... 3-4
6