check engine CHEVROLET CAVALIER 1984 1.G User Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: CHEVROLET, Model Year: 1984, Model line: CAVALIER, Model: CHEVROLET CAVALIER 1984 1.GPages: 105, PDF Size: 24.23 MB
Page 36 of 105

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine DISC BRAKE WEAR INDICATORS
Front disc brake pads have buin-in wear indicators which should make a high
pitched squealing or cricket-like warning sound when the brake pads are worn
to where new pads are needed . The sound will oome and
go. or be heard all the time when the vehicle is moving and when the brake pedal is pushed down
firmly. Expensive rotor damage can result if pads are not replaced when needed. See also the brake checks listed in the Maintenance Schedule folder.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS
INSTRUMENTS
The instruments . gages and indicator lights conveniently grouped in the
instrument
cluster are designed to tell you at a glance many important things
about the performance of your Vehicle . The following information will enable
you to more quickly understand and properly interpret these instruments.
Speedometer
The speedometer hand indicates vehicle speed in miles per hour and
kilometers per hour.
Odometer
The group of figures in' the speedometer lower center section indicates the
accumulated mileage or kilometers .
Tamper-Resistant Odometer
Federal law prohibits tampering with vehicle odometers to aner accumulated
mileage. For your protection the odometer of this vehicle is designed with
tamper-resistant features to indicate
tarnpetiog . " silver lines appear vertically
between odometer numerals. it Is likely that the odometer has been turned
back or reversed . The mileage shown may not be actual. .
Whenever a new odometer is installed and cannot be set to the same mileage registered on the prior odometer . the law requires the owner to install a label
on thedriver's door frame to show the previous odometer reading and the date
of rep~. The · replacement odometer must then be set to zero . To
determine the actual vehicle
mileage. add the mileage shown on the label to . the current odometer reading. If the replacement odometer can be set up to
the same mileage as the prior odometer. no door frame
label is needed.
Trip Odometer
A trip odometer is used to record mileage on trips or during extended driving.
The trip odometer can be reset to zero by pushing the knob located in the
speedometer /odometer face until all zeros appear.
Fuei Gage
The fuel gage will register the APPAOXIMA TE fuel level in the tank. when the
ignition is in the RUN position .
When the gage registers EMPTY. some
fuel is still available as a reserve .
When the gage registers FULL. some additional fuel can still be added to the
tank . The fOllowing oonditions may be oonsidered normal:
•
Fuel station pump may shut off before fuel gage indicates FULL .
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine • Amount of fuel required for fill-up may not exactly correspond to gage.
• Needle may not move away from FULL until some time after fill-up.
• Needle may move during turns; stops and accelerations.
When the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position, the needle will not
necessarily return
all the way to the EMPTY mark.
Oil Pressure Light
When the ignition is turned to "Run," the "Oil" warning light appears until the
engine is started. Thereafter, the light should be off unless there is insufficient
oil pressure or engine idle speed is below normal. If the light should come on
at any time while driving (other than momentarily at idle speed or after a
sudden stop), stop immediately and investigate the cause of
low oil pressure.
This could possibly be caused by low oil level in the crankcase. Engine
operation with low oil pressure will 9ause damage to the engine.
Engine Coolant Temperature Light
This light is located in the instrument cluster and is designed to come on to warn the driver that the engine coolant has overheated and immediate
action is required to correct the condition. As a check that the bulb and its
circuit are working, the light will come on during engine starting; if it does not,
have it repaired
promptly. If the light comes on at any other time, see "Engine
Cooling System Overheating" in "In Case of Emergency," Section 3 of this manual.
CAUTION: It the Engine Coolant Temperature Light shows an overheat condition or you have other reason to suspect the engine may be overheating, continued operation of the engine EVEN FOR A SHORT TIME may result in a fire and the risk of personal injury and/or severe vehicle damage. Take immediate action as outlined under "Engine Cooling System Overheating" in "In Case of Emergency," Section 3.
Generator Indicator Light
The VOLT light is designed to come on when the ignition key is in the "RUN" position, but before the engine is started. After the engine starts, the light
should go out and remain out. If the light remains· on when engine is running,
have your authorized
dealer locate and correct the trouble as soon as possible.
Shift Indicator Light
The Shift Indicator Light is covered in the "Manual Transaxle" information in
this section.
"Check Engine" Light
Most gasoline engine vehicles sold in the Unijed States (and some vehicles
sold
in Canada) have the Computer Command Control system.
Vehicles with the Computer Command Control system include a "CHECK
ENGINE" light
on the instrument panel designed to indicate the need for
system service. It will come on during engine starting to let you know the bulb
is working. (The light will stay on a short time after the engine starts.)
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Have the system repaired n the "CHECK ENGINE" light does not come on during engine starting. If the light comes on, either intermittently or
continuously while driving, service to the Computer Command Control system
is required. AHhough in most cases the vehicle is drivable, and does not
require towing, see your authorized
dealer as soon as possible for service of
the system.
Continued driving without having the Computer
Command Control system serviced could cause damage to the emission control system. It could also affect fuel economy and drivability.
See also "Computer Command Control system" in Section 5 of this manual.
Brake System Warning Light
The regular braking system is a dual system designed so that one part will
provide some braking if there is a
loss of hydraulic pressure in the other part of
the system. The system has a
"BRAKE" warning light located in the
instrument panel. The "BRAKE" light is designed to come on briefly during
engine starting so you can check that the bulb is okay. To serve as a reminder,
the
light should stay on when the parking brake is not fully released and the
ignition is
on. Have the system repaired if the light does not come on when it should. This warning light does not do away with the need for brake inspection
and maintenaflce. The brakelluid level must be checked regularly. See your
Maintenance Schedule folder for other brake checks.
I! the light remains on aller engine start up or comes on during operation of the vehicle, it may mean that there is something wrong with part of the brake
system.
What
to do:
1. Check to see that the parking brake has been released. I! it has been:
2. Pull off the road and stop carefully. Remember that:
• Stopping distances may be longer.
•
You may have to push harder on the pedal.
•
The pedal may go down farther than normal.
3. Tryout the brakes by starting and stopping on the road shoulder--then:
• I! you judge it to be safe, drive cautiously at a safe speed to the
nearest dealer for repair. Or,
• Have vehicle towed to the nearest dealer for repair.
Continued driving without getting necessary repairs
could be dangerous.
Tachometer
The optional tachometer indicates the speed of the engine in revolutions per
minute. The indicated number, times
100, gives the engine speed. Operating
the engine with the tachometer reading in the color-coded high-speed area
could lead to serious engine damage.
Voltmeter
When the engine is operating, the voltmeter indicates the electrical system
voltage. During minimum electrical load, the pointer will read to the right of the
center.
As the electrical load is increased, or in stop-and-go driving, the pointer
will rotate to the Ieli. A meter reading continuously in the left or right zone
indicates
an electrical system failure. Cause of the failure should be determined and corrected.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine '" ,
t:l
STANDARD INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
IJ
12
OPTIONAL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
~~~~-:'----,~~:
l'l
1l
10
L Speedometer 2. Odometer 3. Trip ()jometer lif equipped) 4. Fuel Gage 5. Warning Lights Brake, Fasten Belts, Check. Engine Volts, Temperature, Oil Pressure 6. Shift up Lt. (on "ME"only) 7. Warning Gages Temperature, on Pressure, Volts 8. Turn Indicators 9. High Beam 10. Tachomet er 11. A/C Outlet 12. Clock. (if equipped) 13. Radio 14. Heater & Opt. Ale Control 15. Glove Box 16. Lig ht Switch 17. Rear Window Defogger (Opt.) 18. Rear Window WiperlWasher (Opt.) 19. Cigare tt e Lighter (Opt.) 20, Tailgat e Ajar Lt.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This optional gage is located in the instrument cluster. If the gage shows that
an overheat condition exists-as indicated by pointer moving beyond the
center of the band immediate action by the driver is required. If an overheat
condition is shown, see "Engine
Cooling System Overheating" in "In Case of
Emergency,"
Section 3 of this manual. The coolant temperature indication will VaIY with air temperature and operating conditions. The ignition must be in
"Run" for accurate readings. Prolonged driving or idling in very hot weather
may cause the pointer to move beyond the center of the gage. Make a practice
of scanning this and other gages
while driving, especially in hot weather and!
or when the
vehicle is under load.
CAUTION: II the Engine Coolant Temperature Gage shows an overheat condition or you have other reason to suspect the engine may be overheating, continued operation of the engine EVEN FOR A SHORT TIME may result in a fire and the risk of personal injury and/or severe vehicle damage. Take immediate action as outlined under "Engine Cooling System Overheating" in "In Case of Emergency," Section 3.
Oil Pressure Gage
The oil pressure gage indicates the pressure at which oil is being delivered to
the vaIiOUS paIls of the engine requiring lubrication. Pressures registered by
the gage may
vBIY according to outside air temperatures or weight of oil being
used. Oil pressure of a cold engine being operated at a given speed will be
somewhat higher than when the engine is at normal operating temperature at
the
SaIne speed. Prolonged high speed operation on a hot day at the given
speed will
resuH in somewhatlower oil pressure readings. Readings of 205 to
275 kPa
(30 to 40 psi) may be considered normal during moderate road
speeds of 35 to 40 mph (55 to 60 km!h) with the engine at proper operating
temperature. Gage readings which are consistently high
or low under these conditions may indicate lubrication system and/ or engine malfunction.
Light Switch
The three· position light switch controls the headlights, taillights, paIking lights,
sidemaIker lights,
instrument lights and dome lights.
Instrument light intensity can be varied by turning knob clockwise or
counterclockwise. Full counterclockwise position turns on interior light.
The headlight circuit is protected by a circuit breaker in the
light switch. An overload on the breaker will cause the lights to "flicker" on and off. If this
condition
develops, have your headlight wiring checked immediately. The
headlight beaIn changer is located in the Turn Signal Lever; for operation see
Section 2 under heading "Turn Signal and Muiji-Function Lever."·
Headlight High Beam Indicator Light
The headlights of your vehicle have. high and low beams to provide you with
proper nighttime visibility for most driving conditions. The
"low" beams are
used during most city driving. The
"high" beams are especially useful when
driving on daIk roads since they provide long range illumination. The headlight
beam indicator light (located on the speedometer face) will be ON whenever
the high beams or "brights" are in use. The turn
signal lever controls the
headlight beaIns and is described in "Steering Column Controls."
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Page 52 of 105

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine • Adjust the heating or cooWng system to force outside air into the cal as
follows :
1. On cars not equipped with air conditioning , set the fan to high speed
and the upper control lever to any position except "Off."
2 . On cars equipped with air condition ing, set the fan to high speed and
the
upper control lever to any position except "Off" or "Max."
• On cars that have outside air vents in or under the instrument panel, open
vents
fully .
"Gate Ajar" Ught
Station wagons have a "GATE AJAR" warning light located in the instrument
cluster . It is designed to come on ~ the liftgate is not lully closed and the
ignition is on , thus warning against driving with the liftgate even partially open.
See "Engine Exhaust Gas Caution (Carbon Monoxide)" at the beginning 01
"Starting and Operating ," Section 2 of this manual . To test that the ight circuit
is working correctly , start the car and check that the light comes on when the liftgate is open or only partially latched.
Electric Trunk, Hatchback , Or Tailgate Release
An electric release permits opening the trunk, hatchback or station wagon tailgate from inside the car by pressing a release bunon in the instrument panel
glove box. The release lor the hatchback and the station wagon tailgate will
function only II the automatic transaxle is in "P" (Park) or "N" (Neutral) or, on
manual transaxle cars, ~ the parking brake is applied .
SUNSHADE (OPTIONAL)
n your hatchback model is equipped with the optional louvered rear window
sunshade, the
sunshade·is hinged at the top and heid down at the boUom by a
one-quarter tum fastener on each end of the sunshade. This method of
attachment
allows you to raise the sunshade lor cleaning the exterior of the
hatchback glass :
To clean the hatchback lid exterior glass:
1. Using a coin or screwdriver , rotate each lastener one-quarter turn until they pop up; the sunshade is now unlocked .
2. Grasp the lower edge 01 the sunshade approximately in the middle and lift
the sunshade away Irom the hatchback lid.
3. Clean the hatchback glass as desired while holding the sunshade in the
open position.
4 . Lower the sunshade to
its original position and locate the one-quarter turn
fasteners over the holes in the lower bracket assemblies; using a coin or
screwdriver, push the one-quarter turn stud downward
until it engages the
wire bail on the bracket and rotate one-quarter turn to lock. (Make sure the
lastener is
locked to the bracket by. lifting each corner 01 the sunshade.)
NOnCE: DO NOT DRIVE when sunshade is not lOcked in position.
To remove the sunshade from the car, ~ desired , release the sunshade as you would lor cleaning. Then, remove the four nuts which secure the sunshade
hinges to the hinge base
plate on the hatchback lid. Wft the sunshade assembly from the car.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine To store the sunshield when rennoved from the car, always select a place
where the sunshade can lay flat without anything stored on top of it or leaned against it. Hanging the sunshade flat on a wall by its hinges is an excellent way
to store it.
As with any decorative surface. washing with a mild soap and water solution is
recommended . Abrasive materials or chemical solvents may adversely affect
the finish of the sunshade.
FOLDING SEATBACK OPERATION
Station wagon and hatchback models are equipped with either a one-piece or split folding rear seatback which is not designed to lie flat, but does provide
additional load floor area when lowered .
To lower the one-piece second seatback, pull the lever at the right side of the
second seatback and fold down. Styles equipped with split folding rear
seatbacks have a
lever on both the right and left sides which allows either side
to be folded down separately . Stops on the load floor hold the seatback folding
panels. locking
the seatbacks down. To lock a seatback in place, push down on the front of the seatback and slip the filler panel over its stop on the load
floor .
To raise a seat back. push down on seatback to release it from its stop. lift the folding panel slightly to clear the stop, then raise the seatback.
Keep the seat
belt webbing and hardware clear of seat hinging and latching
mechanisms when you @ the folding seat. This helps prevent damage to the
belt system.
Check now and then
to see if the latch or latches, if so equipped, on the folding rear seat or seats work properly. To do this, push forward and pull
rearward on the top of the seatback or each seatback, if so equipped.
seatback(s) that
do not latch properly in the upright position. must be repaired
because
in a sudden stop rt could cause injury.
VISTA·VENT
The Vista-Vent is a hinged glass panel. The panel can be opened by moving
the
latch release handle forward and up to lock the glass in place. The glass
will
stay open only in the fully up position -when the rear of the glass is raised
about 38 mimmeters (1-1/ 2 inches) . As an added feature, an air deflector will
pop up when the glass panel is opened to help assure a smooth flow of air
over the roof.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine >1;' l ' "0'
VENT GLASS ~C"rl I / iT'--.... /.1 TO AEMOVE GLASS I,~ATCH ASSEMBlY
PUSH HERE TO ~ / SEPARATE THE @ ':ATCH ASSEM81. Y TRIM LACE~ i VISTA VENT GLASS STOWAGE BAG
/, ---~\~ ~STOWAGEBAG
\~ . ~~ ESCUTCHEON ASSEMBLY S', I I '
" I .,'
OPEN VISTA VENT INTERIOR VIEW VIEWA RETAINER
The glass panel can also be removed completely , First, open the Vista-Vent as described , Then, press the glass release tab (in the latch release handle) and
lift the panel
l.P and out to disengage the front hinges, Store the glass panel in
the protective storage bag in the trunk or rear area.
CAUTION: To hetp avoid perso ..... ·injUIY and/or equipment damage :
• 00 not try to remove the panel while the car is moving. Otherwise, the PMWI may become a hazard by, f.ling into or flying off the car.
• After removing the roof panel, place It in the protective beg provided. Stow the root panel In the trunk, 11 the vehicle 18 so equipped. If your car Is • hatchbKk, stow the roof panel on the re ... ·k)ad floor behind the second seat and secure the straps on the beg to the anchor brackets as shown. This will he&p keep the panel from being thrown about and Injuring people during a collision or sudden maneuver, AND will
help protect the panel.
• The protective stor-ve ~ and the brackets mounted in the rear of hatchbacks are designed to eecur. ONLY the removab. root panel
• After putting the roof panel back In piaee, alway. check that it I. flrmlylatehed by pushing up on the underside of the panel.
ROLL-UP CARGO COVER (HATCHBACKS)
Hidclen stowage in the rear area of hatchbacks is provided by the optional roll
up cargo cover. The cover is mounted behind the rear . seat and can be
extended over the rear area by grasping the handle and pulling the cover
rearward like a window shade.
Eyelets at each corner of the cover can be
placed on hooks at the baCk corners of the rear area to hold the cover in place.
To carry larger items the cargo cover can be removed and the rear seat folded
down, To remove the cover, grasp one end of the roller and push it toward the
opposite end. This
will shorten it so you can s~de ~ out of the bracket on the
trim
panel. Stow the rolled cover on the floor behind the front seat
When installing the cover be sure the handle is on top. Standing at either side,
grasp one end of the roller and place the
opPOSite end into the mounting
bracket on the far side . Push the roller toward the inserted end to shorten it
and slide the near
end into the slot of the other bracket so it snaps in place,
Pull on each end of the cover to be sure it is fully seated . The cover can be left
rolled up when not needed.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine OJ ROOF RAIL ASM.
ill CROSSRAI LS
mCRO~RAIL KNOBS
[!)TIE-DOWNS
The crossrails will adjust to help position your load. Rotate the large knob ("No.3" in the illustration) counterclockwise to move or remove . the crossrails ;
and clockwise to lighten down or install the crossrails .
Attached to the top
of the crossrails are two adjustable tie-downs ('·No. 4" in
the illustration). There is also one adjustable tie-down located in the center of
each outer roof
slat assembly (also called "No.4" in the illustration). The tiedowns may be easily moved within the outer slat assembly and across the top
of the crossrails to the desired position. To move the tie-down, rotate il
counterclockwise to loosen and clockwise to tight'lfl.95>wn. If needed 'to secure
a certain type of load, the tie-downs on the crossrails may be rerncved and
repositioned on the outer roof slat assemblies.
While under way, check, now and then to make sure, the crossrails, tle~
downs, and cargo are securely fastened, to help prevent damage or loss.
See your Chevrolet dealer for attachments to your Chevrolet luggage carrier to
hold bicycles, skis and other items, and for straps to help secure your cargo ,
which are available as accessories .
CAUTION: The cr0SSt8ils may be removed 'rom the root luggage carrier. Never carry the crour,ils loose or unseCured in the passenger area because they cookr be thrown
about and injure people during .. collision or a sudden maneuver. ee sure to stow t~ crossralla in the vinyl bag. Place the bag on the rea, load floor behind the second seat and secure the straps (on the bag) to the anchor brackets as ahown. The bag, and
brackets are designed to secure ONLY the crossrails.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Stowage of Tire and Jack
CAUTION: Always securely reatow the, spare tire assembly (or flat tir.), all jacking
equipment, and the cover , using the means provided . When driving the car with the Compact Spare instel~. stow the ",Met COYer in the trunk. In station wagons and hatchbecks, when the rear seat Is folded down, stow the wheel cover nat on the rear floor behind the right front seat. When the r •• r' seat is up, stow the wheel cover in the rear area . This will help keep SUch1tung. trom being thrown about and injuring people during II colhion or • sudden maneuver ..
WHEEL NUT TORQUE
CAUTION:, Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts. Snug all wheel nuta and then tighten to the specified torque In the numerical sequence shown. Improperly tightened wheet nuts coukl eventually alk>w' the wheel to come off while the veh;ckt is 'moving, pOssibly , causing loss of control and/or pertonal injury or damage. As soon as possible after instilling any wheel, have II technician tighten wheel nuts with a torque wrench to the torque Mlown in "Specifications ," Section 6.
(Also see the "Replace ment F~st!3ners" Caution in "Servic e and
Maintenance," Section 5 regarding the danger of mixing metric and customary fasteners . See the "tnspection and Rotation" Caution under "Tires" in the
same section regarding the importance of obtaining
good metal-to-metal
contact.)
Spare Tire
At least monthly, check the spare tire to be sure that it is stowed
securely and properly inflated. If you have a Compact Spare, adjust the
pressure
to 415 kilopascals (60 pounds per square inch). (To find out if you have a COmpact Spare, see "Compact Spare " in this section .) For all other
tires, see "Inflation Pressure"-in Section 5 of this manual to learn what
pressure to use.
Cast Aluminum Wheel Hub Cap
1 . RerJ)ove wheel and tire assemb ly from car.
2 . The hub
cap may be removed by pushing or hitting it away from the wheel
from
the back side (inboard side of wheel) . It is pre ferred that a blunt tool be used on the backside of the hub cap. However, the lug wrench may be
used if no other tool is available but caution must be exercised to avoid hub cap damage .
3·6