fuel CHEVROLET CAVALIER 1984 1.G User Guide

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.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine • HEATER --In this position, most of the air is delivered to the floor air outlet
with a small amount delivered to the windshield (defroster outlets). The air
temperature
Is controlled by the TEMPERATURE LEVER while the air
quantity
is controlled by the FAN LEVER. This position is used for most winter driving.
• BLEND -- The AIR SELECTOR LEVER may be adjusted between HEATER
and DEFROST positions to obtain a variable distribution of air between the
floor air outlet and the windsh ield defroster air outlets.
• Side window defogger air outlets direct air to the side windows whenever
the fan is operating.
•
DEFROST - -In this poSition, most of the air is delivered to the windshield
(defroster outlets) with a small amount
to the floor air outlet.
The windshield defrosting and defogging system assists in providing
good visibility through designated areas of the windshield under most inclement
weather conditions . For immediate operation of the vehicle, the windshield
should be scraped clear.
Operate system for 30 seconds before switching to DEFROST . This will
remove humid air from the system
and minimize rapid fogging of the glass
which can occur if humid air Is blown onto a cOol windshield .
AIR CONOmONING SYSTEM
This system combines heating and cOOling capabilities for comfort in all weather conditions.
During some air conditioning operating conditions, slight increases and
decreases of engine speed/power may be noticed . This
should be considered
normal, as the system is designed to cycle the compressor
ON and OFF to
maintain desired cooling. The reduced compressor operation should
benef~ fuel economy.
Fan Lever
The fan lever (LO-HI) provides speed control of the blower fan in all Air
Selector Lever positions except
OFF.
Temperature Control Lever
The femperature control lever regulates the temperature of the air entering the passenger compartment in All Air Selector Lever positions .
Air Selector Lever
The air selector lever regulates air flow from the heater, defroster and air
conditioning outlets.
It also controls operation of the refrigeration compressor.
•
OFF --In this position the blower does not operate . However, when the
vehicle is moving, air will enter the· passenger compartment through the
heater outlet.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 3. Install wheel and tire assembly and install hub cap by pushing or hitting
into place (the wheel can be mounted with hub cap in place). The hub cap
must be oriented by engaging the bump on the side of the hub cap
retention tab with the cutout on the side of the wheel pilot hole.
Compact Spare
The compact spare tire is designed to save space in your stowage area, and
its lighter weight makes it easier to install if a flat tire occurs. The lighter weight also helps improve fuel economy. ~--~------~~
" you have a flat tire, follow the jacking Instructions in this section, while keepingihese points in mind:
• Check the tire inflaiionpressureas soon as practical after installing the
spare (we suggest you use a 'pocket-type high'pressure inflation gage) and
adjust the pressure to 415
kilopascals (60 pounds per square inch). The
tire pressure should be checked at least monthly and kept at 415 kPa (60
psi) while the tire is stored . Also at least monthly , ·qheck that the spare lire is stowed securely ; tighten it if ~ is not.
NOTICE: Bee ... this tire is smaller than the standard tire, vehicle ground clearance is reduced. Do not take your vehicle through an automatic car wash while ~ spare I. Installed; the vehicle may catch on the equipment, possibly resulting In property damag_.
• YOU can expect a tread life up to 3,000 miles (4 800 kilometers), dependiQg on road conditions and your driving habits. The tire was designed to let you
finish an extended trip (up to 3,000 miles/4 800 kilometers) and buy a replacement tire, -if needed, at a store of your choice. However, to conserve
tire tread ~fe, return the spare to the stowage area as' soon as it is
convenient to have your standard tire repaired or replaced.
• Because the compact spare was specnically designed for your vehicle , ~ should not be used on any other vehicle.
• The compact spare tire and wheel are designed for use with each other.
The compact spare tire should not be mounted on any other type of wheel, and the compact spare wheel should not have any other type of tire
mounted on it. Also, do not try to use wheel covers or trim rings on the
CQr1l>aCt spare whe el since they will not fit. If such use is attempted,
damage to tIlese items or other vehicle components may occur.
• Do not use tire chains with your :compact spare tire. Because of the smaller tire size, a tire chain will not fit properly. This could cause damage to the
vehicle and result in loss of the chain.
3-7

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Cleaning White Sidewall Tires
Use GM White Sidewall Tire Cleaner or a tire cleaner which will not harm aluminum wheel trim. A stiff brush may be used with the cleaner.
CORROSION PROTECTION
'four vehicle has been designed and built to resist corrosion. Special materials and protective finishes were used on most parts of your vehicle when it was
built to help maintain good looks, strength and reliable operation. However,
some parts which normally are not visible (such as certain parts under the
vehicle and under the hood) are such that surface rust will not affect their reliability. So, corrosion protection is not needed or used on these parts.
Sheet Metal Damage
If your vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal repair or replacement, make sure the body repair shop applies anti-corrosion material to the parts
repaired or replaced so that corrosion protection is restored. (Also see "Finish Damage" which follows.)
Foreign Material Deposits
Calcium chloride and other salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, and other foreign matter
may damage vehicle finishes if left on painted surfaces.
Prompt washing may not completely remove all of these deposits. Other cleaners may be needed. When using chemical cleaners, be sure they are safe
for use on painted surfaces.
Finish Damage
Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the finish should be repaired
promptly. Bare metal will corrode quickly and may develop into a major repair
expense.
Minor chips and scratches can be repaired with touch-up materials available from your dealer or other service outlets. Larger areas of finish damage can be
corrected in your dealer's body and paint shop.
Underbody Maintenance
Corrosive materials used for ice and snow removal and dust control can collect on the underbody. If these materials are not removed, accelerated corrosion
(rust) can occur on underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame, floor pan, and
exhaust system even though they have been provided with corrosion
protection.
At
least every spring, flush these materials from the underbody with plain
water. Take care to clean any areas where mud and other debris can collect.
Sediment packed in closed areas of the frame should be loosened before being flushed. If desired, your authorized dealer can do this service for you.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine SECTION 5
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
Your authorized dealer has factory trained technicians and Genuine GM Parts
to service your vehicle properly_ For expert advice and quality service, see your authorized dealer.
CAUTION: As with any machine, take care when making any check, doing any maintenance, or making any repair, to avoid being injured. Some of the MATERIALS in this vehicle may also be hazardous if used, serviced, or handled improperly. Improper or incomplete service can affect the vehicle itself which may in turn result in personal
injury, or damage to the vehicle or its equipment. H you have ANY question about carrying out some service, have the work done by a skilled technician.
REPLACEMENT FASTENERS
During vehicle maintenance, any fasteners used to replace older ones must
have the same measurements and strength as those removed, whether metric or customary. (The numbers on the heads of rnetric bons and on the surfaces
of metric nuts show their strength. Customary bolts use radial lines to show
this,
while most customary nuts do not have strength markings.) Fasteners
taken from the vehicle should be saved for re-use in the same spot when
possible. Where a fastener cannot be used again, take care to choose a
replacement that matches the old one. For information and help, see your
authorized dealer.
CAUTION: This vehicle is primarily dimensioned In the metric system. Most fasteners
are metric and many are very close in dimension to well· known customary fasteners in the inch system. Mismatched or incorrect fasteners can result in damage to the vehicle or possibly personal injury.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
For owner convenience, a separate folder ,has. bee" providef;1 with your vehicle which outlines the maintenance your vehicle requires. The Maintenance
Schedule folder is supplemented by this section of the Owner's Manual.
Read this publication for a full understanding of your vehicle's maintenance
needs.
If you need a replacement Maintenance Schedule, see your dealer or contact the . Consumer . Aelations Representative, . Chevrolet Central Office,
Chevrolet Motor Division, Warren, MichigarL4809ll-13t~2-550Q1 (In Canada, contact the Customer Services Representative, General MotorsoT---­
Canada LId., Oshawa, Ontario, L1J 5Z6; 416/644-6624).
FUEL CAP
The fuel cap is located behind a hinged door on the right'rear fender. For your
convenience there
is a fuel cap hanger located on the filler door.
The
fuel tank filler cap has a "s£rew-on ratcheting type" feature.
• To remove -rotate cap counterclockwise to clear the inside of the filler
neck. This will allow any residual pressure to escape.
• To install - reverse this procedure and tighten cap securely until a
"ratcheting",
clicking sound is heard indicating cap is on properly.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTICE: H you need to replace the fuel cap, use only a cap specified for your model. An incorrect fuel cap can result in a serious maHunction of the fuel system or emission control system. You can get a correct replacement cap from your dealer.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
The catalytic converter is an emission control device added to the exhaust system to reduce exhaust gas pollutants. The converter contains
a ceramic material coated with noble metal catalysts. To prevent contamination
and loss of effectiveness of the catalysts. unleaded gasoline must be used.
Unleaded
gasoline also reduces spark plug fouling, exhaust system corrosion and engine oil deterioration. Leaded gasoline will also damage the oxygen
sensor
in the Computer Command Control system which could affect emission
control.
To help prevent damage:
1. Keep your engine properly maintained. Engine malfunctions involving the
electrical, carburetion, electronic fuel injection or ignition systems may
result in unusually high catalytic converter and exhaust system
temperatures which, under extreme malfunctioning conditions, may ignite
interior floor ·covering materials above the converter. Do not keep driving
your vehicle if you detect engine misfire, noticeable loss of
performance, or other unusual operating conditions. Instead, have it
serviced promptly. See the Maintenance Schedule folder for information on inspecting and maintaining the engine, exhaust system, and other
components.
2. Do not push or tow this vehicle to start it. This may result in unusually
high catalytic converter
and exhaust system temperatures which under
extreme conditions may ignite interior floor-covering material above the
converter.
Disregarding these instructions
could damage the catalytic converter, the vehicle, or nearby property and affect warranty coverage.
COMPUTER COMMAND CONTROL SYSTEM
Most vehicles sold in the United States (and some vehicles sold in Canada)
have the Computer Command Control system.
The Computer Command Control system monitors the exhaust stream with
an oxygen sensor. Based on sensor signals, the electronic control module adjusts
the air-fuel ratio
as needed. It is very important to use only unleaded
gasoline in vehicles equipped with the Computer Command Control system.
Leaded gasoline will damage the oxygen sensor,
and may affect emission
control.
"Check Engine" Light
Most vehicles sold in the United 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 aiter the engine starts.) Have the
system repaired if 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. Although in
5-2

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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 eventually cause damage to the emission control system. It
could
also affect fuel economy and drivability .
ENGINE OIL AND FILTER RECOMMENDATIONS
The following engine oil recommendations are based upon the operation . of your engine with the fuels recommended under "Fuel Requirements" in Section 2 of this manual.
Checking Oil Level
The engine oil must be kepi at the right level to help assure proper lubrication
of your vehicle's engine. n Is normal for an engine to use some oil, and some
engines may use more oil when they are new.
It is the owner's responsibility to check the oil level at regular intervals (such as every fuel stop), accorcing to the following instructions:
• The best time to check the engine oil level is when the oil is warm, ~h as
during a fuel stop. After stopping the engine, wait a few minutes for the oil
to drain back to the oil pan. Then, pull out the dipstick on the front of the
engine. Wipe it clean, and push the dipstick back down
all the way. Now, pull out the dipstick and look at the oil level on It. '
Add 011, If needed, to keep the 011 level above the "ADD" line, Avoid
overfilUng
the engine since this may cause engine damage. Push the cipstlck
back down all the way after taking the reading.
• n you check the oil level when the oil is cold, do not run the engine first.
The
cold oil will. not drain back to the pan fast enough to give a true oil
level.
Choosing the Right Quality Oil
Engine oils are labeled on the containers with various APi (American Petroleum
Institute) designations of quality. Be sure the oil you use has the API
designation "SF," either alone or shown with other designations such as SFI CC or SF ICD. These designations may be separated by commas. slashes or dashes. Oils which are not labeled "SF " should not be used. For example , do
not use oils labeled ONLY SA, sa, SC, SO, SE, CA, ca, CC, or CD; or .oils with a combination of any of these letters-such as "SE/CD" as this
may cause engine damage.
5·3

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Choosing Oil Viscosity
Engine oil viscosity (thickness) has an effect on fuel economy. Lower viscosity
engine oils can provide better fuel economy; however, higher temperature
weather conditions require higher viscosity engine oils for satisfactory
lubrication.
Using oils of any viscosity other than those viscosities
recommended
could result in engine damage.
When choosing an oil, consider the range of temperature your Vehicle will be
operated in before the next oil change. Then, select the recommended oil viscosity from the following chart. If outside temperatures are not expected to
exceed
38°C (100°F) prior to your next oil change, SF-quality, SAE 5W-30
Energy-Conserving engine oil is the preferred viscosity grade.
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST SAE VISCOSITY GRADE OIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE.
HOT
WEATHER
OF °C
+100 +38
+ 40 +4 -
+ 20 + 10 0
-
20 -29 I-
(!)
COLD
WEATHER
1
:t~ ~!
i ,
SAE SW·30
SAE IOW·30
LOOK
FOR THIS
LABEL
SAE 15W-40
SAE VISCOSITY GRADE
LOWEST .. • HIGHEST
Energy Conserving Oils
It is recommended that you select an oil not only of the proper quality and
viscosity, but also a fuel-saving product. These oils can be found in dealer
service departments, service stations and other retail stores. They are
identified
by words such as: "Energy Conserving," "Energy Saving,"
"Conserves Gasoline,"
"Gas Saving," "Gasoline Saving," "Friction
Reducing," "Improved Gasoline Mileage," "Improved Fuel Economy" Or "Fuel
Saving."
5-4