maintenance CHEVROLET CAVALIER 1984 1.G User Guide

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Frequent short trips, excessive idling and use of the air conditioner in cool
weather (when "vent" would provide adequate comfort), all can contribute to
decreased fuel economy .
The careful attention you give your vehicle as far as maintenance and repairs
are concerned will also help fuel economy . Proper engine and air cleaner
maintenance, lubrication intervals, wheel alignment and tire inflation pressures, when closely adhered to, will pay dividends in improved fuel economy as well as longer vehicle Irte.
Fuel Selection
Use only unleaded gasoline meeting the octane ratings given under "Fuel Requirements " in this section of the manual. Unleaded gasoline must be used
for the
emission control system to operate properly . Leaded gasoline will
damage the Computer Command
Control system oxygen sensor (if so equipped) and affect emission control. Using leaded gasoline can also damage
other parts of the emission control system and could result in loss of emission warranty coverage.
STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS
ANTl-THEFT STEERING COLUMN LOCK
The anti-theft lock (;gnifion) on the right sidecf the st_ing column has live
positionS :
DRIVING TO REMOVE KEY.
POSITION ~~ DEPRESS KEY SWITCH OFF AND S . . RELEASE LEVER
~"!~·\'1-1 ~\\\-=~"
I! ACCES~RY~) , STARTING ~ OPERA. TING ... -HAZARD ENG E 'CCESSOR~sl 0 WARNING J.. KEY RELEASE , ONLY FLASHER \P' ... ~ ,LEVER '.' .'
• Accessory-You can use some electrical accessories when the engine is
not ruming . To engage this position, push in the square-head key and turn
the top of the key 10ward you.
•
Lock- Normal parking position. It locks the ignition and prevents normal use 01 the st_ing wheel and shill controls. The ignition key cannot be turned
to "Lock " and removed until the shift lever is moved to "P" (Park) on
automatic
transaxle models (shift to "Reverse" on manual transaxle
models).
II you have a manual transaxle, "Lock" prevents normal use 01
the steering wheel. The ignition key cannot be turned to "Lock" without
pressing down
the key release lever.
• Off-You can turn off the engine without IocI controls.
• Run-Normal operating position.
• Start-Cranks the engine .
2-7

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 .
2-20

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.
2-22

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine When installing the cover,oo 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 00 sure it is fully seated. The cover can be left
rolled
up when not needed .
CAUTION: To help keep u.., cargo cover from being thrown .,.a,oot and jnjlM'ing people during a collision or sudden maneuver:
• Be sure _the cover is installed according to these Instructions.
• WMn not-instalted, stow, the cover behind the front seats as shown.
• Remove and stow the roiler when a top-strap equipped child restraint is placed In the rear seat.
ROOF CARRIER (STAnON WAGON ONLY)
The optional roof luggage carrier is designed to allow loading of items onto the
roof
' of your car. The carrier does not increase the total Ioad-carrying capacity
of the car, shown oppoSite "Max Load " on the TIre Placard on the driver's
door. Be sure the
total weight of the cargo on the roof, plus the weight of the
cargo and passengers inside
the car, plus the tongue load of any trailer you
are towing, does not exceed this· "Max Load" vehicle capacity weight. See "Tires" in "Service and Maintenance," Section 5 for more information on
vehicle loading. If needed, see "Trailer Towing" in "Starting and. Operating,"
Section 2 .
NOnce: To hetp avOid damage to the car, do not exceect 70 kilograms (150 pounds) cargo weight on the roof. Position the cargo on the luggage carrier as evenly as possible. If carrying long items , never exceed car length emUasten loads eacurely at the front and rear of the car, as well as to the luggage ~rier.
The carrier consists of: five roof slats attached to the top of the car, two
crossrails with knobs at each end that allow the crossrails to 00 adjusted or removed, and six adjustable tie-downs.
2-40

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine coolant level in the see-through recovery tank. The coolant level should be at
or above the
"FULL HOT" mark on the recovery tank.
CAUTION: Keep hand., toots and clothing -away from the engine COOling fa", to help prevent personIl intUry. lhiIlan is electric and can come on whether Or not the engine Is rUnning. 111. tan can start automatically In .respon .. to a heat sensor when the ignition Is in "Run."
Make sure the water pu"",, belts are not broken, or off the pulleys , and that the fan runs when the engine is running and there is an indication on the instrument panel of an overheat condition.
If the coolant level in the recovery tank is low, look for leaks at the radiator
hoses and connections, heater hoses and connections, radiator I and water pump. If you find major leaks, or spot other problems that may have caused
the engine to overheat,
do not run the engine untilthese problems have been
corrected. If you do not find a leak or other problem, caretully add coolant to
the recovery tank. (Coolant is a mixture of ethylene glycol antifreeze and water; see "Engine Cooling System" in "'Service and Maintenance," Section 5, for the proper antifreeze and mixture.) .
CAUTION: Under: some:' conditione, the ethylen~ glycol In engine coolant Is . combustible. -To help avoid being burned, DO NOT spill antifreeze or coolant on the exhauat system or hot engine parts..
If the coolant level in the recovery tank is at the correct level but there is still
an indication on the instrument panel of an overheat condition:
•
You may add coolant directly to the radiator. YOU MUST LET ENGINE COOL FIRST. See "Coolant Replacement" under "Engine Cooling
System"
in Section 5, "Service and Maintenance" in this manual. Follow steps t through 3 for the correct way to remove the radiator
cap
and add coolant.
Once the Engine Coolant Temperature light has gone out (or the Engine Coolant Temperature gage no longer signals an overheat condition), you can
resume
driving at a reduced speed. Return to normal driving after about ten
minutes If the light does not come back on (or the gage pointer does not again
show
ao overheat condition).
tf no cause for the overheat condition was found, see a qualified service technician.
JACKING
CAUTION
To help avoid personal injury:
• FollOW all jacking and stowage instructions .
• Use jack only for lifting this vehicle during wheel change.
• Never get beneath the vehicle, start or run engine while vehicle is
supported by jack.
• Always securely restow spare tire (or flat tire) and all jacking equipment.
3-4

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

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.
4-5

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine '"
.,.
PART NUMBER
1051516
1050017
1052277
1050172
1050173
1050174 "1050214 "1050244 1052627
1050427
1050429
1052349 1050729
1052870
1051055 "1051398 1051515 1050201 1051855 1052367 1052753
1052271 1052535
APPEARANCE CARE AND MAINTENANCE MATERIALS
SIZE
0.946 L 132 oz.) 0.946 L 132 oz.) 0.354 L (12oz.)
0.473 L 116 oz.) 0.473 L (16 oz.) 0.473 L 116 oz.) 0.946 L 132 oz.) 0.473 L 116 ot.) 0.354 L 112 oz.) 0.680 L 123 oz.) 2.72 kg 16 lb.)
0.340 kg 112 o~.) 0.237 L 18 oZ')'1 0.473 L 116 oz,) 0.473 L 116 oz.,1 0.237 L 18 oz.) , 0.946 L 132 oz.i, 0.4Z3 kg 116 oZI) 0.946 L 132 oz.), 0.473 L (16 OZ.),.I 3.785 L 11 gal.) 1
0.680 L (23 oz.l 0.473 L 116 ozi)
DESCRIPTION
Washer Solvent and Gas Line De-Icer Power Steering Fluid Spray~A-Squeak
Tar and Road on Remover Chrome Cleaner and Polish White Sidewall Tire Cleaner Vinyl/Leather Cleaner Fabric Cleaner Heat Valve Lubricant Glass Cleaner Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner
tubriplate (White Grease) Vinyl Top Cleaner Wash -Wax (cone.') Preservatone Spot Lifter GM Optikleen Magic Mirror Cleaner-Polish Dexron® II GM Engine Oil Supplement IE.O.S.1 Permanent Type Anti.Freeze Coolant (Ethylene Glycol Base) GM Gear Lubricant Delco Supreme II Brake Fluid
USAGE
Windshield washing system and gas line Power Steering WeatherStrips -stops squeaks on metal-to-metaland metal­to-rubber contact Removes old waxes, polishes, tar, and road oil Removes rust and corrosion on chrome and stainless steel Cleans white and black tires Spot and stain removal on leather or vinyl Spot and stain removal on cloth andfabric Free up sticky heat risers -general purpose penetrant
Glass cleaning and spot cleaning on vinyls Cleans vinyl and cloth on door trim, seats, and carpet -also, tireS; and mats
Grease for hood; trunk and door hinges and latches
Cleaning of vinyl tops
Exterior Wash
Vinyl Top Dressing
Spot and stain removal on cloth and fabric
Windshield washer solvent and anti-freeze Exterior Cleaner and polish Automatic transmission and Four Speed Manual Transmission See your Dealer for specific usage
Year round coolant and anti-freeze
Rear
axle lubricant
Brake Fluid
*Not recommended for Pigskj~ede Leather. $ee your General Motors Dealer for these products. I

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.
5-1

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