service 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 38 of 105

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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Page 56 of 105

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.
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Page 62 of 105

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.
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Page 66 of 105

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine TOWING
Proper equipment must be used to prevent damage to vehicles during any
towing . State (provincial in
Canada) and local laws which apply to vehicles in .'
tow must be foltowed. Gel detailed towing instructions from your dealer.
Your vehicle, if equipped with
an automatic transaxle, may be towed on alt four
wheels at speeds less than
35 mph (55 km/h) for distances up to 50 miles (80
kilometers). These speed and distance restrictions do not apply if your vehicle
has a manual transaxle . The driveline and steering must be normalty operable.
For such towing, the steering must
be unlocked, transaxle in neutral and the
parking brake released.
Connect to main structural parts of the vehicle. Do NOT attach to bumpers or brackets. Remember also that power assist for
brakes
and steering wilt not be available when the engine is off.
n the vehicle is to be towed by a wrecker , use only equipment designed for this
purpose, following
the instructions of the wrecker manufacturer . Towing on the rear wheels is preferred because of the front-wheel drive. However, if
necessary, your vehicle may be towed backwards on the front drive wheels at speeds up to 35 mph (55 km/h) for distances of 50 miles (80 kilometers) if it is
equipped with
an automatic transaxle. These speed and distance restrictions do not apply ij your vehicle has a manual transaxle. Severe damage to the
transaxle may result
II speeder distance ~m~s are exceeded.
A safety chain system must
be used. for alt towing .
FREEING VEHICLE FROM SAND, MUD, SNOW OR ICE
n your vehicle gets stuck in sand, mUd, snow or ice, shift the transaxle from a
forward range to reverse in a repeat pattern.
(On manual transaxle models, shift the Ifansaxle from First or Second to Reverse .) Apply a tight pressure to
the accelerator pedal
while the transaxle is in gear. Remove your foot from the
accelerator while shifting.
Do not race the engine. For best traction, avoid
spinning the wheels. Incorrect rocking of your' vehicle while it is stuck may
resuh in damage to vehicle components.
CAUTION: Do ............ -.. _ IN. 35 ""'" ,55 Om/h). _ In)ufy .... .-nave (including tire, vehicle body parte. and/or tr.., .. xle failure) mIIy mutt from exCQ:live wheel spinning.
If the vehicle remains stuck after several rocking attempts, seek other
assistance. Also
see the Notice under "Automatic Transaxles" in "Starting and
Operating", Section 2 01 this manual .
Extended Vehicle Storage
If you plan to store your vehicle over an extended period of time, certain steps
should
be taken to give it maximum protection. It is recommended that you
write the Consumer Relations Department , Chevrolet Motor Division, Warren,
Michigan 48090,
(in Canada, write to General Motors of canada Um~ed,
Customer Services Departmeht, Oshawa, Ontario L 1 J5Z6) for detailed
instructions on how to prepare your vehicle for storage .
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Page 71 of 105

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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Page 74 of 105

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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Page 75 of 105

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
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Page 76 of 105

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.
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Page 77 of 105

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."
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Page 78 of 105

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Oil Identification Logo
A logo (symbol) has been developed to help you select the oil you should use,
and it probably will be included on oil cans sometime during 1983. The top
portion of the logo shows the oil quality by API designations such as SF, SFI
CC, or others. The center portion of the logo will probably show the SAE
viscosity grade, such as SAE 5W-30. "Energy Conserving," shown in the lower portion, indicates that the oil has fuel-saving capabilities.
Change Intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for your engine are based on the use of
SF-quality oils and high-quality fi~ers such as AC oil filters. Using oil other
than SF-quality, or oil and filter change intervals longer than
recommended could reduce engine life. Damage to engines due to improper
maintenance or use of incorrect
oil quality and/ or viscosity is not covered by
the Chevrolet new car warranties.
Your engine was
filled with a high-quality engine oil when it was built. You do
not have to change this oil before the first recommended change interval.
Oil
and filter change intervals depend upon how you use your vehicle. The
following should assist in determining the proper oil and fi~er change intervals:
TVPEOFUSE CHANGE INTERVAL
• Operating
in dusty areas.
• Towing a trailer.
• Idling for extended periods andlor low speed operation such as found • Change engine oil and filter every
in police, taxi or door-Ie-door de-livery service. 3,000 miles (4 800 kilometers) or 3
rn.onths, whichever comes first.
• Operating when outside tempera-tures-remain below freezing and when most trips are less than 4 miles' (6 kilometers)~
• Operating on a daily basis, as a • Chan:ge engine oil every 7,500 general rule, for several miles and miles (12 000-km) or 12 months,
when none of the above conditions whichev.er comes first. Change en·
apply. gine oil filter at first oil change. then every other oil change if mileage determines· when you change oil. If time determines change intervals, change the filter with each oil change.
Engine Oil Additives
Engine oils contain a variety of additives. Your engine should not need any
extra additives
K you use the recommended oil quality and change intervals. However, H you think your engine has an oil-related problem, a supplemental
additive ("GM Engine Oil Supplement") is available that may solve your problem without causing other difficuHies. Consu~ your dealer who can provide
you
w~h this tested and approved additive.
Used Oil Disposal
Do not dispose of used engine oil (or any other oil) in a careless manner such
as pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into streams or bodies of water.
Instead, recycle it by taking it to a used oiL collection facility which may be
found
in your area. If you have a problem disposing of your used oil, it is
suggested that you contact your
dealer or a service station.
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