ignition CHEVROLET CAVALIER 1984 1.G Owners Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: CHEVROLET, Model Year: 1984, Model line: CAVALIER, Model: CHEVROLET CAVALIER 1984 1.GPages: 105, PDF Size: 24.23 MB
Page 7 of 105

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine The time to be most on guard is when leaving the vehicle:
1. Park in a lighted spot when you can, and fully close all windows and
any roof panels.
2 .
Lock the steering column and take the keys:
• Turn the key to "Lock" while depressing the key release lever (if so
equipped) and remove the
key. This locks the ignition and both
steering and shift controls , unless your manual transaxJe vehicle has a key release lever . In thai case . Ihe shiH control is not locked. The key can be removed only when the ignition is locked.
• II you must leave a key wilh the vehicle. leave the square-head key
only. Take the oval-head key with you. This will help prevent unwanted
entry into your vehicle or any locked compartment at a later date. Be
sure to
lock the glove box since the remote release button allows the
hatchback.
tailgate , or trunk to be opened even though the ignition key
has been removed .
3. Keep items that may appear to be of value out of sight and locked up
when possible.
4 .
Lock all doors.
KEYS
Two different keys are provided for the locks on your vehicte. The key code is
stamped on the "knock-out" plug in each key head.
• Key with square heed -for ignition lock only.
• Key with oval heed -for all other locks .
tDENTtFYING
IGNITION LOCK
For vehicle security:
DOOR LOCKS & ALL OTHER LOCKS
•
Record the key code numbers, then knock the plugs out of the keys.
• Keep the key codes in a safe place (such as your wallet) . NOT IN THE VEHICLE.
If the original keys are lost. duplicates can be made using the key codes.
Stamped on the key
is a letter indicating the proper key blank needed if
duplicates are required . Contact any GM dealer or a locksmith .
If you park in an attended lot. leave only your square-head ignition key. Lock
your glove box and take the oval-head key with you. This will help prevent illegal entry into your vehicle or any locked compartment.
It's a good idea to carry an extra key to the door in your wallet or purse, should you accidentally lock your regular keys In the vehicle. To help
protect your Vehicle and its contents against theft, General Motors has
des igned in anti-theft features which would also make jf: inconvenient and
possibly expensive to enter the vehicle if you are locked out.
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Page 9 of 105

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Power Windows (Optional)
Power windows have an ignition interlock so the windows cannot be operated
unless the ignition .
switch· is in the "RUN " position . A master control for all windows is provided on the driver 's door . Individual switches are provided
under each window for passenger use.
MIRRORS
",side Rearvlew Mirror
DAY/NIGHT ADJUSTMENT
Outside Rearview Mirror
Adjust the outside mirror so you can just see the side of your vehicle . This
helps you determine the location of objects-seen
in the mirror .
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Page 23 of 105

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
• Run-Normal operating position.
• Start-Cranks the engine .
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Page 24 of 105

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine CAunOM: tf you need to tum oft the ... whikt the vehicte ls moving, turn the key only to "Oft." DO NOT depreSS the key release lever while turning the Ignition off._This
wln ·lock the steering column and result in loss arability to steer the vehlete.
If you have trouble turning the key to unlock the ignition, first be sure the key is
pushed in all the way . Then , try to turn the steering wheel as hard as you can .
in the direclioo the
wheels are tUrned . At the same ti me , turn the ignition kay
w~h as much eftort as you can apply with your hand. Do not try to use a tool of
any kind to
apply more force on the lock knob , as tnis could break the knob.
NOTICE: Do not park, idle, or operate your vehk:le over combustible materials, such
as grass or leaves . They couki touch the hot exhaust ay8tem and ignite.
Parking
CAUTION: Before the driver leaves this vehicle, to reduce the risk of personal injury ... resun of vehicle movement:
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Shift the automatic transtixle to Park or the manual tranSlale to "Reverse."
3. Tum the kef to "Lock. " On vehietn wrth manual transaxle$, __ ~ the key reiease tever and tum the key to·'Loclic. " .
4. Remove the key (the chime ia designed to remind you).
To reduce the chance of persona' injury and/or vehicle damage due' to engine overheating , never lellVe the engine Idling without an alert driver present. If the engine ahoukl overheat, as indicated by the Erlgine Coolant Temperature light Of gage,
Immediate action 1a required to correct the concIUon. Continued operation 01' the engine . enn FOA -A SHORT TtME may resutt In a fire.
TURN SIGNAL AND MULTI-FUNCTION LEVER
The turn signal lever on the left side of the steering column also controls headlight low-beam and high-beam, the windshield wiper/washer, and the
optional Cruise
Control. (See Cruise Control operatiOn in this section .)
• TUI'fI Si!Jnal -MOve the lever up .to the second stop to signal a right turn.
Move
~ down to the second stop to signal a left turn. When the turn is
completed, the signal will cancel and the lever will return to horizontal.
TURN SIGNAL
• MOVE UPWARD R.H . TURN
• MOVE DOWNWARD L.H. TURN
LANE CHANGE
• MOVE UPWARD TO 1S T STOP·CHANGE
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT LANE
• MOVE DOWNWARD TO 1ST STOP ·CHANGE FROM RIGHT TO LEFT LAN E
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Page 26 of 105

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine With the Delay wiper system, the wipers will stop (or return to the action for
which they were set) after completing the wash cycle .
Operating Tips
• Clear ice or packed snow from the wiper blades before using the
wipers. Carefully loosen or thaw wipers that are frozen to the
windshield.
• Check the washer fluid level regularly. Do it often when the weather is
bad.
• Use a fluid such as GM Optikleen to help prevent freezing damage,
and lor better cleaning. Be sure to put thE> lIuid in the proper reservoir .
• Do not use radiator antifreeze in the windshield washer; it could cause paint damage.
• In cold weather, warm the windshield with the defroster before
using the washer--tohelp prevent Icing that may block the driver's vision.
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Automatic Transaxle -Shift the transaxls to "P" (Park) or
"N"(Neutral) ("P" preferred). A starter safety device is designed to keep
the starter
from operating if the shift lever is in any drive position. (If you need. to re-start the engine while the vehicle is moving. move the shift lever to "N.")
Manual Transaxle -Press the clutch pedal to the floor and shift the transaxle to Neutral. Hold the clutch pedal to the lIoor while you are
starting the engine. A starter safety device is designed to keep the starler
Irom operating ~ the clutch pedal is not pushed down ail the way .
3. Start the engine as outlined below for different conditions .
NonCE: Do not crank the engine for more than about 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying agltin. this will help prevent damage to the starter.
COLD OR WARM ENGINE;
•
Do not push down the accelerator pedal. With your foot off the pedal,
crank the engine by turning the ignition key to "Start". Release the key when engine starts.
• n engine does not start after 3 seconds 01 cranking. push down the
accelerator pedai to 1/3 of its travel while cranking . Release the key (and
accelerator pedal) when the engine starts.
After starting. the
idle speed will automatically be reduced as the engine warms up.
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Page 32 of 105

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine CRUISE CONTROL WITH RESUME/ACCEL FEATURE
Cruise Control is an optional speed control system. The system allows the vehicle· to keep a constant forward speed during most normal driving without
keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal, thus increasing driver comfort on
long trips. The system
can hold a speed of about 30 mph (50 km/h) or higher
within the limits of your engine.
The
system is also designed to resume a pre-set cruising speed after:
• Braking. clutching with manual transaxle vehicles, without using the
accelerator pedal.
•
Accelerating from a given set speed to a higher control speed.
The system also allows the driver to "Tap-up" and increase speed or "Tap
down" to decrease vehicle speed in increments of about 1 mph (1.6 km/h)
when needed. This feature is useful when traffic conditions warrant a small
adjustment in speed. The controls are part of the turn signal lever. The
"Cruise" switch must be moved to "On" before the system will work. The "Set/Coast" button is in the end of the turn signal lever.
To Engage at Cruising Speed
Accelerate to the desired speed, push in the "Sel/Coast" button all the way
and release it (or use the "Resume/ Accel" (R/ A) switch during first
engagement only). Take your foot off the accelerator pedal and the set speed
will be maintained up Qr down hill. The Cruise Control is designed to disengage
when you apply the brakes and also with the clutch on manual transaxle
vehicles.
It will also disengage by moving the "Resume/ Accel" (R/ A) switch to
off or by turning the ignition off. (To disengage the system without coming to a
complete
stop, push the brake pedal or clutch lightly; use just enough force to
disengage the system, witi)out stopping the vehicle:)
To Change Cruising Speed
To reset the Cruise Control to a faster speed, accelerate to the speed you wish. Push in the "Set/Coast" button all the way, (for less than a second) then release it.
Or, use the "Resume/ Aceel" switch to accelerate and reset to the speed you
wish. The "Resume/ Accel" (R/ A) switch must be held (over a second) in
order to engage the accel mode. Speed may also be increased by tapping the
"Resume/
Accel" switch for less than a second while cruising. The set speed
will
be increased by about 1 mph (1.6 km/h) for every tap. "Tap-ups" are
limited to 10 mph (16 km/h) above vehicle speed.
To reset to a
slower speed, push in the "Set/Coast" button all the way and hold it there. Wait until the vehicle slows to the desired speed, then release the
button.
Speed may also be decreased by tapping the "Sel/Coast" button for less than a second while cruising and the memory speed will be decreased
about 1
mph (1.6 km/h) for every tap, "Tap-downs" are limited to a minimum
cruising speed of 23 mph (37 km/h).
To "Resume" a Pre-Set Speed
After braking or stopping the vehicle without turning off the ignition, you can "resume" to your last set cruising speed by accelerating to 30 mph (50 km/h)
or more
and sliding the cruise switch momentarily to "Resume/ Accel"; when
you release the "Resume/ Accel" switch, your vehicle will accelerate to the
cruising speed set before braking or stopping.
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Page 35 of 105

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine PARKING BRAKE
The parking brake lever is located between the seats .
• To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down while pulling the
parking brake
lever all the way up.
• To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down while pushing the
button in the tip of the brake
lever and lower the lever. The brake system
warning light is designed to remind you H the parking brake control is not fully released when the ignition is on. Never drive the vehicle with the
parking brake set as this will reduce rear brake effectiveness due to
overheating, shorten brake life, and may cause permanent damege, If
the parking brake does not hold the vehicle securely or does not fully release , see your dealer .
Torque Lock
The perking brake should be set first whenever leaving the driver's seat. If the vehicle is parked on a grade and the transaxle selector lever is placed in "P"
(Park) before the parking brake is set, the weight 01 the vehicle may exert so
much force on the parking pawl in the transaxle that it may be difficult to pull
selector lever out of "P" (Park). This condition Is called "torque lock." To
prevent this, the parking brake should be applied BEFORE moving the selector lever to "P" (Park).
When preparing to move the
Vehicle , the selector lever should be moved out of the "P" (Park) position BEFORE releasing the parking brake. It is good driving
practice to
set the parking brake first. then release the transaxle from "P" (Park), even on level surfaces .
n "torque lock" does oocur, it may be necessary to have another vehicle
nudge this vehicle uphill to take some of the pressure off the transaxle while
the driver pulls on the transaxle selector lever.
CLUTCH PEDAL
On models equipped with a manual transaxle a clutch pedal is used to engage
or disengage the clutch, thereby connecting or disconnecting the engine from
the transaxle and dliveline to the front wheels . When the pedal is fully
extended the clutch is engaged, driving the transaxle and the front wheels .
See "Clutch Adjustment in Section 5 of this manual.
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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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Page 37 of 105

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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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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