instrument panel CHEVROLET CAVALIER 1984 1.G Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared to acquaint you with the operation and
maintenan ce of your 1984
Cavalier. and to provide important safety
information .
It is supplemented by a Maintenance Schedule Folder and a
Warranty and Owner Assistance Information booklet. We urge you to read all
Uvee
publications carefully . Following the recommendations will help assure
the most enjoyable. safe and troubl efree operation of your
vehicle.
When it comes to ser vice, remember that your Chevrolet dealer knows your
vehicle best and is inter ested in your complete satisfaction . Your dealer invites
you to return for all 01 your service needs both during and after the warranty
period.
To help dealers handle your needs. Chevrolet has a number of Zone Offices
throughout the country .
If you have a problem that has not been handled to your satisfaction. follow the steps in the separate "Warranty and Owner
Assistance
Information" booklet.
We thank you for choosing a Chevrolet product, and want to assure you of our continuing interest in your motoring pleasure and satisfaction .
SPECIAL NOTE TO CANADIAN OWNERS
Some vehicles sold in Canada have the Computer Command Control system.
while others do not. II a "CHECK ENGINE" light comes on during engine
starting . your vehicle does have this system . For those vehicles sold in
'"canada which do not have the Computer Command Control system, please refer to the Canadian OWner's Manual Supplement supplied with
your vehicle for information on engine starting, specifications, etc. The
"CHECK ENGINE" light is covered in "Instrument Panel." Section 2 of this
manual.
FRENCH OWNER'S MANUAL
If preferred. a French Owner's Manual can be obtained either from your dealer
or by writing to General Motors of Canada ~imited. Technical Publications
Department . Oshawa. Ontario L 1 J 5Z6.
Aux proprietaires canadians:
Vous pouvez vous procurer un exemplaire dece
guide en fran~ais chez votre concessionnaire OU au Service des publications
techniques . General Motors du Canada Limit"", Oshawa . Ontario L 1 J 5Z6.
FOR CONTINUING SATISFACTION. KEEP YOUR GM CAR ALL GM.
GENERAL MOTORS PARTS ARE IDENTIFIED BY ONE OF THESE
TRADEMARKS: ~[j]~

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 1984CAVAUER
OWNER'S MANUAL
This manual should be considered a permanent part of this vehicle. It
should stay with the vehicle when sold, to provide the next owner
with important operating, safety, and maintenance information.
All information, illustrations and specifications in this manual are
based on the latest product inforination available at the time of
printing. We reserve the ripht to make changes at any time without notice. For vehicles sold In Canada, substitute the name "General
Motors
of Canada limited" wherever the name Chevrolet Motor Di­vision appears in this manual.
Table of Contents
Section Page
Before Driving Your Cavalier ............... : .. : ................... 1-1
2 Starting and Operating ........................................... 2-1
Steering Column Controls ............................... 2-7
Floor Controls ....... ....................................... 2-18
Instrument
Panel ............................................ 2-23
Other Controls and Features ................................. 2-35
3
In Case of Emergency ............................................ 3-1
4 Appearance and Care .............................................. 4-1
5 Service and Maintenance ......................................... 5-1
6 Specifications and Service Station Information ...................... 6-t
7
Index and Service Publications .......................... ........... 7-1
ii

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Driving with the trunk lid, hatchback or liftgate on station wagon models open is not recommended. Under some conditions, exhaust gases may be drawn
into the vehicle. If the trunk lid, hatchback or liftback must remain open for
some reason while moving, or if electrical wiring or other cable connections to a trailer must pass through the seal between the trunk lid, hatchback or liftback
and the body, follow these precautions:
• Close all windows.
• Adjust the heating or cooling system to force outside air into the vehicle as
described abcve, but set the fan to high speed.
• On vehicles with outside air vents in or under the instrument panel, open the vents fully.
NEW VEHICLE "BREAK-IN" PERIOD
You can drive your new vehicle from its very first mile/kilometer without
following a formal "break-in" schedule. However, there are things you can do during the first few hundred miles/kilometers of driving that will add to the
future performance and economy of your vehicle.
We recommend you limit your speed during the first 500 miles (800 kilometers)
to a maximum of 55 mph (90 km/h); but do not drive for long periods at any
one constant speed, either fast or slow. During this time, avoid full throttle
starts and, if possible, avoid hard stops especially during the first 200 miles (320 kilometers) of driving.
Always drive at moderate speed until the engine has completely warmed up.
I! you plan to use your new vehicle for trailer towing, see the following.
TRAILER TOWING
This car is designed and intended to be used mainly to carry people. Towing a
trailer
will affect handling, durability and economy. Your safety and satisfaction
depend upon proper use of correct equipment. Also, you should avoid
overloads and other abusive use.
The maximum loaded trailer weight you can pull with your vehicle depends on
your intended use
and what special equipment has been installed on it.
Information on trailer towing ability, special equipment required, and optional
equipment available should be obtained from your dealer. Ask for the trailering brochure. Or, write: Consumer Relations Department, Chevrolet Motor
Division, Warren, Michigan 48090.
(In Canada, write to General Motors of
Canada Limited, Customer Services Department, Oshawa, Ontario L lJ 5Z6.)
Tires
When towing trailers, be sure your tires are properly inflated to the inflation pressure shown on the Tire Placard on the driver's door.
The allowable passenger and cargo load for this vehicle, also shown on the
Tire
Placard, is reduced by the trailer tongue weight whenever the trailer is
attached to the vehicle. See "Service and Maintenance," Section 5 for more tire information.
Maintenance
More frequent service is required when using your vehicle to pull a trailer. See
the Maintenance Schedule folder for Automatic Transaxle Fluid and Engine Oil change requirements for trailering.
2-2

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine • Lane Change Signal -In some turns, such as changing lanes, the steering wheel tS not turned far enough to cancel the turn signal. For convenience, you can flash the turn signal by moving the lever part way (to the first stop)
and holding it there. The lever will return to horizontal when you release it.
A green light on the instrument panel is designed to flash to tell you that the
front
and rear turn signal lights are working. If the light stays on, but does not flash, check for burned-out turn signal bulbs. If the green light does not come
on when
you move the lever, check the fuse and indicator bulb.
However, if you ordered a trailertowing·optiOil.·in which extra wiring was added to attach the trailer lighting, a different type of flasher was installed. In this
case, the green light will continue to flash even if a turn signal bulb burns out.
Therefore, you must regularly look at the front
and rear turn signal lights to be
sure they are working.
• Headlight Beam Changer -With the headlights on, pull the lever toward you until you hear a click, then release it. The lights will change from Iow­
beam to high-beam or from high-beam to low-beam. When the high-beams
are
on, a light will appear on the instrument panel.
HEADLIGHT BEAM CHANGER
(HEADLIGHTS ON)
PULL LEVER
TOWARD YOU
• Standard Windshield Wiper -The standard Windshield wiper system
con
ols are on the band marked "WIPER" on the turn signal lever.
• For a single wiping cycle, turn the band toward you. Hold it there until
the wipers begin
Wiping, then release.it. The wipers will stop after one
cycle. For several cycles, hold the band in place as long as needed.
• For steady wiping at low speed, turn the band away from you to the
first stop. For high-speed wiping, turn the band to the next stop. Turn
the band back to
"OFF" to turn off the wipers.
• Delay Windshield Wiper -The optional delay windshield wiper system lets you vary the wiper speed from a 16-second delay between sweeps up to
the normal
low and high speeds of the standard wiper.
• The Delay wipers work the same as the standard wipers, except for the
delay feature. To use the wipers with a delay between sweeps, turn the
band on the turn signal lever to
"ON."
• Turn the "Delay" band away from you to control the amount of delay. The
wipers will move more often the closer the band is to "LO." Turn it fully to
the first stop for steady wiping at
low speed.
• Windshield Washer -To spray washer fluid on the windshield, pUSh the "paddle" on top of the turn signal lever. (This will also turn on the low~ speed wipers.) The spray will continue as long as you hold in the paddle.
After using the windshield washer
on the standard wiper system, turn the band
back to "OFF" to turn off the wipers.
2-9

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine For the best compromise between vehicle pertormance and fuel economy ,
upshift the transaxle as recommended in the chart.
Shift at the highest vehicle speed listed unless you have reached cruising
speed. (Cruising speed is a relatively steady speed whi ch includes slight variations in speed to allow for road andtrattic conditions.) For cruise , use the
highest gear for that speed.
MANUAL TRANSAXLE RECOMMENDED SH IFT SPEEDS IN MPH (Km/h) Engine$ & Accelera tion Shift S lllee! Crl.liM Shift S eed Trltn$ilxles 1 to 2 2to 3 3 to 4 4to 5 1102 2103 3104 4105 2 .0LUI E ng. Code P IS ,S 4. 20 ·25 "40 4-",,,", 124) (40) 164) (32401 (43.64) (M I9 ) 4.tOAxle 2.0L L4 EI1Q. Code P IS 26 4. 4S 20·25 27-40 35-45 5-Speed (24) (40) (64)
(72) 132·40) 143-64) (56-12) (MY7) 3.83 Axle
If vehicle speed drops below 20 mph (30 km/h) , or if the engine is not running .
smoothly , you should downshift to thE. next lowest gear. You may need to
downshift two or more gears to keep the engine running smoolhly or for
satisfactory performance .
Upshift Indicator Ught
H your vehicle has a manual transaxle. there may or may not be a "SHIFr" light · on the instrument panel. After the engine is warmed up, this light Will
corne on if you can get better fuel economy by shifting to the next higher gear
H conditions permit. !)est fuel economy can be achieved by acceleratingslQwly .
and shifting to the next higher gear when the "SHFT" light comes on.
Sale operation 01 the vehicle mayrsquire shifting differently lhan indicated by
the
"SHFT" light to adept to weather. rDild . or
affle conditions .. The ·"SHIFT '·
light should be ignored when downshifting or when hardaccelerallon Is required for satisfactory performance.
Downshifting one or more gears may be required to keep the engine .running
smoothly or
to maintain satisfactory performance ;
POWER STEERING
N the power steering assist system goes out because the engine has stopped
or the assist system has failed. the vehicle.can still be steered . However ; much greater effort Is needed . especially in sharp turns or at low speeds;
nL T STEERING WHEEL
The optional lilt steering wheel can be tilted up above normal position to
provide additional roorn for entrance and exit as
well as selected driving
positions
below normai height. The tilt control lever is located on the left side
of the steering column just behind the turn signal lever. To operate pull the
lever towards you and move the steering wheel to your· desired position then release the lever. This permits individual selection of Ihe mostcornfortable
positions for all driving cond itions . On longer trips the steering wheel position may be changed to help minimize tension and fatigue.
2-15

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 • 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.)
2-21

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 Operating Tips
• Clear snow and ice from the hood and air inlet in front of the windshield . This helps the heater and defroster work better and reduces the chance 01 fogging the inside 01 the windshield .
•
Run the blower on "HI" for a few moments belore driving off. This helps
clear the intake ducts of snow and moisture and reduces the chance of
logging on the inside
01 the windows.
• Always keep the front inlet grilles clear of obstructions (leaves, ice, snow ,
etc .) .
• Always keep the underseat air path clear of objeCts .
Lower Air Vents
Two control handles located beneath the center instrument panel open (pull)
and close (full in ) the lower "ram " air vents. The amount of air discharged at these lower ·outlets increases with vehicle speed. Maximum airflow can be
obtained by opening any of the .side door windows approximately six inches. If so equipped, the rear quarter swing-out windows will"optimize lower vent
performance and provide maximum airflow without opening a side door glass . In this condition, minimum air buffeting and road noise is incurred.
HEATER SYSTEM (NON-AIR CONOmONEO SYSTEM)
Fan lever
The fan lever (OFF-HI) provides speed control of the blower fan in all Air Selector Lever pOSitions.
Temperature Control lever
The temperature control lever regulates the temperature 01 the air entering the
passenger compartment in
"HEA TEA" and " DEF " Air Selector Lever
positions . Full right position (HOT ) provides maximum heat air and full left position (COLD) provides minimum heat (ambient air temperature) air.
AIR Selector lever
• VENT --In this position, ambient outside ventilation air is discharged from the upper air outlets . Air quantity is controlled by the FAN LEVER.
• BLEND --The AIR SELECTOR LEVER may be adjusted between VENT and HEATER to obtain a variable distribution of air between the upper air outlets and the floor air outlet.
2-26

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine • MAX (AIR COND) --Air from the passengel' cOlTlpaftment is mixed with a small amount of outside air. conditioned and discharged from !he upper
outlets . This position. with the temperature
lever in full COLD. is used for
maximum cooling under conditions of high temperature and humidity .
• NORM (AIR COND) --Outside air is conditioned as ~ passes through the
system and is discharged from the upper outlets. This position is used for most air conditioning situations.
• BI-LEVEL (AIR COND) --Outside air is conditioned and directed out the
upper outlets PLUS the heater outlet. This position provides comfort and
keeps the windshield clear under low fogging conditions .
• VENT (ECONOMY) --Outside air is discharged from the upper outlet s. This position is provided for cool to moderate weather operation when
refrigeration is not required. The refrigeration compressor is turned off.
Operating Information -The engine cooling fan is automatically engaged in all air conditioning modes and defrost mode (with high air conditioning pressure).
• HEATER (ECONOMY) --Outside air is delivered from the heater outlet with
a small amount from the defroster outlets and the side window . defogger outlets. This position is used for most winter driving. The air conditioning compressor is turned off.
• DEFROST c_ Outs ide air is cond~ioned and delivered from the defroster
outlets w i1h a small amount from the heater outlet. This position is
recommended for conditions of severe fogging and icing
only.
Operating Tip
For satisfactory operation of the air conditioning system. windows should always be closed, except for the first two or three minutes to remove hot air if
the car has been closed. This provides a fast cool-down in normal air
conditioning mode.
ELECTRO-CLEAR REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER
The optional defogger consists of a heating element bonded to the inside
surface
of the rear glass . The unit is operated by a switch on the instrument panel and functions only in the ON position. When activated an indicator light
will illuminate.
After the defogger has operated for a short time. the system will
automatically shut off. If further defrosting or defogging is desired . simply actuate the switch again.
The defogger
will not function if the ignition is turned off.
Refrain from removing decals or other materjal' from the inside of rear window
with a razor or other sharp instrument since this may damage . the heating
element.
Clear snow and ice from the rear window to improve tihe efficiency of the rear
window defogger.
2-28