maintenance CHEVROLET CAVALIER 1984 1.G Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 1984 Chevrolet Owner's Manual /
Contains Important Operating
Safety & Maintenance Instructions.
Keep With Car At All Times.

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 SECTION 1
BEFORE DRIVING YOUR CAVALIER
TRANSAXLE
While reading this manual, you will nole many references 10 Ihe "transaxle." The transaxle is a transmission and differential (axle) combined in a singl ,e unit.
To avoid confusion, the word
"transaxle" will be used throughout this manual 10 refer to bolh Ihe transmission and differenlial funclions.
DRIVER DAILY CHECKUST
Be sure you know how to use your vehicle and its equipment before operating it
Before Entering the Vehicle
1. See that windows, mirrors and lights are clean and unobstructed.
2. If any lire does not look normal, check it with a pressure gage.
3. Look for fluid leaks .
4. Be sure everything is properly stowed.
5. Check the area behind the vehicle if you are about to back up.
__ Before Driving Off
1. Lock all doors.
2. Adjust the seat and any movable head restraint
3. Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
4. DO NOT allow anyone to ride where there is no seat belt ; and ALWAYS properly fasten the seat belt.
5. Check that all the warning lights work as the key is turned to "Run" or "Start"
6. Check all gages (including the fuel gage).
7 . Release the parking brake (and make sure the
"BRAKE " light turns .off).
See related topics in this manual
or the Maintenance Schedule folder H problems are found.
STOWING THINGS IN (OR ON) THE VEHICLE
CAUTION: Put luggage or cargo In the trunk, or rea' area if postible. Cargo weight,
whether In the trunk or rear area, should be located as far forward as possible. Cargo weight on the roof Shoukt be positioned .s evenly as possible. Secure all i1ems in place to help keep them -from being thrown about and injuring people during a cot"-ion or sudden maneuver. Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the seetbaCks. Do not place anything on the filler panel, or any cargo cover between the rear seat~.ck and window.
GUARD AGAINST THEFT
Your new Cava~er has many features to help prevent then of the vehicle, its
equipment, and contents. But these anti-then features
depend upon you to work.
t -1

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine SECTION 2
STARTING AND OPERATING
ENGINE EXHAUST GAS CAUTION
(CARBON MONOXIDE)
CAUTION:-Do not breathe exhaust gas because it contains carbon monoxide, which by itself has no color crador. Carbon monoxide is a
dangerous gas. It can cause unconsciousness and can be lethal.
If at any time you think exhaust fumes are entering the vehicle, have the cause
determined and corrected as soon as possible. If you must drive under these conditions, drive only with ALL windows lully OPEN.
Protect against carbon monoxide entry into the vehicle body. The best way is
to keep the engine exhaust system,
vehicle body and body ventilation system
properly maintained. We recommend that the exhaust system and body be
inspected by a competent technician:
• each time the vehicle is raised for an oil change;
• whenever a change is noticed in the sound, of the exhaust system;
• whenever the exhaust system, underbody or rear of the vehicle is damaged
or becomes corroded.
See your Maintenance Schedule folder for parts requiring inspection.
To allow proper operation of your vehicle's ventilation system, keep the air inlet
grille in front of the windshield clear of snow, leaves or other obstructions at all
times.
DO NOT PARK WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING OR IDLE THIS VEHICLE FOR
MORE
THAN 10 MINUTES WITH THE VENTILATION SYSTEM CONTROL
SWITCH
IN THE "OFF" POSITION. EVEN WITH THE VENTILATION SYSTEM ON, RUNNING THE ENGINE WHILE PARKED OR STOPPED FOR LONGER
PERIODS OF TIME IS NOT
RECOMMENDED. ENTRY OF CARBON
MONOXIDE INTO THE CAR BODY IS POSSiBlE WITH A POORLY REPAIRED, DAMAGED, OR CORRODED EXHAUST SYSTEM OR BODY.
Do not run the engine in CONFINED areas (such as garages or next to a
building) any more than needed to move the vehicle. When the
vehicle has to
be stopped
in an UNCONFINED area with the engine running for any more
than a few minutes, take the following steps:
A. Adjust the heating or cooling system to force outside air into the vehicle as
follows:
1. On vehicles not equipped with air conditioning, set the fan to
intermediate or high speed and the upper control lever to any position.
2. On vehicles equipped with air conditioning, set the fan to an
intermediate or high speed and the upper control lever to any position
except
"OFF" or "MAX."
B. Keep the exhaust tailpipe area clear of snow and other material to help
reduce the buildup of exhaust gases under the vehicle. This is particularly
important when parked in blizzard conditions.
2-1

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 Now and then, check that all trailer hitch bolts and nuts are tight. Also see the
Maintenance
Schedule folder, and thelndax in this manual , for important facts
on
belts , cooling system care and brake ~tment.
Break-In Schedule
See the new vehicle break-in information in this manual. Also, we recommend
you drive your new vehicle for 500 miles (800 kilometers) before trailer towing.
At the end of this 500 mile (800 kilometer) break-in period, avoid speeds over
50 mph (80 km/h) and full throttle starts during the first 500 miles (800 kilometers) of trailer towing .
CAUTION:
BRAKES-To help avoid personal injury due to poor braking action :
•
Trailer brakes of adequate size are required on trailers more than 450
kilograms (1,000 pounds) loaded weight.
• If you use trailer brakes with this vehicle, follow the instailation and balance instructions of the trailer brake manufacturer.
• Do not tap into the vehicle's brake system iUhe trailer brake system uses
more than 0.3 cubic centimeter (0.02 cubic inches) 01 fluid from the
vehicle 's
mast.". cyllnd<1r .. , In this case, the vehicle's brake fluid capacity will not be enough to operate both thevehicte and trailer brakes under all kinds
of use.
• All brake fluid parts must be able to stand 20 650 kPa (3,000 psi) . The
brake fluid tap must be made at the upper rear master cylinder port.
Copper tubing is subject to fatigue failure and must not be used.
HITCHES-To help avoid personal injury due to sway caused by such things as
crosswinds, large trucks passing or road roughness , or due to separation of
the trailer :
• A properly installed and adjusted (1) frame mounted, weight-dstribut ing hitch and (2) sway control witheoough capacity are required for trailers
more than 900 kilograms (2,000 pounds) loaded weight.
• Keep the trailer tongue load at 10 percent of the loaded trailer weight for
dead-weight hitches and 12 percent for weight-distributing hitches. Tongue
loads can be adjusted by proper distribution of the load in the trailer. This
can
be checked by weighing separately the loaded trailer and then the
tongue .
• Do not use axle-mounted Mches. They can damage the axle housing , wheel bearings , wheels or tires.
• Do not allow steel hitch parts to be in direct contact with aluminum bumper
parts, if so equipped. When steel and aluminum are in contact, a galvanic
reaction (a form of corrosion) can occur which will progressively lessen the
strength of the contacting metals to the point
of failure. An organic
compound or paint should
be used as a barrier on the contacting surfaces
and on the attaching fasteners.
• When you remove a trailer hitch, be sure to seal any mounting holes in the body. This will help prevent entry 01 exhaust fumes, "Engine Exhaust Gas caution (Carbon Monoxide) " at the begiming of
"Starting and Operating ," Section 2 ollhis manual.)
2-3

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NonCE: Use only trailer hitches which permit normal operation of the Energy
Absorbing Bumper system, If so equipped. For example, a rigid fore and aft connection between the bumper and any other part of-the vehicle may increase damage in the event of a collision.
TRAILER TOWING TIPS
Getting Started
Before entering traffic with a trailer that has electric brakes, start the vehicle and trailer moving and apply the trailer brakes by hand to be sure the trailer
brakes are working and the trailer electrical system is connected.
Engine Cooling
If your engine overheats, follow the steps under "Engine Cooling System
Overheating" in "In Case of Emergency," Section 3 of this manual.
Long Uphill Grades
When going up long grades, you can reduce the chance 01 engine overheating
by turning off the air conditioner, if so equipped.
Down Steep Or Long Grades
Before going down a steep or long grade, reduce speed and shift the transaxle
into a lower gear to help control your vehicle's speed. Try not to hold the brake pedal down too long or too often. This could cause the brakes to overheat and
reduce brake effectiveness.
Transaxle
See the method for checking the transaxle fluid level in "Service and
Maintenance,"
Section 5 of this manual.
Parkin!!
You should not park vehicles with trailers on a grade (hill). However, if you
must park on a grade, these steps must be followed:
1. Apply the regular brakes.
2. Have someone place wheel chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the regular brakes until the
chocks absorb the load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transaxle to "P"(Park),
If the vehicle is parked on a grade, don't shift the transaxle to "P"(Park) until the trailer wheels are chocked and the parking brake is set. If you do, the
weight of the
vehicle and trailer may put so much force on the parking pawl in
the transaxle that it may be hard to shift out of "P"(Park).
When starting, after being parked
on a grade:
1. Apply the regular brakes and hold.
2. Start the engine in "P"(Park).
3. Shift into gear and release the parking brake.
4. Release the regular brakes and drive until the chocks are free.
5. Apply the regular brakes and have someone remove the chocks.
2·4

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine FUEL REQUIREMENTS
Your engine is designed to use Only unleaded gasoline. Unleaded gasoline
must be used for the emission control system to operate properly. Its use will
also reduce spark plug fouling, exhaust system corrosion and engine oil deterioration.
Using leaded gasoline can damage the emission control system and could result in loss of emission warranty coverage. The effectiveness of the catalyst in the catalytic converter decreases after use of as little as one tank of leaded
gasoline. Also, your vehicle may have the "Computer Command Control"
system, which includes an oxygen sensor. Leaded gasoline will damage the sensor, and deteriorate emission control. (For more information, see
"Computer Command Control System" in "Service and Maintenance," Section 5 of this manual).
Federal
regulations require that pumps delivering unleaded gasoline be labeled with the word UNLEADED. Only these pumps have nozzles which fit the filler neck of your vehicle's gasoline tank.
In the United States, Federal law also requires that gasoline octane ratings be
posted on the pumps. The octane rating shown is an average of Research (A)
octane number and Motor (M) octane number. In most parts of the United
States, you should use unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87. However, you may use unleaded gasoline with an octane fating as low as 85 in these high-altitude areas: Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming,
northeastern Nevada, southern
Idaho, western South Dakota, and that part of
Texas which
is directly south of New Mexico.
Using
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating lower than stated above can
cause persistent, heavy "spark knock."
("Spark knock" is a metallic rapping
noise.) If severe, this can lead to engine damage. If you detect heavy spark
knock even when using gasoline of the recommended octane rating, or if you hear steady spark knock while holding a steady speed on level roads, have
your
dealer correct the problem. Failure to take steps to stop such knocking is misuse of the vehicle, for which Chevrolet is not responsible.
However, now and then you may notice light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This'is no cause for concern, becauseyou,,~et the greatest fuel economy benefit from the gasoline's octane rating when there
is occasional light spark knock. Using gasoline with a higher octane rating than
that which allows occasional spark knock is an unnecessary expense.
Gasoline/Ethanol Blends
Blends of unleaded gasoline and ethanol (grain alcohol) sometimes known as gasohol are available in some areas. You may use these blends in your
vehicle, if they are no more than 10 percent ethanol, without jeopardizing the New Vehicle and Emission Warranties. Be sure the gasoline-ethanol blend has
octane ratings no lower than those recommended for unleaded gasoline. Most
drivers
will not notice operating differences with blends of up to 1 0 percent
ethanol, but some may. In that case, your authorized dealer can make certain
adjustments, provided they
do not violate the Federal Emission Standards. If you are still not satisfied with ethanol-gasoline blend performance, you may
prefer
to use unleaded gasoline.
2-5

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Other Gasolinel Alcohol Blends
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing alcohol without advertising the
presence of
alcohol or giving it a special name such as gasohol. " you are not
sure whether there is alcohol in the gasoline you buy, check with the service
station operator.
DO NOT USE gasolines containing methanol (methyl or wood alcohol) that do
not
also contain cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors for methanol. Also, DO NOT USE gasolines that contain more than 5 percent methanol even if they
contain
cosolvents and corrosion inhib~ors. Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems resuHing from the use of such fuels is not the
responsibility
of Chevrolet and may not be covered under the new vehicle
warranties.
Mhough gasolines containing 5 percent or less methanol and appropriate
cosolvents and inhibitors for methanol may be suitable for use in your vehicle,
evidence of their suitability is as yet incomplete; therefore, Chevrolet cannot, at
this time, endorse their use.
NOTICE: Take care to not spill gasoline during refueling. Guolines containing alcohol can cause paint damage, whiCh may notba covered under the New Vehicle Warranty.
OPERATION IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES
All models are specifically bum to comply with United States Federal Regulations regarding environmental quality. To comply, unleaded fuel of
sufficient octane rating must be used. These
fuels may not be available in
other countries. "you intend to take your vehicle outside the U.S. or Canada,
contact the GM Overseas Service Section at the
following address, to find out
what you must
do in order to operate your vehicles in other countries, or for
additional information and a. copy of the applicable maintenance schedule.
General Motors Corporation, Overseas Service Section, 2-128 General Motors
Building,
Detroij, Michigan 48202, (313) 556-4862.
When
writing, please include:
•
the Vehicle Identification Number and
• the countries in which yOu plan to travel.
Before taking your vehicle to a foreign country, check to see if the proper fuel
is available. Most major oil companies or domestic auto clubs should have this
information. Foreign offices of major oil
COmpanies or auto clubs may also be
of
help.
Be aware that, use of leaded gasoline or use of fuel that has a lower octane
rating than is required by your
vehicle, will cause the emission control system to lose its effectiveness and can cause ,engine knock or serious engine
damage. Ne~her GM Overseas nor Chevrolet will be responsible for damage to
your
vehicle as a result of not USing the proper fuel.
IMPORTANT FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FUEL
ECONOMY AND HOW
TO IMPROVE IT
How you drive, where you drive, and when you drive all affect how many
miles/kilometers you can get from a galion/liter of fuel. You can save fuel if
you avoid
"Jackrabbit" starts, maintain as constant a throttle position as traffic
conditions
allow once you have reached cruising speed, and avoid sudden
stops which waste energy in the form of heat generated in braking.
2-6