oil level CHEVROLET CAVALIER 1984 1.G Owners Manual

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.
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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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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM OVERHEATING
If you see or hear escaping steam or have other reason to suspect there is a
serious overheat condition, stop and park the vehicle as soon as it is safe
to do so and turn off the engine immediately and get out of the vehicle.
The cooling system may overheat if the coolant level is too low, if there is a
sudden
loss of coolant (such as a worn hose splitting), or if other problems occur. It may also temporarily overheat during severe operating conditions
such as:
• climbing a long hill on a hot day,
• stopping after high-speed driving,
• idling for long periods in trallic, or
• towing a trailer.
I! the Engine Coolant Temperature light comes on (or if you have an Engine
Coolant Temperature gage and it shows an overheat condition), or you have
any reason to suspect the engine may be overheating:
• tfyour air conditioner is on, turn it off.
• If you are stopped in traffic, shift the transaxle to "N" (Neutral).
If the warning light does not go off (or engine coolant temperature does not
start to drop) within a minute
Or two:
• Pull over, stop and park the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
• Let the engine run at normal idle speed for two or three minutes.
I! the warning light does not go off (or engine coolant temperature does not
start to drop),
turn off the engine and get out of the car, then proceed as
follows:
CAUTION: To help avokt being burned:
• DO NOT OPEN ntE HOOD if you see or hear steam or coolant escaping from the engine compartment. Wait until no steam or coolant can be seen or heard before opening the hood.
• DO NOT REMOVE THE RADIATOR CAP or coolant RECOVERY TANK CAP IF THE COOLANT IN THE RECOVERY TANK IS BOIUNG. Also do not remove the radiator
cap while the engine and radiator are still hot Scalding fluid and steam can be blown out under pressure if eHher cap is taken off too soon.
I! no steam or coolant can be seen or heard, raise the engine hood. If the
coolant is boiling, wait until it stops before proceeding. Look at the
3-3

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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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID RECOMMENDATIONS
Use the Proper Fluid
Use only automatic transmission fluid labeled DEXRON'" II. You can buy this
fluid from your dealer or other service outlets.
Check the Fluid Level with Care
Check the automatic transaxle fluid level at each engine oil change. Driving
with too much or too
little fluid can damage the transaxle.
To check the fluid
level, first set the parking brake, then start the engine in
"P"(Park), and let idle for two minutes . You must check the fluid level with the
engine running at slow
idle and the vehicle level.
You cannot read the correct fluid level if you have just driven the vehicle for a
long time at high speed, in city traffic in hot weather, or if the vehicle has been
pulling a trailer. Wait
until the fluid has cooled down (about 30 minutes).
Remove the dipstick located
On the driver's side forward of the cowl. Carefully
touch the wet end of the dipstick to find out if the fluid is cool, warm or hot. Wipe it clean and push it back in until the cap seats. Pull out the dipstick and
read the fluid level.
• If it felt cool or warm (about roomternperature and warmer, but not too hot
to hold), the level should be between the two dimples above the "FULL"
mark.
• If it was too hot to hold, the level should be in the cross-hatched area on the dipstick, near the "FULL" mark.
Add just enough DEXRON'" II fluid to fill the transaxle. It takes only 0.5 liter
(one pint) to raise the level from "ADD" to "FULL" with a hot transaxle.
Automatic Transaxle Drain Intervals
Change the transaxle fluid and change the filter as outlined in the Maintenance Schedule folder.
MANUAL TRANSAXLE
See the Maintenance Schedule folder to find out how often the fluid level should be checked and what type of lubricant should be used.
5-6

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Check the fluid level only when the engine is off, the vehicle is level and the transaxle is cool enough so that you can rest your fingers on the transaxle
case. To check, remove the dipstick on the driver's side of the case, above the
axle shaft, Be sure that the fluid level is at the "Full Cold" mark; oil may
appear on the bottom of the dipstick even when the fluid is several pints low.
I! needed, add enough lubricant to bring the fluid level up to the "Full Cold" mark on the dipstick. Be sure to fully seat the dipstick when reinstalling.
CLUTCH ADJUSTMENT
The clutch linkage in your vehicle should be adjusted every 5,000 miles (8 000
km) or less. To adjust the clutch linkage pull the clutch pedal up until it stops
and then depress the
pedal slowly.
NOTICE: To avoid clutch linkage damage do not continue to pull up on the pedal after
it stops.
Electric Fan
CAUTION: Keep hands, tools, and clothing away fr,om th~engine cooUng lanto help prevent personal injury. this fan is electric and can corne on whether or not the engine is
running. The fan can start automatically in response to a heat sensor when the ignition
key is in the "Run" position.
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
CAUTION: H your cooling system overheats, see "Engine Cooling System Overheating" in "In Case of Emergency," Section 3. CONTINUED OPERATION OFTHE ENGINE EVEN FOR A SHORT TIME MAY RESULT IN A FIRE AND THE POSSIBILITY OF
PERSONAL INJURY ANDIOR SEVERE VEHICLE DAMAGE.
Your vehicle has a coolant recovery.system. Coolant in the system expands with heat and overflows into the recovery tank. When the system cools down,
coolant is drawn back into the radiator.
5-7

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine The cooting system was filled at the factory with a quality coolant that meets
GM Specifications.
~ is important to use proper coolant to prevent damage to
cooling system components . Coolants meeting GM Specification 1825-M or
those specially formulated for aluminum co"1JOflent protection should be used.
The cooling system is designed to use coolant (a mixture of ethylene glycol ,
corrosion inhibitors and water) rather than plain water. The coolant solution
must be used year round
to provide:
• freezing protection down to -37'C (-34'F),
• boiling protection up to 128 'C (262'F),
• protection against rust and corrosion in the cooling system,
• the proper engine temperature for efficient operation and emission control,
and
• proper operation of the coolant temperature light or gage .
See the Maintenance Schedule folder to find out when the coolant must be
replaced . Note that changing the coolant is needed
to make certain that all
parts
of the cooling system work well.
.-~~~~--~-.
CooUng System Care
Check the cooling system at regular intervals, such as during fuel sI the engine hood and look at the "see through" coolant recovery tank. When Ih8 engine is cold, the coolant level should be at or slightly above the "Full
Cold' .' mark on the recovery ' tank. When the engine has fully warmed up, the
level should be at or slightly above the "Full Hot" mark on the recovery tank.
H·the coolant level is low, remove the cap on the coolant recovery tank. Add to the recovery tank enough of a SO/ SO mixture 01 water and a good quality
eIIlyIene gIyool antifreeze (meeting GM SpecWication 1825-M) to bfing the level
"" to the proper mark. Pui the cap back on the recovery tank.
CAUTION: Under some' condttlons . the ethytene glycol In engine' coolant is combultlble. To help Rold being burMCf when adding eoollnt, DO NOT spill It on the exhliUlt system or engine ~rtI tMt mIIy be haL tf there It any question,' have this .....,ice performed by .• quallftecl t.chnlclan.
Certain conditions, such as air trapped in the system, may effect the coolant level in the radiator . You should check the coolant level in the radiator at the
time you change the engine 011 and when the engine Is cold. Follow the steps
under
"Adding Coolant" for the correct way to remove the radiator cap and add coolant.
5-8

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Radiator Pressure Cap
The radiator cap, a 105 kPa (15 psi) pressure type, must be installed tightly, otherwise coolant may be lost and damage to engine may resuK from
overheating . Radiator pressure cap
should be checked periodically for proper
operation .
If replacement is required, an AC cap is recommencled.
ACCELERATOR LINKAGE
Lubricate all pivot points with .engine oil at the interval shown in the
Maintenance
Schedule. Do not lubricate the accelerator cable.
AIR CLEANER ELEMENT
When replacement of air cleaner fmer element is necessary, an AC air Imer
elemenl
is recornmencled .
See your Maintenance Schedule for change intervals . Operation of vehicle in
dusty areas will necessitate more frequent replacement. Your dealer can be of
assistance
in determining the proper replacement frequency for the conditions
under which you operate your
vehicle.
CAUTION: The air cleaner a* functions ... name arrestor in the event of engine backfire . The -air cleaner ehould be lnstaIIed at an times unit .. III removal is neceaary for repair or maintenance. To help reduce the-risk of pereonal Injury and lor property damage , be sure that no one 18 ne.-the engine comJ*1ment before starting the engine wiU'l the air cleaner removed. If engine backfire occurs with the air cleaner remowd, thwe could be-a burst of flame and posaibly other fnln the engine compartment.
HOOD LATCHES AND HOOD HINGE
SeetHe Maintenance Schedule folder to find out how to lubricate hood.latch ·
and hood hinge assembly .
BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER
Check masler cylinder fluid· level in the reservoir at the interval shown in the Maintenance Schedule . If the fluid is low in the reservoir, it should be filled to
the maximum
level line with Delco Supreme No. 11 or OOT-3 fluids.
POWER STEERING SYSTEM
Check the fluid level in the optional power steering pump as recommended in
the Maintenance Schedule folder. Add GM Power Steering Fluid (Part Number
GM 1050017) as needed:
5-10

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine SECTION 6
SPECIFICATIONS
These specifications are given here for information only. Before using them
see cautions and other instructions throughout this manual -the index may help you locate such items. For more information, see the service manual cover·
lng the chassis or body part in question. Your Chevrolet dealer may also be
able to help.
DIMENSIONS
Models
Length -Overall -Station Wagon
4-Door Sedan .... 2-Door Hatchback
Coupe ...... . 2-Door Coupe .. .
Wheelbase -Overall ............ . Height -Overall-_ 2-Door Coupe .. .
2·Door Hatchback
Coupe ...... .
4-Door
Sedan ... .
Station
Wagon Width - 2-Door Coupe ...
4·Door Sedan,
Station Wagon ..
CAPACITIES
Items
Fuel Tank (Approx.)
All Models ................. .
Crankcase (approx, refill). After refill, check oil level as outlined in Section 5
of this manual. Oil Change and/or Oil Filter Change.
Cooling (Approx.)
Std. With or Without AIC ...••... H·D. With Air ...........•...
6-1
Metric
Measure
4433mm
4428mm
4378.5mm
4378.5mm
2571mm
1321mm
1317mm 1369mm
1382mm
1677mm
1685mm
Metric
Measure
53L
3.8L
9.iL 9.2L
-
U.S. Measure
174.5"
174.3"
172.4 "
172.4"
101.2" 52.0"
51.9" 53.9" 54.4"
66.0"
66.3"
U.S. Measure
14 gal.
4 qts.
9.6 qts.
9.8 qts.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Hood Release -The hood release handle is located on the left side of the
instrument panel. To open, pull the handle to release the hood lock. Then,
push down
slightly on the hood while lifting the underhood lever, raise the
hood, and hold it open with the prop rod. To lower hood, lift the hood slightly
to remove tension from the hood prop. Then, place the hood prop in its
retaining
clip and lower the hood.
Engine
Oil - Use SF-quality, SAE 5W-30, Energy-Conserving engine oil in your gasoline engine if the outside temperature is not expected to exceed 38" C
(100"F)
prior to the next oil change.
For other expected outside temperatures
and additional important information on engine oil see "Engine Oil and Filter Recommendations" in Section 5 of this
manual for the recommended viscosity grade. Add oil as needed to maintain
the proper level within the operating range shown on the dipstick.
Tire
Inflation Pressures -Check at least monthly (including the spare). Keep
them inflated to the pressures shown on the Tire Placard on the left front door. (Keep compact spare tires inflated to 415 kPa or 60 psi.)
Engine
Cooling System -Check the fluid level in the coolant recovery tank at
regular intervals, such as during a fuel stop. (See "Engine Cooling System" in "Service and Maintenance," Section 5 of this manual.)
Windshield Washer -Check the windshield washer reservoir fluid level
regularly. Use a washer fluid, such as GM Optikleen.
Battery -Your new vehicle has a Delco FREEDOM battery . You will never
have to add water. The hydrometer (test indicator) in the cover provides information for testing purposes only.
6-8