trailer 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 18 of 105
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.
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Page 19 of 105
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,
"Starting and Operating ," Section 2 ollhis manual.)
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Page 20 of 105
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.
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Page 25 of 105
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.
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Page 34 of 105
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine When_ going up or down hills. it ~ ~ tor the vehk:1e to toM 011 to gain apHCI (.,.rticu"Y when towing I trailer), even though the Cruise Control is enpgecL • this happens while going up hin, merely depress the accelerator pedal to maintain the speed desired. If going down a hili steep enough to cau .. thl vehie'" to gain speed, depress the brake pedal •• which will both dl .. ngage the Cruise Control and help .lOw the vehicle. In addition, when going down a steep or lang grade . the transaxle shoUld be shifted into I lower gear to help control vehicte speed •• see "Descending A Grade " in "Starting and Operating," Section 2.
HORN
The horn on your vehicle is actuated by firmly pressing on the ped in the
center of the steering
wheel.
HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The hazard warning flasher is covered in "In Case of Emergency," Section 3.
FLOOR CONTROLS
BRAKING SYSTEM
The regular braking system is designed for braking performance under a wide
range of driving cond~ions even when the vehicle is loaded to ~ lull rated
vehicle toad capacity .
CAUTION: Driving through water deep enough to wet brake components may cau .. the brakea nat to work .. welL -M a reaul, the vehIde wi. not aIow down .. the usu.I _, ond M may pull 10 "'" right Of ..... _ 0"'-""'11 to "'" _ tor _ .-.os,
-'1 "'" ...... lightly 10 check __ .... "-'"
Brake Warning lJg/rt
The brake system warning light is covered in the '.' lnstrumentPanel" section.
Vacuum Power Brakes
• the engine stops, do not pump the brakes. The system is designed to stop the vehicle with reserve power assist n the brake pedal is held dOwn. This
reserve is
greatly reduced each time you apply and release the brakes. II,
when you turn the atMring wheel during braking, the vehic:1e does not turn, don't push as hard on the brake pedal •.
Without power assist the vehicle can still be stopped by pushing much harder
on the brake
pedal. however. the stopping distance may be longer.
Brakes (Except ,Parking Brake)
H the brake pedaJ goes down farther than normal, ~ may be due to a lack of
adjustment of any rear drum
brakes. To find. out if this is the case. drive
backward and forward a few times. applying the brakes firmly when going in
each direction.
See your dealer n pedal height dOes not retum to normal, or there is a rapid
increase in pedal travel whether or not your vehicle has rear drum brakes. This
could be a sign of brake trOUble.
NOTICE: "FtidInsI the brake" by resting yow i0oi on thl brau pedal when you do not Intend 'to brake CIIf1 overhMI: the brIkM and ...... out the brake InInga and p..ts faster. , ThI. mIIy alSo dllNlge the brakes Mtd will wasta fuel.
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Page 56 of 105
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine When installing the cover,oo sure the handle is on top. Standing at either side, grasp one end of the roller and place the opposite end into the mounting
bracket on
the far side . Push the roller toward the inserted end to shorten it
and slide the near end into the slot of the other bracket so it snaps in place.
Pull on each end of the cover to 00 sure it is fully seated. The cover can be left
rolled
up when not needed .
CAUTION: To help keep u.., cargo cover from being thrown .,.a,oot and jnjlM'ing people during a collision or sudden maneuver:
• Be sure _the cover is installed according to these Instructions.
• WMn not-instalted, stow, the cover behind the front seats as shown.
• Remove and stow the roiler when a top-strap equipped child restraint is placed In the rear seat.
ROOF CARRIER (STAnON WAGON ONLY)
The optional roof luggage carrier is designed to allow loading of items onto the
roof
' of your car. The carrier does not increase the total Ioad-carrying capacity
of the car, shown oppoSite "Max Load " on the TIre Placard on the driver's
door. Be sure the
total weight of the cargo on the roof, plus the weight of the
cargo and passengers inside
the car, plus the tongue load of any trailer you
are towing, does not exceed this· "Max Load" vehicle capacity weight. See "Tires" in "Service and Maintenance," Section 5 for more information on
vehicle loading. If needed, see "Trailer Towing" in "Starting and. Operating,"
Section 2 .
NOnce: To hetp avOid damage to the car, do not exceect 70 kilograms (150 pounds) cargo weight on the roof. Position the cargo on the luggage carrier as evenly as possible. If carrying long items , never exceed car length emUasten loads eacurely at the front and rear of the car, as well as to the luggage ~rier.
The carrier consists of: five roof slats attached to the top of the car, two
crossrails with knobs at each end that allow the crossrails to 00 adjusted or removed, and six adjustable tie-downs.
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Page 61 of 105
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
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Page 78 of 105
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Oil Identification Logo
A logo (symbol) has been developed to help you select the oil you should use,
and it probably will be included on oil cans sometime during 1983. The top
portion of the logo shows the oil quality by API designations such as SF, SFI
CC, or others. The center portion of the logo will probably show the SAE
viscosity grade, such as SAE 5W-30. "Energy Conserving," shown in the lower portion, indicates that the oil has fuel-saving capabilities.
Change Intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for your engine are based on the use of
SF-quality oils and high-quality fi~ers such as AC oil filters. Using oil other
than SF-quality, or oil and filter change intervals longer than
recommended could reduce engine life. Damage to engines due to improper
maintenance or use of incorrect
oil quality and/ or viscosity is not covered by
the Chevrolet new car warranties.
Your engine was
filled with a high-quality engine oil when it was built. You do
not have to change this oil before the first recommended change interval.
Oil
and filter change intervals depend upon how you use your vehicle. The
following should assist in determining the proper oil and fi~er change intervals:
TVPEOFUSE CHANGE INTERVAL
• Operating
in dusty areas.
• Towing a trailer.
• Idling for extended periods andlor low speed operation such as found • Change engine oil and filter every
in police, taxi or door-Ie-door de-livery service. 3,000 miles (4 800 kilometers) or 3
rn.onths, whichever comes first.
• Operating when outside tempera-tures-remain below freezing and when most trips are less than 4 miles' (6 kilometers)~
• Operating on a daily basis, as a • Chan:ge engine oil every 7,500 general rule, for several miles and miles (12 000-km) or 12 months,
when none of the above conditions whichev.er comes first. Change en·
apply. gine oil filter at first oil change. then every other oil change if mileage determines· when you change oil. If time determines change intervals, change the filter with each oil change.
Engine Oil Additives
Engine oils contain a variety of additives. Your engine should not need any
extra additives
K you use the recommended oil quality and change intervals. However, H you think your engine has an oil-related problem, a supplemental
additive ("GM Engine Oil Supplement") is available that may solve your problem without causing other difficuHies. Consu~ your dealer who can provide
you
w~h this tested and approved additive.
Used Oil Disposal
Do not dispose of used engine oil (or any other oil) in a careless manner such
as pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into streams or bodies of water.
Instead, recycle it by taking it to a used oiL collection facility which may be
found
in your area. If you have a problem disposing of your used oil, it is
suggested that you contact your
dealer or a service station.
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Page 79 of 105
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.
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Page 86 of 105
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine /" VEHICLE CAPACITY OCCUP."TS COLD TIRE PRESSURE ' , ~~, mT CtR RR TOTAL C_, ~E~R
MAX [ LOAD I [ 1
A A TIRE [ I
.. T"ES AAf ,.qT ,~o ... OONiNG '00' "50 ". 'P" TO THE'" SIZE R'V,""ME>.<:lEl) PR"5lJRES
SPARE TIRE ,
SIZE ( )
MAXIMUM LUGGAGE/CARGO LOAD CAPACITY
Coupe and Sedan Station Wagon 60.0 kg/' 321bs. 40.0 kg/88Ibs.
Notice: Total combined weight of luggage compartment load, luggage rack load (when equipped), trailer tongue load, non-factory installed options and
passenge'rs' must. not exceed the vehicle capacity weight (shown on the tire placard located on the driver's door).
Inflation Pressure
The cold inflation pressures listed on the Tire Placard provide forAIlebest
balance of fuel economy, tire life, riding comfort, and vehicle handling under normal driving conditions. These pressures should be used for all vehicle
loading conditions.
Incorrect tire inflation pressures can have adverse effects on tire life
and vehicle performance. Too Iowan air pressure causes increased tire flexing and
heat buildup. This weakens the tire and increases the chance of damage or
failure. It can result in tire overloading, abnormal tire wear, adverse vehicle handling, and reduced fuel economy. Too high an air pressure can result in
abnormal wear, harsh ride, and can increase the chance of damage from road
hazards.
Check tire inflation pressures at
least monthly (this includes the spare tire) and
whenever your vehicle is serviced. When possible, check tire inflation
pressures
when the tires are "cold."
1. The "cold" tire inflation pressure is the tire pressure when a vehicle has
not been driven more than one mile (1.6 kilometers) after sitting for three
hours or
more. This is the most accurate pressure reading.
2. .It is normal for tire pressures to increase 30 to 60 kilopascals (4 to 8 pounds per square inch) or more when the tires become hot from driving.
If you must set inflation pressures when the tires are not "cold," set them
28 kilopascals (4 pounds per square inch) more than'the cold pressures
recommended on the Tire Placard.
3. The· tire inflation pressures on the Tire Placard are adequate for all speeds. No tire pressure adjustment is required for freeway speeds. (Also
follow
the Caution at the beginning of this "Tire" section).
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