warning CHEVROLET CAVALIER 1984 1.G Owners Manual

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 Frequent short trips, excessive idling and use of the air conditioner in cool
weather (when "vent" would provide adequate comfort), all can contribute to
decreased fuel economy .
The careful attention you give your vehicle as far as maintenance and repairs
are concerned will also help fuel economy . Proper engine and air cleaner
maintenance, lubrication intervals, wheel alignment and tire inflation pressures, when closely adhered to, will pay dividends in improved fuel economy as well as longer vehicle Irte.
Fuel Selection
Use only unleaded gasoline meeting the octane ratings given under "Fuel Requirements " in this section of the manual. Unleaded gasoline must be used
for the
emission control system to operate properly . Leaded gasoline will
damage the Computer Command
Control system oxygen sensor (if so equipped) and affect emission control. Using leaded gasoline can also damage
other parts of the emission control system and could result in loss of emission warranty coverage.
STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS
ANTl-THEFT STEERING COLUMN LOCK
The anti-theft lock (;gnifion) on the right sidecf the st_ing column has live
positionS :
DRIVING TO REMOVE KEY.
POSITION ~~ DEPRESS KEY SWITCH OFF AND S . . RELEASE LEVER
~"!~·\'1-1 ~\\\-=~"
I! ACCES~RY~) , STARTING ~ OPERA. TING ... -HAZARD ENG E 'CCESSOR~sl 0 WARNING J.. KEY RELEASE , ONLY FLASHER \P' ... ~ ,LEVER '.' .'
• Accessory-You can use some electrical accessories when the engine is
not ruming . To engage this position, push in the square-head key and turn
the top of the key 10ward you.
•
Lock- Normal parking position. It locks the ignition and prevents normal use 01 the st_ing wheel and shill controls. The ignition key cannot be turned
to "Lock " and removed until the shift lever is moved to "P" (Park) on
automatic
transaxle models (shift to "Reverse" on manual transaxle
models).
II you have a manual transaxle, "Lock" prevents normal use 01
the steering wheel. The ignition key cannot be turned to "Lock" without
pressing down
the key release lever.
• Off-You can turn off the engine without IocI controls.
• Run-Normal operating position.
• Start-Cranks the engine .
2-7

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 __ .... "-'" apply the blakes. At the .. me time ""' .. .... torw.rd apeed, with. plenty of clear apace ....... to the .,..,. II1CI to the sidea. Do this-unUl the brIkaI return to notmIt. Always do __ driving 1hrougII_ to help _ "'" _ oI ........ lnjuty.
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.
2-18

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine PARKING BRAKE
The parking brake lever is located between the seats .
• To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down while pulling the
parking brake
lever all the way up.
• To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down while pushing the
button in the tip of the brake
lever and lower the lever. The brake system
warning light is designed to remind you H the parking brake control is not fully released when the ignition is on. Never drive the vehicle with the
parking brake set as this will reduce rear brake effectiveness due to
overheating, shorten brake life, and may cause permanent damege, If
the parking brake does not hold the vehicle securely or does not fully release , see your dealer .
Torque Lock
The perking brake should be set first whenever leaving the driver's seat. If the vehicle is parked on a grade and the transaxle selector lever is placed in "P"
(Park) before the parking brake is set, the weight 01 the vehicle may exert so
much force on the parking pawl in the transaxle that it may be difficult to pull
selector lever out of "P" (Park). This condition Is called "torque lock." To
prevent this, the parking brake should be applied BEFORE moving the selector lever to "P" (Park).
When preparing to move the
Vehicle , the selector lever should be moved out of the "P" (Park) position BEFORE releasing the parking brake. It is good driving
practice to
set the parking brake first. then release the transaxle from "P" (Park), even on level surfaces .
n "torque lock" does oocur, it may be necessary to have another vehicle
nudge this vehicle uphill to take some of the pressure off the transaxle while
the driver pulls on the transaxle selector lever.
CLUTCH PEDAL
On models equipped with a manual transaxle a clutch pedal is used to engage
or disengage the clutch, thereby connecting or disconnecting the engine from
the transaxle and dliveline to the front wheels . When the pedal is fully
extended the clutch is engaged, driving the transaxle and the front wheels .
See "Clutch Adjustment in Section 5 of this manual.
2·19

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 '" ,
t:l
STANDARD INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
IJ
12
OPTIONAL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
~~~~-:'----,~~:
l'l
1l
10
L Speedometer 2. Odometer 3. Trip ()jometer lif equipped) 4. Fuel Gage 5. Warning Lights Brake, Fasten Belts, Check. Engine Volts, Temperature, Oil Pressure 6. Shift up Lt. (on "ME"only) 7. Warning Gages Temperature, on Pressure, Volts 8. Turn Indicators 9. High Beam 10. Tachomet er 11. A/C Outlet 12. Clock. (if equipped) 13. Radio 14. Heater & Opt. Ale Control 15. Glove Box 16. Lig ht Switch 17. Rear Window Defogger (Opt.) 18. Rear Window WiperlWasher (Opt.) 19. Cigare tt e Lighter (Opt.) 20, Tailgat e Ajar Lt.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Headlight "ON" Warning Buzzer/Chime
The optional headlight reminder buzzer/chime provides an audible warning that the main light switch is in one 01 the "on" positions , either parking lights
or headlights.
The reminder buzzer/chime is activated only when the ignition switch is turned to "OFF," "LOCK" or "ACCESSORY" position and the lights are on.
When the parking lights
or headlights are to be operated with the key in the
OFF position, the reminder buzzer/chime can be shut off by turning the light
switch knob until the instrument cluster lights are not on,
CIgarette Ughter (Optional)
The cigarette lighter is located on the instrument pane! face. To operate, push
~ in. When ~ becomes heated, ~ automatically pops out ready for use. Avoid
holding the lighter in by hand while ~ is heating as damage to the heating
element may result.
Ashtray
The ashtray may be simply pulled out for cleaning:
• Open ashtray.
• Pull ashtray up and remove for cleaning .
•
Push ashtray back into bracket.
VENTILATION SYSTEM
Your vehicle has a flow through ventilation system that provides a supply of outside "ram" air into the vehicle ' when it is moving . When the vehicle is not in
motion you can get a steady flow of outside air into the car when the heater or
air conditioning blower is running.
With the side
windOws closed, the flow lIYough ventilation system provides
outside air flow into the front air inlet grilles, through the vehicle and out the
rear air exhaust valves. (See illustration .)
FRONT INLET
2-25
REAR BODY LOCK PILLAR EXHAUST

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine • Adjust the heating or cooWng system to force outside air into the cal as
follows :
1. On cars not equipped with air conditioning , set the fan to high speed
and the upper control lever to any position except "Off."
2 . On cars equipped with air condition ing, set the fan to high speed and
the
upper control lever to any position except "Off" or "Max."
• On cars that have outside air vents in or under the instrument panel, open
vents
fully .
"Gate Ajar" Ught
Station wagons have a "GATE AJAR" warning light located in the instrument
cluster . It is designed to come on ~ the liftgate is not lully closed and the
ignition is on , thus warning against driving with the liftgate even partially open.
See "Engine Exhaust Gas Caution (Carbon Monoxide)" at the beginning 01
"Starting and Operating ," Section 2 of this manual . To test that the ight circuit
is working correctly , start the car and check that the light comes on when the liftgate is open or only partially latched.
Electric Trunk, Hatchback , Or Tailgate Release
An electric release permits opening the trunk, hatchback or station wagon tailgate from inside the car by pressing a release bunon in the instrument panel
glove box. The release lor the hatchback and the station wagon tailgate will
function only II the automatic transaxle is in "P" (Park) or "N" (Neutral) or, on
manual transaxle cars, ~ the parking brake is applied .
SUNSHADE (OPTIONAL)
n your hatchback model is equipped with the optional louvered rear window
sunshade, the
sunshade·is hinged at the top and heid down at the boUom by a
one-quarter tum fastener on each end of the sunshade. This method of
attachment
allows you to raise the sunshade lor cleaning the exterior of the
hatchback glass :
To clean the hatchback lid exterior glass:
1. Using a coin or screwdriver , rotate each lastener one-quarter turn until they pop up; the sunshade is now unlocked .
2. Grasp the lower edge 01 the sunshade approximately in the middle and lift
the sunshade away Irom the hatchback lid.
3. Clean the hatchback glass as desired while holding the sunshade in the
open position.
4 . Lower the sunshade to
its original position and locate the one-quarter turn
fasteners over the holes in the lower bracket assemblies; using a coin or
screwdriver, push the one-quarter turn stud downward
until it engages the
wire bail on the bracket and rotate one-quarter turn to lock. (Make sure the
lastener is
locked to the bracket by. lifting each corner 01 the sunshade.)
NOnCE: DO NOT DRIVE when sunshade is not lOcked in position.
To remove the sunshade from the car, ~ desired , release the sunshade as you would lor cleaning. Then, remove the four nuts which secure the sunshade
hinges to the hinge base
plate on the hatchback lid. Wft the sunshade assembly from the car.
2-36