weight 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.
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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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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.)
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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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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.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This optional gage is located in the instrument cluster. If the gage shows that
an overheat condition exists-as indicated by pointer moving beyond the
center of the band immediate action by the driver is required. If an overheat
condition is shown, see "Engine
Cooling System Overheating" in "In Case of
Emergency,"
Section 3 of this manual. The coolant temperature indication will VaIY with air temperature and operating conditions. The ignition must be in
"Run" for accurate readings. Prolonged driving or idling in very hot weather
may cause the pointer to move beyond the center of the gage. Make a practice
of scanning this and other gages
while driving, especially in hot weather and!
or when the
vehicle is under load.
CAUTION: II the Engine Coolant Temperature Gage 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.
Oil Pressure Gage
The oil pressure gage indicates the pressure at which oil is being delivered to
the vaIiOUS paIls of the engine requiring lubrication. Pressures registered by
the gage may
vBIY according to outside air temperatures or weight of oil being
used. Oil pressure of a cold engine being operated at a given speed will be
somewhat higher than when the engine is at normal operating temperature at
the
SaIne speed. Prolonged high speed operation on a hot day at the given
speed will
resuH in somewhatlower oil pressure readings. Readings of 205 to
275 kPa
(30 to 40 psi) may be considered normal during moderate road
speeds of 35 to 40 mph (55 to 60 km!h) with the engine at proper operating
temperature. Gage readings which are consistently high
or low under these conditions may indicate lubrication system and/ or engine malfunction.
Light Switch
The three· position light switch controls the headlights, taillights, paIking lights,
sidemaIker lights,
instrument lights and dome lights.
Instrument light intensity can be varied by turning knob clockwise or
counterclockwise. Full counterclockwise position turns on interior light.
The headlight circuit is protected by a circuit breaker in the
light switch. An overload on the breaker will cause the lights to "flicker" on and off. If this
condition
develops, have your headlight wiring checked immediately. The
headlight beaIn changer is located in the Turn Signal Lever; for operation see
Section 2 under heading "Turn Signal and Muiji-Function Lever."·
Headlight High Beam Indicator Light
The headlights of your vehicle have. high and low beams to provide you with
proper nighttime visibility for most driving conditions. The
"low" beams are
used during most city driving. The
"high" beams are especially useful when
driving on daIk roads since they provide long range illumination. The headlight
beam indicator light (located on the speedometer face) will be ON whenever
the high beams or "brights" are in use. The turn
signal lever controls the
headlight beaIns and is described in "Steering Column Controls."
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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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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 3. Install wheel and tire assembly and install hub cap by pushing or hitting
into place (the wheel can be mounted with hub cap in place). The hub cap
must be oriented by engaging the bump on the side of the hub cap
retention tab with the cutout on the side of the wheel pilot hole.
Compact Spare
The compact spare tire is designed to save space in your stowage area, and
its lighter weight makes it easier to install if a flat tire occurs. The lighter weight also helps improve fuel economy. ~--~------~~
" you have a flat tire, follow the jacking Instructions in this section, while keepingihese points in mind:
• Check the tire inflaiionpressureas soon as practical after installing the
spare (we suggest you use a 'pocket-type high'pressure inflation gage) and
adjust the pressure to 415
kilopascals (60 pounds per square inch). The
tire pressure should be checked at least monthly and kept at 415 kPa (60
psi) while the tire is stored . Also at least monthly , ·qheck that the spare lire is stowed securely ; tighten it if ~ is not.
NOTICE: Bee ... this tire is smaller than the standard tire, vehicle ground clearance is reduced. Do not take your vehicle through an automatic car wash while ~ spare I. Installed; the vehicle may catch on the equipment, possibly resulting In property damag_.
• YOU can expect a tread life up to 3,000 miles (4 800 kilometers), dependiQg on road conditions and your driving habits. The tire was designed to let you
finish an extended trip (up to 3,000 miles/4 800 kilometers) and buy a replacement tire, -if needed, at a store of your choice. However, to conserve
tire tread ~fe, return the spare to the stowage area as' soon as it is
convenient to have your standard tire repaired or replaced.
• Because the compact spare was specnically designed for your vehicle , ~ should not be used on any other vehicle.
• The compact spare tire and wheel are designed for use with each other.
The compact spare tire should not be mounted on any other type of wheel, and the compact spare wheel should not have any other type of tire
mounted on it. Also, do not try to use wheel covers or trim rings on the
CQr1l>aCt spare whe el since they will not fit. If such use is attempted,
damage to tIlese items or other vehicle components may occur.
• Do not use tire chains with your :compact spare tire. Because of the smaller tire size, a tire chain will not fit properly. This could cause damage to the
vehicle and result in loss of the chain.
3-7

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 ( ) II SEE OWNER'S MANUAL FOR ADOITIONAL INFORMATION ./
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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