service CHEVROLET CAVALIER 1995 3.G Owner's Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTICE:
If your engine catches fire because you keep
driving with no coolant, your vehicle can be
badly damaged.
The costly repairs would not be
covered by your warranty.
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
If you get the overheat warning but see or hear no
steam, the problem may not be
too serious. Sometimes
the engine can get
a little too hot when you:
Climb a long hill on a hot day.
0 Stop after high speed driving.
Idle for long periods in traffic.
Tow a trailer.
If you get the overheat warning with no sign
of steam,
try this for a minute or
so:
1. If you have an air conditioner, turn it off.
2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan
speed and
open the window as necessary.
3. If you’re in a traffic jam, shift to NEUTRAL (N);
otherwise, shift to the highest gear while
driving
-- AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (@)
or DRIVE (D) for automatic transaxles.
If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can
drive. Just
to be safe, drive slower for about ten minutes.
If the warning doesn’t come back on, you can drive
normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park your
vehicle right away.
If there’s still
no sign of steam, you can idle the engine
for two or three minutes while you’re parked, to see if
the warning stops. But then,
if you still have the
warning.
turn oflthe engine and get everyone out qfthe
vehicle until it cools down.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is boiling,
don't do anything else
until it cools down.
I
The coolant level should be at the FULL COLD mark. If
it isn't, you may have a leak in the radiator hoses, heater
hoses, radiator, water
pump or somewhere else in the
cooling system.
I NOTICE:
I
Engine damage from running your engine
without coolant isn't covered by your warranty.
If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on, check to
see
if the electric engine fm is running. If the engine is
overheating, the
fan should be running. If it isn't, your
vehicle needs service.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 0 Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your
Chevrolet. This section begins with service and fuel
information, and
then it shows how to check important
fluid and lubricant levels. There
is also technical
information about your vehicle, and a part devoted to its
appearance care.
Service
Your Chevrolet dealer knows your vehicle best and
wants you
to be happy with it. We hope you’ll go to
your dealer for all your service needs. You’ll get
genuine GM parts and GM-trained and supported
service people. We
hope you’ll want to keep your GM vehicle all GM.
Genuine GM parts have one of these marks:
---
Doing Your Own Service Work
If you want to do some of your own service work, you’ll
want
to get the proper Chevrolet Service Manual. It tells
you much more about how
to service your Chevrolet
6-1

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine than this manual can. To order the proper service
manual,
see “Service Publications” in the Index.
You should keep a record with all parts receipts and list
the mileage and the date of any service work you
perform. See “Maintenance Record” in the Index.
1 NOTICE:
If you try to do your own service work without
knowing enough about it, your vehicle
could be
damaged.
Fuel
Use regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher. It should meet specifications
ASTM D4814 in
the United States and
CGSB 3.5-92 in Canada. These
fuels should have the proper additives,
so you should not
have to add anything to the fuel.
In the United States and Canada, it’s easy to
be sure you
get the right kind of gasoline (unleaded). You’ll see
UNLEADED right
on the pump. And only unleaded
nozzles will
fit into your vehicle’s filler neck.
Be sure the posted octane
is at least 87. If the octane is
less than 87, you may get a heavy knocking noise when
you drive. If it’s bad enough, it can damage your engine.
If you’re using fuel rated at 87 octane or higher and
you still hear heavy knocking, your engine needs
service.
But don’t worry if you hear a little pinging
noise when you’re accelerating or driving
up a hill.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine That’s normal, and you don’t have to buy a higher
octane fuel
to get rid of pinging. It’s the heavy, constant
knock that means you have
a problem.
What about gasoline with blending materials that
contain oxygen (oxygenates), such as MTBE or alcohol?
MTBE is “methyl tertiary-butyl ether.” Fuel that is no
more than
15% MTBE is fine for your vehicle.
Ethanol is ethyl or grain alcohol. Properly-blended fuel
that is
no more than 10% ethanol is fine for your
vehicle.
Methanol is methyl or wood alcohol.
NOTICE:
Fuel that is more than 5% methanol is bad for
your vehicle. Don’t use it. It can corrode metal
parts in your fuel system and also damage plastic
and rubber parts. That damage wouldn’t be covered under your warranty. And even at
5% or
less, there must be “cosolvents” and corrosion preventers in this fuel to help avoid these
problems.
Gasolines for Cleaner Air
Your use of gasoline with deposit control additives will
help prevent deposits from forming in your engine and
fuel system. That helps keep your engine in tune and
your emission control system working properly. It’s
good for your vehicle, and
you’ll be doing your part for
cleaner air.
Many gasolines are now blended with oxygenates.
General Motors recommends that
you use gasolines with
these blending materials, such as MTBE and ethanol. By
doing
so, you can help clean the air, especially in those
parts of the country that have high carbon monoxide
levels.
In addition, some gasoline suppliers are now producing
reformulated gasolines. These gasolines are specially
designed
to reduce vehicle emissions. General Motors
recommends
that you use reformulated gasoline. By
doing
so, you can help clean the air, especially in those
parts
of the country that have high ozone levels.
You should ask your service station operators if their
gasolines contain deposit control additives and
oxygenates, and if they have been reformulated
to
reduce vehicle emissions.
6-3

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Engine Oil Additives Engine Coolant Heater
Don’t add anything to your
oil. Your Chevrolet dealer is
ready
to advise if you think something should be added.
When to Change Engine Oil
See if any one of these is true for you:
0 Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.
driving in stop and go traffic).
0 Most trips are through dusty areas.
0 Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
0 You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
your vehicle.
If any
one of these is true for your vehicle, then you
need to change your oil and filter every
3,000 miles
(5 000 km) or 3 months -- whichever comes first.
If none of them is true, change the oil and filter every
7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months -- whichever
comes first. An
engine coolant heater can be a big help
if you have
to park outside
in very cold weather, 0°F (- 18 “C) or
colder.
If your vehicle has this option, see “Engine
Coolant Heater” in the Index.
What to Do with Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil contains certain
elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could
even cause cancer? Don’t let used oil stay
on your skin
for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and
water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw
away clothing or rags containing used engine oil. (See
the manufacturer’s warnings about the use and disposal
of oil products.)
Used oil can be a real threat to the environment.
If you
change your own oil, be sure
to drain all free-flowing oil
from the filter before disposal. Don’t ever dispose of oil
by putting it in the trash, pouring it
on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead,
recycle
it by taking it to a place that collects used oil. If
you have a problem properly disposing
of your used oil,
ask your dealer, a service station or a local recycling
center for help.
6-14

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Air Cleaner
To check or replace the filter, remove the screws that
hold the cover on and lift the cover. Be sure to reinstall
the air cleaner filter and replace
the cover tightly.
Refer
to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
replace the air filter.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services”
in the Index.
6-15

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine I NOTICE:
If the air cleaner is off, a backfire can cause a
damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily get
into your engine, which
will damage it. Always
have the air cleaner in place when you’re driving.
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
(Except
2.3L Code D Engine)
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transaxle fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed. Refer to
the
Maintenance Schedule to determine when to change
your fluid. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the
Index.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose
to have this done at your Chevrolet dealer
Service Department.
If
you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or
you could get a false reading on the
dipstick.
6-16

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Automatic Transaxle Fluid
(2.3L Code D Engine Only)
If you have the optional 2.3L Code D engine (see
“Engine Identification” in the Index) and an automatic
transaxle, it is not necessary to check the transaxle fluid
level.
A transaxle fluid leak is the only reason for fluid
loss. If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to your Chevrolet
dealer Service Department and have
it repaired as soon
as possible. You may also have your fluid level checked
by your dealer or service center when
you have your oil
changed.
Manual Transaxle Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is
changed. However, the fluid in your manual transaxle
doesn’t require changing.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose
to have this done at your Chevrolet dealer
Service Department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or
you could get a false reading on the
dipstick.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transaxle.
Too much can mean that some of the
fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts
or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Be sure to
get an accurate reading if you check your
transaxle fluid.
Check the fluid level only when your engine is off, the
vehicle is parked on a level place and
the transaxle is
cool enough for
you to rest your fingers on the transaxle
case.
6-19

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine When to Check and What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule to determine
how often you should
check the fluid level in
your clutch master
cylinder reservoir and
for the proper fluid. See
“Owner Checks and
Services” and
“Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants” in the
Index.
How to Check
You do not need to check the fluid level unless you
suspect a clutch problem. To check the fluid level, take
the cap
off. If the fluid reaches the step inside the
reservoir, the fluid level
is correct.
Engine Coolant
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low.
If you have a problem with
engine overheating, see “Engine Overheating” in the
Index.
The proper
coolant for your Chevrolet will:
0 Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 262°F (128°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
0 Help keep the proper engine temperature.
0 Let the warning lights work as they should.
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