check oil CHEVROLET CAVALIER 1995 3.G Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Check Oil Light
CHECK
OIL
This light should come on
briefly while you are
starting your engine.
If the
light doesn’t come
on, have
it repaired. If the light
comes
on while starting and
stays
on, your engine oil
level should be checked.
Charging System Light
The charging system light
will come
on briefly when
you turn on the ignition, and
the engine is not running, as
a check to show you
it is
working. Then it should
go
out.
Prior to checking your oil level, be sure your vehicle is
on
a level surface and has been shut off for several
minutes to allow the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
Check your oil level and bring
it to the proper level.
See “Engine Oil” in
the Index.
The oil level monitoring system
only checks the oil
during the brief period between turning the key on and
when the engine starts.
It does not check the oil level
while the engine is running.
Parking
on steep grades may cause the light to come
on even when the oil level is correct. If this happens,
park the vehicle on a level surface and check the oil
level.
If it stays on, or comes on while you are driving, you
may have
a problem with the electrical charging system.
It could indicate that you have a loose generator drive
belt, or another electrical problem. Have
it checked right
away. Driving while this light
is on could drain your
battery.
If you must drive a short distance with the light on, be
certain
to turn off all your accessories, such as the radio
and air conditioner.
2-66

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Care of Your Compact Discs
! Handle discs carefully. Store them in their original cases
or other protective cases and away from direct sunlight
and dust. If the surface of a disc is soiled, dampen a
clean, soft cloth in a mild, neutral detergent solution and
clean it, wiping from the center to the edge.
Be sure never
to touch the signal surface when handling
discs. Pick up discs by grasping the outer edges
or the
edge
of the hole and the outer edge.
I
Fixed Mast Antenna
The fixed mast antenna can withstand most car washes
without being damaged. If the mast should ever become
slightly bent,
you can straighten it out by hand. If the
mast is badly bent, as it might be by vandals,
you should
replace it.
Check every once in a while
to be sure the mast is still
tightened to the fender.
3-14

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Once you are moving on the freeway, make certain you
allow a reasonable following distance. Expect to move
slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway, move
to the proper
lane well
in advance. If you miss your exit do not, under
any circumstances, stop and back
up. Drive on to the
next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The exit speed is usually posted.
Reduce your speed according
to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance
at higher speeds, you may tend to think
you are going
slower than
you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you’re
not fresh -- such as after a day’s
work
-- don’t plan to make too many miles that first part
of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes
you
can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it’s ready
to go. If it needs
service, have
it done before starting out. Of course,
you’ll find experienced and able service experts in Chevrolet dealers
all across North America. They’ll be
ready and willing to help
if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
0
Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
all levels?
Lanzps: Are they all working‘? Are the lenses clean?
Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip.
Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts: What’s the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a short
time
to avoid a major storm system?
Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?
4-19

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking
on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while
you:
Start your engine;
Shift into a gear; and
Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more on
this. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transaxle fluid (don’t overfill),
engine oil, belt, cooling system, and brake adjustment.
Each
of these is covered in this manual, and the Index
will help you find them quickly. If you’re trailering,
it’s
a good idea to review these sections before you start
your trip.
Check periodically
to see that all hitch nuts and bolts are
tight.
Towing A Trailer
Do not tow a trailer with a Cavalier if your vehicle is:
a convertible model.
equipped with a 2.2L (Code 4) engine.
equipped with a manual transaxle or a three
speed automatic transaxle.
Your Cavalier is neither designed nor intended to tow a
trailer.
4-36

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.
5-15

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine P
Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the
U.S. or Canada, unleaded fuel may be hard to find. Do
not use leaded gasoline. If you use even one tankful,
your emission controls won’t work well
or at all. With
continuous use, spark plugs can get fouled, the exhaust
system can corrode, and your engine oil can deteriorate
quickly. Your vehicle’s oxygen sensor will be damaged.
All
of that means costly repairs that wouldn’t be covered
by your warranty.
To check on fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact
a major oil company that does business in the
country where you’ll be driving.
You can also write us at
the following address for
advice. Just tell us where you’re going and give your
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
General Motors Overseas Distribution Corporation,
North American Export Sales (NAES)
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario
L1H 8P7
Filling Your Tank
6-4
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Engine Oil
If the CHECK OIL light on the instrument panel comes
on,
it means you need to check your engine oil level
right away. For more information, see “Check Oil
Light” in the Index. You should check your engine oil
level regularly; this is
an added reminder.
It’s a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order
to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
Check
have
a
the oil here if
2.2L engine.
If you have a 2.3L engine,
the dipstick’s handle will be
a yellow ring.
Turn
off the engine and give
the oil a few minutes to
drain back into the oil pan.
If you don’t, the oil dipstick
might not show
the actual
level.
U’IV

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine To Check Engine Oil
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push
it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.
When to Add Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD mark, then you’ll need
to add some oil, But you must use the right kind. This
part explains what kind
of oil to use. For crankcase
capacity, see “Capacities and Specifications”
in the Index.
NOTICE:
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the upper
mark that
shows the proper operating range,
your engine could be damaged.
.. This is where you add oil if
you have a 2.2L engine.
6-11

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