maintenance CHEVROLET CAVALIER 1996 3.G User Guide

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 cooling system in your vehicle is filled with new
DEX-COOL TM (orange-colored, silicate-free) engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to remain in your
vehicle for
5 years or 100,000 miles ( 166 000 km),
whichever occurs first.
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.
A 50/50 mixture of water and the proper coolant for
your Chevrolet will:
Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37OC).
e Give boiling protection up to 265 “F (129°C).
0 Protect against rust and corrosion.
e Help keep the proper engine temperature.
e Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches
a preset temperature.
When you replace your thermostat, an
AC’ thermostat
is recommended.
Power Steering Fluid
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there
is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise.
A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, unscrew the cap
and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap
and completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again
and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the
C mark. If necessary, add only
enough fluid
to bring the level up to the mark.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind
of fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants” in the Index. Always use the proper fluid.
Failure
to use the proper fluid can cause leaks and
damage hoses and seals.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Tire Inspection and Rotation
1 Tires should be inspected every 6,000 to 8,000 miles
(10 000 to 13 000 km) for any signs of unusual wear.
If unusual wear is present, rotate your tires as soon as
possible and check wheel alignment. Also check for
damaged tires or wheels. See “When It’s Time for New
Tires” and “Wheel Replacement” later in this section for
more information.
The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more
uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. The first
rotation is the most important. See “Scheduled
Maintenance Services” in the Index for scheduled
rotation intervals. When rotating your tires, always use the Correct rotation
pattern shown here.
Don’t include the compact spare tire
in your tire
rotation.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and
rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire-Loading
Information label. Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” in
the Index.
A CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which
it is fastened, can make wheel nuts become loose
after
a time. The wheel could come off and cause
an accident. When you change
a wheel, remove
any rust or dirt from places where the wheel
attaches to the vehicle. In an emergency, you can
use a cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be
sure to use
a scraper or wire brush later, if you
need to, to get all the rust or dirt
off. (See
“Changing
a Flat Tire” in the Index.)
,
6-38

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Finish Damage
Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the finish
should be repaired right away. Bare metal will corrode
quickly and may develop into a major repair expense.
Minor chips and scratches can be repaired with touch-up
materials available from your dealer or other service
outlets. Larger areas
of finish damage can be corrected
in your dealer’s body and paint shop.
Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust control
can collect on the underbody.
If these are not removed,
accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur on the underbody
parts such as fuel lines, frame, floor pan, and exhaust
system even though they have corrosion protection.
At least
every spring, flush these materials from the
underbody with plain water. Clean any areas where mud and other debris can collect. Dirt packed in closed areas
of the frame should be loosened before being flushed.
Your dealer
or an underbody vehicle washing system
can do this for you.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Some weather and atmospheric conditions can create a
chemical fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall upon and
attack painted surfaces on your vehicle. This damage
can take two forms: blotchy, ringlet-shaped
discolorations, and small irregular dark spots etched into
the paint surface.
Although
no defect in the paint job causes this,
Chevrolet will repair,
at no charge to the owner, the
surfaces
of new vehicles damaged by this fallout
condition within
12 months or 12,000 miles (20 000 km)
of purchase, whichever occurs first.
6-50

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Normal Maintenance Replacement
Parts
Air Cleaner Element
2.2L ...................... AC Type A-1172C
2.4L
...................... AC Type A-1172C
2.2L
......................... AC Type PF-47
2.4L
......................... AC Type PF-44
2.2L
...................... AC Type CV-900C
Engine Oil Filter
PCV Valve
2.4L .................................. N/A
Spark Plugs
2.2L ........................ AC Type 41 -928
2.4L ........................ AC Type 41-910
Gap: 1.52 mm (0.060
inch)
Gap: 1.52 mm (0.060 inch)
Dimensions
Length
Coupe
................ 180.3 inches (458.0 cm)
Sedan
................. 180.3 inches (458.0 cm)
Convertible
............ 180.3 inches (458.0 cm)
Dimensions (Continued)
Width
Coupe
................. 75.4 inches (191.6 cm)
Sedan
.................. 75.4 inches (191.6 cm)
Convertible
............. 75.4 inches (19 1.6 cm)
Coupe
................. 53.2 inches (135.1 cm)
Sedan
.................. 54.9 inches (139.4 cm)
Height
Convertible
............. 53.9 inches ( 136.9 cm)
Wheelbase Coupe
................. 104.1 inches (264.4 cm)
Sedan
................. 104.1 inches (264.4 cm)
Convertible
............ 104.1 inches (264.4 cm)
Coupe
................. 57.6 inches (146.2 cm)
Sedan
.................. 57.6 inches (146.2 cm)
Convertible
............. 57.6 inches (146.2 cm)
Coupe
................. 56.8 inches (144.2 cm)
Sedan
.................. 56.8 inches (144.2 cm)
convertible
............. 56.8 inches (144.2 cm)
Front Tread
Rear Tread
6-60

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 0 Section 7 Maintenance Schedule
I
I
IMPORTANT.
KEEP ENGINE OIL
AT THE PROPER
LEVEL AND CHANGE AS
RECOMMENDED
This section covers the maintenance required for your
Chevrolet. Your vehicle needs these services to retain its
safety, dependability and emission control performance.'
Introduction
Your Vehicle and the Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your
vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the
environment. All recommended maintenance procedures
are important. Improper vehicle maintenance can even
affect the quality
of the air we breathe. Improper fluid
levels or the wrong tire inflation can increase the level
of emissions from your vehicle. To help protect our
environment, and to keep your vehicle in
good
condition, please maintain your vehicle properly.
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan
supplements your new vehicle warranties. See your
Warranty and Owner Assistance booklet,
or your
Chevrolet dealer for details.
7-1

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine How This Section is Organized
The remainder of this section is divided into five parts:
‘(Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services” shows
what to have done and how often. Some of these
services can be complex,
so unless you are technically
qualified and have the necessary equipment,
you should
let your dealer’s service department
or another qualified
service center do these jobs.
I
Performing maintenance work on a vehicle can
be dangerous. In trying to do some jobs, you can
be seriously injured.
Do your own maintenance
work only if you have the required know-how
and the proper tools and equipment
for the job.
If you have any doubt, have a qualified
technician
do the work.
If you are skilled enough to do some work on your
vehicle, you will probably want to get the service
information
GM publishes. See “Service and Owner
Publications” in the Index.
“Part B: Owner Checks and Services” tells you what
should be checked whenever
you stop for fuel. It also
explains what you can easily do
to help keep your
vehicle in good condition.
“Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections” explains
important inspections that your Chevrolet dealer’s
service department or another qualified service center
should perform.
“Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” lists
some products
GM recommends to help keep your
vehicle properly maintained. These products, or their
equivalents, should be used whether you do the work
yourself or have it done.
“Part E: Maintenance Record” provides a place
for you to record the maintenance performed
on your
vehicle. Whenever any maintenance is performed, be
sure to write it down in this part. This will help
you
determine when your next maintenance should be done.
In addition, it is a good idea to keep your maintenance
receipts. They may be needed
to qualify your vehicle for
warranty repairs.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Part A: Scheduled Maintenance
Services
Using Your Maintenance Schedule
We at General Motors want to help you keep your
vehicle in good working condition. But we don’t know
exactly how you’ll drive it. You may drive very short
distances only a few times a week.
Or you may drive
long distances all the time in very hot, dusty weather.
You may use your vehicle
in making deliveries. Or
you may drive it to work, to do errands or in many
other ways.
Because of all the different ways people use their
GM
vehicles, maintenance needs vary. You may even need
more frequent checks and replacements than you’ll find
in the schedules in this section.
So please read this
section and note how you drive. If you have any
questions
on how to keep your vehicle in good
condition, see your Chevrolet dealer.
This
part tells you the maintenance services you should
have done and when you should schedule them. If you
go to your dealer for your service needs, you’ll know
that GM-trained and supported service people will
perform the work using. genuine
GM parts, The proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed
in Part D.
Make sure whoever services your vehicle uses these. All
parts should be replaced and all necessary repairs done
before you or anyone else dnves the vehicle.
These schedules are for vehicles that:
carry passengers and cargo within recommended
limits. You will find these limits on your vehicle’s
Tire-Loading Information label. See “Loading Your
Vehicle” in the Index.
are driven on reasonable road surfaces within legal
driving limits.
0 use the recommended fuel. See “Fuel’’ in the Index.
Selecting the Right Schedule
First you’ll need to decide which of the two schedules is
right for your vehicle. Here’s how to decide which
schedule to follow:
7-3

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Maintenance Schedule
I Short Trip/City Definition
~~
I
Follow the Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule if any
one of these conditions is true for your vehicle:
0
0
e
0
e
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.
Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving in stop-and-go traffic).
Most trips
are through dusty areas.
You frequently tow
a trailer or use a carrier on top of
your vehicle. (With some models, you should never
tow a trailer. See “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.)
If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police,
taxi, or other commercial application.
One of the reasons you should follow this schedule
if you operate your vehicle under any of these
conditions is that these conditions cause engine oil
to break down sooner.
Short Trip/City Intervals
Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or
3 months, whichever occurs first).
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km): Chassis Lubrication
(or
6 months, whichever occurs first).
At 6,000 Miles (10 000 km) - Then Every
12,000 Miles (20 000 km): Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Inspection,
if driving in dusty conditions.
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Replacement. Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection.
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System Inspection
(2.2L Code 4 engine only).
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km): Automatic Transaxle
Service (severe conditions only).
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Accessory
Drive Belt Inspection.
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Cooling System
Service (or every
60 months, whichever occurs first).
Spark Plug Wire Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement.
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to follow the complete maintenance schedule
on
the following pages.
7-4

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Maintenance Schedule
Long Trip/Highway Definition h Long TriplHighway Intervals
Follow this maintenance schedule only if none of LIIG
conditions from the Short Trip/City Maintenance
Schedule is true.
Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed engine under
highway conditions causes engine oil to break
down slower.
nvery 7,500 Miles (12 500 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or every
12 months, whichever occurs first).
Chassis Lubrication (or every
12 months, whichever
occurs first).
At 7,500 Miles (12 500 km) - Then Every
15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Tire Rotation.
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Exhaust Gas
Recirculation (EGR) System Inspection (2.2L Code 4
Engine only). Air Cleaner Filter Replacement. Fuel
Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection.
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km): Automatic Transaxle
Service (severe conditions only).
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Accessory
Drive Belt Inspection.
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Cooling System
Service (or every
60 months, whichever occurs first).
Spark Plug Wire Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement.
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure
to follow the complete maintenance schedule on
the following pages.
7-5