check engine CHEVROLET CAVALIER 1997 3.G User Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: CHEVROLET, Model Year: 1997, Model line: CAVALIER, Model: CHEVROLET CAVALIER 1997 3.GPages: 388, PDF Size: 20 MB
Page 106 of 388

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Convex  Outside  Mirror 
Your passenger’s  side  mirror  is  convex. A convex 
mirror’s  surface  is  curved 
so you  can  see more from the 
driver’s  seat. 
Storage  Compartments 
Center  Console  Storage  Area 
A convex  mirror  can  make  things  (like  other 
vehicles) 
look farther  away  than  they  really  are. 
If you cut too  sharply  into  the  right  lane,  you 
could  hit 
a vehicle  on  your  right.  Check  your 
inside  mirror  or  glance  over  your  shoulder  before 
changing  lanes. 
To open  the  center  console,  pull  the  lift lever  up  and  the 
lid  back. 
To close  the  center  console,  push  the  lid  down  until 
it  clicks. 
Center  Console  Cupholders 
Open  the  center  console  lid  all  the way to  uncover  the 
front 
and rear  cupholders.  There  is also a cupholder  at 
the 
front of the  console.   
Page 117 of 388

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Lowering the Top Manually 
NOTICE: 
I 
Do not  attempt  to  lower  the  top  manually as 
damage  to  the  vehicle  will  occur.  If  the  top fails to 
raise 
or lower  completely,  see  “Raising  the  Top 
Manually”  following. 
Raising the Top Manually 
If your  vehicle  loses power,  or  something  else happens 
that  prevents  you from  raising  the  top  electrically,  you 
may  need  to raise the top  manually. This will  allow  you 
to safely drive  the vehicle until 
you can  get the  top 
repaired. Raising  the convertible top  manually  should 
only  be  done in an  emergency  and  requires two  people. 
Before  you  do  these steps, check to  make  sure that 
the  bypass  switch  in  the 
trunk is switched  up  to the 
NORMAL  OPERATION  position. 
If it is  not,  switch  it 
to the  NORMAL  OPERATION  position 
and see if the 
power  top  works. 
1. Set  the parking  brake and shift  your  automatic 
transaxle to  PARK 
(p) or  your  manual  transaxle to 
NEUTRAL 
(N). Turn  the engine off. 
2. Push  the  button in the latch handle  and rotate  the 
handle down. 
3. Open the trunk.   
Page 125 of 388

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Tachometer (If Equipped) 
11 The tachometer  displays  the  Warning  lights  and  gages 
can signal  that  something  is 
wrong  before  it  becomes  serious  enough  to cause  an 
expensive  repair  or replacement.  Paying  attention  to 
your  warning  lights  and  gages  could  ais0 save you or 
others  from injury. 
Warning  lights  come  on when  there  may  be  or is a 
problem  with  one of  your  vehicle's  functions. 
As you 
will  see  in  the  details  on  the  next  few  pages,  some 
warning  lights  come on briefly  when  you  start  the 
engine  just to let  you  know  they're working.  If  you are 
familiar  with  this  section,  you  should  not be  alarrned 
when  this  happens. 
Gages  can  indicate  when  there  may  be  or  is 
a problem 
with  one of  your  vehicle's  functions.  Often  gages  and 
warning  lights  work  together  to 
let you know when 
there's  a  problem  with 
your vehicle. 
NOTICE: 
- 
I 
Do not  operate  the  engine  with  the  tachometer  in 
the  red  area,  or engine  damage 
may occur. I 
When  one of  the  warning  lights  comes  on and  stays  on 
when  you  are driving,  or when  one 
of the  gages  shows I I there  may  be  a  problem,  check  the  section  that  tells  you 
Warning  Lights, Gages and  Indicators 
This part  describes  the  warning  lights  and  gages  that 
may  be  on your  vehicle.  The pictures  will  help 
you 
locate  them.  what  to 
do about 
it. Please  follow  this  manual's  advice. 
Waiting  to do  repairs  can be  costly 
-- and  even 
dangerous.  So please  get  to know  your  warning  lights 
and  gages.  They're a  big  help. 
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Page 126 of 388

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Safety  Belt  Reminder  Light 
When  the  key is turned  to RUN or START, a chime will 
come on  for  about eight seconds  to remind  people  to 
fasten their  safety belts, unless  the driver’s  safety  belt  is 
already  buckled. 
I The  safety  belt  light will 
also come  on  and  stay  on 
for  about 
20 seconds,  then  it 
will flash for  about 
55 
seconds. If the  driver’s  belt 
is  already  buckled,  neither 
the  chime  nor  the  light will 
come on. 
Air  Bag  Readiness  Light 
There  is an air  bag  readiness  light on  the  instrument 
panel,  which  shows  AIR  BAG.  The system  checks  the 
air bag’s  electrical  system for malfunctions.  The light 
tells  you  if there 
is an  electrical  problem.  The  system  check  includes 
the air bag  sensor,  the 
air bag  modules, 
the  wiring  and  the crash  sensing  and  diagnostic  module. 
For  more  information  on  the 
air bag system,  see “Air 
Bag”  in the  Index. 
AIR 
BAG 
This light  will  come  on 
when  you  start your  engine, 
and  it  will  flash for a few 
seconds.  Then  the  light 
should  go out.  This  means 
the  system  is ready. 
~~~~ 
If  the  air bag  readiness  light stays on  after you start the 
engine 
or comes  on  when  you  are  driving, your air bag 
system  may  not  work  properly.  Have  your  vehicle 
serviced  right away. 
The  air  bag  readiness  light should  flash for a few 
seconds  when  you  turn  the  ignition key  to  RUN.  If the 
light  doesn’t  come  on  then,  have  it  fixed 
so it will  be 
ready  to  warn  you  if  there 
is a  problem. 
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Page 127 of 388

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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  when  the engine 
is started. 
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. 
Brake  System  Warning  Light 
Your  Chevrolet’s  hydraulic  brake  system is divided  into 
two  parts. 
If one part  isn’t  working,  the  other part can 
still  work  and  stop  you.  For good  braking,  though,  you 
need  both  parts  working  well. 
If the  warning  light  comes  on,  there  could  be  a  brake 
problem.  Have  your  brake  system  inspected  right  away. 
BRAKE 
This  light  should  come on 
briefly  when  you  turn  the 
ignition  key  to 
RUN. 
If it  doesn’t  come on  then, 
have  it fixed 
so it  will  be 
ready  to  warn  you  if  there’s 
a  problem. 
2-69   
Page 131 of 388

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Low  Coolant  Warning  Light 
If  this  light  comes on and 
stays  on, your  system  is low 
on  coolant  and  the  engine 
may  overheat. 
Malfunction  Indicator Lamp 
(Check  Engine  Light) 
CHECK 
Your  Chevrolet  is equipped 
with  a  computer  which 
monitors  operation  of  the 
fuel,  ignition 
and emission 
control  systems. 
See  the  Index  under  “Engine  Coolant’’  and  have  your 
vehicle  serviced  as  soon  as 
you can. 
This system  is called OBD I1  (On-Board 
Diagnostics-Second  Generation)  and  is  intended  to 
assure  that  emissions  are at acceptable  levels  for 
the  life  of 
the vehicle,  helping  to  produce  a  cleaner 
environment.  (In  Canada, 
OBD I1 is  replaced  by 
Enhanced  Diagnostics.)  The CHECK  ENGINE  light 
comes  on to  indicate  that  there 
is a  problem  and  service 
is  required,  Malfunctions  often  will  be  indicated  by  the 
system  before  any  problem  is apparent.  This may 
prevent  more  serious  damage to your  vehicle.  This 
system  is also designed  to  assist  your  service  technician 
in  correctly  diagnosing  any  malfunction. 
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Page 132 of 388

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTICE: 
If  you  keep  driving  your  vehicle  with  this  light 
on,  after  a  while,  your  emission  controls may  not 
work  as well,  your  fuel  economy  may  not  be 
as 
good and  your  engine  may  not  run  as smoothly. 
This  could  lead  to  costly  repairs  that  may  not  be 
covered  by  your  warranty. 
This light  should  come on,  as  a  check to show  you  it  is 
working,  when  the  ignition 
is on  and  the  engine  is  not 
running. 
If the  light  doesn’t  come  on, have  it  repaired. 
This light  will  also  come  on  during  a  malfunction  in  one 
of  two  ways: 
Light  Flashing -- A misfire  condition  has  been 
detected.  A  misfire  increases  vehicle  emissions  and 
may  damage  the  emission  control  system  on your 
vehicle.  Dealer  or qualified  service center  diagnosis 
and  service  is required. 
Light  On Steady -- An  emission  control  system 
malfunction  has  been  detected  on your  vehicle. 
Dealer  or qualified  service  center  diagnosis  and 
service  may  be  required. 
If the  Light Is Fla+lng 
The  following  may  prevent  more  serious damage  to 
your  vehicle: 
Reducing  vehicle  speed. 
Avoiding  hard  accelerations. 
Avoiding  steep  uphill  grades. 
If you  are  towing  a  trailer,  reduce  the  amount  of 
cargo  being  hauled 
as soon  as it is  possible. 
If  the  light  stops  flashing and  remains  on steady,  see  “If 
the  Light 
Is On  Steady”  following. 
If  the  light  continues  to flash, when  it 
is safe to do so, 
stop the vehicle. Find  a safe place  to park  your  vehicle. 
Turn the  key off, wait  at  least 10 seconds  and  restart  the 
engine.  If the  light  remains  on steady,  see  “If  the  Light 
Is On Steady”  following.  If the  light  is  still  flashing, 
follow  the  previous  steps,  and  drive  the  vehicle  to your 
dealer  or qualified  service center for service.   
Page 133 of 388

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine If the  Light Is On Steady 
You may  be  able  to correct  the  emission  system 
malfunction  by  considering  the  following: 
Did  you  recently  put  fuel  into  your  vehicle?  If 
so, reinstall  the  fuel cap, making sure to  fully  install 
the  cap.  The diagnostic  system  can  determine  if the  fuel 
cap  has  been  left  off  or improperly  installed. 
A loose  or 
missing  fuel cap  will  allow  fuel to  evaporate  into the 
atmosphere. 
A few  driving  trips  with  the  cap  properly 
installed  should  turn  the  light  off. 
Did  you  just drive  through  a  deep  puddle  of  water? 
If 
so, your  electrical  system  may  be  wet.  The condition 
will  usually  be  corrected  when  the  electrical  system 
dries  out. 
A few  driving  trips  should  turn  the  light  off.  Have  you  recently  changed  brands 
of fuel? 
If 
so, be  sure to fuel  your  vehicle  with  quality  fuel  (see 
“Fuel”  in  the  Index).  Poor  fuel quality  will  cause  your 
engine  not 
to run  as  efficiently  as  designed.  You  may 
notice  this  as stalling  after  start-up,  stalling  when  you 
put  the  vehicle  into gear,  misfiring,  hesitation 
on 
acceleration or stumbling on acceleration.  (These 
conditions  may 
go away  once  the  engine  is warmed  up.) 
This  will  be  detected  by  the  system  and  cause  the  light 
to  turn  on. 
If you  experience  one  or more of these  conditions, 
change  the  fuel brand  you  use.  It will  require  at least 
one full  tank  of  the  proper  fuel  to turn  the  light 
off. 
If none  of  the  above  steps  have  made  the  light  turn  off, 
have  your  dealer  or qualified  service  center  check  the 
vehicle.  Your dealer  has  the  proper  test  equipment  and 
diagnostic  tools  to fix  any  mechanical  or electrical 
problems  that  may  have  developed.   
Page 134 of 388

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Oil Pressure Warning Light 
If you  have  a  low  engine  oil 
pressure  problem,  this  light 
will 
stay on after  you  start 
your  engine,  or 
conze 012 
when  you  are driving.  This 
indicates  that your  engine  is 
not  receiving  enough  oil. 
The  engine  could  be  low  on oil,  or could  have  some 
other  oil problem.  Have it fixed  immediately. 
The oil  light  could  also  come  on in three  other  situations: 
0 When  the  ignition is on  but  the  engine  is  not  running, 
the  light 
will come  on as  a  test to show  you  it  is 
working,  but  the  light  will 
go out when  you turn  the 
ignition to  START.  If it  doesn’t come on  with  the 
ignition 
on, you  may  have  a  problem  with  the  fuse or 
bulb.  Have  it  fixed  right  away. 
If you’re  idling  at  a  stop  sign,  the  light may  blink  on 
If you  make  a  hard  stop, the light  may  come  on  for a 
and  then 
off. 
moment.  This is normal. 
Don’t  keep  driving  if the  oil pressure  is low. 
If 
you  do,  your  engine can become so hot  that  it 
catches  fire.  You or  others  could 
be burned. 
Check  your oil 
as soon as possible  and  have  your 
vehicle  serviced. 
I NOTICE: 
Damage to your engine  from neglected  oil 
problems  can  be costly  and 
is not  covered  by 
your  warranty.   
Page 135 of 388

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Passlock  Warning  Light 
THEFT 
SYSTEM 
This light  will come 
on when  you  turn 
the  key  toward  the  START  position. 
If the light flashes,  the  Passlock  system  has  entered  a 
tamper  mode.  If  the  vehicle  fails  to start, see  “Passlock” 
in  the  Index. 
If  the  light comes 
on continuously  while  driving  and 
stays  on, there  may be a  problem  with  the  Passlock 
system.  Your vehicle  will  not  be  protected  by  Passlock, 
and  you  should  see  your  dealer. 
Up-Shift  Light  (Manual  Transaxle) 
SHIFT 
Check Gages Light 
CHECK 
GAGES 
I I 
This light comes on  when 
you  need  to shift to the 
next  higher  gear.  See 
“Manual  Transaxle”  in 
the  Index.  (In  Canada,  the 
Up-Shift  Light  will  not  be 
functional  on  vehicles 
with  the 
2.2L engine.) 
This light  will come 
on 
briefly  when  you are 
starting  the  engine.  If the 
light  comes  on  and  stays 
on  while  you  are driving, 
check  your  various  gages 
to 
see if  they  are in  the 
warning  zones. 
2-77