CHEVROLET CAVALIER 1997 3.G Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Don’t use any of these unless this manual says you can.
In many uses, these will damage your vehicle:
Alcohol
0 Laundry Soap
0 Bleach
0 Reducing Agents
Cleaning the Inside of Your Chevrolet
4. Use solvent-type cleaners in a well-ventilated area
only. If you use them, don’t saturate the stained area.
5. If a ring forms after spot cleaning, clean the entire
area immediately or it will set.
Use a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of dust and loose
dirt. Wipe vinyl or leather with a clean, damp cloth.
lour Chevrolet dealer has two cleaners, a solvent-type
spot lifter and a foam-type powdered cleaner. They will
clean normal spots and stains very well. Do not use
them on vinyl
or leather.
Here are some cleaning tips:
1. Always read the instructions on the cleaner label.
2. Clean up stains as soon as you can -- before they set.
3. Use a clean cloth or sponge, and change to a
clean area often.
A soft brush may be used if stains
are stubborn.
Using Foam-Type Cleaner o
1. Vacuum and brush the area to remove any loose dirt.
2. Always clean a whole trim panel or section. Mask
3. Mix Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner following the
4. Use suds only and apply with a clean sponge. Don’t
5. As soon as you’ve cleaned the section, use a sponge
surrounding
trim along stitch or welt lines.
directions on the container label.
saturate the material and don’t rub it roughly.
to remove the suds.
6. Rinse the section with a clean, wet sponge.
7. Wipe off what’s left with a slightly damp paper towel
8. Dry it immediately with a blow dryer.
or cloth.
9. Wipe with
a clean cloth.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Using Solvent-Type Cleaner on Fabric Fabric Protection
First, see
if you have to use solvent-type cleaner at all. Your Chevrolet has upholstery that has been treated with
Some spots and stains will clean off better with just
Scotchgard” Fabric Protector, a 3M product. It protects
water and mild soap. fabrics by repelling oil and water, which are the carriers
If you need to use a solvent: of
most stains. Even with this protection, you still need
to clean your upholstery often
to keep it looking new.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Gently scrape excess soil from the trim material with
a clean, dull knife or scraper.
Use very little cleaner, light pressure and clean cloths
(preferably cheesecloth). Cleaning should start at the
outside
of the stain, “feathering” toward the center.
Keep changing to
a clean section of the cloth.
When you clean a stain from fabric, immediately
dry the area with a blow dryer to help prevent a
cleaning ring.
w A _. a ~
Further information on cleaning is available by calling
1-800-433-3296 (in Minnesota, 1-800-642-6167).
Special Cleaning Problems
Greasy or Oily Stains
Stains caused by grease, oil, butter, margarine, shoe
polish, coffee with cream, chewing gum, cosmetic
creams, vegetable oils, wax crayon, tar and asphalt can
be removed as follows:
1. Carefully scrape off excess stain.
2. Follow the solvent-type instructions described earlier.
Shoe polish, wax crayon, tar and asphalt will stain
if left
on a vehicle’s seat fabric. They should be removed as
soon as possible. Be careful, because the cleaner will
dissolve them and may cause them to spread.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Non-Greasy Stains Cleaning Vinyl
Stains caused by catsup, coffee (black), egg, fruit, fruit Use warm water and a clean cloth.
juice, milk, soft drinks, wine, vomit, urine and blood can
be removed as follows:
Rub with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt. You
mav have to do it more than once.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Carefully scrape off excess stain, then sponge the
soiled area with cool water.
If a stain remains, follow the foam-type instructions
described earlier.
If an odor lingers after cleaning vomit or urine,
treat the area with a waterbaking soda solution:
1 teaspoon (5 ml) of baking soda to 1 cup (250 ml)
of lukewarm water.
If needed, clean lightly with solvent-type cleaner.
d
Things like tar, asphalt and shoe polish will stain if you
don't get them
off quickly. Use a clean cloth and a
vinymeather cleaner. See
your dealer for this product.
(I ~ I :.ning the Top of the Instrum(- ~~ 'anel
Use only mild soap and water to clean the top surfaces
of the instrument panel. Sprays containing silicones or
waxes may cause annoying reflections in the windshield
and even make it difficult to see through the windshield
under certain conditions.
Combination Stains
Stains caused by candy, ice cream, mayonnaise, chili
sauce and unknown stains can be removed as follows:
1. Carefully scrape off excess stain.
2. Clean with cool water and allow to dry.
3. If a stain remains, clean it with solvent-type cleaner.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
I
Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If’ you do, it
may severely weaken them. In a crash, they
might not be able to provide adequate protection. Clean safety belts
only with mild soap and
lukewarm water.
Cleaning Glass Surfaces
Glass should be cleaned often. GM Glass Cleaner (GM
Part No. 1050427) or a liquid household glass cleaner
will remove normal tobacco smoke and dust films on
interior glass.
Don’t
use abrasive cleaners on glass, because they may
cause scratches. Avoid placing decals on the inside rear
window, since they may have to be scraped
off later.
If abrasive cleaners are used on the inside of the rear
window, an electric defogger element may be damaged.
Any temporary license should not be attached across the
defogger grid.
Cleaning the Outside of the
Windshield and Wiper Blades
If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield
washer, or if the wiper blade chatters when running, wax, sap or other material may be on the blade or ‘windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with GM Windshield Cleaner, Bon
Ami@ Powder (non-scratching glass cleaning
powder), GM
Part No. 1050011. The windshield is clean if
beads do not form when you rinse it with water.
Grime from the windshield will stick to the wiper blades
and affect their performance. Clean the blade by wiping
vigorously with a cloth soaked in full-strength windshield
washer solvent. Then rinse the blade with water.
Check the wiper blades and clean them as necessary;
replace blades that look worn.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply silicone
grease with a clean cloth at least every
six months.
During very cold, damp weather more frequent application may be required. (See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.)
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Cleaning the Outside of
Your Chevrolet
The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth
of color, gloss retention and durability.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve your vehicle’s finish is to keep \
it
clean by washing
it often with lukewarm or cold water.
Don’t wash your vehicle
in the direct rays of the sun.
Don’t use strong soaps or chemical detergents. Use
liquid hand, dish or car washing (mild detergent) soaps.
Don’t use cleaning agents that are petroleum based,
or that contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning agents
should be flushed promptly and not allowed to dry on
the surface, or they could stain. Dry the finish with a
soft, clean chamois or an all-cotton towel to avoid
surface scratches and water spotting.
High pressure car washes may cause water
to enter
your vehicle.
Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your Chevrolet
by hand may be necessary to remove residue from the
paint finish. You can get GM-approved cleaning
products from your dealer. (See “Appearance Care and
Materials”
in the Index.)
Your Chevrolet has a “basecoatklearcoat” paint finish.
The clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to the colored
basecoat. Always use waxes and polishes that are
non-abrasive and made for a basecoatklearcoat
paint finish.
NOTICE:
Machine compounding or aggressive polishing on
a basecoatklearcoat paint finish may dull the
finish
or leave swirl marks.
Cleaning Exterior LampsLenses
Use lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth and a liquid
hand, dish or vehicle washing (mild detergent) soap to
clean exterior lamps and lenses. Follow instructions
under “Washing Your Vehicle.”
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other
salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage your vehicle’s finish if they remain on painted
surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible. If
necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are marked
safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter.
Exterior painted surfaces
are subject to aging, weather
and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a period
of years. You can help to keep the paint finish looking
new
by keeping your Chevrolet garaged or covered
whenever possible.
Cleaning Your Convertible Top
Your convertible top should be cleaned often. If you use
an automatic car wash, use one with water jets and
hanging cloths. High pressure car washes may cause
water to enter your vehicle.
When you hand wash the top, do
it in partial shade.
Use a mild soap, lukewarm water and a soft sponge.
A chamois or cloth may leave lint on the top, and a
brush can chafe the threads in the top fabric. Don’t use
detergents, harsh cleaners, solvents or bleaching agents. When you clean the top, put
one hand under
it to
support it. Wet the entire vehicle and wash the top
evenly to avoid
spots or rings. Let the soap remain on
the fabric for a few minutes. When the top is really dirty,
use a mild foam-type cleaner. Thoroughly rinse the
entire vehicle, then let the top dry in direct sunlight.
To protect the convertible top:
0 After you wash the vehicle, make sure the top is
completely dry before you lower it.
0 Don’t get any cleaner on the vehicle’s painted finish;
it could leave streaks.
If you decide to go through an automatic car wash,
ask the manager
if the equipment could damage
your top.
Before entering a car wash, set the climate control to
VENT and the fan control to the highest speed. This will
help to prevent water under high pressure from entering
around the convertible top.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Cleaning Aluminum Wheels
(If Equipped)
Keep your wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with
mild soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After
rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft clean towel.
A wax may then be applied.
The surface
of these wheels is similar to the painted
surface of your vehicle. Don’t use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners or
abrasive cleaning brushes on them because you could
damage the surface.
Don’t take your vehicle through an automatic car wash
that has silicon carbide tire cleaning brushes. These
brushes can also damage the surface of these wheels.
Cleaning Tires
To clean your tires, use a stiff brush with a tire cleaner.
NOTICE:
When applying a tire dressing always take care to
wipe
off any overspray or splash from all painted
surfaces
on the body or wheels of the vehicle.
Petroleum-based products may damage the paint finish.
Sheet Metal Damage
If your vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal
repair or replacement, make sure the body repair shop
applies anti-corrosion material
to the parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion protection.

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 car washing system can do
this for you.
Chemic 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.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Appearance Care Materials Chart
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) the model designation,
r
r 1111 111 111111 lli 11111111 llllllllllll1111
C SAMPLE4UXVM072675 _- - J
- paint information and
0 a list of all production options and
Be sure that this label is not removed from the vehicle.
special equipment.
ENGlNEA97 . ASSEMBLY Electrical System
- ~~
CODE MODEL
YEAR PLANT
Add-on Electrical Equipment
This is the legal identifier for your Chevrolet. It appears
on a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on
the driver’s side. You can see it if you look through the
windshield from outside your vehicle. The VIN also
appears on the Vehicle Certification and Service Parts
labels and the certificates of title and registration.
Engine Identification
The 8th character in your VIN is the engine code. This
code will help you identify your engine, specifications
and replacement parts.
Service Parts Identification Label
You’ll find this label on your spare tire cover. It’s very
helpful if you ever need to order parts. On this label is:
your VIN,
I
NOTICE:
Don’t add anything electrical to your Chevrolet
unless
you check with your dealer first. Some
electrical equipment can damage your vehicle
and the damage wouldn’t
be covered by your
warranty. Some add-on electrical equipment
can keep other components from working as
they should.
Your vehicle has an air bag system. Before attempting to
add anything electrical to your Chevrolet, see “Servicing
Your Air Bag-Equipped Chevrolet” in the Index.
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