light CHEVROLET CAVALIER 1997 3.G Repair Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder
reservoir is here.
It is filled
with
DOT-3 brake fluid.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in
the reservoir might go down. The first
is that the brake
fluid goes down to an acceptable level during normal
brake lining wear. When new linings
are put in, the fluid
level goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is
leaking out
of the brake system. If it is, you should have
your brake system fixed, since a leak means that sooner
or later your brakes won’t work well, or won’t work
at all.
So, it isn’t a good idea to “top off’ your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid won’t correct a leak. If you add fluid
when your linings are worn, then you’ll have
too much
fluid when
you get new brake linings. You should add
(or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is
done on the b: * ‘lyd ; system. ..
A CAUTION:
have too much brake fluid, it can spill
on the engine. The fluid will burn if the engine
is hot enough. You or others could be burned,
and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake
fluid only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. See “Brake System Warning
Light” in the Index.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Brake Wear
Your Chevrolet has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched waming sound when the brake pads are worn
and new pads are needed. The sound may come and go or
be heard all the time your vehicle is moving (except when
you are pushing on the brake pedal fiiy).
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won’t work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
~ ~~~
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
See “CaliperKnuckle Maintenance Inspection”
in
Section 7 of this manual under Part C “Periodic
Maintenance Inspections.”
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly torque wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to
GM specifications.
Your rear drum brakes don’t have wear indicators, but if
you ever hear a rear brake rubbing noise, have the rear
brake linings inspected. Also, the rear brake drums should be removed and inspected each time the tires
are removed for rotation or changing. When you
have the front brake pads replaced, have the rear brakes
inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
See “Brake System Inspection” in Section
7
of this manual under Part C “Periodic
Maintenance Inspections.’’

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Uniform Tire Quality Grading
The following information relates to the system
developed by the United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration, which grades tires by
treadwear, traction and temperature performance. (This
applies only
to vehicles sold in the United States.) The
grades are molded on the sidewalls of most passenger
car tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading system
does not apply
to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with
nominal rim diameters
of 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm),
or to some limited-production tires.
While the tires available on General Motors passenger
cars and light trucks may vary with respect to these
grades, they must also conform to Federal safety
requirements and additional General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria
(TPC) standards.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half
(1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions
of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.
Traction -- A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B, and
C, and they represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces
of asphalt and concrete.
A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based
on braking (straightahead) traction tests and does not
include cornering (turning) traction.
- 6-45

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.
6-49

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.
6-50
... -

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 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.
6-54
..

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Headlamp Wiring Fuses and Circuit Breakers
The
headlamp wiring is protected by fuses. Should your
headlamps fail to function, have your headlamp system
checked right away.
Windshield Wiper Fuse
The windshield wiper motor is protected by a circuit
breaker and a fuse. If the motor overheats due to heavy
snow, etc., the wiper will stop until the motor cools.
If the overload is caused by some electrical problem,
have it fixed.
Power Windows and Other Power Options
Circuit breakers in the fuse panel protect the power
windows and other power accessories. When the current
load
is too heavy, the circuit breaker opens and closes,
protecting the circuit until the problem is fixed. The
wiring circuits in your vehicle
are protected from
short circuits by a combination of fuses, circuit breakers
and fusible thermal links. This greatly reduces the
chance of damage caused by electrical problems.
Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse. If the
band is broken or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure you
replace a bad fuse with a new one of the identical size
and rating.
If you ever have
a problem on the road and don’t have
a spare fuse, you can “borrow” one that has the same
amperage. Just pick some feature of your vehicle that
you can get along without
-- like the radio or cigarette
lighter
-- and use its fuse if it is the correct amperage.
Replace it as
soon as you can.
There are
two fuse blocks in your vehicle: the instrument
panel fuse block and the engine compartment
fuse block.
6-59

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Instrument Panel Fuse Block
The fuse panel is located under the left end of the
instrument panel.
To open, push the tab on the access
door to the left and pull the door forward. Make
sure to
insert the tabs when replacing the cover.
Fuse
TURN-B/U
F/P-INJ
CLUSTER
CLS/PCM
RR DFOG
02 HTR
Usage
Exterior Lamps, Back-up Lamps
Fuel Pump, Fuel Injectors
Instrument Cluster, Anti-Lock Brake System
Instrument Cluster, Powertrain Control Module, Daytime
Running Lights
Rear Window Defogger
Multiport Fuel Injection

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Fuse
WIPER
ERLS
AIR BAG
EXT LAMP
PWR ACC
HVAC
RADIO
ALARM
CRUISE
L HDLP
CIG
Usage
Windshield Wipers,
Windshield Washers
Automatic Transaxle, Brake
Transaxle Shift Interlock, A/C
Compressor, Cruise Control,
Multiport Fuel Injection
Supplemental Inflatable
Restraint System
Exterior Lamps, Instrument
Panel Lights
Power Door Locks, Convertible
Top (Convertible Model)
Heater and A/C Control,
Anti-lock Brake System,
Engine Cooling Fan
Radio, Remote Keyless Entry
Alarm Module
- Interior Lamps,
Warning Chimes
Cruise Control
Left Headlamp Cigarette Lighter,
Horn, Interior
Lamps, Diagnostic Connector
Fuse
INST LPS
STOP HAZ
PWR WIN- DOW
PCM/IGN
INT LAMP
FOG LAMP
IGN
R HDLP
Usage
Instrument Panel Lights,
Warning Chimes
Exterior Lamps, Anti-Lock
Brake System, Cruise Control,
Turn Signals
Power Windows, Power Sunroof,
Convertible Top Controls
(Convertible Model)
(Circuit Breaker)
Powertrain Control Module
Alarm Module: Illuminated Entry,
Warning Chimes, Overhead
Lamps, Mapmeading Lamps,
Glove Box Lamp, Trunk Lamp,
Radio, Power Mirrors, Remote
Keyless Entry
Fog Lamps
(2-24 Only)
Engine Ignition
Right Headlamp
6-61