oil temperature CHEVROLET CAVALIER 1997 3.G Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine To Use the Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded
1 10-volt AC outlet.
I
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind
of extension cord could overheat and cause
a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the
cord into a properly grounded three-prong
110-volt
AC outlet. If the cord won’t reach, use a
heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for
at least
15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store
the cord
as it was before to keep it away from moving
engine parts.
If you don’t, it could be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of trying
to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your Chevrolet dealer in the area where you’ll be
parking your vehicle. The dealer can give you the best
advice for that particular area.
Automatic Transaxle Operation
Your Chevrolet may be equipped with a three-speed
automatic
or a four-speed automatic transaxle. The
shift lever is located on the console between the seats.
There are six different positions for the shift lever on the
three-speed automatic and seven positions for the
four-speed automatic transaxles. While PARK
(P),
REVERSE (R) and NEUTRAL (N) operate identically
for both transaxles, the forward gear positions represent
different gearing and operation.
See “Forward Gears
(3-Speed)” or “Forward-Gears (4-Speed)” later in
this section.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine FOR BEST FUEL I my AND COLD s 6, SELECT THE LOWEST
SAE VISCOSITY bnMur dl1 FOR THE EXkrwurw TEMPERATURE RANGE.
~~~ ~
HOT
WEATHER /- "F "C
+ 100- - t 38
+80- - +27
+60- - +16
t40- -+4
t20---7
0---la
COLD
WEATHER
LOOK
FOR '
SAL 1OW-30
I
'- 30 RED
00 NOT USE SAE 2OW-50 OR ANY OTHER GRAOE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED
As shown in the chart, SAE 5W-30 is best for your
vehicle. However, you can use
SAE 1OW-30 if it's going
to be
0°F (- 18 O C) or above. These numbers on an oil
container show its viscosity,
or thickness. Do not use
other viscosity oils, such as SAE 20W-50.
NOTICE:
Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum
Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines "Starburst" symbol. Failure
to use the
recommended oil can result in engine damage
not covered by your warranty.
GM Goodwrench@ oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle.
If you
are in an area where the temperature falls below
-20°F (-29"C), consider using either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an
SAE OW-30 oil. Both will provide
easier cold starting and better protection for your engine
at extremely low temperatures.
6-15

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Engine Oil Additives
Don’t add anything to your oil. Your Chevrolet dealer is
ready to advise if you think something should be added.
When to Change Engine Oil
If any one of these is true for you, use the short trip/city
maintenance schedule:
e
e
e
e
0
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.
The vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
or other commercial application.
Driving under these conditions causes engine oil to
break down sooner. If any one of these is true for your
vehicle, then you need to change your oil and filter
every
3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months -- whichever
occurs first.
If none of them is true, use the long tripbghway
maintenance schedule. Change the oil and filter every
7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months -- whichever
occurs first. Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed
engine under highway conditions causes engine oil to
break down slower.
What to Do with Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil contains certain
elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could
even cause cancer? Don’t let used oil stay on your skin
for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and
water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw
away clothing or rags containing used engine oil. (See
the manufacturer’s warnings about the use and disposal
of oil products.)
Used oil can be a real threat to the environment.
If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all free-flowing oil
from the filter before disposal. Don’t ever dispose of oil
by putting it in
the trash, pouring it on the ground, into
sewers,
or into streams or bodies of water. Instead,
recycle it by taking
it to a place that collects used oil. If
you have a problem properly disposing of your used oil,
ask your dealer,
a service station or a local recycling
center for help.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine A CAU‘LOA .:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner off
can cause you or others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame
if
the engine backfires. If it isn’t there, and the
engine backfires, you could be burned. Don’t
drive with it
off, and be careful working on the
engine with the air cleaner
off.
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
2.4L Code T Engine)
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transaxle fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the fluid and filter every
50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches
90 OF (32 O C) or higher.
0 In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
0 Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If
you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the fluid and filter do not require changing.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind
of transaxle fluid to use. See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper
fluid to bring the level into the cross-hatched area on
the dipstick.
1. Pull out the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough fluid at the
dipstick hole to bring it to the proper level.
It doesn’t
take much fluid, generally less than one pint
(0.5 L). Don’t ove@ll.
NOTICE:
We recommend you use only fluid labeled
DEXRON@-111, because fluid with that label
is
made especially for your automatic transaxle.
Damage caused by fluid other than DEXRON-III
is not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
3. After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
4. When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
described
under “How to Check.”
dipstick back
in all the way.
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
(2.4L Code T Engine Only)
If you have the optional 2.4L Code T 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
dealership 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.
Change both the fluid and filter every
50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one
or more
of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
0 In hilly or mountainous terrain.
0 When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
regularly
reaches
90 OF (32 O C) or higher.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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 DEX-COOL@ engine coolant. This coolant
is designed to remain in your vehicle for
5 years or
150,000 miles (240 000 km), whichever occurs first,
if you add only DEX-COOL@ extended life coolant.
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 DEX-COOL@ coolant will:
0 Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
0 Give boiling protection up to 265 “F (129°C).
0 Protect against rust and corrosion.
0 Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
NOTICE:
I
When adding coolant, it is important that you
use only
DEX-COOL@ (silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than
DEX-COOL’ is added
to the system, premature engine, heater core or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the
engine coolant will require change sooner
-- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months, whichever
occurs
first. Damage caused by the use of coolant
other than
DEX-COOL@ is not covered by your
new vehicle warranty.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Air Conditioning Refrigerants
Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same. If the
air conditioning system in your vehicle needs
refrigerant, be sure the proper refrigerant is used.
If
you're not sure, ask your Chevrolet dealer.
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Air Cleaner Element
2.2L ....................... AC Type A- 11 72C
2.4L
....................... AC Type A-1172C
Engine Oil Filter
2.2L .......................... AC Type PF-47
2.4L
.......................... AC Type PF-44
Spark Plugs
2.2L ......................... AC Type 41-928
Gap: 1.52 mm
(0.060 inch)
2.4L
......................... AC Type 41-910
Gap: 1.52 mm (0.060 inch)
Windshield Wiper Blade (Sheppard's Hook Type)
Left Side ..................... 22 inches (56 cm)
Right Side. ................... 17 inches (43 cm)
2.2L Engine Specifications
VIN Engine Code ........................... 4
Type
.................................... L4
Horsepower ............................. 120
Firing Order
.......................... 1-3-4-2
Thermostat Temperature
........... 180" F (82°C)
2.4L Engine Specifications
Type .................................... L4
VIN Engine Code ........................... T
Horsepower ............................. 150
Firing Order
.......................... 1-3-4-2
Thermostat Temperature ........... 180 O F (82 O C)

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Maintenance Schedule
(Short Trip/City Definition
Follow the Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule if any
one of these conditions is true for your vehicle:
0
e
0
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 sooney.
Short Trip/City Intervals
Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km): Chassis Lubrication
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Change
(or
3 months, whichever occurs first).
(or
6 months, whichever occurs first). Tire Rotation.
Inspection, if driving in dusty conditions.
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): Spark Plug Wire
Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement.
Every 150,000 Miles (240 000 km): Cooling System
Service (or every
60 months, whichever occurs first).
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be
sure to follow the complete maintenance schedule
on the following pages.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I
48,000 Miles (80 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
0 Lubricate chassis components (or every
6 months, whichever occurs firs ‘
(See footnote #.)
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
Rotation”
in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information.
(See footnote
+.) (Also see footnote ++.)
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
7-1
50,000 Miles (83 000 km)
0 Change automatic transaxle fluid and filter
if the vehicle is mainly driven under
one or
more of these conditions:
- In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches
90 OF
(32 O C) or higher.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I
99,000 Miles (165 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
DATE
SERVICED BY: ACTUAL MILEAGE
100,000 Miles (1 66 000 km)
0 Inspect spark plug wires (except 2.4L Code
0 Replace spark plugs.
T engine). An Emission Control Service.
An Emission Control Service.
0 Change automatic transaxle fluid and filter
if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:
- In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches
90 OF
(32°C) or higher.
(Continued)
7-27