maintenance CHEVROLET CAVALIER 1998 3.G User Guide

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps:
1. If you have a three speed
automatic transaxle, the
handle on the transaxle
dipstick is a red ring.
Pull out the dipstick and
wipe it with a clean rag
or paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and
then pull it
back out again.
-1 3. Check both sides
of the dipstick,
and read the lower
level. The fluid
level must be in the
cross-hatched area.
4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
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.
6-20

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine How to Add Fluid
Here’s how to add fluid. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind
of fluid to use. See
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
1. Remove the dipstick by flipping the handle up and
2. Add fluid at the dipstick hole. then pulling the dipstick out.
Add only enough fluid to bring the fluid level up to
the FULL mark on the dipstick.
handle down to lock the dipstick in place.
3. Push the dipstick back in all the way; then flip the
Hydraulic Clutch
The hydraulic clutch linkage in your vehicle is
self-adjusting. The clutch master cylinder reservoir is
filled with hydraulic clutch fluid.
It isn’t a good idea to “top off’ your clutch fluid. Adding
fluid won’t correct a leak.
A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired.
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.
6-24

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Brake Wear
Your vehicle has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a
high-pitched warning 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
firmly).
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.
I 1
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 “Caliper/Knuckle 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 immediately. 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.’’
6-33

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more.
Don’t forget your compact spare tire. It should be at
60 psi (420 kPa). 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.
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire
pressure. You can’t tell if your tires are properly inflated
simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they’re underinflated.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve stems.
They help prevent leaks by keeping out
dirt and moisture.
Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles
( 10 000 to 13 000 km). Any time you notice unusual
wear, 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. When rotating your tires, always use the correct rotation
pattern shown here.
Don’t include the compact
spare tire in your tire rotation.
6-42

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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.
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.
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
of purchase, whichever occurs
12,000 miles (20 000 km)
first.
6-55

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Refrigerant (R=134a), Air Conditioning
.............. See refrigerant
charge label under hood.
Fuel Tank ................. 15.2 gallons (57.5 L)
Tire Pressures, Sizes ........... See Tire-Loading Information label on driver’s door.
Wheel Nut Torque .......... 100 lb-ft (140 Nmm)
NOTE: All capacities are approximate. When adding, be
sure to fill to the appropriate level, as recommended in
this manual.
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 dealer.
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Air Cleaner Element
2.2L ....................... AC Type A- 11 72C
Engine Oil Filter
2.2L .......................... AC Type PF-47
2.4L
.......................... AC Type PF-44
Spark Plugs
2.2L ......................... AC Type 41-948
Gap:
0.050 inch (1.27 mm)
2.4L
......................... AC Type 4 1-942
Gap: 0.050 inch (1.27 mrn)
Windshield Wiper Blade (Sheppard’s Hook vpe)
Left Side ..................... 22 inches (56 cm)
Right Side.
................... 17 inches (43 cm)
2.4L
....................... AC Type A- 1172C
6-64

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 0 Section 7 Maintenance Schedule
This section covers the maintenance required for your vehicle. Your vehicle needs these services to retain its safety,
dependability and emission control performance.
7-2
7-4
7-5
7-5
7-6
Introduction
Part
A: Scheduled Maintenance Services
Short Trip/City Definition
Short TripKity Intervals
Long Tripmighway Definition Long
Trip/Highway Intervals
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Part
C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Part
E: Maintenance Record
7-6
7-30
7-35
7-37
7-39
7-1

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine L
IMPORTANT.
KEEP ENGINE OIL
AT THE PROPER
.EVEL AND CHANGE
RECOMMENDED
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.
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.
7-2

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.
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. See “Service and Owner Publications” in
the Index.
“Part B: Owner Checks and Services” tells
you what should be checked and when. 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 dealer’s service
department or another qualified service center should
perform.
“Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”
lists some recommended products 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.
7-3

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
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 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 drives
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.
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:
7-4