oil CHEVROLET CAVALIER 2002 3.G Owner's Manual

6-21
If your vehicle is equipped with a 2.2L L4 ECOTEC
(L61) engine, it has a unique oil filter element. When
reinstalling the filter cap, do not exceed 18 lb
-ft
(25 N
m). Inspect the condition of the O
-ring and
replace if damaged.
What to Do with Used Oil
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 threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the
filter before disposal. Never 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.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is located on the driver's
side of the engine compartment near the battery.
See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the Index for
more information on location.

6-23
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
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 the 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
regularly reaches 90F (32C) or higher.

In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.

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.
NOTICE:
We recommend you use only fluid labeled
DEXRON-III, 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.

6-24
Manual Transaxle Fluid
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 the 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. See
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index for
the proper fluid to use.
Hydraulic Clutch
The hydraulic clutch linkage in your vehicle is
self
-adjusting. The clutch master cylinder reservoir is
filled with hydraulic clutch fluid.
It is not necessary to regularly check clutch fluid unless
you suspect there is a leak in the system. 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
ªOwner Checks and
Servicesº and
ªRecommended Fluids and
Lubricantsº in the Index.
How to Check and Add Fluid
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. See ªEngine
Compartment Overviewº in the Index for more
information on location.

6-25
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 ªEngine Overheatingº in
the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL coolant will:

Give freezing protection down to
-34F (-37C).

Give boiling protection up to 265F (129C).

Protect against rust and corrosion.

Help keep the proper engine temperature.

Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
NOTICE:
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.

6-26 What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
one
-half DEX-COOL
coolant which won't damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you
don't need to add anything else.
CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid such as alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. Your vehicle's coolant
warning system is set for the proper coolant
mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture,
your engine could get too hot but you wouldn't
get the overheat warning. Your engine could
catch fire and you or others could be burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water
and DEX
-COOL
coolant.
NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mixture, your
engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost wouldn't be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can
freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core
and other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
NOTICE:
If you use the proper coolant, you don't have to
add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to
improve the system. These can be harmful.

6-32
What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT
-3 brake
fluid. Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only.
See ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in
the Index.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
NOTICE:

Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just a few
drops of mineral
-based oil, such as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system parts so badly that they'll have to be
replaced. Don't let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.

If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately. See ªAppearance Careº in
the Index.

6-53 Special Fabric Cleaning Problems
Stains caused by such things as catsup, coffee (black),
egg, fruit, fruit juice, milk, soft drinks, vomit, urine and
blood can be removed as follows:
1. Carefully scrape off excess stain, then sponge the
soiled area with cool water.
2. If a stain remains, follow the cleaner instructions
described earlier.
3. If an odor lingers after cleaning vomit or urine,
treat the area with a water/baking soda solution:
1 teaspoon (5 ml) of baking soda to 1 cup (250 ml)
of lukewarm water.
4. Let dry.
Stains caused by candy, ice cream, mayonnaise, chili
sauce and unknown stains can be removed as follows:
1. Carefully scrape off excess stain.
2. First, clean with cool water and allow to
dry completely.
3. If a stain remains, follow the cleaner instructions
described earlier.
Cleaning Vinyl
Use warm water and a clean cloth.

Rub with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt.
You may have to do it more than once.

Things like tar, asphalt and shoe polish will stain
if you don't get them off quickly. Use a clean cloth
and a vinyl/leather cleaner. See your dealer for
this product.
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel
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.
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components
Use only a mild soap and water solution on a soft
cloth or sponge. Commercial cleaners may affect the
surface finish.

6-56 Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth and a car
washing soap to clean exterior lamps and lenses. Follow
instructions under ªWashing Your Vehicle.º
Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your vehicle by
hand may be necessary to remove residue from the paint
finish. You can get GM
-approved cleaning products
from your dealer. See ªAppearance Care and Materialsº
in the Index.
Your vehicle has a ªbasecoat/clearcoatº 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 basecoat/clearcoat
paint finish.
NOTICE:
Machine compounding or aggressive polishing on
a basecoat/clearcoat paint finish may dull the
finish or leave swirl marks.
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 vehicle garaged or covered
whenever possible.

6-66
Replacement Bulbs
For any bulb not listed here contact your dealer.
Lamps Bulb Number
Back
-Up Lamps 912. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Parking/Turn Signal Lamps 3357. . . . . . . . . . .
Halogen Headlamps, High/Low Beam 9007. . . . . . .
Tail/Turn Signal Lamps 3057. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signal Lamps (Rear Sedan) 3057. . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in
English and metric conversions. Please refer to
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index for
more information.
Engine Oil with Filter
2.2L L4 (LN2) 4.0 quarts (3.8 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2L L4
(L61) 5.8 quarts (5.5 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.4L L4 (LD9) 4.0 quarts (3.8 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Transaxle
Complete Overhaul 9.5 quarts (9.0 L). . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Transaxle
Complete Drain and Refill 1.8 quarts (1.7 L). . . . .
Cooling System
2.2L L4 (LN2) 10.2 quarts (9.6 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2L L4
(L61) 8.6 quarts (8.2 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.4L 10.2 quarts (9.6 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Tank14.1 U.S. gallons (53.4 L) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel Nut Torque100 lb
-ft (140 N´m) . . . . . . . . . .
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be
sure to fill to the appropriate level, as recommended
in this manual.

6-67 Engine Specifications
2.2L L4 (LN2) VIN Engine Code 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2L L4
(L61) VIN Engine Code F. . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.4L L4 (LD9) VIN Engine Code T. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning
Refrigerant Capacity
If you do your own service work, you'll need the proper
service manual. See ªDoing Your Own Service Workº in
the Index for additional information. It is recommended
that service work on your air conditioning system be
performed by a qualified technician.
Air Conditioning
Refrigerant R
-134a1.5 lbs. (.68 kg) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Use Refrigerant Oil, R134a Systems
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
2.2L L4 (LN2) A
-1172C* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2L L4
(L61) A
-1172C* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.4L L4 (LD9) A
-1172C* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Filter
2.2L L4 (LN2) PF
-47* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2L L4
(L61) PF2244G*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.4L L4 (LD9) PF
-44* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark Plugs
2.2L L4 (LN2) 41
-928* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gap: 0.040 inch (1.02 mm)
2.2L L4
(L61) 41
-981* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gap: 0.042 inch (1.06 mm)
2.4L L4 (LD9) 41
-963* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gap: 0.050 inch (1.27 mm)
Windshield Wiper Blade (Shepherd's Hook Type)
Left Side 22 inches (56 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Right Side 17 inches (43 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
* ACDelco

part number.
 ECOTEC