engine oil CHEVROLET CAVALIER 2003 3.G Owner's Guide

50,000 Miles (83 000 km)
qChange automatic transaxle ¯uid and ®lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of
these conditions:
þ In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches 90ÉF (32ÉC) or
higher.
þ In hilly or mountainous terrain.
þ When doing frequent trailer towing.
þ Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the ¯uid and ®lter do not require changing.
Manual transaxle ¯uid doesn't require change.
52,500 Miles (87 500 km)
qChange engine oil and ®lter (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs ®rst).An Emission Control
Service.
qLubricate chassis components (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs ®rst).(See footnote #.)
qRotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-53for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
60,000 Miles (100 000 km)
qChange engine oil and ®lter (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs ®rst).An Emission Control
Service.
qLubricate chassis components (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs ®rst).(See footnote #.)
qRotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-53for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.) (Also see footnote ++.)
qReplace engine air cleaner ®lter. SeeEngine
Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-18for more information.An Emission Control Service.
67,500 Miles (112 500 km)
qChange engine oil and ®lter (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs ®rst).An Emission Control
Service.
qLubricate chassis components (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs ®rst).(See footnote #.)
qRotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-53for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
6-16

75,000 Miles (125 000 km)
qChange engine oil and ®lter (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs ®rst).An Emission Control
Service.
qLubricate chassis components (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs ®rst).(See footnote #.)
qInspect engine air cleaner ®lter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-18for more information.An
Emission Control Service. (See footnote ².)
qRotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-53for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.) (Also see footnote ++.)
82,500 Miles (137 500 km)
qChange engine oil and ®lter (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs ®rst).An Emission Control
Service.
qLubricate chassis components (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs ®rst).(See footnote #.)
qRotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-53for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
90,000 Miles (150 000 km)
qChange engine oil and ®lter (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs ®rst).An Emission Control
Service.
qLubricate chassis components (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs ®rst).(See footnote #.)
qReplace engine air cleaner ®lter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-18for more information.An Emission Control Service.
qRotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-53for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.) (Also see footnote ++.)
97,500 Miles (162 500 km)
qChange engine oil and ®lter (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs ®rst).An Emission Control
Service.
qLubricate chassis components (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs ®rst).(See footnote #.)
qRotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-53for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
6-17

Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed in this part are owner checks and services
which should be performed at the intervals speci®ed to
help ensure the safety, dependability and emission
control performance of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any ¯uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
in Part D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant to
perform these underhood checks at each fuel ®ll.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-14for further
details.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOLž
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-22for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer ¯uid level in the windshield
washer tank and add the proper ¯uid if necessary. See
Windshield Washer Fluid on page 5-34for further details.
At Least Once a Month
Tire In¯ation Check
Make sure tires are in¯ated to the correct pressures.
Don't forget to check your spare tire. SeeTires on
page 5-51for further details.
Cassette Tape Player Service
Clean cassette tape player. Cleaning should be done
every 50 hours of tape play. SeeAudio System(s)
on page 3-36for further details.
At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag
system does not need regular maintenance.)
6-19

Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identi®ed below by name, part
number or speci®cation may be obtained from your
dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certi®ed for
Gasoline Engines starburst symbol
of the proper viscosity. To determine
the preferred viscosity for your
vehicle's engine, see
Engine Oil on
page 5-14.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only
DEX-COOL
žCoolant. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-22.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake ¯uid.
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
žWasher Solvent or
equivalent.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Hydraulic
Clutch SystemHydraulic Clutch Fluid (GM Part No.
U.S. 12345347, in Canada
10953517, or equivalent DOT-3
brake ¯uid).
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid (GM Part
No. U.S. 1052884, in Canada
993294, or equivalent).
Manual
TransaxleDEXRON
ž-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Automatic
TransaxleDEXRON
ž-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulit-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474, or equivalent).
Manual
Transaxle Shift
LinkageChassis Lubricant (GM Part No.
U.S. 12377985, in Canada
88901242, or equivalent) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Clutch Linkage
Pivot PointsEngine oil.
6-25

Checking Coolant............................................5-23
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-14
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Checking Your Restraint Systems......................1-58
Check...........................................................3-30
Engine Light...............................................3-30
Gages Warning Light...................................3-34
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-77
Child Restraints..............................................1-35
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-35
Infants and Young Children...........................1-32
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-41
Older Children.............................................1-29
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for
the LATCH System...................................1-43
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Seat Position...........................................1-43
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position...................................1-46
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-40
Top Strap...................................................1-39
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-38
Chime Level Adjustment..................................3-79
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-16
Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels.....5-76
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-75
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-71
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-73Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-73
Cleaning the Top of the
Instrument Panel.........................................5-73
Cleaning Tires................................................5-77
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-73
Cleaning Windshield and Wiper Blades..............5-76
Cleaning........................................................5-71
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-71
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-74
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-77
Weatherstrips..............................................5-74
Climate Control System...................................3-17
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-20
Clutch, Hydraulic.............................................5-21
Compact Disc Messages.................3-48, 3-63, 3-75
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-70
Content Theft-Deferrent....................................2-15
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Convenience Net............................................2-36
Coolant.........................................................3-29
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-29
Heater, Engine............................................2-21
Low Warning Light.......................................3-30
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-24
Cooling System..............................................5-27
Cruise Control.................................................. 3-8
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-35
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-11
3

Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-32
Engine Compartment Fuse Block......................5-84
Engine Coolant Level Check.............................6-19
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing..................4-40
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-17
Engine Oil Level Check...................................6-19
Engine..........................................................5-18
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-18
Battery.......................................................5-39
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-30
Compartment Overview................................5-12
Coolant Heater............................................2-21
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-29
Coolant......................................................5-22
Cooling System Inspection............................6-23
Exhaust.....................................................2-30
Oil .............................................................5-14
Overheating................................................5-25
Starting......................................................2-19
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)........................ 4-8
Active Light................................................3-29
Warning Light.............................................3-28
Entry Lighting.................................................3-15
Express-Down Window....................................2-14
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-28
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-12F
Filter.............................................................5-18
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-18
Finding a PTY Station
(RDS and XMŸ).........................3-43, 3-53, 3-67
Finding a Station....................3-37, 3-41, 3-51, 3-65
Finish Care....................................................5-75
Finish Damage...............................................5-77
Five-Speed....................................................2-25
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-78
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-6
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-61
Flat Tire........................................................5-60
Fluid.............................................................5-20
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-20
Manual Transaxle........................................5-20
Power Steering...........................................5-33
Windshield Washer......................................5-34
FM Stereo.....................................................3-76
Fog Lamps....................................................3-14
Folding the Seatback........................................ 1-8
Following Distance..........................................4-38
Forward Gears...............................................2-24
Front Reading Lamps......................................3-15
Fuel............................................................... 5-4
Additives...................................................... 5-5
California Fuel.............................................. 5-5
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-7
5

Light.............................................................3-24
Air Bag Readiness.......................................3-24
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-27
Brake System Warning.................................3-26
Charging System.........................................3-25
Check Gages Warning.................................3-34
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
Active Light.............................................3-29
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
Warning Light..........................................3-28
Low Coolant Warning...................................3-30
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-30
Oil Pressure...............................................3-33
Passlock
žWarning.......................................3-34
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-24
Service Vehicle Soon...................................3-35
Up-Shift.....................................................3-26
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-32
Lockout Protection..........................................2-10
Locks............................................................. 2-7
Door........................................................... 2-7
Leaving Your Vehicle....................................2-10
Lockout Protection.......................................2-10
Power Door.................................................. 2-8
Rear Door Security Locks............................... 2-9
Long Trip/Highway De®nition.............................. 6-6Long Trip/Highway Intervals............................... 6-6
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance........6-14
Loss of Control...............................................4-14
Low Coolant Warning Light..............................3-30
M
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts............5-86
Maintenance Schedule.....................................6-19
At Each Fuel Fill.........................................6-19
At Least Once a Month................................6-19
At Least Once a Year..................................6-20
At Least Twice a Year..................................6-19
Brake System Inspection..............................6-24
Caliper/Knuckle MaintenanceInspection..........6-24
Engine Cooling System Inspection.................6-23
Exhaust System Inspection...........................6-23
Fuel System Inspection................................6-23
How This Section is Organized....................... 6-3
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance.....6-14
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services......... 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services.............6-19
Part C - Periodic MaintenanceInspections......6-23
Part D - Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants.........................................6-25
8

Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Part E - Maintenance Record........................6-27
Selecting the Right Schedule.......................... 6-5
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance............. 6-6
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection..........................6-23
Throttle System Inspection............................6-23
Using Your................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-40
Making Turns.................................................4-38
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-30
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Manual Transaxle Check..................................6-20
Manual Transaxle............................................2-19
Fluid..........................................................5-20
Operation...................................................2-25
Manual Windows............................................2-14
Map Lamps....................................................3-15
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-6
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/
Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin
Islands) ± Customer Assistance....................... 7-5
Mirrors..........................................................2-32
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-32
Outside Breakaway Mirror.............................2-33Mirrors (cont.)
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-33
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-32
Outside Remote Control Mirror......................2-32
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-3
N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-17
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............5-86
O
Odometer......................................................3-23
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-12
Oil ................................................................5-14
Engine.......................................................5-14
Pressure Light.............................................3-33
Older Children, Restraints................................1-29
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-3
OnStar
žPersonal Calling.................................2-35
OnStaržServices............................................2-34
OnStaržSystem.............................................2-34
OnStaržVirtual Advisor....................................2-35
Opening a Rear Door When the Security
Lock is On................................................... 2-9
9

V
Vehicle Identi®cation........................................5-79
Number (VIN).............................................5-79
Service Parts Identi®cation Label...................5-80
Vehicle Storage..............................................5-39
Vehicle............................................................ 4-5
Control........................................................ 4-5
Damage Warnings........................................... iv
Loading......................................................4-32
Parking Your...............................................2-29
Service Soon Light......................................3-35
Symbols......................................................... iv
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-20
Visors...........................................................2-14
W
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators................3-21
Warnings......................................................... 3-3
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-3
Other Warning Devices.................................. 3-4
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage.............................................. ivWashing Your Vehicle......................................5-74
Weatherstrip Lubrication...................................6-20
Weight of the Trailer Tongue.............................4-36
Weight of the Trailer........................................4-35
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use........................5-16
What to Do with Used Oil................................5-18
What to Use..................................5-22, 5-33, 5-34
Wheels..........................................................5-57
Alignment and Tire Balance..........................5-57
Replacement...............................................5-57
When to Add Engine Oil..................................5-15
When to Change Engine Oil.............................5-17
When to Check and What to Use.....................5-21
When to Check Power Steering Fluid................5-33
When to Check..............................................5-52
When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.....5-18
When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill.........................................4-40
Where to Put the Restraint...............................1-38
Why Safety Belts Work....................................1-10
Window Lock-Out............................................2-14
Windows.......................................................2-13
Manual......................................................2-14
Power........................................................2-14
15