maintenance CHEVROLET CAVALIER 2003 3.G Owner's Guide

Owner's Information
Owner publications are written speci®cally for owners
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The owner's manual will include
the Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner's Manual, and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00
Without Portfolio: Owner's Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00
Current and Past Model Order Forms
Service Publications are available for current and
past model GM vehicles. To request an order form,
please specify year and model name of the vehicle.
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. on the
World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com
Or you can write to:
Helm, Incorporated
P. O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change without notice and without
incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.
Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are
quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make
checks payable in U.S. funds.
7-11

A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-16
Adding Washer Fluid.......................................5-34
Additional Program Information........................... 7-9
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-5
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-80
Adjusting the Speakers
(Balance/Fade)....................3-38, 3-42, 3-52, 3-66
Air Bag Systems.............................................1-49
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?....................1-56
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle.........1-58
What Makes an Air Bag In¯ate?....................1-55
What Will You See After an Air
Bag In¯ates?...........................................1-56
When Should an Air Bag In¯ate?...................1-55
Where Are the Air Bags?..............................1-52
Air Bag .........................................................3-24
Readiness Light..........................................3-24
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-18
AM-FM Radio.................................................3-37
AM ...............................................................3-76
Antenna, Fixed Mast.......................................3-78
Antenna, XMŸ Satellite Radio Antenna System . . 3-79
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)............................ 4-6
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-27
Appearance Care............................................5-71
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-74
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-77
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-71Appearance Care (cont.)
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-74
Finish Damage............................................5-77
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-77
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-77
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-78
Weatherstrips..............................................5-74
Arming the System.........................................2-15
Ashtrays........................................................3-16
Audio System(s).............................................3-36
AM-FM Radio.............................................3-37
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-77
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-78
Care of Your CDs........................................3-78
Chime Level Adjustment...............................3-79
Fixed Mast Antenna.....................................3-78
Personal Choice Radio Controls....................3-75
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-63
Radio with CD....................................3-39, 3-49
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio
Data Systems (RDS)................................3-36
Setting the Time for Radios without
Radio Data Systems (RDS).......................3-36
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-76
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-76
XMŸ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-79
Automatic Transaxle Inspection.........................6-20
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control
System Check.............................................6-21
1

Automatic Transaxle........................................2-19
Fluid..........................................................5-20
Operation...................................................2-22
B
Backing Up....................................................4-38
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-6
Battery Run-Down Protection............................3-15
Battery..........................................................5-39
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-21
Body Lubrication Service..................................6-20
Brake Fluid....................................................5-35
Brake Wear...................................................5-37
Brake............................................................2-26
Parking......................................................2-26
System Inspection.......................................6-24
System Warning Light..................................3-26
Brakes..........................................................5-35
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-17
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-45
Back-Up Lamps...........................................5-49
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps.............5-47
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-45
Headlamps.................................................5-45Bulb Replacement (cont.)
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-49
Taillamps and Turn Signal Lamps..................5-48
Buying New Tires...........................................5-55C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
Caliper/Knuckle MaintenanceInspection.............6-24
Canada ± Customer Assistance.......................... 7-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-7
Canceling the Rear Door Security Lock............... 2-9
Capacities and Speci®cations............................5-85
Carbon Monoxide...........4-24, 4-34, 4-40, 2-10, 2-30
Care of.........................................................5-74
Safety Belts................................................5-74
Your Cassette Tape Player............................3-77
Your CD Player...........................................3-78
Your CDs ...................................................3-78
Cassette Tape Messages.................................3-72
Cassette Tape Player Service...........................6-19
CD Adapter Kits.............................................3-73
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-35
Chains, Tires..................................................5-59
Charging System Light....................................3-25
Check Engine Light.........................................3-30
2

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

I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-26
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-25
If the Light Is Flashing.....................................3-31
If the Light Is on Steady..................................3-32
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-29
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer.....................4-35
If You're Caught in a Blizzard...........................4-27
Ignition Positions.............................................2-17
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check..........................6-22
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-32
In¯ation -- Tire Pressure..................................5-52
Inspection......................................................6-24
Brake System.............................................6-24
Caliper/Knuckle Maintenance.........................6-24
Engine Cooling System................................6-23
Exhaust System..........................................6-23
Fuel System...............................................6-23
Part C - Periodic Maintenance.......................6-23
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal.........................................6-23
Throttle System...........................................6-23
Instrument Panel Brightness.............................3-14
Instrument Panel Fuse Block............................5-82
Instrument Panel.............................................3-22
Cluster.......................................................3-22
Overview..................................................... 3-2
Interior Lamps................................................3-14
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-40
K
Key Lock Cylinders Service..............................6-20
Key Release Button (Manual Transaxle).............2-19
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-3
Keys............................................................... 2-2
L
Lamps On Reminder.......................................3-12
Lamps...........................................................3-12
Exterior......................................................3-12
Interior.......................................................3-14
Lap-Shoulder Belt...................................1-15, 1-23
LATCH System...............................................1-41
Child Restraints...........................................1-41
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-43
Latches, Seatback............................................ 1-6
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running . . . 2-28
Leaving Your Vehicle.......................................2-10
7

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

Operation......................................................3-17
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-4
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-20
Outside.........................................................2-33
Breakaway Mirrors.......................................2-33
Convex Mirror.............................................2-33
Power Mirrors.............................................2-32
Remote Control Mirror..................................2-32
Overseas ± Customer Assistance........................ 7-5
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
Owner's Information........................................7-11
P
Park (P)........................................................2-27
Shifting Into................................................2-27
Shifting Out of............................................2-29
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle Park (P)
Mechanism Check.......................................6-22
Parking on Hills..............................................4-39
Parking Your Vehicle.......................................2-29
Parking.........................................................2-26
Brake........................................................2-26
Over Things That Burn.................................2-30Part 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
Part E - Maintenance Record...........................6-27
Passing.................................................4-12, 4-38
Passlock
ž......................................................2-16
Personal Choice Radio Controls........................3-75
Plan Ahead When Possible................................ 7-7
Playing a Cassette Tape..................................3-71
Playing a Compact Disc..................3-47, 3-57, 3-73
Playing the Radio...................3-37, 3-40, 3-50, 3-64
Power Steering...............................................4-10
Power...........................................................3-16
Accessory Outlets........................................3-16
Door Locks.................................................. 2-8
Electrical System.........................................5-81
Steering Fluid.............................................5-33
Windows....................................................2-14
Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-13
10

S
Safety Belt.....................................................3-24
Reminder Light............................................3-24
Safety Belts...................................................5-74
Care of......................................................5-74
Driver Position............................................1-14
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................1-14
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.....1-13
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for
Children and Small Adults.........................1-26
Rear Seat Passengers.................................1-23
Right Front Passenger Position......................1-23
Safety Belt Extender....................................1-28
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy.................1-22
Safety Belts Are for Everyone......................... 1-9
Safety Chains.................................................4-37
Safety Warnings and Symbols.............................. iii
Seatback Latches............................................. 1-6
Seat............................................................... 1-5
Head Restraints............................................ 1-5
Seats.............................................................. 1-7
Easy Entry Seat............................................ 1-7
Manual........................................................ 1-2
Rear Seat Operation...................................... 1-8
Reclining Seatbacks...................................... 1-4
Seatback Latches.......................................... 1-6Securing a Child Restraint................................1-43
Designed for the LATCH System...................1-43
Rear Seat Position......................................1-43
Right Front Seat Position..............................1-46
Selecting the Right Schedule, Maintenance.......... 6-5
Service Bulletins.............................................7-10
Service Manuals.............................................7-10
Service........................................................... 5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle..................................................... 5-4
Doing Your Own Work................................... 5-3
Engine Soon Light.......................................3-30
Publications Ordering Information...................7-10
Vehicle Soon Light.......................................3-35
Setting Preset Stations............3-38, 3-41, 3-51, 3-65
Setting the Time.............................................3-36
Radios with Radio Data Systems (RDS).........3-36
Radios without Radio Data Systems (RDS).....3-36
Setting the Tone
(Bass/Treble)......................3-38, 3-42, 3-52, 3-66
Sheet Metal Damage.......................................5-77
Shift Speeds..................................................2-26
Shifting Into Park (P).......................................2-27
Shifting Out of Park (P)...................................2-29
Short Trip/City De®nition.................................... 6-5
Short Trip/City Intervals..................................... 6-5
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance................ 6-6
12