steering CHEVROLET CAVALIER 2003 3.G Owner's Guide

Part C: Periodic
MaintenanceInspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall).
You should let your dealer's
service department do these jobs. Make sure any
necessary repairs are completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. SeeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-10.
Steering, Suspension and Front
Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, cha®ng, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive
axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which
could cause a heat build-up in the ¯oor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See
Engine Exhaust
on page 2-30.
Fuel System Inspection
Inspect the complete fuel system for damage or leaks.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
®ttings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser.
To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of
the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended
at least once a year.
Throttle System Inspection
Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding,
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts
as needed. Replace any components that have high
effort or excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator
and cruise control cables.
6-23

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

Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle
has a safety defect, you should immediately notify
Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General
Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to:
Transport Canada
330 Sparks Street
Tower C
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5
Reporting Safety Defects to General
Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in
a situation like this, we certainly hope you'll notify us.
Please call us at 1-800-222-1020, or write:
Chevrolet Motor Division
Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33170
Detroit, MI 48232-5170
In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments, and speci®cations for GM
transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars
and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to
assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service
Bulletins can be obtained by contacting your General
Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE
(1-800-463-7483).
7-10

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

Fuel (cont.)
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-6
Gage.........................................................3-35
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-4
Gasoline Speci®cations.................................. 5-5
System Inspection.......................................6-23
Fuses...........................................................5-81
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-81
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-81
G
Gage............................................................3-34
Check Gages Warning Light..........................3-34
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-29
Fuel..........................................................3-35
Speedometer..............................................3-23
Tachometer.................................................3-23
Gasoline......................................................... 5-4
Octane........................................................ 5-4
Speci®cations............................................... 5-5
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-3
Head Restraints............................................... 1-5Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.................... 3-6
Headlamp Wiring............................................5-81
Headlamps....................................................5-45
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-45
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps.............5-47
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-45
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-22
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-22
Hitches..........................................................4-37
Hood............................................................5-10
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-10
Horn............................................................... 3-4
How the System Alarm is Activated...................2-15
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank . . 5-29
How to Check and Add Fluid............................5-21
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-33
How to Check................................................5-52
How to Detect a Tamper Condition....................2-16
How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.......5-19
How to Turn Off the System Alarm....................2-16
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-14
Hydraulic Clutch System Check........................6-20
Hydraulic Clutch.............................................5-21
Hydroplaning..................................................4-18
6

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

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

Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster
(Four Door Models).....................................1-17
Skidding........................................................4-14
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips.......................4-18
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems.....................5-72
Speci®cations, Capacities.................................5-85
Speedometer..................................................3-23
Starter Switch Check.......................................6-21
Starting Your Engine...............................2-19, 2-20
Steering in Emergencies..................................4-11
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive
Axle Boot and Seal Inspection.......................6-23
Steering Tips..................................................4-10
Steering........................................................4-10
Storage Areas................................................2-35
Center Console Storage Area........................2-35
Convenience Net.........................................2-36
Cupholder(s)...............................................2-35
Storing the Flat Tire and Tools..........................5-68
Storing the Spare Tire and Tools.......................5-69
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow......................4-29
Sun Visors.....................................................2-14
Sunroof.........................................................2-36T
Tachometer....................................................3-23
Taillamps.......................................................5-48
Turn Signal Lamps......................................5-48
Theft-Deterrent, Radio.....................................3-76
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-15
Content Theft-Deterrent................................2-15
Passlock
ž...................................................2-16
Throttle System Inspection...............................6-23
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-5
Tire In¯ation Check.........................................6-19
Tires.............................................................5-51
Buying New Tires........................................5-55
Chains.......................................................5-59
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-61
Compact Spare Tire.....................................5-70
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-60
In¯ation -- Tire Pressure...............................5-52
Inspection and Rotation................................5-53
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-56
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-57
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-57
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-54
13

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