maintenance schedule CHEVROLET CAVALIER 2004 3.G User Guide

Part A: Scheduled Maintenance
Services
In this part are scheduled maintenance services which
are to be performed at the mileage intervals specied.
Using Your Maintenance Schedule
We at General Motors want to keep your vehicle in good
working condition. But we do not know exactly how
you will drive it. You may drive 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 the different ways people use their vehicles,
maintenance needs may vary. You may need more
frequent checks and replacements. So please read the
following and note how you drive. If you have
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 to schedule them.
When you go to your dealer for your service needs, you
will know that GM-trained and supported service
people will perform the work using genuine GM parts.
The proper uids 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 nd these on the tire and loading
information label. SeeLoading Your Vehicle
on page 4-31.
are driven on reasonable road surfaces within legal
driving limits.
use the recommended fuel. SeeGasoline Octane
on page 5-5.
6-4

Selecting the Right Schedule
First you will need to decide which of the two schedules
is right for your vehicle. Here is how to decide which
schedule to follow:
Short Trip/City Denition
Follow the Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance if any
one of these conditions is true for your vehicle:
Most trips are less than 5 miles (8 km). This is
particularly important when outside temperatures
are below freezing.
Most trips include extensive idling, such as frequent
driving in stop-and-go traffic.
You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top
of your vehicle. With some models, you should
never tow a trailer. SeeTowing a Trailer (Automatic
Transaxle) on page 4-37orTowing a Trailer
(Manual Transaxle) on page 4-43.
If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police,
taxi or other commercial application.
One of the reasons you should follow this schedule if
you operate your vehicle under any of these conditions
is that these conditions cause engine oil to break
down sooner.
Short Trip/City Intervals
Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km):Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or 3 months, whichever occurs rst).
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km):Chassis Lubrication (or
6 months, whichever occurs rst). Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km):Engine Air Cleaner
Filter Inspection.
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km):Engine Air Cleaner
Filter Replacement.
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km):Automatic Transaxle
Service (severe conditions only).
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km):Spark Plug Wire
Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement.
Every 150 000 Miles (240 000 km):Cooling System
Service (or every 60 months, whichever occurs
rst). Engine Accessory Drive Belt Inspection.
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to follow the complete scheduled maintenance
on the following pages.
6-5

Long Trip/Highway Denition
Follow this scheduled maintenanceonlyif none of the
conditions from the Short Trip/City Scheduled
Maintenance are true. Do not use this schedule if the
vehicle is used for trailer towing, driven in a dusty area
or used off paved roads. Use the Short Trip/City
schedule for these conditions.
Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed engine under
highway conditions will cause engine oil to break down
slower.
Long Trip/Highway Intervals
Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km):Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or every 12 months, whichever occurs
rst). Chassis Lubrication (or 12 months, whichever
occurs rst). Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km):Engine Air Cleaner
Filter Inspection.
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km):Engine Air Cleaner
Filter Replacement.
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km):Automatic Transaxle
Service (severe conditions only).Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km):Spark Plug Wire
Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement.
Every 150,000 Miles (240 000 km):Cooling System
Service (or every 60 months, whichever occurs
rst). Engine Accessory Drive Belt Inspection.
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to follow the complete scheduled maintenance
on the following pages.
Short Trip/City Scheduled
Maintenance
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) should be repeated after 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) at the same intervals for the life of
this vehicle. The services shown at 150,000 miles
(240 000 km) should be repeated at the same interval
after 150,000 miles (240 000 km) for the life of this
vehicle.
SeePart B: Owner Checks and Services on page 6-18
andPart C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections on
page 6-23.
6-6

Long Trip/Highway Scheduled
Maintenance
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) should be repeated after 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) at the same intervals for the life of
this vehicle. The services shown at 150,000 miles
(240 000 km) should be repeated at the same interval
after 150,000 miles (240 000 km) for the life of this
vehicle.
SeePart B: Owner Checks and Services on page 6-18
andPart C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections on
page 6-23.
Footnotes
†The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
#Lubricate the suspension, steering linkage and the
transaxle shift linkage.
+A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See Brake System Inspection on page 6-24.++If you drive in a highly corrosive environment, your
brake calipers may require additional inspection and
service at every other tire rotation. See Caliper/Knuckle
Maintenance Inspection on page 6-24.
7,500 Miles (12 500 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs rst).An Emission Control
Service.
❑Lubricate chassis components (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs rst).(See footnote #.)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-54for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
15,000 Miles (25 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs rst).An Emission Control
Service.
❑Lubricate chassis components (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs rst).(See footnote #.)
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-17for more information.An
Emission Control Service. (See footnote †.)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-54for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.) (Also see footnote ++.)
6-13

Part E: Maintenance Record
After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading and who performed the service and
any additional information from “Owner Checks and Services” or “Periodic Maintenance” on the following record
pages. Also, you should retain all maintenance receipts.
Maintenance Record
DateOdometer
ReadingServiced ByMaintenance Record
6-27

STEP THREE:Both General Motors and your dealer are
committed to making sure you are completely satised
with your new vehicle. However, if you continue to remain
unsatised after following the procedure outlined in Steps
One and Two, you should le with the BBB Auto Line
Program to enforce any additional rights you may have.
Canadian owners refer to your Warranty and Owner
Assistance Information booklet for information on the
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP).
The BBB Auto Line Program is an out of court program
administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus
to settle automotive disputes regarding vehicle repairs or
the interpretation of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Although you may be required to resort to this informal
dispute resolution program prior to ling a court action,
use of the program is free of charge and your case will
generally be heard within 40 days. If you do not agree
with the decision given in your case, you may reject it and
proceed with any other venue for relief available to you.
You may contact the BBB Auto Line Program using the
toll-free telephone number or write them at the following
address:
BBB Auto Line Program
Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc.
4200 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1804
Telephone: 1-800-955-5100This program is available in all 50 states and the District
of Columbia. Eligibility is limited by vehicle age,
mileage and other factors. General Motors reserves the
right to change eligibility limitations and/or discontinue
its participation in this program.
Online Owner Center
The Owner Center is a resource for your GM ownership
needs. You can nd your specic vehicle information
all in one place.
The Owner Center allows you to:
Get e-mail service reminders.
Access information about your specic vehicle,
including tips and videos and an electronic
version of this owner’s manual. (United States only)
Keep track of your vehicle’s service history and
maintenance schedule.
Find GM dealers for service nationwide.
Receive special promotions and privileges only
available to members. (United States only)
Refer to the web for updated information.
To register your vehicle, visit www.MyGMLink.com.
(United States) or My GM Canada within
www.gmcanada.com (Canada).
7-3

Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments, and specications 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).
Owner’s Information
Owner publications are written specically 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.
7-12

Locks
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 Denition.............................. 6-6
Long Trip/Highway Intervals............................... 6-6
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance........6-13
Loss of Control...............................................4-13
Low Coolant Warning Light..............................3-29
M
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts............5-86
Maintenance Schedule
At Each Fuel Fill.........................................6-18
At Least Once a Month................................6-18
At Least Once a Year..................................6-19
At Least Twice a Year..................................6-18
Brake System Inspection..............................6-24
Caliper/Knuckle Maintenance Inspection..........6-24
Engine Cooling System Inspection.................6-23
Exhaust System Inspection...........................6-23
Fuel System Inspection................................6-23Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
How This Section is Organized....................... 6-3
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance.....6-13
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services......... 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services.............6-18
Part C - Periodic Maintenance Inspections......6-23
Part D - Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants...............................................6-25
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.....................4-43
Making Turns.................................................4-41
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-29
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Manual Transaxle............................................2-18
Fluid..........................................................5-19
Operation...................................................2-23
9

Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle Park (P)
Mechanism Check.......................................6-22
Parking on Hills..............................................4-42
Parking Your Vehicle.......................................2-27
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services............ 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services................6-18
Part C - Periodic Maintenance Inspections..........6-23
Part D - Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants..................................................6-25
Part E - Maintenance Record...........................6-27
Passing.................................................4-12, 4-41
Passlock
®......................................................2-15
Personal Choice Radio Controls........................3-66
Plan Ahead When Possible................................ 7-7
Playing a CD.................................3-41, 3-50, 3-60
Playing the Radio...................3-36, 3-39, 3-44, 3-53
Power
Accessory Outlets........................................3-15
Door Locks.................................................. 2-8
Electrical System.........................................5-81
Steering Fluid.............................................5-30
Windows....................................................2-13
Power Steering................................................ 4-9
Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-12
R
Radio Data System (RDS).......................3-43, 3-52
Radio Messages.....................3-38, 3-41, 3-47, 3-57
Radio Personalization........................................ 2-5
Radios..........................................................3-35
AM-FM Radio.............................................3-36
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-68
Care of Your CDs........................................3-68
Personal Choice Radio Controls....................3-66
Radio with CD............................3-39, 3-43, 3-52
Setting the Time for Radios with
Radio Data Systems (RDS).......................3-36
Setting the Time for Radios without
Radio Data Systems (RDS).......................3-35
Theft-Deterrent............................................3-67
Understanding Reception..............................3-67
RDS Messages......................................3-46, 3-56
Rear Door Security Locks.................................. 2-9
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-26
Rear Seat Operation......................................... 1-7
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-23
Rear Window Defogger....................................3-19
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-30
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-4
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-29
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-3
11

Securing a Child Restraint
Designed for the LATCH System...................1-42
Rear Seat Position......................................1-42
Right Front Seat Position..............................1-44
Security While You Travel.................................. 7-6
Selecting the Right Schedule, Maintenance.......... 6-5
Service........................................................... 5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle..................................................... 5-4
Doing Your Own Work................................... 5-4
Engine Soon Light.......................................3-29
Publications Ordering Information...................7-11
Vehicle Soon Light.......................................3-34
Service Bulletins.............................................7-12
Service Manuals.............................................7-11
Setting Preset Stations............3-37, 3-40, 3-45, 3-54
Setting the Time
Radios with Radio Data Systems (RDS).........3-36
Radios without Radio Data
Systems (RDS)........................................3-35
Setting the Tone
(Bass/Treble)......................3-37, 3-40, 3-45, 3-55
Sheet Metal Damage.......................................5-77
Shift Speeds..................................................2-24
Shifting Into Park (P).......................................2-26
Shifting Out of Park (P)...................................2-27
Short Trip/City Denition.................................... 6-5Short Trip/City Intervals..................................... 6-5
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance................ 6-6
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster
(Four Door Models).....................................1-16
Skidding........................................................4-13
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips.......................4-18
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems.....................5-74
Specications, Capacities.................................5-85
Speedometer..................................................3-22
Starter Switch Check.......................................6-20
Starting Your Engine.......................................2-18
Steering.......................................................... 4-9
Steering in Emergencies..................................4-10
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection..............................6-23
Steering Tips................................................... 4-9
Steering Wheel, Tilt Wheel................................. 3-5
Storage Areas
Center Console Storage Area........................2-34
Convenience Net.........................................2-34
Cupholder(s)...............................................2-33
Storing the Flat Tire and Tools..........................5-70
Storing the Spare Tire and Tools.......................5-71
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow......................4-28
Sun Visors.....................................................2-13
Sunroof.........................................................2-34
13