check engine CHEVROLET CAVALIER 2004 3.G Service Manual

Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-25if
necessary.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to
turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. On automatic transaxle vehicles, try to start the
engine in each gear. The starter should work
only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If the starter
works in any other position, your vehicle needs
service.
On manual transaxle vehicles, put the shift lever in
NEUTRAL (N), push the clutch down halfway
and try to start the engine. The starter should work
only when the clutch is pushed down all the way
to the oor. If the starter works when the clutch
is not pushed all the way down, your vehicle needs
service.
6-20

Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control
System Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle. It should be parked on a level
surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake. SeeParking Brake
on page 2-25if necessary.
Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the key to the RUN
position, but do not start the engine. Without
applying the regular brake, try to move the shift
lever out of PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift
lever moves out of PARK (P), your vehicle needs
service.
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position.
With an automatic transaxle, the key should turn to
LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P).
With a manual transaxle, the key should turn to
LOCK only when you press the key release
button.
On all vehicles, the key should come out only in LOCK.
Turn the steering wheel to the left and to the right. It
should only lock when turned to the right.
6-21

Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle
Park (P) Mechanism Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of your vehicle in
case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the
regular brake at once should the vehicle begin
to move.Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.
To check the parking brake’s holding ability: With
the engine running and transaxle in NEUTRAL (N),
slowly remove foot pressure from the regular
brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the
parking brake only.
To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to PARK (P). Then
release the parking brake followed by the regular
brake.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to ush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
6-22

Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-75
Your CD Player...........................................3-68
Your CDs ...................................................3-68
Cassette Tape Player Service...........................6-18
CD Messages................................3-42, 3-51, 3-66
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-34
Chains, Tires..................................................5-60
Charging System Light....................................3-24
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-29
Gages Warning Light...................................3-33
Check Engine Light.........................................3-29
Checking Coolant............................................5-22
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-13
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-78
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-34
Infants and Young Children...........................1-31
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-40
Older Children.............................................1-29
Securing a Child Restraint Designed
for the LATCH System..............................1-42
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Seat Position...........................................1-42Child Restraints (cont.)
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position..........................1-44
Top Strap...................................................1-38
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-39
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-37
Chime Level Adjustment..................................3-68
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-16
Cleaning
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-73
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-75
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-78
Weatherstrips..............................................5-75
Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels.....5-77
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-76
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-73
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-75
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-74
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-74
Cleaning Tires................................................5-77
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-74
Cleaning Windshield and Wiper Blades..............5-76
Climate Control System...................................3-16
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-19
Clutch, Hydraulic.............................................5-19
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-72
Content Theft-Deferrent....................................2-14
3

Driving (cont.)
Freeway.....................................................4-20
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-22
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-16
Winter........................................................4-24
Driving on Grades...........................................4-42
Driving on Snow or Ice....................................4-25
Driving Through Deep Standing Water...............4-18
Driving Through Flowing Water.........................4-18
Driving with a Trailer.......................................4-40
E
Easy Entry Seat............................................... 1-6
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-80
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-81
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-80
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-81
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-81
Emergency Trunk Release Handle.....................2-11
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-31
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-17
Battery.......................................................5-36Engine (cont.)
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-29
Coolant......................................................5-20
Coolant Heater............................................2-19
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-28
Cooling System Inspection............................6-23
Drive Belt Routing.......................................5-87
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-28
Oil .............................................................5-13
Overheating................................................5-23
Starting......................................................2-18
Engine Compartment Fuse Block......................5-84
Engine Coolant Level Check.............................6-18
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing..................4-43
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-16
Engine Oil Level Check...................................6-18
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)........................ 4-8
Active Light................................................3-28
Warning Light.............................................3-27
Entry Lighting.................................................3-14
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-9
Express-Down Window....................................2-13
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-28
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-11
5

F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-17
Finding a Program Type (PTY) Station
(RDS and XM™).................................3-46, 3-55
Finding a Station....................3-37, 3-39, 3-44, 3-54
Finish Care....................................................5-76
Finish Damage...............................................5-77
Five-Speed....................................................2-23
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-68
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-7
Flat Tire........................................................5-61
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-62
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-19
Manual Transaxle........................................5-19
Power Steering...........................................5-30
Windshield Washer......................................5-31
FM Stereo.....................................................3-67
Fog Lamps....................................................3-13
Folding the Seatback........................................ 1-7
Following Distance..........................................4-41
Footnotes................................................6-7, 6-13
Forward Gears...............................................2-22
Front Reading Lamps......................................3-14
Fuel............................................................... 5-4
Additives...................................................... 5-6Fuel (cont.)
California Fuel.............................................. 5-5
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-6
Gage.........................................................3-34
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-5
System Inspection.......................................6-23
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-81
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-81
G
Gage
Check Gages Warning Light..........................3-33
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-28
Fuel..........................................................3-34
Speedometer..............................................3-22
Tachometer.................................................3-22
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-5
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
6

H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-4
Head Restraints............................................... 1-5
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.................... 3-7
Headlamp Wiring............................................5-80
Headlamps....................................................5-41
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-41
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps.............5-43
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-41
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-22
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-22
Hitches..........................................................4-40
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-10
Horn............................................................... 3-5
How the System Alarm is Activated...................2-14
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank.................................................5-27
How to Check................................................5-54
How to Check and Add Fluid............................5-20
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-31
How to Detect a Tamper Condition....................2-15
How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.......5-18
How to Turn Off the System Alarm....................2-15
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-13Hydraulic Clutch.............................................5-19
Hydraulic Clutch System Check........................6-19
Hydroplaning..................................................4-18
I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-24
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-23
If the Light Is Flashing.....................................3-30
If the Light Is on Steady..................................3-31
If You Are Caught in a Blizzard.........................4-26
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-28
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer.....................4-38
Ignition Positions.............................................2-16
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check..........................6-21
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-31
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-53
Inspection
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
7

Instrument Panel
Cluster.......................................................3-21
Overview..................................................... 3-2
Instrument Panel Brightness.............................3-14
Instrument Panel Fuse Block............................5-82
Interior Lamps................................................3-14
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-36
K
Key Lock Cylinders Service..............................6-19
Key Release Button (Manual Transaxle).............2-18
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-3
Keys............................................................... 2-2
L
Lamps
Exterior......................................................3-11
Interior.......................................................3-14
Lamps On Reminder.......................................3-12
Lap-Shoulder Belt...................................1-14, 1-23LATCH System
Child Restraints...........................................1-40
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-42
Latches, Seatback............................................ 1-6
Leaving Your Vehicle.......................................2-10
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running.....................................................2-26
Light
Air Bag Readiness.......................................3-23
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-26
Brake System Warning.................................3-25
Charging System.........................................3-24
Check Gages Warning.................................3-33
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
Active Light.............................................3-28
Enhanced Traction System (ETS) Warning
Light......................................................3-27
Low Coolant Warning...................................3-29
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-29
Oil Pressure...............................................3-32
Passlock®Warning.......................................3-33
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-23
Service Vehicle Soon...................................3-34
Up-Shift.....................................................3-25
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-31
Lockout Protection..........................................2-10
8

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

Manual Transaxle Check..................................6-19
Manual Windows............................................2-12
Map Lamps....................................................3-14
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
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-30
Outside Breakaway Mirror.............................2-31
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-31
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-30
Outside Remote Control Mirror......................2-30
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-3
N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-16
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............5-86
O
Odometer......................................................3-22
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-11
Oil
Engine.......................................................5-13
Pressure Light.............................................3-32Older Children, Restraints................................1-29
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-3
OnStar
®Personal Calling.................................2-33
OnStar®Services............................................2-32
OnStar®System.............................................2-32
OnStar®Virtual Advisor....................................2-33
Opening a Rear Door When the Security
Lock is On................................................... 2-9
Operation......................................................3-16
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-5
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-19
Outside
Breakaway Mirrors.......................................2-31
Convex Mirror.............................................2-31
Power Mirrors.............................................2-30
Remote Control Mirror..................................2-30
Overseas – Customer Assistance........................ 7-4
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
Owner’s Information........................................7-12
P
Park (P)
Shifting Into................................................2-26
Shifting Out of............................................2-27
Parking
Brake........................................................2-25
Over Things That Burn.................................2-28
10