low oil pressure CHEVROLET CAVALIER 2004 3.G Owners Manual

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-2
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-4
Other Warning Devices...................................3-5
Horn.............................................................3-5
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-5
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-6
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-11
Interior Lamps..............................................3-14
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-15
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-16
Climate Controls............................................3-16
Climate Control System.................................3-16
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-19
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-20
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-21
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-22
Tachometer.................................................3-22
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-23
Air Bag Readiness Light................................3-23
Charging System Light..................................3-24
Up-Shift Light...............................................3-25
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-25
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-26
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light.........3-27
Enhanced Traction System Active Light............3-28
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-28Low Coolant Warning Light............................3-29
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-29
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-32
Passlock
®Warning Light................................3-33
Check Gages Warning Light...........................3-33
Service Vehicle Soon Light............................3-34
Fuel Gage...................................................3-34
Audio System(s).............................................3-35
Setting the Time for Radios without
Radio Data Systems (RDS)........................3-35
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio
Data Systems (RDS)..................................3-36
AM-FM Radio...............................................3-36
Radio with CD (Base Level)...........................3-39
Radio with CD (Up Level)..............................3-43
Radio with CD (MP3)....................................3-52
Personal Choice Radio Controls......................3-66
Theft-Deterrent Feature (Non RDS Radios).......3-67
Theft-Deterrent Feature (RDS Radios).............3-67
Radio Reception...........................................3-67
Care of Your CDs.........................................3-68
Care of Your CD Player................................3-68
Fixed Mast Antenna......................................3-68
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System.............3-68
Chime Level Adjustment................................3-68
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the OBD
(on-board diagnostic) system determines that critical
emission control systems have not been completely
diagnosed by the system. The vehicle would be
considered not ready for inspection. This can happen if
you have recently replaced your battery or if your
battery has run down. The diagnostic system is
designed to evaluate critical emission control systems
during normal driving. This may take several days
of routine driving. If you have done this and your vehicle
still does not pass the inspection for lack of OBD
system readiness, your GM dealer can prepare the
vehicle for inspection.
Oil Pressure Light
If you have a low engine
oil pressure problem, this
light will stay on after
you start your engine, or
come on when you
are driving. This indicates
that your engine is not
receiving enough oil.
The engine could be low on oil, or could have some
other oil problem. Have it xed immediately.The oil light could also come on in three other situations:
When the ignition is on but the engine is not
running, the light will come on as a test to show you
it is working, but the light will go out when you
turn the ignition to START. If it doesn’t come on with
the ignition on, you may have a problem with the
fuse or bulb. Have it xed right away.
If you’re idling at a stop sign, the light may blink on
and then off.
If you make a hard stop, the light may come on for
a moment. This is normal.
{CAUTION:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low. If
you do, your engine can become so hot that it
catches re. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil as soon as possible and have
your vehicle serviced.
Notice:Lack of proper engine oil maintenance may
damage the engine. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Always follow the
maintenance schedule in this manual for changing
engine oil.
3-32

Once you are moving on the freeway, make certain you
allow a reasonable following distance.
Expect to move slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway, move to the
proper lane well in advance. If you miss your exit, do
not, under any circumstances, stop and back up. Drive
on to the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce your speed
according to your speedometer, not to your sense
of motion. After driving for any distance at higher
speeds, you may tend to think you are going slower
than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you are ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you are not fresh — such as after
a day’s work — do not plan to make too many miles that
rst part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing
and shoes you can easily drive in.Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it is ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course, you
will nd experienced and able service experts in GM
dealerships all across North America. They will be ready
and willing to help if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:Have you checked
all levels?
Lamps:Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires:They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts:What is the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a
short time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps:Do you have up-to-date maps?
4-21

A. Coolant Surge Tank. SeeCooling System on
page 5-25.
B. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-13.
C. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-13.
D. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 5-32.
E. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-30.
F. Clutch Master Cylinder Reservoir (If Equipped) (Not
Shown). SeeHydraulic Clutch on page 5-19.
G. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-36.
H. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-17.
I. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. SeeWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-31.
J. Engine Compartment Fuse Block. See “Engine
Compartment Fuse Block” underFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-81.Engine Oil
If the oil pressure light
appears on the instrument
cluster, it means you
need to check your engine
oil level right away.
For more information, seeOil Pressure Light on
page 3-32.
You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is
an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don’t, the oil
dipstick might not show the actual level.
5-13

{CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling
system can be dangerous. Plain water, or
some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil
before the proper coolant mixture will. Your
vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the
proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the
wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot
but you would not get the overheat warning.
Your engine could catch re and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.
Notice:In cold weather, water can freeze and crack
the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.
Use the recommended coolant and the proper
coolant mixture.
{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface. You can
remove the coolant surge tank pressure cap
when the cooling system, including the coolant
surge tank pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is
no longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise (left) about two or two and
one-half turns. If you hear a hiss, wait for that to
stop. This will allow any pressure still left to
be vented out the discharge hose.
5-28

All cleaning agents should be ushed promptly and not
allowed to dry on the surface, or they could stain.
Dry the nish with a soft, clean chamois or an all-cotton
towel to avoid surface scratches and water spotting.
High pressure car washes may cause water to
enter your vehicle.
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth and a car
washing soap to clean exterior lamps and lenses.
Follow instructions under “Washing Your Vehicle.”
Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your vehicle by
hand may be necessary to remove residue from the
paint nish. You can get GM-approved cleaning products
from your dealer. SeeVehicle Care/Appearance
Materials on page 5-78.
Your vehicle has a “basecoat/clearcoat” paint nish. The
clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to the colored
basecoat. Always use waxes and polishes that are
non-abrasive and made for a basecoat/clearcoat
paint nish.
Notice:Machine compounding or aggressive
polishing on a basecoat/clearcoat paint nish may
damage it. Use only non-abrasive waxes and
polishes that are made for a basecoat/clearcoat
paint nish on your vehicle.Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other
salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage your vehicle’s nish if they remain on painted
surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible. If
necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are marked
safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter.
Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather
and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a
period of years. You can help to keep the paint nish
looking new by keeping your vehicle garaged or covered
whenever possible.
Cleaning Windshield and Wiper Blades
If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield
washer, or if the wiper blade chatters when running,
wax, sap or other material may be on the blade
or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a full-strength
glass cleaning liquid. The windshield is clean if beads do
not form when you rinse it with water.
Grime from the windshield will stick to the wiper blades
and affect their performance. Clean the blade by
wiping vigorously with a cloth soaked in full-strength
windshield washer solvent. Then rinse the blade
with water.
Check the wiper blades and clean them as necessary;
replace blades that look worn.
5-76

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