maintenance CHEVROLET CAVALIER 2005 3.G Owner's Guide

Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chang, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Also inspect drum brake linings
for wear and cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including
drums, wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc.
Check parking brake adjustment. You may need to have
your brakes inspected more often if your driving
habits or conditions result in frequent braking.
Caliper/Knuckle Maintenance
Inspection
If you operate your vehicle in a highly corrosive
environment, as indicated by the shaded areas on the
map following this text, your vehicle may require
additional brake service. Refer to the appropriate GM
service bulletin for the proper caliper inspection
procedure. As necessary, caliper pins and knuckle brake
pad abutments should be lubricated at every other tire
rotation. Also, see your GM dealer’s service department
or qualied service center for additional information.
6-23

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 By Maintenance Record
6-26

Maintenance Record (cont’d)
DateOdometer
ReadingServiced By Maintenance Record
6-27

Maintenance Record (cont’d)
DateOdometer
ReadingServiced By Maintenance Record
6-28

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 22203-1838
Telephone: 1-800-955-5100
This 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. Specic vehicle information can be found in
one place.
The Online 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

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

A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-16
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-80
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-17
Air Conditioning..............................................3-18
Airbag
Readiness Light..........................................3-24
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)...... 7-9
Airbag System................................................1-46
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-52
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-55
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-52
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?........1-53
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-51
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-49
AM-FM Radio.................................................3-37
Antenna, Fixed Mast.......................................3-71
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio
Antenna System..........................................3-71
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................... 4-6
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-27
Appearance Care............................................5-72
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............5-76
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-74
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-78
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-75Appearance Care (cont.)
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-72
Finish Care.................................................5-75
Finish Damage............................................5-77
Glass Surfaces............................................5-74
Instrument Panel.........................................5-74
Interior Plastic Components...........................5-74
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-77
Tires..........................................................5-77
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-78
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-78
Vinyl..........................................................5-74
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-75
Weatherstrips..............................................5-75
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-76
Ashtrays........................................................3-17
Audio System(s).............................................3-36
AM-FM Radio.............................................3-37
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-70
Care of Your CDs........................................3-70
Chime Level Adjustment...............................3-71
Fixed Mast Antenna.....................................3-71
Personal Choice Radio Controls....................3-69
Radio with CD............................3-39, 3-44, 3-54
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio Data
Systems (RDS)........................................3-36
Setting the Time for Radios without Radio
Data Systems (RDS)................................3-36
1

Audio System(s) (cont.)
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-69
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-70
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-71
Automatic Transaxle
Fluid..........................................................5-19
Operation...................................................2-20
B
Battery..........................................................5-36
Run-Down Protection...................................3-16
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-21
Brake
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................ 4-6
Emergencies................................................ 4-8
Parking......................................................2-25
System Inspection.......................................6-23
System Warning Light..................................3-26
Brakes..........................................................5-32
Braking........................................................... 4-5
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-16
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-41
Back-Up Lamps...........................................5-45
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps.............5-44
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-41Bulb Replacement (cont.)
Headlamps.................................................5-42
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-45
Taillamps and Turn Signal Lamps..................5-44
Buying New Tires...........................................5-56
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
Caliper/Knuckle Maintenance Inspection.............6-23
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications............................5-85
Carbon Monoxide...........2-10, 2-29, 4-24, 4-37, 4-43
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-74
Your CD Player...........................................3-70
Your CDs ...................................................3-70
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-35
Chains, Tire...................................................5-60
Charging System Light....................................3-25
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-30
Gages Warning Light...................................3-34
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-78
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-33
Infants and Young Children...........................1-30
2

Child Restraints (cont.)
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-39
Older Children.............................................1-27
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-41
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat
Position..................................................1-41
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...........................................1-43
Top Strap...................................................1-37
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-38
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-36
Chime Level Adjustment..................................3-71
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-17
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............5-76
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-75
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-72
Finish Care.................................................5-75
Glass Surfaces............................................5-74
Instrument Panel.........................................5-74
Interior Plastic Components...........................5-74
Tires..........................................................5-77
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-78
Vinyl..........................................................5-74
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-75Cleaning (cont.)
Weatherstrips..............................................5-75
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-76
Climate Control System...................................3-18
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-20
Clutch, Hydraulic.............................................5-19
Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt.....................1-24
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-71
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-14
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Convenience Net............................................2-35
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-29
Heater, Engine............................................2-19
Low Warning Light.......................................3-30
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-23
Cooling System..............................................5-25
Cruise Control Lever.......................................3-10
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-35
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY)
Users....................................................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities................................................ 7-5
3

Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-5
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-5
Headlamp Wiring............................................5-80
Headlamps....................................................5-42
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-41
Daytime Running Lamps...............................3-13
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps.............5-44
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-41
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
On Reminder..............................................3-13
Heater...........................................................3-18
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-34
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-22
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-22
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-10Horn............................................................... 3-6
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-13
Hydraulic Clutch.............................................5-19
I
Ignition Positions.............................................2-16
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-30
Ination -- Tire Pressure..................................5-53
Inspection
Brake System.............................................6-23
Caliper/Knuckle Maintenance.........................6-23
Engine Cooling System................................6-22
Exhaust System..........................................6-22
Fuel System...............................................6-22
Part C - Periodic Maintenance.......................6-22
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal.........................................6-22
Throttle System...........................................6-22
Instrument Panel
Brightness..................................................3-15
Cluster.......................................................3-22
Overview..................................................... 3-4
6