steering CHEVROLET CAVALIER 2005 3.G Owner's Guide

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 6-23.
++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 6-23.
3,000 Miles (5 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs rst).An Emission Control Service.
6,000 Miles (10 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs rst).An Emission Control Service.
❑Lubricate chassis components (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs rst).(See footnote #.)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-54for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
9,000 Miles (15 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs rst).An Emission Control Service.
12,000 Miles (20 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs rst).An Emission Control Service.
❑Lubricate chassis components (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs rst).(See footnote #.)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-54for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.) (Also see footnote ++.)
6-7

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 6-23.
++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 6-23.
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 ++.)
22,500 Miles (37 500 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 +.)
6-14

Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition to LOCK in each shift lever position.
With an automatic transaxle, the ignition should turn
to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P).
With a manual transaxle, the ignition 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.
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.
6-21

Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
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 7-11.
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, chang, 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. SeeEngine Exhaust
on page 2-29.
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.
6-22

Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name, part
number or specication may be obtained from your
dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil which meets GM Standard
GM6094M and displays the
American Petroleum Institute
Certied for Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. GM Goodwrench
oil meets all the requirements for your
vehicle. To determine the proper
viscosity for your vehicle’s engine,
seeEngine Oil on page 5-13.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only
DEX-COOL
®Coolant. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-20.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake uid.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
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. 89021184, in Canada
89021186).
Manual
TransaxleDEXRON
®-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid. Look for
“Approved for the H-Specication”
on the label.
Automatic
TransaxleDEXRON
®-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid. Look for
“Approved for the H-Specication”
on the label.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
6-24

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 will notify
General Motors. Please call the Chevrolet Customer
Assistance Center at 1-800-222-1020, or write:
Chevrolet Motor Division
Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33170
Detroit, MI 48232-5170In 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 specications for GM
transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
7-11

Engine (cont.)
Overheating................................................5-23
Starting......................................................2-18
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)........................ 4-8
Active Light................................................3-29
Warning Light.............................................3-28
Entry Lighting.................................................3-16
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-9
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-26
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-13
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-17
Finish Damage...............................................5-77
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-71
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................5-61
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-62
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-70
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-19
Manual Transaxle........................................5-19
Power Steering...........................................5-30
Windshield Washer......................................5-31Fog Lamps....................................................3-15
Front Reading Lamps......................................3-16
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-5
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-6
Gage.........................................................3-35
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-5
System Inspection.......................................6-22
Fuses
Engine Compartment Fuse Block...................5-84
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-81
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-82
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-81
G
Gage
Check Gages Warning Light..........................3-34
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-29
Fuel..........................................................3-35
Speedometer..............................................3-23
Tachometer.................................................3-23
5

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

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..............................6-23
Caliper/Knuckle Maintenance Inspection..........6-23
Engine Cooling System Inspection.................6-22
Exhaust System Inspection...........................6-22
Fuel System Inspection................................6-22
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......6-22
Part D - Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants.........................................6-24
Part E - Maintenance Record........................6-26
Selecting the Right Schedule.......................... 6-5
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance............. 6-6Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection..........................6-22
Throttle System Inspection............................6-22
Using Your................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-30
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Manual Transaxle
Fluid..........................................................5-19
Operation...................................................2-23
Map Lamps....................................................3-16
Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-31
Outside Breakaway Mirror.............................2-32
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-32
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-31
Outside Remote Control Mirror......................2-31
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-3
N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-16
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............5-86
8

O
Odometer......................................................3-23
Odometer, Trip...............................................3-23
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-12
Oil
Engine.......................................................5-13
Pressure Light.............................................3-33
Older Children, Restraints................................1-27
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-3
OnStar
®System.............................................2-33
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-6
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-20
Outside
Breakaway Mirrors.......................................2-32
Convex Mirror.............................................2-32
Power Mirrors.............................................2-31
Remote Control Mirror..................................2-31
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
P
Park (P)
Shifting Into................................................2-26
Shifting Out of............................................2-28Parking
Brake........................................................2-25
Over Things That Burn.................................2-29
Parking Your Vehicle.......................................2-28
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services............ 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services................6-18
Part C - Periodic Maintenance Inspections..........6-22
Part D - Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.......6-24
Part E - Maintenance Record...........................6-26
Passing.........................................................4-12
Passlock
®......................................................2-15
Personal Choice Radio Controls........................3-69
Power
Accessory Outlets........................................3-16
Door Locks.................................................. 2-9
Electrical System.........................................5-81
Retained Accessory (RAP)............................2-18
Steering Fluid.............................................5-30
Windows....................................................2-13
Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-12
9