Chevrolet 1997 Cavalier Owner's Manual

Vehicle Symbols These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle. For example, these symbols are used on an original battery: POSSIBLE A

Parking Lamps PC This position will turn on the following: 0 Parking Lamps 0 Sidemarker Lamps 0 Taillamps 0 Instrument Panel Lights Headlamps

A flashing DRL telltale indicates a possible burned out headlamp, or that the vehicle may need service to repair a stuck DRL relay. When

Interior Lamps Instrument Panel Intensity Control You can brighten or dim the instrument panel lights by turning the dial up or down.

Front Reading Lamps (If Equipped) These lamps are located on the rearview mirror. Turn each one on and off by pressing its switch. Map Lamps (If Eq

To reactivate the interior lamps, either: The ignition must be turned on, The activated lamp switch must be turned off, then A front d

Manual Remote Control Mirror The outside rearview mirror should be adjusted so you can just see the side of your vehicle when you are sitt

Convex Outside Mirror Your passenger’s side mirror is convex. A convex mirror’s surface is curved so you can see more from the driver’s se

Convenience Net (If Equipped) Your vehicle may have a convenience net. You’ll see it just inside the back wall of the trunk. Put small loads, l

Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter To use the lighter, just push it in all the way and let go. When it’s ready, it will pop back out by itself. I NO

Sunroof (If Equipped) Press and release the rear of the switch and the glass panel will open to the vent position. Open the sunshade by hand when

Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems Here you’ll find information about the seats in your Chevrolet and how to use your safety belts properly.

Lowering Your Convertible Top 1. 2. 3. 4. Set the parking brake and shift your automatic transaxle to PARK (P) or your manual transaxle to NE

6. Rotate the latch handle up to the locked position. Installing the Boot I 1 1. From inside the vehicle, pull the tab on the rear seat to fo

3. Install the boot side cover by inserting the tab (A) on the underside of the cover into the slot (B) at the top of the quarter trim pane

5. Pull the boot center cover from behind the rear seatback and place it over the inner sides of the boot side covers and the lowered top. 6. Go to t

nemoving the Boot 1. Set the parking brake and shift your automatic transaxle to PARK (P) or your manual transaxle to NEUTRAL (N). 2. Open

5. Unsnap both boot side cover snaps (E and F) from the side of the quarter trim panel. 6. 7. 8. 9. Lift the side cover eyelet (C) at the rear o

Raising the Convertible Top 1. Set the parking brake and shift your automatic transaxle to PARK (P) or your manual transaxle to NEUTRAL (

Lowering the Top Manually NOTICE: I Do not attempt to lower the top manually as damage to the vehicle will occur. If the top fails to ra

Convertible Bypass Switch 4. Press the bypass switch down to the EMERGENCY OVERRIDE position. The switch is located under the shelf panel

'8. Raise the top until it is all the way up. Line up the top so the pins are even with the holes. 9. Pull down on the top and rotate the l

Seats r---d Seat Controls This section tells you about the seats -- how to adjust them -- and also about reclining seatbacks and head restraints

The Instrument Panel -- Your Information System h W W I W I

Your instrument panel is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You’ll know how fast you’re going, how much fuel is

Instrument Panel Clusters Your Chevrolet is equipped with one of these instrument panel clusters, which include indicator warning lights a

Optional Cluster

Speedometer and Odometer Your speedometer lets you see your speed in both miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h). Your odom

Tachometer (If Equipped) 11 The tachometer displays the Warning lights and gages can signal that something is wrong before it becomes serio

Safety Belt Reminder Light When the key is turned to RUN or START, a chime will come on for about eight seconds to remind people to fasten the

Charging System Light The charging system light will come on briefly when you turn on the ignition, and the engine is not running, as a check

If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is harder to push. Or, the pedal ma

Enhanced Traction System Warning Light (If Equipped) ETS OFF With the Enhanced Traction System (ETS), this warning light should come on briefly

Your Cavalier will be equipped with one of the following passenger seat adjusters. Slide the lever under the passenger's seat to the righ

Enhanced Traction System Active Light LOW TRAC When your Enhanced Traction System is limiting wheel spin, this light will come on. Slippery

Low Coolant Warning Light If this light comes on and stays on, your system is low on coolant and the engine may overheat. Malfunction Indic

NOTICE: If you keep driving your vehicle with this light on, after a while, your emission controls may not work as well, your fuel e

If the Light Is On Steady You may be able to correct the emission system malfunction by considering the following: Did you recently put

Oil Pressure Warning Light If you have a low engine oil pressure problem, this light will stay on after you start your engine, or conze 012 w

Passlock Warning Light THEFT SYSTEM This light will come on when you turn the key toward the START position. If the light flashes, the Passloc

Fuel Gage E‘ I When the ignition is on, your fuel gage tells you about how much fuel you have left. When the indicator nears EMPTY (E),

0 Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems In this section, you’ll find out how to operate the comfort control and audio systems offered wit

Comfort Controls This section tells you how to make your air system work for you. The optional climate control system with air conditioning

'!! BI-LEVEL: This setting brings in outside air and directs it two ways. Some air is directed through the instrument panel outlets. Mos

Reclining Front Seatbacks I To adjust the seatback, lift the lever on the outer side of the seat and move the seatback to where you want i

Temperature Knob The center knob changes the temperature of the air coming through the system. Turn this knob toward red (clockwise) for warm

Air Conditioning (If Equipped) On very hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot, inside air escape. This reduces the time it tak

Ventilation Tips Ventilation System For mild outside temperatures when little heating or cooling is needed, use VENT to direct outside air th

Defogging and Defrosting Windows Your system has two settings for clearing the front and side windows. To defrost the windows quickly, use DEFRO

Audio Systems Your Delco@ audio system has been designed to operate easily and give years of listening pleasure. You will get the most enjoymen

Finding a Station 4. Press SET. (SET will appear on the display.) AM-FM: Press the lower knob to switch between AM and FM. The display shows

Setting the Tone BASS: Slide the lever up or down to increase or decrease bass. TREB: Slide the lever up or down to increase or decrease tre

Finding a Station 2. Press SET. (SET will appear on the display.) AM-FM: Press the lower knob to switch between AM, FM1 and FM2. The display shows

Adjusting the Speakers BAL: Turn the control behind the upper knob to move the sound to the left or right speakers. The middle position bal

AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player and Automatic Tone Control (If Equipped) Playing the Radio PWR-VOL: Press this knob to turn the system on

up, your safety belts can’t do their job when you’re reclined like this. The shoulder belt can’t do its job because it won’t be against your

PUSHBUTTONS: The six numbered pushbuttons let you return to your favorite stations. You can set up to 18 stations (six AM, six FM1 and six

Adjusting the Speakers BAL: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn the knob clockwise for the right speakers and counterclockwise for th

NEXT (3): Press this button or the SEEK right arrow to search for the next selection on the tape. If you hold the button or press it more th

CD Adapter Kits It is possible to use a CD adapter kit with your cassette tape player after activating the bypass feature on your tape player. To a

RECALL: Press this button to recall the station being played. If you press the button when the ignition is off, the clock will show

P.SCAN: Press this button to listen to each of your favorite stations stored on your pushbuttons for a few seconds. The radio will scan through each

Playing a Comuact Disc Insert a disc parrway into the slot, label side up, The player will pull it in. The disc should begin playing. Th

If you turn off the ignition or radio with a disc in the player, it will stay in the player. When you turn on the ignition or system, the d

Unlocking the Theft-Deterrent Feature After a Power Loss Enter your secret code as follows; pause no more than 15 seconds between steps: 1. LOC a

Understanding Radio Reception FM Stereo FM stereo will give you the best sound. But FM signals will reach only about 10 to 40 miles (16 to 6

Easy Entry Seat (If Equipped) If an easy entry right front seat isn’t locked, it can move. In a sudden stop or crash, the person sittin

Care of Your Cassette Tape Player A tape player that is not cleaned regularly can cause reduced sound quality, ruined cassettes or a damaged mecha

Care of Your Compact Discs Handle discs carefully. Store them in their original cases or other protective cases and away from direct sunligh

fi NOTES

0 Section 4 Your Driving and the Road m Here you’ll find information about driving on different kinds of roads and in varying weather conditions. We’v

Defensive Driving The best advice anyone can give about driving is: Drive defensively. Please start with a very important safety device i

Police records show that almost half of all motor vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol. In most cases, these deaths are the result of someone who

It’s the amount of alcohol that counts. For example, if the same person drank three double martinis (3 ounces or 90 ml of liquor each) with

The body takes about an hour to rid itself of the alcohol in one drink. No amount of coffee or number of cold showers will speed that up. “I’ll be

Control of a Vehicle You have three systems that make your vehicle go where you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering and the accelera

Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts -- heavy acceleration followed by heavy braking -- rather than keeping pace with

To close the seat, push the seatback up to its original position. Check to ensure the seatback is in its original position and securely latched b

The anti-lock system can change the brake pressure I faster than any driver could. The computer is programmed to make the most of availa

Remember: Anti-lock doesn’t change the time you need to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping distance. If you g

See “Enhanced Traction System Warning Light” in the Index. When this warning light is on, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjus

The traction you can get in a curve depends on the condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is

An emergency like this requires close attention and a quick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel at the recommended 9 and 3 o&ap

Passing The driver of a vehicle about to pass another on a two-lane highway waits for just the right moment, accelerates, moves around the vehicle

Check your mirrors, glance over your shoulder, and start your left lane change signal before moving out of the right lane to pass. Whe

A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. If you have the Enhanced Traction System, remember: It helps

Driving at Night 4 .I ... ” ... ... ... Here are some tips on night driving. Drive defensively. 0 Don’t drink and dr

Night Vision No one can see as well at night as in the daytime. But as we get older these differences increase. A 50-year-old driver may require at

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely

Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet road, you can't stop, accelerate or turn as

Driving too fast through large water puddles or even going through some car washes can cause problems, too. The water may affect your brakes. Try

Hydroplaning Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build up under your tires that they can actually ride on the water. This can hap

City Driving One of the biggest problems with city streets is the amount of traffic on them. You’ll want to watch out for what the other drivers

Freeway Driving The most important advice on freeway driving is: Keep up with traffic and keep to the right. Drive at the same speed

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

Highway Hypnosis Is there actually such a condition as “highway hypnosis”? Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it highway

If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you’re planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make your trips safer and more enjoyabl

Winter Driving Here are Some tips for winter driving: Havk y6i-n Chevrolet in good shape for winter. You may want to put winter emergency suppl

Driving on Snow or Ice Most of the time, those places where your tires meet the road probably have good traction. However, if there is snow or ice

Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it’s just a seat on wheels. Put someone on it. 1-9

Your anti-lock brakes improve your vehicle’s stability when you make a hard stop on a slippery road. Even though you have the anti-lock braki

If you are stopped by heavy snow, you could be in a serious situation. You should probably stay with your vehicle unless you know for sure tha

A CAUTIl- N: Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle. This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas to get inside. CO could overcome

Recreational Vehicle Towing You can tow your vehicle behind another vehicle for use at your destination. Be sure to use the proper towing eq

Towing Your Vehicle From the Front (Without a Dolly) You may tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground for unlimited miles if you ha

Towing Your Vehicle from the Rear Loading Your Vehicle I- I 8 ‘m OCCUPANTS VEHICLE CAP. WT. TIRE-LOADING INFORMATION FRT. CTR. RR. TOTAL LBS. KG M

r MFD BY GENERAL MOTORS CORP DATE GVWR GAWR FRT GAWR RR THIS VEHICLE CONFORMS TO ALL APPLI- CABLE U.S. FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY, BUMPER, AND THE

/!\ CAUTION: Things you put inside your vehicle can strike and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or in a crash. Put things in the tru

Towing a Trailer (Models with 2.4L Engine and 4-Speed Automatic Transaxle) A CAUTION: I If you don’t use the correct equipment and drive properly

Your vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with proper trailer towing equipment. To identify what the vehicle trailering capacity is for yo

Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn't stop. The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle,

Three important considerations have to do with weight: the weight of the trailer, the weight of the trailer tongue and the total weight on yo

If you’re using a weight-carrying hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 10 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B). If you have

Safety Chains You should always attach chains between your vehicle and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of the

Backing Up Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand to the

Driving On Grades NOTICE: Do not tow on steep, continuous grades exceeding 6 miles (9.6 km). Extended, higher than normal engine and tran

When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill 1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down while you: 0 Start your engine; 0 Shi

& NOTES

0 Section 5 Problems on the Road Here you’ll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road. 5-2 5-3 5-3 5-8 5- 14 Hazard Warning Fl

Hazard Warning Flashers Your hazard warning flashers let you warn others. They also let police know you have a problem. Your front and rear

Other Warning Devices If you carry reflective triangles, you can set one up at the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind your vehicle. J

or the instrument panel ... or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop ov

2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren’t touching each other. If they are, it could cause a

5. Find the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on each battery. Using a match near a battery can cause battery gas to explode. People have bee

7. Remove the red plastic cap, and connect the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal of the vehicle with the dead battery. Us

10. Attach the cable at least 18 inches (45 cm) away from the dead battery, but not near engine parts that move. The electrical connection

Towing Your Vehicle Try to have a Chevrolet dealer or a professional towing service tow your Cavalier. They can provide the right equipment

When your vehicle is being towed, have the ignition key OFF. The steering wheel should be clamped in a straight-ahead position, with a c

Front Towing Before hooking up to a tow truck, be sure to read all the information in “Towing Your Vehicle’’ earlier in this section. Att

NOTICE: Do not tow with sling-type equipment or fascia/fog lamp damage will occur. Use wheel-lift or car-carrier equipment. Additional rampin

Rear Towing I NOTICE: I Towing dolly required under front wheels when equipped with automatic transmission or damage will occur. I Before

NOTICE: Do not tow your Cavalier from the rear with the front wheels on the ground or your transaxle can be damaged. Do not tow with slin

Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers &: Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident if

Engine Overh - -rting YOU will find a coolant temperature gage and a low coolant warning light on your Chevrolet’s instrument panel. If Steam Is Comi

If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine If you get the overheat warning but see or hear no steam, the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes th

When you decide it's safe to lift the hood, here's what you'll see: 2.2L Engine 2.4L Engine A. Coolant Surge Tank with Pressure Cap

If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is boiling, don’t do anything else until it cools down. The coolant level should be at the FULL COLD line

How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant level isn’t at the FULL COLD mark, add a 50/50 mixt

A CAUTION: Adding only plain water to your cooling system can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid like alcohol, can boil before the pr

1. You can remove the coolant surge tank pressure cap when the cooling system, including the coolant surge tank pressure cap and upper radiator

3. Then fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mix, up to the FULL COLD mark. r 1 4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, s

5, Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the pressure cap is tight. If: ~~ re Goes Flat It’s unl la1 for a tire to “blow out” while you’re drivi

Changing a Flat Tire If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your hazard warning flash

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Adults This part is only for people of adult size. Be aware that there are special things to know about sa

Removing the Spare Tire anc .m 01s Lift and remove the cover. See “Compact Spare Tire” later in this section for more information about the c

Turn the wing nut counterclockwise and remove it. Then lift off the adapter and remove the spare tire. A A .., Remove the jack and wheel wre

Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire 1. Using the wheel wrench, remove the plastic nut caps (if equipped). 2. On some

18 (46cm) 18 (46cm) Near each wheel well is a notch in the frame which the jack head fits in. The front notch is 9 inches (23 cm) back from t

Getting under a vehicle when it is jacked up is dangerous. If the vehicle slips off the jack, you could be badly injured or killed. Never get und

6. If you have a wheel cover, use your fingers to carefully pull the wheel cover from the wheel. Then remove the flat tire. 7. Remove any rus

A (I JTION: I I Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts. If you do, the nuts might come loose. Your wheel could fall off, causing a ser

10. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly in a criss-cross sequence, as shown. Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened wheel nuts can cause

Storing the Flat Tire and Tools i i Storing a jack, a tire or other equipment in the passenger compartment of the vehicle could I cause inj

Storing the Spare Tire and Tools A CAUTIOI!. . Storing a jack, a tire or other equipment in the passenger compartment of the vehicle coul

1 If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the latch plate and keep pulling until you can buckle the belt. 5. To make the lap

Compact Spare Tire Although the compact spare tire was fully inflated when your vehicle was new, it can lose air after a the. Check the inflation

If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow What you don’t want to do when your vehicle is stuck is to spin your wheels too fast. The method

b% NOTES

Section 6 Service and Appearance Care Here you will find information about the care of your Chevrolet. This section begins with service and fuel info

Service Your Chevrolet dealer knows your vehicle best and wants you to be happy with it. We hope you’ll go to your dealer for all your serv

You can be injured and your vehicle could be damaged if you try to do service work on a vehicle without knowing enough about it. 0 Be sure y

Be sure the posted octane is at least 87. If the octane is less than 87, you may get a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If it’s bad enou

To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States are now required to contain additives that will help prevent deposits from forming i

Filling Your Tank A CA, JON: Gasoline vapor is highly flammable. It burns violently, and that can cause very bad injuries. Don’t smoke if y

A CAUTION: If you get gasoline on yourself and then something ignites it, you could be badly burned. Gasoline can spray out on you if yo

The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong

Checking Things Under the Hood Hood Release To open the hood, first pull the handle inside the vehicle. A CAUTION: An electric fan under the hood c

Then go to the front of the vehicle and lift the secondary hood release handle. To make sure that the secondary hood release handle works properly,

2.21, Engine (Code 4) When you open the hood, you’ll see: A. Coolant Surge Tank D. Engine Oil Fill CapDipstick G. Air Cleaner B. Power Steer

2.4L Engine (Code T) A. Coolant Surge Tank E. Brake Fluid Reservoir H. Air Cleaner B. Engine Oil Fill Cap F. Hydraulic Clutch Fluid I. Win

Engine Oil It’s 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

Checking Engine Oil Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,

I. This is where you add oil if you have a 2.4L engine. Be sure to fill it enough to put the level somewhere in the proper operating range. Push

FOR BEST FUEL I my AND COLD s 6, SELECT THE LOWEST SAE VISCOSITY bnMur dl1 FOR THE EXkrwurw TEMPERATURE RANGE. ~~~ ~ HOT WEATHER /-\ "F "

Engine Oil Additives Don’t add anything to your oil. Your Chevrolet dealer is ready to advise if you think something should be added. When to Chan

Air Cleaner The air cleaner is located on the driver’s side of the engine compartment near the battery. To check or replace the filter, remove

Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster (4-hOr Models) Before you begin to drive, move the shoulder belt adjuster to the height that is right for y

A CAU‘LOA .: Operating the engine with the air cleaner off can cause you or others to be burned. The air cleaner not only cleans the air, it

Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this done at your Chevrolet dealership Service Department. If you do it you

Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps: 1. If you have a three speed automatic transaxle, the handle on the transaxle dip

How to Add Fluid Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of transaxle fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the In

If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, the fluid and filter do not require changing. NOTICE: We recommend you use only

Check the fluid level only when your engine is off, the vehicle is parked on a level place and the transaxle is cool enough for you to rest your fin

How to Add Fluid Here’s how to add fluid. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids

How to Check You do not need to check the fluid level unless you suspect a clutch problem. To check the fluid level, take the cap off. If the fluid r

What to Use Use a mixture of one-half clean water (preferably distilled) and one-half DEX-COOL@ coolant which won’t damage aluminum parts. Use

Checking Coolant The surge tank is located on the passenger’s side of the engine compartment. ’ A CAUTIO--: firning the surge tank bl-ssure cap

&= What's wrong with this? A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It won't give nearly as much protection this way. You can be seriousl

Adding Coolant If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOL@ coolant mixture at the surge tank, but only when the engine is cool. ~~ A CAUTI

Power Steering Fluid How To Check Power Steering Fluid When the engine compartment is cool, wipe the cap and I the top of the reservoir cle

Windshield Washer Fluid What to Use When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you

Brakes Brake Fluid Your brake master cylinder reservoir is here. It is filled with DOT-3 brake fluid. There are only two reasons why the brake

What to Add When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake fluid -- such as Delco Supreme 11 @ (GM Part No. 12377967). Use new brake f

Brake Wear Your Chevrolet has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a high-

Brake Pedal Travel See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal travel.

Battery Every new Chevrolet has a Delco Freedom@ battery. You never have to add water to one of these. When it’s time for a new battery, we rec

Front Exterior Headlamps For the type of bulb to use, see “Replacement Bulbs” in the Index. To replace one of your headlamp bulbs, do th

3. Disconnect the bulb base from the socket by lifting the plastic locking tab. 4. Snap a new bulb into the socket. 5. Replace the bulb

&: What's wrong with this? A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place. You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled in the wrong

Back-up Lamps (Sedan) If you have a four-door sedan, do the following to replace a back-up lamp: 3. To remove the bulb, pull it out. 4. Pu

Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (Models Without a Spoiler) To change the bulb, do the following: 1. Open the trunk and view the access hole under t

Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement Replacement blades come in different types and are removed in different ways. For the proper type and

Underinflated tires pose the same danger as overloaded tires. The resulting accident could cause serious injury. Check all tires frequentl

When to Check Check your tires once a month or more. Don’t forget your compact spare tire. It should be at 60 psi (420 Pa). How to Check Use

A CAUTION: - Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts become loose after a time. The wheel c

Buying New Tires To find out what kind and size of tires you need, look at the Tire-Loading Information label. The tires installed on your

Uniform Tire Quality Grading The following information relates to the system developed by the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Ad

Temperatul- ~ ~~ i, B, C The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its a

Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel bolts or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be dangerous. It could affect the braking and handling of y

@ What’s wrong with this? A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should be worn over the shoulder at all times. You can be seriously inju

NOTICE: (Continued) Use another type of traction device only if its manufacturer recommends it for use on your vehicle and tire size combinatio

Don’t use any of these unless this manual says you can. In many uses, these will damage your vehicle: Alcohol 0 Laundry Soap 0 Bleach 0 Reducing Agen

Using Solvent-Type Cleaner on Fabric Fabric Protection First, see if you have to use solvent-type cleaner at all. Your Chevrolet has uphol

Non-Greasy Stains Cleaning Vinyl Stains caused by catsup, coffee (black), egg, fruit, fruit Use warm water and a clean cloth. juice, milk, soft

Care of Safety Belts Keep belts clean and dry. I Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If’ you do, it may severely weaken them. In a crash,

Cleaning the Outside of Your Chevrolet The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth of color, gloss retention and durability. Washing Yo

Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird droppings, chemicals from indust

Cleaning Aluminum Wheels (If Equipped) Keep your wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with mild soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After r

Finish Damage Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the finish should be repaired right away. Bare metal will corrode quickly and may

Appearance Care Materials Chart 6-57 i. -. .. .;.

0 The 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Owner’s Manual 1-1 2-1 3-1 4-1 5-1 6-1 7-1 8-1 9- 1 Seats and Restraint Systems This section tells you how

&: What’s wrong with this? t-t- A: The belt is twisted across the body. You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) the model designation, r r 1111 111 111111 lli 11111111 llllllllllll1111 C SAMPLE4UXVM072675 _- - J - paint in

Headlamp Wiring Fuses and Circuit Breakers The headlamp wiring is protected by fuses. Should your headlamps fail to function, have your headlamp

Instrument Panel Fuse Block The fuse panel is located under the left end of the instrument panel. To open, push the tab on the access do

Fuse WIPER ERLS AIR BAG EXT LAMP PWR ACC HVAC RADIO ALARM CRUISE L HDLP CIG Usage Windshield Wipers, Windshield Washers Automatic Transaxle, Brake

Engine Compartment Fuse Block P The engine compment fuse block is located on the driver’s side of the engine compartment. Lift off the cover to chec

Replacement Bulbs OUTSIDE LAMPS BULB Back-up Lamps ... 3057 Front Parking/Turn Signal Lamps BaseModel ...

Air Conditioning Refrigerants Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same. If the air conditioning system in your vehicle needs refrigera

Dimensj Length Coupe ... 180.3 inches (458.0 cm) Sedan ... 180.3 inches (458.0 cm) Convertible ... 180.3 inches (

,@% NOTES

0 Section 7 Maintenance Schedule This section covers the maintenance required for your Chevrolet. Your vehicle needs these services to retain its saf

To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. The belt should go back out of the way. Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out

I IMPORTANT- KEEP ENGINE OIL 'AT THE PROPER LEVEL AND CHANGE RECOMMENDED AS protection I Plan Introduction Your Vehicle and ~ ~ - ~ ~vironment

How This Section is Organized The remainder of this section is divided into five parts: “Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services” shows what to

Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services Using Your Maintenance Schedule We at General Motors want to help you keep your vehicle in good wor

Maintenance Schedule (Short Trip/City Definition Follow the Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule if any one of these conditions is true for your

Maintenance Schedule I Long Trip/Highway Definition Follow this maintenance schedule only if none of the conditions from the Short Trip/City

Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles ( 166 000 km) should be performed after 100,000 mil

I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I 3,000 Miles (5 000 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An

I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I 9,000 Miles (15 000 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An E

I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I 15,000 Miles (25 000 h--- ‘ El Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).

)Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule 1 21,000 Miles (35 000 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Em

The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it’s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in

I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I 27,000 Miles (45 000 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Em

I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I 0 Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines for damage or leaks. Inspect fuel cap gasket for any damage. Replace pa

I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedu 36,000 Miles (60 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever OCCUTS first). An Emission

I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I 42,000 Miles (70 000 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An E

I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I 48,000 Miles (80 000 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). A

I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I - In hilly or mountainous terrain. - When doing frequent trailer towing. - Uses such as found in taxi, pol

1 Short TriplCity Maintenance Schedule I 54,000 Miles (90 000 km) D Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Em

bort Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I 60,000 Miles (100 000 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emiss

I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I 63,000 Miles (105 000 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An

I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I 69,000 Miles (115 000 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An E

A CAUTION: Air bags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. If you’re too close to an inflating air bag, it could seriou

Short TriplCity Maintenance Schedule 75,000 Miles (125 000 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emis

WShort Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I 81,000 Miles (135 000 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emi

Short Tkip/City Maintenance Schedule 87,000 Mile: ,‘I45 000 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occl 3 f An Emission

Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule 0 Replace air cleaner filter. An Emission Control Service. 0 Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines for damage or le

I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I F-,000 Miles (155 000 km) 7 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An

I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I 99,000 Miles (165 000 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An

I I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule 100,000 Miles (1 66 000 km) (Continued) - In hilly or mountainous terrain. - When doing frequent trailer t

I Long Trip/Highway Maintenance Schedule I The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles (166 000 km) should be performed after 100,000

I Long Trip/Highway Maintenance Schedule I 7,500 Miles (12 500 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). An

Long Trip/Highway Maintenance Schedule 1 22,500 Miles (37 500 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). An

How the Air Bag System Works I I The right front passenger’s air bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side. Where are the air bags? T

Long Trip/Highway Maintenance Schedule I 30,000 Miles (50 000 km) (Continued) 0 Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines for damage or leaks. Inspect fu

I Long Trip/Highway Maintenance Schedule I 45,000 Miles (75 000 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). An E

1 Long Trip/Highway Maintenance Schedule 1 50,000 Miles (83 000 km) , -”- ~ nued) - In hilly or mountainous terrain. - When doing frequent traile

Long TriplHighway daintenance Schedule I 60,000 Miles (100 000 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). An Em

Long TriplHighway Maintenance Schedule 1 67,500 Miles (112 500 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). An

82,500 Miles (137 500 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Confrol Service. 0 Lubricate chass

Long TriplHighway Maintenance Schedule I 90,000 Miles (150 000 km) (Continued) 0 Replace air cleaner filter. An Emission Control Service. 0 Inspect

Long Trip/Highway Maintenance Schedmr: 97,500 Miles (162 500 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). An Emi

bung Trip/Highway Maintenance Schedule I 100,000 Miles (166 000 km) (Continued) - In hilly or mountainous terrain. - When doing frequent trail

Part B: Owner Checks and Services Listed below are owner checks and services which should be performed at the intervals specified to help ensure the

If something is between an occupant and an air bag, the bag might not inflate properly or it might force the object into that person. T

At Least Twice a Year Restraint System Check Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and

At Least Once a Year Key Lock Cylinders Service Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant specified in Part D. Body Lubrication Service

Brake-Transaxle Shift Interlock (BTSI) Check (Automatic Transaxle) When you are doing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. If

Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P) Mechanism Check I A CAUTION: When you are doing this check, your vehicle could begin to move.

Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections Listed below are inspections and services which should be performed at least twice a year (for

ke System Inspection Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect di

Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number or specification may be obtained from

USAGE Key Lock Cylinders Manual Transaxle Shift Linkage Clutch Linkage Pivot Points Chassis Lubrication Windshield Washer Solvent FLUIDLUBRICANT Mult

Part E: Maintenance Record After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading and who performed the service in the

Maintenance Record ODOMETER DATE READING SERVICED BY MAINTENA - PERFORN D ~~ - 7-51

How does an air bag restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering

Maintenance Record JNTENANCE PERFORMED

0 Section 8 Customer Assistance Infa- mation Here you will find out how to contact Chevrolet if you need assistance. This section also tells you

Customer Satisfaction Procedure Chevrolet dealers have the facilities, trained technicians and up-to-date information to promptly address any c

STEP TWO -- If after contacting a member of dealership management, it appears your concern cannot be resolved by the dealership without further

For prompt assistance, please have the following information available to give the Customer Assistance Representative: Your name, address, h

Chevrolet/Geo Roadside Assistance Program To enhance Chevrolet’s strong commitment to customer satisfaction, Chevrolet is excited to announce

ROADSIDE Cuurtesy TM Care PROVIDES: Roadside Basic Care services (as outlined above) Plus: FREE Non-Warranty Towing (to the closest dealer from

For complete program details, see your Chevrolet/Geo dealer to obtain a Roadside Assistance Center brochure. The Roadside Assistance Center uses compa

Courtesy Transportation Chevrolet/Geo offers Courtesy Transportation for customers needing warranty service. Courtesy Transportation will b

GM Participation in an Alternative Dispute Resolution Program This program is available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Canadian

0 0 Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and diagnostic module, which records information about the air bag system. The module records infor

We prefer you utilize the Customer Satisfaction Procedure before you resort to AUTO LINE, but you may contact the BBB at any time. The BB

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English) THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, writ

1997 CHEVROLET/GEO SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle c

ORDER TOLL FREE information wlthln 30 days of delivery. On returns, a re-stocking fee may be applied (Monday-Friday 8:OO AM - 6:OO PM EST) service.

& NOTES

0 Section 9 Index Adapter Kit. CD ... 3- 17 AirBag ... 1-22 How Does it Restrain .

Brake Adjustment ... 6-34 Fluid ... 6-31 Master Cylinder ...

Cleaning ... 6-49 AluminumWheels ... 6-55 Convertible Top ... 6

Driving City ... 4-21 Defensive ... 4-2 Drunken ...

FrontTowing ... 5-10 Fuel ... 6-3 Filling Your Tank ...

Rear Seat Passengers It’s very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up! Accident statistics show that unbelted people in the rear sea

Jack. Tire ... 5-25 Jump Starting ... 5-3 Key Lock Cylinders Service ...

Maintenance. Underbody ... 6-56 Maintenance When Trailer Towing ... 4-43 Malfunction Indicator Lamp ...

Radio Reception ... 3-23 Radios ... 3-8 Rain. Driving In ...

Safety Defects. Reporting ... 8-10 Safety Warnings and Symbols ... vi Scheduled Maintenance Services .

Tachometer ... 2-67 Taillamp Bulb Replacement ... 6-37 TapePlayerCare ...

TrunkLock ... 2-10 TTYUsers ... 8-4 Turn Signal and Lane Change Signals ...

Service Station Checkpoints COOLANT SURGE TANK P6-26 2.4 L ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK P6-12 FUEL DOOR WINDSHIELD FLUID RESERVOIR TIRES P6-30 RELEASE P5-22

If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the latch plate and keep pulling until you can buckle it. Pull up on the latch plat

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET Emblem and the name CAVALIER are registered trademarks of General Motors Corpo

The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic

To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults Rear shoulder bel

2. Slide the guide under and past the belt. The elastic cord must be under the belt. Then, place the guide over the belt, and insert

4. Buckle, position and release the safety belt as described in “Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions” earlier in this section. Make

Lap Belt When you sit in the center seating position, you have a lap safety belt, which has no retractor. To make the belt longer, tilt

Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! That includes infants and all children smaller than adult size. In fact, the law in every state in

a Never hold a baby in your arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much -- until a crash. During a crash a baby will become so C

Child Restraints ’ A CAUTION: A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates.

Top Strap If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored. If you have a convertible, don’t use a restraint like that in your vehi

Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position U You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the

The dynamic William C. “Billy” Durant shified gears from making carriages to making cars, forming half the team that gave birth to Chevrolet. . .

4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had

Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position You’ll be using the lap belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child re

5. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates. This is because the

5. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had

Larger Children Children who have outgrown child restraints should wear the vehicle’s safety belts. If you have the choice, a child should sit next t

Never do this. Here two children are wearing the same belt. The belt can’t properly spread the impact forces. In a crash, the two children

Never do this. Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind the child. If the child

Safety Belt Extender If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to

0 Section 2 Features and Controls 2-2 2-4 2-6 2-10 2-10 2-1 1 2-12 2-12 2- 14 2- 17 2-18 2-23 2-26 2-27 2-29 2-30 2-30 2-3 1 2-32 2-33 2-4 1 2-44 2-46

-- I iv In 1932 Chevrolet introduced the Synchro-Mesh transmission and ofleered a host of accessories -- including such niceties as a clock! I The l

Keys A CAUTION: Leaving young children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or others could be b

One key is for the ignition, the doors and all other locks. When a new Chevrolet is delivered, the dealer removes the key tag from the key, and giv

Door Locks A CAUTION: Unlocked doors can be dangerous. Passengers -- especially children -- can easily open the doors and fall out. When a do

Power Door Locks (If Equipped) You can lock or unlock all doors of your vehicle from the driver’s or passenger’s door lock switch. Push the lower po

If you don’t cancel the security lock feature, adults or Keyless Entry Ss; __ (If Equipped) older children who ride in the rear won’t be able to o

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause ha

Matching Transmitter(s) To Your Vehicle Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle.

Replacing the Battery in the Keyless Entry System Transmitter To replace the battery in the transmitter: 1. Use a small coin or flathead scre

Trunk It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into your vehicle. You can’t see or s

Key in the Ignition If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it’s an easy target for joy riders or professional thieves -- so don’t do it.

I I I I I I I I I I l and we are pledged to make ownership of your Chevrolet an enjoyable and rewarding experience. . . .- .. , L .. 60's au

New Vehicle “Break-In” Ignition Positions NOTICE: Your modern Chevrolet doesn’t need an elaborate “break-in.” But it will perform better in the

OFF (C): This position unlocks the steering wheel, ignition and transaxle, but does not send electrical power to any accessories. In the OFF positi

Key Release Button (Manual Transaxle) The ignition key cannot be removed from the ignition unless the key release button is used. To remo

Starting Your 2.2 Liter Engine 1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go of the

Starting Your 2.4 Liter Engine 1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go of the ke

Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped) 2.4L Engine 2.2L Engine In very cold weather, 0°F (-18°C) or colder, the engine coolant heater can help. You&apo

To Use the Coolant Heater 1. Turn off the engine. 2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. 3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 1 10-

P 8 Three-Speed Automatic Transaxle Four-Speed Automatic Transaxle 8 ND321 88888 PARK (P): This locks your front wheels. It’s the best position

Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) range before starting the engine. Your Chevrolet has a brake-transaxle shift interlock. You hav

Forward Gears (3-Speed) DRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving. SECOND (2): This position gives you more power but lower fuel economy. You

How to Use this Manual Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you do this, it

Forward Gears (4-Speed) AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving with the four-speed automatic transaxle. If you need mo

FIRST (1): This position gives you even more power (but lower fuel economy) than SECOND (2). You can use it on very steep hills, or in de

Here's how to operate your transaxle: FIRST (1): Press the clutch pedal and shift into HRST (1). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as y

Shift Speeds If you skip more than one gear when you downshift, you could lose control of your vehicle. And you could injure yourself

Parking Brake The parking brake lever is located between the bucket seats. To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down and pull

Shifting Into PARK (P) ( * +ovatic Tran;.-!e Yodels Only) r It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully i

Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running (Automatic Transaxle Models Only) It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with the engine ru

Shifting Out of PARK (P) (Automatic Transaxle) Your Chevrolet has a brake-transaxle shift interlock. You have to fully apply your regular brakes b

Engine Er9aust Parking Over Things That Burn I -- 'Lnmings that can burn could touch hot exhaust parts under your vehicle and ignite. Don&

Running Your Engine While You’re Parked (Automatic Transaxle) It’s better not to park with the engine running. But if you ever have to, here are so

Vehicle Damage Warnings In the notice area, we tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage be costly.

Windows I On a vehicle with manual windows, use the window crank to open and close each window. Power Windows (If Equipped) The driver’s window

Tilt Steering Wheel (If Equipped) Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever A tilt steering wheel allows you to adjust the steering wheel before you

lhrn Signal and Lane Change Indicator The turn signal has two upward (for right) and two downward (for left) positions. These positio

Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer To change the headlamps from low beam to high or high beam to low, pull the turn signal lever all the way towar

For a single wiper cycle, press the stalk down until the wipers start, then let go. The wipers will stop after one cycle. For more cycles

Windshield Washer the window and then either stop or return to your preset speed. If’you had no speed selected, the wipers will stop. To

Cruise Control (If Equipped) When you apply your brakes, or the clutch pedal if you have a manual transaxle, the cruise control shuts

Setting Cruise Control 3 CAUTION: - If you leave your cruise control switch on when you’re not using cruise, you might hit a button a

Resuming a Set Speed I L Suppose you set your cruise control at a desired speed and then you apply the brake or clutch pedal. This, of cour

Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control Use the accelerator pedal to increase your speed. When you take your foot off the ped