1984 CHEVROLET CAVALIER Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine GENERAL DATA
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
This is the legal identifier for your vehicle. It appears on a plate attached to the
left top of the instrument panel. This plate can be seen easily through the windshield from outside your car. The VIN also appear s on the certificat es of
Title and Registration.
o o
Engine Identification
You can identify your 1984 GM engine from the Vehicle Identification Number. The eighth character of the VIN is the Engine Code. See the Engine Code Identification chart below. Some information in this manual may refer to the Engine Code. For Example, a 2.0 liter L·4 engine may be referred to as a
2.0 Liter (Engine Code PI LA engine .
ENGINE DESCRIPTION Produced Displacement Fuel in 8 GM Plant Engine Code Liter (CIO) Type Sy stem Operated by:
p 2.0L (121) L-4 TBI Chevrolet
6-6

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine CONSUMER INFORMATION -
VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCES
INTRODUCTION
This table contains information on stopping distances as required by the
Consumer Information Regulations issued by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration of the United States Department of Transportation, As permitted by the regulation, data for various models with differing options and
accessories are grouped in a single table, Since the regulations require that
the least favorable figures for any specific model in the group be
reported for the entire group, the actual performance of most vehicles in
the group will be better than the figures reported.
Data for stopping distances is derived from tests conducted with new
vehicles
under optimum road conditions by highly skilled test drivers and are not necessarily representative data for a used vehicle, for many road conditions. or for the abilities of most drivers.
STOPPING DISTANCE DATA
This table indicates braking performance that can be met or exceeded by
the vehicles to which it applies under different conditions of loading and
with
partial failures of the brakingsy"tl>l)'I, TI)e information prl>S8nted represents results obtainable by skilled drivers under controlled road
and
vehicle conditions, and the information may not be. !1e!!~t under
other conditions. " --"M.v,,>_.
APPLIES TO ALL MODELS OF CAVALIER
A. FUllY GPERATIGNAl SERVICE BRAKE
~170 light Load Maximum Load 204 B. EMERGENCY SERVICE BRAKE (with Partial Service Brake System Failure) 446 C. BRAKE PGWER UNIT FAilURE Maximum Load I 284 ,
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800
Stopping Distance in Feet from 60 mph
SERVICE STATION INFORMATION
Refer 10 "Service and Mainlenance," Section 5, for Further
Details.
Fuel Cap -Located behind Ii hinged door on the right rea. quarter panel. To
remove the fuel cap, see fuel cap removal procedure in "Service and
Maintenance," Section 5 of this manual.
Fuel
Requirements -Use unleaded gasoline only. See "Fuel Requirements"
in "Starting
and Operating," Section 2 of this manual.
6·7

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Hood Release -The hood release handle is located on the left side of the
instrument panel. To open, pull the handle to release the hood lock. Then,
push down
slightly on the hood while lifting the underhood lever, raise the
hood, and hold it open with the prop rod. To lower hood, lift the hood slightly
to remove tension from the hood prop. Then, place the hood prop in its
retaining
clip and lower the hood.
Engine
Oil - Use SF-quality, SAE 5W-30, Energy-Conserving engine oil in your gasoline engine if the outside temperature is not expected to exceed 38" C
(100"F)
prior to the next oil change.
For other expected outside temperatures
and additional important information on engine oil see "Engine Oil and Filter Recommendations" in Section 5 of this
manual for the recommended viscosity grade. Add oil as needed to maintain
the proper level within the operating range shown on the dipstick.
Tire
Inflation Pressures -Check at least monthly (including the spare). Keep
them inflated to the pressures shown on the Tire Placard on the left front door. (Keep compact spare tires inflated to 415 kPa or 60 psi.)
Engine
Cooling System -Check the fluid level in the coolant recovery tank at
regular intervals, such as during a fuel stop. (See "Engine Cooling System" in "Service and Maintenance," Section 5 of this manual.)
Windshield Washer -Check the windshield washer reservoir fluid level
regularly. Use a washer fluid, such as GM Optikleen.
Battery -Your new vehicle has a Delco FREEDOM battery . You will never
have to add water. The hydrometer (test indicator) in the cover provides information for testing purposes only.
6-8

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine SECTION 7
Accessory Position, Steering CoIl.m Lock 2-7 AIr Cir ctJlalioo. . 2-26 Ai' Cleaner. 5-,0 Air Conditio ning ............ . 2-27 M ainte nance .. Antenna . 5-\1 2 -35 5-8 Antifreeze (See Coo~ng System) .. Appearance cae ...• ....•.. 4·t .... ...... 2 -25 ASh Tra y .. Automatic T 'ansalC!e Fluid Chedi: . ___ .. . _ ..... _ ._ ... ... . Maintenance .. Notice ,. .. Op$ralion .. Surter Safety Switch Axlo, Drive-Fluid Level Ball Joints. Ba"&,y
· ....... 5-6 .... 5'-6 2,13 · .... 2 -12 2'13
........ . 5-11 5-1 I
Caution.. 5-11 Emergenc y Starling.. 3-1 Freedom.. .. 3·1 , 5-11 Gas caution . ___ ............. ..... ... . ...... .... 3·, Specilicalions .... ... ... ... .. ... .. .. . T esl indlealor .. Belor e Driving Your cavalier .. B loc k Healer, Engine Blower, Ventilating .. Brakes Driving Through Deep Water "
Parking Brake .. P eda l TraVel .. Power ... SelI·AqusIing ...... ... ..... .. ... .. .. . T railer ..... . Warning Light .. Br eak -In Period Cars Pulrng Tra~ars New Car .. Bucke l Seats .. R ttelininQ .. Bulbs and Fuses ..
""_ Jad< Operation . Stowage ............. ... ... .. .... •..•. • _ ..
Key RemiAder .. Cap FIJI:II .. R adiator Capa.cities .. carbon Monoxide Caution .. Cargo Cover (Hatchback) .. cargO Cover (Station Wagon) ... Carrier, Infant Safety .. cataIytlc Converter .. care .... OwNheatng ....... . Changing Wheels and Tl"es .. Ct\IICI Restraint.. Cigarette lightsr ..
. .... 6 -1 . . . 5-1 1 1-1 2-11 2-25
2 -18
2 -19
2·18 •.••.•. 2, 18 2-1 8 ....... ... .. 2· 3 2·22
2-2
2-2
1 -5
1-5
6 ·3. 6·4 . 6-5
3 ·5 . 3-6 ........ . 3-5
· ....... 2·'
5 -1 5-10 .... .. 6-1 2 -1 2-38 2 -39 1·11 5-2 ...... .... 5-2 ..3 -3 ....•.••. . 3·5 1-11 · ..... 2-25
INDEX
7-1
C1eri'9 c;a.pet care .. Caution .. Exteriof Finish and Trim Fabri c and Interio r Trim .. Solvents Racomme nded Spot Removal. Vinyl Top .. C kl tch
. .... 4·' . ..... 4 -' 4 -' 4 -1
4 -1
..,
4-3
PeDa l Acl/Ustmeot ........ ... ... ... .......... ........ 5·7 Cold Wealhet Starting ... ... ... ...... ... ... ...... 2·11 CooIiIl9 System care. .. . 5 ·8 Coolan t Rocommeodation 5-9 Overhea ting caution. 3-3 Courtosy Lights .. 6-3 Cruis e Con trof 2-16 Defay Wipo( Sys tem ....................... ,.. 2 -9 [)jmensions, Ve)jcle.. . ......... 6-1 [Xsc Brake Wear IrKicator .......... 2-20 Door locks ' -3 Power Door l ocks ... Drive Axle
"""" Seal Adjus tment. .. Driving on Slippery Surfaces Electn c Fan .. Electric al System Battory .. Bulbs .• . . FI.ISOS ..•..• Emergency. In Case Of . Brake W~ning Liglt .. 1
-3
.• 5·6
1 -5 2 -\' .... ~::<',~~-
5 '11, 6·2 '·3 6-4. 6·5 . .... ..... .. 3 · . ... 2 ·22 Geoefator hdicalor... . ...... 2 ·2 1 Hazru"d Warring . .,fLashef ... -'. __ .... ,,, 3 ·1 Jaddng T o Change Wheels 3·5 Jump Starling with Auxi~ary Banel)'. . 3· Overhe.1tod Radiator.. 3·3 Pushing To Start.. 3-I Spar e Trre.. . . .................... 3-5 , 3·6 Towing.. 3·6 Engine Block Heater ... Codo .. CooIO>g •••.
2 ·' , . . .. . 6·5
5 ·7
8I:haust Gas Caution ............... ... ... ... ... 2-1 Flooded, Staring Procedlre ................ 2·11 Qvome ating ................... ....... .... ............. . 3-3 Serial NulTlbef.. . .... 6-5 Specifications . ............... . ..... . .. ..... .......... 6-' Starting... 2·10 Temperature Gage.. 2 ·24 TefTlP(Iralure Light. 2 -21 EnginO Oil Capacity .. Dipstick •• F~Of . . .
. ............ ....... ... .. .... .......... ... 6-1
Reoo .. wnonootion .. Ethyteno Glycol Coolant .• EXhaUst Gas Caution . .
• •••• 5 -3 5·5. 6 ·2
5 ·'
5 ·7 . ....... 2·' Driving With Trunk Open ..... .. ............. . 2-'

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Exha.Ist SysttIm ChecltS .. 2·1 Parked Witt! Engine Rt.nning .. 2 ·' PulIng A Tr.JiIer '2·2 Flanmable 0ea1ing Sotvents . " . " 4 ·1 -. . Haz«d W.ning .. ... ... ......... .. ........ ... . . .. 3-1 Turn Signal .. 2 ·8 FloOded Engine, Starting.. .." 2'11 Floor Controls ... ................................. " 2~ 1 8 Fluid Capacities .. Drive Axle ..... . Power Steoring .. . Radiatof ..... Transaxle .\uklma tic ..
e ·" , .. . : ..... 5·1 0 .. , 5· 9; 5 ·1 0 5,6
Trensaxle MInJaI ............. .............. 5 ·6 wn:tshIekJ Washer .... . 2·9 F oreign Countries. Operation In.. 2 ·6 Freeing car From Mud and Sand .......... 3 ·8 Fuet . Requirements.. 5·1 Fuel StatiOn Information.. 6 ·7 Flimet . Engine EIChaust.. .. ..... ....... 2·1 ,,'" Chart ..... . ................... 6-5 location ..... -.""","" .. ................. 6·4 . ..... 2 ·22 . 2·24
"""""" -... .. .................................. 6-1 Do No! Usc For Cleaning F~1er cap location .. Fumes ................ ........ .. Gage .. Recommendations .... GIov ... .QQx" .. , ........ ,
.............. , 6-'
GUl¥d AgaInst Theft ................. .......... ..
2·' 2·'" 2 ·5
2 ·23
,.,
H atc hback Coupe .................... ........... .. '2-3 5 3·' Hazwd WarrWng Flasher ..
-Buzz ... FlicKering (Circuit BreMer) Hi!11 Beern Difmler SWitch ug,t S .whch., ....... Hei1Ier Operatioli .. Hitches. Trailer .. Hood
........ 6-4. 6-5 .... 2-9. 2·24
Latch Maintenance.. 5·10 RMese... .. ............................. ......... 6-7 Horn .......................... .............. 2,'8 How To ~ YOOl Gas Mileage TipS ...................................... .. ,' 2-8 IdI!InOOCaIiOn Num:lers Eng;no ........ 6-' VehiCle ......... ... . ....-Indic ator LIgtlI, Upshift ..
.. ............. 6 ·5 1 -2 ,2 ·7 2 -\5 Inflation Pressure, Tires.. 5 -1 3 Inlets. Ventilation System ............ 2-25 . 2·28 Inside RearvloW Mirror .. Instrument Panel .. J"" Caution 3·. Operation.. 3-5
S torage ................................. 3-5, 3-6 Jump Strilg With Booster Bat1ery. 3-1. 3-2 Keys.. 1-1 latches Door.. 1 ·3 Hood.. 5- 10,6·7 Light s.. 6·3
7-2
-.... .. .... ................. ........... 6-3 Brake Wamir'lIiJ.. 2-22 8rigtIt 8Mm IncicaIor .......................... 2-24 Bright Beam Switch ............................... 2-9 Bub Chart 6-3 Courtesy... 6 -3 Engine Tempe!'8ture Indicator.. 2 -21 Generator IndicalOf.. 2-21 Hazard Flasher" .................................. 3-1 Hsadlamp Circu it Breaker.. 6-5 H~.. 6-3 HeadIamp Warning Buzzer.. 2 -2 5 Oil Pr9S5Ufe IndicalOr... 2·21 SidemaIkcr .n................ . ................ 6 ·3 SWitch .. Tail SfId Brake .... Turn Slg\aJ Indicator .. Upshift Indicator LIglt .. Looks Door.. Ignition ..
. ....... .-... 2 ·2 4 . 6·3 2 -8 . 6-3 2-15
'·3 2·' Power Door:... '·3 Steemg Column .. . 2-7 Luggage Carrier.. 2·40. 2,4 1 luggaQe CompartmenI , Orimg wtile Open.. . ...... ........ .. . 2 ,1 Manual T ransaJlle Shift PoinIs .. ...................... ... .. 2·14 2 -1 4 Upshift Irdcator light ........... ... ............ 2-1 5 Mirrors Convex .. Rear View .. Mountainous Torroln Driving Down Grade s .. New car Break-In ..
1-4, 1-5
2-11 2 ·2 Odometer 2-20 Oil Pr9SfUe Gage.. . ........................ 2·24
Oil Pr88SUfe Ugr'II ................. " .......... ... .. 2 ·21 Operation in Foreign GoU'11ries ........... ~" 2--6 orher' c:or.oI!I and Featl.Ke! .. ..... ...... .. 2·35 Overheatad Engine Gage.. 2-24 Indicator light ....... ........................... 2-21 What To Do ....................................... 3-3 Parking Brake ... . . .. .. ... .. .. 2-19 , 2-22 lights.. . ......... .... ........... 6-3 Precautions .. .. .... ............. . "-Brakes ....................... ..... ... ... ... ... ........ 2 '1 8 Door locks.. ' ·3 ....... Steering .. Windows .................. . Pressure, Tire tllflatio'n .. Radiator Coolant .. Coolant Level Inspection .. Overheating ... Pressu-e Cac:I ... ..-
,. , 2 -15 ,..
.. .. 5-13
5·' 5· '
3·3 5·10
NoA ............ ................... ........ ... ... ........ . 2-30 AM/FM
AM /FM Stereo C assette .. Anlerna .....
ContrOls-A I.
Mobile Raol o System s ..
2·30 2-32, 2-33 2 -3 5 2·29 . 2-35

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine STereo.. 2-3 1 Tapu System ..... ....... .............. ........... 2-30 Rear WnJow Defogger ...•.•.......•.• .. . 2,26 Roar Window Washer/Wiper.. .. 2,29 Aegstration.. &5 Engine Number. &5 VehICle identifICation Number. &5 Replacement Fastener .. 5 -1
Restarting.
Restraints Child ... Lap Belts .. Methods Of Restr~ring Children •.. ReM Seat .. Reslraill lor Pfegnan WomtHI • . Shoulder Belts ___________ .......•..•.•.. Rool
2 -11
'-II ',9, 1-10 1-11 1·9 . HO H H l. l-10
Luggage
ca-rier .... ...... ............. 2-40, 2-4 Removable Panel. 2-37 Rotation. Tire .. Safoty BeltS (Seat Belts) .
5-14
,-, Carrior, InfiYIt . 1 -11 Seal, Child .... ..... ..... .... .. . .•.. 1-1 1
.. " Adj;stment, M Child Restraint __ Inspection and Care .. Lap. Shoukler Rclfactors .... ...... .. ................. ...... .
'-II 1-11 1-6 1-6
1-6 SOouIcIer_.. . _ .. _ ....... .............•.•.• SoII.Adjusting Bfakes Sensor Indicator and Check Eogr.e Irdcator Light . Service and Mainl:enMC8 •. Side Marker Ligtts ..
••.•. 2·1 8
2-21 . ....... 5,1 '-3 Spare Tire .. ... .............. 3·6. 3-7 Jacking Instructions .. Specifications, General,. $peed Control (Cruise Control) ..
-. 8tafteJ Sdety Switch ... _ .... _ ..........•.•
.... "'" Automatic Transaxle cars .. Emergency .. S-.. ColImn Controls .. Column Lock, Anti-Theft Power ..
3-5 ' -I 2 -16 2 -2<) 2-10
. ... 2-10 ...... 3-1
2-7 ... 2-7 .. '. 2-15 ' Wheel, Tilt ............. ; ........................... 2·15 Straps, Safety (See Seat Belts)
Stowing 01 Items. .. .............. . 1-' 3·5 , '3-6 Stowage Tire and Jack .. Suspension Maintenance .. 5·11 Tachomeler ...... ... ..... ........... ............ ..... 2·22 Theft, ou.d Againsl... 1-1 ThennostaI ..... ........ 5-9 Tilt SMering WheeL. r .. Alignment and Balance ... Chains •.
........ -2-15
5-15
5-15
Changing .................... .... ..... ................. 3.5 Damage al'l(j Repaj!' ... . .. ...... .. .... .......... 5-16 High Speod Operation __ ............•..•.•. 5-13 Hydroplaning .. _ ................. 5 .15 Wlallorl Pr~e.. . ..................... 5 .13 W;pection ... 5-14 Jackng... 3·5 L03(I Limit . Radial Tires .. Replacemont .. Rotation . Spare .. Tire Chains ..
5·13
5·16
5'16 5·14 3 -5 , 3-6 5 '15 Trac tion ........................... .................. 5 -1 5 lreacl W6iI' 1r"IcIicaIors.. 5017 Warranty ......... _ .................................. 5-18 T_
Caution ........ ~obIod Vehicle .. Mal1tonance , . Tires ...... . To Starl .. To)[iC Cleaning Solvents .. E)[haust n..mes .. Traction . Wei Roads ..
2-3
3 -8
2 ·2
5 ·13 3-1
.. .... ..... 4-1 2 -1 5 '15
Traffic Hazard Flasher ......... ... .... ......... 3,1
, T~ TOWing .... ............. ........ .............. 2 -2 -~,-u,_ BreOk~" Pofiod ................. ....... ............ . 2.2
7-3
CauIioc:II .................. ...... ...................... 2·3
~=~~'~~~~~·~':~~~~~~~~:::~:i·~~:;;---Tips.. 2.4 Tire W1ation.... 5.13 Trailer Tongue Load .............. ........ ,.. 2.3 TrlWlSaX!e AlAomaIic .. 2· 12 'Braking EtIect On Hills ....... 2·14 Checking FUd Level ............... ........ ¥,.,.: 506 ManuaI·, .. : ::.;:-... 2-14 ShIft Controls .. Upshift Indlcator light .. 2 -14 2 ·15 Tread Wear Ind"lCators.. 5·17
Turn Signals and Lane Change Feature ............................................... , 2·8 UndorbOcly Maintenance.. .. .......... 4·5 Upshift Indicator Light.. 2·15 Vehicle kJentjicaliCJO Number.. 6·S Vetjcte Loadir1g •.•.......... _ .......... _........ 5'12 Ventilating System .................... , .......... 2·25 Voltmeter ....................... .. 2·22 Wamny {Sue W.f1Iflty Folder; Wheel Cha.lgiog ................. ... .. _ ............... 3 -5
Wheel Replacement·Considerations.. 5 ·16 Wheel, Tilt. Steering.. 2·t5 Window$ Manual.. 1.3 Power ........ ................................... ......... 1·4 Rear, Defogger .................................... 2.28 Rear , Washer/Wipel. . 2·29
-0et0atIng ..:I 08t0gging .......... 2-27, 2-28 DMay Wiper System .. _ .................. ........ 2·9 Washer Uae In Cold WNilher .. WUhet Solution .. Wipers And Washers .. Wrecker , TOWing ..
2-10
2-10
2-. 3 ..

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine GENERAL MOTORS
DIAGNOSIS
AND
REPAIR MANUAL
This new 5th edition of the GMDR Manual is packed with easy to follow
step-by-step troubleshooliog pro­cedures for most new GM cars and Light Trucks.
This
manual has been designed to help you <;liagnoS4j t~ mechanical problems.;n the most-cOmmonly serviced systems:
• , H , ea, t, i, ng & Air Condition 'ing
• Front Wheel Drive " " ·Sfeeririg and Suspension • Cooling System
• Diesel Engine • Transmissions • Chassis and Body Electrical • Charging System
• Engine Performance (fuel and ignition)
Each troubleshooting procedure is
Sho" wn in a step-by-step pi<:ture and symbol formal. Easy to understand, simple to use . '
rOORDER
Send your name and address (pl"ase print clearly) with a check or money order for $17.95 plus$I.75shippingand bandling cha'geto:
Make·check or money order payable to: GMOR Manual Headquarters
GMDR M.nual Helldqu ....... Advertising .nd Promotion Dept_ 201 King of Prussia Road ' ' R.dnor, PA 19089
(Prices are subject to change without notice or obligation,
Pennsylvania residents add 60/. sales tax)
Canadian residents
should order publications from Technical Publications Department, General Motors of Canada Limited, Oshawa , Ontario LIG lK7

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Service Publications­
Cavalier
The following publications covering the operation and servic­
ing
of your Chevrolet can be purchased by filling out the
reverse side of this order form and mailing it with your check
or money order to Helm, Incorporated.
Form No. Description Price
ST-388-84 1984
CAVALIER LOOSELEAF $46.20
SERVICE MANUAL Contains Service and Overhaul cov-erage to engine and chassis compo-
nents. Also includes
Wiring Dia-grams, Electrical TrOubleshooting
and Body coverage
. Package in-
clud.es looseleaf manual, binder and
tabs, and three (3) quarterly Rev.i-"c.,;.,.", ;,.:, .. ,.,.-,,:, •• ><,_ sions. Available September, 1983.
ST-366-84 1984 CAVALIER SERVICE MANUAL
$19.50
Book containing same coverage
as above, including all revised informa-
tion. Complete coverage to engine
and chassis components. Also
in-
cludes Wiring Diagrams, Electrical
Troubleshooting and Body coverage.
This is a bound manual, not
looseleaf. Available
May, 1984.
14065980 1984 CAVALIER $2.00
OWNER'S
MANUAL
Please fUlin reverse side of this form completely. Prices subject to change.
-