
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine most cases the vehicle is drivable, and does not require towing, see your
authorized dealer as soon as possible for service of the system.
Continued
driving without having the Computer Command Control system serviced could eventually cause damage to the emission control system. It
could
also affect fuel economy and drivability .
ENGINE OIL AND FILTER RECOMMENDATIONS
The following engine oil recommendations are based upon the operation . of your engine with the fuels recommended under "Fuel Requirements" in Section 2 of this manual.
Checking Oil Level
The engine oil must be kepi at the right level to help assure proper lubrication
of your vehicle's engine. n Is normal for an engine to use some oil, and some
engines may use more oil when they are new.
It is the owner's responsibility to check the oil level at regular intervals (such as every fuel stop), accorcing to the following instructions:
• The best time to check the engine oil level is when the oil is warm, ~h as
during a fuel stop. After stopping the engine, wait a few minutes for the oil
to drain back to the oil pan. Then, pull out the dipstick on the front of the
engine. Wipe it clean, and push the dipstick back down
all the way. Now, pull out the dipstick and look at the oil level on It. '
Add 011, If needed, to keep the 011 level above the "ADD" line, Avoid
overfilUng
the engine since this may cause engine damage. Push the cipstlck
back down all the way after taking the reading.
• n you check the oil level when the oil is cold, do not run the engine first.
The
cold oil will. not drain back to the pan fast enough to give a true oil
level.
Choosing the Right Quality Oil
Engine oils are labeled on the containers with various APi (American Petroleum
Institute) designations of quality. Be sure the oil you use has the API
designation "SF," either alone or shown with other designations such as SFI CC or SF ICD. These designations may be separated by commas. slashes or dashes. Oils which are not labeled "SF " should not be used. For example , do
not use oils labeled ONLY SA, sa, SC, SO, SE, CA, ca, CC, or CD; or .oils with a combination of any of these letters-such as "SE/CD" as this
may cause engine damage.
5·3

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID RECOMMENDATIONS
Use the Proper Fluid
Use only automatic transmission fluid labeled DEXRON'" II. You can buy this
fluid from your dealer or other service outlets.
Check the Fluid Level with Care
Check the automatic transaxle fluid level at each engine oil change. Driving
with too much or too
little fluid can damage the transaxle.
To check the fluid
level, first set the parking brake, then start the engine in
"P"(Park), and let idle for two minutes . You must check the fluid level with the
engine running at slow
idle and the vehicle level.
You cannot read the correct fluid level if you have just driven the vehicle for a
long time at high speed, in city traffic in hot weather, or if the vehicle has been
pulling a trailer. Wait
until the fluid has cooled down (about 30 minutes).
Remove the dipstick located
On the driver's side forward of the cowl. Carefully
touch the wet end of the dipstick to find out if the fluid is cool, warm or hot. Wipe it clean and push it back in until the cap seats. Pull out the dipstick and
read the fluid level.
• If it felt cool or warm (about roomternperature and warmer, but not too hot
to hold), the level should be between the two dimples above the "FULL"
mark.
• If it was too hot to hold, the level should be in the cross-hatched area on the dipstick, near the "FULL" mark.
Add just enough DEXRON'" II fluid to fill the transaxle. It takes only 0.5 liter
(one pint) to raise the level from "ADD" to "FULL" with a hot transaxle.
Automatic Transaxle Drain Intervals
Change the transaxle fluid and change the filter as outlined in the Maintenance Schedule folder.
MANUAL TRANSAXLE
See the Maintenance Schedule folder to find out how often the fluid level should be checked and what type of lubricant should be used.
5-6

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Check the fluid level only when the engine is off, the vehicle is level and the transaxle is cool enough so that you can rest your fingers on the transaxle
case. To check, remove the dipstick on the driver's side of the case, above the
axle shaft, Be sure that the fluid level is at the "Full Cold" mark; oil may
appear on the bottom of the dipstick even when the fluid is several pints low.
I! needed, add enough lubricant to bring the fluid level up to the "Full Cold" mark on the dipstick. Be sure to fully seat the dipstick when reinstalling.
CLUTCH ADJUSTMENT
The clutch linkage in your vehicle should be adjusted every 5,000 miles (8 000
km) or less. To adjust the clutch linkage pull the clutch pedal up until it stops
and then depress the
pedal slowly.
NOTICE: To avoid clutch linkage damage do not continue to pull up on the pedal after
it stops.
Electric Fan
CAUTION: Keep hands, tools, and clothing away fr,om th~engine cooUng lanto help prevent personal injury. this fan is electric and can corne on whether or not the engine is
running. The fan can start automatically in response to a heat sensor when the ignition
key is in the "Run" position.
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
CAUTION: H your cooling system overheats, see "Engine Cooling System Overheating" in "In Case of Emergency," Section 3. CONTINUED OPERATION OFTHE ENGINE EVEN FOR A SHORT TIME MAY RESULT IN A FIRE AND THE POSSIBILITY OF
PERSONAL INJURY ANDIOR SEVERE VEHICLE DAMAGE.
Your vehicle has a coolant recovery.system. Coolant in the system expands with heat and overflows into the recovery tank. When the system cools down,
coolant is drawn back into the radiator.
5-7

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-'