1984 CHEVROLET CAVALIER oil temperature

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 4. Apply the regular brakes and shift into the proper gear. Release the
parking brake and drive oft.
IF ENGINE FAILS TO START AFTER NORMAL STARTING
PROCEDURE
1. If you tried the Cold or Warm Engine starting procedure and the engine still
does not start, push down the accelerator pedal to the floor and hold it
there while cranking the engine. This should clear the engine
~ II is flooded.
2. If the engine has been flooded with too much fuel, it may start to run but
not have enough power to keep running .
In that case, continue cranking
with the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor until the engine clears itseW of excess gasoline and runs smoothly . (But, do not crank more than
15 seconds at a time or you could damage the starter .)
GaSOline Engine Block Heater
The optional gasoline engine block heater is designed to warm the block area
for improved cold weather starting.
II can also help reduce fuel consumption
when a cold engine is warming up.
To use
the block heater:
1 . Open the
hood. '~".
2. Unwrap the electrical cord which is stowed In the engine compartment.
(After using the block heater, be SUre to properly restow the cord , to help
keep it away from moving engine parts.)
3. Plug the cord into any three-prong, 11 O-voll outlet (normal household
current).
NOTICE: • the cord i, too ahort, use a ~avy·duty, three-prong extension corel Do not use an extension cord such .. you would uae for • t.np because the cord rnIIY
--Outside temperature, oil viscosity, etc. will affect how tong the block~ heater should remain plugged .in . Contact your authorized dealer for advice 'jot the
conditions in your area.
TRANSAXLE
DESCENDING A GRADE
CAunON: To reduce the risk of personaJ injUry. before going down 8 .steep or long Wade reduce speed and shift the transaxte -into second or low gear to help control your speed. (00 this with EITHER an automatic or manual transax)e.) Do not hold the brake ~I down too Iorig or too otten white going down • steep or long grade. This COUld ceu" the brakes to get hot and not work as well. As • result, the vehicle will not slow down at the usual r.t.~ Failure to u.ke these steps could r8l,,1t in. Iou of vehicle control.
DRIVING ON. SUPPERY SURFACES
While driving on a slippery surface avoid sudden acceleration, or engine
braking actions (due to shifting to a lower gear), which could cause the wheels
to skid . Skid correction is called for at these times.
2-11

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine • Amount of fuel required for fill-up may not exactly correspond to gage.
• Needle may not move away from FULL until some time after fill-up.
• Needle may move during turns; stops and accelerations.
When the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position, the needle will not
necessarily return
all the way to the EMPTY mark.
Oil Pressure Light
When the ignition is turned to "Run," the "Oil" warning light appears until the
engine is started. Thereafter, the light should be off unless there is insufficient
oil pressure or engine idle speed is below normal. If the light should come on
at any time while driving (other than momentarily at idle speed or after a
sudden stop), stop immediately and investigate the cause of
low oil pressure.
This could possibly be caused by low oil level in the crankcase. Engine
operation with low oil pressure will 9ause damage to the engine.
Engine Coolant Temperature Light
This light is located in the instrument cluster and is designed to come on to warn the driver that the engine coolant has overheated and immediate
action is required to correct the condition. As a check that the bulb and its
circuit are working, the light will come on during engine starting; if it does not,
have it repaired
promptly. If the light comes on at any other time, see "Engine
Cooling System Overheating" in "In Case of Emergency," Section 3 of this manual.
CAUTION: It the Engine Coolant Temperature Light shows an overheat condition or you have other reason to suspect the engine may be overheating, continued operation of the engine EVEN FOR A SHORT TIME may result in a fire and the risk of personal injury and/or severe vehicle damage. Take immediate action as outlined under "Engine Cooling System Overheating" in "In Case of Emergency," Section 3.
Generator Indicator Light
The VOLT light is designed to come on when the ignition key is in the "RUN" position, but before the engine is started. After the engine starts, the light
should go out and remain out. If the light remains· on when engine is running,
have your authorized
dealer locate and correct the trouble as soon as possible.
Shift Indicator Light
The Shift Indicator Light is covered in the "Manual Transaxle" information in
this section.
"Check Engine" Light
Most gasoline engine vehicles sold in the Unijed States (and some vehicles
sold
in Canada) have the Computer Command Control system.
Vehicles with the Computer Command Control system include a "CHECK
ENGINE" light
on the instrument panel designed to indicate the need for
system service. It will come on during engine starting to let you know the bulb
is working. (The light will stay on a short time after the engine starts.)
2-21

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine '" ,
t:l
STANDARD INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
IJ
12
OPTIONAL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
~~~~-:'----,~~:
l'l
1l
10
L Speedometer 2. Odometer 3. Trip ()jometer lif equipped) 4. Fuel Gage 5. Warning Lights Brake, Fasten Belts, Check. Engine Volts, Temperature, Oil Pressure 6. Shift up Lt. (on "ME"only) 7. Warning Gages Temperature, on Pressure, Volts 8. Turn Indicators 9. High Beam 10. Tachomet er 11. A/C Outlet 12. Clock. (if equipped) 13. Radio 14. Heater & Opt. Ale Control 15. Glove Box 16. Lig ht Switch 17. Rear Window Defogger (Opt.) 18. Rear Window WiperlWasher (Opt.) 19. Cigare tt e Lighter (Opt.) 20, Tailgat e Ajar Lt.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This optional gage is located in the instrument cluster. If the gage shows that
an overheat condition exists-as indicated by pointer moving beyond the
center of the band immediate action by the driver is required. If an overheat
condition is shown, see "Engine
Cooling System Overheating" in "In Case of
Emergency,"
Section 3 of this manual. The coolant temperature indication will VaIY with air temperature and operating conditions. The ignition must be in
"Run" for accurate readings. Prolonged driving or idling in very hot weather
may cause the pointer to move beyond the center of the gage. Make a practice
of scanning this and other gages
while driving, especially in hot weather and!
or when the
vehicle is under load.
CAUTION: II the Engine Coolant Temperature Gage shows an overheat condition or you have other reason to suspect the engine may be overheating, continued operation of the engine EVEN FOR A SHORT TIME may result in a fire and the risk of personal injury and/or severe vehicle damage. Take immediate action as outlined under "Engine Cooling System Overheating" in "In Case of Emergency," Section 3.
Oil Pressure Gage
The oil pressure gage indicates the pressure at which oil is being delivered to
the vaIiOUS paIls of the engine requiring lubrication. Pressures registered by
the gage may
vBIY according to outside air temperatures or weight of oil being
used. Oil pressure of a cold engine being operated at a given speed will be
somewhat higher than when the engine is at normal operating temperature at
the
SaIne speed. Prolonged high speed operation on a hot day at the given
speed will
resuH in somewhatlower oil pressure readings. Readings of 205 to
275 kPa
(30 to 40 psi) may be considered normal during moderate road
speeds of 35 to 40 mph (55 to 60 km!h) with the engine at proper operating
temperature. Gage readings which are consistently high
or low under these conditions may indicate lubrication system and/ or engine malfunction.
Light Switch
The three· position light switch controls the headlights, taillights, paIking lights,
sidemaIker lights,
instrument lights and dome lights.
Instrument light intensity can be varied by turning knob clockwise or
counterclockwise. Full counterclockwise position turns on interior light.
The headlight circuit is protected by a circuit breaker in the
light switch. An overload on the breaker will cause the lights to "flicker" on and off. If this
condition
develops, have your headlight wiring checked immediately. The
headlight beaIn changer is located in the Turn Signal Lever; for operation see
Section 2 under heading "Turn Signal and Muiji-Function Lever."·
Headlight High Beam Indicator Light
The headlights of your vehicle have. high and low beams to provide you with
proper nighttime visibility for most driving conditions. The
"low" beams are
used during most city driving. The
"high" beams are especially useful when
driving on daIk roads since they provide long range illumination. The headlight
beam indicator light (located on the speedometer face) will be ON whenever
the high beams or "brights" are in use. The turn
signal lever controls the
headlight beaIns and is described in "Steering Column Controls."
2-24

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM OVERHEATING
If you see or hear escaping steam or have other reason to suspect there is a
serious overheat condition, stop and park the vehicle as soon as it is safe
to do so and turn off the engine immediately and get out of the vehicle.
The cooling system may overheat if the coolant level is too low, if there is a
sudden
loss of coolant (such as a worn hose splitting), or if other problems occur. It may also temporarily overheat during severe operating conditions
such as:
• climbing a long hill on a hot day,
• stopping after high-speed driving,
• idling for long periods in trallic, or
• towing a trailer.
I! the Engine Coolant Temperature light comes on (or if you have an Engine
Coolant Temperature gage and it shows an overheat condition), or you have
any reason to suspect the engine may be overheating:
• tfyour air conditioner is on, turn it off.
• If you are stopped in traffic, shift the transaxle to "N" (Neutral).
If the warning light does not go off (or engine coolant temperature does not
start to drop) within a minute
Or two:
• Pull over, stop and park the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
• Let the engine run at normal idle speed for two or three minutes.
I! the warning light does not go off (or engine coolant temperature does not
start to drop),
turn off the engine and get out of the car, then proceed as
follows:
CAUTION: To help avokt being burned:
• DO NOT OPEN ntE HOOD if you see or hear steam or coolant escaping from the engine compartment. Wait until no steam or coolant can be seen or heard before opening the hood.
• DO NOT REMOVE THE RADIATOR CAP or coolant RECOVERY TANK CAP IF THE COOLANT IN THE RECOVERY TANK IS BOIUNG. Also do not remove the radiator
cap while the engine and radiator are still hot Scalding fluid and steam can be blown out under pressure if eHher cap is taken off too soon.
I! no steam or coolant can be seen or heard, raise the engine hood. If the
coolant is boiling, wait until it stops before proceeding. Look at the
3-3

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTICE: H you need to replace the fuel cap, use only a cap specified for your model. An incorrect fuel cap can result in a serious maHunction of the fuel system or emission control system. You can get a correct replacement cap from your dealer.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
The catalytic converter is an emission control device added to the exhaust system to reduce exhaust gas pollutants. The converter contains
a ceramic material coated with noble metal catalysts. To prevent contamination
and loss of effectiveness of the catalysts. unleaded gasoline must be used.
Unleaded
gasoline also reduces spark plug fouling, exhaust system corrosion and engine oil deterioration. Leaded gasoline will also damage the oxygen
sensor
in the Computer Command Control system which could affect emission
control.
To help prevent damage:
1. Keep your engine properly maintained. Engine malfunctions involving the
electrical, carburetion, electronic fuel injection or ignition systems may
result in unusually high catalytic converter and exhaust system
temperatures which, under extreme malfunctioning conditions, may ignite
interior floor ·covering materials above the converter. Do not keep driving
your vehicle if you detect engine misfire, noticeable loss of
performance, or other unusual operating conditions. Instead, have it
serviced promptly. See the Maintenance Schedule folder for information on inspecting and maintaining the engine, exhaust system, and other
components.
2. Do not push or tow this vehicle to start it. This may result in unusually
high catalytic converter
and exhaust system temperatures which under
extreme conditions may ignite interior floor-covering material above the
converter.
Disregarding these instructions
could damage the catalytic converter, the vehicle, or nearby property and affect warranty coverage.
COMPUTER COMMAND CONTROL SYSTEM
Most vehicles sold in the United States (and some vehicles sold in Canada)
have the Computer Command Control system.
The Computer Command Control system monitors the exhaust stream with
an oxygen sensor. Based on sensor signals, the electronic control module adjusts
the air-fuel ratio
as needed. It is very important to use only unleaded
gasoline in vehicles equipped with the Computer Command Control system.
Leaded gasoline will damage the oxygen sensor,
and may affect emission
control.
"Check Engine" Light
Most vehicles sold in the United States (and some vehicles sold in Canada)
have the Computer Command Control system.
Vehicles
.with the Computer Command Control system, include a "CHECK
ENGINE" light
on the instrument panel designed to indicate the need for
system service. It will come on during engine starting to let you know the bulb
is working. (The
light will stay on a short time aiter the engine starts.) Have the
system repaired if the "CHECK ENGINE" light does not come on during engine
starting.
If the light comes on, either intermittently or continuously while driving,
service to the Computer Command Control system is required. Although in
5-2

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Choosing Oil Viscosity
Engine oil viscosity (thickness) has an effect on fuel economy. Lower viscosity
engine oils can provide better fuel economy; however, higher temperature
weather conditions require higher viscosity engine oils for satisfactory
lubrication.
Using oils of any viscosity other than those viscosities
recommended
could result in engine damage.
When choosing an oil, consider the range of temperature your Vehicle will be
operated in before the next oil change. Then, select the recommended oil viscosity from the following chart. If outside temperatures are not expected to
exceed
38°C (100°F) prior to your next oil change, SF-quality, SAE 5W-30
Energy-Conserving engine oil is the preferred viscosity grade.
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST SAE VISCOSITY GRADE OIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE.
HOT
WEATHER
OF °C
+100 +38
+ 40 +4 -
+ 20 + 10 0
-
20 -29 I-
(!)
COLD
WEATHER
1
:t~ ~!
i ,
SAE SW·30
SAE IOW·30
LOOK
FOR THIS
LABEL
SAE 15W-40
SAE VISCOSITY GRADE
LOWEST .. • HIGHEST
Energy Conserving Oils
It is recommended that you select an oil not only of the proper quality and
viscosity, but also a fuel-saving product. These oils can be found in dealer
service departments, service stations and other retail stores. They are
identified
by words such as: "Energy Conserving," "Energy Saving,"
"Conserves Gasoline,"
"Gas Saving," "Gasoline Saving," "Friction
Reducing," "Improved Gasoline Mileage," "Improved Fuel Economy" Or "Fuel
Saving."
5-4

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine The cooting system was filled at the factory with a quality coolant that meets
GM Specifications.
~ is important to use proper coolant to prevent damage to
cooling system components . Coolants meeting GM Specification 1825-M or
those specially formulated for aluminum co"1JOflent protection should be used.
The cooling system is designed to use coolant (a mixture of ethylene glycol ,
corrosion inhibitors and water) rather than plain water. The coolant solution
must be used year round
to provide:
• freezing protection down to -37'C (-34'F),
• boiling protection up to 128 'C (262'F),
• protection against rust and corrosion in the cooling system,
• the proper engine temperature for efficient operation and emission control,
and
• proper operation of the coolant temperature light or gage .
See the Maintenance Schedule folder to find out when the coolant must be
replaced . Note that changing the coolant is needed
to make certain that all
parts
of the cooling system work well.
.-~~~~--~-.
CooUng System Care
Check the cooling system at regular intervals, such as during fuel sI the engine hood and look at the "see through" coolant recovery tank. When Ih8 engine is cold, the coolant level should be at or slightly above the "Full
Cold' .' mark on the recovery ' tank. When the engine has fully warmed up, the
level should be at or slightly above the "Full Hot" mark on the recovery tank.
H·the coolant level is low, remove the cap on the coolant recovery tank. Add to the recovery tank enough of a SO/ SO mixture 01 water and a good quality
eIIlyIene gIyool antifreeze (meeting GM SpecWication 1825-M) to bfing the level
"" to the proper mark. Pui the cap back on the recovery tank.
CAUTION: Under some' condttlons . the ethytene glycol In engine' coolant is combultlble. To help Rold being burMCf when adding eoollnt, DO NOT spill It on the exhliUlt system or engine ~rtI tMt mIIy be haL tf there It any question,' have this .....,ice performed by .• quallftecl t.chnlclan.
Certain conditions, such as air trapped in the system, may effect the coolant level in the radiator . You should check the coolant level in the radiator at the
time you change the engine 011 and when the engine Is cold. Follow the steps
under
"Adding Coolant" for the correct way to remove the radiator cap and add coolant.
5-8