
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine SECTION 1
BEFORE DRIVING YOUR CAVALIER
TRANSAXLE
While reading this manual, you will nole many references 10 Ihe "transaxle." The transaxle is a transmission and differential (axle) combined in a singl ,e unit.
To avoid confusion, the word
"transaxle" will be used throughout this manual 10 refer to bolh Ihe transmission and differenlial funclions.
DRIVER DAILY CHECKUST
Be sure you know how to use your vehicle and its equipment before operating it
Before Entering the Vehicle
1. See that windows, mirrors and lights are clean and unobstructed.
2. If any lire does not look normal, check it with a pressure gage.
3. Look for fluid leaks .
4. Be sure everything is properly stowed.
5. Check the area behind the vehicle if you are about to back up.
__ Before Driving Off
1. Lock all doors.
2. Adjust the seat and any movable head restraint
3. Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
4. DO NOT allow anyone to ride where there is no seat belt ; and ALWAYS properly fasten the seat belt.
5. Check that all the warning lights work as the key is turned to "Run" or "Start"
6. Check all gages (including the fuel gage).
7 . Release the parking brake (and make sure the
"BRAKE " light turns .off).
See related topics in this manual
or the Maintenance Schedule folder H problems are found.
STOWING THINGS IN (OR ON) THE VEHICLE
CAUTION: Put luggage or cargo In the trunk, or rea' area if postible. Cargo weight,
whether In the trunk or rear area, should be located as far forward as possible. Cargo weight on the roof Shoukt be positioned .s evenly as possible. Secure all i1ems in place to help keep them -from being thrown about and injuring people during a cot"-ion or sudden maneuver. Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the seetbaCks. Do not place anything on the filler panel, or any cargo cover between the rear seat~.ck and window.
GUARD AGAINST THEFT
Your new Cava~er has many features to help prevent then of the vehicle, its
equipment, and contents. But these anti-then features
depend upon you to work.
t -1

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine DISC BRAKE WEAR INDICATORS
Front disc brake pads have buin-in wear indicators which should make a high
pitched squealing or cricket-like warning sound when the brake pads are worn
to where new pads are needed . The sound will oome and
go. or be heard all the time when the vehicle is moving and when the brake pedal is pushed down
firmly. Expensive rotor damage can result if pads are not replaced when needed. See also the brake checks listed in the Maintenance Schedule folder.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS
INSTRUMENTS
The instruments . gages and indicator lights conveniently grouped in the
instrument
cluster are designed to tell you at a glance many important things
about the performance of your Vehicle . The following information will enable
you to more quickly understand and properly interpret these instruments.
Speedometer
The speedometer hand indicates vehicle speed in miles per hour and
kilometers per hour.
Odometer
The group of figures in' the speedometer lower center section indicates the
accumulated mileage or kilometers .
Tamper-Resistant Odometer
Federal law prohibits tampering with vehicle odometers to aner accumulated
mileage. For your protection the odometer of this vehicle is designed with
tamper-resistant features to indicate
tarnpetiog . " silver lines appear vertically
between odometer numerals. it Is likely that the odometer has been turned
back or reversed . The mileage shown may not be actual. .
Whenever a new odometer is installed and cannot be set to the same mileage registered on the prior odometer . the law requires the owner to install a label
on thedriver's door frame to show the previous odometer reading and the date
of rep~. The · replacement odometer must then be set to zero . To
determine the actual vehicle
mileage. add the mileage shown on the label to . the current odometer reading. If the replacement odometer can be set up to
the same mileage as the prior odometer. no door frame
label is needed.
Trip Odometer
A trip odometer is used to record mileage on trips or during extended driving.
The trip odometer can be reset to zero by pushing the knob located in the
speedometer /odometer face until all zeros appear.
Fuei Gage
The fuel gage will register the APPAOXIMA TE fuel level in the tank. when the
ignition is in the RUN position .
When the gage registers EMPTY. some
fuel is still available as a reserve .
When the gage registers FULL. some additional fuel can still be added to the
tank . The fOllowing oonditions may be oonsidered normal:
•
Fuel station pump may shut off before fuel gage indicates FULL .
2-20

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 Headlight "ON" Warning Buzzer/Chime
The optional headlight reminder buzzer/chime provides an audible warning that the main light switch is in one 01 the "on" positions , either parking lights
or headlights.
The reminder buzzer/chime is activated only when the ignition switch is turned to "OFF," "LOCK" or "ACCESSORY" position and the lights are on.
When the parking lights
or headlights are to be operated with the key in the
OFF position, the reminder buzzer/chime can be shut off by turning the light
switch knob until the instrument cluster lights are not on,
CIgarette Ughter (Optional)
The cigarette lighter is located on the instrument pane! face. To operate, push
~ in. When ~ becomes heated, ~ automatically pops out ready for use. Avoid
holding the lighter in by hand while ~ is heating as damage to the heating
element may result.
Ashtray
The ashtray may be simply pulled out for cleaning:
• Open ashtray.
• Pull ashtray up and remove for cleaning .
•
Push ashtray back into bracket.
VENTILATION SYSTEM
Your vehicle has a flow through ventilation system that provides a supply of outside "ram" air into the vehicle ' when it is moving . When the vehicle is not in
motion you can get a steady flow of outside air into the car when the heater or
air conditioning blower is running.
With the side
windOws closed, the flow lIYough ventilation system provides
outside air flow into the front air inlet grilles, through the vehicle and out the
rear air exhaust valves. (See illustration .)
FRONT INLET
2-25
REAR BODY LOCK PILLAR EXHAUST

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine •
~-
SECTION 3
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
. FOUR·WAY HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
Use the hazard warning flasher to warn other drivers any time your vehicle becomes a traffic hazard. day or night. Avoid stopping on the roadway if possible, To turn it on. push the button (inside the collar) beneath the steering
wheelan the right of the steering column. The flasher should work with the
ignition either off or on .
The turn
signals do not work when the hazard flasher is on. On some vehicles. if the brake pedal is pushed down. the lights will not flash until the brake is
released. To turn off the flasher. pull the button collar out.
EMERGENCY STARTING YOUR VEHICI.E .DUE TO A
DISCHARGED BATTERY
H your vehicle will not start rue to a discharged battery. it can often be started
by using energy from another battery -a procedure called "jump starting."
NOnCE: Do not push or tow thl' vehicle to start It. Under some conditions this may damage the catalytlc ·converter or other parts of the vehicle. Alao, 'since this vehicle ,has a 12 volt bettery, be sure the vehlc .. or equiprnetlt used to jump start your engine Is also 12 volt. Use of any other type syltem mey damage the vehicle', electrical components.
Jump Starting Instructions
CAUTION: Battet1H productl .~ gases, contain corrosive acid and supply ~ls of electrical current hlgh enough &0 cause bums. Therefore, to reduce the risk of peraoMIlnjury when working near 8 banery:
• Always shield your ayes and avOid leaning over a MtttIry whenever possible.
• Do not expose a battery to open,'ftames or spark&.
• Be sure any batter. that have fll .... caps are properly filled with fluid.
• Do not _aDow battery acid to contact eyes or skin. Flush any contacted area with w8ter Immediately and thOrOughly. Mel get mecIcaI hMp.
• FoUow each -step in the jump at8rting Jnstructiona.
3-1

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine LAMP BULB DATA
RATING
APPLICATION BULB NO. QUANTITY CANOLEPOWER
FRONT LAMPS
Headlamp -Inner-Std. 4651 2 50 Watts
-Inner-Halogen H4651 2 50 Watts
-Outer 4652 2 60/40 Watts
Park & Turn Signal 2057 2 32
Sidemarker 194 2 2
REAR LAMPS
Back-up 1156 2 32
license -Exc. Wagon 194 1 2
-Wagon 194 2 2
Sidemarker 194 2 2
Tail & Stop -Exc. Wagon 2057 2 2/32
Tail, Stop & Turn Signal -Wagon 2057 2 2/32
Turn Signal -Exc. Wagon 1156 . 2 32
INTERIOR ILLUMINATION
Ale -Heater Control
I
168 1
3
Ash Tray 168 1 3 ~-..... -Auto Trans 168 1
3
Courtesy lamp 906
I
2 6
Dome Lamp Std. 561 1 12
Dome & Reading -Dome 562
I
1 6
-Reading 90 1 6
Glove Box 194 1 2
instrument Cluster 194/168 2/4 2/3
Luggage/Cargo -Exc. Wagon 1003
I
1 15
-Wagon 561 1 12
Radio Dial 194 1 2
U nderhood lamp 93 1 15
WARNING LIGHTS & INDICATORS
Brake 194 1 2
Check Engine 168 1 3
High Beam 194 1 2
Oil Pressure 194
I
1 2
Seat Belt 168 1 3
Tailgate Ajar 194 l' 2
Temperature 194 1 2
Turn Signal 194 2 2
Upshift
I
168 1 3
Volts (Batter) 194 1 2 y
6·3

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
8, 125 AMP)
r
CCl __ CD_:
OJ_COCD
CDC!J CDc::D
CD CIIl C!D r::m
em em em C!!l
,-II I~
1, SPARE
2, 13 AMPI
COMPUTER
COMMAND CONTROL CRANKING
3, CIRCUIT BREAKER (35 AMP)
POWER ACCESSORIES
4,110AMP)
RADIO, CRUISE CONTROL
5, 15 AMPI
INSTRUMENT PANEL LAMPS
HEADLAMP MINDER
6, CIRCUIT BREAKER (35 AMP)
POWER WINDOWS
7, 120 AMP)
COURTESY LIGHTS, HORN
AUDIBLE WARNING SYSTEM
CIGAR
LIGHTER, DOOR LOCKS
CLOCK,
TRUNK RELEASE
6-5
WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
9, 120 AMP)
GAGES/WARNING INDICATOR
AUDIBLE WARNING SYSTEM
COMPUTER COMMAND
CONTROL
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER
REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER
10,125
AMP)
HEATER/AIR
CONDITIONER
11,120 AMP)
PARK & SIDE MARKER LAMPS
LICENSE
LAMP
12,SPARE
13,120 AMP)
TURN SIGNAL LAMPS
BACK-UP LAMPS
14,120 AMP)
CHOKE HEATER
COOLANT FAN
15,(20 AMP)
STOP LAMPS
HAZARD LAMPS
16,110 AMP)
FUEL PUMP
17,110 AMP)
COMPUTER COMMAND
CONTROL

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-'