
MFaulty ignition coil (Chapter 5).
MUneven or low cylinder compressions (Chapter 2A).
MBlocked carburettor jet(s) or internal passages - carburettor
models (Chapter 4A).
MBlocked injector/fuel injection system fault - fuel-injected models
(Chapter 4B).
Engine hesitates on acceleration
MWorn, faulty or incorrectly gapped spark plugs (Chapter 1).
MVacuum leak at the carburettor/throttle body, inlet manifold or
associated hoses (Chapter 4A or 4B).
MBlocked carburettor jet(s) or internal passages - carburettor
models (Chapter 4A).
MBlocked injector/fuel injection system fault - fuel-injected models
(Chapter 4B).
Engine stalls
MVacuum leak at the carburettor/throttle body, inlet manifold or
associated hoses (Chapter 4A or 4B).
MFuel filter choked (Chapter 1).
MFuel pump faulty, or delivery pressure low (Chapter 4A or 4B).
MFuel tank vent blocked, or fuel pipes restricted (Chapter 4A or 4B).
MBlocked carburettor jet(s) or internal passages - carburettor
models (Chapter 4A).
MBlocked injector/fuel injection system fault - fuel-injected models
(Chapter 4B).
Engine lacks power
MTiming belt incorrectly fitted or tensioned (Chapter 2A or 2B).
MFuel filter choked (Chapter 1).
MFuel pump faulty, or delivery pressure low (Chapter 4A or 4B).
MUneven or low cylinder compressions (Chapter 2A).
MWorn, faulty or incorrectly gapped spark plugs (Chapter 1).
MVacuum leak at the carburettor/throttle body, inlet manifold or
associated hoses (Chapter 4A or 4B).
MBlocked carburettor jet(s) or internal passages - carburettor
models (Chapter 4A).
MBlocked injector/fuel injection system fault - fuel-injected models
(Chapter 4B).
MBrakes binding (Chapters 1 and 9).
MClutch slipping (Chapter 6).
Engine backfires
MTiming belt incorrectly fitted or tensioned (Chapter 2A or 2B).
MVacuum leak at the carburettor/throttle body, inlet manifold or
associated hoses (Chapter 4A or 4B).
MBlocked carburettor jet(s) or internal passages - carburettor
models (Chapter 4A).
MBlocked injector/fuel injection system fault - fuel-injected models
(Chapter 4B).
Oil pressure warning light illuminated with engine
running
MLow oil level, or incorrect oil grade (Chapter 1).
MFaulty oil pressure warning light switch (Chapter 12).
MWorn engine bearings and/or oil pump (Chapter 2A).
MHigh engine operating temperature (Chapter 3).
MOil pressure relief valve defective (Chapter 2A).
MOil pick-up strainer clogged (Chapter 2A).
Engine runs-on after switching off
MExcessive carbon build-up in engine (Chapter 2A).
MHigh engine operating temperature (Chapter 3).
MFaulty fuel cut-off solenoid - carburettor models (Chapter 4A).
MFuel injection system fault - fuel-injected models (Chapter 4B).
Engine noises
Pre-ignition (pinking) or knocking during acceleration or
under load
MIgnition timing incorrect/ignition system fault (Chapters 1 and 5).
MIncorrect grade of spark plug (Chapter 1).
MIncorrect grade of fuel (Chapter 1).
MVacuum leak at the carburettor/throttle body, inlet manifold or
associated hoses (Chapter 4A or 4B).
MExcessive carbon build-up in engine (Chapter 2A).
MBlocked carburettor jet(s) or internal passages - carburettor
models (Chapter 4A).
MBlocked injector/fuel injection system fault - fuel-injected models
(Chapter 4B).
Whistling or wheezing noises
MLeaking inlet manifold or carburettor/throttle body gasket
(Chapter 4A or 4B).
MLeaking exhaust manifold gasket or pipe-to-manifold joint
(Chapter 4C).
MLeaking vacuum hose (Chapters 4A, 4B, 4C, 5, 9 and 12).
MBlowing cylinder head gasket (Chapter 2A or 2B).
Tapping or rattling noises
MWorn valve gear or camshaft (Chapter 2A or 2B).
MAncillary component fault (coolant pump, alternator, etc.)
(Chapters 3, 5, etc.).
Knocking or thumping noises
MWorn big-end bearings (regular heavy knocking, perhaps less
under load), (Chapter 2A or 2B).
MWorn main bearings (rumbling and knocking, perhaps worsening
under load), (Chapter 2A or 2B).
MPiston slap (most noticeable when cold), (Chapter 2A).
MAncillary component fault (coolant pump, alternator, etc.)
(Chapters 3, 5, etc.).
REF•14Fault Finding
Engine (continued)

Excessive fuel consumption
MAir filter element dirty or clogged (Chapter 1).
MChoke cable incorrectly adjusted, or choke sticking - carburettor
models (Chapter 4A).
MFuel injection system fault - fuel-injected models (Chapter 4B).
MIgnition timing incorrect/ignition system fault (Chapters 1 and 5).
MTyres under-inflated (Chapter 1).
Fuel leakage and/or fuel odour
MDamaged or corroded fuel tank, pipes or connections (Chapter 4A
or 4B).
MCarburettor float chamber flooding (float height incorrect) -
carburettor models (Chapter 4A).
Excessive noise or fumes from exhaust system
MLeaking exhaust system or manifold joints (Chapters 1 and 4C).
MLeaking, corroded or damaged silencers or pipe (Chapters 1 and 4C).
MBroken mountings causing body or suspension contact (Chapter 1).
Pedal travels to floor - no pressure or very little
resistance
MBroken clutch cable (Chapter 6).
MIncorrect clutch cable adjustment (Chapter 6).
MBroken clutch release bearing or fork (Chapter 6).
MBroken diaphragm spring in clutch pressure plate (Chapter 6).
Clutch fails to disengage (unable to select gears).
MIncorrect clutch cable adjustment (Chapter 6).
MClutch disc sticking on transmission input shaft splines (Chapter 6).
MClutch disc sticking to flywheel or pressure plate (Chapter 6).
MFaulty pressure plate assembly (Chapter 6).
MClutch release mechanism worn or incorrectly assembled (Chapter 6).
Clutch slips (engine speed increases, with no
increase in vehicle speed).
MIncorrect clutch cable adjustment (Chapter 6).
MClutch disc linings excessively worn (Chapter 6).MClutch disc linings contaminated with oil or grease (Chapter 6).
MFaulty pressure plate or weak diaphragm spring (Chapter 6).
Judder as clutch is engaged
MClutch disc linings contaminated with oil or grease (Chapter 6).
MClutch disc linings excessively worn (Chapter 6).
MClutch cable sticking or frayed (Chapter 6).
MFaulty or distorted pressure plate or diaphragm spring (Chapter 6).
MWorn or loose engine or transmission mountings (Chapter 2A or 2B).
MClutch disc hub or transmission input shaft splines worn (Chapter 6).
Noise when depressing or releasing clutch pedal
MWorn clutch release bearing (Chapter 6).
MWorn or dry clutch pedal bushes (Chapter 6).
MFaulty pressure plate assembly (Chapter 6).
MPressure plate diaphragm spring broken (Chapter 6).
MBroken clutch disc cushioning springs (Chapter 6).
Fault Finding REF•15
REF
Overheating
MInsufficient coolant in system (Chapter 1).
MThermostat faulty (Chapter 3).
MRadiator core blocked, or grille restricted (Chapter 3).
MElectric cooling fan or thermoswitch faulty (Chapter 3).
MPressure cap faulty (Chapter 3).
MIgnition timing incorrect/ignition system fault (Chapters 1 and 5).
MInaccurate temperature gauge sender unit (Chapter 3).
MAirlock in cooling system (Chapter 1).
Overcooling
MThermostat faulty (Chapter 3).
MInaccurate temperature gauge sender unit (Chapter 3).
External coolant leakage
MDeteriorated or damaged hoses or hose clips (Chapter 1).
MRadiator core or heater matrix leaking (Chapter 3).
MPressure cap faulty (Chapter 3).
MWater pump seal leaking (Chapter 3).
MBoiling due to overheating (Chapter 3).
MCore plug leaking (Chapter 2A).
Internal coolant leakage
MLeaking cylinder head gasket (Chapter 2A or 2B).
MCracked cylinder head or cylinder bore (Chapter 2A or 2B).
Corrosion
MInfrequent draining and flushing (Chapter 1).
MIncorrect coolant mixture or inappropriate coolant type (Chapter 1).
Cooling system
Clutch
Fuel and exhaust systems

oil and filter renewal - 0•17, 1•2, 1•9
oil cooler - 2B•10
oil level - 0•12
oil pump - 2A•28, 2B•9
piston rings - 2A•30
piston/connecting rod - 2A•29
removal - 2A•8, 2B•3
SOHC - 2A•1 et seq
sump - 2A•27, 2B•9
timing belt - 2A•13, 2B•3, 2B•6
undershield - 11•13
valve lifters - 2A•24, 2B•9
valves - 2A•5, 2B•2
Environmental considerations- REF•4
Exhaust manifold- 4C•5
Exhaust system check- 1•11, 4C•5
Expansion tank- 3•5
FFan (radiator)- 3•5
Fault diagnosis- REF•12 et seq
automatic transmission - REF•12, REF•16
braking system - REF•12, REF•17
clutch - REF•12, REF•15
cooling system - REF•12, REF•15
driveshafts - REF•12, REF•16
electrical system - REF•12, REF•18
engine - REF•12, REF•13
fuel and exhaust systems - REF•12, REF•15
manual transmission - REF•12, REF•16
steering - REF•12, REF•17
suspension - REF•12, REF•17
Flexplate (automatic transmission)- 2A•26
Flushing (cooling system)- 3•2
Flywheel- 2A•26
Foglamp- 12•11
Fuel and exhaust (carburettor) systems-
4A•1 et seq
Fuel and exhaust (fuel injection) systems-
4B•1 et seq
Fuel and exhaust systems - emissions-
4C•1 et seq
Fuel and exhaust systems:
accelerator cable - 4A•5
accelerator pedal - 4A•5
air box - 4B•5
air cleaner - 1•3, 1•13, 4A•3, 4B•4
air pump/cut off valve - 4C•2
air temperature control - 4B•5
airflow meters - 4B•12
automatic choke - 4A•9
carbon canister - 4C•4
carburettor - 4A•5, 4A•11
catalytic converter - 4C•3
control unit - 4B•16
depressurising fuel system - 4B•5
EGR components - 4C•2
exhaust manifold - 4C•5
exhaust system check - 1•11, 4C•5
fault diagnosis - REF•12, REF•15
filler cap - 11•13
fuel filters - 1•3, 1•14, 4B•6
fuel flow damper - 4B•8
fuel injector(s) - 4B•13
fuel level sender unit - 4A•4, 4B•8
fuel pressure regulator - 4B•10
fuel pump - 4A•3, 4B•6fuel tank - 4A•4, 4B•7
fuel vapour separator - 4A•4
idle speed/mixture adjustment - 4A•7,
4A•12, 4B•9, 4B•11
inlet manifold - 4A•12, 4B•17
knock sensor - 4B•17
lambda sensor - 4C•4
manifolds - 4A•12, 4B•17, 4C•5
mixture (CO) - 4A•7, 4A•12, 4B•9
oxygen sensor - 4C•4
Pierburg 2E3 - 4A•5
potentiometer - 4B•12, 4B•16
throttle cable - 4A•5
throttle pedal - 4A•5
Fuses- 12•1, 12•3
GGear selector linkage- 7A•2
Gearbox - see Manual or Automatic
transmission
Gearbox oil- 0•17, 1•2, 1•15
Gearchange lever- 7A•3
Glass- 11•9
Glossary of technical terms- REF•20
Glove compartment- 11•18
HHandbrake adjustment- 9•18
Handbrake cables- 9•19
Handbrake lever- 9•20
Handles (door)- 11•7
Hazard warning switch- 12•4
Headlamp alignment- 12•10
Headlamp unit- 12•9
Headlining- 11•19
Heater blower motor switch- 12•4
Heater control panel- 3•6
Heater matrix- 3•7
Heating systems- 3•1 et seq
Horn- 12•8
Hose and fluid leak check- 0•9, 1•9
Hoses brake- 9•18
IIdle speed/mixture/adjustment- 4A•7,
4A•12, 4B•9, 4B•11
Ignition coil- 5•9
Ignition switch- 12•3
Ignition system- 5•2
Igniton timing- 5•2, 5•13
Indicator lamps- 12•11
Indicator switch- 12•4
Injector(s)- 4B•13
Inlet manifold- 4A•12, 4B•17
Input shaft (clutch) oil seal- 7A•4
Instrument panel- 12•6
Interior lamps- 12•8
Interior trim panels- 11•14
Introduction to the Vauxhall Cavalier- 0•4
JJacking and vehicle support- REF•5
Jump starting- 0•7
KKickdown switch - 7B•3
Knock sensor- 4B•17
LLambda sensor- 4C•4
Lamps- 12•8, 12•9
Leaks- 0•9, 1•9
Light switch- 12•4
Locks bonnet- 11•4
Locks door- 11•8
Locks tailgate- 11•6
Lubricants and fluids- 0•17
MMain and big-end bearings- 2A•31
Maintenance - see Routine maintenance
Maintenance schedule- 1•4
Manifolds- 4A•12, 4B•17, 4C•5
Manual transmission- 7A•1 et seq
differential bearing oil seals - 7A•3
fault diagnosis - REF•12, REF•16
gear selector linkage - 7A•2
gearbox oil - 0•17, 1•2, 1•15
gearchange lever - 7A•3
input shaft (clutch) oil seal - 7A•4
overhaul -7A•5
removal and refitting - 7A•4
reversing lamp switch - 7A•6
speedometer drive - 7A•6
Master cylinder (brake)- 9•13
Mirrors- 11•11
Mixture (CO)- 4A•7, 4B•9
MOT test checks- REF•8
Mountings (engine/transmission)- 2A•12,
2B•3
NNumber plate lamp- 12•11
OOil change- 0•17, 1•2, 1•9
Oil cooler- 2B•10
Oil filter- 1•2, 1•9
Oil pressure warning lamp switch- 12•5
Oil pump- 2A•28, 2B•9
Oil seals:
differential bearing - 7A•3
general - REF •4
camshaft - 2A•18, 2B•6
crankshaft - 2A•26, 2B•6, 2B•9
Oils- 0•17, 1•2
Open-circuit, finding - 12•2
Oxygen sensor- 4C•4
PPads (brake)- 9•4
Paintwork damage- 11•2
Parts- REF•3
Pedals
brake - 9•21
clutch - 6•3
throttle - 4A•5
REF•26Index