1995 CHEVROLET CAVALIER Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine When to Check and What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule to determine
how often you should
check the fluid level in
your clutch master
cylinder reservoir and
for the proper fluid. See
“Owner Checks and
Services” and
“Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants” in the
Index.
How to Check
You do not need to check the fluid level unless you
suspect a clutch problem. To check the fluid level, take
the cap
off. If the fluid reaches the step inside the
reservoir, the fluid level
is correct.
Engine Coolant
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low.
If you have a problem with
engine overheating, see “Engine Overheating” in the
Index.
The proper
coolant for your Chevrolet will:
0 Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 262°F (128°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
0 Help keep the proper engine temperature.
0 Let the warning lights work as they should.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clcn11 w:akr (preferably
distilled)
and one-half antifreeze that meets “GM
Specification 1825-M,” which won’t damage aluminum
parts.
You can also use a recycled coolant conforming to
GM Specification 1825-M with a complete coolant tllrsh
and refill. Use
GM Engine Coolant Supplement (sealer)
with any complete coolant flush and refill. If ~OLI use
this mixture, you don’t need to add anything else.
I NOTICE:
, If you use an improper coolant mix, your engine
could overheat and be badly damaged. The
repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the
mix can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and
other parts.
Adding Coolant
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine To Check Coolant To Add Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper mix at the
surge tank, but only when the engine is cool.
When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at
the FULL
COLD mark.
See “Low Coolant Light”
in
the Index. When replacing
the pressure
cap, make sure it is tight.
Surge Tank Pressure Cap
NOTICE:
Your surge tank cap is a 18 psi (124 kPa)
pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating.
If this light comes on, it means you’re low on engine
coolant. When
you replace your surge tank pressure cap, a GM
cap is recommended.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches
a preset temperature.
When
you replace your thermostat, an AC’ thermostat
is recommended.
Power Steering Fluid
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, unscrew the cap
and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap and
completely tighten
it. Then remove the cap again
and look at the fluid level
on the dipstick.
The level should be at the
H mark if the engine is warm,
or at the
C mark if the engine is cold. Add enough fluid
to bring the level up
to the mark.
A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired.
What to Add
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind
of fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubr’
nts” in the Index.
I NOTICE:
~~
When adding power steering fluid or making a
complete fluid change, always use the proper
fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid
can cause
leaks and damage hoses and seals.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle
in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use
a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
To Add
Open the cap labeled
WASHER FLUID ONLY.
Add washer fluid until the
tank
is full.
I NOTICE:
0
a
0
0
When using concentrated washer fluid,
follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
adding water.
Don’t mix water with ready-to-use washer
fluid. Water can cause the solution to freeze
and damage your washer fluid tank and
other parts
of the washer system. Also,
water doesn’t clean as well as washer fluid.
Fill your washer fluid tank only
3/4 full
when it’s very cold. This allows for
expansion, which could damage the tank
if
it is completely full.
Don’t use radiator antifreeze in your
windshield washer.
It can damage your
washer system and paint.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Brakes
Brake Master Cylinder
Your brake master cylinder is here. It is filled with
DOT-3 brake fluid.
There are only two reasons why the brake
fluid level in
your master cylinder might go down. The first is that the
brake fluid goes down to an acceptable level during
normal brake lining wear. When new linings are put
in,
the fluid level goes back up. The other reason is that fluid
is leaking out
of the brake system. If it is, you
should have your brake system fixed, since a leak means
that sooner or later your brakes won’t work well, or
won’t work
at all. So, it isn’t a good idea to “top off’
your brake fluid. Adding brake fluid won’t correct
a
leak. If you add fluid when your linings are worn, then
you’ll have too much fluid when you get new brake
linings.
You should add (or remove) brake fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. See “Brake System Warning
Light”
in the Index,
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3
brake fluid
-- such as Delco Supreme 11 @ (GM Part
No. 1052535). Use new brake fluid from a sealed
container only, and always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap before removing it.
NOTICE:
0
0
Don’t let someone put in the wrong kind of
fluid. For example, just
a few drops of
mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in
your brake system can damage brake
system parts
so badly that they’ll have to be
replaced.
Brake fluid can damage paint,
so be careful
not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle. If
you do, wash it off immediately. See
“Appearance Care” in the Index.
Brake Wear
Your Chevrolet has front disc brakes and rear drum
brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a
high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are
worn and new pads are needed. The sound may come and
go or be heard all the time your vehicle is moving (except
when
you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly).
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Your rear drum brakes don’t have wear indicators, but if
you ever hear a rear brake rubbing noise, have the rear
brake linings inspected. Also, the rear brake drums
should be removed and inspected each time the tires are
removed for rotation or changing. When
you have the
front brakes replaced, have the rear brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a moderate brake stop, your disc
brakes adjust for wear.
If you rarely make a moderate or
heavier stop, then your brakes might not adjust correctly.
If you drive in that way, then -- very carefully -- make
a few moderate brake stops about every
1,000 miles
(1 600 km), so your brakes will adjust properly. If
your brake pedal goes down farther than normal, your
rear drum brakes may need adjustment. Adjust them
by
backing up and firmly applying the brakes a few times.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a modern vehicle is complex. Its
many parts have
to be of top quality and work well
together if the vehicle is to have really good braking.
Vehicles we design and test have top-quality
GM brake
parts in them, as your Chevrolet does when it
is new.
When
you replace parts of your braking system -- for
example, when your brake linings wear down and you
have to have new ones put in
-- be sure you get new
genuine
GM replacement parts. If you don’t, your
brakes may no longer work properly. For example,
if
someone puts in brake linings that are wrong for your
vehicle, the balance between your front and rear brakes
can change
-- for the worse. The braking performance
you’ve come
to expect can change in many other ways if
someone puts in the wrong replacement brake parts.
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