1996 CHEVROLET CAVALIER check engine

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed below are owner checks and services which
should be performed at the intervals specified to help
ensure the safety, dependability and emission control
perfoJmance of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your vehicle,
make sure they are the proper ones, as shown in
Part D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant to
pe$orrn these underhood checks at each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if necessary.
See ‘Engine Oil”
in the Index for further details.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add the proper
coolant mix if necessary. See “Engine Coolant” in the
Index for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the
windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid if necessary.
See “Windshield Washer Fluid” in the Index
for further details.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation Check
Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures. See
“Tires” in the Index for further details.
Cassette Deck Service
Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every
50 hours of tape play. See “Audio Systems” in the
Index for further details.
At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are
working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged
safety belt system parts.
If you see anything that might
keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it
repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and
have them repaired or replaced. (The
air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
7-38

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Manual Transaxle Check
Check the transaxle fluid level; add if needed. See
“Manual Transaxle” in the Index. A fluid loss may
indicate
a problem. Check the system and repair if needed.
At Least Once a Year
Automatic TLansaxle Check (Except 2.4L Code
T Engine)
Check the transaxle fluid level; add if needed. See
“Automatic Transaxle”
in the Index. A fluid loss may
indicate
a problem. Check the system and repair if needed.
Automatic Transaxle Inspection (2.4L Code
T Engine Only)
If you have the optional 2.4L Code T engine (see “Engine
Identification”
in the Index) and an automatic transaxle, it is
not necessary to check the transaxle fluid level.
A transaxle
fluid leak is the only reason for fluid loss. Check for leaks\
.
If a
leak occurs,
take the vehicle to your Chevrolet dealership
Service Department and have it repaired
as soon as possible.
You may
also have your fluid checked by your dealer or
service center when you have your engine
oil changed.
HyG lulic Clutch System Check
Check the fluid level in the clutch reservoir. See
“Hydraulic Clutch Fluid” in the Index.
A fluid loss in
this system could indicate a problem. Have the system
inspected and repaired at once.
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
specified
in Part D.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all body door and rear compartment hinges. Also lubricate all hinges and latches, including those for
the primary and secondary hood latches, glove box door,
console door and any folding seat hardware.
Part D tells
you what to use. More frequent lubrication may be
required when exposed to a corrosive environment.
Starter Switch Check
I A CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly.
If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 2. Firmly apply both the parking brake (see “Parking
Brake” in the Index
if necessary) and the regular brake.
NOTE: Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be
ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. On automatic transaxle vehicles, try to start the
engine in each gear. The starter should work only in
PARK
(P) or NEUTRAL (N). If the starter works in
any other position, your vehicle needs service.
On manual transaxle vehicles, put the shift lever in
NEUTRAL
(N), push the clutch down halfway and
try to start the engine. The starter should work only
when the clutch is pushed down all the way to the
floor. If the starter works when the clutch isn’t
pushed all the way down, your vehicle needs service.
Brake-Tkansaxle Shift Interlock (BTSI) Check
(Automatic Transaxle)
When
you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around
the vehicle. It should be parked
on a level surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake (see “Parking Brake”
in the Index if necessary).
NOTE: Be ready to apply the regular brake
immediately
if the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the key to the RUN position,
but don’t start the engine. Without applying the regular
brake,
try to move the shift lever out of PARK (P)
with normal effort. If the shift lever moves out of
PARK (P), your vehicle’s BTSI needs service.
Steering Column Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the key to LOCK in each shift lever position.
‘With an automatic transaxle, the key should turn to
LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK
(P).
With a manual transaxle, the key should turn to LOCK
only when the shift lever is
in REVERSE (R).
On vehicles with a key release button, try to turn the key
to LOCK without pressing the button. The key should
turn to LOCK only when you press the key button.
On all vehicles, the key should come out only in LOCK.
I
- -
I Turn the steering wheel to the left and to the right. It
should only lock when turned to the right.
7-40

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine :..
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P)
Mechanism Check
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin
to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front
of your vehicle in case
it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular
brake
at once should the vehicle begin to move.
I
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.
To check the parking brake: With the engine running
and transaxle in NEUTRAL
(N), slowly remove foot
pressure from the regular brake pedal.
Do this until
the vehicle is held by the parking brake only.
To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to PARK (P). Then
release all brakes.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
7-41

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed below are inspections and services which should be
performed at least twice a year (for instance, each spring
and
fall). You should let your GM dealer’s service
department or other qualified service center do these jobs.
Make sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found
in a Chevrolet service manual. See “Service and
Owner Publications” in the Index.
Steering, Suspension and Front-Wheel-Drive
Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering system
for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs
of wear, or lack
of lubrication. Inspect the power steering lines and hoses
for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
Clean and then inspect the drive axle boot seals for
damage, tears or leakage. Replace seals
if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body near
the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged, missing or
out-of-position
parts as well as open seams, holes, loose
connections, or other conditions
which could cause a heat build-up in the floor pan or could let exhaust fumes into
the vehicle, See “Engine Exhaust”
in the Index.
Radiator and Heater Hose Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace as needed.
Throttle Linkage Inspection
Inspect the throttle linkage for interference or binding,
and for damage or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace any cables that have high effort or
excessive wear.
Do not lubricate accelerator and cruise
control cables.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hookup, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors for
surface condition.
Also inspect drum brake linings for
wear and cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including
drums, wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc.
Check parking brake adjustment. You may need to have
your brakes inspected more often if your driving habits
or conditions result
in frequent braking.
7-42

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Part E: Maintenance Record Any additional information from “Owner Checks and Services” or “Periodic Maintenance” can be added on
After the scheduled services are performed, record the the following record pages. Also, you should retain
all
date, odometer reading and who performed the service maintenance recei\
pts. Your owner information portfolio
in the boxes provided after the maintenance interval. is a convenient \
place to store them.
7-45

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 0 Section 9 Index
Adapter Kits. CD .............................. 3-16
AirBag
....................................... 1-19
How Does it Restrain
.......................... 1-23
How it Works
................................ 1-21
Location
.................................... 1-21
Readiness Light
......................... 1.20. 2.66
Servicing
................................... 1-24
What Makes
it Inflate .......................... 1-22
What Will You See After it Inflates
............... 1-23
When Should
it Inflate ......................... 1-22
Air Cleaner
.................................... 6- 15
Air Conditioning
................................ 3-4
Alignment and Balance. Tire
...................... 6-41
Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning
...................... 6-49
Antenna. Fixed
................................. 3-24
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
................ 2.68. 4.6
Brakes
...................................... 4-6
Anti.Theft. Radio
.............................. 3-20
Antifreeze
..................................... 6-22
Appearance Care Materials
....................... 6-5 1
Air Conditioning Refrigerants ..................... 6-58
Appearancecare
............................... 6-43
Arbitration Program .............................. 8-7
Audio Equipment. Adding
........................ 3-23
Audio Systems
.................................. 3-7
Auto-Down Window
............................ 2-29
Automatic Overdrive
............................ 2-19
Automatic Transaxle Check
...................................... 7-39
Fluid
.................................. 6.17. 6.19
Operation
................................... 2-16
Park Mechanism Check
........................ 7-41
Shifting
..................................... 2-16
Startine Your Engine
.......................... 2-12
Ashtrays
...................................... 2-47
Battery
...................................... 6.3 1
Charging System Light ........................ 2-66
Jump Starting
................................. 5-2
Replacement. Keyless Entry
..................... 2-6
Saver
...................................... 2-43
Warnings
.................................... 5-2
BBB Auto Line
................................. 8-7
9-1

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Better Business Bureau Mediation ................... 8-7
Brake Adjustment
.................................. 6-3 1
Master Cylinder ............................... 6-28
Parking
..................................... 2-23
System Warning Light
......................... 2-67
Fluid
....................................... 6-28
Pedal Travel
.................................. 6-3 1
Replacing System Parts ........................ 6-31
Trailer
...................................... 4-37
Transaxle Shift Interlock Check
.................. 7-40
Wear
....................................... 6-30
Brakes. Anti-Lock
............................... 4-6
Braking
........................................ 4-5
Braking in Emergencies
........................... 4-9
Break-In. New Vehicle
........................... 2-9
BTSICheck
................................... 7-40
Bulb Replacement
...... .................. 6-32. 6-57
Brightness Control
.............................. 2-41
Canadian Roadside Assistance
.................... 8-6
Capacities and Specifications
...................... 6-58
Carbon Monoxide
............... 2.27.2.28.4.28. 4.37
Cassette Deck Service
........................... 7-38
Cassette Tape Player ....................... 3.10. 3.12
Cassette Tape Player Care
........................ 3-24
CD Adapter Kits
............................... 3- 16
CD Player Theft-Deterrent Feature ................. 3-20
Center Console Storage Area
...................... 2-45
Center Rear Passenger Position
.................... 1-31
Certification Label
.............................. 4-32
Certificatiooire Label
.................. ; ....... 4-31
Chains. Safety
................................. 4-37
Chains. Tire
................................... 6-43
Changing a Flat Tire
............................. 5-21
Check Engine Light
............................. 2-71
CheckGagesLight
.............................. 2-75
CheckOilLight
................................ 2-74
Checking
Your Restraint Systems .................. 1-46
Chemical Paint Spotting
.......................... 6-50
Child Restraints
................................ 1-35
Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position
........... 1-37
Securing
in the Center Rear Seat Position .......... 1-39
Securing
in the Passenger Seat Position ........... 1-40
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position
.......... 1-40
TopStrap
................................... 1-36
WheretoPut
................................ 1-35
Cigarette Lighter
............................... 2-47
Circuit Breakers
and Fuses ....................... 6-53
Cleaner. Air ................................... 6-15
Cleaning
...................................... 6-43
Aluminum Wheels
............................ 6-49
Convertible
Top .............................. 6-48
Fabric ...................................... 6-44
Glass
....................................... 6-47
9-2 .