1996 CHEVROLET CAVALIER oil dipstick

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 2.2L Engine (Code 4)
When you open the hood, you’ll see:
A. Coolant Surge Tank E. Brake Fluid Reservoir
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir F.
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid Reservoir (if equipped)
C. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick (if equipped)
G. Air Cleaner
D. Engine Oil Fill CapDipstick H. Battery
I. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 2.4L Engine (Code T)
When you open the hood, you’ll see:
I
A. Coolant Surge Tank
B. Engine Oil Fill Cap
C. Engine Oil Dipstick
D. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
E. Brake Fluid Reservoir
E Hydraulic Clutch Fluid Reservoir (if equipped)
G. Battery
H. Air Cleaner
I. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
6-9

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Engine Oil
CHECK
OIL
If the CHECK OIL light on
the instrument panel comes
on, it means you need to
check your engine oil level
right away.
For more
information,
see “Check Oil
Light” in the Index. You
should check your engine
oil level regularly; this is an
added reminder.
It’s a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
Check the
oil here if you
have a 2.2L engine. Check the
oil here if you have a
2.4L engine, the
dipstick’s handle will be a yellow ring.
Turn off the engine and give the oil a few minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don’t, the oil dipstick
might not show the actual level.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Checking Engine Oil
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in
all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.
When to Add Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD mark, then you’ll need
to add some oil. But you must use the right kind.
This
part explains what kind of oil to use. For crankcase
capacity, see “Capacities and Specifications”
in the Index.
~~
NOTICE:
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the upper
mark that shows the proper operating range,
your engine could be damaged.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine This is where you add oil if you have a 2.2L engine. This is where you add oil if you have a 2.4L engine.
Just fill it enough to put the level somewhere in the
proper operating range. Push
the dipstick all the way
back in when you’re through.
6-12

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Automatic Transaxle Fluid (Except 2.4L Code
T Engine)
When to Check and ~ anee
A good time to check your automauc transaxle fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the fluid and filter every
50,000 miles
(83
000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches
90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the fluid and filter do not require changing.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services’’ in the Index.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at your Chevrolet dealership
Service Department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transaxle.
Too much can mean that some of the
fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts
or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Be sure to
get
an accurate reading if you check your
transaxle fluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle
fluid level if you have been driving:
When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic -- especially in hot weather.
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 180”
F to 200” F
(82°C to 93°C).
Get
the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles
(24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50” F
(10°C). If it’s colder than 50°F (lOOC), you may have
to drive longer.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transaxle fluid to use. See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper
fluid to bring the level into the cross-hatched area on
the dipstick.
1. Pull out the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough fluid at the
dipstick hole to bring it to the proper level.
It doesn’t take much fluid, generally less than a pint
(OSL). Don’t overfill. We recommend you use only fluid
labeled DEXRON@-111, because fluid with that
label is made especially for your automatic transaxle.
Damage caused by fluid other than DEXRON@-I11 is
not covered by
your new vehicle warranty.
0 After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under “How to Check.”
When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
(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.
If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to your Chevrolet
dealer Service Department and have it repaired
as soon
as possible. You may also have your fluid level checked
by your dealer or service center when you have your
oil changed.
Manual Transaxle Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is
changed. However, the fluid in your manual transaxle
doesn’t require changing.
6-19