1997 CHEVROLET CAVALIER check engine

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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.)
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace blade
inserts that appear
worn or damaged or that streak or
miss areas
of the windshield. Also see “Wiper Blades,
Cleaning” in the Index.
Manual Transaxle Check
Check the transaxle fluid level; add if needed. See
“Manual Transaxle” in the Index. Check for leaks. A
fluid loss may indicate a problem. Have the system
inspected and repair if needed.
Automatic Transaxle 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.
Hydraulic 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.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine At Least Once a Year
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
A CAUTION:
_. 7
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.
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.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Brake-Transaxle 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.
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition 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).
0 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.
Turn the steering wheel to the left and to the right. It
should only lock when turned to the right.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P)
Mechanism Check
I A CAUTION:
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. 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’s holding ability: 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.
0 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.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine ke System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, 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.
CalipedKnuckle Maintenance Inspection
If you operate your vehicle in a highly corrosive
environment, as indicated by the shaded areas
on
the map following this text, your vehicle may require
additional brake service. Refer to the appropriate
GM Service Bulletin for the proper caliper inspection
procedure. As necessary, caliper pins and knuckle brake
pad abutments should be lubricated at every other tire
rotation. Also, see your
GM dealer’s service department
or qualified service center for additional information.
7-47

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

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 1997 CHEVROLET/GEO SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION
The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be purchased by filling out
the Service Publication Order Form in this book and mailing it in with your check, money order,
or credit card information to Helm, Incorporated (address
below.)
CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 1997 CHEVROLET/GEO
SERVICE MANUALS
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information
on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes,
electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$90.00
TRANSMISSION, TRANSAXLE, TRANSFER CASE UNIT REPAIR MANUAL
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments and specifications for the
1997 GM transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$40.00
SERVICE BULLETINS
Service Bulletins give technical service information needed
to knowledgeably service General Motors cars and trucks.
Each bulletin contains instructions to assist in the
diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
PLEASE COMPLETE THE ORDER FORM SHOWN ON
THE FOLLOWING PAGE AND MAIL TO:
Helm, tncorporated P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207
OWNER'S INFORMATION
Owner publications are written directly for Owners and
intended to provide basic operational information about the
vehicle. The owner's manual
will include the Maintenance
Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner's Manual and
Warranty Booklet. RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$1 5.00
Without Portfolio: Owner's Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$1 0.00
CURRENT & PAST MODEL ORDER FORMS
Service Publications are available for current and past
model GM vehicles.
To request an order form, please
specify year and model name of the vehicle.
OR ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-782-4356
Monday-Friday 8:OO AM - 6:OO PM Eastern Tme
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover)

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information wlthln 30 days of delivery. On returns, a re-stocking fee may be applied (Monday-Friday 8:OO AM - 6:OO PM EST)
service. If further mformatlon is needed, write to the address s R own below or call (NOTE: for Credit Card Holders Only)
Orders will be mailed within 10 days of receipt. Please allow ade uate time for postal
1-800-782-4356 1-800-782-4356. Material cannot be returned for credit without packing slip with return
FAX Orders Only 1-31 3-865-5927 against the orlglnal order.
PUBLICATION FORM
ITEM DESCRIPTION VEHICLE MODEL QTym EACH" PRICE TOTAL
NUMBER NAME YEAR PRICE
Service Manual 1997 $90.00
Car
& Light Truck
Transmlsslon Unit Repair 1997 $40.00
Owner's Manual In Portfolio 1997 $1
5.00
Owner's Manual Without Portfolio 1997 $10.00
1:
9
9
7
G' I I I I I I
NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealer or company name, an\
d also the
name of the person to whose attention the shipment should be sent.
Mail completed order form to:
For purchases outside U.S.A. please write to the above address for quotation.
HELM, INCORPORATED P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207
(CUSTOMER'S NAME) (ATTENTION)
(STREET
ADDRESSNO
P.O. BOX NUMBERS)
(CITY) (STATE)
(ZIP CODE)
DAYTIME TELEPHONE NO.
0
AREA CODE
GM-CHE-ORD97 Prices are subject to change without notice and without incurring o *L ligation. Allow ample time for delivery.)
~~
P
A
Y
M
E
N
T
-
Check or Money
Order payable to Helm, Inc. (USA funds
only - do nut send cash.)
~-~ -
0 Mastercard
VISA
n
Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are quoted in US. funds. Canadian residents
are to make checks payable in U.S. funds. To cover Canadian postage, add $11.50 plus the U.S. order processing.