1997 CHEVROLET CAVALIER weight

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Three important considerations have to do with weight:
the weight of the trailer,
the weight of the trailer tongue
and the total weight on your vehicle’s tires.
Weight of the Trailer
Your vehicle can tow normally up to 1,000 lbs. (450 kg).
It depends
on how you plan to use your rig. For
example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature and how much your vehicle is used to pull a
trailer are
all important. And, it can also depend on any
special equipment that you have on your vehicle.
You can ask your dealer for our trailering information
or
advice, or you can write us at:
Chevrolet Motor Division
Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 7047
Troy, MI 48007-7047
In Canada, write to:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario
LlH 8P7
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important
weight to measure because it affects the total capacity
weight of your vehicle. The capacity weight includes the
curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo
you may carry in
it, and the people who will be riding in the vehicle. And
if you will tow a trailer, you must subtract the tongue
load from your vehicle’s capacity weight because your
vehicle will be carrying that weight, too. See “Loading
Your Vehicle” in the Index for more information about
your vehicle’s maximum load capacity.
L3
B

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine If you’re using a weight-carrying hitch, the trailer
tongue
(A) should weigh 10 percent of the total loaded
trailer weight
(B). If you have a weight-distributing
hitch, the trailer tongue
(A) should weigh 12 percent
of the total loaded trailer weight
(B).
After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and
then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are
proper.
If they aren’t, you may be able to get them right
simply by moving some items around in the trailer.
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the upper
limit for cold tires. You’ll find these numbers on the
Tire-Loading Information Label at the rear edge
of the
driver’s door, or see “Loading Your Vehicle’’
in the Index.
Then
be sure you don’t go over the GVW limit for your
vehicle, including the weight of the trailer tongue.
Hitches
It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are
a few reasons why you’ll need the right hitch. Here
are
some rules to follow:
0 The bumpers on your vehicle are not intended for
hitches.
Do not attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches to them. Use only a
frame-mounted hitch that does not attach to
the bumper.
0 Will you have to make any holes in the body of your
vehicle when you install a trailer hitch? If you do,
then be sure to seal the holes later when you remove
the hitch. If you don’t seal them, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get into your
vehicle (see “Carbon Monoxide” in the Index). Dirt and water can,
too.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue
of the trailer
so that the tongue will not drop to the road
if it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions
about safety chains may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the
manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching safety
chains and do not attach them to the bumper. Always
leave just enough slack
so you can turn with your rig.
And, never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Does your trailer have its own brakes? Be sure to read
and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes
so
you’ll be able to install, adjust and maintain them
properly. Because you have anti-lock brakes, do not try
to tap into your vehicle’s brake system. If you do, both
brake systems won’t work well, or at all.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get
to
know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the
trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving
is now
a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle
is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform (and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you
would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This
can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when
you’re towing a trailer. And, because you’re a good deal
longer, you’ll need to go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine FrontTowing .................................. 5-10
Fuel .......................................... 6-3
Filling Your Tank
.............................. 6-6
Gage ....................................... 2-78
In Foreign Countries
........................... 6-5
Fuses and Circuit Breakers ....................... 6-59
Gages Engine Coolant Temperature
.................... 2-72
Fuel
....................................... 2-78
Speedometer
....................... 2-64.2-65. 2.66
Tachometer
............................. 2.65. 2.67
GAWR
....................................... 4-34
Gear Positions. Automatic Transaxle
................ 2- 19
Gear Positions. Manual Transaxle
.................. 2-23
Gross Axle Weight Rating
........................ 4-34
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
...................... 4-34
Guide en Frangais
11 .. .................................
GVWR ....................................... 4-34
Halogen Bulbs
................................ 6-35
Hazard Warning Flashers
.......................... 5-2
Head Restraints
................................. 1-5
Headlamps .................................... 2-42
Bulb Replacement
............................ 6-36
High/Low Beamchanger
...................... 2-35
OnReminder
................................ 2-42
Wiring
..................................... 6-59
Hearing Impaired. Customer Assistance
.............. 8-4
High-Beam Headlamps
.......................... 2-35
Highway Hypnosis
.............................. 4-24
Hill and Mountain Roads
......................... 4-24
Heating
........................................ 3-5 Hitches.
Trailer 4-39
Hood Checking Things Under
......................... 6-8
Release ...................................... 6-8
Hydraulic Clutch ............................... 6-24
Fluid
....................................... 6-24
..
.................................
Prop ........................................ 6-9
Horn ......................................... 2-32
System Check
................................ 7-42
Hydroplaning
.................................. 4-20
Ignition Positions
.............................. 2-12
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
.................... 7-44
Inflation, Tire
.................................. 6-41
Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror
................. 2-46
Inspections Brakesystem
................................ 7-47
Caliper/Knuckle
.............................. 7-47
Exhaust Systems
............................. 7-46
Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Boot
.................. 7-46
Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Seal
................... 7-46
Radiator and Heater Hose
...................... 7-46
Steering
.................................... 7-46
Suspension
.................................. 7-46
Throttle Linkage
.............................. 7-46
InstrumentPanel
............................... 2-62
Brightness Control
............................ 2-44
Cleaning
.................................... 6-51
Cluster
................................ 2-64, 2-65
FuseBlock
.................................. 6-60
Interior Lamps ................................. 2-44
Bulb Replacement ............................ 6-39
Illuminated Entry
............................... 2-44
Installing the Boot
.............................. 2-52
9-5

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Tachometer .................................. 2-67
Taillamp Bulb Replacement
....................... 6-37
TapePlayerCare
............................... 3-24
Theft
......................................... 2-10
Theft-Deterrent Feature. CD Player ................ 3-21
THEFTLOCK
.................................. 3-21
Thermostat
.................................... 6-28
Third Gear. Automatic Transaxle
................... 2-22
Third Gear. Manual Transaxle
..................... 2-24
Tilt Steering Wheel
............................. 2-33
Time. Setting the
................................ 3-8
Tirechains
.................................... 6-48
TireLoading
................................... 4-33
Tire-Loading Information Label
................... 4-33
Tires
......................................... 6-40
Alignment and Balance
........................ 6-46
Buying New
................................. 6-44
Chains
..................................... 6-48
ChangingaFlat
.............................. 5-23
Cleaning
.................................... 6-55
Compact Spare
............................... 5-34
Inflation
.................................... 6-41
Inflation Check
............................... 7-41
Inspection and Rotation
........................ 6-42
Loading
.................................... 4-33
Pressure
.................................... 6-41
Temperature
................................. 6-46
Traction
.................................... 6-45
Treadwear
................................... 6-45
Uniform Quality Grading
....................... 6-45
Used Replacement Wheel
...................... 6-47
Wear Indicators
.............................. 6-43
Wheel Replacement
........................... 6-46
When It’s Time for New
....................... 6-43
B-10 - -
TopStrap ..................................... 1-38
TorqueLock
................................... 2-28
Torque. Wheel
Nut ......................... 5.31. 6.63
Towing Front
....................................... 5-10
Rear
....................................... 5-12
Recreational Vehicle
.......................... 4-31
Towing a Trailer
........................... 4.36. 4.40
Towing Your Vehicle
............................. 5-8
Towing Your Vehicle From the Front
............... 4-31
Towing Your Vehicle From the Rear
................ 4-33
Trailer
Backing
Up ................................. 4-41
Brakes
..................................... 4-40
Driving on Grades
............................ 4-42
Driving with
................................. 4-40
Following Distance
........................... 4-40
Hitches
..................................... 4-39
Maintenance When Towing
..................... 4-43
Making Turns
................................ 4-41
Passing
..................................... 4-40
Tongueweight
............................... 4-38
Total Weight on Tires
.......................... 4-39
Turnsignals
................................. 4-41
ParkingonHills
.............................. 4-42
Safety Chains
................................ 4-40
Towing
................................ 4.36. 4.40
Weight
..................................... 4-38
Transaxle
Automatic
.............................. 6.18. 6.21
Manual
..................................... 6-22
Transmitters. Keyless Entry ........................ 2-6
Transportation. Courtesy
.......................... 8-8
Trip Odometer ................................. 2-66