1997 CHEVROLET CAVALIER check engine light

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine A CAUTIl- N:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle.
This can cause deadly
CO (carbon monoxide) gas
to get inside.
CO could overcome you and kill
you. You can’t see it or smell it, so you might not
know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from
around the base
of your vehicle, especially any
that is blocking your exhaust pipe. And check
around again from time to time to be sure snow
doesn’t collect there.
Open
a window just a little on the side of the
vehicle that’s away from the wind. This will help
keep
CO out. Run your
engine only as long as
you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go
a little faster
than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly. This
uses less fuel for the heat that you get and
it keeps the
battery charged. You will need a well-charged battery to
restart the vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on
with
your headlamps. Let the heater run for awhile.
Then,
shut the engine off and close the window almost
all the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine again
and repeat this only when you feel really uncomfortable
from the cold. But do it
as little as possible. Preserve the
fuel
as long as you can. To help keep warm, you can get
out of the vehicle and
do some fairly vigorous exercises
every half hour or
so until help comes.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 5. Find the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on
each battery.
Using a match near a battery can cause battery
gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded. Use
a flashlight if
you need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough water. You don’t
need
to add water to the Delco Freedom@ battery
installed
in every new GM vehicle. But if a battery
has fiiier caps, be
sure the right amount of fluid is
there. If it is low, add water to take care of that
first.
If you don’t, explosive gas could be present.
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you.
Don’t get it on you.
If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush the place with
water and get medical help immediately.
6. Check that the jumper cables don’t have loose or
missing insulation.
If they do, you could get a shock.
The vehicles could be damaged, too.
Before you connect the cables, here are some basic
things you should know. Positive
(+) will go to
positive
(+) and negative (-) will go to negative (-)
or a metal engine part. Don’t connect positive (+) to
negative
(-) or you’ll get a short that would damage
the battery and maybe other
parts, too.
Fans or other moving engine parts can injure you
badly. Keep your hands away from moving parts
once
the engine is running.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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 cooling system in your vehicle is filled
with DEX-COOL@ engine coolant. This coolant
is designed to remain in your vehicle for
5 years or
150,000 miles (240 000 km), whichever occurs first,
if you add only DEX-COOL@ extended life 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.
A 50/50 mixture of water and DEX-COOL@ coolant will:
0 Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
0 Give boiling protection up to 265 “F (129°C).
0 Protect against rust and corrosion.
0 Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
NOTICE:
I
When adding coolant, it is important that you
use only
DEX-COOL@ (silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than
DEX-COOL’ is added
to the system, premature engine, heater core or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the
engine coolant will require change sooner
-- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months, whichever
occurs
first. Damage caused by the use of coolant
other than
DEX-COOL@ is not covered by your
new vehicle warranty.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Checking Coolant
The surge tank is located on the passenger’s side of the
engine compartment.
’ A CAUTIO--:
firning the surge tank bl-ssure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and
scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly.
Never turn the surge tank pressure cap
-- even a
little
-- when the engine and radiator are hot.
When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at
the FULL COLD mark.
1
If the low coolant light
comes on,
it means you’re
low on engine coolant.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Headlamp Wiring Fuses and Circuit Breakers
The
headlamp wiring is protected by fuses. Should your
headlamps fail to function, have your headlamp system
checked right away.
Windshield Wiper Fuse
The windshield wiper motor is protected by a circuit
breaker and a fuse. If the motor overheats due to heavy
snow, etc., the wiper will stop until the motor cools.
If the overload is caused by some electrical problem,
have it fixed.
Power Windows and Other Power Options
Circuit breakers in the fuse panel protect the power
windows and other power accessories. When the current
load
is too heavy, the circuit breaker opens and closes,
protecting the circuit until the problem is fixed. The
wiring circuits in your vehicle
are protected from
short circuits by a combination of fuses, circuit breakers
and fusible thermal links. This greatly reduces the
chance of damage caused by electrical problems.
Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse. If the
band is broken or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure you
replace a bad fuse with a new one of the identical size
and rating.
If you ever have
a problem on the road and don’t have
a spare fuse, you can “borrow” one that has the same
amperage. Just pick some feature of your vehicle that
you can get along without
-- like the radio or cigarette
lighter
-- and use its fuse if it is the correct amperage.
Replace it as
soon as you can.
There are
two fuse blocks in your vehicle: the instrument
panel fuse block and the engine compartment
fuse block.
6-59

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Engine Compartment Fuse Block
P
The engine compment fuse block is located on the
driver’s side of the engine compartment. Lift off the
cover to check the fuses.
Fuse
IGN
BATT
1
BATT 2
ABS
Usage
Ignition Switch Circuits
Power ACC/Stoplamp Circuits
Lighting Circuits
Electronic Variable Orifice Steering, Anti-Lock Brake System
COOLING FAN Engine
Cooling Fan
BLO Heater and A/C Blower
PCM Powertrain Control Module
AIC A/C Compressor
ABS/EVO Anti-Lock Brake System
GEN Gen Voltage Sensor (2.2L 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 ORDER TOLL FREE
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.