1997 CHEVROLET CAVALIER Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine A CAUTION:
If you get gasoline on yourself and then
something ignites it, you could be badly burned.
Gasoline can spray out on
you if you open the
fuel filler cap too quickly. This spray can happen
if your tank is nearly full, and is more likely in
hot weather. Open the fuel filler cap slowly and
wait for any “hiss” noise to stop. Then unscrew
the cap all the way.
Be careful not to spill gasoline. Clean gasoline from
painted surfaces as soon as possible. See “Cleaning the
Outside
of Your Chevrolet” in the Index. When you put the
cap back on, turn
it to the right
(clockwise) until you hear a clicking sound.
Make sure
you fully install the cap. The diagnostic
system can
determine
if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly
installed. This would allow fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. See “Malfunction Indicator Lamp” in
the Index.
NOTICE:
If you need a new cap, be sure to get the right
type. Your dealer can get one for you. If you get
the wrong type, it may not fit properly. This may
cause your malfunction indicator lamp to light
and your
fuel tank and emissions system may be
damaged. See “Malfunction Indicator Lamp” in
the
Index.
6-7
, .. .. .

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Checking Things Under the Hood Hood Release
To open the hood,
first pull the handle
inside the vehicle. A CAUTION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up and
injure you even when the engine is not running.
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
I A C IUTION:
that rn can get on hot t jne parts and
start a fire. These include liquids like gasoline,
oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and
other fluids, and plastic or rubber.
You or others
could be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill
things that will burn onto a hot engine.
The following sections tell you how to check fluids,
lubricants and important parts underhood.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Then go to the front of the vehicle and lift the secondary
hood release handle.
To make sure that the secondary hood release handle
works properly, lubricate the hood latch at least once
a year. properly.
Then lift the hood
to relieve pressure on the
hood prop. Remove the hood prop
from the slot in the
hood and return the prop to its retainer. Lower the hood
8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) above the vehicle and
release
so that it will latch fully. Check to make sure
the hood
is closed and repeat if necessary.
6-9
-.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 2.21, Engine (Code 4)
When you open the hood, you’ll see:
A. Coolant Surge Tank D. Engine Oil Fill CapDipstick
G. Air Cleaner
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir E. Brake Fluid Reservoir H. Battery
C. Automatic Transaxle Fluid E Hydraulic Clutch Fluid I. Windshield Washer
Dipstick
(If Equipped) Reservoir (If Equipped) Fluid Reservoir

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 2.4L Engine (Code T)
A. Coolant Surge Tank E. Brake Fluid Reservoir H. Air Cleaner
B. Engine Oil Fill Cap
F. Hydraulic Clutch Fluid I. Windshield Washer
C. Engine Oil Dipstick Reservoir
(If Equipped) Fluid Reservoir
D. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
G. Battery
6-11

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Engine Oil
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.
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so
NOTICE:
much oil that the oil level gets above the upper
When to Add Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD mark, then you’ll need
to add at least one quart
of oil. But you must use the
mark that shows the proper operating range,
your engine could be damaged.
right kind. This part explains what kind of oil to use. For
crankcase capacity, see “Capacities and Specifications” This is where you add oil if you have a
2.2L engine.
in the Index.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine I.
This is where you add oil if you have a 2.4L engine.
Be sure to 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.
What Kind of Oil to Use
Oils recommended for your vehicle can be identified by
looking for the “Starburst” symbol. This symbol
indicates that the oil has been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute
(API). Do not use any oil which
does not carry this Starburst symbol.
If you change your own oil,
be sure you use oil that has
the Starburst symbol
on the
front of the oil container.
If
you have your oil changed
for you, be sure the oil put
into your engine
is
American Petroleum
Institute certified for
gasoline engines.
You should also use the proper viscosity
oil for your
vehicle, as shown in the following chart: