1997 CHEVROLET CAVALIER Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder
reservoir is here.
It is filled
with
DOT-3 brake fluid.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in
the reservoir might go down. The first
is that the brake
fluid goes down to an acceptable level during normal
brake lining wear. When new linings
are put in, the fluid
level goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is
leaking out
of the brake system. If it is, you should have
your brake system fixed, since a leak means that sooner
or later your brakes won’t work well, or won’t work
at all.
So, it isn’t a good idea to “top off’ your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid won’t correct a leak. If you add fluid
when your linings are worn, then you’ll have
too much
fluid when
you get new brake linings. You should add
(or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is
done on the b: * ‘lyd ; system. ..
A CAUTION:
have too much brake fluid, it can spill
on the engine. The fluid will burn if the engine
is hot enough. You or others could be burned,
and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake
fluid only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. See “Brake System Warning
Light” in the Index.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only
DOT-3 brake
fluid
-- such as Delco Supreme 11 @ (GM Part
No. 12377967). Use new brake fluid from a sealed
container only.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at
all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
NOTICE:
Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just
a few
drops
of mineral-based oil, such as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system parts
so badly that they’ll have to be
replaced. Don’t let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.
0 If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle’s
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately. See “Appearance Care” in
the Index.
6-32
~.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Brake Wear
Your Chevrolet has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched waming sound when the brake pads are worn
and new pads are needed. The sound may come and go or
be heard all the time your vehicle is moving (except when
you are pushing on the brake pedal fiiy).
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won’t work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
~ ~~~
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
See “CaliperKnuckle Maintenance Inspection”
in
Section 7 of this manual under Part C “Periodic
Maintenance Inspections.”
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly torque wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to
GM specifications.
Your rear drum brakes don’t have wear indicators, but if
you ever hear a rear brake rubbing noise, have the rear
brake linings inspected. Also, the rear brake drums should be removed and inspected each time the tires
are removed for rotation or changing. When you
have the front brake pads replaced, have the rear brakes
inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
See “Brake System Inspection” in Section
7
of this manual under Part C “Periodic
Maintenance Inspections.’’

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there
is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a moderate brake stop, your disc
brakes adjust for wear. If you rarely make a moderate or
heavier stop, then your brakes might not adjust correctly.
If you drive in that way, then
-- very carefully -- make
a few moderate brake stops about every
1,000 miles
(1 600 km), so your brakes will adjust properly.
If your brake pedal goes down farther than normal, your
rear drum brakes may need adjustment. Adjust them by
backing up and firmly applying the brakes a few times.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a modern vehicle is complex.
Its many parts have to be of top quality and work well
together if the vehicle is to have really good braking.
Your vehicle was designed and tested with top-quality
GM brake parts. When you replace parts of your braking
system
-- for example, when your brake linings wear
down and you have to have new ones put in
-- be sure
you get new approved
GM replacement parts. If you
don’t, your brakes may no longer work properly. For
example, if someone puts in brake linings that are wrong
for your vehicle, the balance between your front and
rear brakes can change
-- for the worse. The braking
performance you’ve come to expect can change in many
other ways if someone puts in the wrong replacement
brake parts.
6-34
-~ .. ~

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Battery
Every new Chevrolet has a Delco Freedom@ battery.
You never have to add water to one of these. When it’s
time for a new battery, we recommend
a Delco Freedom
battery. Get one that has the replacement number shown
on the original battery’s label.
Vehicle Storage
If you’re not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or more,
take off the black, negative (-) cable from the battery. This
will help keep your battery from running down. Also, for
your audio system,
see “Theft-Deterrent
Feature’’ in the Index.
Bulb Replacement
For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this
section, contact your Chevrolet dealer’s service
department.
Halogen Bulbs
1
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt if
you
aren’t careful. See “Jump Starting” in the Index
for tips on working around
a battery without
getting hurt.
Contact your dealer to learn how
to prepare your vehicle
for longer storage periods.
1 CAUTION:
I
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and
can burst if you drop or scratch the bulb. You
or
others could be injured. Be sure to read and
follow the instructions on the bulb package.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Front Exterior
Headlamps
For the type of bulb to use, see “Replacement Bulbs” in
the Index.
To replace one of your headlamp bulbs, do
the following:
1. Remove the first bolt and carefully pry up the shield
that covers the headlamp assembly. Be careful not to
break the fasteners that hold the shield in place.
2. Remove the other bolt that anchors the headlamp
assembly. Pull the headlamp assembly toward the
front of the vehicle
to access the bulb assembly.
When replacing the driver’s side headlamp, twist the bulb assembly one-eighth of a turn counterclockwise
and remove it from the headlamp assembly.
When replacing the passenger’s side headlamp, twist
the bulb assembly one-eighth
of a turn clockwise
and remove
it from the headlamp assembly,
6-36

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 3. Disconnect the bulb base from the socket by lifting
the plastic locking tab.
4. Snap a new bulb into the socket.
5. Replace the bulb assembly by reversing Steps
1 through 3, making sure the lower leg of the
headlamp bracket is properly seated into the wedge
shaped retainer.
Rear Exterior Bulbs
Taillamps and Rear Turn Signal Lamps
For the type of bulb to use, see “Replacement Bulbs” in
the Index. The following instructions explain how to
change each bulb.
1. Pull the carpet away from the rear of the trunk.
2. Remove the taillamp bulb assembly by turning it
one-quarter of a turn counterclockwise.
6-37

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Back-up Lamps (Sedan)
If you have a four-door sedan, do the following to
replace
a back-up lamp:
3. To remove the bulb, pull it out.
4. Push in a new bulb.
5. Reverse all steps to replace the taillamp assembly.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Use a torx screwdriver to unscrew the back-up lamp
assembly from the fascia.
Gently pull the bulb assembly from the fascia.
Remove the bulb from the socket
by turning it
one-quarter of
a turn counterclockwise.
Replace the bulb and bulb assembly by reversing
these steps.
Back-up Lamps (Coupe)
If you have a two-door coupe, do the following to
replace a back-up lamp:
1.
2.
3.
Open the trunk lid and locate the back-up lamp
assembly on the trunk lid.
Gently remove the bulb from the socket by turning
it
counterclockwise and pulling it out.
Replace the bulb in the socket by aligning the tabs
and turning clockwise.