1997 CHEVROLET CAVALIER oil change

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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:

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Engine Oil Additives
Don’t add anything to your oil. Your Chevrolet dealer is
ready to advise if you think something should be added.
When to Change Engine Oil
If any one of these is true for you, use the short trip/city
maintenance schedule:
e
e
e
e
0
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.
Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving in stop-and-go traffic).
Most trips are through dusty areas.
You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
your vehicle.
The vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
or other commercial application.
Driving under these conditions causes engine oil to
break down sooner. If any one of these is true for your
vehicle, then you need to change your oil and filter
every
3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months -- whichever
occurs first.
If none of them is true, use the long tripbghway
maintenance schedule. Change the oil and filter every
7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months -- whichever
occurs first. Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed
engine under highway conditions causes engine oil to
break down slower.
What to Do with Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil contains certain
elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could
even cause cancer? Don’t let used oil stay on your skin
for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and
water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw
away clothing or rags containing used engine oil. (See
the manufacturer’s warnings about the use and disposal
of oil products.)
Used oil can be a real threat to the environment.
If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all free-flowing oil
from the filter before disposal. Don’t ever dispose of oil
by putting it in
the trash, pouring it on the ground, into
sewers,
or into streams or bodies of water. Instead,
recycle it by taking
it to a place that collects used oil. If
you have a problem properly disposing of your used oil,
ask your dealer,
a service station or a local recycling
center for help.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine A CAU‘LOA .:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner off
can cause you or others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame
if
the engine backfires. If it isn’t there, and the
engine backfires, you could be burned. Don’t
drive with it
off, and be careful working on the
engine with the air cleaner
off.
NOTICE:
If the air cleaner is off, a backfire can cause a
damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily get
into your engine, which will damage it. Always
have the air cleaner in place when you’re driving.
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
(Except
2.4L Code T Engine)
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transaxle fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the fluid and filter every
50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches
90 OF (32 O C) or higher.
0 In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
0 Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If
you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the fluid and filter do not require changing.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind
of transaxle fluid to use. See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper
fluid to bring the level into the cross-hatched area on
the dipstick.
1. Pull out the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough fluid at the
dipstick hole to bring it to the proper level.
It doesn’t
take much fluid, generally less than one pint
(0.5 L). Don’t ove@ll.
NOTICE:
We recommend you use only fluid labeled
DEXRON@-111, because fluid with that label
is
made especially for your automatic transaxle.
Damage caused by fluid other than DEXRON-III
is not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
3. After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
4. When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
described
under “How to Check.”
dipstick back
in all the way.
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
(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.
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 level
checked by your dealer or service center when you have
your oil changed.
Change both the fluid and filter every
50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one
or more
of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
0 In hilly or mountainous terrain.
0 When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
regularly
reaches
90 OF (32 O C) or higher.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the fluid and filter do not require changing.
NOTICE:
We recommend you use only fluid labeled
DEXRON@=III, because fluid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transaxle.
Damage
caused by fluid other than DEXRON-111
is not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
Manual Transaxle Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is
changed.
However, the fluid in your manual transaxle
doesn't require changing.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at your Chevrolet dealership
Service Department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or
you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
I NOTICE:
1 Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transaxle.
Too much can mean that some of the
fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts
or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Be sure to
get an accurate reading if you check your
transaxle fluid.

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 Center High-Mounted Stoplamp
(Models Without a Spoiler)
To change the bulb, do the following:
1. Open the trunk and view the access hole under the
rear shelf.
2. Remove the bulb sockets by rotating and pull down.
3. Remove the bulb and replace.
4. Re-install the new bulb and socket into the CHMSL.
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp
(Models With
a Spoiler)
To change the bulb, do the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Use a torx screwdriver to unscrew the bulb assembly
from the spoiler.
Gently pull out the bulb assembly.
Remove the bulb(s) by gently wiggling the bulb
from the assembly.
Replace the bulb(s) and reverse these steps to replace
the bulb assembly.
Interior Lamps
Dome Lamp With Integral Reading Lamps
To replace a bulb, do the following:
1. Insert a flat screwdriver into the slot at the rear
of the lens.
2. With the screwdriver, push the tab rearward to
3. Push the lens forward to release the two tabs at the
release the lamp
lens.
front
of the lens.
4. Gently remove and replace the bulb( s).
5. Reverse these steps to replace the lens.
Dome Lamp Without Integral Reading Lamps
To
replace a bulb, do the following:
1. From the rear of the dome lamp lens, insert a flat
screwdriver between the roof trim and the lens.
2. With the screwdriver, push the tab at the rear of the
3. Pull the lamp lens reward to release the two front tabs.
4. Gently remove and replace the bulb(s).
5. Reverse these steps to replace the lens.
lens
forward to release the
lens.
6-39

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IMPORTANT-
KEEP ENGINE OIL
'AT THE PROPER
LEVEL AND CHANGE
RECOMMENDED AS
protection I
Plan
Introduction
Your Vehicle and ~ ~ - ~ ~vironment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps
to keep your
vehicle in
good working condition, but also helps the
environment. All recommended maintenance procedures are important. Improper vehicle maintenance can even
affect the quality
of the air we breathe. Improper fluid
levels or the wrong tire inflation can increase the level
of emissions from your vehicle. To help protect our
environment, and to keep your vehicle in good
condition, please maintain your vehicle properly.
~-
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan
supplements your
new vehicle warranties. See your
Warranty and Owner Assistance booklet, or your
Chevrolet dealer
for details.
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