1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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 he1 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.
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
Never fill a portable fuel container while it is in
your vehicle. Static electricity discharge from the
container can ignite the gasoline vapor.
You can
be badly burned and your vehicle damaged if this
occurs.
To help avoid injury to you and others:
Dispense gasoline only into approved
containers.
Do not fill a container while it is inside a
vehicle, in
a vehicle’s trunk, pickup bed or
on any surface other than the ground.
inside
of the fill opening before operating
the nozzle. Contact should be maintained
until the filling is complete.
Bring the fill nozzle in contact with the
Don’t smoke while pumping gasoline.
6-7

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Zhecking Things Under the Hood
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.
The following sections tell you how to check fluids,
lubricants and important parts underhood.
Hood Release
A CAUTION:
I
Things that burn can get on hot engine 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.
To open the hood, first pull
the handle inside the vehicle
on the driver’s side under
the instrument panel.
6-8

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. Before closing the hood, be sure all
the filler caps
are on
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 2.2L Engine (Code 4)
When you open the hood, you'll see:
A. Coolant Surge Tank
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
C. Engine Oil Fill CapDipstick
D. Brake Fluid Reservoir
E. Hydraulic Clutch Fluid
Reservoir
(If Equipped)
F. Automatic Transaxle Fluid
Dipstick
(If Equipped)
G. Air Cleaner
H. Battery
1. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir
6-10

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 2.4L Engine (Code T)
When you open the hood, you'll see:
A. Coolant Surge Tank
B. Engine Oil Fill Cap
C. Engine Oil Dipstick
D. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
E. Brake Fluid Reservoir
F. Hydraulic Clutch Fluid
Reservoir
(If Equipped)
G. Battery
H. Air Cleaner
I. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir
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.
6-12

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.
When to Add Engine 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
right kind. This part explains what kind
of oil to use. For
crankcase capacity, see “Capacities and Specifications”
in the Index.
I NOTICE:
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the upper
mark that shows the proper operating range,
your engine could be damaged.
This is where you add oil if you have a 2.2L engine.
6-13

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine What Kind of Engine 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.
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.
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:
6-14