1999 CHEVROLET CAVALIER check engine light

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4-7
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in
spurts
-- heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking
-- rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a
mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool between
hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster if you
do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace with the
traffic and allow realistic following distances, you will
eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking. That means
better braking and longer brake life.
If your engine ever stops while you're driving, brake
normally but don't pump your brakes. If you do, the
pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine
stops, you will still have some power brake assist. But
you will use it when you brake. Once the power assist is
used up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal
will be harder to push.
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS). ABS is an
advanced electronic braking system that will help
prevent a braking skid.
When you start your engine, or when you begin to drive
away, your anti
-lock brake system will check itself. You
may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while
this test is going on, and you may even notice that your
brake pedal moves or pulses a little. This is normal.
If there's a problem with the
anti
-lock brake system, this
warning light will stay on.
See ªAnti
-Lock Brake
System Warning Lightº in
the Index.

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4-29
CAUTION:
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 a while.
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.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
You can tow your vehicle behind another vehicle for use
at your destination. Be sure to use the proper towing
equipment designed for recreational towing. Follow the
instructions for towing equipment.

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5-5
CAUTION:
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 ACDelco Freedom

battery installed in every new GM vehicle. But if
a battery has filler 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 a
heavy, unpainted 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.
7. Remove the red plastic cap, and connect the red
positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal
of the vehicle with the dead battery. Use a remote
positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one.

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6-25 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.
Surge Tank Pressure Cap
NOTICE:
Your surge tank cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa)
pressure
-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating.
When you replace your surge tank pressure cap, a GM
cap is recommended.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.
When you replace your thermostat, an ACDelco


thermostat is recommended.
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 ªEngine Overheatingº in
the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL
coolant will:

Give freezing protection down to
-34F (-37C).

Give boiling protection up to 265F (129C).

Protect against rust and corrosion.

Help keep the proper engine temperature.

Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.

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6-58 Headlamp Wiring
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.
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
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 ªborrowº 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.

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6-61
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
The engine compartment fuse block is located on the
driver's side of the engine compartment. Lift off the
cover to check the fuses.
Fuse Usage
IGN Ignition Switch Circuits
BATT 1 Power ACC/Stoplamp Circuits
BATT 2 Lighting Circuits
ABS Anti
-Lock Brake System
COOLING FAN Engine Cooling Fan
BLO Heater and A/C Blower
PCM Powertrain Control Module
A/C A/C Compressor
ABS/EVO Anti
-Lock Brake System

9-
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9-1
Section 9 Index
A
ccessory Power Outlet 2-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adapter Kit, CD 3-11, 3-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle 6-3 . . . . . .
Air Bag 1-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How Does it Restrain 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How it Works 1-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Location 1-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Readiness Light 1-24, 2-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing 1-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Makes it Inflate 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Will You See After it Inflates 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When Should it Inflate 1-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning Refrigerants 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alignment and Balance, Tire 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antenna, Fixed 3-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antifreeze 6-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light 2-68, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Theft, Radio 3-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care Materials 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Arbitration Program 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ashtrays 2
-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Equipment, Adding 3-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Systems 3-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auto-Down Window 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Overdrive 2-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Transaxle
Check 7
-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-18, 6-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear Positions 2-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation 2-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park Mechanism Check 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting 2-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your Engine 2-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Back-Up Lamps Bulb Replacement 6-39, 6-62 . . . . . . . . . .
Battery 6-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charging System Light 2-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement, Remote Keyless Entry 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Saver 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warnings 5-3, 5-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BBB Auto Line 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Better Business Bureau Mediation 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blizzard, Driving In 4-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-2
Brake
Adjustment 6-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Master Cylinder 6-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedal Travel 6-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing System Parts 6-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Warning Light 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Shift Interlock Check 7-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear 6-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes, Anti-Lock 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking in Emergencies 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Break-In, New Vehicle 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BTSI Check 7-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Back-Up Lamps 6-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp 6-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dome Lamp 6-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamps 6-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Turn Signal 6-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taillamp 6-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bypass Switch, Convertible Top 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canadian Roadside Assistance 8-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities and Specifications 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carbon Monoxide 2-10, 2-32, 2-33, 4-29, 4-37 . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Deck Service 7-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Tape Player 3-9, 3-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care 3-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CD Adapter Kit 3
-11, 3-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CD Care 3-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CD Player 3-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft-Deterrent Feature 3-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center Console Storage Area 2-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp Bulb Replacement 6-37 . . . .
Center Passenger Position 1-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification Label 4-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Safety 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Tire 6-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat Tire 5-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Engine Light 2-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Gages Light 2-75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Your Restraint Systems 1-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chemical Paint Spotting 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child Restraints 1-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position 1-46 . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Center Rear Seat Position 1-48 . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position 1-50 . . . . . . . . . .
Top Strap 1-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Put 1-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette Lighter 2-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Circuit Breakers and Fuses 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaner, Air 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels 6
-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convertible Top 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps/Lenses 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric/Carpet 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glass 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside of Your Vehicle 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .