2001 CHEVROLET CAVALIER Owners Manual

1-53
CAUTION:
Never do this.
Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a
lap
-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind
the child. If the child wears the belt in this way, in
a crash the child might slide under the belt. The
belt's force would then be applied right on the
child's abdomen. That could cause serious or
fatal injuries.
Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the belt
should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching
the child's thighs. This applies belt force to the child's
pelvic bones in a crash.

1-54
Safety Belt Extender
If the vehicle's safety belt will fasten around you, you
should use it.
But if a safety belt isn't long enough to fasten, your
dealer will order you an extender. It's free. When you go
in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the
extender will be long enough for you. The extender will
be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that
you choose. Don't let someone else use it, and use it
only for the seat it is made to fit. To wear it, just attach it
to the regular safety belt.
Checking Your Restraint Systems
Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light
and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and
anchorages are working properly. Look for any other
loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see
anything that might keep a safety belt system from
doing its job, have it repaired.
Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a
crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is
torn or frayed, get a new one right away.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and
have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash
If you've had a crash, do you need new belts?
After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary.
But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn
during a more severe crash, then you need new belts.
If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision
damage also may mean you will need to have safety belt
or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs
may be necessary even if the belt wasn't being used at
the time of the collision.
If an air bag inflates, you'll need to replace air bag
system parts. See the part on the air bag system earlier in
this section.

2-
2-1
Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is
working properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
2
-2 Windows
2
-4 Keys
2
-6 Door Locks
2
-8 Remote Keyless Entry (If Equipped)
2
-14 Theft
2
-16 Content Theft Security System (If Equipped)
2
-17 Passlock

2-18 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2
-18 Ignition Positions
2
-20 Starting Your Engine
2
-23 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
2
-24 Automatic Transaxle Operation
2
-29 Manual Transaxle Operation
2
-31 Parking Brake
2
-32 Shifting Into PARK (P)
(Automatic Transaxle Only)
2
-34 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
(Automatic Transaxle Only)2
-34 Parking Your Vehicle
(Manual Transaxle Models Only)
2
-35 Parking Over Things That Burn
2
-35 Engine Exhaust
2
-36 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
(Automatic Transaxle)
2
-37 Tilt Wheel (If Equipped)
2
-37 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-43 Exterior Lamps
2
-46 Interior Lamps
2
-47 Mirrors
2
-49 Storage Compartments
2
-50 Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter (If Equipped)
2
-51 Sun Visors
2
-51 Sunroof (If Equipped)
2
-52 The Instrument Panel -- Your
Information System
2
-54 Instrument Panel Cluster
2
-56 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators

2-2
Windows
CAUTION:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the windows
closed is dangerous. A child can be overcome by
the extreme heat and can suffer permanent
injuries or even death from heat stroke. Never
leave a child alone in a vehicle, especially with the
windows closed in warm or hot weather.
Manual Windows
On a vehicle with manual windows, use the window
crank to open and close each window.

2-3 Power Windows (If Equipped)
The switches on the center console control each of the
power windows when the ignition is on. In addition, on
four
-door models, each rear passenger door has a
control switch for its own window.
To lower a window, press and hold the rear of the
switch. To raise the window, press and hold the
switch forward.Auto Down Window
The driver's window switch has an auto
-down feature.
The driver's window can be opened to the desired
position by pressing the rear of the switch to the first
detent. To use the auto
-down feature, push the rear of
the switch all the way down. The window will continue
going down until fully opened.
To stop the window while it is lowering, briefly press
the switch forward, then release it.
Lockout Switch
Four
-door models also have a lockout switch. Press
the lockout switch to disable the rear passenger's power
window switches. This will prevent rear passengers
from opening and closing the windows. The driver
can still control all windows with the switch in the
lock position.
Press the lockout switch again to enable the passenger's
window switches.

2-4
Keys
CAUTION:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition
key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or
others could be badly injured or even killed.
They could operate the power windows or other
controls or even make the vehicle move. Don't
leave the keys in a vehicle with children.

2-5
One key is used for the
ignition, the doors and
all other locks.
When a new vehicle is delivered, the dealer removes the
key tag from the key and gives it to the first owner. Each
tag has a code on it that tells your dealer or a qualified
locksmith how to make extra keys. Keep the tag in a
safe place. If you lose your key, you'll be able to have
a new one made easily using the tag.
If you need a new key, contact your Chevrolet dealer
who can obtain the correct key code. See ªRoadside
Assistanceº in the Index for more information.
NOTICE:
Your vehicle has a number of new features that
can help prevent theft. But you can have a lot of
trouble getting into your vehicle if you ever lock
your key inside. You may even have to damage
your vehicle to get in. So be sure you have an
extra key.

2-6
Door Locks
CAUTION:
Unlocked doors can be dangerous.

Passengers -- especially children -- can
easily open the doors and fall out of a
moving vehicle. When a door is locked, the
handle won't open it. You increase the
chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in
a crash if the doors aren't locked. So, wear
safety belts properly and lock the doors
whenever you drive.

Young children who get into unlocked
vehicles may be unable to get out. A child
can be overcome by extreme heat and can
suffer permanent injuries or even death
from heat stroke. Always lock your vehicle
whenever you leave it.

Outsiders can easily enter through an
unlocked door when you slow down or stop
your vehicle. Locking your doors can help
prevent this from happening.
There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle.
Use your key to unlock your vehicle from the outside.
If your vehicle is equipped with a remote keyless entry
system, you can also use it to unlock your vehicle. See
ªRemote Keyless Entry Systemº in the Index.
To lock the door from the
inside, push the locking
lever forward.
To unlock the door, pull the locking lever rearward.