2003 CHEVROLET CAVALIER suspension

Tire Chains
{CAUTION:
If your vehicle has P195/65R15 or P205/55R16
size tires, don't use tire chains, there's not
enough clearance.
Tire chains used on a vehicle without the
proper amount of clearance can cause damage
to the brakes, suspension or other vehicle
parts. The area damaged by the tire chains
could cause you to lose control of your vehicle
and you or others may be injured in a crash.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer's
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
instructions. To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device if it's contacting your vehicle, and don't
spin your wheels.
If you do ®nd traction devices that will ®t,
install them on the front tires.
Notice:If your vehicle has a tire size other than
P195/65R15 or P205/55R16 size tires, use tire chains
only where legal and only when you must. Use
only SAE Class ªSº type chains that are the proper
size for your tires. Install them on the front tires
and tighten them as tightly as possible with the ends
securely fastened. Drive slowly and follow the
chain manufacturer's instructions. If you can hear
the chains contacting your vehicle, stop and
retighten them. If the contact continues, slow down
until it stops. Driving too fast or spinning the
wheels with chains on will damage your vehicle.
5-59

Maintenance Schedule......................................6-2
Introduction...................................................6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................6-2
Maintenance Requirements..............................6-2
How This Section is Organized.........................6-3
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services...........6-4
Using Your Maintenance Schedule....................6-4
Selecting the Right Schedule...........................6-5
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance..............6-6
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance......6-14
Part B: Owner Checks and Services................6-19
At Each Fuel Fill..........................................6-19
At Least Once a Month.................................6-19
At Least Twice a Year...................................6-19At Least Once a Year...................................6-20
Part C: Periodic MaintenanceInspections.........6-23
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection............................6-23
Exhaust System Inspection............................6-23
Fuel System Inspection..................................6-23
Engine Cooling System Inspection...................6-23
Throttle System Inspection.............................6-23
Brake System Inspection................................6-24
Caliper/Knuckle MaintenanceInspection...........6-24
Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants................................................6-25
Part E: Maintenance Record...........................6-27
Section 6 Maintenance Schedule
6-1

Footnotes
²The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle's useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
#Lubricate the suspension, steering linkage and the
transaxle shift linkage.
+A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See Brake System Inspection on page 6-24.
++
If you drive in a highly corrosive environment,
your brake calipers may require additional inspection
and service, at every other tire rotation. See
Caliper/Knuckle Maintenance
Inspection on page 6-24.
3,000 Miles (5 000 km)
qChange engine oil and ®lter (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs ®rst).An Emission Control Service.
6,000 Miles (10 000 km)
qChange engine oil and ®lter (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs ®rst).An Emission Control Service.
qLubricate chassis components (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs ®rst).(See footnote #.)
qRotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-53for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
9,000 Miles (15 000 km)
qChange engine oil and ®lter (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs ®rst).An Emission Control Service.
12,000 Miles (20 000 km)
qChange engine oil and ®lter (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs ®rst).An Emission Control Service.
qLubricate chassis components (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs ®rst).(See footnote #.)
qRotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-53for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.) (Also see footnote ++.)
6-7

Long Trip/Highway Scheduled
Maintenance
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) should be repeated after 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) at the same intervals for the life of
this vehicle. The services shown at 150,000 miles
(240 000 km) should be repeated at the same interval
after 150,000 miles (240 000 km) for the life of this
vehicle.
See
Part B: Owner Checks and Services on page 6-19andPart C: Periodic MaintenanceInspections on
page 6-23.
Footnotes
²The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle's useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
#Lubricate the suspension, steering linkage and the
transaxle shift linkage.
+A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See Brake System Inspection on page 6-24.++
If you drive in a highly corrosive environment, your
brake calipers may require additional inspection and
service at every other tire rotation. See Caliper/Knuckle
Maintenance
Inspection on page 6-24.
7,500 Miles (12 500 km)
qChange engine oil and ®lter (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs ®rst).An Emission Control
Service.
qLubricate chassis components (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs ®rst).(See footnote #.)
qRotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-53for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
15,000 Miles (25 000 km)
qChange engine oil and ®lter (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs ®rst).An Emission Control
Service.
qLubricate chassis components (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs ®rst).(See footnote #.)
qInspect engine air cleaner ®lter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-18for more information.An
Emission Control Service. (See footnote ².)
qRotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-53for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.) (Also see footnote ++.)
6-14

Part C: Periodic
MaintenanceInspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall).
You should let your dealer's
service department do these jobs. Make sure any
necessary repairs are completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. SeeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-10.
Steering, Suspension and Front
Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, cha®ng, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive
axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which
could cause a heat build-up in the ¯oor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See
Engine Exhaust
on page 2-30.
Fuel System Inspection
Inspect the complete fuel system for damage or leaks.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
®ttings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser.
To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of
the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended
at least once a year.
Throttle System Inspection
Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding,
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts
as needed. Replace any components that have high
effort or excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator
and cruise control cables.
6-23

Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle
has a safety defect, you should immediately notify
Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General
Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to:
Transport Canada
330 Sparks Street
Tower C
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5
Reporting Safety Defects to General
Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in
a situation like this, we certainly hope you'll notify us.
Please call us at 1-800-222-1020, or write:
Chevrolet Motor Division
Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33170
Detroit, MI 48232-5170
In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments, and speci®cations for GM
transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars
and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to
assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service
Bulletins can be obtained by contacting your General
Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE
(1-800-463-7483).
7-10

I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-26
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-25
If the Light Is Flashing.....................................3-31
If the Light Is on Steady..................................3-32
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-29
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer.....................4-35
If You're Caught in a Blizzard...........................4-27
Ignition Positions.............................................2-17
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check..........................6-22
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-32
In¯ation -- Tire Pressure..................................5-52
Inspection......................................................6-24
Brake System.............................................6-24
Caliper/Knuckle Maintenance.........................6-24
Engine Cooling System................................6-23
Exhaust System..........................................6-23
Fuel System...............................................6-23
Part C - Periodic Maintenance.......................6-23
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal.........................................6-23
Throttle System...........................................6-23
Instrument Panel Brightness.............................3-14
Instrument Panel Fuse Block............................5-82
Instrument Panel.............................................3-22
Cluster.......................................................3-22
Overview..................................................... 3-2
Interior Lamps................................................3-14
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-40
K
Key Lock Cylinders Service..............................6-20
Key Release Button (Manual Transaxle).............2-19
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-3
Keys............................................................... 2-2
L
Lamps On Reminder.......................................3-12
Lamps...........................................................3-12
Exterior......................................................3-12
Interior.......................................................3-14
Lap-Shoulder Belt...................................1-15, 1-23
LATCH System...............................................1-41
Child Restraints...........................................1-41
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-43
Latches, Seatback............................................ 1-6
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running . . . 2-28
Leaving Your Vehicle.......................................2-10
7

Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Part E - Maintenance Record........................6-27
Selecting the Right Schedule.......................... 6-5
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance............. 6-6
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection..........................6-23
Throttle System Inspection............................6-23
Using Your................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-40
Making Turns.................................................4-38
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-30
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Manual Transaxle Check..................................6-20
Manual Transaxle............................................2-19
Fluid..........................................................5-20
Operation...................................................2-25
Manual Windows............................................2-14
Map Lamps....................................................3-15
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-6
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/
Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin
Islands) ± Customer Assistance....................... 7-5
Mirrors..........................................................2-32
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-32
Outside Breakaway Mirror.............................2-33Mirrors (cont.)
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-33
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-32
Outside Remote Control Mirror......................2-32
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-3
N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-17
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............5-86
O
Odometer......................................................3-23
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-12
Oil ................................................................5-14
Engine.......................................................5-14
Pressure Light.............................................3-33
Older Children, Restraints................................1-29
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-3
OnStar
žPersonal Calling.................................2-35
OnStaržServices............................................2-34
OnStaržSystem.............................................2-34
OnStaržVirtual Advisor....................................2-35
Opening a Rear Door When the Security
Lock is On................................................... 2-9
9