2004 CHEVROLET CAVALIER brake light

Driving too fast through large water puddles or even
going through some car washes can cause problems,
too. The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid
puddles. But if you can not, try to slow down before you
hit them.
{CAUTION:
Wet brakes can cause accidents. They will not
work as well in a quick stop and may cause
pulling to one side. You could lose control of
the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of water
or a car wash, apply your brake pedal lightly
until your brakes work normally.
4-17

A. Coolant Surge Tank. SeeCooling System on
page 5-25.
B. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-13.
C. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-13.
D. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 5-32.
E. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-30.
F. Clutch Master Cylinder Reservoir (If Equipped) (Not
Shown). SeeHydraulic Clutch on page 5-19.
G. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-36.
H. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-17.
I. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. SeeWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-31.
J. Engine Compartment Fuse Block. See “Engine
Compartment Fuse Block” underFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-81.Engine Oil
If the oil pressure light
appears on the instrument
cluster, it means you
need to check your engine
oil level right away.
For more information, seeOil Pressure Light on
page 3-32.
You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is
an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It is 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.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don’t, the oil
dipstick might not show the actual level.
5-13

There are only two reasons why the brake uid level in
the reservoir might go down. The rst is that the
brake uid goes down to an acceptable level during
normal brake lining wear. When new linings are put in,
the uid level goes back up. The other reason is
that uid is leaking out of the brake system. If it is, you
should have your brake system xed, since a leak
means that sooner or later your brakes will not work
well, or will not work at all.
So, it is not a good idea to “top off” your brake uid.
Adding brake uid will not correct a leak. If you add uid
when your linings are worn, then you will have too
much uid when you get new brake linings. You should
add (or remove) brake uid, as necessary, only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic system.
{CAUTION:
If you have too much brake uid, it can spill on
the engine. The uid will burn if the engine is
hot enough. You or others could be burned,
and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake
uid only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
When your brake uid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 3-25.
5-33

Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are rst applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
SeeCaliper/Knuckle Maintenance Inspection on
page 6-24.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to GM torque specications.
Your rear drum brakes do not have wear indicators, but
if you ever hear a rear brake rubbing noise, have the
rear brake linings inspected immediately. Also, the rear
brake drums should be removed and inspected each
time the tires are removed for rotation or changing.
When you have the front brake pads replaced, have the
rear brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
SeeBrake System Inspection on page 6-24.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a moderate brake stop, your disc
brakes adjust for wear. If you rarely make a moderate
or heavier stop, then your brakes might not adjust
correctly. If you drive in that way, then — very
carefully — make a few moderate brake stops about
every 1,000 miles (1 600 km), so your brakes will adjust
properly.
If your brake pedal goes down farther than normal, your
rear drum brakes may need adjustment. Adjust
them by backing up and rmly applying the brakes a
few times.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your
vehicle was designed and tested with top-quality GM
brake parts. When you replace parts of your braking
system — for example, when your brake linings
wear down and you need new ones put in — be sure
you get new approved GM replacement parts. If you do
not, your brakes may no longer work properly. For
example, if someone puts in brake linings that are wrong
for your vehicle, the balance between your front and
rear brakes can change — for the worse. The braking
performance you have come to expect can change
in many other ways if someone puts in the wrong
replacement brake parts.
5-35

Notice:Ignoring these steps could result in costly
damage to your vehicle that would not be covered
by your warranty.
Trying to start your vehicle by pushing or pulling it
will not work, and it could damage your vehicle.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt
battery with a negative ground system.
Notice:If the other vehicle’s system is not a 12-volt
system with a negative ground, both vehicles can
be damaged. Only use vehicles with 12-volt systems
with negative grounds to jump start your vehicle.
2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables
can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren’t touching
each other. If they are, it could cause a ground
connection you don’t want. You wouldn’t be able to
start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could
damage the electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set
the parking brake rmly on both vehicles involved in
the jump start procedure. Put an automatic
transaxle in PARK (P) or a manual transaxle in
NEUTRAL before setting the parking brake.Notice:If you leave your radio or other accessories
on during the jump starting procedure, they could
be damaged. The repairs would not be covered
by your warranty. Always turn off your radio and
other accessories when jump starting your vehicle.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug
unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter or in the accessory power outlet. Turn off
the radio and all lamps that aren’t needed. This will
avoid sparks and help save both batteries. And it
could save your radio!
4. Open the hoods and locate the batteries. Find the
positive (+) and negative (−) terminal locations on
each vehicle. SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for more information on location.
{CAUTION:
An electric fan can start up even when the
engine is not running and can injure you. Keep
hands, clothing and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
5-37

A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-15
Adding Washer Fluid.......................................5-32
Additional Program Information........................... 7-8
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-80
Adjusting the Speakers
(Balance/Fade)....................3-38, 3-40, 3-45, 3-55
Air Bag
Readiness Light..........................................3-23
Air Bag Systems.............................................1-47
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?....................1-54
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle.........1-56
What Makes an Air Bag Inate?....................1-53
What Will You See After an
Air Bag Inates?......................................1-54
When Should an Air Bag Inate?...................1-52
Where Are the Air Bags?..............................1-50
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-17
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)...... 7-9
AM ...............................................................3-67
AM-FM Radio.................................................3-36
Antenna, Fixed Mast.......................................3-68Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio
Antenna System..........................................3-68
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)............................ 4-6
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-26
Appearance Care............................................5-72
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-75
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-78
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-73
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-75
Finish Damage............................................5-77
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-77
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-78
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-78
Weatherstrips..............................................5-75
Arming the System.........................................2-14
Ashtrays........................................................3-16
Audio System(s).............................................3-35
AM-FM Radio.............................................3-36
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-68
Care of Your CDs........................................3-68
Chime Level Adjustment...............................3-68
Fixed Mast Antenna.....................................3-68
Personal Choice Radio Controls....................3-66
1

Audio System(s) (cont.)
Radio with CD............................3-39, 3-43, 3-52
Setting the Time for Radios with
Radio Data Systems (RDS).......................3-36
Setting the Time for Radios without
Radio Data Systems (RDS).......................3-35
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-67
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-67
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-68
Automatic Transaxle........................................2-18
Fluid..........................................................5-19
Operation...................................................2-20
Automatic Transaxle Inspection.........................6-19
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control
System Check.............................................6-21
B
Backing Up....................................................4-41
Battery..........................................................5-36
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-6
Battery Run-Down Protection............................3-15
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-21
Body Lubrication Service..................................6-19
Brake
Parking......................................................2-25Brake (cont.)
System Inspection.......................................6-24
System Warning Light..................................3-25
Brake Fluid....................................................5-32
Brake Wear...................................................5-34
Brakes..........................................................5-32
Braking........................................................... 4-5
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-7
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-16
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-41
Back-Up Lamps...........................................5-44
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps.............5-43
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-41
Headlamps.................................................5-41
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-44
Taillamps and Turn Signal Lamps..................5-44
Buying New Tires...........................................5-56C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
Caliper/Knuckle Maintenance Inspection.............6-24
Canada – Customer Assistance.......................... 7-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-7
Canceling the Rear Door Security Lock............... 2-9
Capacities and Specications............................5-85
Carbon Monoxide...........2-10, 2-28, 4-24, 4-37, 4-43
2

H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-4
Head Restraints............................................... 1-5
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.................... 3-7
Headlamp Wiring............................................5-80
Headlamps....................................................5-41
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-41
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps.............5-43
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-41
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-22
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-22
Hitches..........................................................4-40
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-10
Horn............................................................... 3-5
How the System Alarm is Activated...................2-14
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank.................................................5-27
How to Check................................................5-54
How to Check and Add Fluid............................5-20
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-31
How to Detect a Tamper Condition....................2-15
How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.......5-18
How to Turn Off the System Alarm....................2-15
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-13Hydraulic Clutch.............................................5-19
Hydraulic Clutch System Check........................6-19
Hydroplaning..................................................4-18
I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-24
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-23
If the Light Is Flashing.....................................3-30
If the Light Is on Steady..................................3-31
If You Are Caught in a Blizzard.........................4-26
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-28
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer.....................4-38
Ignition Positions.............................................2-16
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check..........................6-21
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-31
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-53
Inspection
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
7