2004 CHEVROLET CAVALIER Owners Manual

To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety
Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in
the Washington, D.C. area) or write to:
NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation
Washington, D.C. 20590
You can also obtain other information about motor
vehicle safety from the hotline.
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
7-11

Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments, and specications 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).
Owner’s Information
Owner publications are written specically for owners
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The owner’s manual will include
the Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual, and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00
Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00
Current and Past Model Order Forms
Service Publications are available for current and
past model GM vehicles. To request an order form,
please specify year and model name of the vehicle.
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Eastern
Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. on the
World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com
Or you can write to:
Helm, Incorporated
P. O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change without notice and without
incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.
Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are
quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make
checks payable in U.S. funds.
7-12

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

Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-75
Your CD Player...........................................3-68
Your CDs ...................................................3-68
Cassette Tape Player Service...........................6-18
CD Messages................................3-42, 3-51, 3-66
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-34
Chains, Tires..................................................5-60
Charging System Light....................................3-24
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-29
Gages Warning Light...................................3-33
Check Engine Light.........................................3-29
Checking Coolant............................................5-22
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-13
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-78
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-34
Infants and Young Children...........................1-31
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-40
Older Children.............................................1-29
Securing a Child Restraint Designed
for the LATCH System..............................1-42
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Seat Position...........................................1-42Child Restraints (cont.)
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position..........................1-44
Top Strap...................................................1-38
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-39
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-37
Chime Level Adjustment..................................3-68
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-16
Cleaning
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-73
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-75
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-78
Weatherstrips..............................................5-75
Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels.....5-77
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-76
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-73
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-75
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-74
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-74
Cleaning Tires................................................5-77
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-74
Cleaning Windshield and Wiper Blades..............5-76
Climate Control System...................................3-16
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-19
Clutch, Hydraulic.............................................5-19
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-72
Content Theft-Deferrent....................................2-14
3

Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Convenience Net............................................2-34
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-28
Heater, Engine............................................2-19
Low Warning Light.......................................3-29
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-23
Cooling System..............................................5-25
Cruise Control.................................................. 3-7
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-33
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-12
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone
(TTY) Users.............................................. 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities................................................ 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General
Motors....................................................7-11
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government............................................7-11
Reporting Safety Defects to the United
States Government...................................7-10Customer Assistance Information (cont.)
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-11
D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-12
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Defogging and Defrosting.................................3-18
Dinghy Towing................................................4-30
Disarming the System.....................................2-14
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Dolly Towing..................................................4-30
Door
Locks.......................................................... 2-7
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-8
Rear Door Security Locks............................... 2-9
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-14
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-14
City...........................................................4-19
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
4

Driving (cont.)
Freeway.....................................................4-20
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-22
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-16
Winter........................................................4-24
Driving on Grades...........................................4-42
Driving on Snow or Ice....................................4-25
Driving Through Deep Standing Water...............4-18
Driving Through Flowing Water.........................4-18
Driving with a Trailer.......................................4-40
E
Easy Entry Seat............................................... 1-6
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-80
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-81
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-80
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-81
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-81
Emergency Trunk Release Handle.....................2-11
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-31
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-17
Battery.......................................................5-36Engine (cont.)
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-29
Coolant......................................................5-20
Coolant Heater............................................2-19
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-28
Cooling System Inspection............................6-23
Drive Belt Routing.......................................5-87
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-28
Oil .............................................................5-13
Overheating................................................5-23
Starting......................................................2-18
Engine Compartment Fuse Block......................5-84
Engine Coolant Level Check.............................6-18
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing..................4-43
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-16
Engine Oil Level Check...................................6-18
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)........................ 4-8
Active Light................................................3-28
Warning Light.............................................3-27
Entry Lighting.................................................3-14
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-9
Express-Down Window....................................2-13
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-28
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-11
5

F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-17
Finding a Program Type (PTY) Station
(RDS and XM™).................................3-46, 3-55
Finding a Station....................3-37, 3-39, 3-44, 3-54
Finish Care....................................................5-76
Finish Damage...............................................5-77
Five-Speed....................................................2-23
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-68
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-7
Flat Tire........................................................5-61
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-62
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-19
Manual Transaxle........................................5-19
Power Steering...........................................5-30
Windshield Washer......................................5-31
FM Stereo.....................................................3-67
Fog Lamps....................................................3-13
Folding the Seatback........................................ 1-7
Following Distance..........................................4-41
Footnotes................................................6-7, 6-13
Forward Gears...............................................2-22
Front Reading Lamps......................................3-14
Fuel............................................................... 5-4
Additives...................................................... 5-6Fuel (cont.)
California Fuel.............................................. 5-5
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-6
Gage.........................................................3-34
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-5
System Inspection.......................................6-23
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-81
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-81
G
Gage
Check Gages Warning Light..........................3-33
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-28
Fuel..........................................................3-34
Speedometer..............................................3-22
Tachometer.................................................3-22
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-5
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
6