Chevrolet 1984 Cavalier User manual

1984 Chevrolet Owner's Manual
/
Contains Important Operating
Safety & Maintenance Instructions.
Keep With Car At All Times.

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INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared to acquaint you with the operation and
maintenance of your 1984 Cavalier. and to provide important safety
information. It is supplemented by a Maintenance Schedule Folder and a
Warranty and Owner Assistance Information booklet. We urge you to read all
Uvee publications carefully. Following the recommendations will help assure
the most enjoyable. safe and troublefree operation of your vehicle.
When it comes to servic e, remember that your Chevrolet dealer knows your
vehicle best and is interested in your complete satisfaction. Your dealer invites
you to return for all
01 your service needs both during and after the warranty
period.
To help dealers handle your needs. Chevrolet has a number of Zone Offices
throughout the country. If you have a problem that
has not been handled to
your satisfaction. follow the steps in the separate "Warranty and Owner
Assistance Information" booklet.
We thank you for choosing a Chevrolet product, and want to assure you of our
continuing interest in your motoring pleasure and satisfaction.
SPECIAL NOTE TO CANADIAN OWNERS
Some vehicles sold in Canada have the Computer Command Control system.
while others do not. II a "CHECK ENGINE" light comes on during engine
starting. your vehicle
does have this system. For those vehicles sold in
'" canada which do not have the Computer Command Control system ,
please refer to the Canadian OWner's Manual Supplement supplied with
your vehicle for information on engine starting, specifications, etc. The
"CHECK ENGINE" light is covered in "Instrument Panel." Section 2 of this
manual.
FRENCH OWNER'S MANUAL
If preferred. a French Owner's Manual can be obtained either from your dealer
or by writing to General Motors of Canada ~imited. Technical Publications
Department. Oshawa. Ontario L1
J 5Z6 .
Aux proprietaires canadians: Vous pouvez vous procurer un exemplaire dece
guide en fran~ais chez votre concessionnaire OU au Service des publications
techniques. General Motors du Canada Limit"" , Oshawa. Ontario L1J 5Z6.
FOR CONTINUING SATISFACTION. KEEP YOUR GM CAR ALL GM.
GENERAL MOTORS PARTS ARE IDENTIFIED BY ONE OF THESE
TRADEMARKS: ~[j]~

1984CAVAUER
OWNER'S MANUAL
This manual should be considered a permanent part of this vehicle. It
should stay with the vehicle when sold, to provide the next owner
with important operating, safety, and maintenance information.
All information, illustrations and specifications in this manual are
based on the latest product inforination available at the time of
printing. We reserve the ripht to make changes at any time without
notice. For vehicles sold In Canada, substitute the name "General
Motors
of Canada limited" wherever the name Chevrolet Motor Di-
vision appears in this manual.
Table of Contents
Section Page
Before Driving Your Cavalier .............. .: .. : .......... .. ....... 1-1
2 Starting and Operating ............. ...... ........ ...... ..... ..... 2-1
Steering Column Controls .. .... .... .... ....... .. . ....... 2-7
Floor Controls ..... .. .. . ... .......... ... .. ... . .... .......... 2-18
Instrument Panel .. . .. .......... . .. . ...... .. ...... ........ ... 2-23
Other Controls and Features ... ..... ....... ... .... .......... . 2-35
3 In Case of Emergency ................. .... . ..... .. .... ... ..... ... 3-1
4 Appearance and Care ........ ..... .. .... ................ ......... .. 4-1
5 Service and Maintenance ................................. .. .. .... 5-1
6 Specificationsand Service Station Information .. .. .. .. .. ... ... ...... 6-t
7 Indexand Service Publications ..... ......... ...... ............ ..... 7-1
ii

GRAPHIC SYMBOL CHART
Some of the following symbols are used to identify controls and
displays on
your vehicle.
~D
~
LIGHT . ""
--
...........
..........
•• I • • ,
~
\\P
- -
.-
........ -
~
~
FASTIN .... ronTS
iii

SECTION 1
BEFORE DRIVING YOUR CAVALIER
TRANSAXLE
While reading this manual, you will nole many references 10 Ihe "transaxle."
The transaxle is a transmission and differential (axle) combined in a singl,e unit.
To avoid confusion, the word
"transaxle" will be used throughout this manual
10 refer to bolh Ihe transmission and differenlial funclions.
DRIVER DAILY CHECKUST
Be sure you know how to use your vehicle and its equipment before operating
it
Before Entering the Vehicle
1. See that windows, mirrors and lights are clean and unobstructed.
2. If any lire does not look normal, check it with a pressure gage.
3. Look for fluid leaks.
4. Be sure everything is properly stowed.
5. Check the area behind the vehicle if you are about to back up.
__Before Driving Off
1. Lock all doors.
2. Adjust the seat and any movable head restraint
3. Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
4. DO NOT allow anyone to ride where there is no seat belt; and
ALWAYS properly fasten the seat belt.
5. Check that all the warning lights work as the key is turned to "Run" or
"Start"
6. Check all gages (including the fuel gage).
7. Release the parking brake (and make sure the "BRAKE" light turns .off).
See related topics in this manual
or the Maintenance Schedule folder H
problems are found.
STOWING THINGS IN (OR ON) THE VEHICLE
CAUTION: Put luggage or cargo In the trunk, or rea' area if postible. Cargo weight,
whether In
the trunk or rear area, should be located as far forward as possible. Cargo
weight on the roof Shoukt be positioned .s evenly as possible. Secure all i1ems in place
to help keep them - from being thrown about and injuring people during a cot"-ion or
sudden maneuver. Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the seetbaCks. Do not place
anything on the filler panel, or any cargo cover between the rear seat~.ck and window.
GUARD AGAINST THEFT
Your new Cava~er has many features to help prevent then of the vehicle, its
equipment, and contents. But these anti-then features
depend upon you to
work.
t -1

The time to be most on guard is when leaving the vehicle:
1. Park in a lighted spot when you can, and fully close all windows and
any roof panels.
2.
Lock the steering column and take the keys:
• Turn the key to "Lock" while depressing the key release lever ( if so
equipped) and remove the
key. This locks the ignition and both
steering and shift controls, unless your manual transaxJe vehicle has a
key release lever. In thai case. Ihe shiH control is not locked. The key
can be removed only when the ignition is locked.
• II you must leave a key wilh the vehicle. leave the square-head key
only. Take the oval-head key with you. This will help prevent unwanted
entry into your vehicle or any locked compartment
at a later date. Be
sure to lock the glove box since the remote release button allows the
hatchback. tailgate, or trunk to
be opened even though the ignition key
has been removed.
3. Keep items that may appear to be of value out of sight and locked up
when possible.
4.
Lock all doors.
KEYS
Two different keys are provided for the locks on your vehicte. The key code is
stamped on the "knock-out" plug
in each key head.
• Key with square heed -for ignition lock only.
• Key with oval heed - for all other locks.
tDENTtFYING
IGNITION LOCK
For vehicle security:
DOOR LOCKS &
ALL OTHER LOCKS
• Record the key code numbers, then knock the plugs out of the keys.
• Keep the key codes in a safe place (such as your wallet). NOT IN THE
VEHICLE .
If the original keys are lost. duplicates can be made using the key codes.
Stamped on the key
is a letter indicating the proper key blank needed if
duplicates are required. Contact any GM dealer or a locksmith.
If you park in an attended lot. leave only your square-head ignition key. Lock
your glove box and take the oval-head key with you. This will help prevent
illegal entry into your vehicle or any locked compartment.
It's a good idea to carry an extra key to the door in your wallet or purse,
should you accidentally lock your regular keys In the vehicle. To help
protect your Vehicle and its contents against theft, General Motors has
designed in anti-theft features which would also make
jf: inconvenient and
possibly expensive to enter the vehicle if you are locked out.
1-2

DOOR LOCKS
The doors can be locked from the inside by sliding rearward the passenger
guard door lock lever located just below the inside door handle.
If the red tab
on the door lock lever is visible the door is unlocked. The doors can be locked
from the outside by sliding the door lock lever rearward and closing the door.
The front doors can also
be locked by using the oval-head key.
All inodels have as a standard safety feature overriding door locks. When the
doors · are locked, the door latch mechanism is inoperative, preventing
inadvertent opening 01 the door by movement of the inside handle.
@
r------
II
II
lJI
[ Sf J,tr=I ___ ,
Power Door Locks
The optionally available power door locks allow you to lock or unlock your
dears by operating the switch located on either front door. The automatic
locking mechanism does not interfere with manual operation of any door lock
lever. The doors will not unlock or open with the inside door handle when the
lock lever is in the lock position, but can be unlocked individually by sliding the
lock lever forward.
r
CAUTION: To help reduce the risk of persOnal inj....y in an accident. always lock the
doors (and"any liftgate or tailgate) when driving. Along with using the seat belts properly.
locking the doors (etc.) helps prevent people from being thrown from the vehicle. It also
helps prevent unintended opening of the doors and helps keep out intruders.
WINDOWS
Manual Window Control
Door windews can be raised or lowered by rotating the hand crank located in
the dear panel.
1-3

Power Windows (Optional)
Power windows have an ignition interlock so the windows cannot be operated
unless the ignition.switch·
is in the "RUN" position. A master control for all
windows is provided on the driver's door. Individual switches are provided
under each window for passenger use.
MIRRORS
",side Rearvlew Mirror
DAY/NIGHT ADJUSTMENT
Outside Rearview Mirror
Adjust the outside mirror so you can just see the side of your vehicle. This
helps you determine the location of objects-seen
in the mirror.
1-4

Convex Rearview Mirror
Your vehicle may have an optional convex outside right-hand mirror. (A convex
mirror has a curved surface.)
• Use care when judging the size or distance of a vehicle·or object seen in
Ihis convex mirror - such objecls will LOOK smaller and appear farther
away than when seen in a flat mirror.
• Use your inside mirror (or glance rearward) to determine the size and
distance of objects seen in the convex mirror.
• Adjust the mirror so you can just see the side of your vehicle.
SEAT CONTROLS
Bucket Seats
The fronl seals may be adjusled forward or rearward by moving Ihe conlrol
lever at the front of the seat. Move thecontro! lever to the left to release the
locking mechanism; then exert slight body pressure·to move seat to desired
position. Release lever to lock seat intoposition.
CAUTION: . Do . not adjust a· manually· operated· driVer's seat while the vehicle is
moving. The seat could move suddenly and cause the driver to lose controt· of.. the
vehicle.
After adjusling a manually operaled seal; push il back and forlh 10 be sur" il
wifl not move. Take the vehicle to your dealer for service if either seat adjuster
does not lalch.
Multi-Position Reclinil'lg Seat
The reclining sealback can be tilted forward or rearward of Ihe normal posilion
by firsl pushing on Ihe sealback, Ihen lifting the conlrol lever on Ihe ouler side
of Ihe seat. Release Ihe lever
10 lock the sealback in place.
To relurn Ihe sealback 10 an uprighl position, push rearward slightly on the
sealback, lhen move Ihe conlrol lever. Release the sealback
10 allow il 10
move forward:· .Lf you do not first push on the seatback before moving the lever,
the seatback may jam.
To release it, you must push firmly rearward on the
seatback before movingthe lever, then move
the control lever.
1-5

CAUTION: To reduce the risk of sliding under the lap belt during a collision, an
occupied reclining seat should
not be reclined any more than needed for comfort. The
seatback and seat belts provide best restraint ONLY when the
rider is siuing well back
and straight
up in the seat. (The lap belt is designed to spread the force of a collision
over the hip-bone. If you are reclined, the lap belt may slide past your hips and apply
restraint forces directly to the abdomen. Therefore, in the event of a frontal collision, the
riskof 'personal Injury may increase with increasing reCline of theseatback.)
Do not adjust the reclining seatback on the driver's seat while the vehicle is moving. The
seatback
could move suddenly and cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Easy Entry Seat (Two-Door Models Only)
The right front seat of your vehicle has an Easy Entry feature.
1. To make it easy to enter the rear seat area, the seat slides forward when
you tilt its seatback fully forward.
2. After entry into the rear seat. tip the folding back to its original position and
move the seat rearward until it latches.
CAUTION: ALWAYS press rearward on the seat to be sure the seat adjuster has
latched to t\eJp.8voidpersonal injury in the event of a collision.
Front Seatback Latches
The seatback latches on folding front seats are designed to limit forward
movement of the seatback
only during a sudden slowing of the vehicle. The
seatback can be tilted forward without unlatching unless the vehicle
is parked
"nose down." In that case, pull rearward slightly on the seatback while pumng
up on the seatback latch release lever at the bottom outboard side of the
seatback.
The latch release lever must
be in the "down" position for the latch to work
properly. Check now and then to see that each lever moves up and down
freely when the seatback
is pushed forward slightly. If it does not move, or
if you suspect the latch may not be working, have it serviced by your dealer.
Keep seat belt webbing and hardware clear of seat hinging, latching and
recHning mechanisms When you tilt a folding seat. This helps prevent damage
to these belt systems.
1·6

Power Operated Front Seats (Optional)
The six - way power seat. control switch is located at the . front outboard side of
the driver's seat shell.
The seat can be operated as follows:
t . The front control provides up and down movement of the front of the
seat.
2. The center control provides forward and'backward movement · i,"d · ~p " ..
and down movement of the entire front seat.
3. The rear control provides up and down movement of the rear of the
seat.
Head Restraints
Head restraints are designed to help reduce the risk of neck injuries. Choose
the position which places the top of the head restraint closest to the top of your
ears. To raise or lower , j ust slide the head restraint up or down.
SEAT BEL.T SYSTEMS
CAUTION: To help reduce the risk 01 personal injury In collisions or sudden
maneuvers use the selt belts fOllowing the instructions in this section on their proper
use, mlintenance. -and IPPUCaUon with child res1riUnt system.. This includes pregnant
women; pregnant women shoukl Mk!ct a seat wrth a tep-shoukler bett whenever
OOsoible .
1 .. 7

NEVER:
• Wear a shoulder belt under your arm nearest the door.
• Use a belt for more than one person at a time.
• Wear the belts twisted.
• Let the belt system become damaged by a door or seat.
• Put anything into the opening where the seat belt passes through the trim
panel. (This may jam the retractor or damage the belt.)
Front Seat Lap-Shoulder Belt
1. Adjust the seat as needed and sit well back and straight up. Grasp the
latch plate and:
• Pull the belt as far as it will reach across your lap.
• Hold the latch plate at a right angle to the webbing and slide it further
(toward the front of the vehicle).
• Then pull it across your
lap and push it into the buckle until it clicks.
2. To reduce the risk of sliding under the belt during a collision, position the
belt across your lap as LOW ON YOUR HIPS as pOSSible and adjust it
to a SNUG FIT by pulling the "shoulder" portion upward through the
latch plate.
The shoulder portion of the belt is designed to lock only during a sudden stop
or impact. At other times it should move freely.
3. If the shoulder belt is too snug:
A. Pull the shoulder belt out at least 130 millimeters (five inches) so that
when
you let go, it returns to your chest.
1·8

B. Then pull down on the shoulder beUthe teast amount needed to ease
pressure but
no more than 25mm or one inch and let go.
4. To get rid of the slack in the belt, pull the belt out as you did in Step 3A
above.
Keep any shoulder belt stack
to a minimum. Too much belt slack could
reduce the amount of protection in an· accident because the belt is too loose to
restrain you properly.
5. To unfasten the belt, push in the button in the center of the buckle. To
stow the belt, pull it out about 180 millimeters (seven inches)
and hold it
while it retracts.
On four-door models, the beH should retract when the
buckle is unlatched and the door is opened. If the beH does not retract
fully, slide the latch plate down the webbing. To help prevent damage to
the seat
beH and interior trim, before closing the door be sure the belt is
fully retracted
and the latch plate is out of the way.
Rear Seat Lap Belts
To enter the rear seat in 2-door cars:
• Push the front seat belt "sleeve" rearward out of the door opening
and enter the vehicle.
• After entering, push the sleeve forward so it will
be easy for the person
in the front seat to reach the belt.
Rear seat lap belts next to side windows have retractors which are designed to
take up extra webbing.
1.
In a single motion pull the rear seat outboard lap belt across your lap
enough to push the latch plate into the buckle, until it clicks. If the webbing
locks before the latch plate reaches the buckle, let it rewind fully into its
retractor to unlock it
so the belt can be pulled out to the proper length.
2. These belts should be positioned, worn, and released as described under
"Front Seat Lap-Shoulder Belt." Adjust the beH to a SNUG FIT by pulling
it firmly across your lap toward the retractor, so it can take up slack.
3. The lap belt at the center seat also should be positioned, worn, and
released as described above; however, it does not have a retractor. Adjust
it to a SNUG FIT by pulling on the end of the beH coming from the latch
plate.
1·9

4. To lengthen the center seat lap belt, place the latch plate at a right angle
to the belt webbing and pull on the latch plate; the belt should then slide
easi l y.
Rear Seat Shoulder Belts (Dealer-Installed Accessory)
Except Convertible
When properly worn with a lap bell, a shoulder belt (available for rear outboard
seats) can give riders added protection. It can prevent or reduce impact with
the inside of the vehicle by restraining the upper body in a collision, especially
in a frontal impact.
1. To use the detachable shoulder belt, before fastening the
lap belt, place
the knob on the shoulder belt end in the "keyhole" on the lap bell latch
plate. Tilt the knob
as needed to pass it through the slot. Pull the knob
firmly upward to seat it at the narrow end of the keyhole, then fasten the
lap belt. (Do this in reverse when taking off the shoulder belt and putting it
away.)
If your vehicle is a hatchback style with the optional roll-up cargo cover, be
sure to route the shoulder belts ABOVE the cargo cover roller when the belts
are used. Hold the Shoulder belts out to the side if it is necessary to extend or
retract the cargo cover while the shoulder belts
are in use. If a shoulder belt
is routed under the roller,
it eQuid dislodge the roller during an accident
increasing
the risk of personal injury.
2. A detachable shoulder belt can be made shorter and longer in the same
way as a center seat lap belt.
3. Place a clenched fist between the belt and your chest, as shown. The
detachable shoulder belt should have enough slack to put a fist's width
between your chest
and the belt.
1-10

Keep any shoulder belt slack to a minimum. Too much belt slack could
reduce the amount of protection in an accident because the belt is too loose to
restrain you properly_
Seat Belt Inspection
Now and Ihen check that belts. buckles, latch plates, retractors, reminder
systems and guide loops work properly; look for loose parts or damage that
could keep the restraint system from doing its job. Replace a belt if the
webbing has been cut or otherwise damaged. Replace belts in use during all
but a minor collision; if there is any question, replace the belt.
SEAT BELT LIGHT/BUZZER REMINDER
When the key is turned to "Run" or "Start," a light will come on for four to
eight seconds to remind people to fasten their· seat belts. Unless the driver's
seat belt
is buckled, a buzzer will sound at the same time.
If the seat belt or reminder system does not work as described, see your dealer
for service.
CHILD RESTRAINT
All vehicle occupants and especially children should be restrained
whenever riding
in vehicles. Holding a child in your arms is NOT a substitute
for a child restraint system. In an accident, a child held in a person's arms can
be struck or crushed by any unrestrained- rider. An unrestrained child could
also be injured by striking the interior, or by being ejected from the vehicle
during a sudden maneuver or impact. A
child restraint system can help
protect a child in a vehicle.
In convertibles, a top-strap-equipped child restraint can only be used in
the Iront seat because there is no appropriate place to aUach a top strap
anchor bracket behind the rear seat in this vehicle. Installing a top strap
anchor bracket behind the rear seat may expose the child to hazards if the top
is raised or lowered with the child restraint occupied,
and, the bracket itself
may damage the convertible top.
In using any child restraint system, be sure to read and follow all instructions
on installation and use that come with the system.
Riding Without A Child Restraint
For the best protection in an accident or sudden maneuver, children
small enough lor child restraint systems should be restrained that way.
However, the following
may provide some degree of protection for such
children if a child restraint is not used.
• Place an infant who cannot sit up in a baby carrier, preferably covered and
padded. Put it crossways on the vehicle seat and securely restrain it with
the vehicle's seat belts. Or, if that is not possible, place it crossways on the
floor behind the driver's seat.
• Children who can sit up by themselves should be restrained with a lap belt
when riding
in a rear seat. In the front seat a child should wear both lap
and shoulder belt. If the shoulder belt irritates the neck or face move the
child closer to the center of the vehicle or to the rear seat. Never let a child
stand or kneel on any seat. If unusual conditions prevent the use of
restraints, the child should stand on the floor behind the
driver's seat.
1-11

SECTION 2
STARTING AND OPERATING
ENGINE EXHAUST GAS CAUTION
(CARBON MONOXIDE)
CAUTION:- Do not breathe exhaust gas because it contains carbon
monoxide, which by itself has no color crador. Carbon monoxide is a
dangerous gas. It can cause unconsciousness and can be lethal.
If at any time you think exhaust fumes are entering the vehicle, have the cause
determined and corrected as soon as possible. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with ALL windows lully OPEN.
Protect against carbon monoxide entry into the vehicle body. The best way is
to keep the engine exhaust system, vehicle body and body ventilation system
properly maintained. We recommend that the exhaust system and body
be
inspected by a competent technician:
• each time the vehicle is raised for an oil change;
• whenever a change is noticed in the sound, of the exhaust system;
• whenever the exhaust system, underbody or rear of the vehicle is damaged
or becomes corroded.
See your Maintenance Schedule folder for parts requiring inspection.
To allow proper operation of your vehicle's ventilation system, keep the air inlet
grille in front of the windshield clear of snow, leaves or other obstructions at all
times.
DO NOT PARK WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING OR IDLE THIS VEHICLE FOR
MORE THAN 10 MINUTES WITH THE VENTILATION SYSTEM CONTROL
SWITCH
IN THE "OFF" POSITION. EVEN WITH THE VENTILATION SYSTEM
ON, RUNNING THE ENGINE WHILE PARKED OR STOPPED FOR LONGER
PERIODS OF TIME IS NOT RECOMMENDED. ENTRY OF CARBON
MONOXIDE INTO THE CAR BODY IS POSSiBlE WITH A POORLY
REPAIRED, DAMAGED, OR CORRODED EXHAUST SYSTEM OR BODY.
Do not run the engine in CONFINED areas (such as garages or next to a
building) any more than needed to move the vehicle. When the vehicle has to
be stopped
in an UNCONFINED area with the engine running for any more
than a few minutes, take the following steps:
A. Adjust the heating or cooling system to force outside air into the vehicle as
follows:
1. On vehicles not equipped with air conditioning, set the fan to
intermediate or high speed and the upper control lever to any position.
2. On vehicles equipped with air conditioning, set the fan to an
intermediate or high speed and the upper control lever to any position
except
"OFF" or "MAX."
B. Keep the exhaust tailpipe area clear of snow and other material to help
reduce the buildup of exhaust gases under the vehicle. This is particularly
important when parked in blizzard conditions.
2-1

Driving with the trunk lid, hatchback or liftgate on station wagon models open
is not recommended. Under some conditions, exhaust gases may be drawn
into the vehicle. If the trunk lid, hatchback or liftback must remain open for
some reason while moving, or if electrical wiring or other cable connections to
a trailer must pass through the seal between the trunk lid, hatchback or liftback
and the body, follow these precautions:
• Close all windows.
• Adjust the heating or cooling system to force outside air into the vehicle as
described abcve, but set the fan to high speed.
• On vehicles with outside air vents in or under the instrument panel, open
the vents fully.
NEW VEHICLE "BREAK-IN" PERIOD
You can drive your new vehicle from its very first mile/kilometer without
following a formal "break-in" schedule. However, there are things you can do
during the first few hundred miles/kilometers of driving that will add to the
future performance and economy of your vehicle.
We recommend you limit your speed during the first 500 miles (800 kilometers)
to a maximum of 55 mph (90 km/h); but do not drive for long periods at any
one constant speed, either fast or slow. During this time, avoid full throttle
starts and, if possible, avoid hard stops especially during the first 200 miles
(320 kilometers) of driving.
Always drive at moderate speed until the engine has completely warmed up.
I! you plan to use your new vehicle for trailer towing, see the following.
TRAILER TOWING
This car is designed and intended to be used mainly to carry people. Towing a
trailer will affect handling, durability
and economy. Your safety and satisfaction
depend upon proper use of correct equipment. Also,
you should avoid
overloads and other abusive use.
The maximum loaded trailer weight you can pull with your vehicle depends on
your intended use
and what special equipment has been installed on it.
Information on trailer towing ability, special equipment required, and optional
equipment available should be obtained from your dealer. Ask for the trailering
brochure. Or, write: Consumer Relations Department, Chevrolet Motor
Division, Warren, Michigan 48090.
(In Canada, write to General Motors of
Canada Limited, Customer Services Department, Oshawa, Ontario L
lJ 5Z6.)
Tires
When towing trailers, be sure your tires are properly inflated to the inflation
pressure shown on the Tire Placard on the driver's door.
The allowable passenger and cargo load for this vehicle, also shown on the
Tire Placard,
is reduced by the trailer tongue weight whenever the trailer is
attached to the vehicle. See "Service
and Maintenance," Section 5 for more
tire information.
Maintenance
More frequent service is required when using your vehicle to pull a trailer. See
the Maintenance Schedule folder for Automatic Transaxle Fluid and Engine Oil
change requirements for trailering.
2-2

Now and then, check that all trailer hitch bolts and nuts are tight. Also see th e
Maintenance Schedule folder,
and thelndax in this manual, for important facts
on belts, cooling system care
and brake ~tment.
Break-In Schedule
See the new vehicle break-in information in this manual. Also, we recommend
you drive your new vehicle for 500 miles (800 kilometers) before trailer towi ng .
At the end of this 500 mile (800 kilometer) break-in period, avoid speeds over
50 mph (80 km/h) and full throttle starts during the first 500 miles (800
kilometers) of trailer towing.
CAUTION:
BRAKES- To help avoid personal injury due to poor braking action:
• Trailer brakes of adequate size are required
on trailers more than 450
kilograms (1,000 pounds) loaded weight.
• If you use trailer brakes with this vehicle, follow the instailation and balance
instructions of the trailer brake manufacturer.
• Do not tap into the vehicle's brake system iUhe trailer brake system uses
more than 0.3 cubic centimeter (0.02 cubic inches)
01 fluid from the
vehicle's mast.".
cyllnd<1r .. ,In this case, the vehicle's brake fluidcapacity will
not be enough to operate both thevehicte and trailer brakes under all kinds
of u
se.
• All brake fluid parts must be able to stand 20 650 kPa (3,000 psi). The
brake fluid tap must
be made at the upper rear master cylinder port.
Copper tubing is subject to fatigue failure and must not be used.
HITCHES- To help avoid personal injury due to sway caused by such things as
crosswinds, large trucks passing or road roughness, or due to separation of
the trailer:
• A properly installed and adjusted (1) frame mounted, weight-dstributi ng
hitch and (2) sway control witheoough capacity are required for trailers
more than 900 kilograms (2,000 pounds) loaded weight.
• Keep the trailer tongue load at 10 percent of the loaded trailer weight fo r
dead-weight hitches
and 12percent for weight-distributing hitches. Tongue
loads can be adjusted by proper distribution of the load in the trailer. This
can
be checked by weighing separately the loaded trailer and then the
tongue.
• Do not use axle-mounted Mches. They can damage the axle housing,
wheel bearings, wheels or tires.
• Do not allow steel hitch parts to be in direct contact with aluminum bumper
parts,
if so equipped. When steel and aluminum are in contact, a galvanic
reaction (a form of corrosion) can occur which will progressively lessen the
strength of the contacting metals to the point
of failure. An organic
compound or paint should
be used as a barrier on the contacting surfaces
and on the attaching fasteners.
• When you remove a trailer hitch, be sure to seal any mounting holes in the
body. This will help prevent entry 01 exhaust fumes, <irt or water. (See
"Engine Exhaust Gas caution (Carbon Monoxide)" at the begiming of
"Starting and Operating," Section 2 ollhis manual.)
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NonCE: Use only trailer hitches which permit normal operation of the Energy
Absorbing Bumper system,
If so equipped. For example, a rigid fore and aft connection
between the bumper and any other part of-the vehicle may increase damage in the event
of a collision.
TRAILER TOWING TIPS
Getting Started
Before entering traffic with a trailer that has electric brakes, start the vehicle
and trailer moving and apply the trailer brakes by hand to be sure the trailer
brakes are working and the trailer electrical system is connected.
Engine Cooling
If your engine overheats, follow the steps under "Engine Cooling System
Overheating" in "In Case of Emergency," Section 3 of this manual.
Long Uphill Grades
When going up long grades, you can reduce the chance 01 engine overheating
by turning off the air conditioner, if so equipped.
Down Steep Or Long Grades
Before going down a steep or long grade, reduce speed and shift the transaxle
into a lower gear to help control your vehicle's speed. Try not to hold the brake
pedal down too long or too often. This could cause the brakes to overheat and
reduce brake effectiveness.
Transaxle
See the method for checking the transaxle fluid level in "Service and
Maintenance," Section 5 of this manual.
Parkin!!
You should not park vehicles with trailers on a grade (hill). However, if you
must park on a grade, these steps must be followed:
1. Apply the regular brakes.
2. Have someone place wheel chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the regular brakes until the
chocks absorb the
load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transaxle to "P"(Park),
If the vehicle is parked on a grade, don't shift the transaxle to "P"(Park) until
the trailer wheels are chocked and the parking brake is set. If you do, the
weight of the vehicle
and trailer may put so much force on the parking pawl in
the transaxle that it may be hard to shift out of "P"(Park).
When starting, after being parked
on a grade:
1. Apply the regular brakes and hold.
2. Start the engine in "P"(Park).
3. Shift into gear and release the parking brake.
4. Release the regular brakes and drive until the chocks are free.
5. Apply the regular brakes and have someone remove the chocks.
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