Segment:
Compact car, entry-level segment
Target Audience:
First-time car buyers, budget-conscious consumers, small families
Key Competitors:
Ford Escort, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra
Vehicle Strengths:
Affordability, fuel efficiency, availability of various body styles (coupe, sedan, convertible), relatively simple mechanicals.
Usefulness:
Essential for DIY mechanics and small repair shops to maintain and repair the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier efficiently and accurately.
Coverage:
All major mechanical and electrical systems, body and chassis, maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnostics, and repair procedures.
Type:
Official Service and Repair Manual
Engine:
2.2L LD2 (4-cylinder), 2.3L Quad 4 LG0 (4-cylinder), 2.4L Twin Cam ZG4 (4-cylinder)
Transmission:
4-speed automatic (TH125-40LE/4T40-E), 5-speed manual (Getrag 282, Muncie-Getrag MP3/MP9)
Brakes:
Front disc, rear drum (optional rear disc), ABS system diagnostics and repair
Suspension:
Front MacPherson strut, rear torsion beam axle, steering system (power and manual)
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, lighting, starting and charging systems, instrument cluster, body control modules
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation system components and service
Body And Interior:
Door mechanisms, seats, trim panels, exterior panels, glass replacement
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Repair:
Engine component replacement (e.g., cylinder head, pistons, valves), transmission overhaul, brake caliper and rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair
Rebuilds:
Engine and transmission rebuild procedures with detailed specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Engine 1:
2.2L (2198cc) I4 SOHC (LD2)
Engine 1 Hp:
115 hp @ 5200 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
130 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Engine 2:
2.3L (2312cc) I4 DOHC (LG0) 'Quad 4'
Engine 2 Hp:
170 hp @ 6300 rpm (early models, later reduced)
Engine 2 Torque:
155 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 3:
2.4L (2392cc) I4 DOHC (ZG4) 'Twin Cam'
Engine 3 Hp:
150 hp @ 5600 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
155 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Transmission Std:
5-speed manual (Muncie-Getrag MP3/MP9) for most trims
Transmission Opt:
4-speed automatic (TH125-40LE / 4T40-E) for all trims
Auto Transmission Features:
Electronic control, overdrive
Auto Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Auto Transmission Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 US quarts (8.0 L)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4 Stars (1998 Model Year)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
4 Stars (1998 Model Year)
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags
Seatbelts:
Front: Three-point, height-adjustable; Rear: Lap and shoulder belts
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (with synthetic oil). Consult manual for conventional oil. (Typical GM recommendation for the era)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum-tipped plugs (check specific engine/plug type).
Engine Oil Type:
API Certified SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).
Coolant Type:
GM P/N 12346290 (Green) or equivalent propylene glycol-based coolant.
Engine Common Issues:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (2.4L Twin Cam), exhaust manifold cracks (Quad 4), oil leaks (valve cover, oil pan), timing belt issues (2.2L LD2 uses a timing chain, but accessory belts can wear).
Transmission Common Issues:
Slipping gears (automatic), clutch wear (manual), transmission fluid leaks.
Suspension Common Issues:
Worn ball joints, strut mounts, control arm bushings, rear axle bushings.
Electrical Common Issues:
Faulty window regulators, door lock actuators, dashboard warning lights, alternator failure.
Brand:
Chevrolet, a division of General Motors (GM), has a long history of producing popular and accessible vehicles for the North American market.
Generation:
Third Generation Cavalier (1995-2005). The 1998 model represents a refinement of the platform introduced in 1995.
Manufacturing Locations:
Lordstown, Ohio, USA; Lansing, Michigan, USA; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.
