🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Cavalier

Year:

1988

Product Name:

1988 Chevrolet Cavalier Service and Repair Manual

Product Description:

1988 Chevrolet Cavalier Service and Repair Manual - Covers All Models & All Repairs A-Z. Vehicle Specific. Exact same manual used by technicians at dealerships.

Platform:

J-body

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact car, competing in a highly competitive segment with models like the Ford Escort, Honda Civic, and Toyota Corolla.

Competitive Advantages Of Vehicle:

Known for its affordability, a range of engine options, and a relatively spacious interior for its class. Offered in multiple body styles including coupe, hatchback, sedan, and convertible, catering to diverse consumer needs.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides dealership-level diagnostic and repair information, essential for accurate and efficient maintenance and repair of the 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Statement:

All models and all repairs A-Z

Estimated Page Count:

Typically 700-1200 pages (estimate based on similar GM service manuals of the era)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Yes, including diagnostics, disassembly, inspection, assembly, and overhaul.

Engine Performance:

Yes, including fuel system, ignition system, emission controls, and cooling system.

Transmission Manual:

Yes, covering clutch, gearbox, driveshafts, and differentials for manual transmissions.

Transmission Automatic:

Yes, covering overhaul, diagnostics, and fluid service for automatic transmissions.

Brakes:

Yes, including hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), disc and drum brake service, parking brake.

Suspension:

Yes, covering front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, and shock absorber replacement.

Steering:

Yes, including power steering system, steering gear, and linkages.

Electrical System:

Yes, comprehensive coverage of battery, starting system, charging system, lighting, instruments, and accessories.

Body And Frame:

Yes, including interior trim, exterior panels, doors, windows, glass, and body repair procedures.

Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning HVAC:

Yes, including system operation, component replacement, and refrigerant handling.

Emissions Controls:

Yes, detailed information on emission control devices and troubleshooting.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Yes, including oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication, and inspection schedules.

Troubleshooting:

Yes, extensive diagnostic charts and procedures for common and uncommon issues.

Component Replacement:

Yes, step-by-step instructions for replacing virtually all components.

Rebuild Procedures:

Yes, detailed instructions for engine, transmission, and carburetor rebuilds.

Wiring Diagrams:

Yes, comprehensive electrical schematics for all systems.

Specifications And Tolerances:

Yes, all necessary torque values, clearances, and fluid capacities.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostics and electrical troubleshooting.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Details:

Original printed format, not a digital PDF. High-quality paper and binding.

Print Quality Details:

Professionally printed with clear text, diagrams, and illustrations.

Binding Type Details:

Durable binding designed for frequent use in a workshop environment.

Paper Type Details:

High-quality, durable paper stock resistant to workshop grease and oil.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options 1988:

1.8L L4 (VIN '3'), 2.0L L4 (VIN '9'), 2.8L V6 (VIN 'W' - LB6)

Horsepower 1.8L:

Approx. 92 hp

Horsepower 2.0L:

Approx. 96 hp (TBI) / 110 hp (CFI)

Horsepower 2.8L V6:

Approx. 130 hp

Fuel Delivery Systems:

Throttle Body Injection (TBI), Central Fuel Injection (CFI), Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI) for V6, Carburetor (less common in later years).

Engine Control Module ECM:

Yes, specific ECM identification and diagnostic procedures detailed.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

Typically a 4-speed manual transmission.

Optional Transmission:

3-speed automatic (THM-125C) or 4-speed automatic (440-T4 for V6).

Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:

Dexron II (or equivalent)

Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:

GL-4 Gear Oil

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 101.3 inches

Length:

Varies by body style (approx. 170-180 inches)

Curb Weight:

Varies by model and equipment (approx. 2400-2800 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:

Varies by model and equipment

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

4 x 100mm (most models)

Standard Tire Sizes:

Commonly 185/70R13 or 195/60R14 depending on trim and options.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Crash Test Data 1988:

Data from this era may be limited. The manual would detail built-in safety features and inspection points.

Braking System Type:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Optional rear disc brakes on some performance variants.

Seat Belts:

Standard front seat belts, likely manual three-point belts. Rear lap belts.

Child Safety Anchors:

Not standard; refer to manual for any specific provisions.

Daytime Running Lights:

Not standard on US models for this year.

💡 Technology Features

Audio Systems 1988:

Factory-installed AM/FM radio, optional cassette player or premium sound systems. Manual details speaker replacement and radio diagnostics.

ABS Availability:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an available option on higher trims or specific configurations, detailed in the manual.

Early Forms Of Connectivity:

Limited to basic power accessories, cruise control (optional), and advanced diagnostics via OBD-I port on some later models within this generation (though 1988 may be pre-OBD-II standards).

Diagnostic Tools 1988:

Manual covers use of basic multimeters, logic probes, and potentially early scan tools or breakout boxes for engine diagnostics.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months, or as per specific driving conditions outlined in the manual.

Tune Up Schedule:

Spark plug replacement typically at 30,000-60,000 miles; air filter replacement as needed or at 15,000-30,000 miles.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: approximately every 30,000-50,000 miles. Manual: inspect and replace as needed, typically around 60,000 miles.

Engine Oil Spec:

API SF or SG, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended (check manual for precise viscosity based on temperature).

Coolant Spec:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Specific GM coolant type might be specified.

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3 brake fluid.

Common Cavalier Issues 80S:

Rear main seal leaks, carburetor issues (on carbureted models), aging plastic interior components becoming brittle, potential for exhaust manifold cracks, heater core leaks.

Manual Coverage Of Issues:

The manual provides detailed troubleshooting steps and repair procedures for these and other common issues.

Oil Filter Example Part Number:

Fram PH50 or equivalent (refer to manual for precise OEM or equivalent part number).

Air Filter Example Part Number:

Fram CA3345 or equivalent (refer to manual for precise OEM or equivalent part number).

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet History In Compact Segment:

Chevrolet has a long history in the compact car market, with the Cavalier being a key model in the 1980s, positioned as an affordable and practical option.

Cavalier Third Generation 1982-1994:

The 1988 model is part of the second generation of the Cavalier, which began in 1982 and saw updates and facelifts throughout its run. The 1988 model represents a mature iteration of this generation, with refinements to styling and powertrain options.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in the United States and Canada.

Sales Performance Era:

The Cavalier was a high-volume seller for General Motors during the 1980s, consistently ranking among the best-selling compact cars in North America.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Cavalier Market Reception Era:

The Cavalier was a consistent performer in sales charts, often recognized for its value and practicality by automotive journalists and consumers alike. Specific awards may vary.

Consumer Reports Historical Ratings:

Consumer Reports often provided ratings and reliability assessments for the Cavalier during this period, which could be cross-referenced with the manual's repair data.

Manual Certification Standard:

Produced to meet industry standards for automotive repair documentation, mirroring factory technician training materials.