🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Cavalier

Year:

1989

Vehicle Platform:

J-body

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact car, entry-level to mid-range segment.

Target Audience:

Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, small families.

Key Competitors 1989:

Ford Escort, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Plymouth Sundance/Dodge Shadow.

Vehicle Design Philosophy:

Affordable, practical, and fuel-efficient transportation.

Trim Levels Offered:

Included base models (VL), sporty variants (RS, Z24), and convertible options.

Manual Advantage:

Provides dealership-level accuracy and detail, enabling in-depth DIY repairs and professional maintenance, saving significant costs compared to dealership labor.

📋 Manual Details

Models Covered:

All 1989 Chevrolet Cavalier models (including Z24, RS, VL, coupe, sedan, hatchback, convertible)

Page Count:

Approximately 1,500-2,000 (estimate based on typical comprehensive service manuals for this era and complexity)

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed (typical for dealership manuals of this period, often spiral-bound or case-bound)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine overhaul, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, timing systems, lubrication system, cooling system.

Engine Performance:

Fuel injection systems (TBI, MPI), ignition systems, emission control systems, exhaust systems, engine diagnostics and testing.

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission overhaul, clutch, shifting mechanisms, gear ratios, lubrication.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission overhaul (e.g., THM-125C, THM-3T40), torque converter, hydraulic controls, shift solenoids, lubrication.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive axles, CV joints, differential assembly, drive shafts.

Suspension:

Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints, bushings), rear suspension (torsion beams, shocks, bushings), alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, tie rods, steering column, alignment procedures.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, hydraulic system, parking brake, ABS (if equipped), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator, starter), ignition system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.

Body And Trim:

Body panel removal and installation, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, exterior trim, convertible top operation and repair.

Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:

HVAC system components, refrigerant handling, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, heater core, A/C operation.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil change, filter replacement, fluid level checks and top-offs, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.

Repair Procedures:

Engine component replacement, transmission service, brake caliper and rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, electrical system diagnostics using test meters and wiring diagrams, emission control system diagnostics.

Specifications Data:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, engine specifications, chassis specifications, electrical system resistance and voltage values.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and bodywork repairs. Designed for professional technicians.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

N/A (as this is a printed manual)

Print Quality:

High-quality paper, clear black and white illustrations, diagrams, and photographs (typical of OEM manuals).

Binding Type:

Likely spiral-bound or case-bound for durability and ease of use in a workshop environment.

Paper Type:

Durable, often slightly glossy paper to withstand workshop conditions and highlight diagrams.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine 1989:

2.0L (122 cu in) Inline-4 (L40/LG5)

Base Engine Horsepower:

Approximately 96 hp @ 4800 rpm

Base Engine Torque:

Approximately 117 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm

Optional Engine 1989:

2.8L (173 cu in) V6 (LB6) - Primarily for Z24 models

Optional Engine Horsepower:

Approximately 130 hp @ 4800 rpm

Optional Engine Torque:

Approximately 155 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Throttle Body Injection (TBI) for 2.0L, Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) for 2.8L V6.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Engine Identification:

Manual will cover L40/LG5 (2.0L I4) and LB6 (2.8L V6) engine codes.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed manual (e.g., Getrag 282 or proprietary GM units)

Optional Transmission:

3-speed automatic (e.g., THM-125C) or 4-speed automatic (e.g., THM-3T40) depending on engine and trim.

Transmission Notes:

Front-wheel drive transaxle configurations for all models.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 96.5 inches (2451 mm)

Length:

Approximately 171.4 inches (4353 mm) for coupe/sedan

Width:

Approximately 66.4 inches (1687 mm)

Height:

Approximately 53.1 inches (1349 mm) for coupe, 52.2 inches (1326 mm) for sedan

Curb Weight:

Approximately 2500-2800 lbs (1134-1270 kg), depending on body style and engine.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Crash Test Results:

Likely received 3-star ratings in front crash tests from NHTSA for this era. Manual will detail specific structural integrity and safety system design.

Active Safety Features:

Power-assisted front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional feature on some higher trims.

Passive Safety Features:

Seat belts (lap and shoulder belts), energy-absorbing steering column, reinforced passenger compartment, padded dashboard.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player was common. Optional premium sound systems or equalizers might have been available.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited by 1989 standards. Primarily mechanical systems like power steering and anti-lock brakes (optional).

Connectivity Features:

N/A (No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions. Manual will specify exact intervals based on oil type.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) for automatic transmissions. Manual will provide specific intervals and fluid types.

Coolant Change Interval:

Every 24,000 miles (38,000 km) or 2 years. Manual will specify coolant type.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SG, SG/CD, or SH service classification. Viscosity grade typically SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30. Manual will provide exact specifications.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron-II (or equivalent). Manual will confirm the precise specification.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 brake fluid.

Common Issues 1989 Cavalier:

Potential for coolant leaks from intake manifold gaskets, aging rubber components (hoses, bushings), electrical connector corrosion, carburetor issues (on earlier models, less common by '89), and HVAC blower motor failures.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Positioning:

Chevrolet as GM's volume brand, offering value and a wide range of vehicles.

Cavalier Generation:

This is the second generation of the Chevrolet Cavalier (1982-1994). The 1989 model year saw significant styling updates, including flush headlights and a revised grille, differentiating it from earlier second-gen models.

Production Location:

Primarily produced in Lordstown, Ohio, USA.

Production Years:

Second generation: 1982-1994. Specific to this manual: 1989 model year.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Awards:

While not typically a recipient of major awards in its segment, the Cavalier was consistently a high-volume seller, indicating strong market acceptance for its affordability and practicality. The manual does not focus on awards but on technical repairability.