Vehicle Segment:
Compact car
Competitors:
Ford Escort, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Mitsubishi Mirage.
Vehicle Strengths:
Affordability, fuel efficiency, relatively simple mechanical design, good visibility, available as coupe, sedan, and convertible.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and technicians with official, in-depth repair information to maintain and repair the 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier effectively and economically.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection systems (TBI, MPI), ignition systems, engine control module (ECM) diagnostics and repair, emissions control systems.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, valve train, timing components, cooling system, lubrication system.
Transmission Manual:
Manual transmission repair, clutch service, shift linkage adjustment, component replacement.
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission overhaul, torque converter service, hydraulic system diagnostics, shift control linkage, fluid and filter replacement.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive axle shafts, CV joints, differential service.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, shock absorbers, control arms, ball joints, bushings, wheel bearings, alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, tie rod ends, power steering pump and rack repair.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc/drum brake systems, hydraulic lines, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, calipers, brake pads, rotors, brake fluid specifications, ABS diagnostics (if equipped).
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), lighting systems, instrument cluster, interior and exterior lighting, wiring diagrams for all circuits.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system components, refrigerant handling, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, controls, troubleshooting.
Body And Trim:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, exterior moldings, bumpers, glass replacement, weatherstripping.
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement, fluid checks and top-offs), brake pad/shoe replacement, tire rotation.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation and resolution, component testing procedures.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul for all major systems, including engine rebuilds, transmission repairs, suspension work, and electrical component replacement.
Specification References:
Torque specifications for critical fasteners, engine clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications (voltages, resistances), wheel alignment angles.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical system schematics.
Target Audience:
Professional technicians, DIY enthusiasts, automotive students.
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Poor (1995 model year testing)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Poor (1995 model year testing)
ABS Availability:
Optional on most models, standard on some higher trims or performance variants (e.g., Z24).
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard on all models.
Seat Belts:
Front: 3-point retractable, Rear: Lap belts (center), 3-point retractable (outboard).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first (severe conditions), or 5,000-7,500 miles with synthetic oil (refer to manual for specific recommendations).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles, or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
100,000 miles for platinum-tipped plugs (if equipped), 30,000 miles for standard plugs.
Coolant Flush:
Every 50,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first.
Engine Oil Type:
API Service SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity and API rating for your engine).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter for 2.2L engine.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based (green color) conforming to GM 1825M specifications.
Engine Problems:
Head gasket failures (especially on early Quad-4 engines), intake manifold gasket leaks, oil leaks from valve cover and oil pan gaskets, timing belt tensioner issues (2.2L).
Transmission Problems:
Automatic transmission hard shifting, slipping, or failure to engage reverse/drive. Manual transmission clutch wear and linkage issues.
Electrical Problems:
Window regulator failures, power lock actuator failures, intermittent dashboard warning lights, faulty ignition switch.
Suspension Problems:
Worn ball joints and tie rod ends, sagging front struts, noisy bushings.
Maintenance Schedule Summary
Preventative Maintenance:
The manual provides a detailed schedule covering checks and replacements for belts, hoses, filters, fluids, brakes, and ignition components at various mileage and time intervals.