Segment:
Compact car, economy segment.
Key Competitors:
Ford Escort, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Mitsubishi Mirage.
Value Proposition:
Affordable transportation, practical for daily use, available in various body styles (coupe, sedan, convertible) catering to different needs. The 1997 model benefited from updates in styling and powertrain for its generation.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine electrical, automatic transmission, manual transmission, drive axles.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front disc, rear drum), wheels, tires.
Body And Electrical:
Body structure, interior trim, exterior trim, lighting, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), power windows/locks, audio system, instrument panel, wiring diagrams, body control modules.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt replacement, battery service, tire rotation.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
System-specific diagnostic charts, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting for various components.
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuilds, brake caliper/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, exhaust system repair, electrical component repair.
Specifications And Data:
Torque specifications, fastener tightening sequences, electrical resistance values, pressure readings, component clearances.
Electrical Systems:
Detailed wiring schematics for all vehicle systems, including engine control, lighting, power accessories, instruments, and chassis electronics. Troubleshooting guidance for electrical faults.
Body And Trim:
Procedures for interior panel removal, exterior trim replacement, door assembly, bumper service, and glass replacement.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic preventative maintenance and diagnostics to detailed component removal, repair, and reassembly procedures. Includes detailed wiring diagrams and diagnostic flowcharts.
Diagnostic Tools References:
References to diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and recommended diagnostic procedures, often involving a scan tool (GM Tech 1 or similar).
Engine Code And Description:
L43 (2.2L 130 CID SOHC L4) - The most common engine. Also available: L43 (2.4L DOHC L4 - Quad-4 based, more performance-oriented) and LD9 (2.4L DOHC L4 - Ecotec predecessor).
2.2L Horsepower:
115 hp @ 5000 rpm
2.2L Torque:
130 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
2.4L Quad-4 Horsepower:
150 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx)
2.4L Quad-4 Torque:
155 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (approx)
Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Block Material:
Cast Iron
Bore X Stroke 2.2L:
3.50 in x 3.62 in (89 mm x 92 mm)
Compression Ratio 2.2L:
9.0:1
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual (Getrag 282 or Muncie/New Venture Gear 283)
Transmission Type:
3-speed automatic (GM THM-125C or THM-3T40)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid Spec
Fluid Type:
GM Synchromesh Transmission Fluid (or equivalent 75W-85 GL-3)
NHTSA Driver Side Frontal Impact:
4 Stars (1997 model year specific)
NHTSA Passenger Side Frontal Impact:
4 Stars (1997 model year specific)
Brakes:
Front disc, rear drum (ABS optional on some trims/models)
Steering:
Power-assisted rack and pinion (optional)
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard
Seat Belts:
3-point front and rear seat belts
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Standard 4-speaker system, optional premium 6-speaker system.
Controls:
Dashboard-mounted buttons and knobs.
Cruise Control:
Optional on most trims.
Anti Lock Brakes:
Optional on select models/trims.
Features:
Basic connectivity; no advanced Bluetooth or smartphone integration typical of modern vehicles.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000 miles (32,000 km) or 24 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for platinum-tipped plugs, 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard copper plugs.
Engine Oil Type 2.2L:
SAE 5W-30 (API SG or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity 2.2L:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, meeting GM 6043M specifications (typically green coolant).
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 US quarts (7.1 L)
Common Complaints:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, exhaust manifold cracks (especially on Quad-4), coolant leaks (especially from plastic end tanks on radiators), power steering pump noise/leaks, ABS sensor failures, EGR valve issues, O2 sensor failures.
Common Maintenance Tips:
Regularly inspect coolant hoses and caps, check for oil leaks, monitor transmission fluid level and condition, replace PCV valve periodically.
Manufacturer:
Chevrolet, a division of General Motors (GM).
Generation Context:
The 1997 Cavalier is part of the fourth generation (1995-2005) of the Cavalier model, which saw a significant redesign from the previous generation, adopting a more modern and rounded styling.
Updates For 1997:
Minor interior revisions and potential powertrain refinements for the 1997 model year compared to earlier fourth-generation models.
Manufacturing Locations:
Lordstown, Ohio; Janesville, Wisconsin; Lansing, Michigan (USA); Oshawa, Ontario (Canada).
