🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Cavalier

Year:

1990

Platform Code:

J-body

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact car, economy car

Target Audience:

Budget-conscious consumers, commuters, first-time car buyers

Competitors:

Ford Escort, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Dodge Neon (later years)

Value Proposition:

Affordability, fuel efficiency, reliability, practicality

Purpose:

Empower owners and independent technicians with dealership-level repair and maintenance knowledge.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

All 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier models and all repairs A-Z

Pages:

Detailed page count not provided, but extensive coverage implies hundreds of pages.

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Print (assumed, typical for this era and product description)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, transmission (manual and automatic)

Chassis:

Brakes, steering, suspension, wheels, tires

Electrical:

Lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, wiring diagrams, diagnostics

Body:

Body panels, interior trim, climate control, safety systems (seat belts, airbags if applicable)

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation

Repair:

Component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation for all major systems

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic adjustments to complete engine and transmission overhauls; vehicle-specific OEM level detail

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Type:

Print

Quality:

Professional OEM-quality printing, clear diagrams and text.

Binding:

Perfect bound or spiral bound (typical for shop manuals for durability and lay-flat use).

Paper:

Durable, matte finish paper to reduce glare and withstand workshop conditions.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

2.0L L4 SOHC (VIN Code '3')

Engine 2:

2.3L L4 SOHC (VIN Code 'D', Quad 4 variant)

Engine 3:

3.1L V6 SFI (VIN Code 'T', GM '3100' series)

Horsepower 2.0L:

Approx. 96-100 hp

Torque 2.0L:

Approx. 116-120 lb-ft

Horsepower 2.3L Quad4:

Approx. 160 hp (High Output variant)

Torque 2.3L Quad4:

Approx. 155 lb-ft

Horsepower 3.1L V6:

Approx. 140 hp

Torque 3.1L V6:

Approx. 180 lb-ft

Fuel Delivery 2.0L:

Throttle Body Injection (TBI) or Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI) depending on sub-model/trim

Fuel Delivery 2.3L:

Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Fuel Delivery 3.1L:

Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)

Engine Management System:

ECM (Engine Control Module) with diagnostic capabilities

Timing Belt 2.0L:

Yes, belt-driven OHC

Timing Belt 2.3L:

Yes, chain-driven DOHC

Timing Belt 3.1L:

Yes, belt-driven OHC

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

5-speed manual transmission (e.g., Getrag 282 for V6)

Optional Transmission Type:

3-speed automatic transmission (e.g., THM-3T40)

Optional Transmission Type 2:

4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., THM-440-T4 for V6)

Drive Type:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated (for manual transmissions)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron-III (or equivalent specification)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 gear oil (specific viscosity depends on application, e.g., 75W-90 or 80W-90)

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

Coupe, Sedan (4-door), Hatchback (2-door), Convertible

Wheelbase:

Approx. 101.2 inches (2570 mm)

Length:

Varies by body style, approx. 170-180 inches (4318-4572 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2500-3000 lbs (1134-1361 kg), varies by model and options

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings Driver Front Impact:

Not explicitly available for 1990 model year in easily verifiable formats, but generally considered average for the era.

IIHS Ratings:

Not applicable for this model year.

ABS:

Optional on some models, standard on higher trims or performance variants

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard on most 1990 models (introduced for the 1990 model year as standard equipment).

Seat Belts:

3-point front seat belts, 2-point rear lap belts (optional 3-point rear belts on some models)

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo radio, cassette player, optional premium sound system

Dashboard Features:

Analog gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temp), warning lights, basic climate controls.

Cruise Control:

Optional on most models

Connectivity Features:

No modern connectivity features; basic wiring for optional accessories.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (refer to manual for specific engine type and oil used)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type)

Timing Belt Replacement:

Typically 60,000-90,000 miles for belt-driven OHC engines, consult manual.

Engine Oil Type Recommendation:

API SG or SG/CD, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for temperature ranges)

Coolant Type:

GM Recommended 'Type 1' antifreeze (green, ethylene glycol based) or equivalent

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Problems 1:

Head gasket leaks (especially on certain engine variants like the 2.3L Quad 4), aging plastic and rubber components, electrical system issues (corrosion, faulty grounds), exhaust system rust.

Common Problems 2:

Transmission seal leaks, power steering pump leaks, accessory drive belt wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

General Motors (GM), Chevrolet division

Generation:

Second Generation (J-body platform, 1987-1994)

Design Philosophy:

Modernization of the previous generation, improved aerodynamics, updated interior, and safety features.

Production Start Year:

1980 (for the Cavalier nameplate)

Production End Year:

2005 (for the Cavalier nameplate)

Manufacturing Locations:

Lordstown, Ohio; Ramos Arizpe, Mexico

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards And Recognition:

While the 1990 Cavalier itself may not have specific widely publicized awards, it was a consistent strong seller in the compact segment, recognized for its value and practicality by consumers and automotive publications of the era.