Positioning:
The 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier was a significant player in the compact car segment, known for its affordability and practicality. This era marked continued refinement of the J-body platform.
Competitors:
Competed against vehicles like the Ford Escort, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Nissan Sentra.
Design Philosophy:
Front-wheel drive, efficient packaging, and a focus on fuel economy and a comfortable ride.
Engine:
All engine variants, including troubleshooting, diagnostics, repair procedures, overhaul, and component specifics.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission systems, including diagnosis, repair, and fluid specifications.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake systems, disc and drum brakes, parking brake, ABS (if equipped), bleeding procedures, component replacement.
Electrical:
Full electrical system coverage, including wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, accessories, and diagnostic procedures.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, shock absorbers, struts, bushings, and replacement procedures.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, tie rods, linkages, and repair procedures.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan, hoses, and coolant specifications and flushing procedures.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors (throttle body injection or multi-port injection), fuel lines, and pressure testing.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, muffler, pipes, and diagnostic procedures.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system components, refrigerant handling, and repair.
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, seats, and body repair techniques.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspections and replacements.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts and flowcharts for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems, including component removal, installation, and adjustment.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures for electrical and mechanical systems, including use of test equipment.
Rebuilds:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including specifications and torque values.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical diagnostics.
Transmission Type 2.2L:
5-speed Manual
Transmission Type Optional:
3-speed Automatic (THM-125C)
Transmission Type V6 Optional:
4-speed Automatic (4T60)
Clutch Type:
Dry, single plate, cable operated
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron-III (or equivalent)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Engine Coolant Flush:
Every 24,000 miles or 24 months.
Spark Plug Replacement 2.2L:
Approximately 30,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type 2.2L:
API SG, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on climate).
Engine Oil Type 3.1L:
API SG, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on climate).
Engine Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, GM specification 1825M or equivalent (pre-mix 50/50).
Common Issues 2.2L:
Head gasket leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks, timing chain wear, accessory belt tensioner issues.
Common Issues 3.1L:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (especially lower intake), valve cover gasket leaks, accessory drive belt noise.
Common Issues Transmission:
Torque converter shudder in automatic transmissions, clutch wear in manual transmissions.
Common Issues Electrical:
Faulty ignition switch, intermittent power to accessories, dashboard warning light malfunctions.
Chevrolet Legacy:
Chevrolet, founded in 1911, has a long history of producing reliable and accessible vehicles for the American market.
J Body Platform:
The J-body platform, introduced in 1981, served various GM brands, with the Cavalier being a core model, evolving through multiple design updates to maintain market competitiveness.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily produced in the United States and Canada.
Production Span:
The Cavalier was in production for multiple generations, with the 1991 model being part of the second generation (1988-1994).