🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Cavalier

Year:

2000

Platform:

J-Body

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact car, economy segment.

Competitors:

Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Dodge Neon.

Value Proposition:

Affordable transportation with a focus on practicality and reliability, offering various powertrain options and body styles.

Design Philosophy:

Designed as an affordable and practical compact car, emphasizing fuel efficiency and low cost of ownership.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

All Models & All Repairs A-Z

Pages:

Extensive (Specific number not provided, but implies comprehensive dealership-level depth)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely Printed Book (implied by historical context of dealership manuals)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine control systems (ECM/PCM), automatic and manual transmissions, clutch system, drivetrain (CV axles, driveshafts).

Chassis:

Braking system (front disc, rear drum/disc), suspension system (front MacPherson strut, rear torsion beam/independent), steering system (power steering, steering column), wheels and tires.

Body And Electrical:

Body structure, exterior panels, interior trim, heating and air conditioning (HVAC), power windows, power locks, lighting systems, audio system, instrument panel, airbags, body control modules (BCM), anti-theft systems, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, fluid checks and replacements, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, electrical system diagnostics, fuel system diagnostics, engine performance diagnostics.

Repair:

Component removal and installation (e.g., engine, transmission, starter, alternator, brakes, suspension components, interior trim), component repair and overhaul (e.g., cylinder head, transmission internal components), body panel repair, HVAC system repair.

Body Repair:

Procedures for repairing dents, replacing body panels, door alignment, hood and trunk operation, bumper repair/replacement.

HVAC Repair:

Diagnosis and repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, including refrigerant handling (with proper training and equipment), blower motor replacement, blend door actuator diagnosis.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical schematic diagrams for all vehicle systems, crucial for troubleshooting electrical faults.

Engine Rebuild:

Includes specifications and procedures for more in-depth engine repairs, such as cylinder head removal/installation and potentially complete engine overhauls.

Depth:

Comprehensive dealership-level technical information, including detailed procedures, specifications, torque values, diagnostic flowcharts, and wiring diagrams. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics.

Diagnostic Tools:

Details on using OBD-II scanners for engine diagnostics and reading diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

As a physical manual, it would be printed on durable paper with clear, legible text and diagrams.

Quality:

High-quality printing, typically with clear line drawings and photographic illustrations where applicable.

Binding:

Likely a professional-quality binding, such as perfect binding or spiral binding, designed for durability and ease of use in a workshop environment.

Paper:

Durable, often semi-gloss paper stock suitable for repeated use and referencing in a workshop.

Specific Models:

Covers all trim levels and body styles (Coupe, Sedan, Convertible) for the 2000 model year.

Engine Variants:

Encompasses all engine options available for the 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

ECOTEC (common for this era, though specific displacement varies)

Displacement:

Commonly 2.2L DOHC (L61) or 2.4L DOHC (LD9), and potentially 2.0L DOHC (X20SED) for certain markets or performance variants. Base models may have a 2.2L OHV (2200).

Horsepower Range:

Approximately 115-140 hp depending on engine and configuration.

Torque Range:

Approximately 125-150 lb-ft depending on engine and configuration.

Emission Controls:

Catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system where applicable.

Induction:

Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed manual transmission.

Type:

4-speed automatic transmission (4T40-E).

Clutch:

Hydraulically actuated clutch system for manual transmission.

Transmission Fluid Spec:

Dexron III (ATF) for automatic, GL-4 or GL-5 manual transmission fluid depending on specific unit.

Gear Ratios:

Specific gear ratios for manual and automatic transmissions are detailed within the manual.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

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

Wheelbase:

Approximately 101.3 inches.

Length:

Approximately 176.5 inches (Coupe/Convertible) to 179.0 inches (Sedan).

Width:

Approximately 67.5 inches.

Height:

Approximately 53.4 inches (Coupe) to 55.0 inches (Sedan).

Curb Weight Range:

Approximately 2600-3000 lbs depending on body style and equipment.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Typically in the range of 3600-4000 lbs, depending on configuration.

Towing Capacity:

Not typically recommended or rated for towing.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash:

Mixed results across different years and tests; 4-star driver, 5-star passenger in some frontal impact tests.

ABS:

Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), typically on front wheels, optional on rear.

Traction Control:

Optional Traction Control System (TCS) available on some models.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts in all seating positions.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Base AM/FM radio, optional cassette player, optional CD player. Higher trims may have upgraded speaker systems.

Cruise Control:

Available cruise control system.

Remote Entry:

Optional remote keyless entry system.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles).

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs (if equipped), or as specified by GM for standard plugs (often around 30,000-60,000 miles).

Engine Oil:

Typically 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic (API certified).

Coolant:

GM Dex-Cool (orange) long-life coolant or equivalent silicate-free antifreeze.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron III (ATF) or a specified power steering fluid.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 or GL-5 manual transmission gear oil (specific viscosity grade required).

Engine Performance:

Intake manifold gasket leaks (especially on 2.4L LD9), oil consumption, piston slap on some early ECOTEC engines.

Transmission:

Automatic transmission solenoid issues, potential torque converter problems.

Suspension Steering:

Worn ball joints and tie rod ends, power steering pump noise or leaks.

Electrical:

Window regulator failures, power lock actuator failures, dashboard warning light issues (e.g., ABS, check engine).

Body Corrosion:

Potential for rust and corrosion, particularly in areas with heavy road salt usage (e.g., wheel wells, rocker panels).

Exhaust System:

Exhaust system components (muffler, catalytic converter) may require replacement due to corrosion or wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Legacy:

Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing reliable and affordable vehicles for the mass market.

Cavalier Generations:

The 2000 model is part of the third generation (1995-2005) of the Chevrolet Cavalier, which underwent styling updates and powertrain improvements over its lifespan.

Platform Sharing:

The J-body platform was shared with other GM vehicles like the Pontiac Sunfire and Oldsmobile Achieva, allowing for shared components and engineering.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in the United States (e.g., Lordstown, Ohio).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Market Perception:

Generally perceived as a budget-friendly, functional vehicle. Not typically associated with major awards or high-end accolades.

Consumer Reports Typical:

Variable reliability ratings, often average or below average in specific areas like engine and transmission.