Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, daily commuters
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Dodge Neon, Mazda Protege
Strengths:
Affordability, fuel efficiency, relatively simple mechanicals, widespread parts availability
Value Proposition:
A reliable and economical compact car offering good value for its price point.
Content Focus:
Maintenance, Service, Repair, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting
Estimated Pages:
1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Print (likely spiral-bound or perfect bound)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (2.2L L61 Ecotec, 2.4L LD9 Twin Cam), Engine control systems (ECM), Fuel system, Exhaust system, Transmission (4-speed automatic - 4T40-E/4T45-E, 5-speed manual - M27/MM5), Drivetrain (front-wheel drive)
Chassis:
Suspension (front MacPherson strut, rear independent torsion beam), Steering (power rack and pinion), Brakes (front disc, rear drum/disc), Wheels and tires
Electrical:
Body control module (BCM), Powertrain control module (PCM), Lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), Instrumentation, Audio systems, HVAC controls, Power windows/locks/mirrors, Airbag system (SRS), Anti-theft system
Body And Trim:
Exterior body panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk lid, Bumpers, Glass, Interior trim, Seats, HVAC system components
Maintenance:
Oil change intervals, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush
Repair:
Engine component overhaul (head gasket, pistons, rings, bearings), transmission rebuilds, brake system repairs (pads, rotors, calipers, lines), suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, control arms), steering system repair, electrical component replacement (sensors, actuators, modules), body panel repair and replacement
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical circuit testing, component testing procedures, pressure testing (fuel, oil, coolant)
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic flowcharts
Engine 1:
2.2L L61 Ecotec I4
Engine 2:
2.4L LD9 Twin Cam I4
Displacement 1:
2198 cc (2.2 Liters)
Horsepower 1:
140 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 1:
150 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Induction 1:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Valvetrain 1:
DOHC, 16 valves, Roller Chain Driven Camshafts
Displacement 2:
2384 cc (2.4 Liters)
Horsepower 2:
150 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque 2:
155 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Fuel Induction 2:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Valvetrain 2:
DOHC, 16 valves, Belt Driven Camshafts
Emission Control:
Catalytic converter, EGR system
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 13.0 US gallons
Transmission 1:
4-Speed Automatic (4T40-E / 4T45-E)
Transmission 2:
5-Speed Manual (M27 / MM5)
Auto Shift Control:
Electronic control with torque converter clutch (TCC)
Manual Clutch:
Hydraulic actuation
Automatic Fluid Type:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Manual Fluid Type:
GM Synchromesh Transmission Fluid (or SAE 75W-90 GL-4/GL-5)
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
Good (for most 2004 models)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
Good (for most 2004 models)
NHTSA Side Impact Driver:
Acceptable/Good (depending on configuration and side airbags)
ABS:
Available (standard on some trims)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), Optional side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seat belts, Pretensioners
Audio System:
AM/FM Stereo with CD player or Cassette tape player, optional premium sound system.
Gauges:
Analog tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge, coolant temperature gauge, and warning lights.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically standard, aftermarket solutions available.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
2.2L Ecotec: Every 100,000 miles (iridium plugs). 2.4L Twin Cam: Every 60,000-100,000 miles (check manual for specific type).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 2-4 years
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API Service SG or higher)
Coolant Spec:
GM Type 1 Coolant (Green, Ethylene Glycol based) - 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Common Problems:
Ignition coil failure (2.2L Ecotec), catalytic converter issues, power steering pump leaks, transmission solenoid issues (automatic), rust/corrosion (especially on rear quarter panels and rocker panels), window regulator failures.
Manufacturer Origin:
United States
Platform Generation:
Third Generation (J-Body platform)
Styling Updates:
The 2004 model year represents a significant facelift of the third-generation Cavalier, featuring updated front and rear styling, a revised interior, and the introduction of the Ecotec engine family.
Production Period:
1982-2005 (Globally)
Assembly Locations:
General Motors Assembly Division plants, notably Lordstown, Ohio.
