🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Cavalier

Year:

1994

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact/Subcompact car segment

Target Audience:

Affordable transportation for individuals and small families.

Key Competitors:

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

Vehicle Appeal:

Reliability (relative to its class), fuel efficiency, affordability, and available sporty variants (Z24).

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides dealership-level repair information, empowering owners to perform complex maintenance and repairs, saving money on labor costs.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Models:

All 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier models (including Z24, RS, LS, etc.)

Repair Scope:

A-Z comprehensive repair coverage

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Content Origin:

Directly used by dealership technicians

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Book (typical for this era)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine construction, disassembly, assembly, inspection, and overhaul for all applicable engine variants.

Engine Management:

Fuel injection systems (TBI, MPI), ignition systems, emissions control systems (catalytic converter, EGR, EVAP), sensors, actuators, and ECU diagnostics.

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission (e.g., Getrag) disassembly, assembly, repair, and adjustment.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission (e.g., TH125-4L30E) internal components, operation, diagnosis, and overhaul procedures.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive axles, CV joints, differential, and related components.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, bushings, springs, and alignment procedures.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc/drum brake systems, hydraulic components, parking brake, ABS (if equipped), bleeding, and component replacement.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, steering rack/gearbox, and related components.

Electrical System:

Complete automotive electrical system diagnosis, wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting, accessories, and body control modules.

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, windows, locks, seats, trim, HVAC system (heater core, A/C), and related components.

Body Structure:

Frame and body construction details, rust repair, structural integrity.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical failures, often with symptom-based charts.

Component Repair:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for repairing or replacing virtually all major and minor vehicle components.

Specifications Data:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and test procedures.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specific tools required for certain repair procedures.

Depth Of Coverage:

Expert level, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

Diagnostic Capability:

Detailed diagnostic flowcharts, wiring schematics for all circuits, and component testing procedures.

Rebuild Procedures:

Comprehensive instructions for complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including clearances and specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Physical printed manual

Print Quality:

High quality, durable paper stock with clear text and diagrams

Binding Type:

Perfect bound or spiral bound for ease of use in a workshop environment.

Paper Type:

Glossy or semi-gloss paper suitable for technical illustrations and photographs.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Type:

2.3L (140 ci) Quad 4 (LD2) Inline-4

Engine 1 Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Engine 1 Horsepower:

150 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)

Engine 1 Torque:

140 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)

Engine 2 Type:

2.2L (134 ci) L40/L44 Inline-4

Engine 2 Fuel Delivery:

Throttle Body Injection (TBI)

Engine 2 Horsepower:

110 hp @ 5200 rpm (approx.)

Engine 2 Torque:

130 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (approx.)

Engine 3 Type:

3.1L (189 ci) L82 V6 (rare for Cavalier, check specific trims)

Compression Ratio Ld2:

9.7:1

Bore X Stroke Ld2:

3.50 in x 3.05 in

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Fuel Octane Rating:

87 octane minimum (check specific engine)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed manual transmission (e.g., Getrag F23 or similar)

Optional Transmission:

3-speed automatic transmission (e.g., TH125C or 4-speed 4T40E/4L30E in later J-bodies, likely not on '94 Cavalier base models)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch

Automatic Transmission Features:

Lock-up torque converter for improved fuel efficiency at cruising speeds.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

2-door coupe, 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback.

Wheelbase:

101.3 inches (2573 mm)

Length:

174.4 inches (4430 mm) (coupe)

Curb Weight:

2500 - 2800 lbs (approx., depending on model and equipment)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

3/5 stars (1990s era testing, specific '94 data may vary)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

3/5 stars (1990s era testing, specific '94 data may vary)

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard for 1994 model year.

Seatbelts:

Front and rear seat belts, with driver and front passenger shoulder belts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.

Cruise Control:

Optional cruise control system.

Auxiliary Inputs:

No standard auxiliary or USB inputs; aftermarket solutions required.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (using synthetic oil) / 3,000-5,000 miles (conventional oil) - consult manual for exact specs.

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 spark plug type (conventional vs. platinum).

Engine Oil Type Ld2:

SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on temperature). API SG or higher.

Coolant Type:

GM Type 1 or Type 2 coolant (ethylene glycol based) - typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Dexron-III (or equivalent manual transmission fluid) - capacity approx. 2.0-2.5 quarts.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron-III (or equivalent ATF) - capacity approx. 4-5 quarts for change, 7-8 quarts for overhaul.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 brake fluid.

Engine Common Problems:

Quad 4 engine can experience head gasket failures, oil consumption, and occasional coolant leaks. TBI engines may suffer from worn injectors and fuel pumps.

Transmission Common Problems:

Automatic transmissions can develop solenoid issues or wear in clutches. Manual transmissions can have clutch wear or shift linkage problems.

Electrical Common Problems:

Common electrical issues include failing window regulators, HVAC blower motor failures, and intermittent dashboard warning lights due to aging wiring or grounds.

Suspension Common Problems:

Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and struts are common, leading to noise and alignment issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Heritage:

Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing a wide range of vehicles, from economy cars to trucks and performance vehicles.

Cavalier Generation:

This 1994 model belongs to the third generation (1982-1994) of the Chevrolet Cavalier, which was heavily redesigned for 1994 with a more aerodynamic and rounded body style.

Production Period:

The Cavalier was produced from 1982 to 2005.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily assembled at GM's Lordstown Assembly plant in Ohio, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards Mention:

While the 1994 Cavalier itself didn't receive significant industry awards, it was a strong seller in its segment, contributing to Chevrolet's overall market presence. The Quad 4 engine was recognized for its innovative design at the time of its introduction.