2003 Chevrolet Cavalier Owner's Manual
Year:
2003
Make:
Chevrolet
Model:
Cavalier
Rating:
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
2
Seats and Restraint Systems
8
Front Seats
9
Manual Seats
9
Reclining Seatbacks
11
Head Restraints
12
Seatback Latches
13
Easy Entry Seat
14
Rear Seats
15
Rear Seat Operation
15
Safety Belts
16
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone
16
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts
20
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
21
Driver Position
21
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
29
Right Front Passenger Position
30
Rear Seat Passengers
30
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults
34
Satety Belt Extender
37
Child Restraints
38
Older Children
38
Infants and Young Children
41
Child Restraint Systems
44
Where to Put the Restraint
47
Top Strap
48
Top Strap Anchor Location
49
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System)
50
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System
52
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position
52
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position
55
Air Bag Systems
58
Where Are the Air Bags?
61
When Should an Air Bag Inflate?
64
What Makes an Air Bag Inflate?
64
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?
65
What Will You See After an Air Bag Inflates?
65
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle
67
Restraint System Check
68
Checking Your Restraint Systems
68
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash
69
Features and Controls
70
Keys
71
Remote Keyless Entry System
72
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation
73
Doors and Locks
77
Door Locks
77
Power Door Locks
78
Rear Door Security Locks
78
Lockout Protection
79
Leaving Your Vehicle
79
Trunk
80
Windows
83
Manual Windows
84
Power Windows
84
Sun Visors
84
Theft-Deterrent Systems
85
Content Theft-Deterrent
85
Passlock
86
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
87
New Vehicle Break-In
87
Ignition Positions
87
Starting Your Engine
89
Engine Coolant Heater
91
Automatic Transaxle Operation
92
Manual Transaxle Operation
95
Parking Brake
96
Shifting Into Park (P) (Automatic Transaxle)
97
Shifting Out of Park (P) (Automatic Transaxle)
99
Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transaxle)
99
Parking Over Things That Burn
100
Engine Exhaust
100
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked
101
Mirrors
102
Manual Rearview Mirror
102
Outside Remote Control Mirror
102
Outside Power Mirrors
102
Outside Convex Mirror
103
Outside Breakaway Mirror
103
OnStar System
105
Storage Areas
107
Cupholder(s)
107
Center Console Storage Area
107
Convenience Net
107
Sunroof
108
Instrument Panel
110
Instrument Panel Overview
111
Hazard Warning Flashers
112
Other Warning Devices
113
Horn
113
Tilt Wheel
114
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
114
Exterior Lamps
121
Interior Lamps
123
Accessory Power Outlets
125
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
125
Climate Controls
126
Climate Control System
126
Outlet Adjustment
129
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
130
Instrument Panel Cluster
131
Speedometer and Odometer
132
Tachometer
132
Safety Belt Reminder Light
133
Air Bag Readiness Light
133
Charging System Light
134
Up-Shift Light
135
Brake System Warning Light
135
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
136
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light
137
Enhanced Traction System Active Light
138
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
138
Low Coolant Warning Light
139
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
139
Oil Pressure Light
142
Passlock Warning Light
143
Check Gages Warning Light
143
Service Vehicle Soon Light
144
Fuel Gage
144
Audio System(s)
145
Setting the Time for Radios without Radio Data Systems (RDS)
145
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio Data Systems (RDS)
145
AM-FM Radio
146
Radio with CD
149
Radio with Cassette and CD
159
Personal Choice Radio Controls
171
Theft-Deterrent Feature (Non RDS Radios)
171
Theft-Deterrent Feature (RDS Radios)
171
Understanding Radio Reception
172
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
172
Care of Your CDs
173
Care of Your CD Player
173
Fixed Mast Antenna
174
XM Satellite Radio Antenna System
174
Chime Level Adjustment
174
Driving Your Vehicle
176
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
177
Defensive Driving
177
Drunken Driving
177
Control of a Vehicle
180
Braking
181
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
183
Steering
185
Off-Road Recovery
187
Passing
187
Loss of Control
189
Driving at Night
190
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
191
City Driving
194
Freeway Driving
195
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
196
Highway Hypnosis
197
Hill and Mountain Roads
197
Winter Driving
199
If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
204
Towing
206
Towing Your Vehicle
206
Recreational Vehicle Towing
206
Loading Your Vehicle
209
Towing a Trailer (Automatic Transaxle)
211
Towing a Trailer (Manual Transaxle)
217
Service and Appearance Care
218
Service
220
Doing Your Own Service Work
221
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle
221
Fuel
222
Gasoline Octane
222
Gasoline Specifications
222
California Fuel
223
Additives
223
Fuels in Foreign Countries
224
Filling Your Tank
224
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
226
Checking Things Under the Hood
227
Hood Release
227
Engine Compartment Overview
229
Engine Oil
231
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
235
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
237
Manual Transaxle Fluid
237
Hydraulic Clutch
238
Engine Coolant
239
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
241
Engine Overheating
242
Cooling System
244
Power Steering Fluid
250
Windshield Washer Fluid
251
Brakes
252
Battery
256
Jump Starting
257
Bulb Replacement
262
Halogen Bulbs
262
Headlamps
262
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps
264
Taillamps and Turn Signal Lamps
265
Back-up Lamps
266
Replacement Bulbs
266
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
267
Tires
268
Inflation - Tire Pressure
269
Tire Inspection and Rotation
270
When It Is Time for New Tires
271
Buying New Tires
272
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
273
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
274
Wheel Replacement
274
Tire Chains
276
If a Tire Goes Flat
277
Changing a Flat Tire
277
Compact Spare Tire
287
Appearance Care
288
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
288
Care of Safety Belts
291
Weatherstrips
291
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
291
Sheet Metal Damage
294
Finish Damage
294
Underbody Maintenance
294
Chemical Paint Spotting
295
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
295
Vehicle Identification
297
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
297
Service Parts Identification Label
297
Electrical System
298
Add-on Electrical Equipment
298
Headlamp Wiring
298
Windshield Wiper Fuses
298
Power Windows and Other Power Options
298
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
298
Capacities and Specifications
302
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
303
Maintenance Schedule
304
Maintenance Schedule
305
Introduction
305
Your Vehicle and the Environment
305
Maintenance Requirements
305
How This Section is Organized
306
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services
307
Using Your Maintenance Schedule
307
Selecting the Right Schedule
308
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance
309
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance
316
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
321
At Each Fuel Fill
321
At Least Once a Month
321
At Least Twice a Year
321
At Least Once a Year
322
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections
325
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
325
Exhaust System Inspection
325
Fuel System Inspection
325
Engine Cooling System Inspection
325
Throttle System Inspection
325
Brake System Inspection
326
Caliper/Knuckle Maintenance Inspection
326
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
327
Part E: Maintenance Record
329
Customer Assistance Information
332
Customer Assistance Information
333
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
333
Online Owner Center
334
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users
335
Customer Assistance Offices
335
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities
336
Roadside Assistance Program
337
Courtesy Transportation
338
Reporting Safety Defects
341
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government
341
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government
341
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors
341
Service Publications Ordering Information
342
Index
344
2003 Chevrolet Cavalier Overview
Introduction
The 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier is a compact car that embodies practicality and efficiency, tailored for the everyday driver. Boasting a sleek design and dependable performance, the Cavalier is ideal for budget-conscious individuals seeking a reliable vehicle. With its versatile trims and respectable fuel economy, this model represents an attractive option in the compact car segment.
Powertrains
The 2003 Cavalier comes with various powertrain configurations, providing flexibility to suit different driving needs. The base model features a 2.2-liter inline-four engine, producing 115 horsepower, paired with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. For those seeking a bit more exhilaration, a 2.4-liter engine is available, generating 150 horsepower, delivering peppy acceleration while still maintaining respectable fuel efficiency. This balance makes the Cavalier a commendable choice for both city driving and highway cruising.
Trims
Features
Standard features on the Cavalier include air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a CD player, while higher trims incorporate extras like cruise control, keyless entry, and premium sound systems. Safety features consist of front airbags and optional anti-lock brakes, contributing to peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.
Owner's Manual
The owner's manual for the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier serves as a comprehensive guide, offering essential information on maintenance schedules, troubleshooting, and functionality of various features. It is a valuable resource for owners seeking to maximize the longevity and performance of their vehicle, ensuring that the Cavalier remains a reliable companion on the road for many years to come.
User manual download
The Chevrolet Cavalier owner manual for the 2003 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2003 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.
Posted by, John Mana
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