🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Chevrolet Model: Cavalier Year: 1998 Generation Generation Designation: Third Generation (J-Body) Codes Vin Position Vehicle Type: Position 1 (WMI - World Manufacturer Identifier) Vin Position Make: Position 2 (1G for Chevrolet) Vin Position Body Style: Position 3 (e.g., 1 for Coupe, 7 for Sedan) 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Position: Entry-level compact car, popular for affordability, fuel efficiency, and basic transportation needs. Competitive Analysis Competitive Analysis: Competed against models like Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Nissan Sentra, and Dodge Neon. Key Features Key Features: Practicality, fuel economy, low purchase price, availability of coupe and sedan body styles, relatively simple mechanicals. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Areas: All US, Canadian, and Mexican market 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier models and variants Page Count Page Count: Approximately 300-350 pages (typical for an OEM owner's manual of this era) Manual Type Manual Type: Owner's Manual / User Guide Language Language: English Format Format: Printed Book 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Systems Covered: Vehicle operation, controls and indicators, climate control, audio system, seating and restraints, storage, driving and operating, maintenance, owner maintenance, troubleshooting, roadside assistance, vehicle care, specifications Procedures Included Procedures Included: Starting and operating the vehicle, using interior and exterior features, adjusting seating and mirrors, operating climate control and audio, basic checks (fluid levels, tire pressure), tire changing, jump starting, fuel filling, cleaning and appearance care, understanding warning lights and messages, basic troubleshooting steps Technical Depth Technical Depth: Designed for the end-user; covers basic operation, owner-level maintenance, and initial troubleshooting; does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic codes (typically found in Service Manuals) 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: N/A (Printed) Print Quality Print Quality: Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) quality, typically black and white with some color diagrams/illustrations Binding Type Binding Type: Stapled or perfect bound paperback Paper Type Paper Type: Standard uncoated paper stock ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Primary Engine Option 1: 2.2L L4 (4-Cylinder) OHV, 8-Valve (VIN: 4) Primary Engine Option 1 Horsepower: 115 hp @ 4800 rpm Primary Engine Option 1 Torque: 130 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm Primary Engine Option 2: 2.4L L4 (4-Cylinder) DOHC, 16-Valve (VIN: B) - GT trim Primary Engine Option 2 Horsepower: 150 hp @ 5600 rpm Primary Engine Option 2 Torque: 155 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm Performance 0 60 Mph Acceleration: Approx. 9.5-11.0 seconds (2.2L), 8.0-9.0 seconds (2.4L GT) Fuel System Fuel System: Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (or higher) Engine Codes Identifiers Engine Code 2 2L: VIN: 4 Engine Code 2 4L Gt: VIN: B 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 5-Speed Manual Optional Optional Transmission: 3-Speed Automatic (3T40 / THM-700 R4 derivative) Features Transmission Fluid Spec Auto: Dexron III ATF (or equivalent) Transmission Fluid Capacity Auto: Approx. 6.7 quarts (6.4 liters) (fill) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 101.3 inches (2573 mm) Length Coupe: 177.4 inches (4506 mm) Length Sedan: 179.5 inches (4559 mm) Width: 67.7 inches (1720 mm) Height Coupe: 53.2 inches (1351 mm) Height Sedan: 54.1 inches (1374 mm) Wheel Bolt Pattern: 4 x 100 mm Cargo Cargo Volume Sedan: Approx. 13.1 cubic feet (371 liters) Cargo Volume Coupe: Approx. 10.6 cubic feet (300 liters) Weights Curb Weight Approx: 2700 - 2900 lbs (1225 - 1315 kg) depending on configuration 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact Driver Rating 1998: 4 Stars (Excellent) NHTSA Front Impact Passenger Rating 1998: 4 Stars (Excellent) Active Features Active Safety Features: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - often optional, especially on base models Passive Features Passive Safety Features: Driver and passenger front airbags, three-point front seat belts, rear lap belts, child safety seat anchors (LATCH system not standard) 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker Configuration: Typically 4 speakers (front door, rear parcel shelf) Driver Assistance Driver Assistance Features: Limited; primarily focused on basic vehicle operation and safety features like ABS (optional). Connectivity Connectivity Features: None (pre-smartphone era) 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (typical for this era, though synthetic oils could extend this) Air Filter Replacement: Every 15,000 miles or 12 months Spark Plug Replacement: Every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on plug type (e.g., platinum) Coolant Flush Interval: Every 30,000 miles or 24 months Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Spec: API Service SG, SH, or SJ, SAE 5W-30 (or 10W-30 depending on ambient temperature) Engine Oil Capacity: Approx. 4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) with filter (for 2.2L) Coolant Spec: GM P/N 12346390 (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors) Brake Fluid Spec: DOT 3 Known Issues Known Issue Head Gasket: Premature head gasket failure on 2.4L Twin Cam engine (LD9) in some later models, though less common on the 1998 2.2L (2200) OHV engine. Known Issue Alternator: Alternator failures can occur, often preceded by dimming lights or battery warning. Known Issue Suspension:...