You can use which ever you want Conventional or Synthetic. I believe the recommended oil is 5W-30, Brand name is your choice. As long as the engine has no major leaks that should be attended to and repaired. I would use the First in Synthetic Motor Oil's because it gives you better engine protection. CAPACITIES
Engine, with filter .......... 5.1 quarts [1]
Cooling System, Initial Fill .......... 8.7 quarts
Automatic Transmission, 4T40E,-45E Initial Fill .......... 6.9 quarts [2][3]
Automatic Transmission, Total Fill
4 speed 4T40E .......... 13.0 quarts
Manual Transmission, Getrag M86/M94 .......... 3.6 pints 1. After refill check oil level.
2. With the ENG at operating TEMP, shift TRANS through all gears.
Let ENG slow idle in PARK for at least 3 minutes.
Check fluid level and add fluid as needed. Do not overfill.
3. 4-speed transaxle does not have a dipstick.
Fluid should be at the level of the fill plug located at the lower right of the passenger side driveshaft. TORQUES Oil Drain Plug.....18 ft-lbs
Manual Transmission 5-SPD Getrag
Fill Plug.....28 ft-lbs
Drain Plug.....28 ft-lbs
Possibly. Depends on what kind it is. Most go from '98 to '02, then '03 to 05, but others fit all of those models.
Drum
R134a
r-134
DOT3
R134a Refrigerant
5w30 synthetic
A Chevy Cavalier can use standard, all-purpose antifreeze, so it's unlikely that the wrong kind was put in. However, if it is not diluted properly and the antifreeze is mixed with more than 50 percent water, the engine can overheat under some circumstances.
The kind that you put in it
It is important to maintain the fluid levels while owning a car. A 2000 Chevy Cavalier can use 5W30 and 10W30, depending on where the driver lives.
Automatic.
Was built for R12, should be converted to R134a