Chevrolet 2000 Cavalier Owner's Manual page 90

REVERSE (R): To back up, press down the clutch
pedal, lift up the ring on the shift lever and shift into
REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch pedal slowly
while pressing the accelerator pedal.
NOTICE:
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped. Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your
vehicle is moving could damage your transaxle.
Also, use REVERSE (R), along with the parking brake,
for parking your vehicle.
Shift Speeds
CAUTION:
If you skip a gear when you downshift, you could
lose control of your vehicle. You could injure
yourself or others. Don't shift down more than
one gear at a time when you downshift.
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Up Shift Light (Manual Transaxle)
When this light comes on, you can shift to the next
higher gear if weather, road and traffic conditions let
you. For the best fuel economy, accelerate slowly and
shift when the light comes on.
While you accelerate, it is normal for the light to go
on and off if you quickly change the position of the
accelerator. Ignore the SHIFT light when you downshift.
If you have a manual
transaxle, you have a
SHIFT light. This light
will show you when to
shift to the next higher gear
for the best fuel economy.