1973 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO check engine light

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine The chart on the previous page, and the information on the pages which follow, contains information designed to aid the average driver to discover, and possibly correct, conditions resulting in minor
mechanical difficulties in his cor. The chart, designed to point out
possible solutions to several of the most common automotive mal­functions and point out a logical checking sequence, will lead step by step to the most likely causes and corrective procedures. If, after making the checks and adjustments suggested,' the source of the
trouble has not been found and corrected, it is strongly recom­mended that an Authorized Chevrolet Dealer inspect the vehicle and make whatever repairs or adjustments are necessary.
FUEL SYSTEM AND ENGINE
If the ignition switch will cause the engine to "turn over" or "crank" but the cor will not start,
check Steps A through D below. NOTE: If continual "f1ooding" of the carburetor is evidenced by a carburetor wet with fuel or black exhaust smoke, perform the operation suggested in par­agraph 0 only. (A) The first and most obvious, and one of the most frequently Checlcing Fuel Flow
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overlooked, items to check when you have difficulty in starting your car is the amount of fuel in the tank. Make it a habit to check the FUEL GAUGE regularly and most especially at a time' when the engine will not start. (B) If the fuel tank is not empty, you may check further to see whether the fuel is reaching the carburetor_ Disconnect the fuel line at the carburetor and remove the center (ground the secondary coil
terminal or disconnect the primary wire from the coil to the dis­tributor at the coil) wire from the coil tower. Place a jar or cup under the open line and briefly "crank" the engine by means of the starter. If fuel spurts from the fitting, you may assume that the FUEL LINES are clear and the FUEL PUMP is operating properly. If no fuel leaves the line, either the
fuel lines or fuel pump are at fault. See your Authorized Chev­rolet Dealer. (C) Before reconnecting the fuel
line to the carburetor, remove the FUEL FILTER from the carburetor inlet and check its condition. If it appears to be clean, replace it and reconnect the fuel line. Re­place the filter if it appears to be plugged. (0) If the fuel seems to be reaching the carburetor properly, the problem may be: an EMPTY Fuel Filter
CARBURETOR BOWL caused by a "stuck shut" carburetor; a flOODED CARBURETOR caused by a "stuck open" condition and evidenced by gasoline seeping down and around outside of the carburetor; or a stuck CHOKE valve. Remove the air cleaner from
the carburetor. Check that the choke valve moves freely and is not
stuck. (Don't mistake normal spring tension for a stuck valve.) Tap the side of the carburetor sharply several times with a light tool such

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine as a screwdriver handle or pliers. Replace the oir cleaner and attempt to start the engine in the normal manner. (E) If the car will start but stalls when hot or has a rough idle, you can suspect a faulty IDLE ADJUSTMENT, a malfunctioning AUTOMATIC CHOKE or an extremely dirty and blocked AIR CLEANER ELEMENT. Replace paper element air cleaner if necessary. Idle adjustment or automatic choke service (other than that outlined in paragraph 0 above) should be performed by your Chevrolet
Dealer. If the above Fuel System checks and the checks suggested under
the Electrical System following do not correct the malfunction, it is recommended that you turn to your Authorized Chevrolet Dealer
for further checks, adjustments or repairs. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM If when the ignition key is turned to "Start", the engine will not turn' over, yOu have good reason to suspect electrical trouble. NOTE: Never'remove Delcotron bat lead without first disconnecting battery ground cable. IF) When there is no response at all to attempts to start the car,
check the obvious-your AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER must be in Neutral or Park position (manual transmission
must have clutch depressed all the way to floor) before the engine
can be starfed. Turning the IGNITION SWITCH rapidly back and forth several times will sometimes correct a poor internal switch
contact.
(GI The BATTERY may be discharged. If so, lights will be dim and the horn will have a poor tone if it will blow at all.
Usually a garage recharge will be necessary to return the battery to operation. Occasionally, however, a long drive will recharge the battery. . , •
NOTE: If the baHery is determined to be dead, and for no apparent reason, have your :Aflthori~ed Chevrolet Dealer check the baHery, the GENERATOR and the VOLTAGE REGULATOR.
GENERATOR trouble shqiJld already have been indicated by
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the generator indicator light on the instrument panel.
POOR BATTERY CONNECTIONS may be suspected if the car has operated properly a short time before and now not even the horn will operate. Check both ends of both battery cables. If the con­nections are corroded, a car may sometimes be restored to opera­tion by removing all cable ends, scraping all contacting surfaces
clean with a pen knife, and reassembling. If the cables are broken,
they must be replaced. The power supply should now be restored unless-the battery is dead.
(HI If, however, the lights and horn work properly but the starter will still not turn over, check the STARTER connections. A "click" from the starter solenoid indicates that the wiring to the starter is properly installed. If the wiring seems to be clean and tightly in­stalled, the trouble is probably in the starter itself and should be referred to your Authorized Chevrolet Dealer.
When the engine will "turn over" but will not start, the following
items may be checked along with the Fuel Systems Checks listed previously.
(II With a clean dry cloth wipe the ce-amic portions of the spark plugs dry. In particularly damp or rainy weather dampness may be the cause of not starting, espe­
cially when the engine is cold.
(JI Check the cables at the top
of the distributor and coil as well as each spark plug cable for
tightness.
(KI If the car will still not start,
check for spark at the spark plugs in the following manner: Pull one of the spark plug
wires off its spark plug. Insert a
short piece of bare wire (such as Distributor and Coli Cables

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKER:
The headlamp circuit is protected by a circuit breaker in the light switch. An electrical overload on the breaker will cause the lamps to go on and
off, or in some cases to remain off. If this condition develops, have your
wiring circuits checked immediately. Also, a circuit breaker, mounted on the firewall, protects the power window and power seat circuits if vehicle is so equipped. Where current load is too heavy, the circuit breaker
intermittently opens and closes, protecting the circuit until the cause is found and eliminated.
Fuses, located in the Junction Block beneath the dash on the driver's side are:
Radio, TCS, Rear Defogger
Power Window Relay, Hydra-matic Downshift, Anti Diesel Control. .... .. ................ ... ... .... .. 20 Amp. W /S Wiper. ... .......................................... 25 Amp.
Stop Lamps, Hazard Flasher .............................. 20 Amp. Heater A/C . . . . . . . . . .. . ..... ............................ 25 Amp.
Dir. Sig., B /U Lamps, Cruise Master, Side MarkerLamps, Blocking Relay (A/C) ............... .. .. .............. .. 20 Amp.
Inst. Lamps, Floor Shift Lamps ....... .... .. .... ............ 4 Amp. Gauges, Instr. Panel Warning .............................. 10 Amp.
Clock, Courtesy Light, Lighter, Glove Box and Dome Lamp ... . 20 Amp.
Tail Lamps, License, and Side Marking Lamp .............. .. 20 Amp.
An Air Conditioning high blower speed fuse, 30 amp. is located in an I n-line fuse holder running from horn relay to Air Conditioning relay.
Do not use fuses of higher amperage rating than those recommended above.
Fusible Links are incorporated into the wiring system. These are wires of such a gauge that they will fuse (or melt) before damage occurs to an entire
wiring harness in the event of an electrical overload. See your Chevrolet Dealer if fusible link replacement becomes necessary.
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BULB SPECIFICATIONS
(Replace w ith AC Guide Lamp)
Headlight Unit High Beam
low Beam Front Park and Directional Signal
Front Fender Side Marker lamp Rear Side Marker lamp
Tail, Stop, and Rear Directional Siinal
License Plate Lame Back Up lamps
Courtes~ lamp
Dome Lame Instrument Illumination lamp
Automatic Transmission Lamp
High Beam Headlamp Indicator
Indicator
lamps Gen. Oil Temp.~stem Brake arning Turn Signal
Seat Belt W IS Washer Switch light Switch
Radio Dial (Stereo)
I ndicator (Stereo)
Heater or AIC Control Panel lame
Glove Box lamp
Radio Dial lamp
Floor Mounted Console
Underhood lame
Luggage Compartment
Candle
Power Number
60W 6014
SOW Sealed Beam 32-3 1157 NA
2
194 2 194 32-3 1157
4 67 32 1156 6 631 12 211-2
3 168 2 1895
3 168
3 168 3 168 3 168 3 168 3 168 3 168 3 168 3 168
2 564 .065 66 1 1445
2 1893
3 1816
2 1895
15 93
15 1003

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine INDEX
Accessory Drive Belts ............ , .... 53 Accessory Position, Steering Column Lock ...................... 15 Acrylic Lacquer ..................... , 49
Adjusters, Automatic Brake. . . . . . . . . . .. 38 Air Circulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 3
Air Cleaner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 53 Air Conditioning
Operation 4 Season. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 35 Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 57 Air Inlets, Ventilating System .......... 32 Ammeter ............................ 30 Antenna ............................. 39 Anti-freeze (See Cooling System) ........ 57 Anti-Spin Differential. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 40 Anti-Theft Key Buzzer System . . . . . . . . .. 15 Anti-Theft Steering Column Lock ....... 15 Appearance Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 46 Automatic Brake Adjusters. . . . . . . . . . .. 24 Automatic Transmissions
Fluid Check ........................ 54 Fluid Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . .. 54 Maintenance ...................... , 54 Operation.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 17 Starter Safety Switch ............... , 15 Axle Rear
Fluid Level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 53 Maintenance ...................... , 53 Backup Lights ........................ 73 Ball Joints .......................... , 55 Bassinet Placement. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 10 Battery
Emergency Starting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 42 Fluid Level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 66
Gas Caution ...................... , 42
Specifications. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 71 Bearings, Front Wheel. ............... , 55 Before Driving Your Monte Carlo. . .. .. 3
Belted Tires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 62
Belts
Engine Drive ...................... , 53 Lap ............................... 6 Shoulder ...... , .. . . .. .. . . . . .. . . .. .. 8
Blower, Ventilating ................... 32 Body Identification Number. ........... 71 Brakes
Driving Through Deep Water ........ 23 Linings ............................ 56
Master Cylinder Level. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 56
Parking Brake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 23 Pedal Travel ...................... , 23 Power ............................. 23 Self-Adjusting.. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . .. .. 24 Trailer ................. ........... 11 Warning Light. .................... 27 Break-In Period
Cars Pulling Trailers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 11 New Car .......................... 2
Bright Metal Cleaning ................ . "Brights" Headlamp Indicator ......... , 28 Buckles, Seat Belt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 7
Bulbs and Fuses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 73 Bumper Jack
Operation .......................... 44 Stowage .................... ....... 44 Buzzer
Key Reminder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 15 Cap, Filter
Engine Oil ............ Inside Back Cover
Gasoline ....................... .... 50 Radiator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 42
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Capacities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 71 Carbon Monoxide Caution ............. 14
Cargo or Luggage Caution. . . . . . . . . . . .. 14 Carpet Care ................... , .... " 46
Carrier, Infant Safety .................. 10 Changing Wheels and Tires. . . . . . . . . . .. 43 Charging System Indicator Light. ..... " 27 Chassis Maintenance .................. 55 Child Restraint
Cars Not Equipped With
Special Child Restraints. . . . . . . . .. 10 Child Safety Seat ............... .. " 10 Infant Safety Carrier. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 10 Chrome Protection.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 49 Cigarette Ligh ter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 31 Circuit Breakers, Headlamps ......... " 73 Cleaning
Carpet Care ...................... " 46
Exterior Finish and Trim. . . . . . . . . . .. 47 Fabric and Interior Trim. . . . . . . . . . .. 46 Solvents Recommended .............. 46 Spot Removal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 46 Vinyl Top. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 49
Clock ............................... 31 Clutch Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 54 Pedal Adjustment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 23 Coat Hooks... . .. .. . . .... .. . . .... . ... 4
Cold Weather Starting ................. 16 Compartment
Glove ............................. 25 Complaint Procedure .................. 74 Conditioner, Air ... , .................. 35 Controlled Differential .............. " 40 Controls ............................. 25 Cooling System Care .............................. 57 Coolant Recommendation. . . . . . . . . .. 57

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Mirrors, Rear View Inside, Adjustment Up or Down.. .. .. 6 Inside, Day/Night. . :. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Mountainous Terrain
Driving Down Grades ....... ........ 19 Transmission Fluid Change Interval. .. 54 "Neutral" (N) Transmission Range ..... 18 New Car Break-In. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Oil Additives ........................ .'. 51 Change Interval, Engine ............. 51 Checking Engine Oil Level. .... .. , . .. 52 Engine ............................ 51 Filter .............................. 51 Pressure Indicator Light/Gauge. . . . . .. 29 Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 51 Transmissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 54 Viscosity ........................... 51 Operation in Foreign Countries ......... 13 Other Controls and Features. . . . . . . . . .. 40 Outside
Air Vents ....................... ... 32 Overheated Engine
Indicator Light. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 27 What To Do. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 27 Overseas Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 13 Owner Assistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 73 Paint Care .............................. 49 Touch Up ......................... 49 Parking Brake ............................. 23 Lights ............................. 28 "Park" (P) Transmission Position ..... 18 Precautions ...................... " 18 Polishing And Waxing ................. 48 Positive Traction Differential. .......... 40
Power Brakes ............. , .............. 23 Seats.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. 5 Steering .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 21 Windows........................ .. 5 Pressure, Tire Inflation. . . . • . . . . . . . . . .. 60 Preventive Maintenance ............. " 60 Pushing To Start. .......... .... ...... 41 Radiator Coolant ........................... 57 Coolant Level Inspection. . . . . . . . . . .. 57 Overheating ........................ 42 Pressure Cap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 42, 60 Radio AM/FM ...................... ..... 38 Antenna ........................... 38 Stereo ............................. 38 Tape System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 39 Raising Car With Jack.. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 44
Rear Axle
.............................. 53 Speaker ........................... 38 Window Defogger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 34 Rearview Mirrors, Inside. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Registration, Vehicle Engine Number ............... , .... 71 . Vehicle Identification Number. ....... 71 Replacement Tires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 64 Replacement Wheels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 64 Release , Hood .......... Inside Back Cover
Restarting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 16 Restraints
Child .............................. 10 Head.............................. 6 Lap Belts.......................... 6
Methods Of Restraining Children .. • .. 10 Shoulder Belts. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Rests, Head (See Head Restraints)
81
Retractors, Lap Belt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 7 "Reverse" (R) Transmission Range 18 Roof Care, Vinyl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 49
Rotation, Tire.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 62 Safety Belts (Seat Belts). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Carrier, Infant. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 10 Seat, Child.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 10 Schedule Break-In... ...... .. ...... .... .. .... 2 Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 50 Seat Adjustment, Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 4
Adjustment, Power.... .. .... .. .... .. 5 Back Latch, Folding Front. . . . . . . . . .. 4 Child Safety.. .. .. . .. . . . . . . . .. .. . ... 10 Head Restraints. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Seat Belts
Child Restraint. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 10 Inspection and Care ......... ....... , 9
Lap ... , .................... ....... 6 Retractors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 7 Shoulder........................... 8
Self-Adjusting Brakes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 24 Service and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 50 Shift Linkage Maintenance ............... 55 Operation (See Transmission)
Shoulder Belts Adjustment. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Side Marker Lights .................. . Signals, Turn ......................... 20 Solvents, Recommended Cleaning. . • . . .. 46 Sound Systems (See Radio) Spare Tire
Jacking Instructions ... , ............. 46 Spark Knock (See Fuel
Recommendations)
Speaker, Rear ........................ 38

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Specifications Body; . ............ " ........... , .. 71 Capacities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 7L Dimensions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 71 Engine ...... . : ., .. . , ......... , .... 72 Filters ............. . ; . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 72 Fuses ..... .. , . ..... ' ............... 73 Light Bulbs ...... ............... ; .. 73 Speed Corttrol (Cruise Master). . . . . . . . .. 21 Speedometer .................. , . . . . .. 25 Spot Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 46 Stainless Steel Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Stains, Removal of. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 46 Starter Interlock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 15 Safety Switch .................. , .. " 15 Starting Automatic Transmission Cars. . . . . . .. 15 Emergency ...... , ..... , .......... .. 42 Manual Transmission Cars ........... 16 Exhaust Gas Caution .............. .. 14 Folding Seats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 4
Jack Stowage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 44 Steering Column Controls .... ' ............. " 15 Column Lock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 15 Gear Lubricant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 55 Linkage Inspection ................ " 55 Maintenance ... ; . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 55 Power ... ..... ................ , .... 21 Wheel, Tilt.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 21 Stereo Radio ................... .......... 38 Tape System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 39 Straps, Safety (See Seat Belts) Storage Of Items. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 6 Sun Visor Adjustment .. Safety Checks Insert Suspension Maintenance ........... .... 55
Tape System ; Stereo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Temperature Control, Cooling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. 34 Control, Heating. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 34 Indicator Light/Gauge ....... ........ 29 Thermostat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 59 Tilt Steering Whe el... .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 21 Tire
Belted ..... ..... ...... .. .......... . 60 Care .............................. 60 Cl)anging ......... ... .... ...... ; . . . 43 Full Rated Load. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 62 High Speed Operation ............... 6 2
Hydroplaning. . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 65 Infl ation Pressure ................. .. 61 Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 62 Load Limit ...................... " 61 Rotation. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 63
Traction ........................... 65 Tread Wear Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 61 Usage and Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 60 Towing
Caution ............................ 41 Disabled Vehicle .... '" ............. 41 To Start. .................. " .... .. 41 Toxic
Cleaning Solvents ................... 46 Exhaust Fumes ..................... 14 Traction , Wet Roads .......... ........ " 65 Traffic Hazard Flasher. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 41 Trailer Hauling
Break-In Period. . .. . .. . . . . .. . .. .... 11 Cautions ........................... 12 Equipment.. . .. .. .. . .. . .. .. .. .. .... 11 Special Maintenance ............. .. .. 12 Tire Inflation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 11 Trailer Tongue Load. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 11
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Transmission 3-Speed Manual. ... ................ 19 Automatic .............. .......... , 17 Braking Effect On Hills ...... " ...... 19 Checking Fluid Level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 54 Fluid And Sump Filt er. . . . . . . . . . . . .. 54 Fluid Change Interval. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 54 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 54 Turbo Hydramatic .................. 18 Tread Wear
Indicator s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 63 Trim Care, Interior. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 46 Trunk
Driving With Trunk Open ........... 14 Turbo-H ydramatic
Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 53 Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 17 Turn Signal s and Lane Change
Feature .................... ........ 20 Underbody Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 65 Upholstery And Carpet Care ........... 46 Vehicle Identification Number. ....... " 71 Vehicle Loading ...................... 62 V entilating Blower .................... 32 V entilating Grilles .................. " 32 Ventilating System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 32 V ents Outside Air ................... " 32 Vinyl
Fabric Care Interior. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 46 Roof Care. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 49 Volatile Cleaning Solvents Caution ........................... 46 Volume Control, Radio ...... ........ .. 38 Warning Flasher, Hazard .............. 41 Warning Lights
Brake .................. . .......... 27