1973 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO maintenance

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1973 CHEVROLET
OWNER'S MANUAL
IMPORTANT OPERATING, SAFETY AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 1973
MONTE CARLO
OWNER'S
MANUAL
CHEVROLET MOTOR
DIVISION
GENERAL MOTORS
CORPORATION DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48202
All information, illustrations and specifications con­tained in this manual are based on the latest product
information available at the time of publication. The right is reserved to make changes at any time without notice.
For vehicles sold in
Canada, substitute the name
General Motors of Canada, wherever the name
Chevrolet Motor Division appears in this manual.
ST 307-73
© GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION 1973
Section
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Table of Contents
Page
' Before Driving Your Monte Carlo.. .................... . .. 3
Starting and Operating . . . .
.. . . . .. . . . . .. . . ... . . . .. .. . . . . .. 14
Steering Column Controls .................. ; . . . . . . . . . .. 15
Starting Engine .............................. '. . . . .. 15
Floor Controls ............................ ; . . . . . . . . . . .. 23
Instrument Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. 25
Other Controls and Features ............................ , 40
In Case of Emergency .................................... 41
Appearance Care ........................................ , 46
Service and Maintenance ................................ , 50
Minor Trouble Shooting .................................. 67
Specifications, Owner Assistance, Service Manuals,
Index,
Gas Station Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 71
1

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Detroit, Michigan 48202 (or in
Canada by writing to General
Moto rs of Canada Limited,
Owner
Relations Department , Oshawa,
Ontario) .
To assist in attaining good han­
dling of the car-trailer combina­
tion, it
is important that the trailer
tongue load be maintained at ap­
proximately
10% of the loaded
trailer weight. Tongue loads can be
adjusted by proper distribution of
the load in the trailer, and can be
checked by weighing separately the
loaded trailer and then the tongue.
When towing trailers, tires
should be inflated to the highest inflation
pressures shown on the
placard affixed to the left front
door . The allowable passenger and
cargo load, also shown on the same
placard ,
is reduced by an amount
equal to
the trailer tongue load on
the trailer hitch.
Maintenance
More frequent vehicle mainte­
nance
is required when using your
car to pull a trailer. Change the:
• Automatic transmission fluid
each
12 ,000 miles ,
• Rear axle fluid each 12,000
miles,
• Engine oil each 60 days or 3,000
12
miles , whichever occurs first.
• Positive crankcase ventilation
valve each 12 months or
12,000
miles, whichever occurs first.
Break-in Schedule
In addition to the new ca r
break-in instructions in this man­
ual, it
is recommended that your
new Monte Carlo be operated for
500 miles before trailer towing. If
it is necessary to tow during this
period , avoid speeds over
50 MPH
and full throttle starts. The same
precautions should be observed
whenever a new engine, transmis­
sion or axle
is installed in your car.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine STARTING AND OPERATING
Engine Exhaust Gas Caution (Carbon Monoxide)
Allold inhaling exhaust gases because
they contain carbon monoxide, which by
Itsell is colorless and odorless. Carbon
monoxide is a dangerous gas that can cause unconsciousness and is potentially
lethal.
II at any time you suspect that exhaust fumes are entering the passenger com­partment, have the cause determined and corrected as soon as possible. II you must
drive under these conditions, drive only
with
all windows fully open.
The best protection against carbon
mon­oxide entry into the car body is a properly
maintained exhaust system, car body and body ventilation system. It is recom­mended that the exhaust system and body
be inspected by a competent mechanic:
• Each time the IIehicie is raised for oil change. > •
Wheneller a change
is noticed In the
sound of the exhaust system.
• Wheneller the exhaust system, under­
body or rear of the vehicle is damaged.
See your Maintenance Schedule folder
for inspection procedure.
To allow proper operation of the car's
IIentilation system, keep front ventilation
inlet
grille clear of snow, leaves or other obstruction at all times.
SITTING IN A PARKED CAR WITH
ENGINE RUNNING FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD IS NOT RECOMMENDED.
Do
not run engine in confined areas such as garages any more than needed to mOlle IIehicle In or out of area. When IIe­hlcle is stopped In an UNCONFINED area with the engine running for any more than a short period, adJust heating or cooling system to force outside air Into car as follows:
14
1. On cars not equipped with air condi­
tioning, set fan to medium or high
speed and upper control leller to any
position except OFF.
2. On cars equipped with manual air conditioning, set fan to medium or high speed, upper control lever to any
position except OFF, and lower con­trol lever to any position except ex­treme left COLD.
The trunk lid should be closed while
drilling to help prellent inadllertently draw­Ing exhaust gases Into the car. If Is unwise to drive at high speeds for long durations
with the trunk lid open. Howeller, If lor some reason the trunk must remain open lor a period while mOiling, or electrical wiring or other cable connections to a trailer must pass through the seal between
trunk lid and body, the lol/owlng precau­
tions should be observed:
• Close all windows.
• Ad/ust heating or cooling system to
force outside air into car as described In items 1 and 2 abolle but with Ian set at high speed.
• On cars equipped with outside aIr IIents In or under Instrument panel, open IIents lully.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Generator Indicator Light
This light provides a quick
check on the generating system
of your car. The red light will
go on when the ignition key
is
in the "on" position, but before
the engine
is started. After the
engine starts, the light should go
out and remain out.
If the light
remains on when engine
is run­
ning , have your Authorized Chev­
rolet Dealer locate and correct
the trouble
as soon as possible.
Engine Temperature
Indicator Light
This indicator light is provided
in the
instrument cluster to
quickly warn of an overheated
engine. With the ignition switch
in the
START position, the red
TEMP indicator will light to let
you know that it
is operating
properly. When the engine
is started, the red
light will go out immediately.
It will light up at no other time
unless for some reason the engine
reaches a dangerously high oper­
ating temperature.
If the red light
should come on, the engine must
be stopped until the cause of the
overheating
is corrected. Glance
at instrument cluster frequently
as
you drive to see if this light is on.
Brake System Warning Light
The service brake system is
designed so that half of the brake
system will provide some braking
action in the event of a hydraulic
leak in the other half of the
sys­
tem. If the warning light located
below the fuel gauge glows con­
tinuously when the ignition
is on
and after the brakes have been
firmly applied, it may indicate that
there
is a malfunction in one half
of the brake hydraulic system.
27
• As a check on bulb condition
the light should glow with the
parking brake applied and the
ignition on. (Light
is also a
reminder to release parking
brake) .
• Have system repaired if light
does not come on during check.
• This warning light is not a sub­
stitute for the visual check of
brake fluid level required
as
part of normal maintenance.
If the light glows red:
• The parking brake control is not
fully released or,
• The service brake system is
partially inoperative
What to do:
1. Check that the parking brake
is released. If it is ...
2. Pull off the road and stop,
carefully- remembering that:

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
The time or mileage intervals
on the following
pages are in­
tended as a guide for establishing
regular maintenance and lubrica­
tion periods for your car. Sus­
tained heavy duty or high speed
operations
or operation under
adverse conditions may necessi­
tate more frequent servicing.
To
determine specific recommenda­
tions for conditions under which
Fuel
Requirements
Your Monte Carlo is designed
to operate
on a good quality fuel
of approximately
91 Research Oc­
tane Number or higher , commonly
sold in the United States and
Canada.
Use of a fuel which is too
low in anti-knock quality will re- you
use your car, consult your
Authorized Chevrolet Dealer.
Maintenance Schedule
For owner convenience, a sepa­
rate maintenance folder has been
provided with your car which con­
tains a complete schedule and
brief explanation of the safety,
suIt in
"spark knock", a metallic
rapping noise generated during the
combustion process. It should be
noted that Research Octane Num­
ber does not completely describe
fuel octane quality. Therefore , if
you hear knock in your engine you
may wish to try a different gaso­
line.
If knocking persists consult
your authorized Chevrolet dealer.
In any case, continuous
or exces-
50
emission control, lubrication and
general maintenance it requires.
The maintenance folder informa­
tion
is supplemented by this sec­
tion of the Owner 's Manual,
as
well as the separate emission con­
trol systems folder also furnished
with your car. Read all three pub­
lications for a full understanding
of vehicle maintenance require­
ments.
sive knocking may result in engine
damage and constitutes misuse of
the engine for which Chevrolet
Motor Division
is not responsible
under the terms of the New Ve­
hicle Warranty.
General Motors recommends the
use of unleaded or low-lead
(0 to
0.5 grams per gallon) gasolines
to minimize emissions of hydro­
carbons and particulates.
If un-

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine sure that the wheels are equivalent
to those removed in diameter, rim
width and off-set.
Warranty
Tires are warranted by the tire
manufacturers
as covered in · the
New Vehicle Warranty and
Policy
on Owner Service folder furnished
with your vehicle. However, for
the added convenience of own­
ers, many Chevrolet dealers are
equipped to handle tire warranty
adjustments on certain makes of
tires provided on 1973 Chevrolet
cars.
Tire Traction
A decrease in driving, corner­
ing, and braking traction occurs
when water, snow, ice, gravel,
or
other material is on the road sur- face.
Driving practices and
car
speed should be adjusted to the
road conditions.
When driving on wet
or slushy
roads, it
is possible for a wedge of
water to build up between the tire
and road surface. This phenome­
non, known as hydroplaning, may
cause partial
or complete loss of
traction, which adversely affects
vehicle control and stopping abil­
ity.
To reduce the possibility of
traction loss, the following precau­
tions should be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms
or when roads are slushy.
2. Slow down if road has standing
water
or puddles.
3. Replace tires when tread wear
indicators are visible.
65
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
For temporary assistance when
traction
is lost on ice or snow, the
use of
AC Liquid Tire Chain is
recommended.
Underbody Maintenance
The effects of salt and other
corrosive materials used for ice
and snow removal and dust con­
trol can result in accelerated rust­
ing and deterioration of under­
body components such
as brake
and fuel lines, frame, underbody
floor pan, exhaust system, brack­
ets, parking brake cables. These
corrosive effects, however,
can be
reduced by periodic flushing of the
underbody with plain water.
In
geographic areas having a heavy
concentration of such corrosive
materials, it
is recommended that

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
78
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