1976 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO oil level

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine The instruments, gauges and. in­
dicator lights conveniently grouped
in the instrument cluster are de-
Fuel Gauge
The fuel g!fllge registers the
APPROXIMATE fuellevel in the
tank , when the ignition
is in the ON
po sition .
When the gauge registers
EMPTY, some fuel is.s till available
as a reserve. When the gauge
regis­
ters FULL, sOme .. additional fuel
can still be added to the tank. The
following conditions may
be con­
sidered normal: signed
to tell you at a glan ce many
important things about ihe
per­
formanceof your car. The follow- .
•
G as station pump may shut off be­
fore fuel gauge indicates FULL.
o Amount of gasoline required for
fill-up may not exactly
corres­
pond to gauge.
o Needle may not move away from
FULL until sometime after fill­
up.
o Needle may move during turns,
stops and accelerations. When the
ignition switch is turned to the
OFF position , the needle will not
2-11
ing information will enable you to
mor e quickly understand and
prop­
erly interpret these instrume!lts.
necessarily return all the way
to
the EMPTY mark.
Oil Pressure Indicator Light
This light will be on when the
ignition switch
is turned on and
s hould go out after the engine
is
started . Occasionally the light may
be seen to flicker momentarily , but
this will do no harm. However,
if
the light remains on during normal
drivin g speeds the engine should
be
stopped until the cause of the trou-

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine ble'can be located and corrected .
. Driying the car with low oil pillS'
sure can:cause · serious ' engine
damage.
Genera~orlndicator Light
The red light will go on when
the
ignition key is in the "on " posi,
tion, b~f before the engine is
started.'J\fter the engine starts, the
light .
sho'uld go out and remain out.
If the Hght remains on when engine
is runlling, have your Authorized
Chevrolet Dealer locate and cor,
reCI 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
5T AR T
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,
atingtemperature. If the light
comes on during
extreme driving
conditions, such
as an extended
idle, turn
off the air conditioner (if
used }.and run the engine slightly
faster than
idle. speed with the
transmission in neutral gear .
If the
light does not go
off within a short
period of time
(F2 minutes), then
tum the engine off until the cause
of the.
overheating is corrected;
Glance at the
Ins.trument cluster
frequently as you drive to see if
this light
is on. '
Brake System Warning
Light
.
The service .. brake system is a
dual system designed
so that. one
part will provide some braking
2-12
action in the event of loss of hy'
draulic pressure in the other part of
the system.
If the ,warning light
labeled
"BRAKE," located in the
speedometer face, comes on .and
stays on when the ignition
is on and
'after · the brakes have been firmly
applied, it may indicate that
there
is a malfunction in one part of the
brake system.
'
•
As ~ reminde;, the light is de,
signed:to
come on with the park,
ing brake applied and the ignition
on.
• The light is also designed to
come on, during ;engine starting
to verify that the bulb is operating
. properly.
• 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.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine A high quality SE oil was in­
stalled in
your engine at the factory.
It is not necessary to change this
factory-irtstalled oil prior to the
recommended normal chartge pe­
riod . However , check the oil level
more frequently during the break­
in period since higher oil consump­
tion is normal until the piston rings
becom e sea ted.
Recommended Viscosity
To help assure good cold and hot
starting, as well as maximum en­
gine life, fuel economy and oil
economy , select the proper oil vis­
cosity for
the temperature range
anticipated from the following
chart:
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
I I I I 20W 20 lOW 30 lOW 10 7(lV, 10 JOW 50
JOW 5w 30 lOW 30 lOW 40
sw 20 5W 30
F --;fO , ? ,2,0 ,4,0 ~O 8,0 , 1~
°c 30' 20 10 0 1 30 40 TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL,CHANGE
NOTE: SAE 5W-30 oils· are rec ommended for all seasons in vehi­cles normally operated in Canada. SAE 5W-20oi ls are nol recommended fur su stained high-speed driving. SAE 30 oi ls may be used at tempera tures above 4O"F. (4"C.)
5-3
Checking Engine Oil Level
The engine oil should be main­
tained
at proper level. The best
time
to check it is as the last step in
a fuel stop. This will allow the oil
accumulation in
the engine to drain
back in the crankcase.
To check the
level, remove the oil gauge rod (dip
stick), wipe it clean and reinsert it
firmly for an accurate reading. The
oil gauge rod is marked
"FULL"
and "ADD." The oil level should be
maintained in the safety margin,
neither going above the
"FULL"
line nor below the "ADD" line.
Re sea t the gauge firmly after taking
the reading.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine TRANSMISSION ITEMS
Automatic Transmission­
Fluid Level
Recommendations
Use automatic transmission
fluids identified with the mark
DEXRON®-II available from your
Chevrolet dealer
or local service
station.
Check the fluid level
at each en­
gine oil change period.
Automatic transmissions are
fre­
quently overfill¢ level
is checked when the fluid is
cold and the dipsick indicates fluid
should be added. However, the low
reading may
be normal since the
fluid level will rise as the fluid tem­
perature increases. A level change
of over
% inch will occur as fluid
temperature rises from
60° F. to
180° F. (16° C. to 82° C.)
Overfilling can cause foaming
and loss of fluid through the vent.
(650 -8S"F.) (18" _29°C.) COOL HOT
WARM
NOTE, DO NOT OVERFill. It takes only one pint to raise level from ADD to FULL with a hot transmission.
Slippage and transmission failure
can result.
Fluid level too low can cause
slipping, particularly when the
transmission is cold or the car is
on a hill.
Check the transmission fluid
level with the
engine running, the
shift lever
in Park, and the car
level.
Remove the dipstick and touch
the transmission
end of the dipstick
5-5
L.
NOTE: lithe vehicle has recently
been operated for an extended
period at high speed or in city
traffic
in hot weather or the vehi­
cle is being used to pull a trailer,
an accurate fluid level cannot be
determined until the fluid has
cooled down-usually apout 30
minutes after the vehicle has been
parked.)
cautiously to find out if the fluid is
cool, warm or hot.
Wipe it clean and re-insert until
cap seats. Remove dipstick and
note reading.
• If the fluid feels cool, about room
temperature
(65° F. to 85° F.)
or (18° C. to 29° C.), the level
should
be 1;8 to % inch below
the
"ADD" mark The dipstick
has two dimples below the
"ADD" mark to show this range.
"'j' S' ~ c· "

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine --;
protection at-20op (-2S0C) or
below to ensure pro;tection against
corrosion and loss
of coolant
from boiling even though freezing '
temperatures are not expected.
• Add ethylene glycol base coolant
that meets
GM Specification
IS99-M when coolant additions
are required because of coolant
loss
Or to provide additional pro"
tection against freezing at tem_
peratures lower than _20oP,
(-2S0C),' and in Canada to
_35°P ( -3JOC).
NOTE: AlcOhol Or methanol base
coolants or plain water are not
recommended for your vehicle at
any time.
Radiator Pressure Cap
The radiator cap, a 15 lb. pres­
sure type, must be installed tightly,
otherwise coolant may be lost and
damage
, to engine may result from
overheating. Radiator pressure caps
should
be chef'ked periodically for
' proper operation.
If replacement is
required specify·AC.
Thermostat
The cooling system is protected
and controlled by a thermostat that
maintains a satisfactory
" engine
operating temperature . This
ther­
mostat is installed in the engine
coolant outlet
arid is designed for
continuous use through both winter
and
s ·ummer. When replacement is
necessary, Delco parts are recom­
mended.
5-9
CHASSIS ITEMS
Rear Axle Lubricant
Standard -
Every 6 months or
7,500 miles , whichever occurs first,
check lubricant level and add
lubri­
cant, if necessary, to fill to level of
filler plug hole.
Use SAE SOW or
SAE SOW-90 GL-5 Gear Lubricant.
cant.
(Por vehicles operated in
Canada, use
SAE SOW Gear Lubri­
cant.)
Posilraction -Drain and refill
after
the first 15,000 miles then
maintain same
as standard axle but
use only the special positraclion lu-·
bricant available from yo ur Chev­
roletDealer , part number 1051022.
Rear Universal Joint Fitting
-Except Wagons
Every 6 months or 7,500 miles­
lubricate universal joint with water
resistant
EP Chassis Lubricant
Part number 1050679 which meets
GM Specification 6040M.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Front suspension
Every 6 months or 7,500 miles
Lubricat~ fittings with water re­
sistant EP Chassis Lubricant which
meets
GM Specification6031M.
NOTE: , Ball joints should not be
lubricated unless their temperature
is
+10° F (- 12 °C), or higher.
During cold weather, they should
be allowed to
warm up as necessary
before being
l\lbricated.
Steering Linkage
Every six months or 7,500 miles,
lubri cate fittings with water
resist­
ant EP Chassis Lubricant which
meets GM Specification
6031M.
Power Steering System
Check the fluid level in the pump
reservoir at each oil change period.
Add GM
Power Steering Fluid
(or Automatic Transmission Fluid
DEXRON"-II) as necessary to
bririg level into proper range on
filler cap indicator depending upon
fluid temperature.
If at operating temperature (ap­
proximately 150°F, 66°C-hot to
the touch), fluid should be between
"HOT" and "COLD" marks. If at
room temperature (approximately
70°F, 22°C), fluid should be be­
tween "ADD " and "COLD " marks.
Fluid does not require periodic
changing.
5-10
"HOT" MARK
''COL~'' MARK
\::::j. __ "ADD"

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine INDEX
Absorbers, Superlift Shock. . . . . . . . . .. 2-27
Accessory Drive Belts. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 5-4 Accessory P()sition, Steering Column Lock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2-2
Acrylic Lacquer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 4-5 Adjusters, Automatic Brake. . . . . . . . .. 2-9 Air Adjustable Superlift Shock Absorbers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2-27 Air Circulation .......... " ..••..... 2-17 Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . • • . . . . .. 5-4 Air Conditioning
Automatic Operation. .. . . . . . . . . . .. 2-22
4 Seasons Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2-20 Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 5-12 Air Inlets , Ventilating System ........ 2-17 Antenna •.......... -•....•• , . • . . . . .. 2-25 Anti-freeze (See Cooling System).... .. ~l Anti-Spin Differential. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2-27 Anti-Theft Key Buzzer System ........ 2-2 Anti-Theft Steering Column Lock. . . .. 2-2
Appearance Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 4-1 Ash Trays. . . . . . .. .. . . .. . . . . . . . . ... 2-10 Automatic Brake Adjusters. . . . . . . . .. 2-9 Automatic Transmissions Fluid Check.. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 5-5 Fluid Recommendations ... , . . . . . .. 5~5 Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 5-5 Operation ...... ,., ....... "., .... 2.4
Starter Safety Switch .. , ..•• ' .• ' . '. 2·3 Axle Rear Fluid Level ............... , . . . . .. 5-9 Maintenance .............•...... , 5·9 Backup Lights.... . . . . .. . . ... . . . . . .. 6-3 Ban Joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . .. . . .. 5·10
Bassinet Placement.. • . . . . . . • . . . . .. .. 1-9 Battery Emergency Starting, . , •...... , . . .. 3-2 Auid Level ........ , , .In side Back -Cover Gas Caution. .. .. . . .. . . . . . . .. . . .. 3-3 Specifications ....... , ............. 6-1 Bearings, Front Wheel. ......... , .... 5·11 Before Driving Your Chevr olet. ...... 1-1 Belted Tires .. , "., ............ , .... 5·14 Belts Engine Drive .... , . . . . . . . . . •.. . . . .. 5-4 Lap ............................. 1-4 Shoulder, ......... , ............ '. 1-4 Blower, Ventilating ................. 2-19 Body Identif ication Number .......... 6-1 Brakes D,riying Through Deep Water, . , , .. 2-8 Linings .. , ...................... , 2-8 Maintenance ..... ' . ... , . . . . . . . . . . 5-11 Master Cylind er Level ......••..... 5-11 Parking Brake.. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. 2-8 Pedal Travel ........... , . . . . . . . .. 2-8 Power, ...................• , ..... 2-8 Self-Adjusting ... , .......• " ...... 2-8 Trailer .................... ,..... I-to Warning Light. .... -.............. 2-1 2 Break-In Period Cars Pulling Trailers. . .. ...... .... 1-10 New Car ......... ,., ... ,........ ii Bright Metal Cleaning ....... '. ' . . . . .. 4-5 "Brights" Headlamp Indicator , ...... , 2-13
Buckles, Seat Belt., ........... ,. .. .. 1-4
Bulbs and Fuses .............. , . , . .. 6-3 Bumper Jack
Operation ........ , ...•••••..•.... 3-4 Stowage ............ , .••. , . . . . . .. 3-5 Seat Belt Buzzer Key Remin der ................ , . .. 2-3
6-8
Cap,
Engine Oil ...... , . . . . • . . . . . . • . . .. 5-2 Gasoline ............. , . . . . . . • . . .. 5-2
Ca~~~fti~~·:::::::::::::::::: :::::: ~: Carbon Monoxide Caution •.. , ..•.... 2-1 Carpet Care... . . . . .. . . . . . .. . . . . .. .. 4-2 Carrier, Infant Safety................ 1-8 Carrier, Roof Luggage ........ , . . . .. 2~27 Catalytic Converter ........... , .. 5-22, 5-23 Changin g Wheels and TlCes. . . . . . . . .. 3-4 Cha rging System Indicator Light...... 2-12
Chassis Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 5-9 Child Restraint
Cars Not Equipped With
Special Child Restraints. , .. , ..• 1-8
Child Safety Seat. .. . .. . . . . . .. . . .. 1-8 Infant Safety carrier. .. . . . . . . . . . .. 1-8 Chrome Protection ....... , .......... 4-5 Cigarette Lighter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 2-15 Circuit Breakers, Headlamps. . . . . . . .. 6-2 Cleaning
Carpet Care.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . .. 4~2 Exterior Finish and Trim. . . . . • . . .. 4-5 Fabric and Interio r Trim .......... 4-1 Solvents Recommended ........ , . .. 4-1 Spot Removal. ...... : . . .. . . .. . . .. 4-3 Vinyl Top ........ , . , . . . . . . •• . . .. 4-5 Clock ............................. 2-15 Coa t Hooks.......... ........••.... 1-2 Cold Weather Starting.. . . . . . . • • • . . .. 2-3
Comp artment
Glove., .... , .. , ....... , ...•..... 1-1 Luggage ....................... :. 2·33 Complaint Procedure. . . . . . . . . . •• . . .. 6-4 Conditioner, Air.. .. . . . . .. . . • .. . .... 2-20 Controlled Differential .......••• , . .. 2-27

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Converter, Catalylic .............. .5-22, 5-23 Cooling System Care ............................ 5·7 Coolant "Recommendation ....... ;. 5-7 Overheating Caution. . . . . . . . . . . . .. 3-4 Courtesy Lights ............ ." ..... , 6-2.317 Cowl Air Inlets ...... , ...... , ...... . Cruise Control ............. -. . . . . . .. 2-6 Dealer. Assistance ........... -;. ...... 6-4 Defogger, Rear Window ......... , . .. 2-20 Defroster, Defogger, Windshield ...... 2-19 Dimensions, Vehicle ......• -', ........ ' 6-1 Dimmer Switch, Headlarnp : ........ ' 2-9 Directional Signals .. , . , ...... , . . . . .. 2-5 Door Locks... ....... ............ .. 1·2 Power Doo r Locks .... , •...••...... 2-27 prive Belts, Engine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 5-4 Driver ' Sj;at Adju stment; .......... , ,..... 1-2 ," D~titfy Conditions. Operating Unqer. .. 5-2 ~ Economy Gauge, Fuel...... .. ..... .. 2~14 Electric Clock ................ , .. , .. 2~15 Electrical System Battery ....................... 5·13. 6-1 Bulbs ........................... 6-3 Fuses ... " ...................... 6-3 Generator Indicator Light ..•...... 2~12 Emergency, In Case Of, . ' . , .. ~ . . . . .. 3~ 1
Brake Warnin~ Light ............. ' 2~12 Generator Indicator Not Charging.. 2-12 Hazard Warning Flasher ........... 3-1 Jacking To Change Wheels......... 3·4 Jump Starting with Auxiliary Battery 3-2
Overheated Radiator ............ ,. 3-4 Pushing To Start ................ ' 3-2 Spare Tire .... , . . . . . . . . . . . • . • . . .. 3-4
Towing .. , ...............•.... , ., 3-1
Engine
Cooling. . . . .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .... 5-7 Exhaust Gas Caution, ........•... , 2-1 Flooded , Starting Procedure. .•• . . .. 2-3 Overheating .. , .. , . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. 3-4 Serial Number.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .... 6-1 Specificati ons ......... , ....... , , .. 6-2
Starting .................. ....... 2·3 Temperature Light.. , ........ -. .. ,. 2-12
Engine Oil Capacity .... ' .... , .... , ....•••. ',," 6-1 Change Interval .......• ' .. , • . . . .. 5-2 Dip Stick........ ........ ........ 5-2 Filter .......... .-. . . . . . . . . . . • . . . .. 5-2
Pressure Indicator .•.......••.... , 2-11 Recommendation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 5-3 Ethylene Glycol Coolant... . . . . . . . . .. 5·7 Exhaust Gas caution.... .... ...... .. 2 .. 1
Driving With Trunk Open. ........ 2-1 Exhau st System Checks ........ ,' .. 2-1 Parked With Engine Running. , .... 2-1 Pulling A Trailer. .............. " 2_1 Exterior Finish and Trim Care. . . . . .. 4-5
Fabric Care.. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. ... 4-1 Fan Belt ............................. 5-4 Ventilating .•... , ................ , 2-19 Filter, Oil. .... " ................ , . .. 5-2 Finish Care Exterior .......... , . , .. , 4-5 First Few Hundred Miles of Driving .. , ........... ' .... ; . . . . . .. ii
Flammable Cleaning Solvents. . . . . . .. 4-2 Flashers Hazard Warning .... ~. ............ 3-1 Turn Signal. ..... ' ......... , . . . .. 2-5 Flooded. Engin e, Starting. . . . . • . • . . .. 2-3 Floor Controls. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .... 2·8
6-9
Fluid Capacities ........... ·......... 6.1 Fluid Levels
Battery ..... , ......... Inside Back Cover
Brake Master Cylinder., ..... , .... 5-11 Engine Oil .............. , ........ 5·2 Power Steering .. , ......... '" . . .. 5.10 Radiator .................. ,. ,-... , 5-7 Rear Axle ................... '.... 5-9 Transmission ....... , . , ........... , 5-5
Fluid Recommendations
Brake
........................... 5.11 Power Steering, .......... '. -..... ~'. 5-11 Rad.iat~r, : ......... ....... ,.,."., 5-7 TranslOlsslon ....... , . . . . . . . . . . . .. 5·5 Windshield Washer .. , ., ....... ;--.-, 2-15 Fogging, With Air Conditioner ..... " 2-21 Folding Seat Back Latches ... ........ 1·2 Foreign Countries , Operation In .... ,. 1-12 Four Way Hazard Flasher. , . , , ... , ,. 3-1
Front Suspen sion. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. 5-10 Front Wheel Bearings ... :: ......... ,. 5·11 Fue l (See Gasoline) Fuel Economy Gauge ..... , ... , ,. . .. 2-14 Fumes, Engine Exhaust., ....•..... , .• 2-1 Fuses Cbart ........................... 6-3 Location.... . .. . . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . . . 6-2 Gas Station Information .,. Inside Back Cover Gasoline, Capacities ..... : , , . . . . . . .. 6-1 Do Not Use For Cleaning .. , . , . , ., 4-2 FlUer Cap Location .... Inside Back Cover
Fumes ........................... 2·1 Gauge ........... ,..... .......... 2·11 Low·Lead............ ...... ...... s· Recommendations, .... ,...... .... 5-1 Gauge, FueL .... ,........ .. ........ 2-11 Gearshift Lever... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2·4 Generator Indicator Light ........... 2·12