
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Air Conditioner
If your vehicle has an optional air cOnditioner , use the "Economy;' (" Vent" or
"Heater") position s whenever possible, The air conditioner compr essor is not on in these positions and the reduced engine load can improve fuel eco nomy.
Engine Maintenance
An engine that is properly maintained wjJl provide better fuel economy than .one
thai is not . One misfirin g spa rk plu g will cut fuel economy quite a bit , and will
make a difference in the amount of pollution _emitted fro m your vehicle .
Excess Weight
Fuel economy is related to the work the engine must do. The heavier the load,
the more fuel
it takes to run your vehicle. Keep weight to a minimum by taking o~t any luggage or cargo when it is not needed. .
Tire Inflation
Underinflation not only causes needLess wear of the tires, but can also waste fuel. It's a good idea to check tire pressures often and, for the best fuel econ omy, keep
your tires inflated to the highest
pr~suresshown on the Tire Placard on'the left
front doo r of your car.
Wheel Alignment
Improper toe alignment will cause the tires to roll at an angle, which will result
in faster tire wear.
It takes power to ove rcome this improper alignment which,
in tum, wastes fuel.
STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS
ANTI-THEFT STEERING COLUMN LOCK
The anti-theft lock (ignition) on the right side of the steering column has five
positi on
s:
TO REMOVE KEY, DEPRESS KEY \&!;;>. RELEASE LEVER
-~ I
~~~ --WHILE TURNING KEY TO LOCK POSITION
.. ~'-KEY RELEASE "..~ LEVER
• Accessory -You ca n use some elec trical a ccessories when the e ngin e is not
running.
To engage this position, push in the square-head key and tum the
top of the key towards you.
• Lock -Norm al parking position. It 'locks the ignition and prev en ts normal
use
of the steering wheel on all models, and the shift controls on automatic
transaxl e model
s. The ignition key canno t be turned to "Lock" and removed
until the shift lever is mo ved to "P "( Park) on automatic transaxle mode1s .
If you have a manual transaxle model, the ignition key cannot be turned to
"Lock" without pressing down the key release leve r.
2-5

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine • Off· You can turn off the engine without loc king the steering ,wheel and shirt control s o'n aut omatic tranSaxle models. or steering -wh eel only on
mariual transaxle models.
• Run· Normal operating position.
• Start -Cranks the engine:
If you have trouble turning the key to unlock the ignition. first be sure the key
i s pushed in all the way. Then try to turn the ste ering wheel as hard as you can
in the _di rec tion the Wheels are turned. At th e same time, turn the ignition key
with
as mu ch effort as you can apply with your ha nd. Do not try to use a tool
of any kind to
a_pply more force on 'the lock knob. as this could bre ak the kn.ob.
CAUTION: .on manual tranS8xle cars. if you need to turn off the engina while the car is moving. turn the key onlv to ".off." DO NOT press down on the key release lever while turning the ignition off. This will result in locking the steering wheel and If'S8 of steering control.
NOTICE: Do_.oot drive through . idle or park your vehicle over combustible materials. such as grass or lC!'aves. They could touch the hot exhaust system and Ignite.
Parking
When leaving your car unatte nded :
• Firml y appl y the park ing brake. Do n o t use th e tran saxle a 's a substitut e for (he parking brake.
• Mov e the automatic transaxle shift lever to "P"(Park) ("Rever se" for man ual
tran saxle ).
• 'Turn the key to "Lock ," On manualtransaxle cars, press,down the key release
lever a
nd turn the key to "Lock. "
•
Close all windows.
• Remove the key (the buzzer is designed to remind you).
• Lock ,,'n doors.
TURN SIGNAL AND MULTI-FUNCTION LEVER
The I urn signa l-lever on th e left side of the ste erin g column also co ntr ols headlight
l ow -beam
or high·beam. and the windshield wiper/washer .
• Turn Signal -Move the lever up to t he second stop to signal a right tum.
Move it do wn 10 the seco nd stop to sig nal a left turn . When the turn is
compleled, the signal will cancel and the lever will return to' h o rizont al.
• Lane Change Signal. In some turns. such as ch an ging lanes, the steering wheel is not turned far enou gh 10 ca nce l th e turn signal. Fo r convenience.
you
can flash Ihe turn signal by moving the lever part way (to t-he first stop) and h olding it there. The lever will re turn to horizo ntal when 'You release it.
Tw o green lights_ o n the instrum ent panel are des igned to nas h 10 tell you that
th e front and rear turn
sign al light s are working. If the light stays on, but does
not flash, check for bur ned- out turn signal bulbs. If Ihe green light does not com e
all when yo u m ove the leve r. c _h ec k the fuse and indicator . bulb. However, iryou
ordered a ,tra iler towing optio n in which extra wiring waS added to attach the
trailer lighting, a different type
of flasher was installed . In this case , the gree n light will co ntinu e 10 flas h even if a turn sig nal bulb burns out. Therefore, you must
regularly look at the front and
rear turn signal light s 10 be sure they are working.
2-6
![CHEVROLET CITATION 1980 1.G Owners Manual Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine SINGLE WIPE
LOW SPEED (PULSE WIPER)
HIGH
SPEED
• Check the washer fluid levelregu]arly. Do it often when the weather
is bad.
• U CHEVROLET CITATION 1980 1.G Owners Manual Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine SINGLE WIPE
LOW SPEED (PULSE WIPER)
HIGH
SPEED
• Check the washer fluid levelregu]arly. Do it often when the weather
is bad.
• U](/manual-img/24/8083/w960_8083-24.png)
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine SINGLE WIPE
LOW SPEED (PULSE WIPER)
HIGH
SPEED
• Check the washer fluid levelregu]arly. Do it often when the weather
is bad.
• Use a nuid such as OM Optikleen to help prevent freezing damage, and for better cleaning.
• Do not use radiator antifreeze in the 'windshield washer; ifcould cause
paint damage .
• In cold weather, warm the windshield with the defroster before using the washer-to help prevent Icing that my block
the driver's vision.
STARTING THE ENGINE
I.
2.
Apply the parking brake. . .
Automatic Trl!nsaxl..: Move the transaxle shift lever to "P"(Park) or "N" (Neutral) "P" Preferred). A starter safety device is
designed to keep the starter from operating if the shift lever is in any drive position. (If you need to fe-start the engine while the car is moving . move
the shift lever to "N.")
Manuel Transaxle· Press the clutch pedal to the floor and shift the transaxle to Neutral. Hold the clutch pedal to the floor while you are s tarting ,the engine. A starter safety device l,s d esigned to keep the starter
from operating if the clutch pedal is not fully depres sed.
3. Sta'rt the engine as outlined below for different conditions.
NOTICE: 00 not crenk the engil'. for more than 15 seconds at e time. Walt 10 to 15 seconds before trYiog agein.
• COLD ENGINE:
•
L·4 Engine Press the accelerator pedal to the floor and ·i slowly release It. With your foot off the pedal; crank the engine
by turning the ignition key to "Start ." Release the key when the engine
sta rts.
If the engine starts, but fails to run, repeat this procedure. •
• V-6 Engine: Press the accelerator pedal to the floor twice and slowly release it. With your foot off the pedal. crank the engine by turning the ignition key to 'Stan". Release key when engine
s tarts.
If the engine starts, but fails to run, repeat this procedure but press
the accelerat or pedal only
ONCE to the floor . :When the e ngine is
running smoothly (about 30 seconds), you_ can reduce the engine idle speecf by press ing down slightly on the accelerator pedal. then slowly
releasing it.
2-8

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine '" 0;
o STANDARD
o OPTIONAL
1. AIC Outlet 2. Warning Lights
Standard I.P.-Gen, Fasten Belts.
Oil/Choke, Temp.
Optionall.P.-Fasten Belts, Brake,
Check Engine (Calif. Only), Choke. 3. Rear Defog Switch
4. Brake Light
5. Turn Signals
6. Speedometer, Odometer & Hi Beam Indicator
7. Clock
8. Chack Engine (Calif. Only)
9. Radio 10. Heater & Opt. Ale Controls
11. Glove Box
12. Ash Tray with Lighter 13. Shift Quandrant, Auto. Tr~ns_.
14. Vent Levers 15. Fuel Gage
16. Parking Brake Release
17. Light Switch
18. Delay Wiper Control Knob 19. Clock or Tach (OptJ
20. Warning Gages
21. "Emission" Indicator Flag

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Engine Temperature Gage
This gage indicat~cCX?lant temperature which will vary with air temperature and
operating condition~, The ignition must be on for accurate readings. Hard driving
or prolonged idling In very hot weather will cause the pointer to move beyond the center of the band; Should pointer move to the Red Zone, see "Engine Cooling
System" on page 3-3.
Oil Pressure Gage
The oil pressure gage indicates the pn;ssure at which oil is being delivered 10 the various parts of the engine requiring lubrication. Pressures registered by the gage
I11.!lY vary according to outside air temperatures or weight of oil being used. Oil
pressure of a cold engine ~ing operated at a given speed will be somewhat higher
than when the engine is at normal operating temperature at the same speed .
. Prolonged high speed operation on a hot day at the given speed will result in somewhat lower oil pressure readings. Readings of 30 to 40 psi (205 to 275 kPa)
mny
be considered normal during moderate road speeds of 35 to 40 mph (55 to
60 km/h) \\lith the engine at proper operating temperature. Gage readings which
are
consistently high or Im\l under these conditions may indicate lubrication system
When the engine is operating, the voltmeter indicates the electrical system voltage.
During minimum electrical load, the pointer will read to the right of the center.
As the electrical load is increased,
or in stop-and-go driving, the pointer will rotate
to the left. A meter reading continuously in
the left or right red zone indicates
an electrical system
failure .. Cause of the failure should be determined and corrected~
Light Switch
The three position light switch controls the headlights, taillights, parking lights,
sidemarker lights, instrument lights and dome lights as shown. The headlamp
circuit is protected by a circuit breaker in
the light switch. An overload on the
breaker will cause the lamps to "flicker" on and off. If this condition develops,
have your headlamp wiring checked immediately.
The headlight beam changer is located. in the
Turn Signal Lever; for operation
see Section 2 under heading "Tum Signal and Headlight Beam Lever."
TUIN KNOt TO VAr:t'INSTRUMENT lIGHTS_'UtLy COUNTERClOCKWISE RlR DOME
0"
MAltlCfIt LIGHTS , INSTRUMENT LIGHTS
Headlamp "ON" Warning Buzzer
The optional headlamp reminder buzzer provides an audible warning that the
main light switch is in one
of the "on" positions, either parking lights or
headlights.
The reminder buzzer
is actuated only when the ignition switch is turned to "OFF," "LOCK" or "ACCESSORY" position.
2-19

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine When the parking lamps or headlamps are to be operated with the key in the OFF position. the reminder buzzer can be shut off by turning the light switch knob
until the instrument cluster lights are not on.
Electric Clock
Reset the clock, . if your vehicle is so equipjled. by pulling out the knob and turning the hands clockwise if slow, counterclockwise if fast. This win, if the clock error
is five minutes or more, automatically compensate for time' gain or lag. Several
reseuings, several days apart. may be needed to properly adjust the c10ck
mechanism.
Cigarette Lighter
The optional cigarette lighter is located "in-the ash tray. To operate,- -push it in.
When it becomes heated, it automatically pops out ready for use. ,
VENTILATION. SYSTEM
Your Citation has a power verttiI3:tion system' that provides ventilation comfort by forcing air out through valves in the rear body lock. pillars. You can get a steady
flow of outside air into the car when the heater ot air conditioning blower is turned
on, On cars without air conditioning, you can get a "'ram" fresh .air supply while
the car is moving, with the heater blower· turiled off.
With the side windows closed, outside air will flow into the front grilles. through the car and out the rear air exhaust valves. (See illustration.)
fRONrlNLET
G~.
LOCt
R!AR BODY LOCK
~~~m
• Always keep the fro'nt inlet' grilles clear of obstructions ' (leaves, ice, snow,
etc .).
• Alw.ays keep the underseat ai r path clear of objects.
• When you want heating or air COllditioning, close aU windows while driving
for
the best comfort.
The following pages of this mlin,ual provi.de more operating tips for gettina
maximum heating and cooling , comfort. (Also see "Engine Exhaust Gas Caution
(Carbon Monoxide)" 'at the begiiuling of "Starting and Operating," Section 2 of
this manual.
• Clear snow and ice from the hood 'and air inlet in front of the windshield . This helps the heater and defroster work better and lowers the chance of fogging on the' inside of the windshield.
• Run the blower on "High" for a few moments before driving off. This helps
clear the intake ducts of snow and further lessen s the chance of fogging on
the inside of the windshield.
2-20

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine AM-FM Stereo with Citizens Band Transceiver
If your vehicle has an optional Delco GM Citizens Band radio, please refer to
the separdte booklet supplied with this unit.
MOBILE RADIO SYSTEMS
Mobile two-way units are subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations' arid must be-installed by trained radio people . Mobile telephones
installed
by your local phone 'company, Citizens Band (CB) radios, and garage
door openers normally will not affect vehicle operation.
If any other mobile radio
transmitters are installed, there can
possibly , be _ adverse effects on vehicle
operation.
Antenna
The standard radioanterma is incorporated in the windshield glass. If necessary,
adjustments for maximum antenna effectiveness can be made by your Authorized
Dealer.
Power. Antenna
The optional power antenna is controlled by the radio. When the radio is ON the
antenna will go up. When the radio is turned OFF either by the ON/OFF knob
or by turning the ignition switch to the OFF poSition, the antenna will go down.
OTHER CONTRQLS AND
FEATURES
Hatchback Coupe
·R.ear Compartment lid -UnlOCk.' and open the lid with your oval hta,d key.
Close the lid firmly to lock.
folding Rear Seilt
The folding rear seat quickly folds to heir provide aq.ditional ,cargo space.
To operate , the folding rear seat:
• Pull the seat cushion forward and up toward the front seatback.
• Pull the seatback strap downward and forward to release the:: seatback latch.
• Swing seatback forward and down to form deck.
• When return.ing seat to the passenger position make sure seatback is latched.
Check now and then to see
if the latch on any folding rear seat works properly.
'To do this. push forward andreat',wai'd on the top of the seatback. If the seat does
not latch properly in the upright. posttion, have it repaired.
Keep
seat belt webbing and hardware clear of seat parts when you tilt folding seats
forward or rearward , This .. helps prevent damage to these bell systems.
CAUTION: The hatchback should be closed while driving to help avoid drawing dangerous exhausigaS8s into the car. (See "Engine Exhaust Gas Caution (Carbon Monoxide)" at the beginning of thi. section.)
2-25

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Remote Control Rear Quarter Swing-Out Windows
The optional rear quarter swing~oul windows are designed to open with either the
r e m 'ote control levers Of by manually using the swing-out latch assemblies located
at the rear of each window. The remote control levers are located just forward
o f the center
bod y pillars on each side of the car.
T o operate the remote control levers .-pull down on the cont ro l lever and rotate
the lever toward the front of the car.
OPEN
VISTA-VENT
CENTER
BODY
PILLAR
1========7.~ TCH r: ASSEMBLY
/
The car Vista-Vent is a hinged glass'panel. The panel can be opened by moving
the latch release handle forward and up
to lock the glass in place . ·The glass will
only. stay open in one position, that which raises the fear of the glass about 38 millimeters (1-112 inches).
The glass
panel' can also be removed completely . First, open the Vista-Vent as
described above.
Then, press the glass release tab (in the latch release handle) and
lift the panel up and out to disengage the front hinges . Store the glass panel in
the protective storage bag in the trunk or rear companment. If wind buffeting
noise is experienced while driving with the sunroof glass removed. relieve by opening any of the side· windows .
2-26