1980 CHEVROLET CITATION Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTICE: Use only trailer hitches which permit normal operation of the Energy Absorbing Bumper System. if so equipped. For example. a rigid fore and .iUt connection between the bumper and any other part.of. the car may increase .damage in the event of II collision.
TRAILER TOWING TIPS
Getting Started
Before entering traffic with a frailer that has electric brakes, start the car and
trailer moving and apply the trailer brakes
by hand to be sure the trailer brakes
are working and the trailer electrical system
is connected .
. Engine Cooling
: long \.Jphill Grades
When going up long grades, you, can reduce the chance 'of engine overheating by
turning
off the air conditioner, if so equipped.
Transaxle
,See the method for checking the transaxle fluid le ve l. in "Service and
,.;.Maintenance," Section 5 of this manual .
Parking
You should not park cars with trailers on a grade (hill). However, if you must
park on a grade, these steps must be followed:
1. Apply the regular brakes.
2. Have someone place wheel' chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the regular brakes until the
chocks absorb the load .
4; Apply Ihe parking brake.
S. Shift Ihe transaxle 10 ··P"(Park).
If the car is parked on a grade. don't shift the transaxle 10 "P"(Park) until the
trailer wheels
are chocked and the parkinghrake, is set~ If you do, the weight of . the car and trailer may put so much force on the parking pawl in the transaxle
.
that it may be hard to shift oul of "P"(Park).
When starting , after being parked ' on a grade:
(; Apply the regular brakes and hold.
2 .
Stan th e engine in ··P"(Park) .
-3. Shift into gear and release the parking brake.
4. Release the regular brakes and drive until the chock s are free.
5. Apply the regular brakes and have your helper remove the chocks.
J.]3

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine SECTION 2
STARTING AND OPERATING
ENGINE EXHAUST GAS CAUTION
(CARBON MONOXIDE)
Do not breathe exhaust gas becau~ it contains carbon monoxide, which by itself
- has no color or odor. Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas . .It can cause
un consc iousness and can
be lethal.
If at any time you think that exhaust fumes are entering the vehicle. have the cause determined and corrected as soon· as possible. If you must drive under these
conditi<:ms, drive only with ALL windows fully OPEN.
Prptect
against carbon monoxide entry ihtp the vehicle body. The best way is to
keep the engine -exhaust system, vehicle
body. and body ventilation system
properly maintained. We recommend that the exhau st system and body be "inspected by a competent mechanic: '
• each time the vehicle is raised for an oil change;
• whenever a change is noticed in the',sound ofthe~exhaust system;
• wh enever the exhaust sys.tem. underbody . or rear of the vehicle is damaged.
See your Maintenan ce Schedule fo.~4er for parts requiring inspection .
To allow proper operation of the vehicle's ventilation system, keep the air inlet
grill e
in front of the win(fshield clear of snow, leaves or other obstru ctions at all
times.
SITTING IN A PARKED VEI:iICLE WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING FOR A LONG TIME IS NOT RECOMMENDED.
Do n ot fun , the engine in co nfined areas (such as garages or next to a building)
any more than needed to move the vehicle. When the, vehicle is stopped in an
UNCONFINED area with the engine running for any, more than a sho rt time, tak e the following steps:
A. Adju st the heating or cooling system to force outside air into the vehicle as
follows:
1. On cars not equipped with air co nditioning . se t the fan to medium or
high speed.
2. On cars equipped with air conditioning, serthe fan to medium or high
spe ed
a!1;d right hand control lever' to any position except "orr' or ·'Max."
-B. Keep the exhau st tailpipe -area clear of snow and other material to help"reduce
the buildup of exhaust gases' under the vehicle .
The ,trunk lid or hatchba ck should be closed while driving to help prevent drawing
exhaust gas into
the car. If the trunk lid or hatchback mu st' remain open for some
rea son while moving , or
if electrical wiring or other cable conn_ection s to a trai ler
_mu st pass through the sea l between the trunk lid or hatchba ck and -the body . follow
thes e precautions:
• Close all wind ows.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine • Adjust the heating or cooling system to force outside air into the car as . d esc ribed abo ve bUI set the fan to high speed .
• On cars with outside air vents in or under the instrument panel, open the vents fully.
New. Car "Break-In" Period
You can drive your new car from its very first mile/kilometer without following .
a
formal"break~in" schedule. However, there'are things you can do during the
fir st few hundred miles/kilometers of driving that will add to the future
perf orm ance and econ omy of your car.
We recommend you limit your speed during the first 500 miles (800 kiJomet ers) ~
to a maximum of 55 mph (90 km/h) ; but do not drive for long period s al any'
one constant speed, either Jast
or slow. During this time , avoid fulllhronJe start s _ and, if possible, avoid h"ard stops especially during the first 200 miles (320
kilometers) of driving.
Always drive at moderate speed until the engine has completely warmed
up.
If yo u plan to use your new car for trailer towing, see additional information in Section 1 under "Trailer Towing."
GUARD AGAINST THEFT
Your new Citation has many features to help prevent theft of the car itself, its
equ ipment, and its content s. But these ami-theft features depend upon you to
work .
THE TIME TO BE MOST ON GUARD IS WHEN LEAVING THE CAR ...
• PARK IN A LIGHTED SPOT WHEN YOU CAN.
• LOCK THE STEERING COLUMN AND TAKE THE KEYS,
•
Turn the key to "Lock," and remove the key. This locks the igniti on and
both steering and shift connols unless your car has a manual transaxle.
In that case, the shift control- is not locked .
• If you must leave a key with the car, leave the square-head key .only .
Take the oval-Read key with you. This will help prevent unwanted entry into your car at a later date, or into your -trunk.
•
FULLY CLOSE ALL WINDOWS AND ANY ROOF PANELS. AND LOCK ALL DOORS.
•
KEEP COSTLY ITEMS OUT OF SIGHT AND LOCKED UP,
•
Never leave things of value in plain sight on seats or noor.
• The glove box offers a place -to hide small items.
• Lock larger items in the trunk or place them in the rear storage .
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
Your engine is designed to use only unleaded gasoline. Unleaded gasoline must
be' used for the emission control $ystem to operate properly. Its use will also reduce
s park plug fouling , -exhaust system corrosion and engine oil deterionition .
Using leaded gasoline can damage the emiS5ion control system and could result
in loss of warranty coverage. This is especially true on cars that have the C-4
System . Leaded gasoline will damage tbe oxygen sensor, which may affect
emission control, fuel economy
and drivabiJity . See "C-4 (Computer Controlled
Catalytic Converter) System" in "Service and Maintenance" Section 5 of this
manual for more information.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Federa1 regulations require that pumps delivering unleaded gasoline be labeled
with the word UNLEADED. Only these pumps have nozzles which fit the filler
neck of your vehicle gasoline tank.
In -the United
States, Federal law also requires that gasoline octane ratings be
posted on the pumps. The octane rating shown -is an average of Research octa!1e (R) and Motor octane(M). In most parts of the United States, you should use
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
of at least 87. However, you may use
unleaded gaSOline with an octane rating as low as 85 in thes:e high-altitude areas:
Colorado , Montana, New Mexico, Utah. Wyoming. northeastern Nevada.
southern Idaho, western South Dakota, and that part
of Texas which is directly south of New Mexico.
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
lower _than staled above can cause persistent , heavy "spark knock." (''Spark knock" is a metallic rapping noise.) This
can lead to engine damage. If you detect heavy spark knock even when using
gasoline of the stated octane rating, or if you hear steady spark knock while
holding a steady speed on level roads, have your dealer correct the problem.
However. now and then you may
notice light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is no cause for concern, because you get the
greatest
fuel economy benefit from the gasoline's octane rating when there is occasional light spark knock~ Using gasoline with a higher octane rating than that
which allows occasional spark knock is an unneceSsary expense.
Gasohol
Gasohol , a mixture of unlead ed gasoline and ethanol (grain alcohol), is
available in some areas. You may use gasohol in your vehicle, provided it
is
no more than 10% ethanol. 'Be: sure the gasohol has the same octane
ratings as stated above for unleaded gasoline. If drivability problems are
encountered because _of the use of gasohol, you should switch back to
unleaded gas oline.
NOTICE: Take care to not spill gasohol on painted surfaces. Gasohol can cause paint damage, which may not be covered under the New Vehicle Warranty.
OPERATION IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES
Your engin~ is designed to run on unleaded gasoline with the octane ratings given
under '''Fuel Requirements" above .
If you plan to drive your vehicle outside the United States and its jurisdictions
or Canada, there is a chance the gasolines available in some count,ries will not meet the needs of your engine. Low octane rated gasolines may cause engine knocking
or serious engine damage,: for which Chevrolet is not respon sible .
Using leaded gasoline
in-a vehicle equipped with a catalytic converter may cause
the converter to lose its effectiveness as an emission control.
It could also affect
the emission warranty.
If you must use leaded gasoline in a vehicle designed for
unleaded fuel, converter modification and different maintenance intervals will be
required.
For gasoline information and a maintenance schedule for the countries
in which you plan to travel, write to: Chevrolet Motor Division, Consumer
Relations Department, Detroit, Michigan 48202, (in Canada , write to General
Motors of Canada Limited. Customer Service Department , Oshawa, Ontario LlJ
5Z6).
When writing, please include :
• the Vehicle Identification Number and
• the countries in which you plan to travel.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Tires
If you plan to use your vehicle in countries where speeds over 75 mph (120 kmlh) are allowed. see Item 3 on page 5-12.
IMPORTANT FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FUEL
ECONOMY AND HOW TO IMPROVE IT
How you drive . where you drive and when you drive an affect how many
mileslkilometers you can get from a gallon/liter of fuel. The careful attention you give your vehicle as far as maintenance and repairs 'are concerned 'will also help fuel economy. .
Fuel Selection
Use only unle8;ded gasoline meeting the octane ratings given under "Fuel Requirements" in "Starting and Operating," Section 2 of this manual. Unleaded
gasoline must be used for the, emission control system to operate properly. Its use will also reduce spark plug fouling , exhaust system corrosio n and engine oil
deterioration . Using leaded gasoline can damage the emission control system and could result in IO$S of emission warranty coverage.
"Jackrabbit" Starts
You can save fuel (and prolong engine and tire life) by avoiding fast starts away
from lights and stop Signs. . '
Stop-And·Start Driving
Frequent stops and starts while driving cut down on your miJesper gaUon
(kilometers per liter). Plan even your short shopping trips to take advantage of
through streets to avoid traffic lights. Pace your driving like the expert drivers
to avoid unneeded stops _and braking.
Sudden Stops
Sudden stops can also waste fuel; instead of moving the vehicle , the energy of fuel
is wasted as, heal in braking. Ene'rg'y in the form of fuel is also needed to accelerate
back to driving speed~
Excessive Idling
An idling engine uses fuel, too. If you're faced with more than a minute wait, and
you're not i,n traffic, it may be better to tum, off the engine and start again later.
Lubricants
A well~lubricated vehicle means less friction between moving parts. See the
Maintenan ce Schedule folder for
the_ proper lubrication intervals.
Air Cleane.r
Your vehicle receives its power from a mixture of gasoline and air. The air enters
the engine through the air cleaner. A-dirty air cleaner element lessens engine
performance and can waste
fuel. So, it's important to -replace the air cleaner
element (filter) at required intervals. (See the Maintenance Schedule -folder.)
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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.
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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.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine TURN SIGNAL
• MOVE
UPWARD -R.H. TURN
• MOVE DOWNWARD -L.H. TURN
ANE CHANGE
• MOVE UPWARD TO 1ST STOP·CHANGE
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT LANE
• MOVE DOWNWARD TO 1 ST STOP-CHANGE
FROM RIGHT TO LEFT LANE
• Headlight Baam Changer -With the headlights on, pull the lever toward you until you hear a click" then release· it. The lights will change from
low-beam to high-beam
or from high-beam to. low-heam. When the high-beams are on, a blue light will appear on the instrument panel.
HEADLIGHT BEAM CHANGER
(HEADLIGHTS ON)
PULL LEVER
TOWARD YOU
•
Standard Windshield Wiper - The standard windshield wiper system
controls are on the end of the tum signal lever.
• For a single wiping cycle,' tum the top of the knob toward you~ Hold
it there until· the wipers begin wiping, then release it. The wipers will stop after one cycle. For several cycles, hold the knob in place as long
as needed.
• For steady wiping at low speed, tum the top of the knob away from you to the first stop. For high-speed wiping, turn the knob to the next stop.
Turn the knob back to "ofr' to turn off the wipers.
• Pulse Windshield Wiper -The optional pulse windshield wiper system
lets you vary the wiper speed from a 25-second delay between sweeps up to
the normal
low and high speeds of the standard wiper.
• The pulse wipers work the same as the standard wipers, except for the
delay feature. To use the wipers with a delay between sweeps, turn the
top of the turn signal knob away from you to the first stop. Then, turn
the "Wipe Delay" knob on the instrument panel to control the amount
of delay.
• Turn the "Wipe Delay" knob to the left to increase the amount of delay
between sweeps. Tum it fully to the right for steady wiping at low. speed.
• Windshield Washer -To spray washer fluid on the windshield, push in the end of the tum signal knob. (This will also turn on the low-speed wipers.)
The spray will continue as long as you hold
in the knob.
After using the windshield washer, turn the knob back to
"off" to turn ofT the
wipers.
With the pulse wiper system, the wipers
will automatically stop (or return to the
action for which they were set) after completing the wash cycle.
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