Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine SECTION 1
BEFORE DRIVING YOUR
CHEVROLET
DRIVER DAILY CHECKLIST
Be sure you know your vehicle and its, equipment and how to use it safely.
Before Entering the Vehicle
1. See that windows, mirrors, and lights are clean and unobstructed.
2. Check whether any tire is low or flat. (If any tire looks different from nonnal,
we recommend you check
it with a tire pressure gage.)
3. Check that all lights work.
4. Look for fluid leaks.
5. Be sure everything is properly stowed.
6. Check the area behind the vehicle if you are about to back up.
Before Driving Off
1. Lock all doors.
2. Adjust seat.
3. Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
4. Fasten seat belts.
5. Check that all the warning lights work as the key is turned to "'Start."
6. Check all gages (including the fuel gage).
7. Release the parking brake (and see that the "Brake" light turns om.
Seerelated topics in this manual, or the Maintenance Schedule folder, if problems
are found.
Guard Against Theft
For tips on how to protect your vehicle and its contents, see "Starting and
Operating" in section 2 of this manuaL
KEYS
Two different keys are· provided for the locks on your vehicle. The key code is
stamped on the "knock out" plug in each key head.
• Key with square head (letter "A" or "e") -for ignition lock only.
• Key with oval head (letter "8" or "0") ~ for all other locks.,
For vehicle security:
• Record the key code numbers; then knock the plugs out of the keys.
• Keep the key codes in a safe place (such as your wallet), NOT IN THE
VEHICLE.
If the original keys are lost, duplicates can
be made using the key codes. Contact
any
OM dealer or a locksmith.
If yO~i park in an attended lot, leave only your square-head ignition key.
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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.
2-3
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.)
2-4
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 NOTICE: If the engine runs for a long time (5 minute. or more) without pressing down the accelerator pedal. overheeting cOuld calise damage to the engine end exhaust system.
Do not INve your car unattend4Mt with the engine running . If the engine shoukt overheat you would not be there to react to the temperature warning light or gage. This could r.sult in costly damage to your car and its contents.
• WARM ENGINE -Be ,sur e to follow the instructi ons which apply to your engine . (The Engine Code is 'th e 5th digit on the YIN plate at the lower left
sid e o f yo
ur windshield . (See "Specifications," Secti o n 7 for more details .)
• Engine Code 5 • Press down the accelerator pedal to 1/3 of
its travel and hold. Crank the engine by turnin g the igniti on ke y to "Star .. " Rel ease the key and accelerator pedal when the _ engine s tart s.
• Engine Code 7 . Do not press down the accelerator pedal.
With your foot off the pedal. crank th e engine by turning the
ignition key to ·'Start." If t he engine does no t start after 3 seconds ,o f
. c ranking, press'
down the accelerator pedal to 1/3 of its travel while
c ranking. Release the key ,(ap.d accelerator pedal) when the engine starts .
• Very Cold Weather (Below·' B OC or O °F Or After Car Has Been
Standing Idle Several Days) - Befor e crankin g th e en gine , fully depress
and release the acce le rat or pedal one or two times more than slated fo r your
engine under "Cold Engine" s ta rt ing . Then . with your foot off the accelerator pedal,-cra nk the engine -b y-turnin g the ig nit io n key to "St art ."
Rdease the key when the e ngin e s tarts.
4 . Appl y th e regular brakes and shift into the prop
er g~r. Release the parkin g
b ra k e a nd drive off.
," '. ."
If Engine Fails To Start
t. Fully depr ess and release the acce le rat or pedal severa l times~ then tak e your
foo t ofT th e peda _' and cra nk the e ngine by turnin g the key to ··St art."
2. If th e e ng in e still does not sta rt, press the accele ra to r peda l to the floo r an d
h old it ther e while cra nkin g the· e ng ine. -Thi s sh ould clear the eng in e i f it is
floode d.
3. If th e en gine has been floode d' with too much fuel , it m ay start to run but
n ot h ave enough power to keep running.
In that case, continue cranking with
th e accel erator pedal all th e way to the floor until t he e ngin e clears itsel f of
excess ' gaso line an d run s sm oo thly.
TRANSAXlE
CAUTION: Before going down ,e steep of'long grade . reduce speed and shift the transa.xle into a lower gear or lower g.ar range to control vehicle speed . (Do this with either 8n automatic or a manual ,transaxle).Try not to hold the brakcl pedal down too long or too often. This could,cause the brakes to get hO,t and not work as well.
Driving on Slippery Surfaces
Take ca re w he n speedin g up . or when shiftin g into a l ower gear, or lower gea r
r a n
ge w hile drivin g o n slippe ry surf aces. Sudde n acce le ra tio n or en gine bra kin g
a c tion (du e to shifting
to a lower gear) could -ca use the f ron t wheels to s kid .
N orm al
skid correction and cautio us :dr iving are call ed for at these times .
2·9
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES
Automatic transaxles replace the standard clutch and transaxlc. After starting the
engine with the selector lever in
uN" (Neutral) or "P" (Park) position, select the
rang e desired (see table) and depress the accelerator. A gradual start with a steady
increase in accelerator pressure will resuh in best possible fuel economy. Rapid
acceleration for fast starts will result in greater fuel consumption.
Automatic transaxle
. shift quadrants of all· GM vehicles continue the' u nifo rm sequence of selector positions. Shift indicators are arranged with "P"(Park)
position at one end . "followed in sequen ce by "R"(Reverse . "N"(Neutral) and the
forward driving ranges. All automatic transaxles are equipped with a starter safety
s witch designed to permit
starting -the engine only when the transaxle selector is in the "P"(Park) or "N"(Neutral) posiiion. For additional engine braking effect,
as sometimes needed in mountainous driving, place the transaxle in an
intermediate
or low range.
"Afll(
REVf.AU
N NEUT.AAl
D _ DRIVE
l' lOW'
Notice
AUTOMATIC TRAHSA XlE TIoit PMitIotn Is ..... to> Iudc ... 11...-10 _ ... _ is ....-....... ~II'e..,.;.,a.'""'·_ ... tItif ...... "' ........ 1iI _ \@ Is .... v """""",. IJM Ito;, pooition .......... "';111 Oo to«-ope...ud "'hp<>n~ pMkiftll br .....
Th .. ,....ltIon i ...... for bocl\lft. III. Clr. Sring y .... r elf to. complnl mop bel .... mifting 1" 1'1,,"_ Thi.o;' die _"' __ paoi'I ..... V .... ..., .... W1 •.......... wItiIo .... "" 10 ,till _irlti ..... !he ....... in ",,",II. TN ...--. is _ uMCI_.--. .... _. s.. .... ',,",c.. "I E~~ Oect;oa ..... owW>e , ......
U .. thl . ~OII for III""nnai f{orwud driYinl. Foroecl do...w.ifto _ .. ith.1'>o III ........ in "D" you ....... ' ."au_ic ......... "'111 ... pcodo undw 35 mpIo (60 konlll) try P .... inl .... _01· ... 101' peOoI _-V Io.fI"...., to .... n_. V .... wiN aloo go! o fur-.cl "-shit! till .-IlooooI 3S .-ph 160 """"'. Iry ......... "",..... .... .....,. ....... ,'-.n.n ..... pyoui __ ,,"Iiooo ............ "'-'"". This ,_ I, u"" .. hili Ixtr. PtrfDfrnonce it roqui red lothill dimbin, .,.. I. _ 01'0 bo U"" '0 pro.l ... "'''IIio& mking" to .Iow tho Clr ~n.r.!rt~~;::: =~':.~::~. ~:~::.::"!=I=.~O_ frDIW
TIl. ~ is ........... 00i6t....,.;,-. ....... ""' ..... _ ....... ...... ...., ... _..-. ... _ --..... .... '.,.._ ir. __ "' ..... _ ....... ""' .............. ..-... .-d. Yow_ ""if! iftlO L' It....,"-" kI' .... -'e "'""..o! .... ionD ~ ___ ~ it """', "I) mph 1110 .... ", •.
The following practices could result in automatic transaxle failure:
• Shifting ' between forward and reverse driving range while operating the
engine at high speed or heav y throttle . such as when the driving wheels are
on
snOw or ice-
• Shifting to "R"(Reverse) or any forwa rd range while operating the engin e
al high speed in "N"(Neulral) .
• Shifting to "P"(Park) while the vehicle wheels are still turning.
• Oper ating the transaxle at or near "stall condition" for periods of more than 10 seconds. ("Stall condition" is when the engine is runnin g at high speed
while the
trailsaxle is in a driving range and the drive wheels aren't moving,
such
as when stuck in deep sand or when the car is against a fixed barrier.)
2-10
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Proper Shift Points for Manual Transaxle
For the best compromise between vehicle performance and fuel economy . the Iransaxle should be upshifted as recommended in the following chart.
TRANSAXLE ENGINE TYPE
V6 4 SPEED
TRANSAXlE TVPE .
ACCELER · 4 ;PEED:" AnON
MANUAL TRANSAXLE SHIFT SPEED ACCELERATION SHIFT
FIRST TO
SECOND TO SECOND THIRD
16 mph" ('24 km/h) 25 mph (40 km/h)
MANUAL TAANSAXLE SHIFT SPEED L4 ENGINE ONL Y
FIRST TO SECQNOTO SECOND THIRD
16 mph (24 km/h) 28 mph (45 k m/h)
SECOND THIRD
THIRD TO FOURTH
30-40 mph (48·64 11m/h)
THIRD TO FOURTH
39 mph (63 km/h)
FOURTH CRUIS E 4 SPEED ... 12·16 mph (19-26 km/h) 21 ·28 mph (3445 km/h) 34·39 mph (55·63 km/h)
... All except California
Shift at the highest vehicle speed listed unless you have reached cruising speed.
(Cruising speed is a relatively steady speed which includes minor variations in
speed
to allow for road and traffic conditions.) For cruise. use the highest gear
for that speed. This may mean skipping one or more gears when changing from
an acceleration to a cruise.
If vehicle speed drops below 20 mph (30km/h). pr if the engine islugging,'you
should downshift to the next lowest ,gear.
You may need to downshift two or more
gears to k~p the engine from lugging or for satisfactory performance.
POWER STEERING
If the power steering system goes out becalj,se the engine has stalled or due to a
failure . the vehicle can still
be steered. However, much greater effort is needed.
especially in sharp
turns or at low speeds.
TILT STEERING WHEEL
The optional tilt steering wheel can be tilted up above normal position to provide
additional room for entrance and exit as well as selected driving positions below
normal height. The tilt mechanism
is located on the left side of the steering column
just behind the directional signal. To operate pull the lever towards you and move
the sleering wheel to your desired position then release the level". This permits
individual selection
of the most comfortable positions for all driving conditions. On longer trips the steering wheel position may be changed to help minimize
tension and fatigue.
CRUISE CONTROL
The optional Cruise Control System provides automatic speed control for your
comfort when driving on freeways, turnpikes.
or other non-congested highways.
The system is designed to function above speeds of approximately 30 mph (SO
km/h).
To engage the Cruise Control, proceed as follows:
• Accelerate to desired cruising speed and partially depress and release the
control button on the end
of the automatic transaxle: column shift lever.
2-12