
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 '" 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 Oil/Choke Indicator Light
This light will c0!TIe on to provide a "bulb check", w hen the igni tion is turned on, but sh Qu19 go out after the _ engine is started. If tight fails to
come on wit h ignitio~ turned on, it could indicate a burned out bulb , a
defective electric choke hea ter circuit (on L4 and V6 engines), or a blown
instrument lamp fuse. Have system repaired if light does not come on d min g ch eck .
Occa sionally. this light may flicker momentarily while the engine is running. Should this occur, CHECK EN GINE OIL LEVEL as outlined in Section 5,
"Checking Oil Level." If the light comes on continuously, pull over toa safe place and STOP THE ENGINE until the source of trouble can be loca ted and corrected.
The source of tro uble could be any of the following:
• Loss of engine oil press ure (cbec k eng ine oil level).
• Blown choke heater fuse.
• Loss. of electric choke heate r voltage.
Continuing to run the engine with an illuminated oil pressure light can cause
serious engine damage or unusu ally high exhaust system temperature which can
r esult in serio us damage to the
vehicle. Pull over to a safe place and STOP THE
VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY AND SHUT OFF ENGINE. If the light flashe s
momentarily , ch
eck engine oil leve l as outlined in Sectio n 5 of thi s manu al
Choke Warning Indicator Light
On some vehicles equipped with the optiona l oil pressure gage, an amber choke
warning indicator light replaces the red oil pressure indicator light in the
instrument cluste
r. If this light comes on, indicating loss of electric choke heater
volta
ge, have your authoriz ed Dea ler .locate and correct th e tro uble as soon as
p ossib l
e.
Generator Indicator Light The red ligh t GEN will go on when the ignition key is in the "run" _posit ion, but
before the engi ne
is started. After the engine s tarts, the light should 'go out and
r e m ain out .
If th e light remains on when en gine is running , have your Authorized
D eale r loca te and correct the troubl e as soo n as possibl
e.
Engine Temperature .Indicator Light This indicator light is provided in th e instrument cluster to quickly warn of an
overh eated en gi ne. With the igniti on switch in the START position, the red
TEMP indicator (hot light) will light to let you know that it is operati ng prope rly.
When the engi ne is started ;-th e re d light will go out imm ediate ly. It wilUight up
a t n o other time unleSS for some reason the engine reaches a dangerously high ope ra tin g temperature . 1f the light comes on during extreme driving condition s,
such as an exte nded idle, see "E ngine Cooling
System" on page 3-3. Glance at
th e instrument cluster frequently as you drive to see if this
ligh t is on.
Brake System Warning Light
The regular braking system is a dual system designed so that one part will provide
some braking action if there is a loss of hydraulic pressure in the other part of
the system. The system has a "Brake" warning light loca ted in the instrum ent
pane\.
• To serve as a reminder , the "Bra ke" lig ht is designed to come on while the
park ing brake is se t and the ignition key
is on.
• The light is also designed to come on briefly during engine starting so you
can chec k that the bulb is okay.
• Have the system repaired if the light does not come on during engine starting
o r when the parking brake
is set. 2-17

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 lower Air Vents
Two control handles lOCated beneath the steering column open and close the tower
air vents. To compliment this system there is a power upper vent in the instrument
panel which is operated from the heater
control. The amount of air coming from the lower cutlets ~epends -on vehicle speed and the upper outJet~ depend on fan
'poed.
HEATER SYSTEM
I" .. ill A. HI
The windshield defrosting and defogging system assists in providing good visibility through designated areas of the windshield under most inclement weather
Conditions. For immedia_te operation of the vehicle. the windshield should be scraped clear.
Adjust
TEMPERATURE lever as required to giv_c -the desired degree afheat. Full
down position provides'maximum heat.
Move the ·
controllever down to-Defroster when windshield defrosting is needed.
Full down position diverts most of the air (low to the defroster outlets. This control
lever may
be adjusted between Heater and Defroster to obtain a partial distribution
of air between the heater and defroster outlets or the heater and vent outlets.
Operate system for 30 seconds before switching to-DEF. This will remove humid
air from tht system and minimize rapid fogging of-the glass which can occur if humid air is blown onto a cool windshield.
ELECTRO-CLEAR REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER
The optional ,defogger may be turned on after the engine is running by.placing
the switch (on the instrument panel) in the ON position. Power is indicated by
agr~n light. After the defogger has operated for a short time. the system _will
automatically
shut ofT. If further defrosting or defogging is desired. simply actuate the switch again. .
_
The defogger will not function if the ignition is turned off.
Refrain from removing decals
or other material from the inside of rear window
with a
razor or other sharp instrument since this may damage the heating element.
2-21

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Clear snow and ice from the rear window to improve the efficiency of the reaT
window defogger.
Air Outlets
The twin barrel vertical type center outlets maybe rotated or vanes turned to direct
air flow in direction desired. The outlets at each end of the instrument panel-may
be rotated or vanes adjusted as desired.
AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
This system combines heating and cooling capabilities for comfort in all weather
conditions.
During some air conditioning operation conditions, slight increases and decreases
of engine speed/power may be noticed. This should be considered normal, as the
system
is designed to cycle the compressor -ON and OFF to maintain desired
cooling. The reduced compressor operation should benefit fuel economy.
III
~" HI
Fan Lever
,
• L •
H • T
O,!
!1~)t 1 ~ ~ ORMS . 2
• I _~v~
VEN.T_~ o ;; HTR ! J
." ®
The fan lever (LO-HI) provides speed control of the blower fan in all Air Selector Lever positions except OFF.
Temperature Control Lever
The temperature control lever regulates the temperature of the air entering the
passenger compartment in an Air Selector Lever _ positions.
Air Selector Lever
The air selector lever regulates air flow from the heater, defroster and air
conditioning outlets.
It also controls operation of the refrigeration compressor.
• OFF --In this position the blower does not operate. However, when the
vehicle is moving, air will enter the passenger compartment through the
heater outlet.
• MAX (AIR COND) --Air from the passenger compartment is mixed with
a small amount
of outside air, conditioned and discharged from the upper
outlets. This position, with the temperature lever in full
COLD, is used for
maximum cooling under conditions
of high temperature and humidity.
2-22

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine • NORM (AIR COND) --Outside aids conditioned as it passes through the
system and is discharged from the upper outlets. This position is used for most
air conditioning situations.
• BI-LEVEL (AIR COND) --Outside air is conditioned and directed out the
upper outlets PLUS the heater outlet. A small amount of air also flows from
the defroster outlets. This position provides comfort
and keeps the windshield
clear under low fogging conditions.
• VENT (ECONOMY)-- Outside air is discharged from the upper outlets. This
position is used in cool to moderate weather when refrigeration is not
required. The refrigeration compressor
is turned off.
• HEATER (ECONOMY) --Outside air is delivered from the heater outlet
with a small amount from the defroster outlets. This position is used for most
winter driving. The compressor
is turned off.
• DEF --Outside air is conditioned and delivered from the defroster outlets
with a small amount from the heater outlet. This position is recommended
for conditions of severe fogging and icing only.
Operating Tip
For satisfactory operation of the air conditioning system, windows should always
be closed, except for the
first few minutes to remove hot air if the car has been
sitting.
Air Outlets
Thetwin barrel vertical type center outlets may be rotated or vanes turned to direct
airflow in direction desired. The outlets at each end of the instrument panel may
be rotated or vanes adjusted as desired.
RADIOS
Your vehicle may have one of several optional GM Delco Sound Systems.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Basic Controls-Although a wide variety of features is offered, the following
basic controls are common to all systems.
• Upper Knob -This knob tutns the set on or otT, and controls the volume.
(To use the radio; the ignition mustbe in "Run" or "Accessory;" ) Behind
the volume knob-is a tone control. When turned to the right, it increases treble
and voice clarity; when turned to the left, it increases bass.
• Lower Knob -This knob is a manual tuning control for choosing radio
stations. For radios with rear speakers, a fader control is behind it. This
control adjusts the sound between the front and rear speakers.
• Push Buttons -Each radio has five push buttons you can use to select your
favorite stations. After using a push button, you may have to "fine-tune" the
radio by hand for the best reception.
To
"set up" the push buttons:
L Manually tune to the desired station.
2. Choose the button you wish to use. Pull it straight out, then push it back
in firmly until it stops.
3. Do this for each of the buttons.
On Delco AM-FM radios, the "AM" button simultaneously chooses the AM band
and · an
AM station. The FM button simultaneously chooses the FM band and
an FM station. The remaining three buttons may be used to select either an AM
or an FM station.
2-23

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine • pull over-to a 'safe p'late and stop (he car:-=Set the parking brake and shift to "P"(Park) (with a manual transaxle. shift to Neutral first, then set the parking
brake).
• DON'T TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND DON'T INCREASE THE ENGINE SPEED~ Let the engin e run at normal idle speed for two or three
minutes.
If the
''TEMP'' light still doesn't go off (or the gage needle doesn't start to drop) , NOW TURN OFF THE ENGINE and proceed as follows.
CAUTION: Keep henda, tools end clothing awey from'the engine COOling fen to help prevent personal Injury. This fen ia electric end can come on whether or not the eR8ine is runnirl'jJ. The fan Cen etert eutomatically in reapon .. to a heet ~, wrth the ignitkNl in ~Run."
• Lift the engine hood. Look at the coolant level.in the "see through " coolant
recovery tank. The coolant level should be at or above the "Fun Hot" mark
o n the tank.
If it looks like the coolant is boiling, wait until it stops before
proceeding You should :not need to remove the radiator cap to check the
coolant level and it can be dangerous if the coolant is still hot. See the
following Caution.
CAUTION: To help avoid the dange, of being burned:
• cia not remove the coolent recov.ry tank cap while the coolant is boiling.. and
• cia not remove the .rad~:_c.p white the engine end radiator are atill hot.
Scelding fluid and ateam can be blow, Qut under presau,.. If either cap ia taken off too soon.
• If the coolant level is low:
• look for leak s at the radiator hoses and connectio ns, heater hoses and
connections. radiator, and water pump.
See that the water pump belts
are not
brok~ or otT the pulleys and that the fan runs when the engine is running and theUTEMP" light ison (or the gage needle is in the
warning zone).
• add coolant to the recovery tank.
If the level in the recovery tank is at the correct level and the "TEMP" light (gage) still comes on, air may be-trappedin the, cooling system . This may prevent coolant
from returning to the radiator.
In this case. you may have to add coolant directly
to th e radiator.
See "Coolant Replacement" in "Service and Maintenance," Section 5 of this manual. Follow steps I and 10 for the correct way to remove
the radiator cap and add coolant to the radiator.
After the "TEMP" light is out (or the gage needle is out of the warning zone).
resume driving
at a reduced speed. Return to normal driving after about ten
minutes if the light does not come back on (or the gage needle does not go back
into the warning
~one).
J.4