
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 JACKING
CAUTION
To help avoid personal injury:
• Follow all jackin g and stowag e instructions.
• Use jack only fo r liftin g this venicle du -rin g wheel c h a ng e.
• Nev er ge t ben eath th e vehiCle, start or run en g in e while vehicle is supported b y jac k.
• Always securely res tow spare tire (o r flat tire ) an d all jackin g equipment.
Wheel Nut Torque
CAUTION: As soon as possible after Installing 8 wheel-and at the intervals shown on the chart-in the Maintenance Schedule foldet-han 8 m.chanic tighten whe&l nuta with II torque wrench to the specifications shown in "SpeCifications ," Section 7 of this manual. Wheel nuts should be tightened alternately and evenly to the correct torque. Never us. oil or grease on studs or nuts. Improperly tightened wheel nuts could eventually allow the wheel to come off while the vehicle is moving, possibty causing loss of control.IAlso see the Caution in "Service and Maintenance," Seetion 5 of this manual regarding the danger of mixing metric and customary fasteners.)
Stowage of Tire and Jack
CAUTION:·AlwaYs MOurely restow the spare tire assembty (or flat tire). all jacking equipment. and the cover, using the means provided. When driving the car with the compact spare installed and the reer seat folded down, stow the wheel cover flat on the rear floor behind the-right front seat. When the rear seat is up (or If It does not fold), stow the wheel cover in the trunk area. This will help keep such things from being thrown about and injuring peopla In the car in an accident.
Compact Spare
The compa ct sp are is des ig ned to save space in yo ur trunk, and its lighler weig ht
m ak es
it easi er to in stall if a flat tire occurs. The light~r weig ht als o helps improve fuel eco no my.
If you have a flat tire, follow the jack ing in struction s in this manual while keeping
t h ese point s in min d:
• Chec k inflati on press ure as soo n as practical after in sta llin g the s pa re ( use of a pocke t type: high pressure inflatio n gage is adv ised) and adjust to 415
k Pa (60 psi). The tire pressur e sh o uld be checked at least monthl y and kept at 415 kPa (60 ps i) while the tire is s tored.
• Co ntinuou s use at spe eds over 50 mph (80 km/h) is not re c omme nded .
NOTICE: Because this tire is amaUer than the standar d tire, vehicle ground clearance is reduced, Avoid driving over obstacles, and do not take your car U,rough an automatic car wash whila the spare is installed. The car may get caught possibly resulting in property damage.
• A trea d life of up to 3,000 mil es (4 800 kilomet ers) ca n b e expe cted, depe nding
on roa d condi tions and you r
driv ing habits . T o co nserve tire t read life. return the spar e to the sto rage area as soo n as the sta nd ard tir e ca n be repa ir ed -or
r
epl ac ed .
• Beca use the co mpac t spare was spec ifica lly designe d for your car, it s hould
no t be used on any other vehicle.
3-6

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine CATALYTIC CONVERTER
. The catalytic converter is an emission control device added to the
exhaust system to reduce exhaust gas pollutants. The converter
contains a ceramic material coated with noble metal catalysts. To prevent
contamination of the cata lysts,
unle~ded gasoline must be used. Unleaded gasoline
also reduc es combustion chamber deposits and exhaust system corrosion.
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded gasoline. Use
of leaded gasoline will cause the converter to lose its effectiveness for emission control. On some engines, the catalyst must be changed at cer tain inter vals in orde r for
the emissio n control system to continue to operat e properly. The change intervals
are speci fied in Section C of the Maintenance Schedule folder.
On cars that require this catalyst change, the word "EMISSION" will
appear on an indicator in the speedometer face at the specified change
in terval
s. This is a reminder that the cata lyst must be changed. (If the indicator does not appear, your car does not need this catalyst change).
Your Chevrolet deale r will perform the lirst cataly st cha nge at no charge, whether yO'u are the first owner or a subsequent owner. As part of this service, the indicator
should be reset to appear
at the next specified chang e interval. To help prevent
damage:
1. Keep your engine properly maintained. Engine malfunctions involving th e electrical, carburetion or ignition systems may result in unusually high
conve rter and exhaust system temperatures .
Do not keep driving your vehicle if you detect engine misfire. noticeable loss of
perform,8nce. or other unusual operating conditions. Instead, have it serviced promptly. A properly ···maintained engine will he lp avoid
malfunction s that could damage the converter.
It will also help provide good
emissio.n cq!).,trol and gasoline economy. See the Maintenance Schedule folder
for inform ation on inspecting a
nd maintaining the engi ne. exhaust system.
and other compone nts.
2 .
Do not drive through, idle, or park your vehicle over combustibl e materials,
s u ch as grass
or leaves. They could 'touch the hot exhaust system and ignite.
3. Do n o t push or tow this vehicle 10 stan it. This cou ld damage (he converter.
Disregarding this information could damage the catalytic converter, the vehicle,
or nearby property.
C-4 (COMPUTER CONTROLLED CATALYTIC CONVERTER)
SYSTEM If your new car was purchased in California, it has a special emission control
system, called
the C-4 (Computer Co ntrolled Catalytic Converter) System. The C4 System monitors the exhaust stream with an oxygen sensor. Based 4
on senso r signals, the electr onic control module adjusts the carburetor
air~fuel ratio as needed. It is very important to use only unleaded gasoline
in cars with
the C-4 System. Leaded gasoline will damage the oxygen
sensor. which may affect emission
control, fuel economy and drivability.
Some cars equipped with the C-4 System need an oxygen sensOr change
at the intervals specified in Section C of the Maintenance Schedule folder.
On these cars, an oxyge n sensor maintenance reminder is included in the
instrument paneL The word "EMISSIONS" is designed to appear in a
window in the speedometer face at the intervals outlined in the Maintenance
Schedule folder. The "EMISSIONS " indicator is a reminder that the oxygen
sensor must be repl aced with a new sensor.
Such replacement is necessary
in order to maintain the correct operation of the emiss ion control system.
The indicator must be reset as part of this service.
5-2

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine On all C-4 cars, a "CHECK ENGINE" light on the instrument panel is
designed to come on during engine starting , to let you know the bulb is working. (The light will stay on a short time after the engine starts.) If the light comes on while driving, service to the emission control system
may be required. See your Chevrolet dealer' as soon as possible for an inspection of the system. Continued driving without having the C-4 System serviced _ could eventually
cause damage
to the emission control system . It could also affect fuel
e conomy and drivabili -ty.
ENGINE OIL AND FILTER RECOMMENDATIONS • Engine oils' are labeled on 'the containers with various API (American
Petroleum Institute) designations 6f quality. Use engine oils that are labeled
5E or SE/CC. Do not use oils labeled only SA, 5B, 5C, SD, CA, CB, CC or CD; _or oils with the combination label SE and CD (SE/CD). Higher
quality oils labeled SF will be introduced soon (late 1979, or 1980). These SF oils are preferred and should be used when available.
• The oil and filter change intervals for your engine are based on the use of SE-quality or SF-quality oils and ,high- quality filters such as AC oil filters. Using oils other than SE-quality or SF-quality oils, or oil change intervals
longer than recommended. could reduce -engine life and might affect your
warranty.
• Your engine was filled with a high·quality engine oil when it was built. You do ,not have to change this oil before the suggested change period.
•
If your normal driving does nQt include one or more of the four "severe service" conditions listed below. change the oil every 7,500 miles (12 000 ' kilometers) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Change the oillilter at the
first oil change. then every second oil change, if mileage (7,500 miles or 12
000. kilom~ters) determines .w ,hen you change the oil. If _time (12 months)
determines when you change the oil, change the filter with every oil change.
• Change the oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles (4 800 kilometers) , or three
months if you often drive under one or more of these 'severe service·,~.
conditions: • Driving in dusty areas
• Towing ,3 trailer
• Frequent idling or idling for long periods
• Driving 4 miles (6 kilometers) br'less in freezing weather,o~other short trips in cold weather, where the engine does not thoTough ,ly warm up.
• Change the oil and oil filter as soon as -possible after driving in a dust
storm.
Oil Viscosity
Engine oil viscosity (thickness) has an effect on fuel economy. Lowec viscosity
engine oils can provide increased , fuel " economy; however, higher temperature
weather conditions require higher viscosity engine oils for satisf~ctory lubrication.
To. get the best fuel economy with your-1980 Chevrolet, -iou should use -,, ' .
fuel. 'saviiJ.&:_engine oil ohhe_ proper viscosity. These oils call_ be found. in serviCe
stations and other retail stores. They are-identified by words such as: "Energy Saving," "Conserves Gasoline," "Gas Saving," "Gasoline Saving," '''Friction
Reducing," "Improved Gasoline Mileage" or "Fuel Saving."
The following chart lists the engine ' oil viscosities recommended for the
temperature range you expect before the next oil change. For lemperalures above ,_18°C (O"F),SAE lOW-30 is -the preferred viscosity grade. Ircold-weather starting
problems
are encountered at temperatures below -lSoC (
5-3

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine USE Tlltst: SAE VISCOSITY GItotoDH
I , , , cl.
*
::0';'~ ,.,..~,: , , , ,
I
lOW , , , ,
,
I I I I , . , " • '" ,~, ." ., , " " " ~ lVitPl .... 1Ul:( lAN<* YOU ElU'EClltfOll( NUT OIl CHANG(
NOTICE: 00 NOT USE SA~ 5W-2 0 OilS fOA CONTINUOUS HIGH-SPEEQ OAIVING. 1,iW-30 OILS MAY III USED .. 4.CYIJNO!!R AND 2.lIll1AE VII EItClMES UP TO 104)
the oil level at regular intervals (such as every 'o ther fuel stop) and keep it above
th e "Add" line. Rem ember, your engine may use more oil when it is new .
• The best time to check the engine oil level is when the oil is warm, such as
during a fuel stop. First, wait about 5 minutes for the oil to drain back to
the oil pan, Then, pull out the dipstick, wipe
it clean, and push it back down
all the way . Now , pull out.th e dipstick and look at the oil-level on the dipstick.
Some
dipSlicks have "Add" and "Full" lines , Others are marked "Add! Qt"
and "Operaling Range." In all cases, keep the oil level above the
"Add" line. Push· the dipstick back down all the way after taking the
reading. _ A ·dd oil , if needed.
• If you check the oil level when the oil is cold, do no t run the engine first. The cold oil wilJ not drain back to the pan fast enough to give a true oil level.
Engine Oil Additives
There are many extra engine oil additives (or helpers) for sale. Your engine should
not need these extra additives if you use SE-quality or SF·quality engine oil and
change
it as suggested. If you think your engine has .an oil-related problem, talk
to your authorized dealer.
If needed, your dealer can provide you with a tested
and approved oil additive called "GM Engine Oil Supplement."
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID RECOMMENDATIONS
Use the Proper Fluid Use only automatic transmission fluid labe led DEXRON-®II. You can buy this
fluid from your Chevrolet dealer or
othe~,'service outlets.
Check the Fluid Level with care Check the automatic transmission fluid level at each engine oil change. Before
checking the fluid level, set the parking brake and then start the engine. AppJy
the regular brakes and then
'mov e the shift lever through all of the gear ranges,
ending in
"P '·(Park). You must check the fluid level with the engine funning at
slow idle and the car level.
I-c ..... --=---=..,~ ..... B9"""5IL.u;~~"-·, __ .........,; ..... _·F_%¥-W+--T -l{
COOL OR WARM -j ""I ,~-
5-4

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine remOve tlie cap on the coolant ~ecove~y tank : Add to the tank enough of a 50 150 . mixture of w ater and a g ood quality eth)dene glycol antifreez e to bring the level
up to the .
proper mark. Put the cap bac k on the tank .
Certain
conditi ons; "Such as air trapped in the syste m, may affe ct the coolant level
in
the radiator. You sho uld ch ec k the co olant ·Ievel ·in the radiator while you
change the engine oil and the e ng ine is col d. Follow steps I , 8, 9 and 10 und er
"Coola nt Rep lacement" for the correct way to rt!move the radiator cap .an d add
. coolant.
If you have to add coola nt more than f our tim es a yea r (ei ther to th e recov ery
tank
or to the radiat or). see your dealer. for a. c oo lin g system chec k.
NOTICE: If the proper quality antifreeze is used, there is no .nee~ to add extra inhibltOf"s or additives which claim to improve the svstem .. They may be harmful to the proper operation. I)f the system.
Cooling System Service
The cooling syste m should be serviced at the intervals specifi ed inSection A of
the Maintenan ce Sch edule fold er as follows:
I. W ash the radiatqr cap .and filler neck with clean water. See step J of "Coolant
Replacement" to remove rapiator cap. .
2. C hec k the coolant level in the radiator and have it tes ted for freeze proteCtion . Add·· ethylene gly col antifreeze, if needed, to· m aintain freeze protecti on at -37'C(-34'F),
3~ Have ·the coOlin-g sys tem and radiat or cap tested fo r a press ure capacity of
105 kPa (15 psi) . If a repl acement cap is needed"Hse an AC ca'p,or an
equivalent · cap, designed fOl: coolant recovery system ·s and spe cified for your model;
4. Tighten all radiator hose clamps and heater hose clamps and inspect an hose s.
R
eplace the hose s if they are swollen, "checked" or otherwise worn .
NOTICE: Take care when tightenjng·the hose clemps at tMI radiator. Overtightening COUld. bend or collapse .the radiator fittings.
5. Clean the front. of the radiator core and air condit ioning condenser to re m ove
dirt and oth er·objects. Al so clean the auxiliary engine oil andlor transmission -fluid ' cooler if the vehicle has them.
Coolant, Replacement
At the interval s specified in Section A of the Maintenance Schedule folder, flu sh
a
nd refill the cool ing system as follows :
1. Remove the·radiat or·cap when the engin e is ·cool :
•
Turn . t he cap s lowly to the len until ·it reaches a " stop. " Do not press down while turning the cap.
• 'Wait until any rem aining press ure (indicated by a hissing sound) is
reliev ed. then press down on the cap an d continue turning it t(j the left.
CAUTION:· To help ~lVoid the danger of being ,burned, do not remove the radiator cap while the angine and radiator are still hot s.c.lding flutd and steam can be bk)wn out under pressure if the·cap is taken off.too soon.
2. Whe n the cap is re m oved, run the eng ine until the upper radiator hose is hot.
(This shows that the thermostat is open and the coola nt is flow ing through
the . system.)
5·6
•

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Switch Headlights .... TEMP (Temperature) .. Locks Door ...
2~19 2-17 1-2
Ignition ............................................. .. 2-5 1-1 2-2
2-25 Keys .. Theft Protection .. Lowering Seats .. Love Seat, Child & Infant: .. Lugglige/Cargo Capacity ... Luggage Rack ... Maintenance Record .. Maintenance Schedule .. Manual Transaxle Clutch Adjustment. .. .
1-10 5-11 2·29 7-12 5-.1
Maintenance ........................................... . 5-8
5-8
2-11
2· 10 2-12 4-1 4-5
1-3
Operating Tips .. Operation .. Shift Speeds. Metal Cleaners .. Metal Damage, Body ... Mirrors, Rearview .. Mobile Radios-. Monoxide Caution, Carbon .. . 2-25 2-1
2-1 2-2
2-2
2-15 Muffler ............................................... . New Car Break-In Period Octane Rating, Gasoline ... Odometer Oil, Engine Capacity .. Change Interval.. Dipstick ... Filter ... PreSsure Gage .. Pressure Light... Recommendation (Gas) .. OIL Light.. Openings, Roof... Opening The Hatchback ... Hood .. Windows ..
6-.1 5-3 (inside Back Cover) 5-3,7·1 2·1-9 2-17
5-3
2-17 (See "Roofs")
2·26 (Inside Back Cover) 1-5 Operating Speeds, New Car... 2-2 Operating Tips Fuel Economy.. 2-4 Trailer Towing.. 1-13 Transaxle... 2-9 Ventilation System.. 2.20 Operation in Foreign Countries.. 2"3 Outside Rearview Mirror.. 1.3 Overheating, Engine.. 3-3 Overseas Operation.. 2.3 Owner Assistance.. 6-1 Owner's Record... 7-11 Oxygen Sensor., 5.2 Paint Care.. 4-4
Paint Damage .. Parking;. Parking Brake .. Parking Lights .. PCV Valve & Filter .. Peda'·TI"avel, Brake ... Pedal Travel, Clutch .. Polishing & Waxing .. Pollution Control Power
4-' 2-. 2-14 7-3 7·2 2-14 5~8
.-. (See "Emission Contron
7-8
Antennas Brakes .. Door Locks .... Seats ... Steering Pressure, Oil Light ... Pressure. Tire Inflation ... Pulse Wiper ...
2-25
2-14
1-2 1-' 2·12
2-15
5-11
2-7
Pushing to Start ................................ .. 5-2 Radiator Antifreeze (Coolant) .. Cap, Prassure .. Checking Level .. Overheating .. Thermostat...
Radios & Antennas ... Raising Seats ... Rear Cargo Cover ...................... .. Compartment .. . Window Defogger .. Trailering .. Rearview Mirrors .. Reclining Seats .. Recovery Tank, Coolant .. Release
Hatc.hback
Hood .. Seatback Latch ... Reminder Lights ....
Replacement Fasteners
5-5 5-. 5-5 3-3 5-7
2-23 -2-25
2-25
2-:27
2-2,2-28 2-21 '·11 1-3 1-' 5-5
2-25 (Inside Back Cover)
1-' (See "Lights") 5-1
5-1 Replacement Maintenance Schedule .. Raplacement Owner's·Manual... 7-13 Replacement Parts ............. ....................... 7-2 Restraints .. Rocking Car When Stuck .. Roofs Carrying Cargo On ... Luggage Carrier .. Rack .. Vinyl .. Vista-Vent. ... Rotation, Tire .. Rustproofing .. Rust Protection ... Sefety Belts .. Seats (See
"Seat Belts") 3-7
1-3,2-2,9 2·29 2·29
'-5 2-26 5-12
'-5 '-5 (See "Seat Belts")
Adjustment.. 1-4 Child... 1-10 Folding.. 2-25 Latches..
1-5 Reclining.... . '-4 Seat Belts Care.. 4.3 Child Restraint ............................................ 1.10 Inspection.. 1-10 Lap/Shoulder.. 1-6 Light/Buzzer Reminder... 1;8 Pregn~nt Women .. Rear Seat. ... Self-Adjusting Brakes .. SENSOR Indicator ..
1-8 2-25 2-14 2-18,5-2 Sensor, Oxygen.... 2-18,5-2 Service & Maintenance.. 5-1 Service Station Information (InSide Back Cover) Sheet Metlll Damage... 4-5