1981 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO brake fluid

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine SEcnON 1
BEFORE DRIVING YOUR MONTE
CARLO
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 (H any tire ,looks different from
normal,
we recommend you check it with a tire pressure gage.)
3. Look for fluid leaks.
4. Be sure everything is properly stowed.
5. Check the area behind the vehicle ~ you are about to back up.
Before Driving Off
1. Lock all doors .
2. Adjust the seat and movable head restraints, if so equipped .
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 off).
See related topics in this manual , or the Maintenance Schedule folder, il
~" problems are found.
Guard Against Theft
For tips on how to protect your vehicle and its contents, see "'Starting and
Operating," 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 withsquar, head -for ignition lock only .
'IDENTIFYING
IGNITION LOCK DOOR LOCKS & ALL OTHER LOCKS
• Key with oval head -for all other locks.
1-1

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 2, Never leta child stand ,or kneel on any seat Children who can sit up by
themselves should
be placed on a sealand restrained with the seat belts
provided, When children ride in a rear seat, .they should be restrained with
a lap
belt, When child(en ride in the front seat, they should wear both lap
and shoulder belt If the .shoulder beH irritates the neck or face due to .the child's size, this may be r.educed by placing the child closer to the center
of the
vehicle , If irritalior Is not reduced, place the child in the rear seat
3, General Motors ~iseS that childr"", be restrained properly when riding ,
However. unusual cond~ions may prevent use of restraints. and require
that a small child
stand, If that ~s.lhe'Child should stand on the floor , behind the'driver's seat This will help reduce the chance and/or \he
severity of injury in case of a frontal collision, --'-'-'''"''''''''i''':>' ~7','" ,,.' ;.,,~"".'. _ .. .. ,
TRAILER TOWING
This car is designed and intended to be used mainly to carry people, Towing a
trailer will affect handling , durability and economy , Your safety and satisfaction
depend :,upoQ proper use of correct llqUipmenl. Also , you should avoiq
overloads
and other abusive use,
' The '
!1'lIiximum 1000000trailet: weight youe;mpull with your vehicle depends ,on what special equipffienrfi'as been installed on il,. We do not recommend towing
any
trailer more than 450 kilograms (1.000 pounds) gross trailer weight unless your vehicle has the required 'equipment
.. .... ~ ' °' -"""''1111'''.''-'' .. J~._ .. _ '."'-:,_, :" .,', .... ,,', , ,'" :', : ' . .. ....... :.' .... " ..... : .. , :"',' "'." ,: ",' ,i,.:." .... __ .. -:,:· .. ,,' .. _." . .'~:.,:;.,~')ff';:.' CAUTION: Do not .. try to tow .. • nv:,,. tr-I.-'r ,mqrtt:,_lt)arr ' 2 '2., Idfogranl( (5,000 Pounds) WPU trliler,we~t IlC) 'In.tter what trailer toWing -'equiprrient is instelled. Trai" over iMM maximum-~_iir:nlt.,-c:OuId teriously affect ~ __ vehk:"'. pertormence ; -_durability and
handling, ~_~kf l'esuh. in personal i~~;_-_, ;""_~ ':~.,,:.:.
Information ,on trailer towing ability, speciateq(Jipn1ent required, and optional
equipment available should.be obtained from your dealer . Ask for the trailering
~rocliure, Or, write: Consum~r Helations Department Chevrolet Motor Divfsion,
Warren , Michigan 48090. (In Canada, write to General Motors of Canada
limited , Customer Services Department, Oshilwa , Ontario L IJ 5Z6),
Tires
When towing trailers be sure your tires areprope,ly inflated'to 'the inflation
,
pressure shown 'on the .. Tire Placard on \he driver's door , The allowable
passenger . and cargo load for this vehicle, also.shown on the Tire Placard , is
reduced by the traiter tongue weight whenever . the trailer is attached to the
'v~hicle, See "Service arid Maintenance," Section 5, for more tire informatlon ,
Maintenance
More' frequent service is required when using your vehicle to pull a traileL See
Section A of the Maintenance Schedule folder for Automatic Transmission Fluid , Engine Oil, and Hear Axle Ltibricantchange requirements for. trailering ,
Now and \hen, check that all trailer hitch bolts and nuts are tight Also see the
Maintenance Schedule
foider, and the Index in this manual, for important facts
on belts, cooling system care and brake adjustment.
1-12

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Break·ln Schedule
See the new vehicle break-in instructions in this manual. Also, we
recommended you drive your new vehicle for 500 miles (600 kilometers) before
trailer towing . AI the end of this 500 mile (600 kilometer) break-in period, avoid
speeds over 50 mph (80 km/h) and full throttle starts during the first 500 miles (800 kilometers) of trailer towing.
CAUTIONS:
BRAKES-To help avoid personal injury due 10 poor braking action:
• Trailer brakes of adequate size are required on Irailers more Ihan 450 kilograms (1,000 pounds) loaded weight.
• If you use trailer brakes with this vehicle , follow the installation and balance
instructions of the trailer brake maker.
• Do not tap into the vehicle's brake system tl the trailer brake system uses
more than 0.3 cubic centimeter (0.02 cubic inch) of fluid from the vehitle's
master cylinder. In this case, the vehicle brake fluid capacity will not be enough to operate both the vehicle and trailer brakes under all kinds of
use.
• All brake fluid parts must be able to stand 20 650 kPa (3,000 psi) .. The
brake fluid tap must be made to the master cylinder port supplying fluid to
the rear brakes. Copper tubing is subject to fatigue failure and must not be
used.
• Before going down a steep or long grade, reduce speed. and shiftlhe transmission into a lower gear 10 help control too' long or too often . This
could cause
Ihe brakes 10 overheal and reduce brake ef\ectiveness. .
HITCHES2T6 HeIP'avoid pe,sona/ ,jQiYry.Que 10 sway caused by such things as
crosswinds , big trucks passing or roact roughness, or due to separalion of the
trailer :
• A properly installed and adjusted (1) frame mounted, weight-distributing
hitch and (2) sway control with enough capacity are required for trailers
more than 900 kilograms
(2,000 pounds) loaded weight.
• If your vehicle has air shocks, keep them at a minimum pressure of 70 to 105 kPa (10 to 15 psi) when installing, adjusting or towing with a weight­
distributing hitch.
• Keep the trailer tongue load at 10"10 of the loaded trailer \'feight for dead­
weight hitches, and 12"10 for weight-distribuling hitches. Tongue loads can be adjusted by proper distribution of the load in the trailer. This can be
checked by
weighjng separately the loaded trailer and then the tongue .
• Do not use axle-mounted hitches. They can damage the axle hOuSing, wheel bearings, wheels or lires.
•
When you remove a trailer hitch, be sure to seal any mounting holes in the
bocjy. This will help prevent entry of exhaust fumes, dirt or water. (See
"Engine Exhaust Gas Caution (Carbon Monoxide)" at the beginning of "Starting and Operating," Section 2 of this manual.)
1-13

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOT1C~: Uoeonty ~ ...... hhches ....... pomiIt ' nonnoI ..,o,otlon' ..... Energy Ab8Orb4ng Bumper system, if to equipped~-For ex..".,.., • rigid fore 8nd 1ft conMction between the bumper and any other pwt Of-the c. mIIy Inc,. ... dMnege Nl the event gf I colli.lon.
TRAILER TOWING TIPS
, Getti"9
Started
Before entering traffic w~h a traile, that has electric brakes, start the vehicle
and trailer moving and apply the traile' brakes by hand to be sure the trailer brakes ' are working and the trailer eleCtrical syStem is connected ,
".d~,~!!.~!.~~,CooUng If your engine overheats "foliowthe steps under, "Engine Cooling System" in
"InCase of Emergency," Section 3 01 this manual.
Long Uphill Grades
When goingup,long grades ; you can reduce the chance of engine overheating
by dOwnshifting the transinission to a
Jower'gear range and reducing speeds to
'" '4S mph (70 km /h) or below . '. " " ,-,-."." .. ,. '
Transmission
See the method for checking the transmission fluid level in "Service and
"'~!!illl£<;': Section S of thismanuaJ.
Parking
You should not park vehicles with trailers on a grade (hill); However, If
you must park on a 'grade, these ste,PS }l1ust be fallowed:
1. Apply theregular .brakes . ,'\' y .
2, . Have someone place wheel chocks under the trailer wheels .
3. When the wheel cho cks are in place, release the regular brakes until, the
c hocks absorb the load. .
4 . Apply
the parking brake.
S . Shift the transmission to
"P"(l'ark) .
If the veh icle is parked on a .gr ad e, don 't Shift the transmission to "P "(Park )
until
the trailer wheels are chocked and tOO parking brake is set If you dO, the weight of the vehicle and trailer may put'somuch force on the parking pawl in
the transmission that it·may be hard to Shift out of "P "(Park) .
When' s tarting, after being parked On a grade :
L Apply the regular brakes and hold.
2. Start ,the engine in , "P"( Park) .
.
3 . '. Shift into gear and releas .e the parking brake ..
4. Release the regular brakes and drive until the chocks are free .
S .
Apply the regular brakes and haveanoti1er person remOve the chocks.
1-14

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine "
• The lighl is also designed to come oi, briefly during engine starting so you . can check that the bulb is okay .
• Have the system repaired ifth'e light .d~es· not .come on during engine
. starting or when th.e Parking brake is set.
•
This warning light does not do away with the heed for brake inspection and
maintenance. The brake fluid level must be checked regularly . See your
Maintenance
Schedule folder for other brake checks.
If the light 'comes on andstavson when the ignition key is on, after the brake pedal has been firmly pushed down, it may mean that there is somelhing
'
wrongwith I?"" of the br"kesyjitem.
What to do:
1. Check to see that the parking brake hec been released . If it has been ..
2. Pull off the road and stop carefully, And remember that:
" .• " Stopping ,distances may be longer.
•
You may have to push harder on the pedal.
•
The pedal may go down farther than normal.
3, Try out the brakes by starting and stopping on the road shoulder--then:
• If you judge it to be safe, drive cautiously at a safe speed to the .near,est dealer for ,repair, or
• Have vooicle t6w~ to the nearest dealer for repair.
Continued driving without getting necessary repairs could be dangerous .
"'''''''~''., ENGINE" LIGHT
All gasoline"~~gine VehiCles sold in ttwl,lnited States (aridsorne ' vehidle. sok:!
in Canada) have the Computer Command Control sYstem, (canadian owners
should
also ' read the Nole on the. inside front cover of this manual. )
If your vehicle has thElCoTP\Jter :,eommand:'ContrOI-system, ,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
Computer , Command
Control system may be required , Although. the. v.ehicle
may still be drivable, see , your Chevrolet dealer as soon as possible . for an inspection of the system , (Some vehicles sold in Canada, DO NOT HAVE the
Computer Command Controtsystem ,
ILyeur vehicle does not have a "Check
Engine " light, then it does not have the Computer Command Control system,)
Continued, driving without having the Computer Command Control system
serviced
could cause damegeto' the emission control system, It could also affect fuel economy and drivability, .
See also "Computer
Command Control' system" in "Service and Maintenance," Section: 5 of this manual.
Tachometer
The optional tachometer i. ndicates the speed of the engine in revolutions per
minute, The' indicated num,ber, times 100, gives the engine speed, Operating
the engine
with. the tachometer . reading .in the colQr-coded high-speed area could lead to seriOUS engine damage,

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine "the "TEMP" light comes on (or, if you have a 900lant temperature gage, the
gage needle goes into the warning zone) and your air conditioner is on, turn it
off.
If the "TEMP" light (or gage) comes on while you are stopped in traffic,
shift the transmission to
"N" (Neutral).
If the "TEMP" light doesn't go off (or the gage needle doesn't start to drop)
within a minute or two:
• Pull over to a safe Place ""d stop the vehicle. Set the parking brake and
shift to "P" (Park) 9r, with a manual transmission, shift to Neutral first, then
set the parking brake.
• DON'T TURN OFF THE ENGINE. INCREASE THE ENGINE SPEED until it
sounds like it's going about twice as fast as normal idle speed. Bring the
idle speed back to normal
after two or three minutes.
tfthe "TEMP" light still doesn't 90 off, (or the gage needle doesn't start to
drop),
NOW TURN OFF THE ENGINE and proceed as follows.
•
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 "Full Cold"
mark on 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 being burned:
"'-'''''''''i',",,;0-Fc:io'ffi)tcremoy'J~_ c;<)olant recovery tank cap if the coolant is boiling, and
• do not remove -the radiatorc:ap WhilethIit8ngine'-aUid:radiltor a,.Slili hot.
Scalding fluid and steamean be released under pressure it either cap is taken off too soon,
-;<
• If coolant level is low:
•
looklorleaks at the radiator hoses and connections, heater hoses and
connections,
r"diator,and water pump. See that the. fan belts are not
broken or off the pulleys an.d that the fan turns when the engine is started,
•
Add coolant to the recovery tahk.
If
the cQolant level in the recovery tank is althe correct lellel arid the "TEMP"
light (gage) still co"",s.dn,. air may be tr~ in the cooling system, This may
stop coolant from returning to the radiator. In this case, you may have to add
coolant directly to the radiator.
See "Coolant Replacement" under engine
cooling system
in "Service and Maintenance," Section 5 of this manual. Follow
steps 1 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 zone).
3-4

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine un mUE SAl: VIScOSITY GRADES
F~O 20 40 60 100 C -30 -20 10 0 10 20 30 40 TEMPERATURE RANGE YOU .EXPECT SHORE NEXT Oil CHANGE
NOTICe: DO NOTUSE SAE 5W-2(I OILS fOR COIfi"INUOUS HIGH SPEED DRIVING.
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 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 TRANSMISSION FLUID RECOMMENDATIONS
Proper Fluid -Use only automatic transmission fluid labeled DEXRON® II. You
can buy this fluid from your dealer or other service outlets.
Checking
Fluid Level-Check the automatic transmission fluid level at each
engine
oil change, Overfilling GaI).c"!,J~e foaming and loss of fluid. A low fluid
level can cause slipping or loss of drive. In either case, transmission damage
can result.
To check the fluid
level, first set the parking brake, then start the engine in "P"(Park). With the regular brakes applied, move the shift lever through all the
gear ranges, ending
in "P". You must check the fluid level with the engine
running
at slow idle and the vehicle level.
You cannot read the correct fluid level if you have just.driven you(vehicle fora
long time at high speed, in city traffic in hot weather, or if your vehicle has
been
pulling a trailer. Wait until the fluid cools down (about 30 minutes).
Remove the dipstick
located at the rear of the engine compartment on the
passenger's side. Carefully touch the wet end of the dipstick to find out if the
fluid
is cool, warm or hot. Wipe it clean and push it back in until the cap seats. Pull out the dipstick and read the fluid level.
• If
it felt cool (about room temperature), the level should be 3 to 10
millimeters (118 to 3/8 inch) below the "Add" mark. The dipstick has two
dimples below the" Add" mark to show this range.
• If it felt warm, the level should be close to \he "Add" mark (either above or below).
• If
it was too hot to hold, the level should be at the "Full" mark.
5-5

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine AJt Cleaner. Ail CoricIitionor FOlK Season .. Mainten ance .. AM" Pressu-e. Tires. AM" Vents. Alterna tOf tGEN) l.ghl AUniIlUffi Cafe .. AM or AM-FM Radios Antenna Antifreeze . Appearaoc e Care . Ash1rays & Lignler s. Assistance. Owl"lef Automat ic Door Locks. Automatic Transmission CorwElfter ClUlch Maintenanr;e
"""'-OpefaJ .... '1 TiPS.: AKIe. Re ar Standard . lifnited-SHp . Babies. AesCraint 01 .. BaIt Joints .. fun..., E mergency S ta ring F reedom. Gas Caution ..• GEN 191I... .•.• Test Indicator ...
. ........ 5-9
2-24
5-11
5-12
2-23 ....... 2·17 ... 2:27. 2-28 2·29 (Seo "Coolant") ,.,
2·22 6·' ,.,
2·10 5-5 .. 2 -9 2 ·'
5 ·'
5·' 1·10. ,-" . 5·1 0
3 ·' 5-10 3·' 2-17 5·10 Betore Dr iving Your Vehide... \. Bells: Sea!....,.. . (See I'Se at Belts") Blower, Healer & Air Cond.. 2-24. 2-25
Body Da mage . 4-4
.. """ ~,. Pedal Travel Trailer Towing .... Warning Ught .
2·14 2-\4 H2 2-17
Breakers . <;ircui t. • ..... 2-21. 7·3 Bteak ..... Period. New Vehicle ..• 2·2 Srioj'!( Headlights 2·7. 2·21 Brighl Metal Cleaning 4-4
Bulbs & Fuses.. 7·3. 7-4 Bumpers & HiIC:·~s. '·13 ~ 'Jack Operation ...... 3-4 B.w:ers._ . (See "'SOunds'" CoirpJler Con"mand Cont rOl System:~ 2·\8, 5·3 Cop Coolant A ecovery Tant.: .. ................. , .. 5-6 F uel.. 5-2 f>o¥Iier Steefing.. _____ -._ ....... ...... 0<. _____ -5-9 Radiator ... 5·8 Capacity, Cargo Weight. 5-11 Capacities. FlUid:. 7- Car Break-In Period . New.. 2-2 . car -Chemicals ... carbon Monoxide cautJorI .... ___ 4·' 2·' Care & Cleaning. Appearance . . .. 4·' Cargo Capacity . 5-11 Cargo on Root . Carrying,. '·2 Catalytic Converter . . ..................... ....... 5-2 ~ Command Control System .. -2·18. , ·3 Chains. Tire .. 5·15
7-6
Changing Wheets & Tires .. _ Cl-£O< ENGtl'E light .. Chectlbt, DrillSf . Child Seals & Restr ainls Chrome Protection .. ag.yette lighter ... CirCUIt Beakers QtiZOtlS Band Raoio . C!earIing .. Clock.I .. Cloth Trim Care .. ClutCh . Converter
Cold W&ather Starting ....
3 ·4 . 3·5 2 ·18. 5-3 ,., I -tO. 1·11 ... 2·22 2·21 , 7·3 2·29 . ..... 4·' 2-22 '·2 2·10 2·8 ~ip""lt Plocedu.-e . . ... 6 ·1
Condi lioner, Air (See "All" Cooditioner"~ Cons umer Relation s ... Converter ClUtch Con...eJo: Mirror Cooling System Afltilreeze (CooIanI) .. Overheating R ecovery Tank Service,. Thermoslal . COfl"lefing Lights . CorTosion Pmlection. Countries. Oper-ating in Fo.-eign .. Courtesy lights CruISe Control Cus!omer Service . 5·6
3·3
3 ·4 ,
5·6 '·7 '·8 2·7 . . 4-5 2· ' 2·30
2·12
6·' Damage, Sheet Metal . 4·4 Detogger,Re..-WiNJoW.. 2-25 DelrOSlor. Windshield . 2·24. 2·25 Delay Wipers 2·20 Descending a· Grade 2-9 Ditlererlliai (Rear Axle) limited·Slip __ 5·9 ,Malt)l~O 5 ·9
Trailllfing. 1·1 2
Dimensions 7· , Oimn'\e( Switch, Head~L 2·14 O ipshCks A.utomalic Tfansmission .. . 5-4 Engine Oil 5·3 Power Steering. 5-9 Directional Signals.. 2-7 Disc Brakes 2·15 Door loc::ks . __ ................ 1-2 Orivet' Checklist 1-1 Driving Down S teep Grades .... 2-9 in OU'sty Areas . 5 .... on Slippery Surlaces .................... 2·9 Economy ripS. Fuel .............................. 2-4 E lectric· Po_oo QpIion$ .. (See "Power"') Electrical System Banerv .. S-1 0 Bulbs .. . ....... ...... .... ........... 7,4 Circuit Breakers ....... , ........................ , 7-3 Fuses:. 7·3 GEN (Genefalor) lighI ..................... 2· 17 Jump S tarting 3- Spark Plugs 7-2 Voltmeter . 2·19 Emetgency. In Case oj Bralle WCIIllWlg li!1Il .. Eroglne Hot light .. • .. 2·17 . 2·17