1981 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO Owners Manual

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

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Freeing Vehicle When Stuck . Hazard Warnong FlaSher Jacking Jump Starti ng
Towing: Cru EtIlIssion Caution EmISSic:m Control
3·9 3·' 3·4, 3'5
C ata lytic Conve rter 5-2 ~te< Command ContrOl System 2·18. ; ·3 CHECK ENGINE ligh t Exha ust Ga s Caution
F uel Requ irements (Gas) E",,~
2·18. 5·3 ,., , .,
... " Break -In Code Coo~ng
(See Ma intenance Schedule) 2·2 , .; ;·6 El ,.,
.. , 2·9 ,.,
(See "Fuel") ' ·5 . .. 3·1 Ideflti hcation Jump Starting . C>r Overheating . Spec~fcations Starling . Cold WeaHJeI Star ting (Gasoline) Temperature Gage Tempera ture 19h1 Thermostat E OOIN E ligh!
{See ··Oir . . EllIjne··) 3·3 ,., ,.,
'·6 2·t9 2· 17 5·6 2·t8 El"9oo Oil. (See ·'Oi l. E'ngine.') E thylene Glycot Antifree ze
E)(hausl Gas Cau tion E~~. System , If'Ispection. Ederior Fnsh Care .
Fabric Care
Fan,
Healer & Air Cond FASTEN SEAT BELTS Light. . Fastener s. RepIacemeflI .. Fifter s
Air Cleal'lEl!' . , Finish Care. Firish Damage . Flammable C\e.aoets .. .. F lashers Hazard w arning . Turn Signal..
Flooded EngIne . Starling . Floor Controls .. F luid Capacities .. FM Radios .. Folding Seats ...
5·' ,.,
, .,
... . 4·4 ,., 2-24. 2·25 '·6 5 ·'
;., ,., ,., . . • -1
3·.1 ..... 2:7 . ....... , 2·9 ......... 2·13 ..... ..... 7·1
F Ofeign CounlrllltS . Operation in ... FOUl' Season Ioit ~ . Four·WayHazard FlasheI' ... Freedom Battery .. Freeirig Car When Stt.JCk.". , .... Cop . Economy Tips .. Gogo Gasohol .. a...... Octane RaIing ..
;., , ., . 2 ·15 . '. ..... 2-3 ....... .. . 2-3
7 ·7
Overse3$ OpefatiOtl _. Tanl( Capacity Fuse
Cha rt
Circuit Breakers ...
""'" Engrne Temperat lJ'e
Fuel.. Oil Prossure Tachometef (Engille $peed) Voltmetet' , .. Gasoline
GEN (Gener ator) Light
Glas s Clea ning
Gto"e 80)( Guard AQaIIlSl Theft Hazar d Warning Flasher Headlight s Circuil &eakel IJimmtIf Switc h
instrument Pa~ SWitch Light s ON Reminder .. Head Restraint s .. tEAT Light. Heated Rear Wmdow .
2·' ,.,
'·3 '·3
2-1 9 2-15 2·19 2·18
2· 19
(See "Fuer') 2-\7 ..,
2-16 ,.,
3'
.7-3 2,14 2--?1
2-21
'·5 2·17 2·25 Heat er/Air Condihoner2·23. 2-24 High ·Beam Head~ghl!i 2-2t _ 1·13 5·10 . (Inside Back Colter) 5·10. !Inside Sack Cover)
Hitches. Traile( . Hood Latches .. Hood Release . Horn .. HOT UghL Ideotihcation Nt.mbers 19r>ilion K9YS Lock . In Case of EIT1efgenc:y .nocator lights ... Infant Seats & Aestra.nt .. II1l1ati04'l Pressure. Tires. Inlets . Air.
2-t3 2·t7 7.·5
,.,
2·' ,., (See "UghIS") 1 ·10. r_ll 5·12 2·23 Inside Rearview Muror , '-3 Instrumetl t Pan&! & Controts .. 2·15 InleilOl Appe«i¥1Ce Care.. 4-1 Interior & inst rumen t Lights (See "Lights" ) Jacl:: Operation & Stowage.. 3- 4. 3 ·5 . 3-6 ~ S\aI1ing .. 3- 1 Keys...... '·1 Lane Ct\ange &. Turn Signals 2-7 Lap- Shoulcler Belts . (See "Seat Bells") L_
,_­Hood ...
,..
(Inside 8acto: Cover) Sealback. From. 1-4 Trunk . 2-22 lighter. Cigarette ... 2·22 ligh<' BRAKE .... ...................... .................. 2·1 7
Bright s On. !lui> c.... O£CI( ENGINE Choke Warning .. Comoring .................. . CouttKY·· ClimrneI-Swoi1ch. HNdigflt .. Electrical S)Stem (GEN) ..
2-21 ,..
2·18.,5·2 2-17 .. ....... 2-7 '·30 2-1. 2-11

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine ~_ fOIl a/or OdIe) ... .. 2·17 Engine -T""1* .... -(tOn... . ..... -2·17 FASTEN SEAT BELTS._ .......... -1·5 GEN (Electrical Sysl.m) . . ........ 2·17 Hazard War'rWIg Flasher . . ........ . 3·1 Headlight Circuit breaker.. . 2·~.7·3 HeedigtIf SWi1ch ••...• _ ..... ......•..•...• 2·7. 2.21
HeadIirj1ts On Reminder .. . ....... 2-21 Hi!tI·Beam rdcaIor .. . ....... 2·21 t-K>T. . ...........•.• _ .. ....... ....... 2-'17 Instrumenl Panel... ...... 2.15 Interior .... 01.. (PresstMe) .. ... .
--
....• . '2-30 2·19 ...... 2·14 Seal Bell FIerrindBf.. 1·8 Switch Headlights ................. ......... 2·21 TEMP (Teq)8falU'e). . ...... 2,19 LJmited·SIp Oift«enIiaI.. . ........ _5--5
""'" DOOr, . • ... ... ... 1,2 ._ .... . 2·16 GloVe Box .. 19ni1ion .. .... ............. ....... .......... _ .. 2--6 Keys ,.,
Theft Protection .... ..... ..... .........• ............. 2:2 Tn,ri:. -Powcw I\aIease .. ... 2·22 Low Seat. Child & ""8111.. . ... _. HI _ Luggage /Cargo Capacity. ; ..... ,. ..... 5-11 Mainlen PressUfe Gage ... Pressure ligtll .. RecommendaTion .
5-3. 7·1 ................ 2·19 . ................. 2·17 . ........ 5- ,3
Turbo Chaoge Interval .... ........... 2·33. 5-4 01.. Ught . . .......... .... 2-17 Openings. Roof ....... ... .. : ..... (See " Roofs") Opening 'The Hood (tnside Back Cover) Trunk ..... 2-22 Windows 1-2 Operating SpeecI$ . New car . __ -2-2 OperMing rIPS Fuel Economy .. : .... : ..... . __ ... 2"" Trailer Towing.. 1-12 Transmission .. . .... ...... 2-9 V...tilaeion Sys&em.. . ...... 2-22 Openllion ., Foreign Countries .. 2-4 Outside AIIarYiew Minor. _. . 1·3 Overheating" Engine 3-3 'Oversees Operation .. 2-4 7-8
............. Pwting Brake Pa1cing Lights ... PCII Valv. & Filter ...
... 2·. . 2·14 ... 1·. .... 7·2 Pat.1 Travel, Brake ............................ 2,14 Poishing ' & Waxing.. .. ....... ..... .......... 4-4 PoIUion ~ .... (see "Emission ConIrol")
""-~ ... Brakft: .. Door LockS .. Seett ...
.............. .......... 2-25 . .................. 2 ·14 ' ·2 .................. . 1-3 --.g ........................... . .., 2-11 2·22 Trunk Refease-.. WIfIdOoWs .. .... '·3 Pressur •• Oil GagII... .. ..... ..... ...... 2·19 L911... ............................ .. .... 2·17 Pr ....... e. ne Innation .. . So-I 2 P\..tse ""* .. 2·20 I!'ushing to Start.. . .... ..... ............. .... 5-2 ........ Andfreaze (Coolant). .. 5-6 CAp. Pressure ... . ................... ....... 5-8 o.ddng l..IMI' ... _....... ......... 5-6 0vemee8ing .... 3·3 Tha-mostat... .. 5·8 Aldol & Antennas... .. ...... 2-26 • 2~29 ..... wndoW Defogger ... . ................... .... 2-25
--I.irJWted.SIip ...... ....... 2-30. 5-9 MainTenance. ... 5·5 Stanc*d . .. 5-9 Tra iletlng.. 1·12 ReaMew Mirrors 1 -3 Aeco-v Tn. Coolant ... __ .-.................. 5·6 -.. Hood .: ' .. .' ... ' (Inside Back Cover) Seatbac k Latch 1-4 Trunk ... .. .... 2-22 Reminder Lights .......... ....... {See "L ights ") Replacomenl fastlilOef s. . .. 5· 1 Reptacement Maint9l1anc; e Schedule. .,' 5· t Reptacement Owner's Manua:.. (See Older Form) Replacement Parts.. . ....... ..... ... , ..•. 5-1 ReWaints ... Rests. Head . {See "Seal Sells") ..... 1-5 .. , 3 -9 Rocking Car When Stuc k ... RooIs C.rying cargo On .. SunrOQll ...... v-.nyt ...... ____ .... _ ......
'·2 . ..... 2 ·30 ______ ..... ...... 4-4 AotiMiOn. Tire .......... ........... .............. ..... 5·13 Ruslprooting.. .. ........ 4-5 Rust Protection SaMIy Belts .. .....
........ 4-5 .. {See "Seal 8eIts .. )
_ .............. , .. . .. .... '·4 1 ·10 CtIiIcI ...... .................. .. ~ .. . .............. ... ... 1,3 Heet RMltaints ............................... " 1-5 laIcl'lM ..
.... -
. . ..... .... .......... .. 1-4
c. ................................ .. • ... 0&-3 1·10 Child Reser ..... .

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine -. lap/ShOulder ..• light/Buzzer Reminder .. Pregn!lll1 Women ..
1-10 ,., ,.,
,.,
Rear Seal.. SeIr·~stiOg BrakE!S .. SENSOR Indicator:
......... 1-8. 1-9
Sensor, Oxygen .. serviCe & Maintenance Service Station Information .. CoVer)
_ 2-14 5·3 '·3 5·' (Irisioo' Back
ShOOt Metal Damage". Shoulder Belts .. Sidemarker ,lights.
4·5 (See "Seat Betts")
Signals. Turn .. Slippefy Surfaces, Driving On .. Snow Chains
Snow Tires _. Sounds (Buzzers. Tones,elc.) Disc Brake Wear Indicator.
Headlights On .. Key Reminder. Seal Bell Spare Tire
"""-Jacking Stowage Spark Plugs Sound Systems (Radios): Speakers .. Spatilicatlons
Speed,CrUise Control .. S~. New Car Break-In. Speedometer & Odometer Spot Cleaning Stainless Steel Protection. stains. RemOval' 01".,.; Starter Salety Switch Starting Emergency (Jump. Starting). Engine Fails to Start Gasoline Engine. Pushing to Start. Steering Column Controls Column lock. Power .. Wheel, Till Stereo. Radios & Tape Systems 2·29 Stowage 0( Tire & Jacl< Stowing Things In (Or (0) Gat StucfI. Car, Freeing. Sunrool ................... . Suspension Ball Joints Tachometer Tape Systems, Stereo T ernpei'ature Gage T~ature light Thefmostat
2-26,
7-4 2·' 2·' 5-15
5-15
2-15
2-21
. 2-7 ,.,
3-8 3·5 3·' 7-2
2-26 2-27
,., 2-12 2-2 2-15 4·2 4·4 4-3 2·'
3-, 2·' 2"8 5·2
2·6 2·6 2-11
2-11
2-28,
3·' '·2 3·' 2·30
5-10 2-18 2-27
2-19
2-17 5·' Tilt-Away Steering Whee! 2-11 TipS. Operating (See "Operating TIPS" TlreS) Air Pressure. 5-11
7·9
ChainS ..
-. Cleoning. 5-15 3-4,3-5,
U .; _ ... 4 .... 3·6 """-' -.. H..,·_ .. . ............. _ ..... _ ...... 5-12
Inflation Pressure. Load Capacity .. Load Range .. Overseas Use. Placatd .. PreSsur&,·Ait.,
Replacement WhOOIs .. Stowage .. Trailer Towing. Top Care, Vinyt .. Towing OisablOO Vehicle .. To start .. Trailaring .. Transmission
........ 3-4,3-5, 3-6 5-12 5-11 5-11 . ............. ; ... 2-4 . .......... _ ... 5-11 5-12 5-17 3~5. 3-6,3-7 1-12 ...
,., .._ .... : .. 3-9 1-12
Automatic .. (See ,'Automatic TransmiSSion") Transmitter, Mobile Radio .. Trip Odometer .• ... T,,... Driving With Trunk Open ......... 2-2 Key. 1-1 Release, power .................... 2·22 Turbochafgef Oil Change_. 3-33 Turbocharger Power ...... ....... , ........... 2-32 Tum Signals.. . .... 2-7 Unleaded Gasoline (See "Fuel") Upholstery Care _. . 4-I
Vehicle Identification Number 7-5 Vehicle Loading.. 5·11
Ventilation System.. 2-22 Vents, Outside Ail".. 2-22 VIN 7-5 Vinyl
Fabric Care Root Care .. Vollmeter ..
... 4-2 4-4 2-19
Warning Flasher, Hazard Warning. Lights .. '-3-1 (See "lights-:) (See WarrantY folder) Warranty Washers,· Windshield
Washing Car. Waxing & Polishing . Wear Indicators, Disc Brake
Weight, Load Carr'iiog. Wheel Changing Wheel Nut Torque
Whgels, Replacement
Wheal, Till Steering.
Windows Manual.
Pow~ Rear, Defogger .. Windshield
2-19
. .............. 4-4 ...... 4-4 ........ 2-15 5-11 3-5 . . 3-6 3-7, 7-2 5-17 2-11
Defrosting & Defogging ..... , ............. 2-25
Washer Use in Cold Weather .. 2·20 2-19 2-19 Washer Fluid .. Wipers & Washers
Wrecker Towing
Zone Offices .. ................. 3-9 6-2, 6-3

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine OPERA TlNG RECORD
DATE MILEAGE' GASOLINE OIL REPAlRS ..
$ $ $
.
. .
' " -..... ..
.
.. . ~,.'. ,'. ~ .... . .
.. .
.
..
..
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Service Publications­
Monte Carlo
The following publications covering the operation and servic·
ing of your Chevrolet can be purchased by filling out the
reverse side of this order
forril and mailing it with your check
or money order to Helm, Incorporated .
.
Form No. Description Price
ST 329·81 1981 PASSENGER CAR $12.00 .
SERVICE
MANUAL . Includes coverage of engine and
chassis components in terms of
maintenance,
on·the·vehicle reo ~;,"":."'dc'· pairs and adjustments, removal·
and installation of components.
Also includes Electrical Trouble·
~h99ting and Wiring Diagram in·
formatiorf. Will provide coverage to handle most owner's reo
quirements.
(Available January,
1981).
For complete coverage, ST·333-81 and ST·335·81 must also be
purchased.
ST 333·81 1981 OVERHAUL MANUAL $7.00
Includes basic off·the·car overaul of major components, (e.g. trans·
mission,
etc.).
(Available January, 1981)
ST 335·81 1981 BODY SERVICE MANUAL $10.00 Includes: Complete Body Service
Information for
all body styles.
14021742
1981 MONTE CARLO $1.50
OWNER'S
MANUAL
PleaseJiflin reverse-side of this form completely. Prices subject to chahge.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTE: Please fill in order form and MAIL TO:
HiLm
Post Office Box 07130
Detroit, Michigan 48207
All orders will be mailed within 10 days of receipt. Please allow adequate time for postal service.
QUANTITY
FORM NO. PRICE EAqH TOTAL
$ .. $
S S
$ S
$ S
$
$
PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE Total Order
S
Michigan Purchasers-Add 4% Sales Tax" Mich. Sale. Tax S
Grand Total $
Make check or money order (NO STAMPS) forthls ~ amount payable to Helm, Incorporated.
NOTE: Prices apply to owners In the United States only. Canadian residents
should obtain a Canadian Servlee Manual Order Form .romany General
Motors dealership.
e~~u,~c::a~~; outside"domesticU.S.A. please write to Helm, Incor· tI Box 07130, Detroit, Michigan 48207 for quotation.
Natneot Purchaser [Please print clearly]
Street Address Apt. No.
City, State and Zip Code
This ;s your shipping 'libel •. Pleas. print clearly
FROM ••• CHEVROLET MANUAL HiLm DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT
Post Office Box 07130 DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48207 Return Requested
FOR Name
Street
Address Apt. No.
City, State and Zip Code
.. PLEASE COMPLETE SHIPPING LABEL CUT HERE ..
." ,
,
,
•

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine SERVICE STATION INFORMATION
Refer to "Service and Maintenance,"
Section 5 for Further Details
Fuel Cap -Localed behind the license plate.
See fuel cap removal procedl,lre on page 5-1.
Fuel Requirements -Use unleaded gasoline only. See "Fuel Requirements "
in "Starting and Operating. " Section 2 of this manual.
Hood Release - Located beneath the instrument panel to the left of the
steering column. To open, pull the handle to release the hood lock. Then push down slightly on the hood while lifting the underhood lever , and raise the hood. (See illustration).
Engine Oil Oipstiek-Located on right or left side of engine block depending on engine model. Check the engine oil level when the oil is warm, such as during a fuel stop. Keep the oil level above the "Add " line on the dipstick .
Engine Oil Recommendation (Gasoline Engine) -Use only SF-quality oils. (See "Service and Maintenance," Section 50f this manuaL) The chart on page 5·5 will serve as a guide for choosing the proper viscosity oil.
Tire Inflation. Pressures -Check at least monthly (including the spare, unless it is a stowaway spare). Keep them inflated to pressures shown on
the Tire Placard on the left door. (Keep compact spare tires inflated to 415 kPa or 60 psL)
Engine Cooling System -Check the fluid level in the "see·through " coolant recovery tank at regular intervals , such as during a fuel stop. (See "Engine Cooling System " in "Service and Maintenance, " Section 5 of this manual.
Windshield Washer -Check reservoir fluid level regularly. Use a washer fluid, such as GM Optikleen .
Battery -Your new car has a Delco FREE[X)M It battery. You will never have
to add water. The hydror:neter (test indicator) in ,the cover provides infor­mation for testing purposes only.