1981 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO ESP

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine CRUISE.
C~~~~L~_. --''--_=
.CRUISE .CQNTROJ. WITH RESUME FEATURE
The optional Cruise Control System provides automatic speed control for your
comfort
when driving on freeways , turnpikes or othernon'congested highways.
The system is
designf;lCl to f.unction above gpeeds of approximately 30 "1'h (50 ~I~. .
To engage Cruise ContrQI, proceed as follows:
•
··ON ~ THE ' : Cruise " ~wltchmUst be Positioned to "ON" and the vehicle
speed above abOu'! 30 mph (50 km/h) before the system can be engaged.
• SET -Depress "set" button completely when vehicle reaches desired '. . speed. anc release the button SLOWLY to engage system. Use of brakes is
"-'''-'l'l/!Slgned to dis engage system, blit pre-set~peed Viill be retained in
memory. . '." ,
To RESET at a FASTER SPEED , accelerate your vehicle to the higher speed,
depress the "set" button completely , anc re",ase SLOWLy to re·engage .
•
COAST-To RESET at a SLOWER SPEED, depress the "set" button and holdi! in whil e decelerating until desired speed is reached, then release SLOWLY to re·engage .
• RESUME
-Slide "cruise"swi!ch to "resume" and release . Vehicl .e will
accelerate or coast to previously set cruise speed.
• DISENGAGEMENT -The system is disengaged by applying the brakes.
Under normal qperation, it is not necessary to use the. "off " position.
Sliding the "cruise" switch to "off" will erase the memory and disengage
the system. Turning off the ignition does the same . System can also be
disengaged by hOlding in the "set" button until the vehicle speed drops
below about
30 mph (50 km/h).
To
PASS at a FASTER SPEED, depress the accelerator pedal to manually
o verride the Cruise
COntrol. REMEMBER that the vehicle will return to the pre­set speed after passing is cO"1'leted .
NOTICE: To help keep the vehicle under control, do not use the Cruise Control when it may not be advisable to keep the·· vehicle at a constant speed. It is PARTICULARLY NOT ADVISABLE TO USE THE' CRUfSE CONTROL AND ESPECIALLY ITS RESUME FEATURE ON SUPPERY ROADS
SUCH AS THOSE COVERED BY SNOW AND ICE. It is also not advisable to use the Cruise Control in conditions such as on windin g
roads. in heavy or varying traffiC volume ; or in traffic that. varies in speed . tt is also not advisable to use the Resume Feature when the previously set
speed is faster than the existing traffic flow.
2-12

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine DISC BRAKE WEAR INDICATORS
Front disc brakes have bum-in we .ar indicators which are desigled to make a
high-pitched squeating or
cricket·tike warning sound when the brake pads are
worn to where new pads are needed . The sound will come
and go. or be heard
all the time when the wheels are rolling, but will stop when the brake pedal is
pushed down
firmly. Expensive damage can result if pads are not replaced When needed .
See also the brake checks listed in the Maintenance Schedule folder.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS
INSTRUMENTS
The instruments . gages and indicator lights convenienlly grouped in the
instrument cluster are designed to tell you at a glance many important things
about the perform ance of your
vehicle. The following information will enabl e
you to more quickly understand and properly interpret these instruments.
Speedometer
The speedometer hand indicates vehicle speed in miles per hour and
kilometers per hour.
Odometer
The group of six figures in the, speedometer lower center sectiori indicates the
accumulated mileage.
Trip Odometer (optional)
The trip odometer may be reset to zero by turning stem to. the right This
instrument may be used to 1TI<\':!1 .. aPC~rately record trip mileages 'or kilometers .
Fuel Gage
The fuel gage will register the APPROXIMATE fuel level in the tank. when the
ignition is in the
RUN position .
When the
gage registers EMPTY. some fuel is still available as a reserve .
When the gage registers FULL. some
additional fuel can still be added to the
tank. The following conditions maybe considered normal:
•
Gas station pump may shut off before fuel gage indicates FULL
• Amount of gasoline reqUired ior fill~up may not exaclly correspond to gage.
• Needle
may not move awa y from FULL until some time aiter fill·up .
• Needle
may move during turns. stops and accelerations.
When the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position, the needle will not
necessarily return all the way·to the EMPTY mark.
2·15

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine The Mist feature, intended to remove incidental windshield spray such as from."
passing vehicles is activated by moving the control knob to the extreme left ,­
and holding it in this posnion. The wipers will continue to operate until tile
control knob is released and allowed to return to the OFF position . .
The washer system is operated by depressing the control knob for one or two
seconds in any position.
In the OFF position the wipers will oper,ate 3 to 5
times and then stop .
Ught Switch
The three-position light switch controls the headlights, taillights, parking ~ghts, sidemarker lights, instrument lights. and dome lights as shown. Instrument light
intensity can
be varied by turning knob clockwise or counterclockwise. Full
counterclockwise position turns on interior light An optional head lamp warning
chime sounds when the ignition key is. placed in either the OFF, ACC or LOCK
positions. , ....
. ,-"",,.
NOTICE: When the parking lamps or t)Hd1ampS .... to be operated with the key in the OFF position, the reminder-chime can be shUt-Of' by turning the light switch knob until the instrument elu.1er Ifghts are not on. '
The headlarnp circuit is protected by a circuit breaker in the light switch. An
overload on the breaker will,cau$e the lamps to "flicker" on and off. If this
condnion develops , have your ·headlamp wiring checked immediately. The
headlight beam changer is located in the Turn Signal Lever; for operation see
Section 2 under heading "Turo Signal and Headlight Beam Lever."
Headlight High ,Beam Indicator Ught
The he!).dlights of your vehicle have high and ... loW beams to provide you with
proper nighttime visibility for most driving condnions. The "low" beams are
used during most city driving . The
"high" beams are especially useful when
driving on dark roads sinCe they provide long range illumination . The headlight
beam indicator light (located on the speedometer face) will be
ON whenever
the high beams or "brights " are in use. The turn signal l headlight beams and is described in "Steering Column Controls ."
Headlamp "ON" Warning Chime
The optional headlarrl> reminder chime provides' an audible warning thai the
main
light switch is in one 0/ the "on" posnions, either parking lights or
headlights. .
2-21

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine SECTION 4
APPEARANCE CARE
CAUTION: Some cleaners may' be poisonous or flammable, and their Improper ' use
may cause personal injury Or damage the inside of the vehicle. Therefore. when-cleaning the inside -of the vehicle , DO NOT USE votatile cleaning solvents tueh _: acetone , lacquer thi"".r., enamel reducer., nail polish remover.; or suCh cleaning materials as laundry soaps, btl.eMs or reducing agents except .a noted in the fabric cleaning advice on stain removal which follows. NEVER use carbon tetrachloride, gasoline, 'benzene, or naphtha for any cleaning purpose.
Overexposure
to these vapors may result in 8 hNIIh problem. This is even more likely to occur in small, unventileled _spaces. tt is recommended thIIl ,II vehicle cf NonCE: To avoid possible permanent discoloration of white-or light colored seata, DO NOT let mat_58ls with unstab'e dyes corne in contact with seat trim materials until these materials are tota.Ny dry. (This Inch •• s C*1ain type$ of casual clothing , such as colored denims, corduroys, leather.and suedes; also decorative paper, etc.)
CARE AND CLEANING OF THE INTERIOR
With the use of modern trim materials, it is' VERY IMPOR.T~NT.)tJatyou use
proper
cleaning techniques and cleaners. Failing to do this on the first cleaning
may
result in water spots, spot rings ; or setting of stains or soilage, all of which
are
more difficultt'! remove.i~ ~~nd cleaning. . '
Some
of the foilo;';ing cleaning"insi,UctiOns are in CAPITAL LETIERS. These
are especially important and MUST be performed.
Dust
and loose dirllhatcollect on interior . fabrics should be removed oIIen with a vacuum cleaner or soft bristle brush . Wipe vinyl or leather trim regularly with
a clean damp
cloth. Normal trim soilage, spots, or stains can be cleaned with
these GM cleaners:
Dncrlptlon
G.M.Spot lifter 8 oz. (.237L)SoJvent Type . G.M. Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner
G.M. Part No.
1051398
6
lb. (2 .72 Kg) Foam TyPe 1050429 The above products are 'excellent cleaners when u:;ed properly.
They . are '
available through 'your' Author,zed dealer.
Remember these basic steps before cleaning :
1. Remove stains as quickly as possible before they become "set"
2. Use a clean cloth or sponge ; and change to a clean area often. (A SOFT
brush may be used if stains jlersist)
3 .
Use 'solvent-type cleaners only in a well ventilated area; also, do not
saturate the stained
area.
4-1

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine COMPUTER COMMAND CONTROL SYSTEM
Your new vehicle has a special emission contrOl system, called the Computer
Command Control system. Some vehicleS sold in Canada also have the
Computer Command Control system. II your Canadian vehicle has a "CHECK
ENGINE" light,
it dOes have the Computer Command Control system.)
The Computer Command Control system monitors . the .exhaust stream with
an
oxygen sensor. Based on sensor signals, the electronic control module adjusts
the carburetor air-fuel ratio as needed. It is very important to use only
unleaded gasoline in vehicles equipped with the Computer COmmand Control
system . .Leaded gasoline will damage the oxygen sensor and may affect
. emission controL .
On
all vehicles with the COmpute r Command Control system, a "CHECK
ENGINE" ligtit
on the instrument panel is designed to come on during engine
starting, to
let you knowthe bulb .is working. (The light will stay on a'shdl1iime
after the. engine starts.) If. the light comes on while driving, service to the
Computer Command Control system may be. required. Although your vehicle
may
still be drivable,see yoyr dealer as SOon as possible for an inspection of
the system.
Continued
driving · Without having the Computer Command Control system
serviced could cause damage to the emiSsion control system. It could also aftect fuel economy and drivability. .. ..
ENGINE OIL AND FILTER RECOMMENDATIONS
Checking 011 Level ,>,-.. ,
The engine oil must be kept at the right level to. help assure proper lubrication
of your vehicle' .s engine.
It is the owner's responsibility to' cheCk the oil level at
regular': infervals '{such . 'as . "e~~Y"JHflLstop), according ·to ' the following instruct ions . It is normal for an engine-O to use Some oil, and most engines may
use
more oil when they are new . " .
• The best time to check' the engine Orffevel 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 on the side of the engine block (either
right or left). Wipe
it clean and. push the dipstick back down all the way.
Now,
pull out the dipstick and look at the oil level .on the dipstick.
Some dipsticks have "Add" and "Full" lines. Others are marked "Add lOt"
and "OperatlngRange ." In all cases, keep the oil level above the "Add" line_ Push the dipstick .oock down alilheway after taking the reading . Add oil , if needed . . .
• If you check the oil level when the oil is cold, do not iun the engine first.
The
cold oil will not drain back to the pan fast enough to give a tr ue oil
level. . .
Ch '
oosing the Right Quality on
Engine oils are labeled on'the containers with variOus API (Amercian Petroleum Institute) deSignations of·quality. Artewhigher-quality category of engine 011,
designation "SF", was introduced early in 1980. Be sure the oil you use has
the
API designation "SF," either alone or shown with other designations . Do not use oils labeled only SA, SB,SC, SO,' SE, CA, CB,CC, or CD; or oils
with a combination of any of these categories-like SE/CD.
5-3

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 4. Close the drain valve. Install the block drain plugs, if removed. Add water
until the system is
filled and run the engine until the upper radiator hose is
hot
again.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 several times until the drained liquid is nearly colorless.
6. Drain the system, then close the radiator drain valve tightly. Install block
drain plugs, if removed.
7. Disconnect all hoses from the coolant recovery tank. Remove the recovery
tank
and pour out any fluid. Scrub and clean the inside of the recovery
tank with soap and water. Flush it well with clean water, then drain it.
Reinstall the recovery tank and hoses.
8. Add enough water and ethylene glycol antifreeze (meeting GM
Specification 1899-M) to provide the required cooling, freezing and
c()rrosion protection, Use a solution that is at least 50 percent antifreeze out no mOre than 70 percent antifreeze. Fill the radiator to the base of the
filler neck
and fill the coolant recovery tank to the "Full Hot" mark. Put the
recovery tank cap back on.
9. Run the engine, with the radiator cap removed, until the upper radiator
hose is hot.
10. With the engine idling, add coolant to the radiator until it reaches the
bottom of the filler neck. Install the radiator cap, making sure the arrows on the cap line up with the overflow tube.
iI is the owner's responsibility to,
'. -Main)!!!n cooling system freeze protection at -3rC (-34'F) to ensure protection against corrosion and loss of coolant from boiling. (A 50/50
mixture of water and ethylene glycol antifreeze will provide freeze
protection to -37'C or -34'F.) You should do this even if you don't
expect freezing temperatures.
• Add ethylene glycol base' antifreeze that meets GM Specification 1899-M
when antifreeze haS to be added because of coolant loss or for more
protection against freezing at temperatures lower than -37'C (-34'F).
NOTICE: Do "otute methanol-base antifreeze, Of alcohol,or plain water alone, in your vehicle at any time. They will boil at a lower point than that at which the "TEMP"
light (or temperature gage) will warn of overheating,. and they do not provide proper protection against cOrrosion.
Radiator Pressure Cap
The radiator cap, a 105 kPa (15 psi) pressure type, must be installed tightly,
otherwise coolant may be lost and damage to engine may result from
overheating. Radiator pressure
caps should be checked periodically for proper
operation. If replacement is required, an AC cap is recommended.
Thermostat
The engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat. It stops coolant
flow
through the radiator until a preset temperature is reached. This thermostat
is installed in the engine
coolant outlet on the engine block. The same thermostat is used in both winter and summer. When a replacement is needed, AC"Delco parts are recommended.
5-8

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine STANDARD EXTRA B C o
TIRE-LOAD AND INFLATION PRESSURES
TIRE lOAO RAlliGE
-{METRIC SIZE TIRE) " -{METRIC SIZE T!RE) -(ALPKA-NUMIiRIC SJZETIRE) -(ALPHA-NUMERIC SIZE TIRE) -(ALPHA-NUMERIC SIZE TIRE)
MAXIMUM COLO INHATtoN "'E$SURE
2
40 kPI 280 kPa 220 kPa 2M! kPt 27S kP.
t 35 psi J (41 psi) (32 psi) (36 psi) (40 p.JiI
TIRE LOAD RANGE IS MOLDED Off TIRE. !SEE I UUSTRATIOff ON PAGE ,So11 fOR lOCATION ON THE TIRE S IDEWALl! .
4. Always use a tire pressure gage when checking inflation pressures (we
suggest
you purchase a quality pocket-type gage). Simply looking at the
tires to check inftation pressures is not enough , especially with radia l tires .
Underinflated radial tires may
look like correctly inflated radial tires. H the.
inflation pressure on a tire is often low , have your d9aler correct the cause.
) , I" , "
,
~ , ~ , , , , ) ,
,
,
'"
,
~
'"
,
0:: ~ , , ~ :0 , ,
PROPERLY INFlATED IMPROPERLV INRATED
l ___ ~_~)
y IlADIAL TIRE
5. Be sure to put the tire inflation valve caps back on, if so equipped. This
will help keep dirt · and moisture from getting into the valve core which
could cause a leak.
6. If an air loss occurs while driving, do not drive on the flat tire more than is
needed to stop safely. Driving even a short distance
ona flat tire can
damage a tire and wheel beyond repair.
Inspection and Rotation
Front and rear tires perlorm different jobs and can wear differently depending
on the types of roads driven , your driving habits, etc .
For longer tire
life, you should inspect and rotate your tires as recommended in
Section A of the Maintenance Schedule folder. Many car and tire dealers will perform a free tire inspection to look for uneven or abnormal tire wear (usually
caused
by wrong inflation pressures, lack of regular rotation, improper wheel
alignment, out
of balance tires, or poor driving habits).
After rotation , adjust the front
and. rear tire pressures (see the Tire Placard)
and be sure to check wheel nut tightness . (Wheel nuts should also be
tightened at certain intervals; see the Wheel Nut Torque Caution in "In Case of
Emergency" section,
page 3·7, for further information.)
5-13

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine When replacing tires with those not having a TPC Spec. No., you should use
the same size,
load range, and constructiontype (bias, bias-bened, or radial)
as the original tires on your
vehicle . Although ~ is not generaly recommended ,
some alpha-size and metric-size tires can be interchanged. (For size
equivalency, contact your Chevrolet
dealer or a tire dealer) . A different size or
type of tire may affect ride,
handling, speedometer /odometer calibration,
vehicle ground clearance , and tire or tire chain clearance to the body or
chassis .
II replacing only a single tire, it should be paired on the same axle with the least worn tire of the other three.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
The following information relates to the tire grading system developed by the
National Highway Traffic Safety' Adminlslration which will grade tires by
treadwear, traction and temperature performance.
TREADWEAR
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified government test
course . For example, the tire graded 150 would wear one and a haij (1-1/2)
times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends upon the. actual conditions of their _ use , however ,
and may depart significanlly from the norm due to variations in driving habits , service practices and. differences in road characteristics and climate.
TRACTION -A, B,C
. T~~tr~ction grades, from highest to lowest are: A, B, and C. They represent
the ' fiie'sability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete . A
tire marked C may have poor traction performance .
Warning: Thetr.ction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking (straight-ahead) traction tests and· doellnot include cornerillg (turning) tractlon.
TEMPERATURE -A, B, C
The ·temperature grades are A (the highest), B, andC, representing the tire's
resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditio 'ns on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained 'high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure .
The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federat Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No.
109 . Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test
wheel than the minimum required by law.
Warning: The
temperature grade for Ihis tire is established for a tire that
is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinllaiion, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible lire failure.
5-16