1981 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO instrument panel

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 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 floor
air outlet.
• MAX (AIR COND)--Air from the p~ssengercompartment 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 temperatu re and humidity .
• NORM (AIR COND) --Outside air is conditioned as it passes through the
system and is discharged from the upper outlets. This position is used for
most air conditioning situations.
• BILEVEL (AIR COND)--Outside air is conditioned and directed out the upper
outlets PlUS the floor air outlet. A small amount of air also flows trom the
windshield defroster outlets.
This position provided comfort and keeps the
windshield clear under low fogging conditions .
• VENT (ECONOMY)--Outsid~,air is discharged from the upper outlets. This position is used in cool. to moderate weather when· conditioned air· is not
required. The air conditioning compressor is turned off.
• HEATER (ECONOMY)-'-Outside air is delivered from the floor air outlets
with a small amount from the windshield defroster outlets. This position is
used for most winter driving. The air conditioning compressor is turned off.
• DEF--Outside air is conditioned and delivered from the windshield defroster
outlets with a smail amount delivered from the floor air outlet. This position
is recommended for conditions
Of severe fogging and icing only.
Air Outlets
The instrument panel air outlets may be rotated or vanes turned to direct air flow in direction' desired.
For additional air flow a lap cooler is provided under the steering column. This outlet has vertical vanes and can be rotated up or down as desired . Under this
lap cooler is an outlet with a control that can
be moved to the IefI or right for
opening and closing , controlling the amount of air
to the floor from the bottom
of the outlet.
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 postlion . Power is indicated by a
green light. After the defogger has operated for a short time, the system will
automatically
shut off. If further defrosting or defogging is des ired, simply
actuate the switch again.
The defogger will not function if the ignition is off.
2-25

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 SECTION 6
OWNER ASSISTANCE
Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to your dealer and to us. Normally, any problems with the sales transaction or the operation of your car
will be handled by your dealer's Sales or Service departments. Sometimes, however, despite the best intentions of all concerned, misunderstandings can
occur. If your problem has not been handled to your satisfaction, we suggest
you follow these steps:
STEP ONE -Discuss your problem with a member of dealership
management. Complaints can often be quickly resolved at that level. If the
problem has already been reviewed with the Sales or Service manager, contact
the owner of the
dealership or the General Manager.
STEP TWO -Contact the Chevrolet Zone Office closest to you. (Zone offices are listed on the following pages.) In Canada, contact the General Motors Zone Office. If your problem cannot .be quickly resolved by the
dealership without further help, contact the Zone's Consumer Relations
Department, and provide them with:
• Your name, address and telephone number
• Vehicle Identification Number (This is available frornthe car registration or title, or the plate attached to the left top Of the instrument panel and visible
through the windshield.)
• Dealer's name and location.
• Vehicle's delivery date and present mileage.
• Nature of problem.
A convenient'formf~~your useis"il1clud8d in this section.
STEP THREE ~ Contact the Consumer Relations Representative,
Chevrolet Central Office, Chevrolet Motor Division, Warren, Michigan
48090 (313-492-5500). (In Canada, contact the Customer Services
Representative,
General Motors of Canada Ltd .. Oshawa, Ontario, L lJ 5Z6; 416/644-6624). The representative will review all the facts involved. Then, if it
is
felt some further action can be taken, the zone will be so instructed. In any
case, your contact will be acknowledged providing Chevrolet's position in the
matter.
When contacting the Zone or Central Office, please bear in mind that your
problem will likely be resolved in the dealerShip, using the dealer's facilities,
equipment and personnel. So it is suggested that you follow the above steps in
sequence when you have a problem.
Your purchase of a Chevrolet product is greatly appreciated by both your
dealer and Chevrolet. We want to help you any way we can to make sure you
are completely satisfied with your vehicle.
6-1

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKER
The wiring circuits in yoUr 198 -1 Chevrolet are protected from short circuits by
a
combination of fuses, circllit breakers, and fusible thermal links in the
wiring itself. This greatly reduces the hazard of electrically caused fires in the
automobile. The fuse junction block is located under the left side of the
instrument panel .
The headlight
wiring is protected by a circuit bre a ker in the light switch . An
electrical overload
will cause the lights to go on and off, or in some cases to
remain off. If this happens, have your headlight wiring checked right away.
Be sides a fuse , the windshield wiper
motor is also protected by a circuit
breaker .
If the motor overheats, due to over load ing caused by heavy snow,
etc
., the wiper will remain stopped until the motor cools. Be sure to have th';·
cause of the overloading corrected.
Also , a
circuit breaker , on the f~se. panel, protects the power window, power
seat , rear
window defogger (elec.) and oth'9rcircuits when vehicle is so
equipped. Where current load is too heavy , the circuit breaker intermittently
opens and. c loses , protecting the circu it until the cause is found and
eliminated.
Fuses, located in th .e Junction Block beneath the dash on the
driver'S side are:
Fuses
Instrument Lamp , Heater Dial, Audio Alarm ........................ 5 Amp
Electronic Control Module. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Amp Cru ise Control ,Rear Defogger , Gages , Warning
Lamps, Warning Buzzers, Closed Loop
......................... 20 Amp
License , Parking
Lamp, Sidemarker Lamps, Tail Lamp ............. 20 Amp
Heater ,
AIC ................................. _ ................... 25 Amp
W iS Wiper ..... · ................................................. 25 Amp Stop Lamp ,Hazard Lamp, Courtesy Light, Dome Light,
Glove
Box Light , Underhond Light ............................. 20 Amp
Luggage Lamp, Lighter, Clock, Key .Warning Buzz er, Dome & .
Read Light, Power Antenna , Closed Loop ....................... 20 Amp
Radio, Delay Wiper ,
Idle Stop Sol. .............. _ ................. 10 Amp
Back-up Lamps, Dir.
S ig. Lamps ................................. 20 Amp
Choke Heater ............. .............. _ ............... ........ 20 Amp
7·3

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine LAMP BULB DATA
Application Power'Rating ~.12.8V.Watts
Headlamp Assembly
Outer - High Beam ... , .. . . . . • . . . .. . . .. . .....•. , Low,'Beam ., ..... ,., ...... ;., ... ,.,.-.. ,', ..... ~ ..
Inner - High Beam (Standard) . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .... .
High Intensity (Opt.) . , ................... .
40 60 50
50
Candle Power Parking Lamp and Front Directional Signal ........••............... Tail and Stop Lamps
Rear Directional Signal ....... , ..... _ ........... .
License Plate Lamp ...............• . ; ............ . Cornering Lamp ................ .......... . Back Up Lsmp ................................... .
Glove Compartment Lamp ..........•.........• .... Tail Lamp Assembly .............................. . Inct ieator Lamps .•................................ WIS Washer & Light Switch Lamp.; ....... . Temperature Indicator Lamp .......... ; .. ' Oil/ChOke. Indicator Lamp .................•... Generator Indicator Lamp ...•.......... ' ........ ,., Ashtray Lamp, .. , . ' .. , . , ..•. ',' ........ , .. .
Hi-Beam Indicator Lamp, ... , . ~,' .... , . , .... ~ ...... .
. 'Brake System Warning Lamp .................... ..
Seat Belt Warning Lamp .... , , .............. ' , .... '
Directional Signal Indicator Lamp, >, ... , , .. , , , ' , .. . Instrument Panel Cluster Lamps .. ' ..... , , ......... . Side Marker-Front, .... , ........ , • ' ....... .. Side Marker-Rear ,,;,~ .... , ....... " ".,., , .. '. ' .... .
Heater.
AlC Control Panel Lsmp .................. . Oome'Lamp .............................. .
Dome and Reading Lamp ....... ~ _ ...... , . , .
Luggage Compartment Lamp
.................. .
Underhood Lamp , ........................ .
Courtesy Lamp ................ _ ............... .
Radio Dial Lsmp ................................ .
Radio
Indicator
(Stereo & 8 Track) ........................... .
Radio Indicator (Stereo) ............. .
a-Track Tape Player Dial .......................... . Cassette Player (Dial) ............ _ . , .. _ ... _
24-2.2
32-3
2 32 32 2
2
2 2
2
2
2
1 1
3 2
2
3 2
2
2
12
15
15
15
6 2
LED 1 5 5
Rear Taillamp Bulb Serricing: To replace a burned out bulb:
Trade No.
4652
4651
H4651
Type
1157NA
lt57
194
1156
1156
1895
194
194
194 194
194
194
1449
161
168
194
194 168
194
194
194
561
1004
1003
93 906 194
05410 66
37
37
1. Open the trunk and remove the two screws as shown In illustration, and disengage tajllamp assembly.
74
2. Remove the socket by first press· ing down on the socket latch, then rotate the socket clockwise to remove; 3. Reverse the above procedure to reinstall. Note: Mak e sure the catch release and the bulb socKet are held securely.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine GENERAL DATA
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
This is the legal identifier for your vehicle . It appears on a plate attaChed
to the left top of the instrumentpanel. This platecanbe easily seen through
the
windshield from outside your vehicle (see illustration). The VIN also
appears
on the Certificates of Title and Registration ..
. .. :~.' '"
ENGINE CODE TYPICAL VIN
Engine Identification
You can identify your 1981 GM engine from the Vehicle Identification Number.
The eighth character of the VIN is the Engine Code. See the Engine Code
Identification chart below .
Some information in this manual may refer to the
Engine Code. For example, a 5.0 Liter V-8 engine may be referred to as a
5.0 Liter (Engine Code H) engine.
1981 ENGINE CODE IDENTIFICATION
ENGINE DESCRIPTION Produced Displacement -co Carbo in a GM Plant Engine Code Liter (CID) Type Bbls. Operated by:
K 3.8 (229) V-6 2 Chevrolet Motor Division A 3.8 (231) V-6 2 Buick Motor Division
3 3
.8 (231). V-6 4 Buick Motor Division J 4.4 (267) V-8 2 Chevrolet Motor Oivision· H 5.0 (305) V-8 4 Chevrolet Motor Division-
• Turbocharged * or General Motors of Canada
7-5

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.