1981 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO wheel

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 OTHER CONTROLS AND FEATURES
LIMITED-SLIP REAR AXLE
On vehicles that have it. the optional limited-slip rear axle can give added
traction on snow, ice, mud, sand, gravel, etc. Normally , the limited-slip axle
unit works like a standard axle. However, when either drive wheel meets a
slippery enough surface, and the opposite wheel is on a surface with greater traction, the ,limited-slip 'unit can continue to give driving force tathe wheel
having the greater traction,instead 01 merely spinning the wheel that has the
least traction .
Whether your
vehicle has an optional limited-slip rear axle or a standard axle, take care when speeding up or, whera shifting into a lower gear or lower gear
range , when either or both rear wheels are traveling over a slippery surface .
Sudden acceleration or engine braking action (due to shifting to a lower gear)
could cause one or both drive wheels to spinorskid and the rear 01 the vehicle to slide sideways on the crowned, ·surface of a road or in a turn. Normal skid correction and cautious driving are called for at these times.
COURTJ:SY LIGHT DELAY SYSTEM
If your vehicle is equipped with this optional feature, whenever the door is opened, then closed, on entry or exit, the dome and courtesy lights stay on for thirty seconds for convenience of driver and passengers. This presumes the
ignition is in the off position . When the ignition key is turned on. the lights will
go off. When the ignition key is turned to off, the dome and courtesy lights go
",'" of>.lor. ~.R~riod 01 fifteen seconds.
SUNROOF
The optional Sunroof is a slid ing metal panel, electrically operated. controlled
by a switch on the front center area ,Qf theroof. The ignition must be in "Run" to move the panel. " .
To' open. press the control switch rearward. To close. press it forward. The
Sunroof can
be lett partly open by releasing the control switch while you are
opening or closing the panel.
The Sunrool can be closed manually il your car has an electrical power lailure.
To do this , remoVe the small round plug in the rool (near the control switch) by pulling the plug downward with your lingers . Then insert the hex end 01 the
crank handle (supplied in your glove box) into the drive gear and turn it
clockwise to close the rool panel, and counterclockwise to open it. Remove the
crank handle and replace the plug . (See illustration.)
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 'I'
'"
JACKING INSTRUCTIONS OJ PARK ON A Lf;VEL SUR'ACE AND SET PARKING BRAKE FIRMLY, [!] SET_ AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IN "PARK" (MANUAL TRANSMISSION IN RIEVERH,_
...0 DO NOT TAa 'tOUI ~ THIOUGH ..... NJroMATtc CAl-WASH WIT" O)III#ACT WAIl INSTAU.ID . THI .... HtC&I' .... T OIl CAIIGHT WHICH COULD .I$UlT ... NONJn D.t.MAGI. .... _._ ...... __ ........ __ •• __ ._ .. II'>
AERO BACK COUPE MODELS Irutan Jack using Upper Hole Location.
LEVER IN DOWN POSITION
-~~ ... /~ ..
TIGHTEN
( " §. = .. :Mt .. : . 0 II .OZ
ill TURN_ON THE HAZARD W.ARNING FLASHER •. o REMOVE JACKING TOOLS AND PARE T IRE FROM STOWAGE. AREA. [!] aLOCK FRONT AND REAR OF WHEEL DIAGONALLY OPPOSITE WHEEL BEING REMOVED IIE"O .. I: OPERATING JACK. [!) LOOSEN, BUT DO NOT REM,OVe: WHEEL NUTS BV TURNING WRENCH COUNTIERCLQCI ~
' ' L.OAD PAO . N.UT.S IN A C IUSS·C ROSS SEQUENCII.Y TURNING WRENCH CLOCKWISE,. ---~ -~ACK RATCHET MECHANISM SHOULD.II OILED AFTER EACH USE.
"RAMII~~
JACK

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I , ,
INSTRUCTIoN
SPECIAL I . WIRE WHEEL COV~R REMOVAL ,t
ENCH
REMOVE
MEDALLION
VIEWA
LOCK
BOLT • BRACKET MEDALLION
VIEW B
WIRE WHEEL COVER WITH SPECIAL LOCK KIT A REMOVAL
1. To gain access to th.~ wheel cover lock bolt, remove the medallion from the center of the wheel cover by prying out from retainer using blade end -
, of special wrench that is stowed . in the glove box. (See View A)
2. Usi'ng the socket end of the special wrench, remove foC;k bolt. (~e View B)
3. The wheel cover can now be removed and reinstalled as 'necessary .
INSTALLATION
1. After the'cover 'is in place, install the lock bolt and tighten securely.
2. Align clips on the back afthe medallion with slots in the cover and snap
into place.
'NOTE : If the specia l wrench is ever lost or misplaced , a duplicate can be 0b­tained by mailing the registration card (located in the glove bo)t) 'to the address shown on the card. Remember the lock bolt can onty be removed with the special wrench and the wheel cover cannot be taken· off without first removing the lock bolt.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine JACKING
CAUTION
To help avoid personal injury:
• Follow air jacking and stowage instructions.
• Use jack only for lifting this vehicle during wheel change.
• Never get . beneath the vehicle, start or run engine while vehicle is supported by jack.
• Always securely restol" sp!.re tire (orflattire) and all jac king equipment.
Wheel Nut Torque .
CAUTION: As soon as possible atter installing a wheel -AND at the intervals stated
In Section 'S of the Maintenanc," Schedule folder --have a technician tighten wheel nuts with a 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 use oil or grease on studs Of nuts.. Jrnproperty tightened wheel nuts could eventually aUow the whee! to come off while the veNeta Is moving, -po$$rbty causing
personal injury , damage and/or klss of c_ontrol. (Also see the "Replacement Fasteners" Caution In "Service and Maintenance ," Section 5 01 this m8nu81 regarding the danger of mixing metric and custom,sry fasteners. And, see the "Replacement Fasteners " Caution
under "Tires" in the same seclion regarding the importance of obtaining good metal-to­
metsl contact.)
Stowage ·of. Tire . and .!aC;.k,. . .
CAUTION: Always securely restow the spare tire assembfy (or nat tire), all jacking equipm ent, any tire inflator, and any covers or doors, using the means provided. This will help keep such things from being thrown about-and injuring people In the vehicta d.Ufing a sudden maneuver or an accident.
Before stowing
the tire, be sure:to clean the tire well 01 anything that would keep the tlr. from resting on the bOttom of the well. To stow the jack, place its lever in the "UP" position and. move the handle back and forth until the column is ·secure in the receiver (see Illustration). If these steps are not taken, the tire or lack may push against the trunk lid so thai the trunk lid cannot seal tightly. This _ may allOw carbon monoxide from the '. exhaust system -to get _inside tiMt c • . ttvougtl the trunk. (See "Engine -Exhaust Gas Caution (CaroonMonoxkle) " al the beginning of "Starting and Operating,'; Section 2 of this manual .)
Extended Vehicle Storage
If you plan to store your vehicle over an extended periOd of time, certain steps
should be taken to give it maximum protection.
It is recommended that you
write the Chevrolet Motor Division , General Motors Corporation, Consumer
Relations Dept., Warren , Michigan
48090, for detailed instructions on how to
prepare your vehicle for storage .
3-7

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Compact Spare
The-compact spare tire is designed to.save-space in your trunk, and its lighter
weight makes it easier to install if a flat tire occurs. The lighter weight also
helps
improve fuel economy.
If you have a flat tire, follow the japking .instructions in this manual, while keeping these points in mind:
• Check the tire inflation pressure as soon as practical after installing the
spare (we suggest you use a pOcket-type high-pressure inflation gage) and
adjust to 415
kPa (60 psi). The tire pressure should be checked at least
monthly and kept at 415 kPa (60 psi) while the tire is stored.
c"""'.M~llijIW.9u~ use at speeds over 50 mph (80 km/h) is not recommended.
NOTICE: -Bec~us~ this tire is, smaller than the standard tire,-vehicle ground clearance is reduced. Avoid driving over obstacles, -and do 'not take your car through an automatic car wash -while _ the spare is installed. The car may catch on the equipment, possibly resulting in property damage.
• You can expect tread ,life up to 3,660 rhiles(4800 kilometers), depending onJqact~ondi~ions and your driving ~~bits. To conserve tire tread life, returri the -spare to _ the storage area as soon as the standard tire _ can be
repaired or replaced.
•
Because the compact spare was specifically designed for your car, it should not be used on any.other vehicle.
• The
compact spare tire and wheel are cfesigned for use with each other.
The comp,,:ct spare tire should not be mounted on any other type of wheel,
and the compact spare wheel should not have any other type of tire mounted on it. Also, do not try to use wheel covers or trim rings on the
compact spare wheel since they will not fit. If such use is attempted,
damage to these items or other vehicle components may occur.
• Do not use tire chains with your compact spare tire. Because of the smaller
tire size, a tire ChaiR will not fit properly. This could cause damage to the car and result in loss of the chain.
3-8

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Towing
Proper equipment .must be used to prevent damage to vehicles during any
towing. State (Provincial in Canada) and local laws which apply to vehicles in
tow must be
followed. Get detailed towing instructions from your dealer.
Your vehicle
may be towed on all four wheels, at speeds less than 35 mph (60
km/h), for distances up to 50 miles (80 kilometers), provided the driveline and
steering are normally operable. For such towing, the steering must be unlocked, transmission in neutral and the· parking brake released. Connect to
main structural parts of the vehicle. Do NOT attach to bumpers or brackets.
Remember also that power assist for brakes and steering will not be available when the engine is off.
If the vehicle is to be towed by a wrecker, use only equipment designed for this purpose, following the instructions of the wrecker manufacturer. A safety Chain
system must be used for all towing.
FREEING VEHICLE FROM SAND, MUD, SNOW OR
ICE
If your vehicle gets stuck in sand, mud, snow or ice, move the shift lever on automatic transmission models from "0" (Drive) to "R" (Reverse) in a repeat
pattern.
Apply a light pressure to the accelerator pedal while the transmission is in gear. Remove your foot from the accelerator while shifting. Do not race
the engine. For best traction, avoid spinning the wheels. Incorrect rocking of your vehicle while it is stuck may result in damage to vehicle components.
CAUTION: Do not spin the wheels faster than 35 mph (55 km/h). Personal injury and
damage (inCluding tire, transmission and/or rear axle failure) may result from excessive
wheel spinning.
If the vehicle remains stuck after several rocking attempts, seek other
assistance. Also see the Notice under '(Automatic Transmissions" in "Steering
Column-Controls," Section 2 of this manual.
3-9

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Cleaning Rear Glass
tf abrasive cleaners are used on the inside of the rear window, any electric
delogger element may be damaged. Avoid placing decats on the inside rear
window since they may later have to be scraped off. II you use a tempcrary
license, take care not to attach
it across the delogger grid.
Cleaning Glass Roof Panels
Never use abrasive cleaners'''on any glass roof panels, such as Vista~Vent as
they may cause scratches. AI,sQ, if you use such cleaners on the inside
surface , the tinted coating may be damaged. Avoid placing decals on the inside
surfa ce which may
later have to be scraped off.
CARE AND CLEANING OF THE EXTERIOR
Exterior Finish
The paint·lii'ish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth 01 color, gloss retention
and durability.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way,lo,preserve your vehicle's finish is to keep it clean by frequent washings. Wash the vehide in lukewarm or cold water.
Do not use hot water or wash your vehicle in the direct rays of the sun. Do not
use strong soap or chemical detergents . All cleaning agents should be lIushed
promptly Irom the surface and not allowed to dry on the linish.
J?olis!lil,!9,.~nd Waxing Your Vehicle
Polishing is reCommended to remove built-up residue and eliminate any "weathered" appearanc~.
Your dealer offers several polishes and cleaners which have proven value in
maintaining original finish appearan£e ~ -durabtlity.
Protection of Exterior Bright Metal Parts
Bright metal parts should be cleaned regularly to keep their luster. Washing
with. water is all that is usually needed. However, you may use GM Chrome Polish on CHROME or STAINLESS STEEL trim, il necessary.
Use special care with
ALUMINUM trim. Never use auto or chrome polish, steam or caustic soap to clean aluminum. A coating 01 wax , rubbed to a high polish , is recommended lor all bright metal parts.
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels
Preserve the original appearance of aluminum wheels (il your vehicle has
them) by keeping them clean and Iree lrom build-up 01 road dirt and/or road
salt. Regular cleaning lollowed by a coat
01 paste wax (such as GM 1 050~37 "Finish Guard") is recommended .
Cleaning White Sidew.all Tires
Use GM White Sidewall Tire Cleaner or a tire cleaner which will not harm
aluminum wheel trim. A stiff brush may be used with the cleaner .
4-4