1981 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO maintenance

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine FUEL CAP
The fuel cap is.behind the. rear license plate.
NOTICE: tt you need: to repWce the fuel cap, use only a cap with these same features as specifie your dealer.
The fuel tank filler cap has a "screw-on ratcheting type" feature .
• _ To remove -rotate cap counterclockwise to clear the inside of the filler
neck. This will allow any residual pressure to escape .
_ To install -reverse this procedure and tighten cap securely until a
"ratcheting ". clicking sound is heard indicating cap is on properly.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
.Ttle .cal;!ly:tic converter is an emission control device added to the exhaust system,' to reduce exhaust gas pollutants. The converter contains
a ceramic material coated with noble metal catalysts. To prevent contamination
of the catalysts , unleaded gasol;"" must be used . Unleaded gasoline also
reduces spark plug louling. exhaust system corrosion and engine oil
deterioration.
The catalytiC converter requires the use of unleaded gasoline. Using leaded gasoline wilt cause --the converter to lose its effectiveness as an
emission control device. Leaded gasoline will also damage the Computer
Command Control, system oxygen sensor, which could affect emission control,
fuel economy . and drivability.
~,~.,y..'~,","~ ... :..., To help 'prevent damage:
1. Keep your engine properly maintained . Engine malfunctions involving the electrical, carburetion or ignition systems may result in unusually high
catalytic con verter and exhaust . sy~tem temperatures which, under
extreme malfunctioning conditions·, may ignite interior floor:"'covering
materials above the converter. Do not keep driving your vehicle if you
detect engine misfire, noticeable loss of performance ,or other unusual operating conditions. Instead. have it serviced promptly.
A properly maintained
engine will help avoid malfunctions that could damage
the converter.
~ will also help provide good emission control and fuel economy.
See the Maintenance Schedule , folder for information on inspecling and
maintaining the engine. exhaust system. and other components. .
2. Do not drive through or Idle or park your vehicle over combustible
materials, such as grass or leaves_ They could touch the hot exhaust
system and ignite.
3. Do not push or tow this vehiCle to start it. This may result in unusually
high catalytic converter and exhaust system temperatures which under
extreme conditions may ignite interior floor -covering material above the
converter.
Pushing or towing to start can also damage · the catalytic
converter itself.
Disregarding these
instructions could damage the cataly:tic converter. the
vehicle, or nearby property.
5-2

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Choosing Oil Viscosity
Engine oil viscosity (thickness) has an effect on fuel economy. Lower viscosity engine oils can provide· better fuel economy; however, higher temperature
weather cOl1ditions. require· higher viscosity .engine. oils· for satisfactory
lubrication.
It is recommended that you select an oil not only of the proper quality and
viscosity, but also. a fuel-saving product.· These oils can be found in Chevrolet dealer serviGe departments, service stati()ns and other retail stores. They are
identified by words such as: "Energy Conserving," "Energy Saving," "Conserves Gasoline," "Gas Saving," "Gasoline Saving," "Friction
Reducing," "Improved Gasoline Mileage," "Improved Fuel Economy" or "Fuel
Saving."
The following chart lists the engine oil viscosities recommended for the
tE3lT1per~ture range you·. expecLbefore your next oil change. For temperatures
above -18'C '(O'F), SAE 10W-30 is the preferred viscosity grade. If cold­weather starting problems are encountered at temperatures below -18'C
(O'F), SAE 5W-30 viscosity oils m?-y be required.
Change Intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for your engine are based on the use of SF-quality oils and high-quality filters such as AC oil filters. Using oils other
than
SF-quality, or oil and/or filter change intervals longer than recommended, could reduce engine life.
Damage to engines due to improper maintenance or use of incorrect oil quality
'andl0r"'vi$9()~ity}s .~ot covered by the Chevrolet new car warranties.
Your engine WEIS filled with a high-quality engine oil when it was built. You do
not have to change this oil before the first recommended change
interval.
•
Severe Service-Change the oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles (4 800
kilometers) or three months (whichevefcbmes first) if one or more of the following "severe service" conditions is often encountered:
• Driving in dusty areas.
• Towing a trailer.
• Frequent idling or idling for long periods.
• Oriving 4 miles (6 kilometers) or less in freezing weather.
• Change the oil and oil filter as soon as possible after driving in a dust storm.
~ Norma! Service-If your engine is not a turbo-charged engine and your
normal driving does not include one of the above "severe service" conditions, change the oil every 7,500 miles (12 000 kilometers) or 12
months, whichever comes first. Change the oil
filter at the first oil change,
then every other
oil change, if mileage (7,500 miles or 12 000 kilometers)
determines when you change the oil. If time (12 months) determines when
you change the oil, change the filter with every oil change.
• If you have a turbocharged engine, it is VERY IMPORTANT to change the
oil and oil filter EVERY 3,000 miles (4 800 kilometers).
5-4

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine COOL
WARM
Add just enough DEXRO~ II fluid to fill the transmission to the proper level. It
takes only 0.5 liter (one pint) to raise the level from "Add" to "Full" with a hot
transmission.
Automatic Transmission Drain Intervals
Change the transmission fluid and change the filter (or clean the screen) as
outlined
in Section A of the Maintenance Schedule folder.
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
Your vehicle has a coolant recovery system. Coolant in the system expands
with heat and overflows into the recovery tank. When the system cools down,
coolant is drawn back into the radiator.
The cooling system was
filled at the factory wrth a quality coolant that meets
GM
Spec~ication 1S99-M . The cooling ·system is designed to use coolant (a
mixture of water and ethylene glycol antifreeze) rather than plain water. The
coolant solution should be used year round.
It has many advantages, such as:
~ provides freezing protection down to -3rC (-34"F) "''''''<~. !'"","."" ' • provides boiling protection up to 12S"C (262"F),
• protects against rust and corrosio~in th~ cooling system,
• maintains the proper engine temperature for efficient operation and
emission control, and
• allows proper operation of the coolant temperature light or gage :
See Section A of the Maintenance Schedule folder to find out when the coolant
must
be ·replaced.
Cooling System Care
Check the c60ling system at regular intervals, such as during fuel stops . You usually do not need to remove the radiator cap to check the coolant level. Lift
the engine hood and look at the "see through" coolant recovery tank. When
the engine is
cold, the coolant level should be at the "Full Cold" mark on the
tank . When the engine has fully warmed . up, the level should be above the
"Full Cold" mark on the tank . If the coolantl6vel is low, remove the cap on the
coolant recovery tank. Add to the recovery tank enough of a 50/50 mixture of
water and a good quality ethylene glycol antifreeze to bring the
level up to the
proper mark. Put the cap back on the recovery tank.
Certain conditions, such
as air trapped in the system, may affect the coolant
level in the radiator. You should check"the coolant level in the radiator at the
time you change the engine
oil and when the engine Is cold. Follow.taps I, S,
9, and 10 under "Coolant Repfacement" for the correct way to remove the
radiator cap and add coolant.
5-6

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine If you have to add coolant more than four times a year (either to the recovery
tank or to the radiator), see your dealer for a cooling system check.
NOTICE: If you use the proper quality antifreeze, there is no· need to add extra inhihitorsor additiveswtlich claim to improve-the system. They may be harmful to the proper operation of the system.
Cooling' System Service
The cooling system should be serviced at the intervals specified in Section A of
the Maintenance Schedule folder as follows:
1. Wash the radiator cap and filler neck with clean water. See step 1 of "Coolant Replacement" for the proper way to remove the radiator cap.
2. Check the coolant level in the radiator and have it tested for freeze
protection.
Add ethylene glycol antifreeze, if needed, to maintain freeze
protection at-3JOC (~$4°f).
3. Have the cooling system and radiator cap tested for a pressure capacity of 105. kPa (15psi). (The pressure cantle anywhere from 95 kPa, or 14 psi,
to 120
kPa, or 18 psi.) If a replacement cap is needed, use an AC cap, or
an equivalent cap, designed fof coolant recovery systems and specffied for
your model.
4. Tighten all radiator hose clamps ang heater hose clamps and inspect all
hoses. Replace the hOSes if they are swollen, "checked" or otherwise worn.
NOTICE: Take care when tightening the hose clamps at the radiator. Overtightening could bend or collapse the radiator fittings.
5. Clean the front of the radiator core and air conditioning condenser to
remove dirt and other objects. Also clean the auxiliary engine oil andlor
transmission fluid cooler if the vehicle has them.
Coolant Replacernent
At the intervals specffied in Section A of the Maintenance Schedule folder, flush
9r1d refill the cooling system as follows:
1. Remove the radiator cap when the engine is cool:
•
Turn the cap slowly to the left until it reaches a "stop." Do not press
down while turning the
cap.
• Wait until any remaining pressure (indicated by a hissing sound) is
relieved, then press down on the cap and continue turning it to the left.
CAUTION: To help avoid the dangarm being burned. donotrem_ove the radiator cap While the engine' and radiator are. still. hot. Scaldingftukland steam ean be blown out under ~re It the cap is taken off too SOOf1.
2. When the cap is removed, run the engine until the upper rad.iator hose is
hot.
(ThiS shows that th~ thermostat is open and the coolant is flowing
through the system.)
3. Stop the engine. Open Ihe,actialor drain valVE! to drain the coolant. Drainage may be speeded by removing the drain plugs in the block, ff so
equipped.
5-7

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Rear Axle, Standard
See Section A of the Maintenance Schedule folder to find out how often the
lubricant level should be checked. If you pull a trailer, the lubricant must be changed as recommended in the Maintenance.Schedule folder.
Add lubricant, if needed, to fill to the level of the filler plug hole on the
passenger's side of the
differential case. Use SAE BOW GL-S or SAE BOW·90
GL-S gear lubricant. (For those vehicles driven in Canada, use SAE BOW GL-S gear lubricant.) You can also use special gear lubricant Part No. GM 10S2271
or 10S2272. You can buy these products from your dealer.
Rear Axle--!-imited-Slip Differential
See Section A of the Maintenance Schedule folder to find out when the lubricant should be drained and refilled.
Refill to the level of the filler plug hole with special gear lubricant part No. GM
1052271 or 10S2272. You can buy these products from your authorized dealer.
Power Steering System
Check the fluid level in the power steering pump as recommended in the
Maintenance Schedule folder.
Add GM Power Steering Fluid (Part Number GM 1 OSOOI7) as needed:
"HOT"
"COLO"
"ADD"'"
• If the fluid is warmed up (about 66'C or IS0'F --hot to the touch), the
fluid level should be between the "Hot" and "Cold" marks on the filler cap
indicator.
• If cool (about 21 'C or 70'F), the fluid level should be between the "Add" and "Cold" marks.
This
fluid does not need periodic changing.
Air Cleaner Element
When replacement afair cleaner filter.;element is necessary. an AC air filter element is recommended.
See your Maintenance Schedule for change intervals. Operation of vehicle in
dusty areas will',necessitate more.frequentreplacernent.' Your dealer. can be of
assistance in determining the properreplacement.frequency for the conditions under which you operate your vehicle.
S-9

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine CAUTION': It" the alr 'l;lMner i, ren;oveci during repair or maintenance, bel"'re to put H bl,ck on'eQr~ctly. It the air cleilner Is 'not correctly Inltalled. there could bea fire in the engine compertment (It there ~Id h..,.,en to be a backfire) , or other engitie mallunc1lon .
Front Suspension and Steering Linkage
Lubric;lte fi tngsatlhEj ' intery;>1 showninthe Maintenance Schedule with water
resistant
EP Chassis lUb(icantwhich meets GM SpecifICation 6031M.
NOTICE: ,Ball ' joints, should "not be . lubrieak.d unlesS, their temperature il -12"C (10"f},or higher,During ,coldweather, theyahould" .. ~"al,)c)~ to,warm up al nece ... ry ,before being lubricated or damttge to the baH jOint-Could occur. . , ' '.' "
.. ,. fIRnl 'N. c~~~arings
Clean and repack front wheel bearings with a high melting point wheel bearing
lubricant . at the interval shown in the Maintenance Schecule. Use wheel
' bearing lubricant GM Part No. 10 5~ 344 or equivalent.
NonCE: ," Long fiber " or "vbeou.'-' type"iubricenf ~kI nol be used, Do not mix wheel ~irinQ"lUbricant., Be sure to thoroughly c5aan bearings and hubl of all old lubricant before repacking.
Tapered roller,bearings uaed'h'Hhis 'veh icle have' .. sUghtly looSe teel when properly adjusted, They must never ~ over tightened (preJoaded) or sev .... bearing damage may resuit. Con.utt your,Authorized Deektr or Servi<:e.r.enual tor peper detailed adjustment procedures and specifications. . '~". :...,"" .... ~"";~f>"'~"'-"'''''',','',' ,::, Hood tlltchesand.Hood Hinge
At the interva l shown in the Maintenan ce Schedule lubricate hood latch
assembly
and hood hinge assembly as follows :
1. Wipe off any accumul"ti~!).ofqirt Qfoontaminationon latch Pi1!'ts.
2. Apply Lubriplate . or equivalent to latch pilot bolts and latch locking
plate .
3. Apply light engine oil to all pivot paints in release mechanism, as well
as primary and Secbndary latch mechanisms.
4. Lubricate hood hinges .
5~ Make hood hinge and latch mechanism functional check to assure the assembly is working COfTectiy.
Freedom Battery
Your new vehicle has a Delco FREEOOM battery. It neecs . no periodic
maintenance .
Its top is permanently sealec (except for two small vent holes) and has no filler capS. You will never have to add water.
The hydrometer (test indicator) in the top of the battery provides information for
testing purposes only.
For full power needs at replacement time, a Delco battery wijh the same catalog number as shown on the original battery's labe l is recommended ..
CAUTIQN: ",' FOllOW the precautions listed in the' Jump Starting ' 'Caution (see ' Ihe "In Case of EmergenCy " settlon of this manual) when workmg On or 08. a bMtery. Personal Injury {particularly to eyea} or 'property damage may result from battery e~ battery acid, or electrical (short circuit) burns.
5-10

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" , "
,
~ , ~ , , , , ) ,
,
,
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,
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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 CAUTION: Before installing wheels, remove any· buildup of corrosion on the wheel mounting surface .and brake drum or brakedilic mounting surface, by scraping and wire
brushing. Installing wheels without good metaHo-metal contact at the mounting surfaces
can cause wheel nuts to loosen, which can . later allow a wheel to come off while the vehicle is moving, possibly causing loss of control. (Also see the "Wheel Nut Torque"
Caution in "In Case of Emergency," Section 3 of this manual, on page 3·7.)
-'-:'O'rt-
P<1 ~ELRo:t 4 WHEHROTATION PREFERRED ·OPTIONAl
DO NOT INCLUDE "TEMPORARY USE ONLY· SPARE TIRE IN ROTATION
• THE OPTIONAL 'X' ROTATION PATTERN FOR RADIALS IS ACCEPTABLE WHEN REQUIRED FOR MORE UNIFORM TIRE WEAR
Alignment and Balance
Proper wheel alignment· improves tire tread. mileage. Your vehicle's suspension
parts should be inspected often and aligned when needed. (See the Maintenance Schedule Folder for more information.) Ball joints have built-in wear indicators and some movement in the joints is normal. Improper
alignrnentwill not cause the vehicle to vibrate. However, improper ~Iignment can cause:
• the tires to roll at an angle, which will result in faster tire wear;
• your tires to wear unevenly;
• your vehicle to "pull" to the left or right. .
Proper tire balancing provides the best riding comfort and helps reduce tire
tread· wear. Out-of-balance tires can cause annoying vibration and uneven tire wear such as cupping and flat spots.
Traction
Driving, cornering, and braking traction are reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel, or other material is on the road. Adjust driving practices and vehicle speed to road conditions.
When driving on wet or slushy roads,a wedge of water can build up between
the tire and road. This is known as hydroplaning, and may cause partial or complete loss of traction, vehicle control, and stopping ability.
To reduce
the chance of traction loss, follow these tips:
1. Slowdown during rainstorms or when roads are slushy.
2. Slow down if the road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace the tires when the tread wear indicators are showing.
4. Keep the tires properly inflated.
5-14