1981 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO service

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 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 un mUE SAl: VIScOSITY GRADES
F~O 20 40 60 100 C -30 -20 10 0 10 20 30 40 TEMPERATURE RANGE YOU .EXPECT SHORE NEXT Oil CHANGE
NOTICe: DO NOTUSE SAE 5W-2(I OILS fOR COIfi"INUOUS HIGH SPEED DRIVING.
Engine Oil Additives
There are many extra engine oil additives (or helpers) for sale. Your engine
should not need these extra additives if you Use SF-quality engine oil and
change it as suggested. If you think your engine has an oil-related problem,
talk
to your authorized dealer. If needed, your dealer can provide you with a
tested and approved oil additive called "GM Engine Oil Supplement."
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID RECOMMENDATIONS
Proper Fluid -Use only automatic transmission fluid labeled DEXRON® II. You
can buy this fluid from your dealer or other service outlets.
Checking
Fluid Level-Check the automatic transmission fluid level at each
engine
oil change, Overfilling GaI).c"!,J~e foaming and loss of fluid. A low fluid
level can cause slipping or loss of drive. In either case, transmission damage
can result.
To check the fluid
level, first set the parking brake, then start the engine in "P"(Park). With the regular brakes applied, move the shift lever through all the
gear ranges, ending
in "P". You must check the fluid level with the engine
running
at slow idle and the vehicle level.
You cannot read the correct fluid level if you have just.driven you(vehicle fora
long time at high speed, in city traffic in hot weather, or if your vehicle has
been
pulling a trailer. Wait until the fluid cools down (about 30 minutes).
Remove the dipstick
located at the rear of the engine compartment on the
passenger's side. Carefully touch the wet end of the dipstick to find out if the
fluid
is cool, warm or hot. Wipe it clean and push it back in until the cap seats. Pull out the dipstick and read the fluid level.
• If
it felt cool (about room temperature), the level should be 3 to 10
millimeters (118 to 3/8 inch) below the "Add" mark. The dipstick has two
dimples below the" Add" mark to show this range.
• If it felt warm, the level should be close to \he "Add" mark (either above or below).
• If
it was too hot to hold, the level should be at the "Full" mark.
5-5

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 If the tires are other than standard load range (or load range B for metric size
tires). the
load range will appear after the tire size stated on the Tire Placard.
Inflation Pressure
The Cold inflation pressures listed on the Tire Placard provide for the best
balance of fuel economy. tire life. riding comfort. and vehicle handling under
normal driving conditions.
These pressures
should be used for all vehicle loading conditions. except When towing a trailer. See. "Trailer Towing in "Belore Driving Your Monte
Carlo." Section 1 of this manuaL
Incorrect tire inflation pressures can. have adverse effects on tire. lije and
vehicle performance. Too low an air preS$urecaul>eS incre f~lure,. It can result in tire overloading, abnormal tire wear, adverse vehicle handling. and reduced fuel~nomy .. Too high an air pressure can result in
abnormal wear. harsh ride. an.d can increase the chance of damage from road
hazards.
LUGGAGE/CARGO LOAD CAPACITY
Maximum Luggage Compartment Load
Coupe 72 Kilograms (160 Pounds)
"'"~~\"'_"~"""_'","",' NOTICE: Total combined weight of luggage _compartment 16ad •. ·.luggage rack load (when equipped). trailer tongue load and passengers must not exceed the vehicle capacity
weight (shown on the Tire Placard located on the left front door).
· ·' .L' Check tire inflation pressures at least monthly (this includes the spare tire) and whenever your _ vehicle is serviced. When -possible, check tire inflation pressures when'the tires are "cold."
1. The "cold" ttr~inflation pressure is the tire pressure when a vehicle has
not been driven more than one mile. (1.6 kilometers) after Sitting for three
hours or more. This is the most accurate setting.
2. It is normal for tire pressures to increase 30 to 60 kilopascals (4 to 8
pounds per square inch) or more when the tires become hot from driving. If you must set inflation pressures when the tires are not "cold," add 30
kilopascals
(4 pounds per square inch) to the recommended cold pressures on the Tire Placard.
3. For sustained driving at speeds of 75 mph to 85 mph (120 km/h to
140 km/h), in countries where such speeds are allowed by law, cold
inflation
pressures must be increased 20 kPa (3 psi) above the cold
inflation pressures stated on the tire placard up to the maximum for
each load range as listed in the Chart below. Sustained speeds of 75 mph to 85 mph (120 km/h to 140km/h) ar!! not allow!!d when the 20
kPa (3 psi) adjustment Would require the pressures of either the front or
the rear tiles to be greater than the maximum pressure for each load
range listed on the chart below. For speeds faster than 85 mph (140 km/h) follow Caution at th!! beginning of this "tire" section.
5-12

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

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 SECTION 7
SPECIFICATIONS
These specifications are given here for information only. Before using them,
see
the cautions and other instructions throughout this manual. For further
information, see the service manual covering the ,chassis or body part in
question. Your Chevrolet dealer may also be able to help.
DIMENSIONS
Overall Length 2"000r Coupe ' ......... ' ..
Overall Height .. .. , .................... . Width .... ,., , .. . , ....... , ... , ..... ... .
Wheelbase
.. , .... ... ................ .. ,
CAPACITIES
Gasoline ,Tank (Approx.) All Models , .... , .. , , ........
Crankcase (App rox. Relill )
Oil Change Only
Meiric U.S.
Metric U.S.
Measure Measure
5090mm 200. ,4 "
1370mm
53,9"
1816mm '. 71,S " 2745mm 108 .1 "
Metric U .S . Measure Measure
68 .5L 18.1 ga l.
Oil Change and FilterCha~
Metric U.S. Measure Measure Measure Measure
V ·8 ..... .... 3.8L 4 qts. 4.7L 5 qts. V-6 3.8L 4 qts. 3.8L 4 qu. "'" After refill , fluid If wei must be checked as~ out~ed-under "Service and Maintenance " in thi s manual.
Cooling System (Appro •. )
3.8 (229) CIO Engine .............•...•..... 3.8 (231) C1D En9in~ .....•.......•..••• ,'" .
5. 0 (305) CID Engine ......... , ... " _ ..•.. : •. 4.4 (267) CID Engi ne ....... , . ....•... •...•. Thermostat (All) .... " .... ,. _, ...... Radiator Pressure Cap (All) ......•. _ ...... .
BATTERY RATING
Cold Crank ,
Engine 18°C (O°F)
All (Base)
". X ' 350 Amps F-14
Heavy Duty
F-18 460 Amps
7-1
Metric Measure
17.4 L
14.3 L
18·0L 2O.0L 91°e l05kPa
U.S. Measur.
l8Y.!: qts. 15% qts. 19 qts. 21 qts. 195 °F
15 PSI
25 AMP Reserve
Capacity (Minutes)
80
115