1981 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO light

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine "the "TEMP" light comes on (or, if you have a 900lant temperature gage, the
gage needle goes into the warning zone) and your air conditioner is on, turn it
off.
If the "TEMP" light (or gage) comes on while you are stopped in traffic,
shift the transmission to
"N" (Neutral).
If the "TEMP" light doesn't go off (or the gage needle doesn't start to drop)
within a minute or two:
• Pull over to a safe Place ""d stop the vehicle. Set the parking brake and
shift to "P" (Park) 9r, with a manual transmission, shift to Neutral first, then
set the parking brake.
• DON'T TURN OFF THE ENGINE. INCREASE THE ENGINE SPEED until it
sounds like it's going about twice as fast as normal idle speed. Bring the
idle speed back to normal
after two or three minutes.
tfthe "TEMP" light still doesn't 90 off, (or the gage needle doesn't start to
drop),
NOW TURN OFF THE ENGINE and proceed as follows.
•
lift the engine hood. Look at the coolant level in the "see through" coolant
recovery tank. The coolant level. should be at or above the "Full Cold"
mark on the tank. If it looks like the coolant is boiling, wait until it stops
before proceeding. You should not need to remove the radiator cap to
check the coolant
level and. it can be dangerous if the coolant is still hot. See the following Caution.
CAUTION: To help avoid being burned:
"'-'''''''''i',",,;0-Fc:io'ffi)tcremoy'J~_ c;<)olant recovery tank cap if the coolant is boiling, and
• do not remove -the radiatorc:ap WhilethIit8ngine'-aUid:radiltor a,.Slili hot.
Scalding fluid and steamean be released under pressure it either cap is taken off too soon,
-;<
• If coolant level is low:
•
looklorleaks at the radiator hoses and connections, heater hoses and
connections,
r"diator,and water pump. See that the. fan belts are not
broken or off the pulleys an.d that the fan turns when the engine is started,
•
Add coolant to the recovery tahk.
If
the cQolant level in the recovery tank is althe correct lellel arid the "TEMP"
light (gage) still co"",s.dn,. air may be tr~ in the cooling system, This may
stop coolant from returning to the radiator. In this case, you may have to add
coolant directly to the radiator.
See "Coolant Replacement" under engine
cooling system
in "Service and Maintenance," Section 5 of this manual. Follow
steps 1 and 10. for the correct way to remove the radiator cap and add .coolant
to the radiator.
After the
"TEMP" light is out (or the gage needle is out of the warning zone),
resume driving at a reduced speed. Return to normal driving after about ten
minutes if the light does not come back
on (or the gage needle does not go
back into the warning zone).
3-4

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

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 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 4. If a ring forms after spot cleaning, clean the entire area IMMEDIATELY.
5. Follow specific instructions on cleaner labels.
Cleaning General Soilage Or Water Spots From Fabric-Type
Trim With Foam-Type
Clealler
GM Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner is excellent for this type of cleaning and
for cleaning panel sections where small cleaning rings may be left from spot
cleaning.
• Vacuum the area thoroughly to remove any loose dirt.
• ALWAYS clean a full trim assembly or complete trim section. Mask
surrounding trim along stitch or
welt lines.
• Mix Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner in strict accordance with directions on the container label. Mix in proportion for smaller quantities.
• USE SUDS ONLY ON A CLEAN SPONGE OR SOFT BRISTLE BRUSH. DO NOT SATURATE FABRIC OR .RUB IT HARSHLY WITH A BRUSH.
IMMEDIATELY AFTER CLEANING, WIPE OFF EXCESS SUDS WITH A
SLIGHTLY DAMP ABSORBENT TOWEL OR CLOTH.
• IMPORTANT -IMMEDIATELY AFTER WIPING, FORCE-DRY THE FABRIC WITH AN AIR HOSE, HEAT DRYER OR HEAT LAMP. (Use caution with
heat dryer or lamp to help prevent fabric damage.)
• When trim materials with a sheen or luster finish are dry, wipe fabric lightly with a soft, dry, clean cloth to restore its sheen or luster~
.. ~~.P~t CI~.aning Fabric-Type Trim With Solvent Type Cleaner
Bef~~~ t~yirlgtb'remove aspotQf stain from fabric, determine as accurately as you can the type and age of the spot or stain: Some spots or slains can be
removed with water or mild soap solution (see "Removal of Specific Stains").
Spots or stains should always be removed as soon as possible.
Some types of stains or sOilage,such as lipstick, inks and grease, are very
difficult (sometimes impossible) to completely remove. When cleaning this type
of stain·or soilage, be sure not· to enlarge thesoiled'area.
GM Fabric Cleaner (Solvent Type) is excellent for spot cleaning grease, oil, or
fat stains.
• Gently scrape excess stain from the trim material with a clean, DULL knife
or scraper.
USE VERY LlTILE CLEANER, light pressure and clean cloths
(preferably cheesecloth). Cleaning should start at the outside of the stain,
"FEATHERING" toward the center. Keep changing to a clean section of
the cloth.
• When you clean a stain from fabric, immediately dry the area with an air hose, heat dryer, or heat lamp to help prevent a cleaning ring. (Use caution
with heat dryer or lamp to prevent fabric damage).
• If a ring forms, immediately repeat the cleaning operation over a slightly
larger area with emphasis
on "FEATHERING" towards its center. If ring
remains, mask off surrounding trim sections and clean the entire affected
area with
GM Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner (as described under
"Cleaning General Soilage or Water Spots with Foam Type Cleaner").

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Removal Of Specific Stains
Grease or Oil Stains -Includes grease, oil, butter , margarine, shoe polish,
coffee wilh cream , chewing gum, cosmetJc creams, vegetable oils, wax crayon,
tar and asphalts .
• Carefully scrape off excess stain, then use GM Fabric Cleaner (Solvent
Type) as previously described.
• Shoe pOlish, wax crayons, ta, and asphalts will stain if left on trim; they should be removed as soon as possible. Use caution as the cleaner will
di ssolve them and
may cause them to "bleed."
Non-Greasy Stains - Includes catsup, coffee (black), egg, fruit, fruit juice , milk,
soft drinks, wine, vomit and blood .
•
Carefully scrape off excess stain , then sponge the stain with cool water .
• n a s tain remains , us e Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner, (Foam Type) as
previously described.
• If an odor lingers after cleaning vomit or urine, tr,eat the area with a water~ baking soda solution : 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) of baking soda to 250
milliliters (1 cup) of te pid wate.. .
•
Finally , if needed, clean lightly with Fabric Cleaner (Solvent Type).
Combination Stains -Includes candy, 'ice cream , mayonnaise. chiH sauce and
unknown stains :
•
Carefully scrape off excess stain , then clean with cool water and allow to
dry.
• If a stain remains, clean it with Fabric Cleaner (Solvent Type).
Cleaning Vinyl Or Leather Trim
Ordinary··soilage.can be r8ll]Ql(~!rpJll,xi~yl or .leather with warm water and a
mild soap such as saddle ' soap or oil' soap, Or an equivalent.
• Apply a small amount of soap solution and let. it soak for a few minutes to
loosen dJrt;then . rub briskly w~h a clean. damp cloth to remove dirt and
traces
of soap. (This may be done several times. if needed.)
• Soilage such as tars . asphalts, shoe polish , etc . will stain if left on trim.
They should be wiped off as quickly as possible and the area cleaned with
a clean cloth dampened with GM Vinyl or Leather Cleaner (Solvent Type).
Seat Belt Care
• Clean seat belts only with mild soap and lukewarm water.
• Do not bleach or dye belts since this may severely weaken them. '
Cleaning Glass Surfaces
Glass surfaces should be cleaned On a regular basis. Use of GM Glass
Cteaner or a commerciat household glass cleaner will remove normal tobacco
smoke and dust films sometimes caused by ingredients used in vinyls and
interior
plastiCS. Never use abrasive cleaners on any vehicle glass, as they
may cause scratches.
4·3

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