1981 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO Owners Manual

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.)
2-30

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine ~
SLiOING ROOF .. PANEL OPEN
ELECTRIC POWER CONTROLSWITCI:I
~ ~RIVEGEAR I~(CCESS PLUG
ROTATE TO CLOSE
REMOVABLE GLASS ROOF PANELS
CAUTION: To help avoid personal i~ Mdtor equi~ ctamage..
/
• Do not unkK:k the roof pane' latehe. or try to remove the penefs whi.., the car I, moving. Otherwise. the panels may become 8 hazard by falling into the car Or flying off.
• A.fter removiOg -me roof panels. place them in the protectiv.' bag provided and stow them in'the trunk. This will help keep the parwNS from being thrown about and injuring people . in the car in an accident. an.d will help prOtect the panels.
•
After putting roof panels back in place. always check th8tthey __ h.av .. ,~n-fil1Tlly latched by pushing up on the underside of MCh pan ...
The op)ipnal .gl¥s. p~nelscan be removed and stored in their protective
storage bags (in'the trtJrik)·asfoilOws:.. .'
1 . Unlatch the glass panel by pulling down the release handle at the outer
edge of the
p~nel.
2. Raise th;' outer edge of the glasS slightly and pull toward you to release it
from the center
molding.
3. Store eaCh glass panel in its separate storage bag.
4 . To install the panels, reverse this procedure .
2-31

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine OPERATION OF THE TURBOCHARGED
3.8L
V-6 (CODE 3) ENGINE
Turbocharging Gives You Extra Power ...
A turbocharger is ci device that supplies a conventional internal· combustio n
engin e with
extra power on demand . Basically . it's a pump powered by exhaust
~es.
··'···"'wha F tulbl>charging .does is to recover some of that exhaust gas energy to
increase engine power output. The turbocharger consists of
an eXhaust-gas ­
driven turbine which is coupled to a compressor in the intake system . As
engine speed and load increase, exhaust gases spin the turbine, which in turn
dri v
es the compre ssor and forces a denser ail/fuel mixture charge into the combustion chambers. This denser charge, when ignited in the conventional
manner, delivers more power per stroke of the piston than
the non­
turbocharged engine.
Since the turbocharger is powered
by exhaust gases that normally go out the
tailpipe ,
in effect it recycles energy that would otherwise be wasted .
When we say it works "on demand ." we mean exactly that. When the
turbocharged
V-6 is driven under normal OQnditions, a normal air Ifuel mixture
reaches the cylinders . But , in a situation requiring extra power in passing, for
instance -pressing down on the
accelerator .speeds up the turbo, and the 3.8
liter V-6 engine increases its power output. When you litt your foot, the
turbocharger slows down again.
Turbocharging has long
been recognized as an answer to high-altitude
operation. Anon-turbocharged engine can
Jose as much as 25% of its poWer
at 8,000 feet. Turbocharging compensates for altitude changes, letting the
engine breathe "
sea level" air at high ; "thin air," anitudes . It restores
otherwise lost power, reduces . gearshitting
and the n9E)d for heavy pressure on the accelerator .
2-32

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Chevrolet's turbocharger incUles a "TlI'bo Control Center," which is an
electronic,
closed- loop, high energy spark control system that permits the use
of today's compression ratios with unleaded fuels. It works to control spark and
provide
good driveability. H automatically compensates for fuel octane,
atmospheric conditions,
load, and .other driving conditions, by continually monitoring engine detonation and adjusting the spark.
Are There Any Tricks To Driving A Turbocharged V-61
No, riot at all. Starting procedures are as covered on Page 2-8.
As with any normal engine, the turbocharged engine should not be run at
excessive
RPM immediately upon starting or shut down abruptly after running
at high
speeds.
Trailer
Towing: It should be noted that the Turbo V-6 engine uses advanced
electronic technology to provide a combination of performance and fuel
economy under most operating conditions, including driving in high-altitude
areas . Uke 'most V-6 engines, ~is su~abIe for pul~ng light-dutytrailers up to
450 kilograms (1,000 pounds) gross weight. However, the system was not
engineered for the rigors of towing
heavytraii for
specffic recommendations) .
Don't Attempt Do-tt-Yourself Fixes: The turbocharger has but a handful of
parts, but since it is precision-manufactured with some tolerances as fine as
1/1 ,000,000 of an inch, maintenance and repairs should be done by an
authorized Chevrolet dealer or other qualified service outlet which
regularly
does such servk:e.
Catch Trouble Before . It Becomes Major: The turbocharger is an integral part
of your engine and not ar\'add-on .device.1f you spot an oil leak or hear an
unusual sound coming from the turbocharger , take it
In for service immediately .
The trouble may be simple to correct, but if allowed to continue, may
necessitate a more costly repair.
Normaf Scheduled Maintenance -
with Two Exceptions: The recommended
maintenance for the turbocharged
V -6 engine is shown in the General Motors
Maintenance
Schedule found in the glove compartment of your Chevrolet. The
turbocharged engine requires basically the same maintenance as a regular V-6
with two ",xceptions :
Engine Oil Change -every 3,000 miles.
Oil Filter Change -every 3,000 miles .
2-33

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine SECTION 3
IN CASE OF ,EM,ERGENCY
See also "Engine ,ExhausIGas Caution (Carbon Monoxide)" at the beginning
of
"Starting and Operating ." Section 2 of this manual.
FOUR.WAYHAZARD WARNING FLASHER
• Use the hazard warning flasher to warn other drivers any time your vehicle
becomes a traffic hazard , day or night
• 'Avoid stopping 00 the roadway if. possible .
•
Turn on ·the haz,ard warning flasherb{ pushing In the button (inSide the COllar) located on the cOlumn just'behind the steering whee ,l. The 'flasher wUl work with1he ignition either off or on,
",'
• The turn SIgnalS ao not wOl1< wnen me hazard flasher is on,
• 'On·$ome·,V:!>tJiC~S;,j\tj:l~i9[~~",~}S pushed down,the fights will not
flash; they will stay on utitiltne 'Brake iS,'released , ,
•
To turn off the flasher . pull the buttOflcoliar out.
EMERGENCY STARTING
NOtICE:. Do not-~.h oi tow this -Y~le_to stlW1 it. Under some cond~: "this-may· d.~a,ge the catalytic e,onverter or'other:~rt~ofthe vehicle.
Before attempting to' start. the vehicle with the jump starting 'procedUre which
tollows, check the condition of the vehicle battery cables to battery connections
to
8$sure that, theye,e free of corro~i(>n an,d tight, n they are not. correct the, condition . tJrn off the radio and ,'ot1\ and attempt to start the engine ,
II your vehicle has a discharged , battery. it can
be started ,bY' using energy from anotheL battery-,a,,'prQCedure 'called "jump starting ,'" ,
NOTICE; II yiK'-haVe yoUr 'vehiclt"'jU4 .flirted by. "";kie _Uon or 'wrecker. be sur. iheequlpm8ntu~ ,is 12-yott and' ~":' neg.tlve ground. DO NOT · ALLOW THE USE OF 2A-VOL t 'CHAR'GINO .EOlHPMENT,,_ uSingsucti equipment cn cau .. serioUl damage to the e~ar system Of efre%nic~rta in your V'8hide._
Jump Starting
CAUTION: Better •• produce expJOlive gnea , corroaive acid and "vela of electrical current high enough 10 cause burns. To IeUen the chance of person.1 injury or property -damage, the Instruction, below must be fOllowed ex.ctly.
"

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine • Always wear eye protection or shiekI your eyet when ,workmg .....,. My battery. Do not lean over a, battery. Remove .11 met.1 jewelry.
• Never expose .-battery to open fIanea eM' e~ sparb. -AlIa. do no( smoke near a battery.
• 00 not .llow battery acid to c:ontact eyes._IIdn. f~or painted autfaces. FLUSH ANY CONTACTED ARE"WlTH W"TER '_OtATELY AND THOIlOUGHLY. GET MEDICAL HELP IF EYES ARE AFFECTED.
• Be sure ' the Jumper cabie. or clampt to be used for jump starting do not have lOose or missing insulation. Do not prPCeed if $Uitable c.bae. .... not avanable. "
• Thi" vehicle has • 12-volt. batt.ry and a _ negative ground electrical .ystem. Make sure that -the other vehkte abo ha. a 12-vott battery .nd that tt .. the negative (~k II";"''') terminal which i. grounded (anached to the engine btoc:k). Hs owner's manual may give you that information. 00 NOT TRY TO JUMP START IF YOU ARE UNSURE OF THE OTHER VEHICLES VOl.TAGE ORGROOND (OR F THE OTHER VEHICLE'S VOLTAGE AND/OR Gr:tOUND ARE DIFFERENT FROM YOUR VEHICLE).
e. • eithel t'latIetY has flUer c:ap', check the flukt -leveL (Do _ no( cheek wlUl an open ta.M.> If lOw, flll'tO-ttle proper leVel with cia.,. drinking water. Replace aU c:aps before jump atarting.
e Do not allow metal tools to contact both the positive (red "+ ") battMy tennil\al (or any metal connected to thl. tenninal) and .ny other metal on either vehicle at the -same -tIme. ",.ke c:ertillin when .ftaching th6 Jumper c.~ elamps to the positive terminals Of the batteriet: _that neither clamp contacts. MY other metal •
• ' Alway. make the final ~o-"nectlon to' ground, (a adlid, .tatlon.ty, metallic object) on the engine at '~ast4SO 'millimeter. (18 Inches) from the battery.
Procedure ~~~i~._ 1. posill oW\he ·,verncJe with the good (cnarged) .!>allery so that the jumper cables will reach. Do not let th'1vehiclestouch ..
2. Turn off all elec .ltic motors, lights and accessories in both vehicles, except
the hazard flasher or any light~ need!ld for the work area. Turn ott the
ignition ,. apply the perkingbiilke' fi'rmly, and· shift the automatic
tr.ansmission to
"P"(Park) in both vehicles.
3. Jum~r Cable Connj!ction Instructions (See Illustration).
• Connecflhe
first jurnpercable to the positive " +" (red) terminal on
one battery, and. then to the positive" +" (red) terminal on the other
battery .
Never conlledt " +" (redl,to "-" (black), or "-" to " + ".
• Next, COnnect one endot theseC(jnd cable to the grounded negative "-"(black) terminal of the good (charged) battery.
• Lastly. c<;>nnect the other end· of the second jumP'l' cable to ground at least 450 millimeters (18 inches) from the discharged battery, to a solid, stationery, metallic object on the engine. Do not route the cable,
or
attach the clamp on or near pulleys, fans, or other parts that will
move when the engine is started , Be careful to noUouch hot engine
parts
as they can cause burns. The MOUNTING BRACKETS for the Delcotron (generator), or the ainlOnditioner compressor, generally
make a good point for this final ground attachment, ~ hot· or moving
parts c"" be avoided.
3-2

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Make Connections in Numerical Order
Fi,st Jumpe, Ceble ,
Discharged
Battery
Make Last
Connection on
Engine,
Away
from Battery
Battery in Vehicle
with Charged Battery L--'''''''",,""
4. Slarllhe engine 01 the vehicle withJhe .good (charged) battery and run the
engine at a moderate speed.
5 .
Start the engine of the vehicle thathas the discharged battery.
6 . Remove the jumper
cables .by reversing the above sequence exactly.
Begin by removing the jumper
cable clamp from the vehiclewilh tM
discharged battery. While removing each clamp, lake care that it does not
touch any other
metal while the other end remains attached.
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during severe
conditions such as:
• climbing a long hill on a hot day,
• stopping after high speed driving ,
• idling for long periods in traffic, or
• tawing a trailer.
3-3

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