1981 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO cooling

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 2, Never leta child stand ,or kneel on any seat Children who can sit up by
themselves should
be placed on a sealand restrained with the seat belts
provided, When children ride in a rear seat, .they should be restrained with
a lap
belt, When child(en ride in the front seat, they should wear both lap
and shoulder belt If the .shoulder beH irritates the neck or face due to .the child's size, this may be r.educed by placing the child closer to the center
of the
vehicle , If irritalior Is not reduced, place the child in the rear seat
3, General Motors ~iseS that childr"", be restrained properly when riding ,
However. unusual cond~ions may prevent use of restraints. and require
that a small child
stand, If that ~s.lhe'Child should stand on the floor , behind the'driver's seat This will help reduce the chance and/or \he
severity of injury in case of a frontal collision, --'-'-'''"''''''''i''':>' ~7','" ,,.' ;.,,~"".'. _ .. .. ,
TRAILER TOWING
This car is designed and intended to be used mainly to carry people, Towing a
trailer will affect handling , durability and economy , Your safety and satisfaction
depend :,upoQ proper use of correct llqUipmenl. Also , you should avoiq
overloads
and other abusive use,
' The '
!1'lIiximum 1000000trailet: weight youe;mpull with your vehicle depends ,on what special equipffienrfi'as been installed on il,. We do not recommend towing
any
trailer more than 450 kilograms (1.000 pounds) gross trailer weight unless your vehicle has the required 'equipment
.. .... ~ ' °' -"""''1111'''.''-'' .. J~._ .. _ '."'-:,_, :" .,', .... ,,', , ,'" :', : ' . .. ....... :.' .... " ..... : .. , :"',' "'." ,: ",' ,i,.:." .... __ .. -:,:· .. ,,' .. _." . .'~:.,:;.,~')ff';:.' CAUTION: Do not .. try to tow .. • nv:,,. tr-I.-'r ,mqrtt:,_lt)arr ' 2 '2., Idfogranl( (5,000 Pounds) WPU trliler,we~t IlC) 'In.tter what trailer toWing -'equiprrient is instelled. Trai" over iMM maximum-~_iir:nlt.,-c:OuId teriously affect ~ __ vehk:"'. pertormence ; -_durability and
handling, ~_~kf l'esuh. in personal i~~;_-_, ;""_~ ':~.,,:.:.
Information ,on trailer towing ability, speciateq(Jipn1ent required, and optional
equipment available should.be obtained from your dealer . Ask for the trailering
~rocliure, Or, write: Consum~r Helations Department Chevrolet Motor Divfsion,
Warren , Michigan 48090. (In Canada, write to General Motors of Canada
limited , Customer Services Department, Oshilwa , Ontario L IJ 5Z6),
Tires
When towing trailers be sure your tires areprope,ly inflated'to 'the inflation
,
pressure shown 'on the .. Tire Placard on \he driver's door , The allowable
passenger . and cargo load for this vehicle, also.shown on the Tire Placard , is
reduced by the traiter tongue weight whenever . the trailer is attached to the
'v~hicle, See "Service arid Maintenance," Section 5, for more tire informatlon ,
Maintenance
More' frequent service is required when using your vehicle to pull a traileL See
Section A of the Maintenance Schedule folder for Automatic Transmission Fluid , Engine Oil, and Hear Axle Ltibricantchange requirements for. trailering ,
Now and \hen, check that all trailer hitch bolts and nuts are tight Also see the
Maintenance Schedule
foider, and the Index in this manual, for important facts
on belts, cooling system care and brake adjustment.
1-12

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOT1C~: Uoeonty ~ ...... hhches ....... pomiIt ' nonnoI ..,o,otlon' ..... Energy Ab8Orb4ng Bumper system, if to equipped~-For ex..".,.., • rigid fore 8nd 1ft conMction between the bumper and any other pwt Of-the c. mIIy Inc,. ... dMnege Nl the event gf I colli.lon.
TRAILER TOWING TIPS
, Getti"9
Started
Before entering traffic w~h a traile, that has electric brakes, start the vehicle
and trailer moving and apply the traile' brakes by hand to be sure the trailer brakes ' are working and the trailer eleCtrical syStem is connected ,
".d~,~!!.~!.~~,CooUng If your engine overheats "foliowthe steps under, "Engine Cooling System" in
"InCase of Emergency," Section 3 01 this manual.
Long Uphill Grades
When goingup,long grades ; you can reduce the chance of engine overheating
by dOwnshifting the transinission to a
Jower'gear range and reducing speeds to
'" '4S mph (70 km /h) or below . '. " " ,-,-."." .. ,. '
Transmission
See the method for checking the transmission fluid level in "Service and
"'~!!illl£<;': Section S of thismanuaJ.
Parking
You should not park vehicles with trailers on a grade (hill); However, If
you must park on a 'grade, these ste,PS }l1ust be fallowed:
1. Apply theregular .brakes . ,'\' y .
2, . Have someone place wheel chocks under the trailer wheels .
3. When the wheel cho cks are in place, release the regular brakes until, the
c hocks absorb the load. .
4 . Apply
the parking brake.
S . Shift the transmission to
"P"(l'ark) .
If the veh icle is parked on a .gr ad e, don 't Shift the transmission to "P "(Park )
until
the trailer wheels are chocked and tOO parking brake is set If you dO, the weight of the vehicle and trailer may put'somuch force on the parking pawl in
the transmission that it·may be hard to Shift out of "P "(Park) .
When' s tarting, after being parked On a grade :
L Apply the regular brakes and hold.
2. Start ,the engine in , "P"( Park) .
.
3 . '. Shift into gear and releas .e the parking brake ..
4. Release the regular brakes and drive until the chocks are free .
S .
Apply the regular brakes and haveanoti1er person remOve the chocks.
1-14

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine SECTION 2
STARTING AND OPERATING
ENGINE EXHAUST GAS CAUTION
(CARBON MONOXIDE)
Do not breathe exhaust gas because it contains carbon monoxide, which by
itself has no color or odor. Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas. It can cause
unconsciousness and can be lethal.
If
at any time you think exhaust fumes are entering the vehicle, have the cause
determined and corrected
assdon.as possible. If you must drive under. lhese conditions , drive only wilh All windows fully OPEN .
To allow proper operation of your vehicle's ventilation system, keep the.air inlet grille in front of the windShield clear of snow, leaves or other obstructions at all
times.
Protect against carbon monoxide entry into the vehicle body . The best way is to keep the engine exhaust system, vehicle body and body ventilation system
properly maintained. We recommend that the exhaust system and body be inspected by a competent lechniclan :
•
each time the vehicle is raised for an oil change;
• whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust system;
• whenever the exhaust system, underbody or rear of the vehicle is damaged or. becomes corroded .
See your Miiintenance Schedule folder for parts recuiring inspection.
To allow proper operation of your vehicle's ventilation system, keep the air inlet
grille
in front of the windshi~1d clear of snow, leaves or other obstructions at all
times.
Do not perk or idle this vehicle for more than 10 minutes with the ventilation
system control switch in the "off" position while the engine is running . Even
with
the ventilation system on, running the engine while parked is not recommended . Entry of carbon monoxide into the vehicle body is possible with
a
poorly repaired , damaged, or corroded exhaust system or body.
Do
not run the. engine in CONFINED areas (such as garages or next to a
building) any more than needed to move the vehicle . When Ih.e vehicle has to be stopped in an UNCONFINED area with the engine running for any more
than a few minutes, take the following stepa :
A. Adjust the heating
or cooling ' system to force outside air into the vehicle as
follows:
1. On vehicles not ecuipped wijh air condijioning, set the fan to medium or high speed and the upper control lever to any position except
"Off."
2. On vehicles ecuipped with air conditioning , set the fan to medium or
high speed and the upper control lever to any position except "Off" or
"Max., "
B . Keep the exhaust tailpipe area clear 01 snow and other material to help
reduce the
buildup 01 exhaust gases under the vehicle.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine The trunk lid should be closed while driving to help prevent drawing exhaust gas into the vehicle. If the trunk must remain open for some reason while
moving . or ff electricai wiring or other cable conneclionS to a trailer must pass through the sealbelweeri the trunk lid and the body, follow these precautionS :
• Close all windows.
• Adjust the heating or cooling system to force outside air into the vehicle as
described above. but set the fan to high speed .
• On vehicles with outside ' air vents in or under the instrument panel ; open
the vents
fully.
NEW VEHICLE "BREAK-IN" PERIOD
You can drive your new vehicle from its very first mile/kilometer without
following a formal "break-in" schedule. However. there are things you can do during the first few hundred miles/kilometers of driving . that will add to the
future performance and economy of your
vehicle. We recommend you limit
your speed during the first 500 miles (800 kilometers) to a maximum of 55 mph (90 km /h) ; but do not drive for long periods at anyone constant speed. either
fast or
slow. During this time. avoid full throttle starts and. if possible. avoid
hard stops especially during the first 200 miles (320 kilometers) of driving .
Always drive at moderate speed until the engine has COfl'4lletely warmed up.
If you plan to use your new vehicle for trailer towing . see additional information
under " Trailer Towing" in Section 1 of this manual.
GUARD AGAINST THEFT
y~~; '~ew Monte carlo has many features to help prevent theft of the vehicle
itself.
its equipment. and its contents. But these anti-theft features depend
upon you to work.
THE
TIME TO BE MOST ON GUARD ISWHEN LEAVING THE VEHICLE ...
• PARK IN A LIGHTED SPOT WHEN YOU CAN AND FULLY ClOSE BOTH WINDOWS AND ANY ROOF PANaS
• LOCK THE STEERING COLUMN AND TAKE THE KEYS:
•
Turn the key to "Lock " and remove the key. This locks the ignition
and both steering and shift controls.
• If you must leave a kilY with the vehicle . leave the square-head key only. Take the oval· head key with you. This will help prevent unwanted
entry into your
vehicle at a later date . or into your glove box (if locked) or trun k
• LOCK ALL DOORS .
•
KEEP ITEMS OUT OF SIGHT AND LOCKED UP WHEN POSSIBLE.
• Never leave things of va lue in plain sight on seats or floor.
• The glove box otTers a place to hide small item s and if locked, protects even better.
• Lock larger item s in the trunk.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine When the ignition key is turned to the OFF position, the pointer may nO\". necessarily return to the 0 RPM position. For the tachometer to regster 0 RPM .
the key
must be in the RUN position and engine not running.
Engine Temperature Gage
This gage indicates coolant temperature which will vary with air temperature
and operating
cond~ions. The ignition must be on for accurate readings. Hard
driving
or prolonged idling in very hot weather will cause the pointer to move
beyond the center of the band. Should pcinter move to the line at the "H" end
of the band , see "Engine Cooling
System" on page 3-3.
Voltmeter
When the engine is operating, the voltmeter indicates the electrical system
voltage. During minimum electrical load, the pointer will read
to the right of the
center. As the electrical load is
increaSed, or in stop-and-go driving, the pointer
will rotate to the
left . A meter reading continuously in the left or right red zone
indicates an electrical system failure. Cause of the failure should be determined
and corrected.
Oil Pressure Gage
The oil pressure gage indicates the pressure at which oil is being delivered to
the various parts of the engine requiring lubrication. Pressures registered by the gage may vary according to outside air temperatures or weight of oil being
used. Oil pressure
of a cold engine being operated at a given speed will be
somewhat higher than when the engine is at normal operating temperature at
the same speed. Prolonged high speed operation on a hot day at the given
speed will result
in somewhat lower oil pressure readings. Readings of 205 to
275 kPa (30 to 40 psi) may be considered normal during moderate road
speeds of 35 to 40 mph (55 to 60 km/h) with the engine at proper operating
temperature . Gage readi'rig;rwhich are ·consistently high or low under these
conditions may indicate lubrication system and/or engine malfunction.
Windshield Wiper and Washer
The windshield wiping system operates at two speeds and is designed to wipe
clear
specijic areas of the windshield under most inclement weather conditions.
The windshield wipers work electrically and are not affected by engine
operation .
Push the control lever to the right to start
the electric windshield wiper. The
two-speed electric wiper has both a "low " and a "high " speed position .
2-19

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine • Always keep the area under the front seat clear for maximum rear seat airflow . .: ,
• For optimum driving comfort in. heating or air conditioning modes keep ", windows . closed. .
•
Clear snow and ice from the hood and air inlet in front of the windshield . This improves heater ahd defroster performance and lowers the chance of
fogging
on the inside of the windshield.
• During winter operation
run the blower on "High" for a few moments
before driving off. This helps clear the Intake ducts of snow and further
lessens the chance of fogging on the insiele of the windshield.
The following pages of this manual proviele more operating tips for getting
maximum heating
and cooling comfort. (AlsO s"" "Engine Exhaust Gas Caution (Carbon Monoxidej"at the beginning of "Starting and Operating ."
Section 2 oHhismanual.)
Lower Air Vents (Non Air Conditioned Vehicle)
Two control handles located beneath the steering colulTYl open (pull) and ciose
(full in) the
lower "ram" air vents . The amount of air discharged at these lower
outlets increases with vehicle speed. Maximum airflow can be obtained by
opening any of the side door windows slightly. If so equipped, the rear quarter SWing-out windows will optimize lower vent performance and provide maximum
airflow without opening a siele dIoor glass. In this condition, mimimum air
buffeting
and road noise is incurred .
HEATER SYSTEM (NON AIR CONDITIONED VEHICLE)
2-23

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Fan Lever
The fan;-lever (OFF-HI) provides speed control of the blower fan in all Air
Selector Lever positions.
Temperature Control Lever
The temperature control lever regulates the temperature of the air entering the passenger compartment in all Air Selector lever positions. Full down position
(HOT) provides maximum heat
(ambient air temperature) air.
AIR Selector Lever
• VENT --In this pOSition, minimum heat power. ventilation air is discharged
from the upper air oullets. Air quantity is
controlled by the FAN LEVER.
• BlEND_-The AIR SELECTOR LEVER may be adjusted between VENT and HTR (heater) to obtain a variable distribution of air between the uppe r air
outlets and the floor air outlet
• HTR (Heater )--In this position , most of the .air Is delivered to the floor air
outlet with a small amount deliVered to the windshield (defroster oullets).
The air temperature is
cpntrolled by the TEMPERATURE LEVER while the
air quantity is controlled by the FAN LEVER. This position is used for most winter driving. .
• BlEND--(The AIR SELECTOR LEVER may be adjUsted between HTR
(Heater) and DEF (Defrost) pOSitions to obtain a variable distribution of air
between the floor . air outlet
and the windshield air outlets.
• DEF (Defro st)--In this position , most of the air is delivered to the windshield
• ··-.(defrjl$t"routletS) with a small amount to the floor air outlet
The windsh ield de frost i
ng and defogging system assists in providing good
visibility through designated areas Of the windshield under most inclement
weather conditions. _For immediate operation of the vehicle, the windshield
should be scraped clear.
Operate system for
30 seconds before switching to DEF. This will remove
humid air from the system and minimize
rapid fogging of the glass which can occur jf humid air i s blown onto a cool windshield.
AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
This system combines heating and cooling capabilities for comfort in all
weather conditions .
During some air conditioning operating conditions , slight increases and
decreases of engine speedfpower may be noticed . This should be considered
normal as the system is designed to cycle the compressor ON and OFF to
maintain desired cooling. The reduced compressor operation should benefit
fuel economy.
Fan Lever
The Ian lever (LO-HI) provide s speed control of the blower fan in all Air Selector Lever positions except OFF.
Temperature Control Lever
The temperature control lever regulates the temperature of the air entering the
passenger compartment in ALL Air Selector Lever positions.
2-24

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Air Selector Lever
The air selector lever regulates air flow from the heater, defroster and air
conditioning outlets. It also controls operation of the refrigeration compressor.
• OFF--In this position the blower doeS not operate . However , when the
vehicle is moving, air will enter the passenger compartment through the floor
air outlet.
• MAX (AIR COND)--Air from the p~ssengercompartment is· mixed with a
small amount of outside air, conditioned and discharged from the upper
outlets. This position with the
temperature lever in full COLD is used for
maximum cooling under conditions
of high temperatu re and humidity .
• NORM (AIR COND) --Outside air is conditioned as it passes through the
system and is discharged from the upper outlets. This position is used for
most air conditioning situations.
• BILEVEL (AIR COND)--Outside air is conditioned and directed out the upper
outlets PlUS the floor air outlet. A small amount of air also flows trom the
windshield defroster outlets.
This position provided comfort and keeps the
windshield clear under low fogging conditions .
• VENT (ECONOMY)--Outsid~,air is discharged from the upper outlets. This position is used in cool. to moderate weather when· conditioned air· is not
required. The air conditioning compressor is turned off.
• HEATER (ECONOMY)-'-Outside air is delivered from the floor air outlets
with a small amount from the windshield defroster outlets. This position is
used for most winter driving. The air conditioning compressor is turned off.
• DEF--Outside air is conditioned and delivered from the windshield defroster
outlets with a smail amount delivered from the floor air outlet. This position
is recommended for conditions
Of severe fogging and icing only.
Air Outlets
The instrument panel air outlets may be rotated or vanes turned to direct air flow in direction' desired.
For additional air flow a lap cooler is provided under the steering column. This outlet has vertical vanes and can be rotated up or down as desired . Under this
lap cooler is an outlet with a control that can
be moved to the IefI or right for
opening and closing , controlling the amount of air
to the floor from the bottom
of the outlet.
ELECTRO-CLEAR REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER
The optional defogger may be turned on after the engine is running by placing
the switch (on the instrument panel) in the
ON postlion . Power is indicated by a
green light. After the defogger has operated for a short time, the system will
automatically
shut off. If further defrosting or defogging is des ired, simply
actuate the switch again.
The defogger will not function if the ignition is off.
2-25