
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine SEcnON 1
BEFORE DRIVING YOUR MONTE
CARLO
DRIVER DAILY CHECKLIST
Be sure you know your vehicle and its equipment and how to use it safely .
Before Entering the Vehicle '
1. See that windows, mirrors and lights are clean and unobstructed.
2. Check whether any tire is low or flat (H any tire ,looks different from
normal,
we recommend you check it with a tire pressure gage.)
3. Look for fluid leaks.
4. Be sure everything is properly stowed.
5. Check the area behind the vehicle ~ you are about to back up.
Before Driving Off
1. Lock all doors .
2. Adjust the seat and movable head restraints, if so equipped .
3. Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
4. Fasten seat belts.
5. Check that all the warning lights work as the ,key is turned to "Start."
6. Check all gages (including the fuel gage).
7 . Release the parking brake
(and see that the "Brake" light turns off).
See related topics in this manual , or the Maintenance Schedule folder, il
~" problems are found.
Guard Against Theft
For tips on how to protect your vehicle and its contents, see "'Starting and
Operating," Section 2 of this manual.
KEYS
Two different keys are provided for the locks on your vehicle. The key code is
stamped
on the "knock-out" plug in each key head.
• Key withsquar, head -for ignition lock only .
'IDENTIFYING
IGNITION LOCK DOOR LOCKS & ALL OTHER LOCKS
• Key with oval head -for all other locks.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine For vehicle security:
• RecoId the key code IlUIT1b8rs, then lmock the plUQ$ out of the keys .
• Keep the key. codes In a sale place(SU<;h as your wallet) , NOT IN THE
VEHIClE.
Stamped on the key is a letter indicating the proper key blank needed if
duplicates are required . .
If the original keys are lost, duplicates can be made using the key ~s,
Co,nlaet any GM dea,lerora locksmith.
If you park in an atteOOadlOt , leave only your square -head ignition key.
Lock your
glove box and take the oval-head key w~h you. This will help
prevent illegal entry into the glove box (if locked) and trunk compartments .
DOOR LOCKS
•• Bo,th .dQQrs can be locked , from the inside by depressing the passenger guard
door lock ' buttons located on the upper door panel. The doors can be locked
from the outside by first depressing the door lock button and closing the door.
The doors can
also be locked by USing the oval-head key.
All models
have as a standard Safety feature overriding . door locks. When the
doors are locked, the door latch mechanism is inoperative, preventing
inadvertent opening of the
door by movement 01 the inside handle .
Power Door Locks
The optionally available power door locks allow you to lock or unl""k your
.... .
;., .. 2~rs by operating the switch marked LOCK located on either door panel. The auton ratiC' ·locking mechanism does not interfere wjthmanual operation . of any
door
lock button. The, doors will not unlock or open with the inside door handle when the lock button is depressed , but can be unlocked individually by Ufting the lock button. .
CAUTION: To help IHlen the chance and /or severity of Injury in an accident , ~IW'ya Ioek'-the doora when drivinv. Along with uSing the aelt beltl properly, locking the doors, etC~1 helps prevent occupants from being thrown from the vehicte during accident •. It also, helP. prevent unintended opening of the doors I'nd help.' keep out intruder. \jVMn the vehi,cle is stopped.
STOWING THINGS IN (OR ON) THE CAR
CAUTION: , Luggage or other cargo shouId-not be piled higher than the SHtbllc::k& . When at all poss6bIe, luggage or cargo should be c.n.d in the trUnk. The filler panel In front of the rew window should, not be used to cerry objects-even those thlit are small and light. AU items shoukj M secured in place. 'This will help 'keep such things from
being thrown about al1~, injuring people, In the car dUrl,ng a sudden maneuver or an, accident. Cargo weight" 'whether , Inside or on the root, ahould be positionecl as far forward as possibl8~ .
Manual Window Control
Turn manual window conlrol clockwise " to raise right windows and
counterclockwise to raise lell windows . Reverse direction to lower window .
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine •
• One easy two'handed method is to hokUM webbing just behind the "",,'-",.,'-' latch plate using \he hand nearest the door. Theil bring it down across
your body. While
holding the webbing taut with one 'hand , slide the
latch plate up the beH with the other hand. Finally. hold the latch plate
and push
~ into \he buckle until ~ clicks .
• Position the "lap" portion ofthe belt across your lap as LOW ON THE HIPS as possible. If the lap portion did not snug itsen to your
satisfaction. adjust it
to a SNUG FIT by pulling the "shoulder " portion
of the beH UPWARD through the latch plate, until the lap portion is snug across your lap. This rewces the risk 01 slicing under the baH
during an accident.
CAUTION: A snug fll with the lap belt positioned low on the hips is neceSsary to help Iesaen tl'Ml· chMlce and /or severity 01 Injury in an .c:cktent. This •• acts the force 01 the lap bett oyer the strOO9 hipbone instead of acrou the 10ft .txtomen.. To he1p .....,. the chance and/or severity of injury in an accident ; never ute the ..".. belt for more than One per.an at • time; do not put the lap ben over the optional center armrest; do not wear belts twisted; and do not let ben. or belt hIIrdware become damaged by pinthing them in the seat or doOr.
• The shoulder porti
impact At other times ilis designed to move freely with the person .
1·6

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 Tire Inflation
Underinflation not only causes needless wear 01 the tires, but can also waste ' fuel. It's a good idea to check tire pressures often and, fO( the best fuel
eccnomy, keep your tires inflated to the highest pressures shown on the Tire
Placard on the left front door of your vehicle .
Wheel Alignment
Improper toe alignment will cause the tires to roll at an angle, which will result in faster tire wear. It takes' power to overcome this improper alignment which.
in turn, wastes fuel.
STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS
ANTI-THEFT STEERING COLUMN LOCK
The anti-theft lock (ignition) on the right side of the steering column has five
-""'positions: .
• Accessory-You can use SO
• Lock -Normal parking position. It locks the ignition and prevents normal use
of the steering
wheel and shift controls. The ignition key cannot be turned
to "Lock" and removed until the shift lever is moved to "P"(Park).
• Off-You
can turn off the engine without locking the steering wheel and shift controls.
• Run-Normal operating position.
• Start-Cranks the engine.
If you have trouble turning the key to uniock the ignition, first be sure the key is
pushed in
all the way . Then , try to turn the steering wheel as hard as you can
in the direction the
wheels are turned. At the same time, turn the ignition key
with as much effort as you can apply with your hand; Do not try to use a tool of
any kind to
apply more force on the lock knob, as this could break the knob .
NOncE: Do not drive through, idle or park your vehicle over combustible marla Is, .uch •• grass or leaves. They could touch the hot eJlhauat .ystem .-.cIlgnite.
Parking
When leaving your vehicle unattended :
2-6

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine • Firmly apply the parking brake. Do not use ·the transmission as asubsmute for the parking I)rake.
•
Move the automatic transmission shift lever to "P"(Park).
•
Turn the key to "Lock ."
•
Remove the key (the · buzzer is designed to remind you).
• Lock all doors .
TURN SIGNAL AND HEADLIGHT BEAM LEVER
The turn signal lever on the left side of the steering column also controls
headlight low-beam and high-beam and the optional Cruise Control. (For Cruise Control operation, see page 2-12.)
• Turn Signal -Move the lever up to the second stop to signal a right turn.
Move it down to the second stop to signal a left turn. When the turn is
completed, the signal will cancel and the lever will return to horizontal.
• Lane Change Signal -In some turns, such as changing lanes, the steering wheel is not turned far enough to cancel the turn signal . ·For convenience,
you can flash the turn signal by moving the lever part way (to the first stop)
and holding it there. The lever will return to horizontal when you release it.
TURN SIGNAL MOVE UPWARD -R.H. TURN MOVE DOWNWARD -l.H. TURN
I LANE CHANGE I MOVE UPWARD TO
HEADLIGHT BEAM CHANGER (HEADUGHTS ON)
PUtl LEVER TQWARDYOU
l$T STOP-CHANGE FROM LEFT TO 'RIGHT lANE
MOVE DOWNWARD TO 1ST STOP-CHANGE FROM RIGHT TO LEFT LANE
A green light on the instrument panel is designed to flash to tell, you that the
lront and rear turn signal lights are working . If the light stays on, but does not
flash, check for burned-out turn signal bulbs.
If the green light does not come on when you move the lever, check the fuse and indicator bulb. However, if
you ordered a traiter towing option in which extra wiring was added to attach
the
trailer lighting, a different type'of flasher was installed. In tliis case, the
green light will continue to flash even if a turn signal bulb bUrns out. Therefore ,
you must
regularly look at the front and rear turn signal lights to be sure they
are working.
• Headlight Beam Changer -With the headlights on, pull the lever toward
you until you hear a click, then release it. The lights will change from Iow
beamto high-beam or from high-beam to low-beam . When the hig~-beams
are on, a blue light will appear on the instrument panel.
CORNERING UGHTS
The front fender cornering lights operate in conjunction with the turn signals.
When the turn signal is operating in either direction, and the headlights or
parking
lights are on, the corresponding cornering light emits a steady
sideward beam to provide additional illumination .
2-7

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine This radio combines the features of anAM-FM stereo radio with a stereo
casselletape
player. To playa casselle tape:
1. Turn the radio on. (On'very cok;! days , allow a few minutes for warm-Up)
2. Insert the casselle squarely through the door above lhe radiO dial, as
shown on the door. This automatically switches the unit from radio to tape
operation .
If the sound is garbled (or there is no sound), eject the tape and reinser1 it squarely .
3. After the casselle has snapped into position, adjust the volume and fader
controls to your prefe(ence.
4. To quickly advance to the next selection , lift the COmbination Fast
Forward /Fast Reverse
(FF /FA) bullon (to the left of the tape door) until ij locks. To release the fast forward lock, return the FF / FR bullon to its
center position. To
listen to an earlier selection, push down the FF/FR
button. To release fast reverse, move the bullon to its center position . The
sound will·be mufed during fast forward or fast reverse operation.
The tape player will automatically shut off at the end of the tape, but the radio
will not resume playing until you eject the casselle.
I. To remove the casselle, fully press in the "Eject " bullOn .
2. To change to the second program: eject the cassette, turn it over (end-for-
end) and reinser1 it, again according to the oulline on the door .
Remove the casselle
when not in use. Casselles which are 30 or 60 mnufes
long will give the best results.
See also "Tape and Tape Player Care"for maintenance information.
AM-FM Stereo with Citizens Band Transceiver
If your vehicle has an optional DelCo GM Citizens Band radio, please refer to
the
separate booklet suppiied With this unil.
MOBILE RADIO SYSTEMS
Mobile two-way units are subject to Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) regulations and must be installed by trained radio people. Mobile
telephones installed by your local phone company, Citizens Band (CB) radios, and garage door openers normally will not affect vehicle operation. If any other
mobile radio transmitters are installed, there can possibly be adverse eftects on
vehicle operation .
Antenna
The standard radio antenna is incorporated in the . windshield glass. If
necessary, adjustments for maximum antenna eftectiveness can be made by
your Authorized
Dealer.
Power Antenna
The optional power antenna is controlled by the radio . When the radio is ON
the antenna will go up. When the radio is turned OFF either by the ON /OFF
knob or by turning the ignition switch to the OFF position, the antenna is
designed to gb down.
2-29

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