1981 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO fuel pressure

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.
1-1

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 the top of the key toward you.
• 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 H Engine Fails To Start After Normal Starting Pr.ocedure:
1 . If you tried the cold ef1gine starting procedure and the engine did not start,
then
fully depress and release the acceleraior pedal several times. Take
your foot off the
pedal and crank the engine by turning the key to "Start."
2. If you tried the warm engine starting procedure (or the eold engine
procedure
and Step 1 above) , and the ef1gine still does not start, press the
accelerator pedal to the floor and hold it there while cranking the engine.
This should clear the engine if it is flooded. .
3. If the engine has been flooded with too much fuel, It may start to run but not have enough power to keep running, In that case, continue
cranking
with 11M! accelerator pedal aU the way to the 1100< until the
engine clears
~self of excess gascHne and runs smoothly. (But, do not
crank more than 15 seconds atatime Or you could damage the starter.)
TRANSMISSION
DESCENDING A GRADE
CAUTION : Before ,:,9C)i1l9,d ,01!Wn a steep or long grade, reduce speed and shift the transmission Into low or second gear '9 ~1p Driving on SliPPery Surfaces
Whether your vehiCle has an optional limited-slip rear axle or a standard axle ,
usecare,,¥t\1 range, whe;;1eitli'er'plt5()l!W_wIl~elS8fe..traveling over a slippery surface.
Sudden acceleration or engine braking action (due to
shilling to a lower ge,n)
could cause one or both drive wheels to spin or skid and the rear of the vehicle
to slide sideways on the crowned · surface.of a road or in a turn, Normal skid
correction is
called for at these times.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS
Automatic transmissions replace the standard cMch and transmission. After
starting
the engine with the selector lever in"P" (Park) or "N" (Neutral)
position, select the range desired
(see table) and depress . the accelerator. A
gradual start
with a steady increase in accelerator pressure will result in best
possible fuel economy . Rapid acceleration for fast startS will result in greater
fuel consumption. ..
AutomatiC transmission shift quadrants of all GM vehicles continue the uniform
sequence of
selector positions. Shift indiCators are arranged with "P"(Park)
position atone end, followed in sequElf)ce by "R"(Reverse). "N"(Neutral) and
the forward
driving , ranges .. All .automatic transmiSsions are equipped with a
starter safety switch'
design'ld to permit starting the ef1gine only when the transmission selector is in the "P"(Park) or"N"(Neutral) position. For
additional engine braking
eflact, as SOmetimes needed in mountainous driving,
place thetransmi$Sion in an intermediate or low range.
2'9
::"

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 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 FUEL CAP
The fuel cap is.behind the. rear license plate.
NOTICE: tt you need: to repWce the fuel cap, use only a cap with these same features as specifie your dealer.
The fuel tank filler cap has a "screw-on ratcheting type" feature .
• _ To remove -rotate cap counterclockwise to clear the inside of the filler
neck. This will allow any residual pressure to escape .
_ To install -reverse this procedure and tighten cap securely until a
"ratcheting ". clicking sound is heard indicating cap is on properly.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
.Ttle .cal;!ly:tic converter is an emission control device added to the exhaust system,' to reduce exhaust gas pollutants. The converter contains
a ceramic material coated with noble metal catalysts. To prevent contamination
of the catalysts , unleaded gasol;"" must be used . Unleaded gasoline also
reduces spark plug louling. exhaust system corrosion and engine oil
deterioration.
The catalytiC converter requires the use of unleaded gasoline. Using leaded gasoline wilt cause --the converter to lose its effectiveness as an
emission control device. Leaded gasoline will also damage the Computer
Command Control, system oxygen sensor, which could affect emission control,
fuel economy . and drivability.
~,~.,y..'~,","~ ... :..., To help 'prevent damage:
1. Keep your engine properly maintained . Engine malfunctions involving the electrical, carburetion or ignition systems may result in unusually high
catalytic con verter and exhaust . sy~tem temperatures which, under
extreme malfunctioning conditions·, may ignite interior floor:"'covering
materials above the converter. Do not keep driving your vehicle if you
detect engine misfire, noticeable loss of performance ,or other unusual operating conditions. Instead. have it serviced promptly.
A properly maintained
engine will help avoid malfunctions that could damage
the converter.
~ will also help provide good emission control and fuel economy.
See the Maintenance Schedule , folder for information on inspecling and
maintaining the engine. exhaust system. and other components. .
2. Do not drive through or Idle or park your vehicle over combustible
materials, such as grass or leaves_ They could touch the hot exhaust
system and ignite.
3. Do not push or tow this vehiCle to start it. This may result in unusually
high catalytic converter and exhaust system temperatures which under
extreme conditions may ignite interior floor -covering material above the
converter.
Pushing or towing to start can also damage · the catalytic
converter itself.
Disregarding these
instructions could damage the cataly:tic converter. the
vehicle, or nearby property.
5-2

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 Freeing Vehicle When Stuck . Hazard Warnong FlaSher Jacking Jump Starti ng
Towing: Cru EtIlIssion Caution EmISSic:m Control
3·9 3·' 3·4, 3'5
C ata lytic Conve rter 5-2 ~te< Command ContrOl System 2·18. ; ·3 CHECK ENGINE ligh t Exha ust Ga s Caution
F uel Requ irements (Gas) E",,~
2·18. 5·3 ,., , .,
... " Break -In Code Coo~ng
(See Ma intenance Schedule) 2·2 , .; ;·6 El ,.,
.. , 2·9 ,.,
(See "Fuel") ' ·5 . .. 3·1 Ideflti hcation Jump Starting . C>r Overheating . Spec~fcations Starling . Cold WeaHJeI Star ting (Gasoline) Temperature Gage Tempera ture 19h1 Thermostat E OOIN E ligh!
{See ··Oir . . EllIjne··) 3·3 ,., ,.,
'·6 2·t9 2· 17 5·6 2·t8 El"9oo Oil. (See ·'Oi l. E'ngine.') E thylene Glycot Antifree ze
E)(hausl Gas Cau tion E~~. System , If'Ispection. Ederior Fnsh Care .
Fabric Care
Fan,
Healer & Air Cond FASTEN SEAT BELTS Light. . Fastener s. RepIacemeflI .. Fifter s
Air Cleal'lEl!' . , Finish Care. Firish Damage . Flammable C\e.aoets .. .. F lashers Hazard w arning . Turn Signal..
Flooded EngIne . Starling . Floor Controls .. F luid Capacities .. FM Radios .. Folding Seats ...
5·' ,.,
, .,
... . 4·4 ,., 2-24. 2·25 '·6 5 ·'
;., ,., ,., . . • -1
3·.1 ..... 2:7 . ....... , 2·9 ......... 2·13 ..... ..... 7·1
F Ofeign CounlrllltS . Operation in ... FOUl' Season Ioit ~ . Four·WayHazard FlasheI' ... Freedom Battery .. Freeirig Car When Stt.JCk.". , .... Cop . Economy Tips .. Gogo Gasohol .. a...... Octane RaIing ..
;., , ., . 2 ·15 . '. ..... 2-3 ....... .. . 2-3
7 ·7
Overse3$ OpefatiOtl _. Tanl( Capacity Fuse
Cha rt
Circuit Breakers ...
""'" Engrne Temperat lJ'e
Fuel.. Oil Prossure Tachometef (Engille $peed) Voltmetet' , .. Gasoline
GEN (Gener ator) Light
Glas s Clea ning
Gto"e 80)( Guard AQaIIlSl Theft Hazar d Warning Flasher Headlight s Circuil &eakel IJimmtIf Switc h
instrument Pa~ SWitch Light s ON Reminder .. Head Restraint s .. tEAT Light. Heated Rear Wmdow .
2·' ,.,
'·3 '·3
2-1 9 2-15 2·19 2·18
2· 19
(See "Fuer') 2-\7 ..,
2-16 ,.,
3'
.7-3 2,14 2--?1
2-21
'·5 2·17 2·25 Heat er/Air Condihoner2·23. 2-24 High ·Beam Head~ghl!i 2-2t _ 1·13 5·10 . (Inside Back Colter) 5·10. !Inside Sack Cover)
Hitches. Traile( . Hood Latches .. Hood Release . Horn .. HOT UghL Ideotihcation Nt.mbers 19r>ilion K9YS Lock . In Case of EIT1efgenc:y .nocator lights ... Infant Seats & Aestra.nt .. II1l1ati04'l Pressure. Tires. Inlets . Air.
2-t3 2·t7 7.·5
,.,
2·' ,., (See "UghIS") 1 ·10. r_ll 5·12 2·23 Inside Rearview Muror , '-3 Instrumetl t Pan&! & Controts .. 2·15 InleilOl Appe«i¥1Ce Care.. 4-1 Interior & inst rumen t Lights (See "Lights" ) Jacl:: Operation & Stowage.. 3- 4. 3 ·5 . 3-6 ~ S\aI1ing .. 3- 1 Keys...... '·1 Lane Ct\ange &. Turn Signals 2-7 Lap- Shoulcler Belts . (See "Seat Bells") L_
,_­Hood ...
,..
(Inside 8acto: Cover) Sealback. From. 1-4 Trunk . 2-22 lighter. Cigarette ... 2·22 ligh<' BRAKE .... ...................... .................. 2·1 7
Bright s On. !lui> c.... O£CI( ENGINE Choke Warning .. Comoring .................. . CouttKY·· ClimrneI-Swoi1ch. HNdigflt .. Electrical S)Stem (GEN) ..
2-21 ,..
2·18.,5·2 2-17 .. ....... 2-7 '·30 2-1. 2-11