1981 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO key

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 -_. .••.• ,-.1., ...... ,.,--.-
Restraint Of Pregnant Women
General Motors urges that pregnant women use a lap-shoulder belt whenever one is present. This will help lessen the chance of a pregnant woman and her
unborn
chil .d being injured andlor will help reduce the severity of their injury in an acc ident. The tap belt should be used alone if a shoulder ben is not present
7: such as in a rear ·seat. In eitlJer case, the lap belt should be worn as low and snug over th.(hips a! f possible , as advised for regular seat belt use (see
the .preced i
ng instructions) .
SEAT BELT LIGHT/BUZZER REMINDER
,.".,." ·;t "W h'eii '1hI>'key ·is .turned to "AUn" or "Start ," a remi!)der IightilLdesigned to
corne
on for four to eight secondS,." is to remind riders to fasten their seat
. belts.
•
If the driver's seat belt has not been buCkled. before turning the key to "Aun " or "Start ", a b uzzeri. diiSigned to sOund for four to eight seconds
(or
until buckled) as a reminder.
~ the seat belt or reminder system does not work as descri~. see your dealer
tor service.
Lap Belts For Rear Seat (And Center Front Seat) Passengers
• Aear seat lap belts next to side windows have retractors which are
designed to take . up extra webbing.
• In a single motion, pull the rear seat outboard lap ben across your lap lar enough to push the latch plate Into the buckle, until it clicks . If the belt is
not
pulled outter enough to reach the buckle , let the lap belt rewind fully
into its retractor . This .unlocks it so the belt can be pulled out to the proper
length .
• These belts should be positioned , worn and released as described -above under "Front Seal LapoShouider Belt ." After fastening , check that the belt
is
SNUG by pulling the belt firmly across your lap toward the lap belt retractor . This will allow the retractor to take up slack.
• Lap belts at center seats also should be positioned, worn and released as described above : however, they do not have retractors . They should be
adjusted to a SNUG FIT by pulling on the end of the belt coming from the
adjustable latch plate.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine • To lengthen the center seai lap bett,place the latch plate at a right angle to
the belt webbing and pull on the latcn plate. The belt should then slide
easily .
...,
ADDITIONAL REAR SEAT SHOULDER BELTS Offered as an
Accessory by ,Your Dealer
• When properly worn with a lap bett, a shoulder belt can give riders added protection . It can prevent or reduce impact with the iilsidesof the vehicle
by restraining the upper 'body in a collision. This is especially true in a
frO!ltal'~';".,'k '~ " ','" ' , • , ' "
• To use t~e detach8lJ1lf~Ider'belt .. place the knob on the shoulder belt end in the "keyhole " On the lap' belt latch plate (before fastening the lap
belt.)
Tilt the knob as needed to pass it through the Slot. Pull the, knob
firmly upward to seat n at theoarrow· EI/ld of the keyhole , thet;l·fasten the lap ,belt. Do this in reverse when taking'off the shoulder bett and putting it .
away.
• The 'detachable shouidElI'bilfts,can way ,as center seat lap belts.
•
The de1achable , shoulder belt should have enough slack to put a fist's
width between your chest ,and the, bett . This can be checked by putting a clenched fist between the bett and your chest. (Place the thumb side of
your fist against your.&hest with the back of your hand facingu·p.)
, 1-9

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 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 :
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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 .
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine STARTING THE ENGINE
For vehicles sold in Canada which do NOT. have the. Computer Command
Control system, pleru;e refer to the Owner's Manual Supplement supplied with
your
vehicle for engine starting procedures . (If a "Check Engine" light comes
on during engine starting, your
vehicle does have the Computer Command
Control system.)
1. Apply the parking brake.
2 . Move
the transmission shill lever to "P"(Park) or "N"(Neutral) ("P"
preferred). A starter . safety device is designed to keep the starter from
operating if the shift
lever is in .any drive position . (If you need to re-start
the engine while the vehicle is moving, move the shift lever to "N ." )
3 . Start the engine .as outlined below for different conditions . Be sure to
follow the instructions which apply to your engine . (The Engine Code is the
8th digit on the
VIN plate at the lower left side of your windshield . See
. "SpeCifications" .Section 7 oUhis manual for more details.) "~" ...
NOTICE: Do not crank the engine 'or more than about 15 seconcls at a time. Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again. Thla will hetp prevent damage to the starter.
• COLD ENGINE
•
All Engines -Press the accelerator pedal to the floor and slowly
release it. With your foot 011 the pedat, crank the engine by turning
the ignition key to "Start." Release the key when the engine starts.
If the engine does not start or starts, but fails to run, repeat this
procedure
.
• .• • .
,., .•..• ·Whe!\. '.he engine is running smoothly (about 30 seconds), you can reduce
the engine
idle speed by pressing clown onthe.accelerator · pedal. then slowly releasing ~. .
NOTICE : If the engine runS a long time (S minutes or more) without pressing down the accelerator pedal, overheating OOl,lkf'C;.auM : damage -to 'the engine and exhaust system. ' I, .
Do not Ie.Y~ yoot vehicle ,unattended with the engine . running. H the engine should overllut, you would not be there to I'NCt to the temperatwe wwnlng light Of gaga. This
could reaun if! costly damage to your vehicle and Ita contents.
• Warm Engine
• All -Do not press clown the accelerator pedal. With your foot off
the
pedal , crank the engine by turning the ignition key to "Start." II the
engine
does not start after 3 seconds of cranking, press clown the
accelerator pedal to 1 /3 of its. travel while cranking. Release the key
(and accelerator pedal) when the enginjl starts.
• Very Cold We'lther (Below -1S"C Or O"F Or After Vehicle Has Been Standing Idle Several Days) • Before cranking the engine, fully depress
and release the accelerator
pedal one or . two times more than stated for
your engine under
"Cold Engine" .starting. Then, with your foot-oil the
accelerator pedal, crank the engine by turning the ignition key to "Start." Release the key when the engine starts.
4 .
Apply the regular brakes and shift into. the proper gear. Release the
parking brake and
drive off.
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