1981 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO oil change

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 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 • Opet'ating the transmission at 'Of 'near,"st8Jlcondition" lor more than 1 0
secorlds at a time, ("Stall condition" is wfj~~ t~e engine is running at ,high
speed while the transmission is in a driving range arid the drive wtieels
aren't moving, such as when stuck in deep sand or whe(l the vehicle is
against a fixed barrier.) ,
•
Holding vehicle on an upgrede with the acCelerator pedal. (\Jse the regular
brakes to hold vehicle on an uphill grade.)
Column Shift Lever
The heavy line in the illustration indicatesihe movementol the shift lever as it
is lifted to shift into Reverse Of Low arid into or out 01 Park position . ,
~ ---. .,.-'.' . ...,..~;~.. .. .. -- -' -, .-,--. Floor ConsOliFSI\1ff~"~,,(C'·,':"
The floor shift lever may be moved freely between Neutral and Drive arid between 1 and 2. Press lightly oil the shift lever button (located on the side 01
'. ttie-shift lever) as you shift into ReviJ(se ' or from Drive into ~, Depress the
button fully when shifting into or out 01 the Park position . ExerCise ,care when
depressing button to
prev,!"'t unintenti should be noted that the tra~smission responds to manual upshift only within
the
load ,arid speed criteria that satisfy requirements lor an autDmatic upshift, ~ -. - -.
POWER STEERING
II the power steering assist' system goes'''' ut beeaus .e the engine has stalled or due to a lailure , the vehicle can ,still be steered . However , much greater eitort
is needed , especially in sharp turns or at
low speeds . '
TILT STEERING WHEEL
The optional tilt steering wheel The tilt steering wheel (where equipped) can be
tilted up above
normal position to provide edditional room lor entrance' and exit
as
well'ss . selected driving ,positions bei<>w ilormalheight. The ti~ control lever is located on the left side 01 the steering.'column just behind . the turn signal
lever . To operate pull
the lever tow'¥ds you and move the steering wheel to
your desired
pos!~on then releaSe!?e lever. This permits individual seleclion 01 the most comfortable positionS lor. all driving conditions , On longer trips the
steering wheel position may be changed to help minimize tension
and latigue.
2-11
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine AM-FM Stereo Radio
"A 9J 1J ':4 "C b 0 ': 12 1~ '~
This· radio works the same as the AM-FM monaural radio . Be sure you also
read "Speakers" and "Stereo Sound "above for more information .
AM or AM-FM Stereo with StereoS-Track Tape
I __ ~ __ ~ 1 ____ Woil
9~ 10~ 104 lOb o 10 12 14 tf>
1=
This system provides the convenience of an AM .or AM"FM stereo radio
combined with a stereo tape player' in'lI1e'-same unit. TO play atape:
,. Turn the radio on. 'c·
2, Insert ethe cartridgE! through the radio dial doo", label side up and open end
first. ' This automatically switches the unit from radio to tape operation .
3. After the cartridge is firmly seated, adjust the volume and fader controls to
your preference.
4 . Each of the four programs will
play in succession automatically , or you can
change programs manually by pushing in the
left knob . Each time the knob
is pushed and released the unit will step to the next program, To remove
th e tape cartridge , press the push button
labeled "Eject." The unit will
return torll-dio operatlpn .
AM-FM Stereo with Stereo Cassette Tape

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 JACKING
CAUTION
To help avoid personal injury:
• Follow air jacking and stowage instructions.
• Use jack only for lifting this vehicle during wheel change.
• Never get . beneath the vehicle, start or run engine while vehicle is supported by jack.
• Always securely restol" sp!.re tire (orflattire) and all jac king equipment.
Wheel Nut Torque .
CAUTION: As soon as possible atter installing a wheel -AND at the intervals stated
In Section 'S of the Maintenanc," Schedule folder --have a technician tighten wheel nuts with a torque wrench to the specifications shown in "Specifications," Section 7 of this manual.
Wheel nuts should be tightened alternately and evenly to the correct torque.
Never use oil or grease on studs Of nuts.. Jrnproperty tightened wheel nuts could eventually aUow the whee! to come off while the veNeta Is moving, -po$$rbty causing
personal injury , damage and/or klss of c_ontrol. (Also see the "Replacement Fasteners" Caution In "Service and Maintenance ," Section 5 01 this m8nu81 regarding the danger of mixing metric and custom,sry fasteners. And, see the "Replacement Fasteners " Caution
under "Tires" in the same seclion regarding the importance of obtaining good metal-to­
metsl contact.)
Stowage ·of. Tire . and .!aC;.k,. . .
CAUTION: Always securely restow the spare tire assembfy (or nat tire), all jacking equipm ent, any tire inflator, and any covers or doors, using the means provided. This will help keep such things from being thrown about-and injuring people In the vehicta d.Ufing a sudden maneuver or an accident.
Before stowing
the tire, be sure:to clean the tire well 01 anything that would keep the tlr. from resting on the bOttom of the well. To stow the jack, place its lever in the "UP" position and. move the handle back and forth until the column is ·secure in the receiver (see Illustration). If these steps are not taken, the tire or lack may push against the trunk lid so thai the trunk lid cannot seal tightly. This _ may allOw carbon monoxide from the '. exhaust system -to get _inside tiMt c • . ttvougtl the trunk. (See "Engine -Exhaust Gas Caution (CaroonMonoxkle) " al the beginning of "Starting and Operating,'; Section 2 of this manual .)
Extended Vehicle Storage
If you plan to store your vehicle over an extended periOd of time, certain steps
should be taken to give it maximum protection.
It is recommended that you
write the Chevrolet Motor Division , General Motors Corporation, Consumer
Relations Dept., Warren , Michigan
48090, for detailed instructions on how to
prepare your vehicle for storage .
3-7

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine SECTION 4
APPEARANCE CARE
CAUTION: Some cleaners may' be poisonous or flammable, and their Improper ' use
may cause personal injury Or damage the inside of the vehicle. Therefore. when-cleaning the inside -of the vehicle , DO NOT USE votatile cleaning solvents tueh _: acetone , lacquer thi"".r., enamel reducer., nail polish remover.; or suCh cleaning materials as laundry soaps, btl.eMs or reducing agents except .a noted in the fabric cleaning advice on stain removal which follows. NEVER use carbon tetrachloride, gasoline, 'benzene, or naphtha for any cleaning purpose.
Overexposure
to these vapors may result in 8 hNIIh problem. This is even more likely to occur in small, unventileled _spaces. tt is recommended thIIl ,II vehicle cf NonCE: To avoid possible permanent discoloration of white-or light colored seata, DO NOT let mat_58ls with unstab'e dyes corne in contact with seat trim materials until these materials are tota.Ny dry. (This Inch •• s C*1ain type$ of casual clothing , such as colored denims, corduroys, leather.and suedes; also decorative paper, etc.)
CARE AND CLEANING OF THE INTERIOR
With the use of modern trim materials, it is' VERY IMPOR.T~NT.)tJatyou use
proper
cleaning techniques and cleaners. Failing to do this on the first cleaning
may
result in water spots, spot rings ; or setting of stains or soilage, all of which
are
more difficultt'! remove.i~ ~~nd cleaning. . '
Some
of the foilo;';ing cleaning"insi,UctiOns are in CAPITAL LETIERS. These
are especially important and MUST be performed.
Dust
and loose dirllhatcollect on interior . fabrics should be removed oIIen with a vacuum cleaner or soft bristle brush . Wipe vinyl or leather trim regularly with
a clean damp
cloth. Normal trim soilage, spots, or stains can be cleaned with
these GM cleaners:
Dncrlptlon
G.M.Spot lifter 8 oz. (.237L)SoJvent Type . G.M. Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner
G.M. Part No.
1051398
6
lb. (2 .72 Kg) Foam TyPe 1050429 The above products are 'excellent cleaners when u:;ed properly.
They . are '
available through 'your' Author,zed dealer.
Remember these basic steps before cleaning :
1. Remove stains as quickly as possible before they become "set"
2. Use a clean cloth or sponge ; and change to a clean area often. (A SOFT
brush may be used if stains jlersist)
3 .
Use 'solvent-type cleaners only in a well ventilated area; also, do not
saturate the stained
area.
4-1

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Choosing Oil Viscosity
Engine oil viscosity (thickness) has an effect on fuel economy. Lower viscosity engine oils can provide· better fuel economy; however, higher temperature
weather cOl1ditions. require· higher viscosity .engine. oils· for satisfactory
lubrication.
It is recommended that you select an oil not only of the proper quality and
viscosity, but also. a fuel-saving product.· These oils can be found in Chevrolet dealer serviGe departments, service stati()ns and other retail stores. They are
identified by words such as: "Energy Conserving," "Energy Saving," "Conserves Gasoline," "Gas Saving," "Gasoline Saving," "Friction
Reducing," "Improved Gasoline Mileage," "Improved Fuel Economy" or "Fuel
Saving."
The following chart lists the engine oil viscosities recommended for the
tE3lT1per~ture range you·. expecLbefore your next oil change. For temperatures
above -18'C '(O'F), SAE 10W-30 is the preferred viscosity grade. If cold­weather starting problems are encountered at temperatures below -18'C
(O'F), SAE 5W-30 viscosity oils m?-y be required.
Change Intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for your engine are based on the use of SF-quality oils and high-quality filters such as AC oil filters. Using oils other
than
SF-quality, or oil and/or filter change intervals longer than recommended, could reduce engine life.
Damage to engines due to improper maintenance or use of incorrect oil quality
'andl0r"'vi$9()~ity}s .~ot covered by the Chevrolet new car warranties.
Your engine WEIS filled with a high-quality engine oil when it was built. You do
not have to change this oil before the first recommended change
interval.
•
Severe Service-Change the oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles (4 800
kilometers) or three months (whichevefcbmes first) if one or more of the following "severe service" conditions is often encountered:
• Driving in dusty areas.
• Towing a trailer.
• Frequent idling or idling for long periods.
• Oriving 4 miles (6 kilometers) or less in freezing weather.
• Change the oil and oil filter as soon as possible after driving in a dust storm.
~ Norma! Service-If your engine is not a turbo-charged engine and your
normal driving does not include one of the above "severe service" conditions, change the oil every 7,500 miles (12 000 kilometers) or 12
months, whichever comes first. Change the oil
filter at the first oil change,
then every other
oil change, if mileage (7,500 miles or 12 000 kilometers)
determines when you change the oil. If time (12 months) determines when
you change the oil, change the filter with every oil change.
• If you have a turbocharged engine, it is VERY IMPORTANT to change the
oil and oil filter EVERY 3,000 miles (4 800 kilometers).
5-4