1981 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO oil temperature

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syMBOL CH'AR't
- The followin g-chart will heJp you under stand the meaning of -the new
pictorial
sY"":lboJs use9 for~i4enti-fying,c ontFols and displ~ys pn you r v~hicle.
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, WINDSH IELD
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ENGIN E COOLANT TEMPERATURE
WINDSHIELD WIPER 80 WASHER
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Oil! Choke Indicator Light
This light will come on to prov~ a "bulb check", when the ignition is turnee
on, but should go out after the engine is startee. If light fails to come on with
ignition turnee on,
it could indicate a bumee -out bulb , a defective electric
choke heater circuit or a
blown instrument lamp fuse. Have system repairee if
light
does not come on during check.
Occasionally, this light may flicker . momentarily while the engine is running but
this will· not harm ,the ' system. However, if the ,light remains on during normal
engine operation , the engine shoutd be stopped until the cause of the
trouble can be Iocatee .andcorrectee. The source of the troubte could be any of the following.
•
Loss of engine oil pressure.
• Blown "Choke Heater" or Gage fuse.
• Loss of electric choke heater vo~age.
NOTICE: Continuing to run the engine with an illuminated oil/choke pressure light can cause serious damage to the engine or unusually high exhaust system temp*'ratures which could resuh in serious d8mage to the vehicte.
Choke Warning Indicator Light
On some vehicles equippec with tlie optional .Oil pressure gage, an amber
choke warning indicator
-light replaces the red oil pressure ' indicator light in the
instrument cluster. If this light comes on, indicating loss of electric choke
heater voltage , have your authorizee
Oealer locate and correct the trouble as
soon as possible.
Generator Indicator Light
The red .light VOLT is designee to come on when the ignition.key is in the "run " pos~ion,bul t>efiJrethe 'engine;;, startee. After the engine starts, the
light should go out and remain oul.
H the light remains on when engine is
running , have your Authorized Dealer locate and correct ' the trouble as soon as
possible .
Engine Temperature Indicator Light
This indicator light is providee .in the instrument cluster to. quickly warn of an
overheated engine. 'With the ignition in the START position, the ree TEMP
indicator (hot light) will light to
let you know that it is operating properly.
When the engine is starlee,
the ree light will go out immediately. tt will light up
at no other time unless for some
reason the engine reaches a dangerously
high operating temperature. Glance .at the instrument cluster freqtJentiyas you
drive, if this light is on see
"Engine Cooing System" on page 3,3.
Brake System Warning Light
The regular braking system is a dual system designee so that one part will
provide some braking action
n there is a loss of hydraulic pressure in the other
part of the system. The system has a "Brake" warning Ught Iocatee in the
instrument · panel.
• To serve as a reminder, the "6RAKE" light is designee to stay on when
the parking brake is not fully released and the ignition key is on.

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 Pressing the control will send waier' or 'other cleaning agent onto the
wlildshield until control is released and will also cause the wiper lever to move
thus starting the wiper mOtOL The wiper will continue to operate until manually
turned off at the wiper
control lever.
Fill the washer jar only 3/4 full during the winter to allow for expanson iI the
temperature
should fall low enough to freeze the solution.
• Check the washer fluid level regularly. Do it ofIen when the weattier . is bad.
• Use a fluid such as GM Optikleen to help prevent freezing damage, and for
better cleaning . Be sure to put the fluid in the proper reservoiL
• Do not use radiator antifreeze in the windshield washer; it could cause
paint damage.
• In cQld weather, warm the windshield with the defrosters before using the wesher--to help prevent Icing that may block the driver's vision.
Delay Wiper System
If equipped with this optional feature the wipers may be operated in anyone of
four positions;
DELAY , LO, HIGH or MIST . The Delay position provides
intermittent wiper operation during periods of light rain, mist or fog when
continuous Wiping.
is unnecessary . The 'Mist feallJe provides momentary low
speed wiper operation when needed .
The
Delay feature is actuated by sliding the wiper control knob to the first pOsition to the right of "OFF" .. The amount of delay between wipes is controlled by rotating the control knob .
.• , Maximum delay (slowest wiper speed) is obtained by rotating the control " .. ",. 'l •
The delay interval decreases (increased wiper speed) as the control knob is rotated clockwise. Full clockwise rotation will allow the wipers to operate as if in Low speed.
• The delay feature may be actuated and adjusted for delay cycling at any
time. However , the delay feature will be canceled, ij the control knob is
placed in Low or High speed positions,
MIST OFF DELAY LOW HIGH
Low speed is obtained by sliding the control knob to the second position to the right.
High speed is obtained by sliding the control knob to the extreme right position.
2-20

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine "the "TEMP" light comes on (or, if you have a 900lant temperature gage, the
gage needle goes into the warning zone) and your air conditioner is on, turn it
off.
If the "TEMP" light (or gage) comes on while you are stopped in traffic,
shift the transmission to
"N" (Neutral).
If the "TEMP" light doesn't go off (or the gage needle doesn't start to drop)
within a minute or two:
• Pull over to a safe Place ""d stop the vehicle. Set the parking brake and
shift to "P" (Park) 9r, with a manual transmission, shift to Neutral first, then
set the parking brake.
• DON'T TURN OFF THE ENGINE. INCREASE THE ENGINE SPEED until it
sounds like it's going about twice as fast as normal idle speed. Bring the
idle speed back to normal
after two or three minutes.
tfthe "TEMP" light still doesn't 90 off, (or the gage needle doesn't start to
drop),
NOW TURN OFF THE ENGINE and proceed as follows.
•
lift the engine hood. Look at the coolant level in the "see through" coolant
recovery tank. The coolant level. should be at or above the "Full Cold"
mark on the tank. If it looks like the coolant is boiling, wait until it stops
before proceeding. You should not need to remove the radiator cap to
check the coolant
level and. it can be dangerous if the coolant is still hot. See the following Caution.
CAUTION: To help avoid being burned:
"'-'''''''''i',",,;0-Fc:io'ffi)tcremoy'J~_ c;<)olant recovery tank cap if the coolant is boiling, and
• do not remove -the radiatorc:ap WhilethIit8ngine'-aUid:radiltor a,.Slili hot.
Scalding fluid and steamean be released under pressure it either cap is taken off too soon,
-;<
• If coolant level is low:
•
looklorleaks at the radiator hoses and connections, heater hoses and
connections,
r"diator,and water pump. See that the. fan belts are not
broken or off the pulleys an.d that the fan turns when the engine is started,
•
Add coolant to the recovery tahk.
If
the cQolant level in the recovery tank is althe correct lellel arid the "TEMP"
light (gage) still co"",s.dn,. air may be tr~ in the cooling system, This may
stop coolant from returning to the radiator. In this case, you may have to add
coolant directly to the radiator.
See "Coolant Replacement" under engine
cooling system
in "Service and Maintenance," Section 5 of this manual. Follow
steps 1 and 10. for the correct way to remove the radiator cap and add .coolant
to the radiator.
After the
"TEMP" light is out (or the gage needle is out of the warning zone),
resume driving at a reduced speed. Return to normal driving after about ten
minutes if the light does not come back
on (or the gage needle does not go
back into the warning zone).
3-4

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 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

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine un mUE SAl: VIScOSITY GRADES
F~O 20 40 60 100 C -30 -20 10 0 10 20 30 40 TEMPERATURE RANGE YOU .EXPECT SHORE NEXT Oil CHANGE
NOTICe: DO NOTUSE SAE 5W-2(I OILS fOR COIfi"INUOUS HIGH SPEED DRIVING.
Engine Oil Additives
There are many extra engine oil additives (or helpers) for sale. Your engine
should not need these extra additives if you Use SF-quality engine oil and
change it as suggested. If you think your engine has an oil-related problem,
talk
to your authorized dealer. If needed, your dealer can provide you with a
tested and approved oil additive called "GM Engine Oil Supplement."
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID RECOMMENDATIONS
Proper Fluid -Use only automatic transmission fluid labeled DEXRON® II. You
can buy this fluid from your dealer or other service outlets.
Checking
Fluid Level-Check the automatic transmission fluid level at each
engine
oil change, Overfilling GaI).c"!,J~e foaming and loss of fluid. A low fluid
level can cause slipping or loss of drive. In either case, transmission damage
can result.
To check the fluid
level, first set the parking brake, then start the engine in "P"(Park). With the regular brakes applied, move the shift lever through all the
gear ranges, ending
in "P". You must check the fluid level with the engine
running
at slow idle and the vehicle level.
You cannot read the correct fluid level if you have just.driven you(vehicle fora
long time at high speed, in city traffic in hot weather, or if your vehicle has
been
pulling a trailer. Wait until the fluid cools down (about 30 minutes).
Remove the dipstick
located at the rear of the engine compartment on the
passenger's side. Carefully touch the wet end of the dipstick to find out if the
fluid
is cool, warm or hot. Wipe it clean and push it back in until the cap seats. Pull out the dipstick and read the fluid level.
• If
it felt cool (about room temperature), the level should be 3 to 10
millimeters (118 to 3/8 inch) below the "Add" mark. The dipstick has two
dimples below the" Add" mark to show this range.
• If it felt warm, the level should be close to \he "Add" mark (either above or below).
• If
it was too hot to hold, the level should be at the "Full" mark.
5-5