1981 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO power steering

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 • 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
. ------ ,------

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine After acceleraUng to the desired speed and engaging the Cruise Control, the vehicle ' will no longer slow down when you take your foctot! the
accelerator pedal. TO slow the vehicle , disengage the Cruise Control by
depressing the brake pedal. '
When going up or down
hills (particularl~ when towing a trailer), it is possible for the vehicle to lose or gain speed, even though the Cruise Control is engaged,
If this happens while going up hill, merely depress the accelerator pedal temporarily to maintain the speed desired, If going down a hill steep
enough to cause the vehicle to gain speed, depress the brake pedal -­which will .\)Dth disengage the Cruise Control and help slow the vehicle, In addition, when going down a steep or long grade, the transmission should be placed in a lower .range or gear to help control vehicle speed --see the r~lated caution in the "Transmission" area. '
HORN
The horn on your vehicle is actuated by firmly pressing on the pad in th.e
center of the steering wheel. As a good motorist, use of ·the hOrn should be
kept at a minimum, However,
acquaint yourself as soon as possible with ihis
function of your
vehicle, should it ever become necessary to give a warning to
a pedestrian or another motorist
HAZARD WARNING FlASHER
The hazard flasher is covered on Page 3-' in the "In .Case of Emergency" section.
FLOOR CONTROLS
BRAKING SYSTEM
The regularbraking~yst"r1'lTsdesigned for braking performance under a wide
range of driving conditions even when the
vehicle is loaded to its full rated
vehicle load capacity .
CAUTION: DriVing ttvOUgh water deep enough to wet brake componenu-,may cause the brakes to ,n ,ot .work as well. A, • result the :vehicle will not slow: down at the usual rate,. and, it 'may pull 10 ,the .righ,t , 0.:' left. After chtc;king to the rear for other vehicles, apply the brakes 'lightly , to cheek whether this has happened. 1'0 dry them quicklY,lightly apply the-brakes.. At the aame. time, keep a safe forward speed, with plenty of cle._ space ahead, to the rea" and-to the sides;. Do this- until the brllkes return to norm.l.
Brake Warning Light
The brake system warning light is covered in the "Instrument Panel" section,
Power Brake$
• If power assist is ~Iost because of a stalled engine or other reasons , the
brakes can
normally still be applied with power assist at least" two times
using reserve power.
• The system is designed .to bring the vehicle to a full stop ·on reserve power
if
the brake pedal is applied once and held down. However, the reserve
power is partly used up each time the
brake pedal is applied and released , Do not pump the brakes when brake power assist has been lost; except
when needed to maintain steering control.
2-13

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Air Selector Lever
The air selector lever regulates air flow from the heater, defroster and air
conditioning outlets. It also controls operation of the refrigeration compressor.
• OFF--In this position the blower doeS not operate . However , when the
vehicle is moving, air will enter the passenger compartment through the floor
air outlet.
• MAX (AIR COND)--Air from the p~ssengercompartment is· mixed with a
small amount of outside air, conditioned and discharged from the upper
outlets. This position with the
temperature lever in full COLD is used for
maximum cooling under conditions
of high temperatu re and humidity .
• NORM (AIR COND) --Outside air is conditioned as it passes through the
system and is discharged from the upper outlets. This position is used for
most air conditioning situations.
• BILEVEL (AIR COND)--Outside air is conditioned and directed out the upper
outlets PlUS the floor air outlet. A small amount of air also flows trom the
windshield defroster outlets.
This position provided comfort and keeps the
windshield clear under low fogging conditions .
• VENT (ECONOMY)--Outsid~,air is discharged from the upper outlets. This position is used in cool. to moderate weather when· conditioned air· is not
required. The air conditioning compressor is turned off.
• HEATER (ECONOMY)-'-Outside air is delivered from the floor air outlets
with a small amount from the windshield defroster outlets. This position is
used for most winter driving. The air conditioning compressor is turned off.
• DEF--Outside air is conditioned and delivered from the windshield defroster
outlets with a smail amount delivered from the floor air outlet. This position
is recommended for conditions
Of severe fogging and icing only.
Air Outlets
The instrument panel air outlets may be rotated or vanes turned to direct air flow in direction' desired.
For additional air flow a lap cooler is provided under the steering column. This outlet has vertical vanes and can be rotated up or down as desired . Under this
lap cooler is an outlet with a control that can
be moved to the IefI or right for
opening and closing , controlling the amount of air
to the floor from the bottom
of the outlet.
ELECTRO-CLEAR REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER
The optional defogger may be turned on after the engine is running by placing
the switch (on the instrument panel) in the
ON postlion . Power is indicated by a
green light. After the defogger has operated for a short time, the system will
automatically
shut off. If further defrosting or defogging is des ired, simply
actuate the switch again.
The defogger will not function if the ignition is off.
2-25

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Towing
Proper equipment .must be used to prevent damage to vehicles during any
towing. State (Provincial in Canada) and local laws which apply to vehicles in
tow must be
followed. Get detailed towing instructions from your dealer.
Your vehicle
may be towed on all four wheels, at speeds less than 35 mph (60
km/h), for distances up to 50 miles (80 kilometers), provided the driveline and
steering are normally operable. For such towing, the steering must be unlocked, transmission in neutral and the· parking brake released. Connect to
main structural parts of the vehicle. Do NOT attach to bumpers or brackets.
Remember also that power assist for brakes and steering will not be available when the engine is off.
If the vehicle is to be towed by a wrecker, use only equipment designed for this purpose, following the instructions of the wrecker manufacturer. A safety Chain
system must be used for all towing.
FREEING VEHICLE FROM SAND, MUD, SNOW OR
ICE
If your vehicle gets stuck in sand, mud, snow or ice, move the shift lever on automatic transmission models from "0" (Drive) to "R" (Reverse) in a repeat
pattern.
Apply a light pressure to the accelerator pedal while the transmission is in gear. Remove your foot from the accelerator while shifting. Do not race
the engine. For best traction, avoid spinning the wheels. Incorrect rocking of your vehicle while it is stuck may result in damage to vehicle components.
CAUTION: Do not spin the wheels faster than 35 mph (55 km/h). Personal injury and
damage (inCluding tire, transmission and/or rear axle failure) may result from excessive
wheel spinning.
If the vehicle remains stuck after several rocking attempts, seek other
assistance. Also see the Notice under '(Automatic Transmissions" in "Steering
Column-Controls," Section 2 of this manual.
3-9

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine PART NUMBER
1051516
1050017
1052277
1050172
1050173
1050174
1050214
f' 1050237 .... 1050244
1052280
1050427 1050429
1052349
1050729
1051055
1051398
1051515 1051172 1051855 1051858
1052103
1052271 1052272
APPEARANCE CARE AND MAINTENANCE MATERIALS
SIZE DESCRIPTION
32 02. 10.946 U Washer -Solvent and Gas Line De-Icer 3 '2 oz, (0.946 LI Power Steering Fluid 16 oz. (0.473 LI Spray-A-Sq ueak
16 oz. (0.473 L) Tar and Road Oil Remove'r 16 oz . (0.473 L) Chrome Cleaner and Polish 1602.10,473 LI WhiteSidewall Tire Cleaner , 32 oz. 10.946 L) Vinyl/Leather Cleaner 16 oz. 10.473 L) Finish Guard Cleaner 16 oz. (0.473 L) Fabric Cleaner 1'2 oz. 10.354 L) Heat Valve Lubricant 23 oz. (0.680 L) Glass Cleaner 6 lb. 12.72 kg) Multi·Purpose Powdered Cleaner
16 oz. (0.453 kg) Lubriplate (White Grease) 8 oz. 10.237 Ll Vinyl Top Cleaner 16 oz. (0.473 LI Preservatone 8 oz. 10.237 L) Spot Lifter 32 oz, 10.946 LI GM Optikleen 20 oz . (0.567 kg) presofl®ed-Cleaner/wax 32 oz. 10.946 U Dexron II 16 oz. (0.473 1I GM Engine Oil Supplement (E.O.sJ 1 gal. 13.785 L) Anti·Free ze Coolant lethylene glycol base) 23 oz. 10.680 L ) GM Gear Lubricant 15 gal. (60 L) GM Gear Lubricant
USAGE
Washer Solvent and gas line Oe-icer Power Steering Weather Strips -stops squeaks on metal-to-metal and metal-to~ rubber contact Removes old waxes, polishes, tar, and road oil Removes rust and corrosion on chrome and stainless steel
Cleans white imd black tires Spot and stain removal on leather or vil'lyl One step cleaner and wax and aluminum· wheels Spot and stain removal on cloth and fabric Free up sticky heat ri;ers -general purpose penetrant Glasscleaning and spot cleaning on vinyls
Cleans vinyl and cloth on door trim, seats, and carpet-also, tires and mats Grease for hood, trunk and door hinges and latches
Cleaning of vinyl tops Viny l Top Dressing SPOt and stain removal on cloth and fabric
W indshield washer solvent and anti-freeze One step c leaner/wax Automatic transmission Consult your Dealer for specific usage
Year round coolant and anti-freeze Rear axle lubricant Same as 1052271

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Rear Axle, Standard
See Section A of the Maintenance Schedule folder to find out how often the
lubricant level should be checked. If you pull a trailer, the lubricant must be changed as recommended in the Maintenance.Schedule folder.
Add lubricant, if needed, to fill to the level of the filler plug hole on the
passenger's side of the
differential case. Use SAE BOW GL-S or SAE BOW·90
GL-S gear lubricant. (For those vehicles driven in Canada, use SAE BOW GL-S gear lubricant.) You can also use special gear lubricant Part No. GM 10S2271
or 10S2272. You can buy these products from your dealer.
Rear Axle--!-imited-Slip Differential
See Section A of the Maintenance Schedule folder to find out when the lubricant should be drained and refilled.
Refill to the level of the filler plug hole with special gear lubricant part No. GM
1052271 or 10S2272. You can buy these products from your authorized dealer.
Power Steering System
Check the fluid level in the power steering pump as recommended in the
Maintenance Schedule folder.
Add GM Power Steering Fluid (Part Number GM 1 OSOOI7) as needed:
"HOT"
"COLO"
"ADD"'"
• If the fluid is warmed up (about 66'C or IS0'F --hot to the touch), the
fluid level should be between the "Hot" and "Cold" marks on the filler cap
indicator.
• If cool (about 21 'C or 70'F), the fluid level should be between the "Add" and "Cold" marks.
This
fluid does not need periodic changing.
Air Cleaner Element
When replacement afair cleaner filter.;element is necessary. an AC air filter element is recommended.
See your Maintenance Schedule for change intervals. Operation of vehicle in
dusty areas will',necessitate more.frequentreplacernent.' Your dealer. can be of
assistance in determining the properreplacement.frequency for the conditions under which you operate your vehicle.
S-9

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine CAUTION': It" the alr 'l;lMner i, ren;oveci during repair or maintenance, bel"'re to put H bl,ck on'eQr~ctly. It the air cleilner Is 'not correctly Inltalled. there could bea fire in the engine compertment (It there ~Id h..,.,en to be a backfire) , or other engitie mallunc1lon .
Front Suspension and Steering Linkage
Lubric;lte fi tngsatlhEj ' intery;>1 showninthe Maintenance Schedule with water
resistant
EP Chassis lUb(icantwhich meets GM SpecifICation 6031M.
NOTICE: ,Ball ' joints, should "not be . lubrieak.d unlesS, their temperature il -12"C (10"f},or higher,During ,coldweather, theyahould" .. ~"al,)c)~ to,warm up al nece ... ry ,before being lubricated or damttge to the baH jOint-Could occur. . , ' '.' "
.. ,. fIRnl 'N. c~~~arings
Clean and repack front wheel bearings with a high melting point wheel bearing
lubricant . at the interval shown in the Maintenance Schecule. Use wheel
' bearing lubricant GM Part No. 10 5~ 344 or equivalent.
NonCE: ," Long fiber " or "vbeou.'-' type"iubricenf ~kI nol be used, Do not mix wheel ~irinQ"lUbricant., Be sure to thoroughly c5aan bearings and hubl of all old lubricant before repacking.
Tapered roller,bearings uaed'h'Hhis 'veh icle have' .. sUghtly looSe teel when properly adjusted, They must never ~ over tightened (preJoaded) or sev .... bearing damage may resuit. Con.utt your,Authorized Deektr or Servi<:e.r.enual tor peper detailed adjustment procedures and specifications. . '~". :...,"" .... ~"";~f>"'~"'-"'''''',','',' ,::, Hood tlltchesand.Hood Hinge
At the interva l shown in the Maintenan ce Schedule lubricate hood latch
assembly
and hood hinge assembly as follows :
1. Wipe off any accumul"ti~!).ofqirt Qfoontaminationon latch Pi1!'ts.
2. Apply Lubriplate . or equivalent to latch pilot bolts and latch locking
plate .
3. Apply light engine oil to all pivot paints in release mechanism, as well
as primary and Secbndary latch mechanisms.
4. Lubricate hood hinges .
5~ Make hood hinge and latch mechanism functional check to assure the assembly is working COfTectiy.
Freedom Battery
Your new vehicle has a Delco FREEOOM battery. It neecs . no periodic
maintenance .
Its top is permanently sealec (except for two small vent holes) and has no filler capS. You will never have to add water.
The hydrometer (test indicator) in the top of the battery provides information for
testing purposes only.
For full power needs at replacement time, a Delco battery wijh the same catalog number as shown on the original battery's labe l is recommended ..
CAUTIQN: ",' FOllOW the precautions listed in the' Jump Starting ' 'Caution (see ' Ihe "In Case of EmergenCy " settlon of this manual) when workmg On or 08. a bMtery. Personal Injury {particularly to eyea} or 'property damage may result from battery e~ battery acid, or electrical (short circuit) burns.
5-10