1981 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO service schedule

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine A WORD TO MONTE CARLO OWNERS
This man ual has been prepared to acquaint -you with the operation an"d main~
tenance of your 1981 Monte Carlo, and to provide important safety informa­
tion, It is supplemented by a Maintenance Schedule and two Warranty Informa ­tion folders. We ur ge you to·read these four publication s carefully. Follow the
recommendations to he lp assure the most enjoyable, safe and troublefree opera­
ti on of your vehicle .
While reading this manual, you will notice that specifications are given in both metric and customary measures. Where precise.--accuracy is not needed, some
conversions have been rounded to even numbers for your handy use.
When it comes to service, remember that your Chevrolet dealer knows your
vehicle best and ' is int eres te d in your complete satisfaction.
Fotadded mechanIcal and electrical protection beyond the end of the New
Vehicle
and Pow er Protection Plus Limited Warranty, consider the GM Con­
tinuous Protection Plan. The Plan is an optional service agreeO"lent which covers
repairs to specified major vehicle-components, provides rental car allowances,
towing and road service allowances, and many other features which enhance
ownership
both during and after the warranty. It cover~ your car for a total
of 36 month, or 36,000 mile, (50 000 kilometers in Canada) , whichever comes
first or for 48 months, 50,000 miles depending upon which of the four Plans
offered is purchased. Be sure to discuss the GM Continuous Protection Plan with your dealer, if you haven't already done so. The ~an is available to you for
up
to 6 months and/or 6,000 odometer miles from the date your new car was
put in dealer service or delivered to you as a new vehicle.
To help dealers handle you r needs, Chevrolet ha s a number of Zone Offices throughout the country. If you have a problem that has not been handled to
your satisfaction, follow the steps in "Owner Assistance." Section 6 of this
manual.
We thank you for choosing a Chevrolet product, and want to assure you of our
continuing interest in your motoring pleasure and satisfaction.
NOTE TO CANADIAN OWNERS:
Some cars sold in Canada have the Computer Command Control system, while
others do not. If a " CHECK ENGINE" light comes on during engine starting,
your car does have this system. For those cars sold
in Canada which DO NOT
HAVE the Computer Command Control system or are equipped with the
optional diesel engine, please refer to the Owner' s Manual Supplement supplied
with your car for information on engine starting, specifications, etc. The
"CHECK ENGINE" light is described in the Instrument Panel se ction of the
Owner's Manual.
If preferred , a French Owner's Manual can be obtained either from yollr dealer or by writing to General 'Motors of Canada Limited, Technical Publication s
Department ,
Oshawa. Ontario L lJ 526,'
Aux proprietaires canadiens
Vous pouvez vous pro curer un exemplaire de ce
guide en francais chez votre
concessionnair e au au "Service des publication s techniques, General Motors
du Canada Limitee. Oshawa.
Ontario L lJ 5Z6.

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 OPERATION IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES
All models which have the Computer Command Control system, (see "Service
and Maintenance," Section 5), are designed
to use unleaded gasoline as
specified under
"Fuel Requirements" in this section of the manual. Therefore,
these cars are not intended for use in areas where unleaded gasoline is
not readily available,
There also is a chance the gasolines available in some countries will not meet the needs of your gasoline engine even if it is not equipped with the Computer
Command Control system; Low~octane-ratedgasolines may cause engine pre­
ignition and serious engine damage, for which Chevrolet is not responsible.
In either case (with or without the Computer Command Control system), the
use of leaded gasoline will cause the emission control system to lose its
effectiveness.
It could also affect coverage· under the emission warranty. In
case of emergency, leaded gasoline may be used in your vehicle if unleaded gasoline is not available, but it should not be used exclusively. If you must use
leaded gasoline exclusively
in a vehicle designed for unleaded gasoline,
different maintenance intervals will be required. For additional information and
a copy of the maintenance schedule write to: Chevrolet Motor Division, Consumer Relations Department, Warren, Michigan 48090, (in Canada, write
to General Motors of Canada Limited, Customer Service Department, Oshawa,
Ontario
L 1J 5Z6).
When writing, please
include:
•
the Vehicle Identification Number and
• the countries in which you plan to travel.
Tires
If you plan to use your vehicle in countries where speeds over 75 mph (120
km/h) are allowed, see lIem3 on page 5-12.
IMPORTANT FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FUEL
ECONOMY AND HOW
TO IMPROVE IT
How you drive, where you drive and when you drive all affect how many miles/
kilometers you can get from a galion/liter of fuel. The careful attention you give
your vehicle as far as maintenance and repairs are concerned
will also help
fuel economy.
Fuel Selection
Use only unleaded gasoline meeting the octane ratings given under "Fuel Requirements" in "Starting and Operating," Section 2 of this manual.
Unleaded gasoline must be used. for the. emission control ,system to operate
properly. Leaded gasoline will damage the Computer Command Control system
oxygen sensor and affect emission control. Using leaded gasoline can also
damage other parts of the emission control system and
CQuld result in 19s8 of
emission warranty coverage.
"Jackrabbit" Starts
You can save fuel (and prolong engine and tire life) by avoiding fast starts
away from lights and stop signs.
2-4

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine "
• The lighl is also designed to come oi, briefly during engine starting so you . can check that the bulb is okay .
• Have the system repaired ifth'e light .d~es· not .come on during engine
. starting or when th.e Parking brake is set.
•
This warning light does not do away with the heed for brake inspection and
maintenance. The brake fluid level must be checked regularly . See your
Maintenance
Schedule folder for other brake checks.
If the light 'comes on andstavson when the ignition key is on, after the brake pedal has been firmly pushed down, it may mean that there is somelhing
'
wrongwith I?"" of the br"kesyjitem.
What to do:
1. Check to see that the parking brake hec been released . If it has been ..
2. Pull off the road and stop carefully, And remember that:
" .• " Stopping ,distances may be longer.
•
You may have to push harder on the pedal.
•
The pedal may go down farther than normal.
3, Try out the brakes by starting and stopping on the road shoulder--then:
• If you judge it to be safe, drive cautiously at a safe speed to the .near,est dealer for ,repair, or
• Have vooicle t6w~ to the nearest dealer for repair.
Continued driving without getting necessary repairs could be dangerous .
"'''''''~''., ENGINE" LIGHT
All gasoline"~~gine VehiCles sold in ttwl,lnited States (aridsorne ' vehidle. sok:!
in Canada) have the Computer Command Control sYstem, (canadian owners
should
also ' read the Nole on the. inside front cover of this manual. )
If your vehicle has thElCoTP\Jter :,eommand:'ContrOI-system, ,a , "CHECK
ENGINE" light
on the instrument panel is designed to come on during engine
starting to let you know the bulb is working ; (The light will stay on a short time .
after
the engine starts,) If the light comes on while driving, service to the
Computer , Command
Control system may be required , Although. the. v.ehicle
may still be drivable, see , your Chevrolet dealer as soon as possible . for an inspection of the system , (Some vehicles sold in Canada, DO NOT HAVE the
Computer Command Controtsystem ,
ILyeur vehicle does not have a "Check
Engine " light, then it does not have the Computer Command Control system,)
Continued, driving without having the Computer Command Control system
serviced
could cause damegeto' the emission control system, It could also affect fuel economy and drivability, .
See also "Computer
Command Control' system" in "Service and Maintenance," Section: 5 of this manual.
Tachometer
The optional tachometer i. ndicates the speed of the engine in revolutions per
minute, The' indicated num,ber, times 100, gives the engine speed, Operating
the engine
with. the tachometer . reading .in the colQr-coded high-speed area could lead to seriOUS engine damage,

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 5
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
CAUTION: As with any mletdne, take car. when making any check, doing any maintenance, or making any repair, to avoid being Injured. Note that some of the materials in this vehicle may be hazardous if used, serviced , or handled improperly. Improper or incomplete servl'c. could alao lead to the vehicle ItMn not working properly which may resuH in personal Injury, or damage to the vehicle or its equipment. n you holy. any question about carrying out some service, hoIv. the service done by a skilled technician.
REPLACEMENT FASTENERS
During vehicle maintenance , any fasteners used to replace older ones must
h ,ave the same measurements and strength as those removed, whether metric or customary. (The numbers on the heads of metric bolts and on the surface s
of metric nuts show their strength . Customary
bolts use radial lines to show
thi s,
while most customa ry nuts do not have strength markings.) Fasteners
taken from the vehicle should be saved for re-use in the same spot when
possible . Where a fastener cannot be used again, take care to choo se a
repla cement that matches the old one. For information and help , see your dealer. .
CAUTION: This vehicle has some parts dimensioned in the metric system as well .. in the customary system. Some fasteners are metric and are very close in dimensnion to well· known customary fasteners in the inch system. Mismatched or incorrect fasteners
can result tnda~tp ~ vehic" or possibly personal Injury.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE AND WARRANTY
FOLDERS
For owner convenience, a separate folder has been provided with your vehicle which contains a complete maintenance schedule. It also briefly describes the
safety I emission control, lubrication and general service your vehicle requires.
The Maintenance Schedule folder is supplemented by this section of the
Owner 's
Manual.
Two Warranty Folders are also furnished with your Vehicle. These provide
detailed information on the :
• t981 Chevrolet New Vehicle Lim ited Warranty
• 1981 Chevrolet Perforation From Corrosion Limited Warranty
• 1981 Emissions Control Systems Warranties, including:
•
Emission Components Defect Warranty
• Emission Pertormance Warranty
• 1981 Chevrolet Powertrain Lirnited Warranty -Power Protection Plus
Read all four publications for a full understanding of your vehicle 's
maintenance needs.
You can get a replacement Maintenance Schedule from your dealer or send
the
VIN (or serial numbe r) of your vehicle to Consumer Relations, Chevrolet
Cent ral Office, Chevrolet Motor Division, Warren, Michigan 48090.
5-1

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