1981 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO spare tire

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 Compact Spare
The-compact spare tire is designed to.save-space in your trunk, and its lighter
weight makes it easier to install if a flat tire occurs. The lighter weight also
helps
improve fuel economy.
If you have a flat tire, follow the japking .instructions in this manual, while keeping these points in mind:
• Check the tire inflation pressure as soon as practical after installing the
spare (we suggest you use a pOcket-type high-pressure inflation gage) and
adjust to 415
kPa (60 psi). The tire pressure should be checked at least
monthly and kept at 415 kPa (60 psi) while the tire is stored.
c"""'.M~llijIW.9u~ use at speeds over 50 mph (80 km/h) is not recommended.
NOTICE: -Bec~us~ this tire is, smaller than the standard tire,-vehicle ground clearance is reduced. Avoid driving over obstacles, -and do 'not take your car through an automatic car wash -while _ the spare is installed. The car may catch on the equipment, possibly resulting in property damage.
• You can expect tread ,life up to 3,660 rhiles(4800 kilometers), depending onJqact~ondi~ions and your driving ~~bits. To conserve tire tread life, returri the -spare to _ the storage area as soon as the standard tire _ can be
repaired or replaced.
•
Because the compact spare was specifically designed for your car, it should not be used on any.other vehicle.
• The
compact spare tire and wheel are cfesigned for use with each other.
The comp,,:ct spare tire should not be mounted on any other type of wheel,
and the compact spare wheel should not have any other type of tire mounted on it. Also, do not try to use wheel covers or trim rings on the
compact spare wheel since they will not fit. If such use is attempted,
damage to these items or other vehicle components may occur.
• Do not use tire chains with your compact spare tire. Because of the smaller
tire size, a tire ChaiR will not fit properly. This could cause damage to the car and result in loss of the chain.
3-8

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine If the tires are other than standard load range (or load range B for metric size
tires). the
load range will appear after the tire size stated on the Tire Placard.
Inflation Pressure
The Cold inflation pressures listed on the Tire Placard provide for the best
balance of fuel economy. tire life. riding comfort. and vehicle handling under
normal driving conditions.
These pressures
should be used for all vehicle loading conditions. except When towing a trailer. See. "Trailer Towing in "Belore Driving Your Monte
Carlo." Section 1 of this manuaL
Incorrect tire inflation pressures can. have adverse effects on tire. lije and
vehicle performance. Too low an air preS$urecaul>eS incre f~lure,. It can result in tire overloading, abnormal tire wear, adverse vehicle handling. and reduced fuel~nomy .. Too high an air pressure can result in
abnormal wear. harsh ride. an.d can increase the chance of damage from road
hazards.
LUGGAGE/CARGO LOAD CAPACITY
Maximum Luggage Compartment Load
Coupe 72 Kilograms (160 Pounds)
"'"~~\"'_"~"""_'","",' NOTICE: Total combined weight of luggage _compartment 16ad •. ·.luggage rack load (when equipped). trailer tongue load and passengers must not exceed the vehicle capacity
weight (shown on the Tire Placard located on the left front door).
· ·' .L' Check tire inflation pressures at least monthly (this includes the spare tire) and whenever your _ vehicle is serviced. When -possible, check tire inflation pressures when'the tires are "cold."
1. The "cold" ttr~inflation pressure is the tire pressure when a vehicle has
not been driven more than one mile. (1.6 kilometers) after Sitting for three
hours or more. This is the most accurate setting.
2. It is normal for tire pressures to increase 30 to 60 kilopascals (4 to 8
pounds per square inch) or more when the tires become hot from driving. If you must set inflation pressures when the tires are not "cold," add 30
kilopascals
(4 pounds per square inch) to the recommended cold pressures on the Tire Placard.
3. For sustained driving at speeds of 75 mph to 85 mph (120 km/h to
140 km/h), in countries where such speeds are allowed by law, cold
inflation
pressures must be increased 20 kPa (3 psi) above the cold
inflation pressures stated on the tire placard up to the maximum for
each load range as listed in the Chart below. Sustained speeds of 75 mph to 85 mph (120 km/h to 140km/h) ar!! not allow!!d when the 20
kPa (3 psi) adjustment Would require the pressures of either the front or
the rear tiles to be greater than the maximum pressure for each load
range listed on the chart below. For speeds faster than 85 mph (140 km/h) follow Caution at th!! beginning of this "tire" section.
5-12

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine CAUTION: Before installing wheels, remove any· buildup of corrosion on the wheel mounting surface .and brake drum or brakedilic mounting surface, by scraping and wire
brushing. Installing wheels without good metaHo-metal contact at the mounting surfaces
can cause wheel nuts to loosen, which can . later allow a wheel to come off while the vehicle is moving, possibly causing loss of control. (Also see the "Wheel Nut Torque"
Caution in "In Case of Emergency," Section 3 of this manual, on page 3·7.)
-'-:'O'rt-
P<1 ~ELRo:t 4 WHEHROTATION PREFERRED ·OPTIONAl
DO NOT INCLUDE "TEMPORARY USE ONLY· SPARE TIRE IN ROTATION
• THE OPTIONAL 'X' ROTATION PATTERN FOR RADIALS IS ACCEPTABLE WHEN REQUIRED FOR MORE UNIFORM TIRE WEAR
Alignment and Balance
Proper wheel alignment· improves tire tread. mileage. Your vehicle's suspension
parts should be inspected often and aligned when needed. (See the Maintenance Schedule Folder for more information.) Ball joints have built-in wear indicators and some movement in the joints is normal. Improper
alignrnentwill not cause the vehicle to vibrate. However, improper ~Iignment can cause:
• the tires to roll at an angle, which will result in faster tire wear;
• your tires to wear unevenly;
• your vehicle to "pull" to the left or right. .
Proper tire balancing provides the best riding comfort and helps reduce tire
tread· wear. Out-of-balance tires can cause annoying vibration and uneven tire wear such as cupping and flat spots.
Traction
Driving, cornering, and braking traction are reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel, or other material is on the road. Adjust driving practices and vehicle speed to road conditions.
When driving on wet or slushy roads,a wedge of water can build up between
the tire and road. This is known as hydroplaning, and may cause partial or complete loss of traction, vehicle control, and stopping ability.
To reduce
the chance of traction loss, follow these tips:
1. Slowdown during rainstorms or when roads are slushy.
2. Slow down if the road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace the tires when the tread wear indicators are showing.
4. Keep the tires properly inflated.
5-14

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine If yqurv~hicle has TPC radial tires (see ;'Tire Aeplaceinent" in this section),
your tires were designed to provide better snow traction than bias or
bias­
belled tir~ wijhout snow treed. However, ij you use conventional snow tires,
be sure they are the same size, ioadrange , and construction type (bias, bias­belted, or radial) as your other tires .
Tire Chains or Similar Traction Devices
Use of chains may adversely affect your vehicle's handling. When using
chains:
(1) adjust speed to road conditions, (2) avoid sharp turns, and (3) when possible, avoid locked-wheel biaking.
I~ addition , to help prevent chain damage to your vehicle:
• Inslall the chains on the 'rear tires as tightly as possible , then tighten them
again af1er driving 1 /4 to 1 /2 mile «}:4t6·(} .. 8 kilometer) . The use 01 chains
on the front tires is not recommended; the chains may contact
and possibly
damage the vehicle :
If you intend to use chains on the front tires; be sure ther~ is enough clearance.
• Danai exceed 45 mph (70 krn/h), or the chain manufacturer's speed' limit, if lower.
•
Drive in a restrained manner and avoid large bumps, potholes, severe turns .
and other manuevers wliich could cause the tires to bounce up and down.
• Follow any other instructions 'of il1li -chain manufacturer which do not
disagree with the above.
n you buy tire chains, make sure the side chain fasteners are not wider than
the side chain
links; otherwise, the .chains may contact and possill!y.d~age. your vehicle. • .
Spare Tire
For the·useandinslalla~qf"I'WL.~~._tire, see "In Case of Emergency," Section 3 of this manual. ..,· •.. 4.
Tire Replacement
CAlITION: Do not mix different tire construction types (such as radial, bias, artd bl .. belted) on your vehicle except In emergenci •• , bee.UN your vehicle's handling could be aftKtedandmay resun"in loea o':control. ThiscauUon does not apply to a stowaway ; compact, or temporary spare Ore furnished with your vehicle.
On most vehicles originally equipped wijh radial .tires, you will find a TPC Spec . No. (Tire Performance Crijeria Specijication Number) molded into the tire
sidewall near the tire size marking . This shows that the tire meets rigid size
and performance standards which
weredevelopelffor your vehicle . The TPC
Spec. No: assures a proper combination of endurance , handling, load capacity,
ride and traction on wet, dry, and snow-covered surfaces. When you replace
your tires with tires having the
same TPC Sp~. No., your new tires will be
cOrTlpatible with your vehicle .
5-15

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine -. lap/ShOulder ..• light/Buzzer Reminder .. Pregn!lll1 Women ..
1-10 ,., ,.,
,.,
Rear Seal.. SeIr·~stiOg BrakE!S .. SENSOR Indicator:
......... 1-8. 1-9
Sensor, Oxygen .. serviCe & Maintenance Service Station Information .. CoVer)
_ 2-14 5·3 '·3 5·' (Irisioo' Back
ShOOt Metal Damage". Shoulder Belts .. Sidemarker ,lights.
4·5 (See "Seat Betts")
Signals. Turn .. Slippefy Surfaces, Driving On .. Snow Chains
Snow Tires _. Sounds (Buzzers. Tones,elc.) Disc Brake Wear Indicator.
Headlights On .. Key Reminder. Seal Bell Spare Tire
"""-Jacking Stowage Spark Plugs Sound Systems (Radios): Speakers .. Spatilicatlons
Speed,CrUise Control .. S~. New Car Break-In. Speedometer & Odometer Spot Cleaning Stainless Steel Protection. stains. RemOval' 01".,.; Starter Salety Switch Starting Emergency (Jump. Starting). Engine Fails to Start Gasoline Engine. Pushing to Start. Steering Column Controls Column lock. Power .. Wheel, Till Stereo. Radios & Tape Systems 2·29 Stowage 0( Tire & Jacl< Stowing Things In (Or (0) Gat StucfI. Car, Freeing. Sunrool ................... . Suspension Ball Joints Tachometer Tape Systems, Stereo T ernpei'ature Gage T~ature light Thefmostat
2-26,
7-4 2·' 2·' 5-15
5-15
2-15
2-21
. 2-7 ,.,
3-8 3·5 3·' 7-2
2-26 2-27
,., 2-12 2-2 2-15 4·2 4·4 4-3 2·'
3-, 2·' 2"8 5·2
2·6 2·6 2-11
2-11
2-28,
3·' '·2 3·' 2·30
5-10 2-18 2-27
2-19
2-17 5·' Tilt-Away Steering Whee! 2-11 TipS. Operating (See "Operating TIPS" TlreS) Air Pressure. 5-11
7·9
ChainS ..
-. Cleoning. 5-15 3-4,3-5,
U .; _ ... 4 .... 3·6 """-' -.. H..,·_ .. . ............. _ ..... _ ...... 5-12
Inflation Pressure. Load Capacity .. Load Range .. Overseas Use. Placatd .. PreSsur&,·Ait.,
Replacement WhOOIs .. Stowage .. Trailer Towing. Top Care, Vinyt .. Towing OisablOO Vehicle .. To start .. Trailaring .. Transmission
........ 3-4,3-5, 3-6 5-12 5-11 5-11 . ............. ; ... 2-4 . .......... _ ... 5-11 5-12 5-17 3~5. 3-6,3-7 1-12 ...
,., .._ .... : .. 3-9 1-12
Automatic .. (See ,'Automatic TransmiSSion") Transmitter, Mobile Radio .. Trip Odometer .• ... T,,... Driving With Trunk Open ......... 2-2 Key. 1-1 Release, power .................... 2·22 Turbochafgef Oil Change_. 3-33 Turbocharger Power ...... ....... , ........... 2-32 Tum Signals.. . .... 2-7 Unleaded Gasoline (See "Fuel") Upholstery Care _. . 4-I
Vehicle Identification Number 7-5 Vehicle Loading.. 5·11
Ventilation System.. 2-22 Vents, Outside Ail".. 2-22 VIN 7-5 Vinyl
Fabric Care Root Care .. Vollmeter ..
... 4-2 4-4 2-19
Warning Flasher, Hazard Warning. Lights .. '-3-1 (See "lights-:) (See WarrantY folder) Warranty Washers,· Windshield
Washing Car. Waxing & Polishing . Wear Indicators, Disc Brake
Weight, Load Carr'iiog. Wheel Changing Wheel Nut Torque
Whgels, Replacement
Wheal, Till Steering.
Windows Manual.
Pow~ Rear, Defogger .. Windshield
2-19
. .............. 4-4 ...... 4-4 ........ 2-15 5-11 3-5 . . 3-6 3-7, 7-2 5-17 2-11
Defrosting & Defogging ..... , ............. 2-25
Washer Use in Cold Weather .. 2·20 2-19 2-19 Washer Fluid .. Wipers & Washers
Wrecker Towing
Zone Offices .. ................. 3-9 6-2, 6-3

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine SERVICE STATION INFORMATION
Refer to "Service and Maintenance,"
Section 5 for Further Details
Fuel Cap -Localed behind the license plate.
See fuel cap removal procedl,lre on page 5-1.
Fuel Requirements -Use unleaded gasoline only. See "Fuel Requirements "
in "Starting and Operating. " Section 2 of this manual.
Hood Release - Located beneath the instrument panel to the left of the
steering column. To open, pull the handle to release the hood lock. Then push down slightly on the hood while lifting the underhood lever , and raise the hood. (See illustration).
Engine Oil Oipstiek-Located on right or left side of engine block depending on engine model. Check the engine oil level when the oil is warm, such as during a fuel stop. Keep the oil level above the "Add " line on the dipstick .
Engine Oil Recommendation (Gasoline Engine) -Use only SF-quality oils. (See "Service and Maintenance," Section 50f this manuaL) The chart on page 5·5 will serve as a guide for choosing the proper viscosity oil.
Tire Inflation. Pressures -Check at least monthly (including the spare, unless it is a stowaway spare). Keep them inflated to pressures shown on
the Tire Placard on the left door. (Keep compact spare tires inflated to 415 kPa or 60 psL)
Engine Cooling System -Check the fluid level in the "see·through " coolant recovery tank at regular intervals , such as during a fuel stop. (See "Engine Cooling System " in "Service and Maintenance, " Section 5 of this manual.
Windshield Washer -Check reservoir fluid level regularly. Use a washer fluid, such as GM Optikleen .
Battery -Your new car has a Delco FREE[X)M It battery. You will never have
to add water. The hydror:neter (test indicator) in ,the cover provides infor­mation for testing purposes only.