1981 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO warning lights

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine SEcnON 1
BEFORE DRIVING YOUR MONTE
CARLO
DRIVER DAILY CHECKLIST
Be sure you know your vehicle and its equipment and how to use it safely .
Before Entering the Vehicle '
1. See that windows, mirrors and lights are clean and unobstructed.
2. Check whether any tire is low or flat (H any tire ,looks different from
normal,
we recommend you check it with a tire pressure gage.)
3. Look for fluid leaks.
4. Be sure everything is properly stowed.
5. Check the area behind the vehicle ~ you are about to back up.
Before Driving Off
1. Lock all doors .
2. Adjust the seat and movable head restraints, if so equipped .
3. Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
4. Fasten seat belts.
5. Check that all the warning lights work as the ,key is turned to "Start."
6. Check all gages (including the fuel gage).
7 . Release the parking brake
(and see that the "Brake" light turns off).
See related topics in this manual , or the Maintenance Schedule folder, il
~" problems are found.
Guard Against Theft
For tips on how to protect your vehicle and its contents, see "'Starting and
Operating," Section 2 of this manual.
KEYS
Two different keys are provided for the locks on your vehicle. The key code is
stamped
on the "knock-out" plug in each key head.
• Key withsquar, head -for ignition lock only .
'IDENTIFYING
IGNITION LOCK DOOR LOCKS & ALL OTHER LOCKS
• Key with oval head -for all other locks.
1-1

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine DISC BRAKE WEAR INDICATORS
Front disc brakes have bum-in we .ar indicators which are desigled to make a
high-pitched squeating or
cricket·tike warning sound when the brake pads are
worn to where new pads are needed . The sound will come
and go. or be heard
all the time when the wheels are rolling, but will stop when the brake pedal is
pushed down
firmly. Expensive damage can result if pads are not replaced When needed .
See also the brake checks listed in the Maintenance Schedule folder.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS
INSTRUMENTS
The instruments . gages and indicator lights convenienlly grouped in the
instrument cluster are designed to tell you at a glance many important things
about the perform ance of your
vehicle. The following information will enabl e
you to more quickly understand and properly interpret these instruments.
Speedometer
The speedometer hand indicates vehicle speed in miles per hour and
kilometers per hour.
Odometer
The group of six figures in the, speedometer lower center sectiori indicates the
accumulated mileage.
Trip Odometer (optional)
The trip odometer may be reset to zero by turning stem to. the right This
instrument may be used to 1TI<\':!1 .. aPC~rately record trip mileages 'or kilometers .
Fuel Gage
The fuel gage will register the APPROXIMATE fuel level in the tank. when the
ignition is in the
RUN position .
When the
gage registers EMPTY. some fuel is still available as a reserve .
When the gage registers FULL. some
additional fuel can still be added to the
tank. The following conditions maybe considered normal:
•
Gas station pump may shut off before fuel gage indicates FULL
• Amount of gasoline reqUired ior fill~up may not exaclly correspond to gage.
• Needle
may not move awa y from FULL until some time aiter fill·up .
• Needle
may move during turns. stops and accelerations.
When the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position, the needle will not
necessarily return all the way·to the EMPTY mark.
2·15

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine ~
OSTANDARD OOPTIONAL
'"
OPTIONAL
r , ).
1. Fuel Gage 2. Warning Lights 3. Speedometer 4. Hi-Beam Indicotor 5, Odometer 6. Clock 7. Glove Box 8. Wind'shield Wip.r Control 9. Light Switch
10. Rea r Window Defogger Switch 11. Heater and Optionol Air Conditioning Control
m
12. Ashtray 13. Cigarette lighter U. Radio and Control. 1.5. Turn Signal Indicator 16. Tachometer 17, Warning Gages
18. Shift Indicator
19. Check Engine 20 . R.H . Outside Remote Mirror

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine The Mist feature, intended to remove incidental windshield spray such as from."
passing vehicles is activated by moving the control knob to the extreme left ,­
and holding it in this posnion. The wipers will continue to operate until tile
control knob is released and allowed to return to the OFF position . .
The washer system is operated by depressing the control knob for one or two
seconds in any position.
In the OFF position the wipers will oper,ate 3 to 5
times and then stop .
Ught Switch
The three-position light switch controls the headlights, taillights, parking ~ghts, sidemarker lights, instrument lights. and dome lights as shown. Instrument light
intensity can
be varied by turning knob clockwise or counterclockwise. Full
counterclockwise position turns on interior light An optional head lamp warning
chime sounds when the ignition key is. placed in either the OFF, ACC or LOCK
positions. , ....
. ,-"",,.
NOTICE: When the parking lamps or t)Hd1ampS .... to be operated with the key in the OFF position, the reminder-chime can be shUt-Of' by turning the light switch knob until the instrument elu.1er Ifghts are not on. '
The headlarnp circuit is protected by a circuit breaker in the light switch. An
overload on the breaker will,cau$e the lamps to "flicker" on and off. If this
condnion develops , have your ·headlamp wiring checked immediately. The
headlight beam changer is located in the Turn Signal Lever; for operation see
Section 2 under heading "Turo Signal and Headlight Beam Lever."
Headlight High ,Beam Indicator Ught
The he!).dlights of your vehicle have high and ... loW beams to provide you with
proper nighttime visibility for most driving condnions. The "low" beams are
used during most city driving . The
"high" beams are especially useful when
driving on dark roads sinCe they provide long range illumination . The headlight
beam indicator light (located on the speedometer face) will be
ON whenever
the high beams or "brights " are in use. The turn signal l headlight beams and is described in "Steering Column Controls ."
Headlamp "ON" Warning Chime
The optional headlarrl> reminder chime provides' an audible warning thai the
main
light switch is in one 0/ the "on" posnions, either parking lights or
headlights. .
2-21

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKER
The wiring circuits in yoUr 198 -1 Chevrolet are protected from short circuits by
a
combination of fuses, circllit breakers, and fusible thermal links in the
wiring itself. This greatly reduces the hazard of electrically caused fires in the
automobile. The fuse junction block is located under the left side of the
instrument panel .
The headlight
wiring is protected by a circuit bre a ker in the light switch . An
electrical overload
will cause the lights to go on and off, or in some cases to
remain off. If this happens, have your headlight wiring checked right away.
Be sides a fuse , the windshield wiper
motor is also protected by a circuit
breaker .
If the motor overheats, due to over load ing caused by heavy snow,
etc
., the wiper will remain stopped until the motor cools. Be sure to have th';·
cause of the overloading corrected.
Also , a
circuit breaker , on the f~se. panel, protects the power window, power
seat , rear
window defogger (elec.) and oth'9rcircuits when vehicle is so
equipped. Where current load is too heavy , the circuit breaker intermittently
opens and. c loses , protecting the circu it until the cause is found and
eliminated.
Fuses, located in th .e Junction Block beneath the dash on the
driver'S side are:
Fuses
Instrument Lamp , Heater Dial, Audio Alarm ........................ 5 Amp
Electronic Control Module. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Amp Cru ise Control ,Rear Defogger , Gages , Warning
Lamps, Warning Buzzers, Closed Loop
......................... 20 Amp
License , Parking
Lamp, Sidemarker Lamps, Tail Lamp ............. 20 Amp
Heater ,
AIC ................................. _ ................... 25 Amp
W iS Wiper ..... · ................................................. 25 Amp Stop Lamp ,Hazard Lamp, Courtesy Light, Dome Light,
Glove
Box Light , Underhond Light ............................. 20 Amp
Luggage Lamp, Lighter, Clock, Key .Warning Buzz er, Dome & .
Read Light, Power Antenna , Closed Loop ....................... 20 Amp
Radio, Delay Wiper ,
Idle Stop Sol. .............. _ ................. 10 Amp
Back-up Lamps, Dir.
S ig. Lamps ................................. 20 Amp
Choke Heater ............. .............. _ ............... ........ 20 Amp
7·3

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine AJt Cleaner. Ail CoricIitionor FOlK Season .. Mainten ance .. AM" Pressu-e. Tires. AM" Vents. Alterna tOf tGEN) l.ghl AUniIlUffi Cafe .. AM or AM-FM Radios Antenna Antifreeze . Appearaoc e Care . Ash1rays & Lignler s. Assistance. Owl"lef Automat ic Door Locks. Automatic Transmission CorwElfter ClUlch Maintenanr;e
"""'-OpefaJ .... '1 TiPS.: AKIe. Re ar Standard . lifnited-SHp . Babies. AesCraint 01 .. BaIt Joints .. fun..., E mergency S ta ring F reedom. Gas Caution ..• GEN 191I... .•.• Test Indicator ...
. ........ 5-9
2-24
5-11
5-12
2-23 ....... 2·17 ... 2:27. 2-28 2·29 (Seo "Coolant") ,.,
2·22 6·' ,.,
2·10 5-5 .. 2 -9 2 ·'
5 ·'
5·' 1·10. ,-" . 5·1 0
3 ·' 5-10 3·' 2-17 5·10 Betore Dr iving Your Vehide... \. Bells: Sea!....,.. . (See I'Se at Belts") Blower, Healer & Air Cond.. 2-24. 2-25
Body Da mage . 4-4
.. """ ~,. Pedal Travel Trailer Towing .... Warning Ught .
2·14 2-\4 H2 2-17
Breakers . <;ircui t. • ..... 2-21. 7·3 Bteak ..... Period. New Vehicle ..• 2·2 Srioj'!( Headlights 2·7. 2·21 Brighl Metal Cleaning 4-4
Bulbs & Fuses.. 7·3. 7-4 Bumpers & HiIC:·~s. '·13 ~ 'Jack Operation ...... 3-4 B.w:ers._ . (See "'SOunds'" CoirpJler Con"mand Cont rOl System:~ 2·\8, 5·3 Cop Coolant A ecovery Tant.: .. ................. , .. 5-6 F uel.. 5-2 f>o¥Iier Steefing.. _____ -._ ....... ...... 0<. _____ -5-9 Radiator ... 5·8 Capacity, Cargo Weight. 5-11 Capacities. FlUid:. 7- Car Break-In Period . New.. 2-2 . car -Chemicals ... carbon Monoxide cautJorI .... ___ 4·' 2·' Care & Cleaning. Appearance . . .. 4·' Cargo Capacity . 5-11 Cargo on Root . Carrying,. '·2 Catalytic Converter . . ..................... ....... 5-2 ~ Command Control System .. -2·18. , ·3 Chains. Tire .. 5·15
7-6
Changing Wheets & Tires .. _ Cl-£O< ENGtl'E light .. Chectlbt, DrillSf . Child Seals & Restr ainls Chrome Protection .. ag.yette lighter ... CirCUIt Beakers QtiZOtlS Band Raoio . C!earIing .. Clock.I .. Cloth Trim Care .. ClutCh . Converter
Cold W&ather Starting ....
3 ·4 . 3·5 2 ·18. 5-3 ,., I -tO. 1·11 ... 2·22 2·21 , 7·3 2·29 . ..... 4·' 2-22 '·2 2·10 2·8 ~ip""lt Plocedu.-e . . ... 6 ·1
Condi lioner, Air (See "All" Cooditioner"~ Cons umer Relation s ... Converter ClUtch Con...eJo: Mirror Cooling System Afltilreeze (CooIanI) .. Overheating R ecovery Tank Service,. Thermoslal . COfl"lefing Lights . CorTosion Pmlection. Countries. Oper-ating in Fo.-eign .. Courtesy lights CruISe Control Cus!omer Service . 5·6
3·3
3 ·4 ,
5·6 '·7 '·8 2·7 . . 4-5 2· ' 2·30
2·12
6·' Damage, Sheet Metal . 4·4 Detogger,Re..-WiNJoW.. 2-25 DelrOSlor. Windshield . 2·24. 2·25 Delay Wipers 2·20 Descending a· Grade 2-9 Ditlererlliai (Rear Axle) limited·Slip __ 5·9 ,Malt)l~O 5 ·9
Trailllfing. 1·1 2
Dimensions 7· , Oimn'\e( Switch, Head~L 2·14 O ipshCks A.utomalic Tfansmission .. . 5-4 Engine Oil 5·3 Power Steering. 5-9 Directional Signals.. 2-7 Disc Brakes 2·15 Door loc::ks . __ ................ 1-2 Orivet' Checklist 1-1 Driving Down S teep Grades .... 2-9 in OU'sty Areas . 5 .... on Slippery Surlaces .................... 2·9 Economy ripS. Fuel .............................. 2-4 E lectric· Po_oo QpIion$ .. (See "Power"') Electrical System Banerv .. S-1 0 Bulbs .. . ....... ...... .... ........... 7,4 Circuit Breakers ....... , ........................ , 7-3 Fuses:. 7·3 GEN (Genefalor) lighI ..................... 2· 17 Jump S tarting 3- Spark Plugs 7-2 Voltmeter . 2·19 Emetgency. In Case oj Bralle WCIIllWlg li!1Il .. Eroglne Hot light .. • .. 2·17 . 2·17

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Freeing Vehicle When Stuck . Hazard Warnong FlaSher Jacking Jump Starti ng
Towing: Cru EtIlIssion Caution EmISSic:m Control
3·9 3·' 3·4, 3'5
C ata lytic Conve rter 5-2 ~te< Command ContrOl System 2·18. ; ·3 CHECK ENGINE ligh t Exha ust Ga s Caution
F uel Requ irements (Gas) E",,~
2·18. 5·3 ,., , .,
... " Break -In Code Coo~ng
(See Ma intenance Schedule) 2·2 , .; ;·6 El ,.,
.. , 2·9 ,.,
(See "Fuel") ' ·5 . .. 3·1 Ideflti hcation Jump Starting . C>r Overheating . Spec~fcations Starling . Cold WeaHJeI Star ting (Gasoline) Temperature Gage Tempera ture 19h1 Thermostat E OOIN E ligh!
{See ··Oir . . EllIjne··) 3·3 ,., ,.,
'·6 2·t9 2· 17 5·6 2·t8 El"9oo Oil. (See ·'Oi l. E'ngine.') E thylene Glycot Antifree ze
E)(hausl Gas Cau tion E~~. System , If'Ispection. Ederior Fnsh Care .
Fabric Care
Fan,
Healer & Air Cond FASTEN SEAT BELTS Light. . Fastener s. RepIacemeflI .. Fifter s
Air Cleal'lEl!' . , Finish Care. Firish Damage . Flammable C\e.aoets .. .. F lashers Hazard w arning . Turn Signal..
Flooded EngIne . Starling . Floor Controls .. F luid Capacities .. FM Radios .. Folding Seats ...
5·' ,.,
, .,
... . 4·4 ,., 2-24. 2·25 '·6 5 ·'
;., ,., ,., . . • -1
3·.1 ..... 2:7 . ....... , 2·9 ......... 2·13 ..... ..... 7·1
F Ofeign CounlrllltS . Operation in ... FOUl' Season Ioit ~ . Four·WayHazard FlasheI' ... Freedom Battery .. Freeirig Car When Stt.JCk.". , .... Cop . Economy Tips .. Gogo Gasohol .. a...... Octane RaIing ..
;., , ., . 2 ·15 . '. ..... 2-3 ....... .. . 2-3
7 ·7
Overse3$ OpefatiOtl _. Tanl( Capacity Fuse
Cha rt
Circuit Breakers ...
""'" Engrne Temperat lJ'e
Fuel.. Oil Prossure Tachometef (Engille $peed) Voltmetet' , .. Gasoline
GEN (Gener ator) Light
Glas s Clea ning
Gto"e 80)( Guard AQaIIlSl Theft Hazar d Warning Flasher Headlight s Circuil &eakel IJimmtIf Switc h
instrument Pa~ SWitch Light s ON Reminder .. Head Restraint s .. tEAT Light. Heated Rear Wmdow .
2·' ,.,
'·3 '·3
2-1 9 2-15 2·19 2·18
2· 19
(See "Fuer') 2-\7 ..,
2-16 ,.,
3'
.7-3 2,14 2--?1
2-21
'·5 2·17 2·25 Heat er/Air Condihoner2·23. 2-24 High ·Beam Head~ghl!i 2-2t _ 1·13 5·10 . (Inside Back Colter) 5·10. !Inside Sack Cover)
Hitches. Traile( . Hood Latches .. Hood Release . Horn .. HOT UghL Ideotihcation Nt.mbers 19r>ilion K9YS Lock . In Case of EIT1efgenc:y .nocator lights ... Infant Seats & Aestra.nt .. II1l1ati04'l Pressure. Tires. Inlets . Air.
2-t3 2·t7 7.·5
,.,
2·' ,., (See "UghIS") 1 ·10. r_ll 5·12 2·23 Inside Rearview Muror , '-3 Instrumetl t Pan&! & Controts .. 2·15 InleilOl Appe«i¥1Ce Care.. 4-1 Interior & inst rumen t Lights (See "Lights" ) Jacl:: Operation & Stowage.. 3- 4. 3 ·5 . 3-6 ~ S\aI1ing .. 3- 1 Keys...... '·1 Lane Ct\ange &. Turn Signals 2-7 Lap- Shoulcler Belts . (See "Seat Bells") L_
,_­Hood ...
,..
(Inside 8acto: Cover) Sealback. From. 1-4 Trunk . 2-22 lighter. Cigarette ... 2·22 ligh<' BRAKE .... ...................... .................. 2·1 7
Bright s On. !lui> c.... O£CI( ENGINE Choke Warning .. Comoring .................. . CouttKY·· ClimrneI-Swoi1ch. HNdigflt .. Electrical S)Stem (GEN) ..
2-21 ,..
2·18.,5·2 2-17 .. ....... 2-7 '·30 2-1. 2-11

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