1986 CHEVROLET CORVAIR ECO mode

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
I
YOUR CORVAIR'S FIRST FEW HUNDRED MILES OF DRIVING
Sound design and precision manufacturing methods
will permit you to operate your new Corvair without
adhering to a formal "break-in" schedule. However,
during the first few hundred miles of driving you can,
by observing a few simple precautions, odd to the future
performance and economy of your cor.
It is recommended that your speed during the first
500 miles be confined to a maximum of 60 MPH, but
do not drive for extended periods at anyone constant
speed,
either fast or slow. During this period, ovoid full
throttle starts and unnecessary, quick abrupt stops .
Gentle braking during the first few hundred miles of
operation will result in longer broke life and better
future performance. Avoid unnecessary, hard stops espe ­
cially during the first 200 miles of operation since broke
misuse during this period will destroy much future broke
efficiency.
Always drive at a moderate speed until the engine
has completely warmed up.
DRIVING FOR ECONOMY
Proper maintenance and wise operation will com­
bine to help you achieve maximum fuel economy with
your Corvair. Your Authorized Chevrolet Dealer can
properly tune and maintain your car but wise operation
is your responsibility. Give the cor sufficient warm-up
time, do not make "Full Throttle" storts or unnecessary
severe stops,
and drive at reasonable speeds and as
steady as traffic permits to gain the benefits of all the
economy built into your Corvair.
CAUTION: Avoid inhaling exhaust gases especially in an enclosed area such as a garage. Exhaust gases
contain
a percentage of carbon monoxide which is a potentially lethal gas that, by itself, is tasteless, color ­
less, and odorless. The exhaust system should be inspected for proper mounting, leaks and missing or damaged
parts each time the vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil change service.
7

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine WARM-UP
Never race engine or drive at high speeds until
engine has
had a chance to warm up. Driving with
moderate accelerator pedal application will prevent
stalling
and hesitation, especially during cold weather.
Failure
to allow sufficient warm up time can cause un­
necessary wear to engine, axle or transmission parts
because of inadequate lubrication.
DRIVING WITH THE
MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS
The three-speed and optional four-speed trans­
missions are operated in basically the same manner. Shift
N "'-----+--N
Three Speed Shift Pallern Four Speed Shift Pattern
9
patterns differ, of course, as shown in the two illustra­
tions.
1 st
GEAR (LOW)-Depress clutch pedal, shift into 1 st
gear, slowly release clutch pedal while pressing on
accelerator.
As car gains speed, depress clutch pedal,
release accelerator and move gearshift into 2nd gear.
2nd GEAR-Release clutch pedaI and depress accelerator
as above as car gains speed, then, in same manner
as before, move gearshift lever into 3rd gear.
Use second gear at slow speeds (less than 30 mph)
when driving
in stop-and-go traffic, for improved
vehicle performance during acceleration
and when
descending steep hills.
3rd
GEAR (HIGH)-Slowly release clutch pedal and de­
press accelerator pedal. This is the cruising gear for
all normal driving with the
3-speed transmission.
With the
4-speed transmission 3rd gear will provide
more response
and higher performance for driving
in heavy traffic.
4th
GEAR (HIGH-4-speed transmission only)
Shift into 4th
gear in the same manner for normal
cruising with the
4-speed transmission.
NOTE: Whenever the vehicle begins to labor in
any gear, depress the clutch pedal and shift to
the next lower
gear. Both transmissions, being

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine TRANSMISSION OPERATING TIPS
EMERGENCY STARTING
Your Corvair may be started in an emergency by
pushing. When being pushed to start the engine, turn
off all unnecessary electrical loads, turn the ignition to "ON", and (if manual transmission) depress the
clutch and place the shift lever in high gear or, (if
powerglide) move selector lever to NEUTRAL position.
Release the clutch when car speed reaches 10 to 15 miles per hour (manual transmission); move the selector
lever to LOW position when car speed reaches 20 to
25 miles per hour (powerglidel. Bumpers and other
parts contacted by the pushing vehicle should be pro­
tected from damage while pushing. Never tow the car
to start.
TOWING
Normally your Corvair may be towed with all four
wheels on the ground for distances up to 50 miles at
12
speeds of less than 35 mph. The engine should be off
ahd the transmission in neutral.
However, the drive wheels (rear wheels) must be
raised off the ground or the drive shaft disconnected
when the transmission
is not operating properly or when
a speed
of 35 mph or distance of 50 miles will be exceeded.
CAUTION: If car is towed on its front wheels only, the
steering wheel must
be secured with the wheels in a
straight ahead position .
ROCKING CAR
If it becomes necessary to rock the car to free it
from sand, mud or snow, move the selector lever from "D" to "R" (automatic transmission) or the shift lever
from forward to reverse (manual transmission) in a
repeat pattern while simultaneously applying moderate
pressure to the accelerator. Do not race engine. Avoid
spinning wheels when trying to free the car.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine IGNITION, DOOR
LOCK
AND TAIL GATE
ALL OTHER
LOCKS
DOOR LATCHES AND HINGES
The Corvair door lock design contributes to passen­
ger safety and to the security of your car and its contents.
For
example: Strong door latches and sturdy hinges
reduce the possibility of the doors being forced open as
23
a result of certain accident situations, thus reducing the
probability
of a person being thrown from the vehicle.
Doors
can be locked from the inside by depressing
the small button located on the upper door panel. Doors
can be locked from the outside by simply depressing the
interior button, holding the outside door handle plunger
and closing the door. Once closed, release the plunger
and the door is locked.
The doors
can also be locked, in the usual manner,
by using
the octagonal shaped key.
All models have as a standard safety feature free
wheeling door locks. When the lock buttons are de­
pressed, the door handles become inoperative, prevent­
ing
inadvertent opening of the doors.
CAUTION: Do not close the vehicle door by applying
pressure
on the glass. Always lock the doors when driving
as well as when leaving the car unattended.
SEATS
Front Seat Adjustment
The one-piece front seat is easily adjusted forward
or rearward to provide maximum driving comfort.
To adjust the seat, move the control lever on the
driver's end of the seat forward. Then by exerting
slight
body pressure the seat may be moved forward' or
rearward. When the lever is released, the seat is auto­
matically locked
in position.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Shoulder Belts
All models are equipped with shoulder belt anchors
built into the vehicle for all forward-facing outboard
passengers. All models except convertible coupes are
also equipped with shoulder belts for the driver and
the right front seat passenger as standard equipment.
Shoulder belts are optional for all other forward-facing
outboard passengers, including all outboard occupants
in convertibles.
Shoulder belts should
be worn only in conjunction
with
lap belts and are fastened with individual buckles,
and released in the same manner as the lap belts.
A shoulder belt worn without a lap belt could be
extremely hazardous to the wearer in case of an acci­
dent.
Shoulder belts should be tightened only to the
point where controls and switches can be easily reached
without restriction from the belt. The use of shoulder
belts
is not recommended for persons less than approx­
imately 55 inches in height, because the belt would
cross over the body at a height too near the throat, and
thereby substantially increase the possibility of throat
injury in an accident. Shoulder belts not in use must be
anchored by inserting buckle into retainer to prevent
buckle end from swinging around in an impact.
Releasing Belts-To release the belts, simply depress
the release tab or button located in the center of the
buckle.
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PRESS HERE TO RELEASE
Care of Belts-Keep belts clean and dry. Clean with a
mild soap solution and lukewarm water. Keep sharp
edges and damaging objects away from belts. Periodi­
cally inspect belts, buckles, retractors, and anchors for
damage that could materially lessen the effectiveness
of the belt installation and repair or replace the ques­
tionable parts. Do not bleach or dye belts as this may
cause severe loss of strength.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine level, remove the oil gauge rod (dip stick), wipe it
clean and reinsert it firmly for an accurate reading.
The oil level should be maintained in the safety margin,
neither going above the FULL line nor below the ADD
mark. Reseat the gauge firmly after taking the reading.
DO NOT OVERFilL.
COOLING SYSTEM CARE
The engine fan belt should be checked for tightness
at regular intervals. When a new belt is needed use only
the approved premium belt available from your Chev­
rolet dealer. If any other belt is installed, replace with
recommended belt when possible.
Watch the TEMP-PRESS and GEN-FAN indicators on the
instrument
panel for signs of overheating.
Air inlet louvers, located in the panel below the rear
window, supply air for engine combustion and cooling
and for the Direct Air Heater. Make sure the louvers are
never sealed or blocked.
TIRES
The factory installed tires on your car are selected
to provide the best all around tire performance for all
normal operation. When inflated as recommended in
the
tire inflation pressure table they have the load
carrying capacity to operate satisfactorily at all loads
up to and including the specified full rated load, at all
normal highway speeds.
RECOMMENDED TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES Pounds per Square I nch (Cool)
MODELS TIRE PLY
1 TO 6 PASSENGERS Standard
Coupe + 200 LBS. LUGGAGE 4-Ply Rating-2 Ply (1100 LBS. LOAD)
1 TO 5 PASSENGERS Monza
Coupe -+ 200 LBS. LUGGAGE 4-Ply Rating-2 Ply (950 LBS. LOAD)
1 TO 5 PASSENGERS Monza Convertible -+ 200 LBS. LUGGAGE 4-Ply Rating-2 Ply (950 LBS. LOAD)
1. Tire inflation pressures
may increase as much as six (6) pounds per square
inch (PSI) when hot. 2. For continuous high speed operation (over 75 MPH) increase tire inflation pressures four (4) pounds per square inch over the recommended pressures up to a maximum of 32 pounds per square inch cool for 4-ply rating tires.
When the 4 psi pressure adjustment for sustained high speed with maximum vehicle load would require inflation pressures above the maximum allowable, speed must be limited to 75 miles per hour.
34
STANDARD INFLATION PRESSURE FOR TIRE USAGE ALL LOADS INCLUDING FULL RATED
FRONT REAR
7.00-13-15 28
7.00-13· 15 26
7.00-13· 15 28
3. Cool tire inflation pressure: after vehicle has been inoperative for three (3)
hours or more or driven less than one (1) mile. Hot tire inflation pressure:
after vehicle has been driven ten (10) miles or more at 60-70 mph. 4. Vehicles with luggage racks do not have a load limit greater than specified. 5. When towi ng trai lers, the allowable passenger and cargo load must be reduced by an amount equal to the trailer tongue load on the trailer hitch.