check engine light CHEVROLET CAMARO 1971 2.G Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine motorists and pedestrians. The ig­
nition switch must be in the "ON"
position in order for the turn sig­
nals to be operational. This feature
prevents battery drain if the lever
is left in an "ON" position when
your car
is not in use.
In a normal turning situation
such
as turning a corner, the turn
signal is cancelled automatically
after the turn
is completed. How­
ever, in some driving maneuvers
such
as changing lanes on an ex­
pressway, the steering wheel
is not
turned back sufficiently after com­
pleting the turn to automatically
cancel the turn signal. For con­
venience in such maneuvers, the
driver can flash the turn signals by
moving the turn signal lever part
way (to the first stop) and holding
it there. The lever returns to the neutral
or cancelled position when
the driver releases his hold on the
lever.
A green light on the instrument
cluster flashes to indicate proper
operation of the front and rear
tum
signal lamps. If the indicator lamp
remains on and does not flash,
check for a defective lamp bulb.
If
the indicator fails to light when the
17
lever is moved, check the fuse and
indicator bulb.
Power Steering
Power steering assist is provided
by a hydraulic pump driven by the
engine. When the engine
is not run­
ning
or if the power steering pump
drive belt breaks, the car can still
be steered, but much greater steer­
ing effort will be required.
Holding Car on an Upgrade
When stopped on an upgrade,
maintain your position by applying
the brakes. Never hold the car in
place by accelerating engine with
transmission in gear. This could
cause damage by overheating the
transmission (automatic) or clutch
(manual).

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Generator Indicator Light
This light provides a quick check
on the generating system of your
car. The red light will go on when
the ignition key
is in the "on" posi­
tion, but before the engine is
started. After the engine starts, the
light should go out and remain out.
If the light remains on when engine
is running, have your Authorized
Chevrolet Dealer locate and correct
the trouble
as soon as possible.
Engine Temperature
Indicator Light
This indicator light is provided
in the instrument cluster to quickly
warn of an overheated engine. With
the ignition
switGh in the START
position, the red TEMP indicator
will light to let you know that it
is
operating properly.
When the engine
is started, the
red light will go out immediately.
It will light up at no other time
unless for some reason the engine
reaches a dangerously high
oper­
ating temperature. If the red light
should come on, the engine must be
stopped until the cause of the
over­
heating is corrected. Glance at in­
strument cluster frequently as you
drive to see if this light
is on.
Brake System Warning
Light
The service brake system is de­
signed so that half of the brake sys­
tem will provide some braking ac­
tion in the event of a hydraulic leak
in the other half of the system.
When the brake apply system
is not
operating properly, a warning light
located at lower left of instrument
cluster (speedometer face) will
glow continuously when the
igni­
tion is on after the brakes have been
firmly applied.
On cars equipped
with drum brakes, the light will go
21
out when foot is removed from
brake pedal.
• As a check on bulb condition the
light should glow with the
park­
ing brake applied and the igni­
tion on. (Light is also a reminder
to release parking brake.)
• Have system repaired if light
does not come on during check.
• This warning light is nota sub­
stitute for the visual check of
brake fluid level required
as part
of normal maintenance.
If the light glows red:
• The parking brake is not fully re­
leased or,
• The service brake system is par­
tially inoperative.
What to do:
1. Check that the parking brake is
released.
2. Pull off the road and stop, care­
fully-remembering that:

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine • Stopping distances may be
greater.
• Greater pedal et!ort may be re­
quired.
• Pedal travel may be greater.
3. Try out
brak~ operation by
starting and stopping on road
shoulder-then:
• If you judge such operation to be
safe, proceed cautiously at re­
duced speed to nearest dealer for
repair.
• Have car towed to dealer for re­
pair.
• Continued operation of the car
in this condition
is dangerous.
Headlight Beam Indicator
Light
The headlights of your car have
high and low beams to provide you with
proper night-time visibility
during all driving conditions.
The
"low" beams are used during most
city driving. The
"high" beams are
especially useful when driving on
dark roads since they provide ex­
cellent long range illumination.
The headlight beam indicator will
be on whenever the
high beams or
"brights" are in use. The Headlight
Beam Switch controls the headlight
beams (see
Page 32).
Light Switch
The three position light switch
controls the headlights, taillights,
parking lights, side marker lights,
instrument lights and dome lights
as shown. The headlamp circuit is
protected by a circuit breaker in the
light switch.
An overload on the
breaker will cause the lamps to
"flicker" on and ot!. If this condi­
tion develops, have your headlamp
wiring checked immediately.
PARKING LAMPS MARKER LAMPS TAIL AND INSTRUMENT
LIGHTS
TURN KNOB TO
VARY INSTRUMENT LIGHTS fULLY COUNTER CLOCKWISE FOR DOME LIGHTS
22
HEADLIGHTS PARKING LAMPS MARKER LAMPS

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Clock
Reset the clock, if your car is so
equipped, by pulling out the knob
and turning the hands clockwise
if
slow, counterclockwise if fast. This
will, if the clock error
is five min­
utes
or more, automatically com­
pensate for time gain or lag.
Sev­
eral resettings, several days apart,
may be needed to properly adjust
the clock mechanism. Have your
clock cleaned and oiled by a com­
petent clock serviceman at least
every two years.
Cigarette Lighter
The accessory cigarette lighter is
located on the instrument panel
face. To operate, push it in. When
it becomes heated, it automatically
pops out ready for
use.
Windshield Wiper
and Washer
The windshield wiping system
operates at two speeds and
is de­
signed to wipe clear designated areas
of the windshield under most
inclement weather conditions. The
windshield wipers work electrically
and are not affected by engine op­
eration.
Push the control lever to the
right
to start the electric windshield
wiper. The two-speed electric wiper
has both a
"low" and a "high" speed
position.
Pressing the control will send a
measured amount of water or other
cleaning agent onto the windshield
and will also cause the wiper lever
to move, thus starting the wiper
motor. The wiper will then con­
tinue to operate until manually
turned off at the wiper lever.
Fill the washer jar only
% full
during the winter to allow for ex­
pansion if the temperature should
fall low enough to freeze the
so­
lution.
• Check washer fluid level regu­
larly-do it frequently when the
24
weather is bad.
• Use GM OPTIKLEEN to pre­
vent freezing damage, and to
provide better cleaning.
• Do not use radiator anti-freeze in
windshield washer; it could
cause paint damage.
• In cold weather, warm the wind­
shield with defrosters before
us­
ing washer-to help prevent ic­
ing that may seriously obscure
vision.
Air Vents
The air vents in each kick panel
admit air from the vent grille just
ahead of the windshield. Control
knobs open and close the vents .
The amount of air entering the
car through this system
is depend­
ent upon vehicle speed.
Four Season Air Conditioning
equipped cars have no kick panel
vents since the vents are a part of
the air conditioning system. The
lever beside each instrument panel

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine • Drum brake adjustment is made
automatically
as the brakes are
applied while car
is moving back­
wards.
• Disc brake adjustment is made
automatically with each brake
application.
• If excess brake pedal travel de­
velops, drive alternately back­
ward and forward (several
times) and apply brakes firmly
in each direction.
• See your dealer if normal pedal
travel
is not restored, or if there
is a
rapid increase in pedal
travel, which could be a sign of
other brake trouble.
Clutch Adjustment
Clutch adjustment should be
checked and adjusted periodically
as necessary to compensate for
clutch facing wear. To check,
de­
press pedal by hand until resistance
is felt. Free travel of pedal should
be approximately one inch; if very little
or no free travel
is evident,
clutch adjustment
is required.
Headlight Beam Switch
"High" and "low" headlight
beams are controlled by the floor
button at your left foot. The
indi­
cator, located in the speedometer
dial, will light up when the high
beams are in use.
OTHER CONTROLS AND FEATURES
Positraction Rear Axle
The optional Positraction pro­
vides additional traction on snow,
ice, mud, sand, and gravel,
par­
ticularly when one rear wheel is on
a surface providing poor traction.
During normal driving and
cor­
nering, the Positraction unit func­
tions as a standard differential.
32
When one wheel encounters a slip­
pery surface, however, the Positrac­
tion directs driving force to the rear
wheel having the better traction.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine SAFETY CHECKS
Your Camaro not only conforms to all U.S. Fed­
eral Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards applicable at
time of manufacture, but also incorporates other im­
portant General Motors safety features. Even with
these safety features, however, continued safe and
dependable operation depends greatly upon regular
vehicle maintenance.
This section discusses the various components and
systems of your vehicle that should be checked regu-
CHECK OFF EACH ITEM UNDER MIlEAGE AS SERVICE IS PERFORMED. Brakes and Power Steering -Check all lines and hoses. Check condition of brake linings and parking brake adjustment. Chassis lube and check all fluid levels,· Check condition of front and rear suspension and steerine system. Exhaust System -Check condition of system and underbody. Tires and Wheels-Check condition. (Check tire pressure at least monthly.) Engine -Change oil.· Check condition 01 all belts. -Replace oil filter (at 1st oil change and tllen every 2nd chanie). -Check air cleaner every 12,000 miles; replace every 24,000 miles. .-Replace PCV valve. -Service exhaust emission control systems (see Owner's Manual). -Change toolanl every Iwo years. Throttle linkage -Check operation and condition . Headlights -Aim. Transmission (Automatic)-Change fluid and service filter. 0 ,', III · 0
33
larly to help maintain continued safe and dependable
vehicle operation.
Some checks should be made by
your dealer or service station, and can be done con­
veniently while your vehicle
is in the shop for other
regular maintenance services.
Other checks can be
made easily by owners.
CHECKS TO BE PERFORMED BY YOUR
DEALER OR SERVICE STATION
As a service reminder to owners, all 1971 General
Motors passenger cars are equipped with a
"Vehicle
6000 12000 18000 24000 30000 36000 41000 48000 )4000
• •
• •
• • • •
• • •
• •
• • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • •
• • • •
• • •
• •
• • • •
• • • • • • •
• • • • •
• •
• •
• • •
• •
• • • • •
• • • • • •
•
• • •
· • · •
• • • • •
• 0 o· 00 0 ·
0

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine TREAD STILL GOOD
-
TREAD
WORN OUT
• The original equipment tires on your Camaro in­
corporate built-in tread wear indicators to assist
you in detennining when your tires have been worn
to the point of needing replacement. These indi­
cators will appear
as V2 inch wide bands when tire
tread depth
is 1;16 inch or less. When the indicators
appear in two or more adjacent grooves, tire re­
placement due to tread wear
is recommended.
35
• Drive Belts-Check fan and accessory drive belts
for cracks, wear and tension. Adjust or replace
as
necessary.
Checks To Be Made at 12 Months
or
12,000 Miles (Whichever occurs first)
• Brake Linings and Parking Brake-Check drum
brake linings or disc brake pads,
as well as the other
internal brake components at each wheel (drums,
rotors, wheel cylinders, etc.) . More frequent
checks should be made if driving conditions and
habits result in frequent brake application. Park­
ing brake adjustment should also be checked when­
ever brake linings are checked.
• Throttle Linkage-Check for damaged or missing
parts, interference or binding. Any deficiencies
should be corrected without delay by a competent
mechanic.
• Headlights -Check for proper aim. Correct as
necessary. More frequent checks should be made if
on-coming motorists signal when you are already
using your low beams, or if illumination of the road
ahead seems inadequate.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine For further details on the engine and transmission
items listed on the
"Vehicle Safety Maintenance
Schedule," and for other recommended maintenance,
refer
to the "Service and Maintenance" and "Air
Pollution. Control" Sections of this manual.
CHECKS lOBE PERFORMED
BY OWNER
Listed below are the safety checks that should be
made by the owner . These checks should be made at
least every 4 months or
6,000 miles, whichever occurs
first , or more often when so indicated . Any
deficien­
cies should be brought to the attention of your dealer
or service station, so the advice of a qualified mech­
anic is available regarding the need for repairs or
replacements.
• Anti-Theft Lock-Check for proper operation by
attempting to turn key to
LOCK position in the
various transmission gears with
car stationary. Key
should
tum to LOCK position only when trans­
mission control is in PARK on automatic trans­
mission models or in REVERSE on manual trans­
mission models.
• Seat Belts-Check lap and shoulder belts as well
as buckles, retractors and anchors for loose con-
36
nections, damage and positive latching action.
• Windshield Wipers and Washers-Check con­
dition and alignment of wiper blades. Check
amount and direction of fluid sprayed by washers
during use.
• Defrosters-Check performance by turning con­
trols to "de-ice" and "Hi" fan speed and noting
amount of air directed against the windshield.
• Wheel Alignment and Balance-In addition to
abnormal tire wear the need for wheel alignment
service may be indicated by a pull to the right or
left when driving on a straight level road. The need
for wheel balancing may be indicated by a
vibra­
tion at the steering wheel while driving.
• Parking Brake and "Park" Mechanism-Check
parking brake holding ability by parking on a fairly
steep hill and restraining the vehicle with the
parking brake only.
On cars with automatic trans­
missions, check the holding ability of the "Park"
mechanism by releasing all brakes after the trans­
mission selector lever has been placed in the "P"
position.
• Lights -Check license plate lights, side marker
lights , headlamps, parking lamps, tail lamps , brake

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine lights, turn signals, backup lamps, and hazard
warning flashers. Have someone observe operation
of each light while you activate the controls.
• Starter Safety Switch (Automatic Transmis­
sion Cars)
CAUTION: Before making the following check, be sure to have a clear distance ahead and behind the car, set the parking brake and firmly apply the foot brake. Do not depress accelerator pedal. Be prepared to turn ott ignition switch immediately if en­gine should start.
Check starter safety switch by placing the transmis­
sion in each of the driving gears while attempting to
start the engine. The starter should operate only in the
Park ("P") or Neutral ("N") positions.
• Starter Interlock (Manual Transmission Cars)
-To check a manual transmission equipped car,
depress the clutch halfway, place the transmission
in neutral, and attempt to start.
The starter should
operate only when clutch
is fully depressed.
• Transmission Shift Indicator-Check to be sure
shift indicator accurately indicates the shift posi­
tion selected.
• Horn-Blow the horn occasionally to be sure that
it works.
37
• Seat Back LatcheS-Check to see that seat bac k
latches are holding by pulling forward on the seat­
back top.
• Rearview Mirrors and Sun Visors-Check that
friction joints are properly adjusted so mirrors and
sun visors stay in the selected position.
• Door LatcheS-Check for positive closing, la tch­
ing and locking.
• Hood Latches-Check to make sure hood closes
firmly . Check also for broken , d amaged or missing
parts which might prevent secure latching.
• Fluid LeakS-Check for fuel, water, oil or other
fluid leaks by observing the ground beneath the
vehicle after it has been parked for a while . (Water
dripping from air conditioning system after use
is
normal). If gasoline fumes are noticed at any time,
the cause should be determined
and corrected with­
out delay because of the possibility of fire.
• Exhaust System-See engine exhaust gas caution
at beginning of starting and operating section of
this manual for suggested driver observations and
checks.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine · Changing Tires
Remove hub cap or wheel cover
with fiat end of wheel
nut wrench
and loosen wheel nuts slightly.
Set
lever on jack to UP position.
Properly position load rest which
engages bumper by moving base of
jack slightly under car and engage
tang of bracket in bumper notch,
then bring jack base back toward
upright position. Check that load
rest is positioned before operating
jack.
NOTE: Base of jack column
should be slightly angled in toward
car since it will straighten as car
is
raised.
firmly
automatic rralrlSOIlSSlon
VERSE" lor manual transmission)
Jack Operation
After jack is positioned as noted
above, use wheel nut wrench
as
jack handle and raise car until tire
clears ground. Remove wheel nuts
and wheel, install spare and tighten
wheel nuts. Move jack lever to
DOWN and install hub cap or
wheel cover.
block the wheel diagonally opposite .. _.... .,.. __
40
FRONT POSITION LOAD REST BRACKET IN BUMPER NOTCH.
REAR POSITION LOAD REST BRACKET BETWEEN BUMPER BOLTS.
BUMPER BOlT