CHEVROLET CITATION 1980 1.G Owner's Guide

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine CAUTION: Driving thr~gh water deep enough to wet the brakes may cause the brakes not to work as well. As 8 result the vehicle will not slow down at the usual
rate ; and it may pull to the right or left. After checking to the rear for other vehicle., apply the brakes lightly to check whether this has happened. To dry them quickly, lightly apply the brakes. At the-same time, k .. p a safe forward speed, with plenty of clear space ahead, to the rear, and to the side •. 00 this until the brakes return to normal.
The brake system warning light is covered in the "Instrument Panel" section.
Power Brakes
• If optional power assis t is lost because of a stalled engine or other reasons .
the brakes can normally still be applied with power assist at leas t two times
u sing reserv e power.
• Th e system is designed to bring the vehicle to a full stop on reserve power if the brake pedal is applied once and held down . However . the reserve power
is partly used up each time the brake pedal is applied and rele ased. Do not
pump the brakes when ,brake power assist has been lost, except when needed
to maintain steering control on slippery surfaces.
• Without power assist, the vehicle can still be stopped by pushing much harder
o n the brake pedal. However, the stopping distance may be longer. even
though the brakes themselves remain fully operational.
Self-Adjusting Brakes
• The brakes on this vehicle (exc,ept for the parking brake) are self-adjusting.
They have been design ed so
that periodic brake adjustment is not required.
• The drum brakes adjust themselves when the brakes are firml y applied while
the vehicle is moving backwards.
• The disc brakes adjust themselve s each time the brakes are used.
• If the brak e pedal goes down farther than nonnal. it may be due to a lack
of adjustment. To find out if this is the case, drive backward and forward
a few times , applying the brakes firmly when going each way.
• See yo ur dealer if pedal height does not return to normal, or if there is a rapid
increase in pedal travel, which could be a sign of other brake trouble .
• Also see your dealer if the parking brake needs adjustment' .
NOTICE: "Riding the brake" by resting your foot on the brake pedal when not intending to brake can cause overheated brakes. This can waar out the brake linings faster and damage the brakas thamselvas, 85 well 8S waste fuel.
DIMMER SWITCH
The dimmer switch that controls the headlight high/lo w beam is built into the
turn signal control. See the "Steering Column Controls" Section 2 of this manual.
PARKING BRAKE
• To set the parking brake, fully depress the foot pedal at the far left side.
• For better holding power, first press down the regular brake pedal with your
right foot. Then hold it while setting the parking brake with your lefl foo[.
•
To release the parking brake, pull the "Brake Release" handle located at the
lower left of the instrument panel.
• To help remind you. the brake system warning light is designed to come on if the parking brake control is not fully released and the ignition key is on.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine • Never drive-the vehicle _with the parking brake set as this -may overheat the
reaf brakes reducing their effectiveness and causing excessive wear or damage,
DISC BRAKE WEAR INDICATORS
Front disc brakes have built-in wear indicators that are designed to make a
high-pitched
squealing or cricket-like warning sound when the brake linings are
worn 10 where -new linings are needed. The sound will come and go, or be heard
all the time
when the wheels are rolling, and when the brake pedal is pu~hed down
firmly . Expensive damage can result
if linings are not replaced when needed.
See also the brake checks listed in the Maintenance Schedule folder.
CLUTCH .PEDAL
On models equiPPed with a manual transaxle, a clutch pedal is used to engage
or disengage the clutch, thereby connecting
or disconnecting the engine from the
transaxle and drive1ine to the front wheels. -When the pedal is fully extended the
clutch
is engaged, driving the transaxle arid the front wheels.
INSTRUMENT PANEL P.ND CONTROLS
INSTRUMENTS
The instruments, gages and indicator lights conveniently grouped in the
instrument cluster are des igned to
tell you at a glance many important things about
_the perfonnance of your vehicle _, _ The following information will enable you to
more quickly -understand and properly it';:rerpretthese instruments.
Speedometer
The speedometer chand ·indicatt:5 vehicle speed in miles per hour and kilometers
per hour.
Odometer
The group of six figures . in the speedometer lower center section indicates the
accumulated mileage.
Fuel Gage
The fuel gagewiH 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 conditiqns may be considered normal:
• Gas station _pump may shut off before fuel gage indicates FULL. •
•
Amount of gasoline required for fill-up may not exactly correspond to gage.
• Needle may not move away from FULL until some time after fill·up.
• Needle may !Dove during turns. stops and-accelerations.
When the ignition switch
is turned to the OFF position, the needle will not
necessarily
retiJrn · all the way to the EMPTY mark.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine '" 0;
o STANDARD
o OPTIONAL
1. AIC Outlet 2. Warning Lights
Standard I.P.-Gen, Fasten Belts.
Oil/Choke, Temp.
Optionall.P.-Fasten Belts, Brake,
Check Engine (Calif. Only), Choke. 3. Rear Defog Switch
4. Brake Light
5. Turn Signals
6. Speedometer, Odometer & Hi Beam Indicator
7. Clock
8. Chack Engine (Calif. Only)
9. Radio 10. Heater & Opt. Ale Controls
11. Glove Box
12. Ash Tray with Lighter 13. Shift Quandrant, Auto. Tr~ns_.
14. Vent Levers 15. Fuel Gage
16. Parking Brake Release
17. Light Switch
18. Delay Wiper Control Knob 19. Clock or Tach (OptJ
20. Warning Gages
21. "Emission" Indicator Flag

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Oil/Choke Indicator Light
This light will c0!TIe on to provide a "bulb check", w hen the igni tion is turned on, but sh Qu19 go out after the _ engine is started. If tight fails to
come on wit h ignitio~ turned on, it could indicate a burned out bulb , a
defective electric choke hea ter circuit (on L4 and V6 engines), or a blown
instrument lamp fuse. Have system repaired if light does not come on d min g ch eck .
Occa sionally. this light may flicker momentarily while the engine is running. Should this occur, CHECK EN GINE OIL LEVEL as outlined in Section 5,
"Checking Oil Level." If the light comes on continuously, pull over toa safe place and STOP THE ENGINE until the source of trouble can be loca ted and corrected.
The source of tro uble could be any of the following:
• Loss of engine oil press ure (cbec k eng ine oil level).
• Blown choke heater fuse.
• Loss. of electric choke heate r voltage.
Continuing to run the engine with an illuminated oil pressure light can cause
serious engine damage or unusu ally high exhaust system temperature which can
r esult in serio us damage to the
vehicle. Pull over to a safe place and STOP THE
VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY AND SHUT OFF ENGINE. If the light flashe s
momentarily , ch
eck engine oil leve l as outlined in Sectio n 5 of thi s manu al
Choke Warning Indicator Light
On some vehicles equipped with the optiona l oil pressure gage, an amber choke
warning indicator light replaces the red oil pressure indicator light in the
instrument cluste
r. If this light comes on, indicating loss of electric choke heater
volta
ge, have your authoriz ed Dea ler .locate and correct th e tro uble as soon as
p ossib l
e.
Generator Indicator Light The red ligh t GEN will go on when the ignition key is in the "run" _posit ion, but
before the engi ne
is started. After the engine s tarts, the light should 'go out and
r e m ain out .
If th e light remains on when en gine is running , have your Authorized
D eale r loca te and correct the troubl e as soo n as possibl
e.
Engine Temperature .Indicator Light This indicator light is provided in th e instrument cluster to quickly warn of an
overh eated en gi ne. With the igniti on switch in the START position, the red
TEMP indicator (hot light) will light to let you know that it is operati ng prope rly.
When the engi ne is started ;-th e re d light will go out imm ediate ly. It wilUight up
a t n o other time unleSS for some reason the engine reaches a dangerously high ope ra tin g temperature . 1f the light comes on during extreme driving condition s,
such as an exte nded idle, see "E ngine Cooling
System" on page 3-3. Glance at
th e instrument cluster frequently as you drive to see if this
ligh t is on.
Brake System Warning Light
The regular braking system is a dual system designed so that one part will provide
some braking action if there is a loss of hydraulic pressure in the other part of
the system. The system has a "Brake" warning light loca ted in the instrum ent
pane\.
• To serve as a reminder , the "Bra ke" lig ht is designed to come on while the
park ing brake is se t and the ignition key
is on.
• The light is also designed to come on briefly during engine starting so you
can chec k that the bulb is okay.
• Have the system repaired if the light does not come on during engine starting
o r when the parking brake
is set. 2-17

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine • This warning light docs no t do away with the need f or ~rake il),s.-pectio n and
maintenanc e. The brake fluid level must be checked regularly . See yo ur
Maint enance Schedule folder for
other brake checks.
If th e light comes on and stays o n when the ig nition key is on, after the brak e
pedal ha s been firmly pushed do wn, it may mean that there is somethin g wrong
wit'h one part of the brake system.
Wh at 10 do:
I. C heck to see that the pa rkin g brake has been released. If it has been ...
2. Pull off the road and sto p ca refully. And rememb er that:
• Stopping di stan ces may be longer .
• You may ha ve to pu sh hard er on the ped al.
• The pedal may go down farther {han no rm al.
3. Tryout the brake s by sta rrin g and stopping on the ro ad shoulder--then :
• If you judge it to be safe, drive cautiously at a safe speed to the neat est
dealer for repair , or
• Have vehicl e to w ed to dealer for repair .
Co ntinu ed dri ving with o
ut getting necessary re p a ir s co uld be dangerou s.
"EMISSIONS" INDICATOR
On so me cars, the word "EMISSIONS" is des ig ned to appear in a window in the spe ed om eter faceat certain int~rvals. This is a reminder that maintenan ce se rv ice
mu st
be performed on your ca r. One of two type s' o f se rvice is required :
• On cars equipped with the C-4 System, the oxygen sensor must be replaced with · a new sensor, or
• On
ca rs without the C -4 System, the cataly st in the catalyti c converter must
b e c han ged.
In either case, see yo ur Chl!~rolet dealer fo r se rvice when the "EMISSIONS "
indicat or appears. .
F or more information , see
"C-4 (Computer Contr olled Catalytic Conv erte r)
Syste m " and "Catalyti c Co nverter," both in "Service and Maintenance," Section
5 of thi s manual.
"CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT
If yo ur car has the C-4 System, a "CHECK ENGINE" light on the instrum ent
panel is des ig ned t o come on
during engine starting to le t y ou know th e bulb is
w orkin g. (The light will sla y o n a short time after th e e ngine s tarts .) If th e light
c o m es on whil e
drivin g, se rv ic e to the emi ssion contr ol sy stem may be re quired . Sc:e your Chevrolet deal er as soo n as: possible fo r an in spec tion of the sy ste m .
COlltinu ed driving without having [he C-4System serviced could eventually cause
d am age to the emission control system. It could also affect fuel economy and
driv ability.
See also '; C-4 (Comput er Co ntrolled Catalytic Converter) System" in ;'Ser vic e a nd
Mainte n ance, " Section 5 o f this manual.
Tachometer
The opti onal Tachomet ers indi cat e the speed of th e e ngin e in revoluti ons pe r minute. The indicated number, tim es ](x>o .. gives the engine s peed. Operatil.lg th e
engine w ith the tachom ete r r eading in the color- coded high ~peed area could lead to s~rious engine damage. The re are two tachom .e ter s us ed in the car depending on the e ngine option install ed in your car.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Engine Temperature Gage
This gage indicat~cCX?lant temperature which will vary with air temperature and
operating condition~, The ignition must be on for accurate readings. Hard driving
or prolonged idling In very hot weather will cause the pointer to move beyond the center of the band; Should pointer move to the Red Zone, see "Engine Cooling
System" on page 3-3.
Oil Pressure Gage
The oil pressure gage indicates the pn;ssure at which oil is being delivered 10 the various parts of the engine requiring lubrication. Pressures registered by the gage
I11.!lY vary according to outside air temperatures or weight of oil being used. Oil
pressure of a cold engine ~ing operated at a given speed will be somewhat higher
than when the engine is at normal operating temperature at the same speed .
. Prolonged high speed operation on a hot day at the given speed will result in somewhat lower oil pressure readings. Readings of 30 to 40 psi (205 to 275 kPa)
mny
be considered normal during moderate road speeds of 35 to 40 mph (55 to
60 km/h) \\lith the engine at proper operating temperature. Gage readings which
are
consistently high or Im\l under these conditions may indicate lubrication system <lnd/or engine malfunction.
Voltmeter
When the engine is operating, the voltmeter indicates the electrical system voltage.
During minimum electrical load, the pointer will read to the right of the center.
As the electrical load is increased,
or in stop-and-go driving, the pointer will rotate
to the left. A meter reading continuously in
the left or right red zone indicates
an electrical system
failure .. Cause of the failure should be determined and corrected~
Light Switch
The three position light switch controls the headlights, taillights, parking lights,
sidemarker 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 off. If this condition 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 "Tum Signal and Headlight Beam Lever."
TUIN KNOt TO VAr:t'INSTRUMENT lIGHTS_'UtLy COUNTERClOCKWISE RlR DOME
0"
MAltlCfIt LIGHTS , INSTRUMENT LIGHTS
Headlamp "ON" Warning Buzzer
The optional headlamp reminder buzzer provides an audible warning that the
main light switch is in one
of the "on" positions, either parking lights or
headlights.
The reminder buzzer
is actuated only when the ignition switch is turned to "OFF," "LOCK" or "ACCESSORY" position.
2-19

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine When the parking lamps or headlamps are to be operated with the key in the OFF position. the reminder buzzer can be shut off by turning the light switch knob
until the instrument cluster lights are not on.
Electric Clock
Reset the clock, . if your vehicle is so equipjled. by pulling out the knob and turning the hands clockwise if slow, counterclockwise if fast. This win, if the clock error
is five minutes or more, automatically compensate for time' gain or lag. Several
reseuings, several days apart. may be needed to properly adjust the c10ck
mechanism.
Cigarette Lighter
The optional cigarette lighter is located "in-the ash tray. To operate,- -push it in.
When it becomes heated, it automatically pops out ready for use. ,
VENTILATION. SYSTEM
Your Citation has a power verttiI3:tion system' that provides ventilation comfort by forcing air out through valves in the rear body lock. pillars. You can get a steady
flow of outside air into the car when the heater ot air conditioning blower is turned
on, On cars without air conditioning, you can get a "'ram" fresh .air supply while
the car is moving, with the heater blower· turiled off.
With the side windows closed, outside air will flow into the front grilles. through the car and out the rear air exhaust valves. (See illustration.)
fRONrlNLET
G~.
LOCt<PlUNI EXHAUST VALVE
Basic Operating Tips:
R!AR BODY LOCK
~~~m
• Always keep the fro'nt inlet' grilles clear of obstructions ' (leaves, ice, snow,
etc .).
• Alw.ays keep the underseat ai r path clear of objects.
• When you want heating or air COllditioning, close aU windows while driving
for
the best comfort.
The following pages of this mlin,ual provi.de more operating tips for gettina
maximum heating and cooling , comfort. (Also see "Engine Exhaust Gas Caution
(Carbon Monoxide)" 'at the begiiuling of "Starting and Operating," Section 2 of
this manual.
• Clear snow and ice from the hood 'and air inlet in front of the windshield . This helps the heater and defroster work better and lowers the chance of fogging on the' inside of the windshield.
• Run the blower on "High" for a few moments before driving off. This helps
clear the intake ducts of snow and further lessen s the chance of fogging on
the inside of the windshield.
2-20

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine lower Air Vents
Two control handles lOCated beneath the steering column open and close the tower
air vents. To compliment this system there is a power upper vent in the instrument
panel which is operated from the heater
control. The amount of air coming from the lower cutlets ~epends -on vehicle speed and the upper outJet~ depend on fan
'poed.
HEATER SYSTEM
I" .. ill A. HI
The windshield defrosting and defogging system assists in providing good visibility through designated areas of the windshield under most inclement weather
Conditions. For immedia_te operation of the vehicle. the windshield should be scraped clear.
Adjust
TEMPERATURE lever as required to giv_c -the desired degree afheat. Full
down position provides'maximum heat.
Move the ·
controllever down to-Defroster when windshield defrosting is needed.
Full down position diverts most of the air (low to the defroster outlets. This control
lever may
be adjusted between Heater and Defroster to obtain a partial distribution
of air between the heater and defroster outlets or the heater and vent outlets.
Operate system for 30 seconds before switching to-DEF. This will remove humid
air from tht system and minimize rapid fogging of-the glass which can occur if humid air is blown onto a cool windshield.
ELECTRO-CLEAR REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER
The optional ,defogger may be turned on after the engine is running by.placing
the switch (on the instrument panel) in the ON position. Power is indicated by
agr~n light. After the defogger has operated for a short time. the system _will
automatically
shut ofT. If further defrosting or defogging is desired. simply actuate the switch again. .
_
The defogger will not function if the ignition is turned off.
Refrain from removing decals
or other material from the inside of rear window
with a
razor or other sharp instrument since this may damage the heating element.
2-21

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Clear snow and ice from the rear window to improve the efficiency of the reaT
window defogger.
Air Outlets
The twin barrel vertical type center outlets maybe rotated or vanes turned to direct
air flow in direction desired. The outlets at each end of the instrument panel-may
be rotated or vanes adjusted as desired.
AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
This system combines heating and cooling capabilities for comfort in all weather
conditions.
During some air conditioning operation conditions, slight increases and decreases
of engine speed/power may be noticed. This should be considered normal, as the
system
is designed to cycle the compressor -ON and OFF to maintain desired
cooling. The reduced compressor operation should benefit fuel economy.
III
~" HI
Fan Lever
,
• L •
H • T
O,!
!1~)t 1 ~ ~ ORMS . 2
• I _~v~
VEN.T_~ o ;; HTR ! J
." ®
The fan lever (LO-HI) provides speed control of the blower fan in all Air Selector Lever positions except OFF.
Temperature Control Lever
The temperature control lever regulates the temperature of the air entering the
passenger compartment in an Air Selector Lever _ positions.
Air Selector Lever
The air selector lever regulates air flow from the heater, defroster and air
conditioning outlets.
It also controls operation of the refrigeration compressor.
• OFF --In this position the blower does not operate. However, when the
vehicle is moving, air will enter the passenger compartment through the
heater outlet.
• MAX (AIR COND) --Air from the passenger compartment is mixed with
a small amount
of outside air, conditioned and discharged from the upper
outlets. This position, with the temperature lever in full
COLD, is used for
maximum cooling under conditions
of high temperature and humidity.
2-22

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine • NORM (AIR COND) --Outside aids conditioned as it passes through the
system and is discharged from the upper outlets. This position is used for most
air conditioning situations.
• BI-LEVEL (AIR COND) --Outside air is conditioned and directed out the
upper outlets PLUS the heater outlet. A small amount of air also flows from
the defroster outlets. This position provides comfort
and keeps the windshield
clear under low fogging conditions.
• VENT (ECONOMY)-- Outside air is discharged from the upper outlets. This
position is used in cool to moderate weather when refrigeration is not
required. The refrigeration compressor
is turned off.
• HEATER (ECONOMY) --Outside air is delivered from the heater outlet
with a small amount from the defroster outlets. This position is used for most
winter driving. The compressor
is turned off.
• DEF --Outside air is conditioned and delivered from the defroster outlets
with a small amount from the heater outlet. This position is recommended
for conditions of severe fogging and icing only.
Operating Tip
For satisfactory operation of the air conditioning system, windows should always
be closed, except for the
first few minutes to remove hot air if the car has been
sitting.
Air Outlets
Thetwin barrel vertical type center outlets may be rotated or vanes turned to direct
airflow in direction desired. The outlets at each end of the instrument panel may
be rotated or vanes adjusted as desired.
RADIOS
Your vehicle may have one of several optional GM Delco Sound Systems.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Basic Controls-Although a wide variety of features is offered, the following
basic controls are common to all systems.
• Upper Knob -This knob tutns the set on or otT, and controls the volume.
(To use the radio; the ignition mustbe in "Run" or "Accessory;" ) Behind
the volume knob-is a tone control. When turned to the right, it increases treble
and voice clarity; when turned to the left, it increases bass.
• Lower Knob -This knob is a manual tuning control for choosing radio
stations. For radios with rear speakers, a fader control is behind it. This
control adjusts the sound between the front and rear speakers.
• Push Buttons -Each radio has five push buttons you can use to select your
favorite stations. After using a push button, you may have to "fine-tune" the
radio by hand for the best reception.
To
"set up" the push buttons:
L Manually tune to the desired station.
2. Choose the button you wish to use. Pull it straight out, then push it back
in firmly until it stops.
3. Do this for each of the buttons.
On Delco AM-FM radios, the "AM" button simultaneously chooses the AM band
and · an
AM station. The FM button simultaneously chooses the FM band and
an FM station. The remaining three buttons may be used to select either an AM
or an FM station.
2-23