CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO 1981 4.G Repair Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Towing
Proper equipment .must be used to prevent damage to vehicles during any
towing. State (Provincial in Canada) and local laws which apply to vehicles in
tow must be
followed. Get detailed towing instructions from your dealer.
Your vehicle
may be towed on all four wheels, at speeds less than 35 mph (60
km/h), for distances up to 50 miles (80 kilometers), provided the driveline and
steering are normally operable. For such towing, the steering must be unlocked, transmission in neutral and the· parking brake released. Connect to
main structural parts of the vehicle. Do NOT attach to bumpers or brackets.
Remember also that power assist for brakes and steering will not be available when the engine is off.
If the vehicle is to be towed by a wrecker, use only equipment designed for this purpose, following the instructions of the wrecker manufacturer. A safety Chain
system must be used for all towing.
FREEING VEHICLE FROM SAND, MUD, SNOW OR
ICE
If your vehicle gets stuck in sand, mud, snow or ice, move the shift lever on automatic transmission models from "0" (Drive) to "R" (Reverse) in a repeat
pattern.
Apply a light pressure to the accelerator pedal while the transmission is in gear. Remove your foot from the accelerator while shifting. Do not race
the engine. For best traction, avoid spinning the wheels. Incorrect rocking of your vehicle while it is stuck may result in damage to vehicle components.
CAUTION: Do not spin the wheels faster than 35 mph (55 km/h). Personal injury and
damage (inCluding tire, transmission and/or rear axle failure) may result from excessive
wheel spinning.
If the vehicle remains stuck after several rocking attempts, seek other
assistance. Also see the Notice under '(Automatic Transmissions" in "Steering
Column-Controls," Section 2 of this manual.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine SECTION 4
APPEARANCE CARE
CAUTION: Some cleaners may' be poisonous or flammable, and their Improper ' use
may cause personal injury Or damage the inside of the vehicle. Therefore. when-cleaning the inside -of the vehicle , DO NOT USE votatile cleaning solvents tueh _: acetone , lacquer thi"".r., enamel reducer., nail polish remover.; or suCh cleaning materials as laundry soaps, btl.eMs or reducing agents except .a noted in the fabric cleaning advice on stain removal which follows. NEVER use carbon tetrachloride, gasoline, 'benzene, or naphtha for any cleaning purpose.
Overexposure
to these vapors may result in 8 hNIIh problem. This is even more likely to occur in small, unventileled _spaces. tt is recommended thIIl ,II vehicle cf<!ors be opened 'or ventilatiOn whe~ ANY , cleaning agene. or other chemica. are_.used in the interior. Approved respiratory ,protection equipment rTi8y' be nMded. Follow the INInufllCturer's advice WHENEVER cleaning agents or other' chemlca'a are' used, inside or 9Utside the vehicle.
NonCE: To avoid possible permanent discoloration of white-or light colored seata, DO NOT let mat_58ls with unstab'e dyes corne in contact with seat trim materials until these materials are tota.Ny dry. (This Inch •• s C*1ain type$ of casual clothing , such as colored denims, corduroys, leather.and suedes; also decorative paper, etc.)
CARE AND CLEANING OF THE INTERIOR
With the use of modern trim materials, it is' VERY IMPOR.T~NT.)tJatyou use
proper
cleaning techniques and cleaners. Failing to do this on the first cleaning
may
result in water spots, spot rings ; or setting of stains or soilage, all of which
are
more difficultt'! remove.i~ ~~nd cleaning. . '
Some
of the foilo;';ing cleaning"insi,UctiOns are in CAPITAL LETIERS. These
are especially important and MUST be performed.
Dust
and loose dirllhatcollect on interior . fabrics should be removed oIIen with a vacuum cleaner or soft bristle brush . Wipe vinyl or leather trim regularly with
a clean damp
cloth. Normal trim soilage, spots, or stains can be cleaned with
these GM cleaners:
Dncrlptlon
G.M.Spot lifter 8 oz. (.237L)SoJvent Type . G.M. Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner
G.M. Part No.
1051398
6
lb. (2 .72 Kg) Foam TyPe 1050429 The above products are 'excellent cleaners when u:;ed properly.
They . are '
available through 'your' Author,zed dealer.
Remember these basic steps before cleaning :
1. Remove stains as quickly as possible before they become "set"
2. Use a clean cloth or sponge ; and change to a clean area often. (A SOFT
brush may be used if stains jlersist)
3 .
Use 'solvent-type cleaners only in a well ventilated area; also, do not
saturate the stained
area.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 4. If a ring forms after spot cleaning, clean the entire area IMMEDIATELY.
5. Follow specific instructions on cleaner labels.
Cleaning General Soilage Or Water Spots From Fabric-Type
Trim With Foam-Type
Clealler
GM Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner is excellent for this type of cleaning and
for cleaning panel sections where small cleaning rings may be left from spot
cleaning.
• Vacuum the area thoroughly to remove any loose dirt.
• ALWAYS clean a full trim assembly or complete trim section. Mask
surrounding trim along stitch or
welt lines.
• Mix Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner in strict accordance with directions on the container label. Mix in proportion for smaller quantities.
• USE SUDS ONLY ON A CLEAN SPONGE OR SOFT BRISTLE BRUSH. DO NOT SATURATE FABRIC OR .RUB IT HARSHLY WITH A BRUSH.
IMMEDIATELY AFTER CLEANING, WIPE OFF EXCESS SUDS WITH A
SLIGHTLY DAMP ABSORBENT TOWEL OR CLOTH.
• IMPORTANT -IMMEDIATELY AFTER WIPING, FORCE-DRY THE FABRIC WITH AN AIR HOSE, HEAT DRYER OR HEAT LAMP. (Use caution with
heat dryer or lamp to help prevent fabric damage.)
• When trim materials with a sheen or luster finish are dry, wipe fabric lightly with a soft, dry, clean cloth to restore its sheen or luster~
.. ~~.P~t CI~.aning Fabric-Type Trim With Solvent Type Cleaner
Bef~~~ t~yirlgtb'remove aspotQf stain from fabric, determine as accurately as you can the type and age of the spot or stain: Some spots or slains can be
removed with water or mild soap solution (see "Removal of Specific Stains").
Spots or stains should always be removed as soon as possible.
Some types of stains or sOilage,such as lipstick, inks and grease, are very
difficult (sometimes impossible) to completely remove. When cleaning this type
of stain·or soilage, be sure not· to enlarge thesoiled'area.
GM Fabric Cleaner (Solvent Type) is excellent for spot cleaning grease, oil, or
fat stains.
• Gently scrape excess stain from the trim material with a clean, DULL knife
or scraper.
USE VERY LlTILE CLEANER, light pressure and clean cloths
(preferably cheesecloth). Cleaning should start at the outside of the stain,
"FEATHERING" toward the center. Keep changing to a clean section of
the cloth.
• When you clean a stain from fabric, immediately dry the area with an air hose, heat dryer, or heat lamp to help prevent a cleaning ring. (Use caution
with heat dryer or lamp to prevent fabric damage).
• If a ring forms, immediately repeat the cleaning operation over a slightly
larger area with emphasis
on "FEATHERING" towards its center. If ring
remains, mask off surrounding trim sections and clean the entire affected
area with
GM Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner (as described under
"Cleaning General Soilage or Water Spots with Foam Type Cleaner").

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Removal Of Specific Stains
Grease or Oil Stains -Includes grease, oil, butter , margarine, shoe polish,
coffee wilh cream , chewing gum, cosmetJc creams, vegetable oils, wax crayon,
tar and asphalts .
• Carefully scrape off excess stain, then use GM Fabric Cleaner (Solvent
Type) as previously described.
• Shoe pOlish, wax crayons, ta, and asphalts will stain if left on trim; they should be removed as soon as possible. Use caution as the cleaner will
di ssolve them and
may cause them to "bleed."
Non-Greasy Stains - Includes catsup, coffee (black), egg, fruit, fruit juice , milk,
soft drinks, wine, vomit and blood .
•
Carefully scrape off excess stain , then sponge the stain with cool water .
• n a s tain remains , us e Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner, (Foam Type) as
previously described.
• If an odor lingers after cleaning vomit or urine, tr,eat the area with a water~ baking soda solution : 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) of baking soda to 250
milliliters (1 cup) of te pid wate.. .
•
Finally , if needed, clean lightly with Fabric Cleaner (Solvent Type).
Combination Stains -Includes candy, 'ice cream , mayonnaise. chiH sauce and
unknown stains :
•
Carefully scrape off excess stain , then clean with cool water and allow to
dry.
• If a stain remains, clean it with Fabric Cleaner (Solvent Type).
Cleaning Vinyl Or Leather Trim
Ordinary··soilage.can be r8ll]Ql(~!rpJll,xi~yl or .leather with warm water and a
mild soap such as saddle ' soap or oil' soap, Or an equivalent.
• Apply a small amount of soap solution and let. it soak for a few minutes to
loosen dJrt;then . rub briskly w~h a clean. damp cloth to remove dirt and
traces
of soap. (This may be done several times. if needed.)
• Soilage such as tars . asphalts, shoe polish , etc . will stain if left on trim.
They should be wiped off as quickly as possible and the area cleaned with
a clean cloth dampened with GM Vinyl or Leather Cleaner (Solvent Type).
Seat Belt Care
• Clean seat belts only with mild soap and lukewarm water.
• Do not bleach or dye belts since this may severely weaken them. '
Cleaning Glass Surfaces
Glass surfaces should be cleaned On a regular basis. Use of GM Glass
Cteaner or a commerciat household glass cleaner will remove normal tobacco
smoke and dust films sometimes caused by ingredients used in vinyls and
interior
plastiCS. Never use abrasive cleaners on any vehicle glass, as they
may cause scratches.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Cleaning Rear Glass
tf abrasive cleaners are used on the inside of the rear window, any electric
delogger element may be damaged. Avoid placing decats on the inside rear
window since they may later have to be scraped off. II you use a tempcrary
license, take care not to attach
it across the delogger grid.
Cleaning Glass Roof Panels
Never use abrasive cleaners'''on any glass roof panels, such as Vista~Vent as
they may cause scratches. AI,sQ, if you use such cleaners on the inside
surface , the tinted coating may be damaged. Avoid placing decals on the inside
surfa ce which may
later have to be scraped off.
CARE AND CLEANING OF THE EXTERIOR
Exterior Finish
The paint·lii'ish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth 01 color, gloss retention
and durability.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way,lo,preserve your vehicle's finish is to keep it clean by frequent washings. Wash the vehide in lukewarm or cold water.
Do not use hot water or wash your vehicle in the direct rays of the sun. Do not
use strong soap or chemical detergents . All cleaning agents should be lIushed
promptly Irom the surface and not allowed to dry on the linish.
J?olis!lil,!9,.~nd Waxing Your Vehicle
Polishing is reCommended to remove built-up residue and eliminate any "weathered" appearanc~.
Your dealer offers several polishes and cleaners which have proven value in
maintaining original finish appearan£e ~ -durabtlity.
Protection of Exterior Bright Metal Parts
Bright metal parts should be cleaned regularly to keep their luster. Washing
with. water is all that is usually needed. However, you may use GM Chrome Polish on CHROME or STAINLESS STEEL trim, il necessary.
Use special care with
ALUMINUM trim. Never use auto or chrome polish, steam or caustic soap to clean aluminum. A coating 01 wax , rubbed to a high polish , is recommended lor all bright metal parts.
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels
Preserve the original appearance of aluminum wheels (il your vehicle has
them) by keeping them clean and Iree lrom build-up 01 road dirt and/or road
salt. Regular cleaning lollowed by a coat
01 paste wax (such as GM 1 050~37 "Finish Guard") is recommended .
Cleaning White Sidew.all Tires
Use GM White Sidewall Tire Cleaner or a tire cleaner which will not harm
aluminum wheel trim. A stiff brush may be used with the cleaner .
4-4

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Cleaning The Optional Vinyl Top
Wash the top often with neutral soap suds, luk ewarm water and a brush with
soft bristles . Rinse the top with plenty of clear water to remove all trac es of soap.
If the top needs more cleaning , you can use a mild foaming cleanser such as
GM Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner. (Do not use volatile-type cleaners or
household bleaching agents on the top material.)
• Rinse the top with water . Then, on an area of about 0.2 square meters
( two square feet), apply a mild foaming type cleanser.
• Scrub the area with a soft bristle brush, adding water as needed until the
cleanser foams to a soapy consistency .
• Wipe off the Cleanser with a cloth or spOnge. Apply more cleanser to the
area , and scrub until the top is clean.
• To avoid streaking, keep the cleanser from running onto the body finish.
• Rinse top with plenty of. clear water to remove all traces of cleanser.
Corrosion Protection
Generally, your vehicle has been designed and built to resist corrosion . Special
materials and protective finishes were used on most parts of your vehicle when it was built to help maintain good looks, strength and reliable operation .
However , some parts which normally are not visible (s uch as c ertain parts
under the the
hood ) are such that surface rust will not affect their reliability .
Therefore, corrosion protection i's not needed or used on these parts.
Sheet Metal Damage
If your vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal repair or replac .ement ,
make
sure IheboOY .[epair S \)gJ;l) ll)Plies anti-corrosion material to the part s
repaired or replaced so that corrosibn '''protection is restored. (Also see "Finish
Damage" which follows .)
Foreign Material Deposits
Calcium chloride and other salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap,
bird droppings, chemicals. from industrial chimneys, and other foreign matter
may damage vehicle finishes
if left on painted surfaces.
Prompt washing
may not completely remove all of these depOSits. Other
cleaners
may be needed . When using chemical cleaners developed for this
purpose , be sure they are safe 'for use on painted surfaces .
FiniSh Damage
Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the finish should be repaired
promptly . Exposed metal will co rrode quickly and may develop into major repair
,expense.
Minor chips and scratches .can be repaired with tQuch-up materials available
from your Chevrolet dealer
or other service outlets . Larger areas of finish
damage can
be corrected in your dealer's body and paint shop.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Underbody Maintenance
Corrosive materials. used for ice and snow removal and dust control can collect on the underbody. If these materials are not removed, accelerated corrosion
(rust)
can occur on underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame , floor pan, and
exhaust system even though they have been provided with corrosion
protection.
At least every spring, flush these materials from the underbody with plain
water .
Take care to clean well any areas where mud and other debris can
collect. Sedimentpacked in closed areas. of the frame should be loo~ened before being flushed. H desired, your authorized dealer can perform this service
for
you.
I
I
, NOTICE
TO
NEW CHEVROLET OWNERS
REGARDING
CHEMICAL PAINT SPOTTING
Chevrolet believes: that certamweatb'er and atmospheric condi­tions may create a chemical fallout whereby certain airborne pollutants -fall upon and attack _vehicle paint s. Occurrences have taken place primarily in the·-northeastem--se~boardarea."The" paint damagetaJees two forms: Blotchy, ringlet shaped discolora­
tions , and small irregular dark spots etched into the paint 'surfac e.
Paint spotting as a result of the fall~ut is not related to a de fect in paint materialsoE workmanshlp~For this reason, claims arising
from this condition are not considered to be warranty related.
Nevertheless . be_cause -Chew ,oiet shares the pride which our­_o wners lake_ in preserving and _ m.ain(aining the appearance of their vehicles, Chevrolet has authorized _ its dealers to repair, at no charge to .the owner , the surfac es of new vehicles damaged
by this fallout condition within 12 months or 20,000 kilometers (12,000 miles) of pUIchase , whichever ·comes fi~sf.
4·6

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine PART NUMBER
1051516
1050017
1052277
1050172
1050173
1050174
1050214
f' 1050237 .... 1050244
1052280
1050427 1050429
1052349
1050729
1051055
1051398
1051515 1051172 1051855 1051858
1052103
1052271 1052272
APPEARANCE CARE AND MAINTENANCE MATERIALS
SIZE DESCRIPTION
32 02. 10.946 U Washer -Solvent and Gas Line De-Icer 3 '2 oz, (0.946 LI Power Steering Fluid 16 oz. (0.473 LI Spray-A-Sq ueak
16 oz. (0.473 L) Tar and Road Oil Remove'r 16 oz . (0.473 L) Chrome Cleaner and Polish 1602.10,473 LI WhiteSidewall Tire Cleaner , 32 oz. 10.946 L) Vinyl/Leather Cleaner 16 oz. 10.473 L) Finish Guard Cleaner 16 oz. (0.473 L) Fabric Cleaner 1'2 oz. 10.354 L) Heat Valve Lubricant 23 oz. (0.680 L) Glass Cleaner 6 lb. 12.72 kg) Multi·Purpose Powdered Cleaner
16 oz. (0.453 kg) Lubriplate (White Grease) 8 oz. 10.237 Ll Vinyl Top Cleaner 16 oz. (0.473 LI Preservatone 8 oz. 10.237 L) Spot Lifter 32 oz, 10.946 LI GM Optikleen 20 oz . (0.567 kg) presofl®ed-Cleaner/wax 32 oz. 10.946 U Dexron II 16 oz. (0.473 1I GM Engine Oil Supplement (E.O.sJ 1 gal. 13.785 L) Anti·Free ze Coolant lethylene glycol base) 23 oz. 10.680 L ) GM Gear Lubricant 15 gal. (60 L) GM Gear Lubricant
USAGE
Washer Solvent and gas line Oe-icer Power Steering Weather Strips -stops squeaks on metal-to-metal and metal-to~ rubber contact Removes old waxes, polishes, tar, and road oil Removes rust and corrosion on chrome and stainless steel
Cleans white imd black tires Spot and stain removal on leather or vil'lyl One step cleaner and wax and aluminum· wheels Spot and stain removal on cloth and fabric Free up sticky heat ri;ers -general purpose penetrant Glasscleaning and spot cleaning on vinyls
Cleans vinyl and cloth on door trim, seats, and carpet-also, tires and mats Grease for hood, trunk and door hinges and latches
Cleaning of vinyl tops Viny l Top Dressing SPOt and stain removal on cloth and fabric
W indshield washer solvent and anti-freeze One step c leaner/wax Automatic transmission Consult your Dealer for specific usage
Year round coolant and anti-freeze Rear axle lubricant Same as 1052271

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine SECTION 5
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
CAUTION: As with any mletdne, take car. when making any check, doing any maintenance, or making any repair, to avoid being Injured. Note that some of the materials in this vehicle may be hazardous if used, serviced , or handled improperly. Improper or incomplete servl'c. could alao lead to the vehicle ItMn not working properly which may resuH in personal Injury, or damage to the vehicle or its equipment. n you holy. any question about carrying out some service, hoIv. the service done by a skilled technician.
REPLACEMENT FASTENERS
During vehicle maintenance , any fasteners used to replace older ones must
h ,ave the same measurements and strength as those removed, whether metric or customary. (The numbers on the heads of metric bolts and on the surface s
of metric nuts show their strength . Customary
bolts use radial lines to show
thi s,
while most customa ry nuts do not have strength markings.) Fasteners
taken from the vehicle should be saved for re-use in the same spot when
possible . Where a fastener cannot be used again, take care to choo se a
repla cement that matches the old one. For information and help , see your dealer. .
CAUTION: This vehicle has some parts dimensioned in the metric system as well .. in the customary system. Some fasteners are metric and are very close in dimensnion to well· known customary fasteners in the inch system. Mismatched or incorrect fasteners
can result tnda~tp ~ vehic" or possibly personal Injury.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE AND WARRANTY
FOLDERS
For owner convenience, a separate folder has been provided with your vehicle which contains a complete maintenance schedule. It also briefly describes the
safety I emission control, lubrication and general service your vehicle requires.
The Maintenance Schedule folder is supplemented by this section of the
Owner 's
Manual.
Two Warranty Folders are also furnished with your Vehicle. These provide
detailed information on the :
• t981 Chevrolet New Vehicle Lim ited Warranty
• 1981 Chevrolet Perforation From Corrosion Limited Warranty
• 1981 Emissions Control Systems Warranties, including:
•
Emission Components Defect Warranty
• Emission Pertormance Warranty
• 1981 Chevrolet Powertrain Lirnited Warranty -Power Protection Plus
Read all four publications for a full understanding of your vehicle 's
maintenance needs.
You can get a replacement Maintenance Schedule from your dealer or send
the
VIN (or serial numbe r) of your vehicle to Consumer Relations, Chevrolet
Cent ral Office, Chevrolet Motor Division, Warren, Michigan 48090.
5-1

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine FUEL CAP
The fuel cap is.behind the. rear license plate.
NOTICE: tt you need: to repWce the fuel cap, use only a cap with these same features as specifie<Uor your model . An incorrect fuel cap can result In a serious malfunction of the fuel system or emission control system. You can get a correct replacement cap from
your dealer.
The fuel tank filler cap has a "screw-on ratcheting type" feature .
• _ To remove -rotate cap counterclockwise to clear the inside of the filler
neck. This will allow any residual pressure to escape .
_ To install -reverse this procedure and tighten cap securely until a
"ratcheting ". clicking sound is heard indicating cap is on properly.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
.Ttle .cal;!ly:tic converter is an emission control device added to the exhaust system,' to reduce exhaust gas pollutants. The converter contains
a ceramic material coated with noble metal catalysts. To prevent contamination
of the catalysts , unleaded gasol;"" must be used . Unleaded gasoline also
reduces spark plug louling. exhaust system corrosion and engine oil
deterioration.
The catalytiC converter requires the use of unleaded gasoline. Using leaded gasoline wilt cause --the converter to lose its effectiveness as an
emission control device. Leaded gasoline will also damage the Computer
Command Control, system oxygen sensor, which could affect emission control,
fuel economy . and drivability.
~,~.,y..'~,","~ ... :..., To help 'prevent damage:
1. Keep your engine properly maintained . Engine malfunctions involving the electrical, carburetion or ignition systems may result in unusually high
catalytic con verter and exhaust . sy~tem temperatures which, under
extreme malfunctioning conditions·, may ignite interior floor:"'covering
materials above the converter. Do not keep driving your vehicle if you
detect engine misfire, noticeable loss of performance ,or other unusual operating conditions. Instead. have it serviced promptly.
A properly maintained
engine will help avoid malfunctions that could damage
the converter.
~ will also help provide good emission control and fuel economy.
See the Maintenance Schedule , folder for information on inspecling and
maintaining the engine. exhaust system. and other components. .
2. Do not drive through or Idle or park your vehicle over combustible
materials, such as grass or leaves_ They could touch the hot exhaust
system and ignite.
3. Do not push or tow this vehiCle to start it. This may result in unusually
high catalytic converter and exhaust system temperatures which under
extreme conditions may ignite interior floor -covering material above the
converter.
Pushing or towing to start can also damage · the catalytic
converter itself.
Disregarding these
instructions could damage the cataly:tic converter. the
vehicle, or nearby property.
5-2