maintenance CHEVROLET CAMARO 1971 2.G Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 1971 OWNER'S MANUAL
IMPORTANT OPERATING, SAFETY, AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
GM CHEVROLET
CAMARO

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine A WORD TO CAMARO OWNERS ...
This manual has been prepared to acquaint you with the operation and maintenance of your Camaro, and to provide
important safety information. We urge you to read it carefully and follow the recommendations contained to help
assure the most enjoyable and trouble-free operation of your vehicle.
When it comes to service, remember that your Chevrolet dealer knows your vehicle best and is interested in your
complete satisfaction . Return to him for Guardian Maintenance Service and any other assistance you may require.
To assist dealers in handling your needs, Chevrolet maintains a number of Zone Offices throughout the country.
Should you have a problem that cannot be handled through normal channels, follow the procedure presented on page
71 of this manual under the heading, "Owner Relations".
Regarding warranty, your Camara, when purchased new is covered by the Chevrolet New Vehicle Warranty and the
Policy on Chevrolet Owner Service. Complete details will be found in the 1971 Chevrolet New Vehicle Warranty and Policy on Owner Service folder which was given to you by your dealer at the time of new car delivery.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for choosing a Chevrolet product-and assure you of our continuing
interest in your motoring pleasure and satisfaction. Chevrolet Motor Division
FOR MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE AND ECONOMY I OM I " I G I KEEP YOUR GMCAR ALL GM. SPECIFY GENERAL _ Uui~~De ~Jco MOTORS PARTS IDENTIFIED BY ONE OF THESE ~ TRADE-MARKS:

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 1971 CAMARO
OWNER'S
MANUAL
CHEVROLET MOTOR
DIVISION
GENERAL MOTORS
CORPORATION DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48202
All information, illustrations and specifications
con­tained in this manual are based on the latest product
information available at the time of publication. The right is reserved to make changes at any time without
notice.
Part No. 3991061
ST 309-71
©GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION 1970
Table of Contents Page
Before Driving your Car. _ ...... _ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Starting and Operating
............................................ 11
Safety Checks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 33
In Case of Emergency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 38
Air
Pollution Control Systems.. .. . ....... . . . . .. . .. .. .. . .. . .. .. . ... 41
Appearance Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 47
Service and Maintenance ......................................... 51
Maintenance Schedule ........................................... 66
Specifications,
Owner Relations, Service Manuals, Index ........... 72
1

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine tongue load be maintained at ap­
proximately
10% of the loaded
trailer weight. Tongue loads can be
adjusted by proper distribution of
the load in the trailer, and can be
checked by weighing separately the
loaded trailer and then the tongue.
When towing trailers, tires should
be inflated to the standard pressure
shown
on the placard, affixed to
left front door. The allowable pas­
senger and cargo load also shown
on the same placard,
is reduced by
an amount equal to the trailer
tongue load on the trailer hitch.
Maintenance
More frequent vehicle mainte­
nance
is required when using your
car to pull a trailer. Change the:
1. Automatic transmission and rear axle
fluid each
12,000 miles.
2. Engine oil each
60 days or 3000
miles whichever occurs first,
3. Replace the positive crankcase
ventilation valve each 12 months
or 12,000 miles whichever oc­
curs first.
Break .. in Schedule
In addition to the new car break­
in instructions in the
Owners' Man­
ual,
it is recommended that your
new Camaro be operated for
500
miles before trailer towing. If it is
necessary to tow during this period,
avoid speeds over
50 MPH and
full throttle starts.
For cars already in use the above
precautions should be observed
whenever a new engine, transmis­
sion
or axle is installed.
10

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 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
• •
• •
• • • •
• • •
• •
• • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • •
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• 0 o· 00 0 ·
0

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Safety Maintenance Schedule" on the inside of the
glove box door
as illustrated.
The schedule lists the various safety checks to be
performed at regularly scheduled intervals,
as well
as some of the other important vehicle maintenance
requirements. You are urged to check
off each item
on the schedule after the operation has been per­
formed. Following are further details on the safety
check items:
Checks To Be Made At Oil Change Intervals
(4 months or 6,000 miles, whichever comes
first)
• Brake Lines and Hoses -Check for proper at­
tachments, leaks, cracks, chafing, deterioration,
etc. Any questionable parts noted should be re­
placed or repaired immediately.
• Fluid Levels-Check level of fluid in brake master
cylinder, power steering pump, radiator, engine,
axle and transmission. Any significant
loss could
mean that a malfunction
is developing in the sys­
tem and corrective action should be taken imme­
diately.
On cars with disc brakes, a low fluid level
in the front brake master cylinder reservoir could
34
also be an indicator that disc brake pads need
replacing.
• Front and Rear Suspension and Steering Sys­
tem-Check for damaged or missing parts, or parts
showing visible signs of excessive wear or lack of
lubrication. Questionable parts should be replaced
by a qualified mechanic without delay.
• Exhaust System -Check complete exhaust sys­
tem and nearby body areas and trunk lid for
broken, damaged, missing or mispositioned parts,
open seams, holes, loose connections
or other de­
terioration which could permit exhaust fumes to
seep into the trunk or passenger compartment. Any
defects should be corrected immediately. To help
insure continued integrity, exhaust system pipes
rearward of the
muffler must be replaced whenever
a new
muffler is installed.
• Tires and Wheels -Check tires for excessive
wear, nails, cuts or other damage. Make certain
wheels are not bent
~nd wheel nuts are tight. Un­
even or abnormal tire wear may indicate the need
for alignment service. Check tire inflation pressure
at least monthly, or more often
if daily visual
inspection indicates the need.

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 under the proper conditions, they react with other
gases to form photochemical smog, which
is so prev­
alent in Los Angeles.
In addition, carbon monoxide emissions have been
reduced by about 65 percent compared with 1960
model cars without controls. Although carbon mon­
oxide does not enter into the complex photochemical
smog reaction, it
is toxic at high concentrations and
thus, has been controlled to prevent high atmospheric
concentrations.
Recent Developments
Another important advancement in air pollution
control has been the removal of lead from gasoline.
(Certain lead compounds have been used for many
years
as additives to increase octane ratings.) All
1971 General Motors cars including your Camaro
are designed
to operate on unleaded or low-lead
(zero to
0.5 grams per gallon) gasolines. However,
any gasoline with
91 Research Octane Number or
42
higher will satisfy your engine's octane requirements.
Use of unleaded or low-lead gasoline will keep your
engine running efficiently and play an important part
in reducing exhaust emissions of hydrocarbons and
particulates.
Your Role In Controlling Air Pollution
1. Use Unleaded or Low-Lead Fuels-To obtain
maximum results
In the reduction of automotive
emissions, use an unleaded gasoline.
If such gaso­
line
is not available, you may use a leaded regu­
lar grade gasoline.
2. Have The Air Pollution Control Systems on Your
Car Serviced Regularly -
The following pages of
this section describe the emission control systems
on Chevrolet vehicles and provide information
on their proper maintenance. By following these
recommended maintenance services you will help
assure cleaner air and provide a better running,
longer lasting engine and greater all around satis­
faction, economy and performance.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine POSITIVE CRANKCASE
VENTILATION (PCV)
~F"'FILnREDAIR --+ B = BLOW BY GASES :lI." HB ~COMBUSTlBlEMIXTURE
pey
VALVE
OPERATION: All General Motors gasoline engine
powered vehicles are equipped with Positive
Crank­
case Ventilation-a system which permits no crank­
case emissions to be discharged into the atmosphere.
To function properly, the system depends on the
43
PCV Valve which returns blow-by gases to the com­
bustion chamber where they are burned.
MAINTENANCE: This valve must be clean in
order to maintain efficient engine operation.
An
inspection of the ventilation filter should be
made at the first oil change
(4 months or 6,000
miles, whichever occurs first). At each subse­
quent oil change, the ventilation filter
should
be inspected and replaced if necessary. Re­
place filter at least every 24,000 miles. Under
normal driving conditions, the PCV Valve should
be replaced every 24 months or 24,000 miles,
whichever occurs first, and
all hoses and fit·
tings
should be inspected and cleaned or re­
placed, as necessary. Replace the PCV Valve
and inspect related parts every 12 months or
12,000 miles when the vehicle is used in a ser­
vice requiring more frequent engine oil change
as covered on page 53.
NOTE: Emission control systems in this section are Illustrated on V-8 engines; systems on 4 and 6 cylinder engines are similar.