wheel CHEVROLET CAMARO 1971 2.G Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS
Anti-Theft Steering
Column Lock
The anti-theft lock, located on the
right side of the steering column,
has
five positions:
• Accessory -Permits operation
of electrical accessories when
en­
gine is not running. To engage,
push key in and
tum toward you
( counterclockwise) .
• Lock-Normal parking position.
Locks ignition and provides
added theft protection by pre­
venting normal operation of
steering wheel and shift controls.
Key cannot be returned to
"lock"
position and removed until trans­
mission is placed in "park"
(automatic transmission models)
or in reverse on manual
trans­
mission models.
• Off-Permits turning engine off
without locking steering wheel
and shift controls.
12
• Run -Normal operating posi­
tion.
• Start -Permits engagement of
starter.
NOTE: The anti-theft steering column lock is not a substitute lor the parking brake.
Always set the parking brake when leav­ing the car unaHended.
When parking-
• Always let go 01 steering wheel belore turning ignition key to lock position.
• When parking on a hill with wheels
turned toward curb, be sure car has
come to complete stop belore turning
key to lock position.
Turning wheels
after car has stopped "winds up" steering system, which can
result in a "spring back" 01 the steering
wheel when the steering column lock is
released. As a lurther precaution, never
reach through the steering wheel lor any
reason.
'"
When leaving your car unaHended, • Set parking brake. ·
• Place automatic transmission selector
in Park (Reverse tor manual trans­mission). . • Turn key to LOCK position. • Remove key (the buzzer will remind
you).
• Lock all doors.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Driving with Manual Transmissions
The 3-speed manual transmis­
sion shift positions follow the
stan­
dard pattern shown on the illustra­
tion. The 4-speed transmission shift
lever, extending from the floor,has
its special shift pattern diagram
lo­
cated on the knob or floor plate.
Depress the clutch pedal fully
be­
fore attempting to shift to a differ­
ent gear, then release the pedal to
move in that gear. Shifting into 2nd
and 3rd gear
as soon as possible
will add appreciably to your fuel
economy.
Both transmissions, being fully
synchronized, may be downshifted
into 1st gear at any speed below
20
m.p.h. Shift into Reverse gear only
after the car has stopped. Always depress
and release the clutch pedal
fully when shifting.
On Four-Speed
transmission the shift linkage may
be adjusted to allow
"short stroke"
shift lever operation. See your
Chevrolet Dealer.
Also, shift into
"Reverse" before
shutting
off engine. This will permit
the ignition key to be turned to the
"Lock" position.
REMINDER: Before descending a
steep or long grade, down a moun­
tain or hillside, reduce speed and
shift into a lower gear (for either
automatic or manual transmission
cars).
Use the brakes sparingly to
prevent them from overheating and
thus reducing brake effectiveness.
16
Turn Signals and Lane
Change Feature
The turn signal lever is located
on the left side of the steering
col­
umn immediately under the steer­
ing wheel. The lever is moved up­
ward to signal a right turn and '
downward to signal a left turn.
Lamps on the front and rear of the
car transmit this signal to other

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 Parking Your Car
Always engage the parking brake
.and place the automatic transmis­
sion selector lever in
"Park" posi­
tion when leaving your car unat­
tended. Also with automatic trans­
missions, never park for prolonged
periods with engine idling and
transmission in gear, especially if
your car
is equipped with air con­
ditioning. This practice
is detri­
mental to the transmission, due to
overheating.
Tilt Steering Wheel
The optional tilt steering wheel
can be tilted up above normal posi­
tion to provide additional room for
entrance and exit
as well as selected
driving positions below normal
height. This permits individual
se­
lection of the most natural position
for all driving conditions.
On long
trips the steering wheel position can
be changed
to minimize tension and
fatigue.
The
tilt mechanism is operated
by lifting up on the small control
18
lever on the left side of the steering
column just below the directional
signal, moving the steering wheel
to
the selected position, and releasing
the lever.

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
• •
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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 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 I n Case of Emergency
Four Way Hazard
Warning
Flasher
• Use the warning flasher to warn
other drivers any time your
ve­
hicle becomes a traffic hazard,
day or night.
• Avoid stopping on the roadway
if possible.
• Turn on the hazard warning
flasher, with engine ignition off
or on, by pushing in on the but­
ton located just below the steer­
ing wheel.
• If the brake pedal is depressed,
the lights will not flash
but will
glow continuously instead.
• To cancel the flasher, pull the
button outward.
"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" in a repeat pattern
while simultaneously applying
moderate pressure to the accelera­
tor. Do not race engine. A void
spinning wheels when trying to free
car.
Towing
Proper lifting or towing equip­
ment
is necessary to prevent dam­
age to the vehicle during any tow­
ing operation. Detailed towing in­
formation is available at your
dealer and has been provided to
tow truck operators responsible for
movement of disabled or locked
ve­
hicles. State and local laws appli­
cable to vehicles in tow must also
be followed.
Your Camaro may be towed on
all four wheels, at speeds of less
than 35 MPH, for distances up to
38
50 miles, provided driveIine, axle
and transmission are otherwise nor­
mally operable.
For such towing,
parking brake must be released,
and transmission must be in neu­
tral (ignition lock turned to
OFF
position). Attachments must be to
main structural members of the car,
not to bumpers or bracketing,
Safety chains or cables should be
used. Remember that power steer­
ing assist will not be available when
engine
is inoperative.
Emergency Starting
• Never tow the car to start
because the surge forward when
the engine starts could cause a
collision with the tow vehicle.
• Engines in vehicles with auto­
matic transmissions cannot be
started by pushing the car.