head CHEVROLET CAMARO 1982 Repair Guide

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 778

Fig. 4: Add clean oil to the engine to ac hieve the correct level, indicated on
dipstick. Do not overfill
Your engine oil should be checked at regular intervals (such as every fuel stop).
Check the engine oil as follows:
1. Make sure the car is parked on level ground.
2. When checking the oil le vel it is best for the engine to be at normal
operating temperature, although checking the oil immediately after
stopping will lead to a false reading. Wa it a few minutes after turning off
the engine to allow the oil to drain back into the crankcase.
3. Open the hood and locate the dipsti ck which should be on either the
passenger's side for the V8 engine or driver's side for the L4 and V6
engines. Pull the dipstick fr om its tube, wipe it clean and then reinsert it.
4. Pull the dipstick out agai n and, holding it horizontally, read the oil level.
The oil should be between the FULL and ADD marks on the dipstick. If
the oil is below the ADD mark, add oil of the prop er viscosity through the
capped opening in the top of the cylinder head cover.
5. Replace the dipstick and check the o il level again after adding any oil. Be
careful not to overfill the crankcase. Approximately 1 quart (0.9L) of oil
will raise the level from the ADD mark to the FULL mark. Excess oil will
generally be consumed at an accelerated rate.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 801

Fig. 3: Note location of power steering fluid on indicator. Do not overfill power
steering pump when adding fluid.
Power steering fluid level s hould be checked at least twice a year. To prevent
possible overfilling, check the fluid le vel only when the fluid has warmed to
operating temperatures and the wheels are turned straight ahead. If the level is
low, fill the pump reservoir until the flui d level measures between the COLD and
HOT marks on the reservoir dipstick. Low fluid level usually produces a
moaning sound as the wheels are turned (especially when standing still or
parking) and increases st eering wheel effort.
STEERING GEAR
FLUID RECOMMENDATIONS
The 1982-92 vehicles are equipped with a pow er steering gear. All vehicles use
GM power steering fluid, or equivalent.
CHASSIS GREASING

Chassis lubrication can be performed with a pressurized grease gun or by using
a hand-operated grease gun. Wipe the grease fittings clean before greasing in
order to prevent the possibility of fo rcing any dirt into the component.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 812
9. Connect one end of the other jumper
cable to the negative (-) terminal on
the booster battery and the final cable clamp to an engine bolt head,
alternator bracket or ot her solid, metallic point on the engine with the
dead battery. Try to pick a ground on the engine that is positioned away
from the battery in order to minimi ze the possibility of the 2 clamps
touching should one l oosen during the procedure. DO NOT connect this
clamp to the negative (-) term inal of the bad battery.
CAUTION - Be very careful to keep the jum per cables away from moving parts
(cooling fan, belts, etc.) on both engines.
10. Check to make sure that the c ables are routed away from any moving
parts, then start the d onor vehicle's engine. Run the engine at moderate
speed for several minutes to allow the dead battery a chance to receive
some initial charge.
11. With the donor vehicle's engine still r unning slightly above idle, try to start
the vehicle with the dead battery. Crank the engine for no more than 10 \
seconds at a time and let the starter cool for at least 20 seconds between
tries. If the vehicl e does not start in 3 tries, it is likely that something else
is also wrong or that the battery needs additional time to charge.
12. Once the vehicle is star ted, allow it to run at idle for a few seconds to
make sure that it is operating properly.
13. Turn ON the headlight s, heater blower and, if equipped, the rear
defroster of both vehicles in order to reduce the severity of voltage spikes
and subsequent risk of dam age to the vehicles' electrical systems when
the cables are disconnected. This st ep is especially important to any
vehicle equipped with computer control modules.
14. Carefully disconnect the cables in the reverse order of connection. Star\
t with the negative cable that is attached to the engine ground, then the
negative cable on the donor battery. Di sconnect the positive cable from
the donor battery and finally, disconnect the positive cable from the
formerly dead battery. Be careful when disconnecting the cables from the
positive terminals not to allow the alli gator clips to touch any metal on
either vehicle or a short and sparks will occur.
JACKING
Your vehicle was supplied with a jack for emergency road repairs. This jack is
fine for changing a flat tire or other s hort term procedures not requiring you to
go beneath the vehicle. If it is used in an emergency situation, carefully follow
the instructions provided eit her with the jack or in your owner's manual. Do not
attempt to use the jack on any portions of the vehicle other than specified by the
vehicle manufacturer. Always block the diagonally opposite wheel when using a
jack.
A more convenient way of jacking is the use of a garage or floor jack. You may
use the floor jack to raise the vehicle in the areas shown in the illustration .

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 837
1. Loosen the clamp bolts at each end
of the steering tie rod adjustable
sleeves.
2. With the steering wheel set strai ght ahead, turn the adjusting sleeves to
obtain the proper adjustment.
3. When the adjustment has been completed, check to see that the number
of threads showing on each end of the sleeve are equal. Also check that
tie rod end housings are at the right angles to the steering arm.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 847
DISARMING
1. Turn the steering wheel to align the w heels in the straight-ahead position.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.
3. Remove the SIR air bag fuse from the fuse block.
4. Remove the left side trim panel and disconnect the yellow 2-way SIR
harness wire connector at the bas e of the steering column.
To enable system: 5. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.
6. Reconnect the yello w 2-way connector at the base of the steering
column.
7. Reinstall the SIR fuse and the left side trim panel.
8. Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position.
9. Verify the SIR indicator light flashes 7-9 times, if not as specified, inspect
system for malfunction or c ontact the manufacturer.
For more details on the SIR system - including disarming instructions for
passenger bags - please refer to Chassis Electrical in this repair guide.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE REST RAINT (SIR) COIL ASSEMBLY
After performing repairs on the inter nals of the steering column the coil
assembly must be centered in order to avoid damaging the coil or accidental
deployment of the air bag. There are 2 different styles of coils, one rotates
clockwise and the other rotates counterclockwise.
ADJUSTMENT (CENTERING THE COIL) 1. With the system properly disarmed, hold the coil assembly with the clear
bottom up to see the coil ribbon.
2. While holding the coil assembly, depr ess the lock spring and rotate the
hub in the direction of the arrow until it stops. The coil should now be
wound up snug against the center hub.
3. Rotate the coil assembly in the opposite direction approximately 2
1/2
turns and release the lock spring between the locking tabs in front of the
arrow.
4. Install the coil assembly onto the steering shaft.
STEERING WHEEL

WARNING - Before attempting any repairs involving the steering wheel or
disassembly of it, ensure that the Supple mental Inflatable Restraint (Air Bag)
system is properly disarmed.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
If the vehicle is equipped with a SIR (A ir Bag) system, ensure that the proper
disarming procedure is followed.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 848
1982-89 VEHICLES

Fig. 1: Steering wheel removal
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the horn pad.
3. Disconnect the horn contact lead.
4. Remove the retainer and steering wheel nut.
5. Using a suitable steering wheel pu ller, remove the steering wheel.
6. Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure. Tighten the steering
wheel nut to 31 ft. lbs. (42 Nm).
1990-92 VEHICLES
CAUTION - The vehicle is equipped with a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint
(SIR) system, follow the recommended disarming procedures before performing
any work on or around the system. Failure to do so may result in possibl\
e
deployment of the air bag and/or personal injury.
Disconnect the negative battery cable.
1. Disable the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system as follows:
a. Turn the steering wheel so th e vehicle's wheels are pointing
straight-ahead.
b. Remove the left sound insulator by removing the nut from the stud
and gently prying the insulator from the knee bolster.
c. Disconnect the Connector Position Assurance (CPA) clip and yellow 2-way SIR harness connecto r at the base of the steering
column.
d. Remove the SIR fuse from the fuse block.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 853
STEERING COLUMN WITH AIR BAG

Fig. 2: Turn signal switch, w/air bag
1. Properly disable the SIR air bag system.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
3. Remove the inflator module.
4. Remove the steering wheel.
5. Ensure the steering wheel is locked in the straight-ahead position and
remove the coil assembly retaining ring.
6. Pull the coil assembly out and allow it to hang.
7. Using a suitable tool, depress the lock plate to gain access to the
snapring. Remove the snapring and remove the lockplate.
8. Remove the turn signal cancelin g cam, upper bearing spring and signal
switch arm.
9. Remove the hazard warning knob, tu rn signal lever and steering column
wiring protector.
10. Disconnect the turn signal switch connector from the harness connector.
11. Remove the switch retaining screws and remove the turn signal switch.
12. Installation is the reverse of t he removal procedure. Make certain to
follow the SIR coil adjustment pr ocedure previously described.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 856
1. Properly disable the SIR
air bag system, if equipped.
2. Place the lock in the Run position.
3. Remove the lock plate, turn signal switch and buzzer switch.
4. Remove the screw and lock cylinder.
CAUTION - If the screw is dropped on removal, it could fall into the column,
requiring complete disassembly to retrieve the screw.
To install:
5. Rotate the cylinder clockwise to a lign cylinder key with the keyway in the
housing.
6. Push the lock all the way in.
7. Install the screw. Tighten the screw to 14 inch lbs. (1.5 Nm) for
adjustable columns and 25 inch lbs. (2.8 Nm) for standard columns. Re-
center the SIR coil assembly as previously directed.
STEERING COLUMN

WARNING - Before attempting any repairs involving the steering wheel or
disassembly of it, ensure that the Supple mental Inflatable Restraint (Air Bag)
system is properly disarmed.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
The front of the dash mount ing plates must be loosened whenever the steering
column is to be lowered from the instrument panel.
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. On 1990-92 vehicles, disable the S upplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR)
system as follows: a. Turn the steering wheel so th e vehicle's wheels are pointing
straight-ahead.
The wheels of the vehicle must be in the straight-ahead position
and the steering column in the locked position before proceeding
with steering column remo val. Failure to follow this procedure will
cause the SIR coil to become uncentered, resulting in damage to
the coil assembly.
b. Remove the SIR fuse from the fuse block.
c. Remove the left sound insulator by removing the nut from the stud
and gently prying the insulator from the knee bolster.
d. Disconnect the Connector Position Assurance (CPA) and yellow 2-way SIR harness connector at the base of the steering column.
3. Remove the nut and bolt from t he upper intermediate shaft coupling.
Separate the coupling from the lo wer end of the steering column.
4. Remove the steering w heel, if the column is to be replaced or repaired
on the bench.
5. Remove the knee bolster and bracket, if equipped.