CHEVROLET CORVAIR 1986 2.G Owner's Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine switch is turned to the "ON" position, the warning light
glows red to indicate to the operator that the parking
brake has not been fully released. This also indicates
that the brake warning light is operational. If the light does not come on, have your Corvair Dealer correct
the trouble as soon as possible. The other function of
this light is to indicate a malfunction in the regular braking system. In the event of broken brake lines,
major brake fluid loss, air in the brake lines or a pres­
sure deviation between the front · and the rear wheel
brake lines, the light will come on and stay on while
braking .
In this event, the vehicle should not be driven
until
the cause has been determined and, if necessary,
corrected.
Automatic Brake Adjusters
All Corvair models are equipped with self-adjusting
brakes which eliminates periodic brake adjustments. The
self-adjusting mechanism
is actuated, as needed, when­
ever the car is moved in reverse and the brakes applied.
It is possible, however, for excessive brake pedal travel
to
develop if the required reverse movement with a
brake application does not take place during a pro­
longed
period of stop and go forward driving. Should
this occur,
the car should be driven backward and for­
ward with the brakes applied at the end of each direc­
tional movement, until the brake pedal travel is back to
normal. If this procedure fails to restore normal pedal
travel, or if any abnormally rapid increase in pedal
travel is experienced, immediate inspection should be
made by your Authorized Chevrolet Dealer. Care should
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be exercised to assure that full brake pedal travel can­
not be obstructed by improper floor mats or other inter­
fering material under the pedal.
PARKING BRAKE
The parking brake operates by cables on the rear
wheel brakes independent of the regular foot brake hydraulic system. The brake system warning light will
be "ON" whenever the parking brake is not fully re­
leased and the ignition switch is "ON". Never drive the car with the parking brake engaged. .
Pull the parking brake lever as far as possible to
engage the brake. The lever will remain in the applied
position until released. To release, pull the handle to­
ward the steering wheel, depress the "trigger" and
allow the handle to return to the released position. CAUTION: When leaving the car unattended, always
fully apply the parking brake.
WINDSHIELD WIPER AND WASHER
The windshield wiping
system operates at (2)
speeds and is designed to
wipe clear
designated areas
of the windshield under
most inclement weather
conditions. The windshield
wipers work
electrically and
are not affected by engine
operation.
Exposure to the "ele­
ments" tends to "wear out"
OFF~ON

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine the rubber in the wiper blades. Check the blades periodi­
cally and replace them whenever they show signs of
streaky or otherwise poor wiping action.
Pressing
once on the windshield wiper and washer
knob will cause the washer to squirt a measured amount
of water or other cleaning agent onto the glass and will
at the same time turn on the wiper. The wiper must
then
be manually turned off, when the washing process
is completed.
Water or cleaning agent needed for operation of
the windshield washers is carried in a plastic water jar
attached to the dash panel withiri the luggage compart­
ment. Keep the
washer jar Ailed to a level 2 inches below
the top of
the jar.
CAUTION: Be sure to have the fluid level in the washer
reservoir
checked regularly, with special attention to
keeping the reservoir fil/ed during periods of heavy use.
GM Washer Solvent should be used as directed to pre­
vent freezing
damage and for better cleaning of the
windshield under
aI/ conditions. Do not use radiator anti­
freeze as this will cause paint damage.
In the winter, fill the washer jar only % full to allow
for expansion if the solution freezes. In freezing weather,
pre-warm the windshield using the heater defrosters before using the washers.
DIRECT AIR HEATER THe Direct Air Heater uses engine cooling air to
heat the interior of the car.
Operation of the controls is
given below.
FAN-Controls blower speed.
Blower must not be op­
erated unless HEAT lever
is depressed.
HEAT=Controls the amount
of hot air to the system.
NOTE: When shutting off the above control lever, pull fully up until the lever snaps into the latch position.
DEF-Diverts heated air to the defroster outlets.
The windshield defrosting
and defogging system
assists
in providing good visibility through desig­
nated areas of the windshield under most inclement
weather conditions. For immediate operation of the
vehicle, the windshield should
be scraped clear.
OPERATION FOR MAXIMUM COMFORT
• MINIMUM HEAT REQUIREMENTS-During spring and
fall in areas where climatic conditions are less severe,
depress the HEAT lever only as required for your
comfort.
NOTE: In Dir~ct Air Heauirs vapor m.ay collectwhen vehicle stands for long periods, keep the HEAT lever in OFF position for the first few ml!lutes of engine operatIon. This will reduce the tendency for moisture to condense on windshield. 011 spilled on engine shroudIng may cause odor in passenger compartment. To avoid discomfort, the cause of any odor should be traced and promptly corrected.
19

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine • MAXIMUM HEAT REQUIREMENTS-Depress HEAT lever
to extreme down position.
If heat becomes exces­
sive, pull up HEAT knob to desired position.
Additional rear seat
compartment heat may be
obtained by opening the
heater outlet located in the
seat riser.
Heater Operating Tips
The Direct Air Heater receives air from the air inlet
louvers below the
rear window. Clean snow from this
opening
and surrounding areas before operating the
heater.
Operate the heater for several minutes before turn­
ing on the defroster. This will clear the system of moisture
and help prevent windshield fogging.
Keep
all windows and vents closed to reduce drafts,
and noise.
Quicker defrosting may
be obtained when the rear
seat heater outlets are closed.
AIR CONDITIONING
The optional air conditioner provides controlled con­
ditioned air at each of the three dash panel mounted
outlets.
Air conditioner
and heater are two separate units
with a common control
housing-The air condition con­trols function as follows.
20
COOL -Depress the COOL
lever as required to pro­
vide the desired condi­
tioned air temperature
through the dash outlets.
COOL lever must be de­
pressed past detent be­
fore cooling fan will
operate.
FAN-Vary the fan switch as
necessary to satisfy com­
fort requirements. The FAN
switch must be turned ON to at least "lOW" speed
during all cooling operations.
AIR-For maximum cooling capacity during periods of
extreme heat and humidity, and when first turning
on the system, the air lever should
be in the full
"UP" position. Depress lever to satisfy needs under
less
severe cooling requirements.
AIR CONDITIONER OPERATING TIPS
Always operate the Air Conditioning System with all
windows
and vents closed to eliminate drafts, wind and
road noise. The cover plate furnished should remain
installed over the engine air recirculating slot during
the season when cooling
is required. This plate should
be removed, and stowed, when outside temperatures are
continuously below 60°F.
For the best system operation at altitudes over 4000
ft., do not operate with control set to maximum cooling.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine CHEVROLET "ALL TRANSISTOR" RADIOS
••• AM Radios
of the station selector knob allows use of front, rear or
both
speakers .
The
left hand control knob is the "on-off" switch and Five push buttons allow station selection. To preset,
volume
control. At its base is the tone control wing knob. pull the push button "out" as far as it will go, tune in the
The right
hand knob is the manual station selector. With desired station manually and then push the button fully
the optional rear seat speaker, a wing knob at the base "in." Repeat for each push button .
To operate the radios, the igni­
tion switch must
be in "ON" or
"ACC" position.
For best AM operation the an­
tenna should be fully extended.
• • • AM/FM Radio
This set receives clear static-free FM broadcasts as well as standard AM
programs. Move the slide bar to select AM or FM reception. Controls are the
same
as in Manual and Push Button radios. FM broadcasts may be received
as far as 25 miles from the sending station, depending on the power of the
station
and existing terrain. Push buttons may be set for AM, FM or both .
• • • Stero Tape System
The optional stereo tape player system provides pre-recorded stereo music
for your enjoyment. The system consists
of a 4-channel, a-track tape cartridge
and front and rear radio speakers.
To play your stereo, the ignition switch must be in the "ON" or "ACC"
position. (Radio must be turned on.) To operate the system, insert a tape
cartridge (label side up) and engage fully.
The four player controls should be adjusted as follows:
1. Vol.-Tape Push. Push and release knob to select desired program. Adjust
volume
as desired.
2. Tone ... .
..... Adjust as desired (Bass-Treble).
3. Balance ...... Adjust relative volume levels of the two stereo channels
in the system.
4. Front-Rear .... Adjust to balance volume of front and rear speakers.
When the unit
is left unattended, pull the tape cartridge slightly away
from the unit (rack) approximately one inch, to avoid possible roller damage.
Store tapes in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight and with tape end
of cartridge in the upright position.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine AIR VENTS
Additional summer ventila­
tion is provided through vent
inlets in each side of the front
passenger compartment. The
vents
may be opened or
closed by means of the con­
trol knobs located in the
trim pad.
CIGARETTE LIGHTER AND ASH TRAY
The ash tray and cover is an integral unit, which
pivots
outward and down for access.
To
remove tray for cleaning purposes, press the catch
at inside rear of tray and lift from panel.
Press on the optional cigarette lighter to heat. When
ready for use, it will "pop" out. '
IMPACT PROTECTION FOR THE DRIVER
. The Corvair steering control system, includil)g the
General Motors developed Energy Absorbing Steering
Column,
is designed to reduce injuries to the driver in
the event
of some front end collisions. The Energy Absorb­
ing Steering Column tends to decrease the forces acting
on the driver by compressing at a controlled energy
absorbing rate. In addition, in such collisions it limits
rearward movement of the steering column and wheel
into the passenger compartment.
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TELESCOPING STEERING COLUMN
The optionally available telescoping steering column
can be adjusted
within a range of 2-%". This is to give maximum comfort. On long trips the steering wheel posi­
tion can
be changed to minimize tension and fatigue. Repositioning of the steering wheel can be accom­
plished
at the driver's discretion. Turn the control lever
counterclockwise to unlock; position wheel as desired
and turn control lever clockwise to lock.
DOOR AND WINDOW GLASS
Both laminated and tempered safety glass are used
in the
car windows. The laminated glass used in the windshield is designed to be tough but resilient, and
remains transparent when fractured. The chance of an
occupant penetrating the windshield in the event of
certain collisions is reduced by the interlayer thus de­
creasing injury severity. Tempered glass used in the
side
and back windows does not incorporate an inter­
layer, but shatters into small pieces when broken. These
small pieces
are characteristically free of sharp edges,
greatly reducing laceration potential.
KEYS
The octagonal-end key operates the ignition switch
and the doors of your Corvair.
The round-end key operates the glove box, luggage
compartment and the optional spare tire lock.
As a
reminder to remove your ignition key whenever
your vehicle is attended, a buzzer will sound if the left
front door is opened and the key remains in the ignition
switch (off-or accessory position).

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine IGNITION, DOOR
LOCK
AND TAIL GATE
ALL OTHER
LOCKS
DOOR LATCHES AND HINGES
The Corvair door lock design contributes to passen­
ger safety and to the security of your car and its contents.
For
example: Strong door latches and sturdy hinges
reduce the possibility of the doors being forced open as
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a result of certain accident situations, thus reducing the
probability
of a person being thrown from the vehicle.
Doors
can be locked from the inside by depressing
the small button located on the upper door panel. Doors
can be locked from the outside by simply depressing the
interior button, holding the outside door handle plunger
and closing the door. Once closed, release the plunger
and the door is locked.
The doors
can also be locked, in the usual manner,
by using
the octagonal shaped key.
All models have as a standard safety feature free
wheeling door locks. When the lock buttons are de­
pressed, the door handles become inoperative, prevent­
ing
inadvertent opening of the doors.
CAUTION: Do not close the vehicle door by applying
pressure
on the glass. Always lock the doors when driving
as well as when leaving the car unattended.
SEATS
Front Seat Adjustment
The one-piece front seat is easily adjusted forward
or rearward to provide maximum driving comfort.
To adjust the seat, move the control lever on the
driver's end of the seat forward. Then by exerting
slight
body pressure the seat may be moved forward' or
rearward. When the lever is released, the seat is auto­
matically locked
in position.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine The bucket seats are adjusted in exactly the same
manner. The seat control lever
for each seat is located
beneath the outer edge of the seat (toward the door).
Underneath the seat trim are strong steel seat struc­
tures,
anchored firmly to the body. The seats and
anchorages are strong enough to prevent deformation
during low-speed impacts, but are designed in such a way that they absorb some energy by yielding to a de­
gree during certain more severe higher-speed impacts.
Seat Back Lock
Folding seat backs are equipped with seH-latching
mechanisms
and release controls designed for the con­
venience of entering and exiting passengers.
The release
knob is located at the lower rear of
each backrest nearest the door. lift the knob upward,
then push the seatback forward. The lock will latch
when the
seatback returns to its upright position.
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT BELTS
Suitable occupant restraints are available on all 1968
Corvairs. Worn properly, lap and shoulder belts reduce
the chances
of death or serious injury in the event of cert.ain types of accidents. Get into the habit of using
these restraints,
and using them properly, every single
time you
enter your car. Insist that your passengers use
them,
too. * By using them correctly, you give the belts
a chance
to help prevent injuries and perhaps even
save a
life.
·Shoulder belts should not be worn by persons less thon approximately 55 inches in height.
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Lap Belts
Lap belts provide added security and comfort for
you and your passengers . Lap belts are standard equip­
ment for all seating positions on all models. Proper use
and care of these belts will assure continuance of this
security.
After the front seat has been adjusted to the satis­
faction of the driver, grasp the buckle end and the flat
metal "eye" end of your individual belt assembly and
position the belt across the pelvic area as LOW ON THE
PELVIS AS POSSIBLE. Insert the metal eye into the open
end of the buckle until an audible snap is heard. Make
sure the connection is secure and adjust the belt to a
SNUG FIT by pulling on the end of the belt protruding
from the buckle . The snug and low positions are essential
in
order that the force exerted by the lap belt in a colli­
sion may be spread over the strong pelvic bone and not
across the soft abdominal area. For retractor equipped
belts, pull retractor half of the belts to a solid stop to
make sure that the belt webbing is completely unwound
from the retractor drum, then connect the belt and make
the necessary adjustments
at the buckle for proper fit. To
release the belts, simply depress the release
tab or button
located on the center of the buckle.
CAUTION: Never use the same belt for more than one
person at a time. Be sure to avoid: (aJ wearing a lap belt
loosely or with slack
in the system; and (bJ wearing the
belt with the
webbing wound around the retractor drum.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Shoulder Belts
All models are equipped with shoulder belt anchors
built into the vehicle for all forward-facing outboard
passengers. All models except convertible coupes are
also equipped with shoulder belts for the driver and
the right front seat passenger as standard equipment.
Shoulder belts are optional for all other forward-facing
outboard passengers, including all outboard occupants
in convertibles.
Shoulder belts should
be worn only in conjunction
with
lap belts and are fastened with individual buckles,
and released in the same manner as the lap belts.
A shoulder belt worn without a lap belt could be
extremely hazardous to the wearer in case of an acci­
dent.
Shoulder belts should be tightened only to the
point where controls and switches can be easily reached
without restriction from the belt. The use of shoulder
belts
is not recommended for persons less than approx­
imately 55 inches in height, because the belt would
cross over the body at a height too near the throat, and
thereby substantially increase the possibility of throat
injury in an accident. Shoulder belts not in use must be
anchored by inserting buckle into retainer to prevent
buckle end from swinging around in an impact.
Releasing Belts-To release the belts, simply depress
the release tab or button located in the center of the
buckle.
25
PRESS HERE TO RELEASE
Care of Belts-Keep belts clean and dry. Clean with a
mild soap solution and lukewarm water. Keep sharp
edges and damaging objects away from belts. Periodi­
cally inspect belts, buckles, retractors, and anchors for
damage that could materially lessen the effectiveness
of the belt installation and repair or replace the ques­
tionable parts. Do not bleach or dye belts as this may
cause severe loss of strength.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine HEAD RESTRAINTS
Head restraints are available for the driver and front
right
passenger as factory installed options. They can be
adjusted to different heights by pulling up or pushing
down by
hand. Detents provide positive head restraint
location. Head restraints should be adjusted, within
limits of travel, to contact the center of the back of head
when the head is moved straight back.
CHILD RESTRAINT
Children in automobiles should be restrained. A
restraint system
designed by General Motors specifically
for
children is available from your dealer. If children
are traveling in a vehicle not equipped with this child
restraint system, the following precautions should be
taken:
1. Children should be placed in the rear seat. Never
allow a child to stand or kneel on the rear seat as
this raises his center of gravity.
2. Infants unable to sit up by themselves should be
restrained by placing them in a covered, padded
bassinet which is placed crossways on th·e rear
REARVIEW MIRRORS
Inside and outside rearview mirrors have been care­
fully designed and located to give the driver a clear and
reasonably unobstructed view of the rear of the car. It
is not intended that these mirrors be used for operation
in reverse gear, or for surveillance of conditions close
to
the back of the car. It is suggested that the driver
turn his
head and look close to the back for backing
26
seat. The bassinet should be securely restrained
with the regular vehicle seat belt. An alternative
method is to position the bassinet crossways in the
vehicle so
that it rests against the back of the front seat. ..
3. When a child is old enough to sit up by himself in
a car, he should sit on a firm cushion and use the
conventional lap belt to restrain him at the pelvis.
The cushion should be as firm as practical and
enable the child to look horizontally out of the car
windows.
4. The use
of the cushion should be discontinued as
soon as the child is old enough to see out of the
car windows without it.
5. Do not use shoulder belts on children shorter than approximately 55 inches in height.
6. If a child must stand, he should stand on the floor
directly behind the front seat. This will minimize
the possibility of his being thrown from the rear
compartment during a sudden stop. However, this
method
should be used only if more complete re­
straint cannot be used.
operations, and survey the area to the immediate rear
of the car prior to entering the car for the backing
operation. The outside mirror and mounting is free of
sharp points or edges that could contribute to injury of
pedestrians. The inside rearview mirror incorporates provisions
for
vertical as well as tilt adjustments to provide better
positioning for the driver. The mounting is designed to

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine deflect or collapse under certain impacts. The soft vinyl
cover over the mirror support base further protects the occupants.
CAUTION: It is important that the driver check the
mirrors
for proper positioning, and that he make frequent
use of the mirrors to be constantly aware of the rearward
aspect
of his total driving situation.
The windshield wiper arms and blades, inside wind­
shield moldings,
horn and steering wheel ornamentation,
inside rearview mirror frame and mounting bracket
incorporate low-gloss finishes. This reduces annoying
glare in the driver's forward field of view and provides
a
safer, more comfortable driving environment.
FOLDING REAR SEAT
The folding rear seat-back, standard equipment on
Monza,
optional on all other Corvair models except
convertible, quickly and easily folds forward and down to provide additional
cargo space.
To lower the folding seat­
back:
• Pull on each end of the seatback to unlock.
• Swing
the seatback for­ward and down.
To raise the seatback:
• Lift the seat back and slam firmly into place. FOLDING REAR SEAT
27
CONVERTIBLE
Operating the Folding Top
CAUTION: Prior to raising or lowering the folding
top, the
car must be at a complete stop and the
sunvisors turned down. Also, when lowering the top,
make certain the top is thoroughly dry and that
there are
no items stored in the top well.
When the folding top is to be lowered, the locking
handles located at the front of the side rails near the
windshield header must be rotated inboard. On conver­
tibles
equipped with a power operated top, the top
control switch may then be actuated until the top is fully
lowered.
On convertibles that are equipped with a
manually operated top, grasp the under side of the side
rail rearward of the locking handles and lift rail upward
and rotate rearward until top is fully lowered. Also, with
the manual top, downward pressure must then be exerted
to each side rail until catch clip located at top of quar­
ter trim panel snaps onto the e.nd of the side rail.
When raising the power operated top, actuate the
control switch until top rests on windshield heater.
In raising the manually operated top, the catch clips
must first
be disehgaged from the right and left side
rails. The raising of the top can be completed by grasp-