parking brake CHEVROLET CORVAIR 1986 2.G Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine A WORD ABOUT ... VEHICLE SAFETY AND THE INI­
TIAL FEDERA~ MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS
Chevrolet has for many years been a leader in the field
of automotive safety. Almost every advance in design and engineering since the jnception of the industry has contributed
to the safety, reliability and durability of our cars. Continua­
tion of this important and vital trend is exemplified in your
1968 Chevrolet. Important safety advances are designed to
aid in avoiding accidents, and in reducing injuries during the accident and as a result of the accident.
But remember-it takes more than a safe car to avoid
accidents. Observe all traffic laws, make safe driving a habit and maintain your car in top condition.
Your
n!,)w 1968 Chevrolet conformed to all federal motor
vehicle safety standards applicable at time of manufacture.
Effectiveness of these safety features ~an best be continued
through periodic vehicle inspection and regular maintenance .
Th~ initial Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards en­compass a number of systems on all passenger cars. To pro­mote better understanding of these standards, listed are those
standards applicable to passenger cars, and the purpose and
scope of each.
Initial
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (Effective January 1, 1968*)
Amendment to certain of these
Standards and additional Standards that would apply to 1968 Model passenger cars
manufactured after January 1, 1968 , were under cons ideration by the National Highway Safety Bureau at the time this Owner's Manual was prepared. '
STANDARD NO. 101
Control Location and Identification
Purpose and Scope. This standard specifies the requirements
for location and identification of certain controls to facilitate
their selection and ensure their accessibility.
4
STANDARD NO. 102 Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect Purpose and Scope. This standard specifies the requirements
for the transmission shift lever sequence, a starter interlock, and for a braking effect of automatic transmissions, to requce the likelihood of shifting errors, starter engagement with vehicle in drive position, and to provide supplemental brak­ing at speeds below 25 miles per hour.
STANDARD NO. 103 Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Purpose lind Scope. This standard specifies requirements
for providing vision through the windshield during frosting and fogging conditions.
STANDARD NO. 104 Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems
Purpose and Scope. This standard specifies requirements
for windshi eld wiping and washing systems.
ST ANDARD NO. 105 Hydraulic Service Brake, Emergency Brake, and Parking Brake Systems
Purpose and Scope. This standard specifies requirements
for hydraulic service brake, emergency brake, and parking
brake systems intended to ensure adequate braking per­formance under normal and emergency conditions.
STANDARD NO. 106 Hydraulic Brake Hoses Purpose and Scope. This standard specifies requirements
for hydraulic brake hoses that will reduce brake failures due to fluid leakage.
STANDARD NO. 107 Reflecting Surfaces
Purpose and Scope. This standard specifies reflecting sur­face requir ements for certain vehicle components in the driver's field of view.
..

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine fully synchronized, may be downshifted into first
gear at any speed below 20 mph.
TO STOP-Release the accelerator and depress the
brake pedal. As car slows down, depress the clutch
pedal and move the gearshift lever into neutral.
NEUTRAL-For use when starting or idling engine.
REVERSE-Operate as for 1 st gear but always at a
slow speed.
CAUTION: When parking or leaving the car unattended,
even for a few minutes, remove the ignition key, place
the selector lever in first gear or reverse if manual trans­
mission, and fully apply the parking brake.
DRIVING WITH THE POWERGLIDE TRANSMISSION
The optional Powerglide transmission is a completely
automatic transmission which replaces the standard clutch
and transmission. After starting the engine with the se­
lector lever
in N (neutral) position, merely select the
range desired and depress the accelerator. The Power­
glide
transmission will do the rest.
Automatic transmission shift
quadrants of all GM
cars continue the uniform sequence of selector positions.
This particularly benefits multicar families and those who
occasionally drive other cars. Shift indicators are ar­
ranged as follows: "Reverse", "Neutral" and the forward
driving
ranges. All automatic transmissions are equipped
with a starter interlock system designed to permit start­
ing the engine only when the transmission selector is in
the "Neutral" position. For additional engine braking
effect,
as sometimes needed in mountainous driving,
place the transmission in an intermediate or low range.
10
The dash-mounted driving range selector is equipped
with mechanical stops to prevent unintentional shifting
into reverse
and low ranges. Move lever to the left, to
override stop,
and continue shift for selection of reverse
or low ranges.
With
lever in 0 position the transmission starts in
automatic low gear and will shift to cruising gear at
some point between approximately 12 and 50 mph,
depending on the accelerator position. Thus, a slow start
with a steady, gradual increase of pressure on the accel­
erator pedal will enable the transmission to shift into the
more economical cruising gear in the shortest possible
time. Hard acceleration for fast starts will cause the trans­
mission to remain in low gear for a considerably longer
period.
When driving at speeds below 45 mph, the transmis-

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine sion may be shifted into low range for extra acceleration
for passing by depressing the
accelerator pedal fully. The
transmission
will automatically shift back into cruising
gear when the accelerator pedal is momentarily released.
CAUTION: It is important that the parking brake be fully engaged, in addition to removing the ignition key,
when your Corvair is parked or otherwise left unattended. The automatic transmission does not hold the car
regardless
of the position of the selector lever.
Operating Your Powerglide Transmission
POSITION OPERATION USES
R-REVERSE For Backing Car (From Stopped Position)
N-NEUTRAL For Starting Engine (Brakes Applied) NORMAL DRIVING D-DRIVE For all Forward Driving. Step hard on RANGE accelerator for extra acceleration below 45 mph.
L-LOW For Hard Pulling at Low Speeds, Climb-SAND, SNOW, ing, or Descending Steep Grades and for MUD OR ON additional engine braking below 40 mph. STEEP GRADES
Powerglide Driving Cautions
• Always engage parking brake when parked.
• Do not accelerate engine in l, 0, or R with the
brakes
engaged. This can cause damage by
overheating transmission.
• Do not hold car on an upgrade by accelerating
11
engine. Use brakes.
• Use low position for hard pulls at low speed,
climbing or descending steep grades and for
push starting.
• Always stop car before shifting to reverse.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine operating, except the GEN-FAN indicator rna)' flicker
when
engine is idling.
CAUTION: If either of these indicators light
while .
car is being. -driYen, immediately follow the
procedure outlined .vnder "EMERGENCY OPER­
ATING INSTRUCTIONS," so car may be driyen
to the nearest service facility.
BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT
This dual purpose indicator light operates as
follows:
With parking brake applied the red light will light
when
the ignition switch is turned on.
As a dual service brake system warning, the red
light will come on when the brake pedal is depressed
if low pressure has developed in either the front or
rear brake system. Have your authorized Chevrolet
dealer locate and correct the trouble immediately.
EMERGENCY OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
(To be followed if either
TEMP-PRESS or GEN-FAN indi­
cators
light while car is being
driven.)
1. Set heoter FAN and HEAT
controls to full "ON" positions.
14
(If equipped with air conditioning, turn air condi­
tioning
COOL switch to OFF.)
NOTE: After setting the heater controls, leave
them in that position until cause of trouble is
corrected.
2.
Stop the car a -s , soon as driving conditions permit.
furn ignition
key to OFF to stop engine but turn
key
back to·-PNso heoter blower will continue
to
cool engine.
3. Check for broken fan belt or belt off pulleys or
engine low oil level. If only GEN-FAN indicator
is lighted, belt is not broken or off pulleys and en­
gine oil level is satisfactory, car can be driven at
slow speeds; however, generator must be checked
and serviced as soon as possible.
4. If trouble is found to be a broken fan belt or belt
off pulleys, wait approximately five minutes, start
engine and drive car at no more than 25 miles per
hour until TEMP-PRESS indicator comes on, then
repeat Step 2.
NOTE: The GEN-FAN indicator will stay on until
fan
belt is installed.
5. Repeat Step 4 as necessary until facility is reached
where fan belt can be installed.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine All important driver controls have been located to
be within reach of drivers properly restrained by both
a
seat and shoulder belt, and accessible during driving
operations.
Each important
control is clearly labeled to provide
rapid identification if its function is not readily apparent.
Lighting and Signal Devices-Numerous lighting and
signal devices are provided to enable safe operation in
darkness and other conditions of reduced visibility. Head­
lamps provide the necessary general illumination ahead
of the vehicle. Parking, side marker and tail lamps iden­
tify
as near as practical the extremities of the vehicle
from the front,
rear and both sides, with color coding
which identifies front (amber) from rear (red). Taillamps
also
incorporate reflectors, to facilitate recognition of
parked or otherwise inoperative vehicles by other drivers
15
CONTROLS
GLOVE COMPARTMENT
after dark. Stop lamps give a steady warning light to
the rear of the vehicle to indicate the ~river has applied
his foot to the brake pedal with the presumed intention
of slowing or stopping the vehicle. A lamp illuminates
the rear license plate to assist in identification. Backup
lamps provide general illumination behind the vehicle
when the shift
lever is in the reverse position which also
provides a visible signal to other vehicles and pedestrians
that the vehicle is operating or about to operate in
reverse.
CAUTION: It is the owner's responsibility to check al/
lamps, signaling systems and warning lights frequently
to be sure they are working properly. Head/amp aim
should
be checked periodicol/y. It is important that any
malfunctions be corrected promptly for your safety, and
for the safety of others.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine If the system is not functioning properly, a legal hand
signal should be given, since failure to indicate a turn
is considered a moving traffic violation in many states.
Always signal for a turn
at a reasonable distance before actu 'ally making it.
HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
In the event your car is
disabled or you stop for
any reason on the highway,
the
hazard warning system
which flashes all four turn
signals should
be used to
warn
other drivers that your
vehicle
is a traffic hazard.
The system is activated by
pushing
in on the button
located just
below the steer­
ing wheel on the right side
of the steering column. Use this system only when your
vehicle
is a traffic hazard.
FOOT CONTROLS Foot controls consist of the dimmer switch (the op­
eration of which is covered on page 16), the clutch
pedal (manual transmissions only), the brake pedal and
the accelerator pedal.
CLUTCH PEDAL The operation of the clutch pedal has been fully
covered under
"Driving with the Manual Transmissions"
on
page 9. Its operation is the same whether your car
is equipped with the 3-speed or the 4-speed transmission. Excessive
clutch
wear can be caused by letting up the
clutch abruptly
rather than smoothly, and by "riding" the
clutch-that is, letting your foot rest on the clutch pedal
while driving .
CLUTCH ADJUSTMENT
Clutch adjustment should be checked and adjusted
periodically as necessary to compensate for clutch facing
wear. To check, depress pedal.by hand until resistance
is felt. Free travel of pedal should be approximately
one-inch;
if very little or no free play is evident, clutch
adjustment
is required.
BRAKES
The service brake system is designed for braking per­
formance under a wide range of driving conditions
even when the vehicle
is loaded to its full rated vehicle
load. Driving through deep water may affect brake per­
formance. To assure normal operation after being wet­
ted, service brakes must be dried. To dry them quickly,
lightly
apply the brakes while maintaining a slow for"
ward speed with an assured clear distance ahead until
brake performance re'turns to normal.
Brake System Warning Light
The service brake system is designed so that in the
event of a hydraulic fluid leak,
in one-half of the sys­
tem, the other half still provides some braking action.
A dual purpose brake system warning light is
located at the extreme left side of the instrument panel.
When the parking brake is applied and the ignition
17 .

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
18
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 TRANSMISSION CONTROL LlNKAGE-
3 AND 4-SPEED
Every 12,000 miles-Lubricate connector (indicated in the
illustration below) with
water resistant EP chassis
grease which meets General Motors Specification
#GM6031M.
. Every 12,000 miles-Remove tunnel cover under vehicle
and lubricate gearshift lever ball and socket with
Lubriplate.
TRANSMISSION-POWERGLIDE
Every 24,000 miles, more frequently depending on
engine idling, selector lever in neutral position,
parking brake set and transmission at operating
temperature. If fluid level is below full mark on
dipstick, add small amount of automatic transmis­
sion fluid. Recheck fluid level and again add a
small
amount of fluid if needed to bring level to
full mark. DO NOT OVERFILL
General Motors DEXRON Automatic Transmission
Fluid,
Part numbers 1050568, 1050569, 1050570
which has been especially formulated and tested for
40
use in your automatic transmission is recommended.
Other Automatic Transmission Fluids identified with
the mark
DEXRON are also recommended.
Every 24,000 miles, more frequently depending on
severity of service if vehicle is used to pull trailers,
carry full loads during high ambient temperatures,
operate in mountainous terrain or operate under
other severe
conditions-remove fluid from drain
plug hole and add approximately two (2) quarts
U. S. Measure, (1 % quarts Imperial Measure) of fresh
fluid.
Operate transmission thr'ough all shift ranges
and recheck fluid level as described above.
It is not necessary to remove the pan because a
drain plug is provided .
Lubricate shift linkage with
water resistant EP chassis
grease which meets General Motors Specification
#GM 6031M.
NOTE: From the "Add Oil" mark to the "Full"
mark on the dipstick indicates a difference of
only 1 pint of fluid.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine AIR CONDITIONING
Have your Chevrolet Dealer check your air conditioning
system
at some time during the winter months to be
sure there has been no loss in cooling output. Dur­
ing
the summer, see your Chevrolet Dealer immedi­
ately if you suspect the system is not performing as
it should.
BRAKE LININGS
Brake linings should be periodically inspected for wear.
The frequency of this inspection depends upon driv­
ing conditions such
as traffic or terrain, and also
the driving techniques of individual owners. Your
Chevrolet Dealer is best qualified to advise you as
to how often this inspection should be performed.
When brakes require relining use genuine General
Motors Parts or equivalent.
BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER
Every 6,000 miles-Check fluid level in each reservoir
and maintain % II below lowest edge of each open­
ing with G.M. Hydraulic Brake Fluid Supreme No. 11
PARKING BRAKE AND CLUTCH PULLEYS
AND CABLES
Every 12,000 miles-lubricate pulleys under dash. Re­
move. the tunnel cover under vehicle and lubricate
pulleys
and cable bearing points with a water resist­
ant EP chassis grease which meets General Motors
43
Specification #GM 6031 M. Lubricate gearshift lever
ball and socket (see page 38) at the same time.
FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS
Clean, repack with high melting point wheel bearing
lubricant, and adjust whenever the wheels and hub
are removed. Replace grease seals at the same time.
ENGINE OIL COOLER
Every 12,000 miles (more often under prolonged dusty
driving
conditionsl-Remove cover and brush or
blowout accumulated dirt.
NOTE: Material usually found in the oil cooler
consists primarily
of twigs, straw, chaff, and
leaves.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine INDEX Page Air Cleaner. . . . . . . . . .. , .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .......... 42 Air Conditioning.. ............ ... .... .• . . .20,43 & 44 Air Injection Reactor......... ........... . ... ... 38 Air Recirculating Cover Plate. . . . . . . . . . . .• . . . . .. . . . .. . . 20 Air Vents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Ash Tray. ........ .. ... 22 Battery........... ............ ....•...•................. 42 Brake Adjusters...................... .. .. ... ............. 17 Brake System Warning Light. . ................. 14 Brake Lmings. . ....... ....... ........ ............... 43 Brake Main Cylinder.. ........... . ...... 43 Brake-Parking. . ............ .......... . .. 18 & 43 Bright Metal Parts..... .. ..................... '. 30 Chassis Lubrication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Cigarette Lighter. . . .. .... ... .. . . . .. .. " 22 Circut Brea ker. . . . . . ................. .. .............. 15 & 45 Cleaning Hints Exterior Appearance........ .... .... . ............ . 30 Interior Appearance.. ............... . ............. ........ 31 Clutch Adjustment......... 17 Clutch Cross Shaft. . . .. . . . . . . . ... .. . . 41 Clutch Pedal.. .. . .. .. .. .. . . .. .. . .. .. . 17 Clutch Pulleys & Cables..................... . 43 Cooling System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........ ....... 34 & 43 Crankcase.ventilation (Positive). 37 Dimmer Switch... .......... ..... 16 Distributor. . . . . . . 42 Doors and Locks. .. ..... .................. .• ................. 23 Driving for Economy..... ...... ...... 7 Emergency Start. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Engine Compartment.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . 28 Engine Fuel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 32 Engine Lubrication. . . . . . . . . .. . . . .• . . . . . . . • . . . . . . .33& 38 Fan Belt........ .... ..................... ..... 38 Foreign Country Operation. .................. 32 Front Suspension. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Front Wheel Bearings.. . ............. .......... . 43 Fuel Filter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . •. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 41 Fuel Guage.. ............ 13 Fuses.. .. .. ... ...................... ..... 45 ~s~p.......... ~ Gen·Fan .Indicator........ 13 Hazard Warning Flasher. . 17 Headrest...... . . ....... ... .. ........ 26 Heater............................... ..... .. .......... 19 Ignition Switch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Jacking the Car. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 36
52
Keys............... . ......... .............. . Light Control Knob ...................... . . Luggage Compartment ................... . Maintenance and Lubrication (Periodic) .. Octane Requirements. . . . . ......... . Oil Filter .... ............ . Pa rking Bra ke Operation . ..................... . Service .......... ...... . Polishing Your Corvair... . . ... . . . . . .. . .........•. .... ........ Positraction Axle. . . ... ............... .. ...... .. .. .... . Radios. . . . .... . ........... . Rear Axle.... . . ...................................... . . Rocking Car .............. . Occupant Restraint Belts .. . . Seats Front Seat Back Lock ....... .•...... Front Seat Adjustment. Rear Seat-Folding ... Service Bra kes. . . . . . . . . .. . ......................... ... . Serial and Unit Numbers .......... .. . Spare Tire..... . .• ......... .................•.•. Specifications. . . . ................... ... .. .• ........ Speedometer ... .. ............... . Starting the Engine .... . Steering Lin kage ...... . Steering Gear ............... . Telescoping Steering Column. Temp·Press Indicator. Tires. Towing ..... Trailer Hauling. Transmission Manual Operation. ................ . ....... .. .... . Service ................... .. .. ...... .. . Powerglide Operation. Service ...... . Operating Tips ....... . Trouble Shooting Guide.......... . .............. ... . Directional and Lane Change Signal. . ....• ...•.... Warm·up... ............ . ....... .. ........... ... . Washing Your Corvair. . . ........ . White Sidewall Tires.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......... .. . Windshield Wipers and Washers. . . .. .. .. .. .
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