check engine light CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO 1981 4.G User Guide

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Pressing the control will send waier' or 'other cleaning agent onto the
wlildshield until control is released and will also cause the wiper lever to move
thus starting the wiper mOtOL The wiper will continue to operate until manually
turned off at the wiper
control lever.
Fill the washer jar only 3/4 full during the winter to allow for expanson iI the
temperature
should fall low enough to freeze the solution.
• Check the washer fluid level regularly. Do it ofIen when the weattier . is bad.
• Use a fluid such as GM Optikleen to help prevent freezing damage, and for
better cleaning . Be sure to put the fluid in the proper reservoiL
• Do not use radiator antifreeze in the windshield washer; it could cause
paint damage.
• In cQld weather, warm the windshield with the defrosters before using the wesher--to help prevent Icing that may block the driver's vision.
Delay Wiper System
If equipped with this optional feature the wipers may be operated in anyone of
four positions;
DELAY , LO, HIGH or MIST . The Delay position provides
intermittent wiper operation during periods of light rain, mist or fog when
continuous Wiping.
is unnecessary . The 'Mist feallJe provides momentary low
speed wiper operation when needed .
The
Delay feature is actuated by sliding the wiper control knob to the first pOsition to the right of "OFF" .. The amount of delay between wipes is controlled by rotating the control knob .
.• , Maximum delay (slowest wiper speed) is obtained by rotating the control " .. ",. 'l •
The delay interval decreases (increased wiper speed) as the control knob is rotated clockwise. Full clockwise rotation will allow the wipers to operate as if in Low speed.
• The delay feature may be actuated and adjusted for delay cycling at any
time. However , the delay feature will be canceled, ij the control knob is
placed in Low or High speed positions,
MIST OFF DELAY LOW HIGH
Low speed is obtained by sliding the control knob to the second position to the right.
High speed is obtained by sliding the control knob to the extreme right position.
2-20

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine The Mist feature, intended to remove incidental windshield spray such as from."
passing vehicles is activated by moving the control knob to the extreme left ,­
and holding it in this posnion. The wipers will continue to operate until tile
control knob is released and allowed to return to the OFF position . .
The washer system is operated by depressing the control knob for one or two
seconds in any position.
In the OFF position the wipers will oper,ate 3 to 5
times and then stop .
Ught Switch
The three-position light switch controls the headlights, taillights, parking ~ghts, sidemarker lights, instrument lights. and dome lights as shown. Instrument light
intensity can
be varied by turning knob clockwise or counterclockwise. Full
counterclockwise position turns on interior light An optional head lamp warning
chime sounds when the ignition key is. placed in either the OFF, ACC or LOCK
positions. , ....
. ,-"",,.
NOTICE: When the parking lamps or t)Hd1ampS .... to be operated with the key in the OFF position, the reminder-chime can be shUt-Of' by turning the light switch knob until the instrument elu.1er Ifghts are not on. '
The headlarnp circuit is protected by a circuit breaker in the light switch. An
overload on the breaker will,cau$e the lamps to "flicker" on and off. If this
condnion develops , have your ·headlamp wiring checked immediately. The
headlight beam changer is located in the Turn Signal Lever; for operation see
Section 2 under heading "Turo Signal and Headlight Beam Lever."
Headlight High ,Beam Indicator Ught
The he!).dlights of your vehicle have high and ... loW beams to provide you with
proper nighttime visibility for most driving condnions. The "low" beams are
used during most city driving . The
"high" beams are especially useful when
driving on dark roads sinCe they provide long range illumination . The headlight
beam indicator light (located on the speedometer face) will be
ON whenever
the high beams or "brights " are in use. The turn signal l headlight beams and is described in "Steering Column Controls ."
Headlamp "ON" Warning Chime
The optional headlarrl> reminder chime provides' an audible warning thai the
main
light switch is in one 0/ the "on" posnions, either parking lights or
headlights. .
2-21

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine ~
SLiOING ROOF .. PANEL OPEN
ELECTRIC POWER CONTROLSWITCI:I
~ ~RIVEGEAR I~(CCESS PLUG
ROTATE TO CLOSE
REMOVABLE GLASS ROOF PANELS
CAUTION: To help avoid personal i~ Mdtor equi~ ctamage..
/
• Do not unkK:k the roof pane' latehe. or try to remove the penefs whi.., the car I, moving. Otherwise. the panels may become 8 hazard by falling into the car Or flying off.
• A.fter removiOg -me roof panels. place them in the protectiv.' bag provided and stow them in'the trunk. This will help keep the parwNS from being thrown about and injuring people . in the car in an accident. an.d will help prOtect the panels.
•
After putting roof panels back in place. always check th8tthey __ h.av .. ,~n-fil1Tlly latched by pushing up on the underside of MCh pan ...
The op)ipnal .gl¥s. p~nelscan be removed and stored in their protective
storage bags (in'the trtJrik)·asfoilOws:.. .'
1 . Unlatch the glass panel by pulling down the release handle at the outer
edge of the
p~nel.
2. Raise th;' outer edge of the glasS slightly and pull toward you to release it
from the center
molding.
3. Store eaCh glass panel in its separate storage bag.
4 . To install the panels, reverse this procedure .
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine • Always wear eye protection or shiekI your eyet when ,workmg .....,. My battery. Do not lean over a, battery. Remove .11 met.1 jewelry.
• Never expose .-battery to open fIanea eM' e~ sparb. -AlIa. do no( smoke near a battery.
• 00 not .llow battery acid to c:ontact eyes._IIdn. f~or painted autfaces. FLUSH ANY CONTACTED ARE"WlTH W"TER '_OtATELY AND THOIlOUGHLY. GET MEDICAL HELP IF EYES ARE AFFECTED.
• Be sure ' the Jumper cabie. or clampt to be used for jump starting do not have lOose or missing insulation. Do not prPCeed if $Uitable c.bae. .... not avanable. "
• Thi" vehicle has • 12-volt. batt.ry and a _ negative ground electrical .ystem. Make sure that -the other vehkte abo ha. a 12-vott battery .nd that tt .. the negative (~k II";"''') terminal which i. grounded (anached to the engine btoc:k). Hs owner's manual may give you that information. 00 NOT TRY TO JUMP START IF YOU ARE UNSURE OF THE OTHER VEHICLES VOl.TAGE ORGROOND (OR F THE OTHER VEHICLE'S VOLTAGE AND/OR Gr:tOUND ARE DIFFERENT FROM YOUR VEHICLE).
e. • eithel t'latIetY has flUer c:ap', check the flukt -leveL (Do _ no( cheek wlUl an open ta.M.> If lOw, flll'tO-ttle proper leVel with cia.,. drinking water. Replace aU c:aps before jump atarting.
e Do not allow metal tools to contact both the positive (red "+ ") battMy tennil\al (or any metal connected to thl. tenninal) and .ny other metal on either vehicle at the -same -tIme. ",.ke c:ertillin when .ftaching th6 Jumper c.~ elamps to the positive terminals Of the batteriet: _that neither clamp contacts. MY other metal •
• ' Alway. make the final ~o-"nectlon to' ground, (a adlid, .tatlon.ty, metallic object) on the engine at '~ast4SO 'millimeter. (18 Inches) from the battery.
Procedure ~~~i~._ 1. posill oW\he ·,verncJe with the good (cnarged) .!>allery so that the jumper cables will reach. Do not let th'1vehiclestouch ..
2. Turn off all elec .ltic motors, lights and accessories in both vehicles, except
the hazard flasher or any light~ need!ld for the work area. Turn ott the
ignition ,. apply the perkingbiilke' fi'rmly, and· shift the automatic
tr.ansmission to
"P"(Park) in both vehicles.
3. Jum~r Cable Connj!ction Instructions (See Illustration).
• Connecflhe
first jurnpercable to the positive " +" (red) terminal on
one battery, and. then to the positive" +" (red) terminal on the other
battery .
Never conlledt " +" (redl,to "-" (black), or "-" to " + ".
• Next, COnnect one endot theseC(jnd cable to the grounded negative "-"(black) terminal of the good (charged) battery.
• Lastly. c<;>nnect the other end· of the second jumP'l' cable to ground at least 450 millimeters (18 inches) from the discharged battery, to a solid, stationery, metallic object on the engine. Do not route the cable,
or
attach the clamp on or near pulleys, fans, or other parts that will
move when the engine is started , Be careful to noUouch hot engine
parts
as they can cause burns. The MOUNTING BRACKETS for the Delcotron (generator), or the ainlOnditioner compressor, generally
make a good point for this final ground attachment, ~ hot· or moving
parts c"" be avoided.
3-2

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine "the "TEMP" light comes on (or, if you have a 900lant temperature gage, the
gage needle goes into the warning zone) and your air conditioner is on, turn it
off.
If the "TEMP" light (or gage) comes on while you are stopped in traffic,
shift the transmission to
"N" (Neutral).
If the "TEMP" light doesn't go off (or the gage needle doesn't start to drop)
within a minute or two:
• Pull over to a safe Place ""d stop the vehicle. Set the parking brake and
shift to "P" (Park) 9r, with a manual transmission, shift to Neutral first, then
set the parking brake.
• DON'T TURN OFF THE ENGINE. INCREASE THE ENGINE SPEED until it
sounds like it's going about twice as fast as normal idle speed. Bring the
idle speed back to normal
after two or three minutes.
tfthe "TEMP" light still doesn't 90 off, (or the gage needle doesn't start to
drop),
NOW TURN OFF THE ENGINE and proceed as follows.
•
lift the engine hood. Look at the coolant level in the "see through" coolant
recovery tank. The coolant level. should be at or above the "Full Cold"
mark on the tank. If it looks like the coolant is boiling, wait until it stops
before proceeding. You should not need to remove the radiator cap to
check the coolant
level and. it can be dangerous if the coolant is still hot. See the following Caution.
CAUTION: To help avoid being burned:
"'-'''''''''i',",,;0-Fc:io'ffi)tcremoy'J~_ c;<)olant recovery tank cap if the coolant is boiling, and
• do not remove -the radiatorc:ap WhilethIit8ngine'-aUid:radiltor a,.Slili hot.
Scalding fluid and steamean be released under pressure it either cap is taken off too soon,
-;<
• If coolant level is low:
•
looklorleaks at the radiator hoses and connections, heater hoses and
connections,
r"diator,and water pump. See that the. fan belts are not
broken or off the pulleys an.d that the fan turns when the engine is started,
•
Add coolant to the recovery tahk.
If
the cQolant level in the recovery tank is althe correct lellel arid the "TEMP"
light (gage) still co"",s.dn,. air may be tr~ in the cooling system, This may
stop coolant from returning to the radiator. In this case, you may have to add
coolant directly to the radiator.
See "Coolant Replacement" under engine
cooling system
in "Service and Maintenance," Section 5 of this manual. Follow
steps 1 and 10. for the correct way to remove the radiator cap and add .coolant
to the radiator.
After the
"TEMP" light is out (or the gage needle is out of the warning zone),
resume driving at a reduced speed. Return to normal driving after about ten
minutes if the light does not come back
on (or the gage needle does not go
back into the warning zone).
3-4

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Compact Spare
The-compact spare tire is designed to.save-space in your trunk, and its lighter
weight makes it easier to install if a flat tire occurs. The lighter weight also
helps
improve fuel economy.
If you have a flat tire, follow the japking .instructions in this manual, while keeping these points in mind:
• Check the tire inflation pressure as soon as practical after installing the
spare (we suggest you use a pOcket-type high-pressure inflation gage) and
adjust to 415
kPa (60 psi). The tire pressure should be checked at least
monthly and kept at 415 kPa (60 psi) while the tire is stored.
c"""'.M~llijIW.9u~ use at speeds over 50 mph (80 km/h) is not recommended.
NOTICE: -Bec~us~ this tire is, smaller than the standard tire,-vehicle ground clearance is reduced. Avoid driving over obstacles, -and do 'not take your car through an automatic car wash -while _ the spare is installed. The car may catch on the equipment, possibly resulting in property damage.
• You can expect tread ,life up to 3,660 rhiles(4800 kilometers), depending onJqact~ondi~ions and your driving ~~bits. To conserve tire tread life, returri the -spare to _ the storage area as soon as the standard tire _ can be
repaired or replaced.
•
Because the compact spare was specifically designed for your car, it should not be used on any.other vehicle.
• The
compact spare tire and wheel are cfesigned for use with each other.
The comp,,:ct spare tire should not be mounted on any other type of wheel,
and the compact spare wheel should not have any other type of tire mounted on it. Also, do not try to use wheel covers or trim rings on the
compact spare wheel since they will not fit. If such use is attempted,
damage to these items or other vehicle components may occur.
• Do not use tire chains with your compact spare tire. Because of the smaller
tire size, a tire ChaiR will not fit properly. This could cause damage to the car and result in loss of the chain.
3-8

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine COMPUTER COMMAND CONTROL SYSTEM
Your new vehicle has a special emission contrOl system, called the Computer
Command Control system. Some vehicleS sold in Canada also have the
Computer Command Control system. II your Canadian vehicle has a "CHECK
ENGINE" light,
it dOes have the Computer Command Control system.)
The Computer Command Control system monitors . the .exhaust stream with
an
oxygen sensor. Based on sensor signals, the electronic control module adjusts
the carburetor air-fuel ratio as needed. It is very important to use only
unleaded gasoline in vehicles equipped with the Computer COmmand Control
system . .Leaded gasoline will damage the oxygen sensor and may affect
. emission controL .
On
all vehicles with the COmpute r Command Control system, a "CHECK
ENGINE" ligtit
on the instrument panel is designed to come on during engine
starting, to
let you knowthe bulb .is working. (The light will stay on a'shdl1iime
after the. engine starts.) If. the light comes on while driving, service to the
Computer Command Control system may be. required. Although your vehicle
may
still be drivable,see yoyr dealer as SOon as possible for an inspection of
the system.
Continued
driving · Without having the Computer Command Control system
serviced could cause damage to the emiSsion control system. It could also aftect fuel economy and drivability. .. ..
ENGINE OIL AND FILTER RECOMMENDATIONS
Checking 011 Level ,>,-.. ,
The engine oil must be kept at the right level to. help assure proper lubrication
of your vehicle' .s engine.
It is the owner's responsibility to' cheCk the oil level at
regular': infervals '{such . 'as . "e~~Y"JHflLstop), according ·to ' the following instruct ions . It is normal for an engine-O to use Some oil, and most engines may
use
more oil when they are new . " .
• The best time to check' the engine Orffevel is when the oil IS warm, such as
during a
fuel stop. First, wait about 5 minutes for the oil to drain back to the oil pan. Then, pull out the dipstick on the side of the engine block (either
right or left). Wipe
it clean and. push the dipstick back down all the way.
Now,
pull out the dipstick and look at the oil level .on the dipstick.
Some dipsticks have "Add" and "Full" lines. Others are marked "Add lOt"
and "OperatlngRange ." In all cases, keep the oil level above the "Add" line_ Push the dipstick .oock down alilheway after taking the reading . Add oil , if needed . . .
• If you check the oil level when the oil is cold, do not iun the engine first.
The
cold oil will not drain back to the pan fast enough to give a tr ue oil
level. . .
Ch '
oosing the Right Quality on
Engine oils are labeled on'the containers with variOus API (Amercian Petroleum Institute) deSignations of·quality. Artewhigher-quality category of engine 011,
designation "SF", was introduced early in 1980. Be sure the oil you use has
the
API designation "SF," either alone or shown with other designations . Do not use oils labeled only SA, SB,SC, SO,' SE, CA, CB,CC, or CD; or oils
with a combination of any of these categories-like SE/CD.
5-3

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine COOL
WARM
Add just enough DEXRO~ II fluid to fill the transmission to the proper level. It
takes only 0.5 liter (one pint) to raise the level from "Add" to "Full" with a hot
transmission.
Automatic Transmission Drain Intervals
Change the transmission fluid and change the filter (or clean the screen) as
outlined
in Section A of the Maintenance Schedule folder.
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
Your vehicle has a coolant recovery system. Coolant in the system expands
with heat and overflows into the recovery tank. When the system cools down,
coolant is drawn back into the radiator.
The cooling system was
filled at the factory wrth a quality coolant that meets
GM
Spec~ication 1S99-M . The cooling ·system is designed to use coolant (a
mixture of water and ethylene glycol antifreeze) rather than plain water. The
coolant solution should be used year round.
It has many advantages, such as:
~ provides freezing protection down to -3rC (-34"F) "''''''<~. !'"","."" ' • provides boiling protection up to 12S"C (262"F),
• protects against rust and corrosio~in th~ cooling system,
• maintains the proper engine temperature for efficient operation and
emission control, and
• allows proper operation of the coolant temperature light or gage :
See Section A of the Maintenance Schedule folder to find out when the coolant
must
be ·replaced.
Cooling System Care
Check the c60ling system at regular intervals, such as during fuel stops . You usually do not need to remove the radiator cap to check the coolant level. Lift
the engine hood and look at the "see through" coolant recovery tank. When
the engine is
cold, the coolant level should be at the "Full Cold" mark on the
tank . When the engine has fully warmed . up, the level should be above the
"Full Cold" mark on the tank . If the coolantl6vel is low, remove the cap on the
coolant recovery tank. Add to the recovery tank enough of a 50/50 mixture of
water and a good quality ethylene glycol antifreeze to bring the
level up to the
proper mark. Put the cap back on the recovery tank.
Certain conditions, such
as air trapped in the system, may affect the coolant
level in the radiator. You should check"the coolant level in the radiator at the
time you change the engine
oil and when the engine Is cold. Follow.taps I, S,
9, and 10 under "Coolant Repfacement" for the correct way to remove the
radiator cap and add coolant.
5-6

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 4. Close the drain valve. Install the block drain plugs, if removed. Add water
until the system is
filled and run the engine until the upper radiator hose is
hot
again.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 several times until the drained liquid is nearly colorless.
6. Drain the system, then close the radiator drain valve tightly. Install block
drain plugs, if removed.
7. Disconnect all hoses from the coolant recovery tank. Remove the recovery
tank
and pour out any fluid. Scrub and clean the inside of the recovery
tank with soap and water. Flush it well with clean water, then drain it.
Reinstall the recovery tank and hoses.
8. Add enough water and ethylene glycol antifreeze (meeting GM
Specification 1899-M) to provide the required cooling, freezing and
c()rrosion protection, Use a solution that is at least 50 percent antifreeze out no mOre than 70 percent antifreeze. Fill the radiator to the base of the
filler neck
and fill the coolant recovery tank to the "Full Hot" mark. Put the
recovery tank cap back on.
9. Run the engine, with the radiator cap removed, until the upper radiator
hose is hot.
10. With the engine idling, add coolant to the radiator until it reaches the
bottom of the filler neck. Install the radiator cap, making sure the arrows on the cap line up with the overflow tube.
iI is the owner's responsibility to,
'. -Main)!!!n cooling system freeze protection at -3rC (-34'F) to ensure protection against corrosion and loss of coolant from boiling. (A 50/50
mixture of water and ethylene glycol antifreeze will provide freeze
protection to -37'C or -34'F.) You should do this even if you don't
expect freezing temperatures.
• Add ethylene glycol base' antifreeze that meets GM Specification 1899-M
when antifreeze haS to be added because of coolant loss or for more
protection against freezing at temperatures lower than -37'C (-34'F).
NOTICE: Do "otute methanol-base antifreeze, Of alcohol,or plain water alone, in your vehicle at any time. They will boil at a lower point than that at which the "TEMP"
light (or temperature gage) will warn of overheating,. and they do not provide proper protection against cOrrosion.
Radiator Pressure Cap
The radiator cap, a 105 kPa (15 psi) pressure type, must be installed tightly,
otherwise coolant may be lost and damage to engine may result from
overheating. Radiator pressure
caps should be checked periodically for proper
operation. If replacement is required, an AC cap is recommended.
Thermostat
The engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat. It stops coolant
flow
through the radiator until a preset temperature is reached. This thermostat
is installed in the engine
coolant outlet on the engine block. The same thermostat is used in both winter and summer. When a replacement is needed, AC"Delco parts are recommended.
5-8

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine CAUTION': It" the alr 'l;lMner i, ren;oveci during repair or maintenance, bel"'re to put H bl,ck on'eQr~ctly. It the air cleilner Is 'not correctly Inltalled. there could bea fire in the engine compertment (It there ~Id h..,.,en to be a backfire) , or other engitie mallunc1lon .
Front Suspension and Steering Linkage
Lubric;lte fi tngsatlhEj ' intery;>1 showninthe Maintenance Schedule with water
resistant
EP Chassis lUb(icantwhich meets GM SpecifICation 6031M.
NOTICE: ,Ball ' joints, should "not be . lubrieak.d unlesS, their temperature il -12"C (10"f},or higher,During ,coldweather, theyahould" .. ~"al,)c)~ to,warm up al nece ... ry ,before being lubricated or damttge to the baH jOint-Could occur. . , ' '.' "
.. ,. fIRnl 'N. c~~~arings
Clean and repack front wheel bearings with a high melting point wheel bearing
lubricant . at the interval shown in the Maintenance Schecule. Use wheel
' bearing lubricant GM Part No. 10 5~ 344 or equivalent.
NonCE: ," Long fiber " or "vbeou.'-' type"iubricenf ~kI nol be used, Do not mix wheel ~irinQ"lUbricant., Be sure to thoroughly c5aan bearings and hubl of all old lubricant before repacking.
Tapered roller,bearings uaed'h'Hhis 'veh icle have' .. sUghtly looSe teel when properly adjusted, They must never ~ over tightened (preJoaded) or sev .... bearing damage may resuit. Con.utt your,Authorized Deektr or Servi<:e.r.enual tor peper detailed adjustment procedures and specifications. . '~". :...,"" .... ~"";~f>"'~"'-"'''''',','',' ,::, Hood tlltchesand.Hood Hinge
At the interva l shown in the Maintenan ce Schedule lubricate hood latch
assembly
and hood hinge assembly as follows :
1. Wipe off any accumul"ti~!).ofqirt Qfoontaminationon latch Pi1!'ts.
2. Apply Lubriplate . or equivalent to latch pilot bolts and latch locking
plate .
3. Apply light engine oil to all pivot paints in release mechanism, as well
as primary and Secbndary latch mechanisms.
4. Lubricate hood hinges .
5~ Make hood hinge and latch mechanism functional check to assure the assembly is working COfTectiy.
Freedom Battery
Your new vehicle has a Delco FREEOOM battery. It neecs . no periodic
maintenance .
Its top is permanently sealec (except for two small vent holes) and has no filler capS. You will never have to add water.
The hydrometer (test indicator) in the top of the battery provides information for
testing purposes only.
For full power needs at replacement time, a Delco battery wijh the same catalog number as shown on the original battery's labe l is recommended ..
CAUTIQN: ",' FOllOW the precautions listed in the' Jump Starting ' 'Caution (see ' Ihe "In Case of EmergenCy " settlon of this manual) when workmg On or 08. a bMtery. Personal Injury {particularly to eyea} or 'property damage may result from battery e~ battery acid, or electrical (short circuit) burns.
5-10