maintenance CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO 1981 4.G Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine A WORD TO MONTE CARLO OWNERS
This man ual has been prepared to acquaint -you with the operation an"d main~
tenance of your 1981 Monte Carlo, and to provide important safety informa­
tion, It is supplemented by a Maintenance Schedule and two Warranty Informa ­tion folders. We ur ge you to·read these four publication s carefully. Follow the
recommendations to he lp assure the most enjoyable, safe and troublefree opera­
ti on of your vehicle .
While reading this manual, you will notice that specifications are given in both metric and customary measures. Where precise.--accuracy is not needed, some
conversions have been rounded to even numbers for your handy use.
When it comes to service, remember that your Chevrolet dealer knows your
vehicle best and ' is int eres te d in your complete satisfaction.
Fotadded mechanIcal and electrical protection beyond the end of the New
Vehicle
and Pow er Protection Plus Limited Warranty, consider the GM Con­
tinuous Protection Plan. The Plan is an optional service agreeO"lent which covers
repairs to specified major vehicle-components, provides rental car allowances,
towing and road service allowances, and many other features which enhance
ownership
both during and after the warranty. It cover~ your car for a total
of 36 month, or 36,000 mile, (50 000 kilometers in Canada) , whichever comes
first or for 48 months, 50,000 miles depending upon which of the four Plans
offered is purchased. Be sure to discuss the GM Continuous Protection Plan with your dealer, if you haven't already done so. The ~an is available to you for
up
to 6 months and/or 6,000 odometer miles from the date your new car was
put in dealer service or delivered to you as a new vehicle.
To help dealers handle you r needs, Chevrolet ha s a number of Zone Offices throughout the country. If you have a problem that has not been handled to
your satisfaction, follow the steps in "Owner Assistance." Section 6 of this
manual.
We thank you for choosing a Chevrolet product, and want to assure you of our
continuing interest in your motoring pleasure and satisfaction.
NOTE TO CANADIAN OWNERS:
Some cars sold in Canada have the Computer Command Control system, while
others do not. If a " CHECK ENGINE" light comes on during engine starting,
your car does have this system. For those cars sold
in Canada which DO NOT
HAVE the Computer Command Control system or are equipped with the
optional diesel engine, please refer to the Owner' s Manual Supplement supplied
with your car for information on engine starting, specifications, etc. The
"CHECK ENGINE" light is described in the Instrument Panel se ction of the
Owner's Manual.
If preferred , a French Owner's Manual can be obtained either from yollr dealer or by writing to General 'Motors of Canada Limited, Technical Publication s
Department ,
Oshawa. Ontario L lJ 526,'
Aux proprietaires canadiens
Vous pouvez vous pro curer un exemplaire de ce
guide en francais chez votre
concessionnair e au au "Service des publication s techniques, General Motors
du Canada Limitee. Oshawa.
Ontario L lJ 5Z6.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 1981 MONTE CARLO
OWNER'S MANUAL
THIS MANUAL SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A PERMANENT PART OF THIS CAR. IT
SHOULD STAY WITH THE CAR WHEN SOLD, TO PROVIDE THE NEXT OWNER WITH IMPORTANT OPERATING, SAFETY, AND MAINTENANCE INFORMATION.
CHEVROLET MOTOR DIVISION
GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION 30007 VAN DYKE WARREN, MICHIGAN 48090
All information, illustrations and specifications in this manual are based on the latest product information available at the time of printing. The fight isresefVedto 'make changes at any time without notice.
For cars sold in Canada, substitute the name General Motors of Canada Limited wherever the nameChevro/et Motor Division appears in this manual.
Table of Contents
Section
1 Before Driving Your Monte Carlo.
2 Starting and Operatin.~.
Steering Column Controls
Floor Controls
Instrument PaneL.
Other Controls and Features.
3 In Case 01 Emergency .~
4 Appearance Care
5 Service and Maintenance.
6 Owner Assistance.
Page
'·f
2·'
.. 2·6
.... 2·13
2-16
. 2-30
4·'
5·'
6·'
7 Specifications,·Service Manoals; Index, Service Station Information. . .............................• ·7·1
CHEVROLET MOTOR DIVISION
FOR CONTINUING SATISFACTION, KEEP YOUR GM CAR ALL GM. GENERAL MOTORS PARTS ARE IDENTIFIED BY ONE OF THESE
TRADEMARKS:
lSJ~~ ,~"_~~'~M"~~

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine SEcnON 1
BEFORE DRIVING YOUR MONTE
CARLO
DRIVER DAILY CHECKLIST
Be sure you know your vehicle and its equipment and how to use it safely .
Before Entering the Vehicle '
1. See that windows, mirrors and lights are clean and unobstructed.
2. Check whether any tire is low or flat (H any tire ,looks different from
normal,
we recommend you check it with a tire pressure gage.)
3. Look for fluid leaks.
4. Be sure everything is properly stowed.
5. Check the area behind the vehicle ~ you are about to back up.
Before Driving Off
1. Lock all doors .
2. Adjust the seat and movable head restraints, if so equipped .
3. Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
4. Fasten seat belts.
5. Check that all the warning lights work as the ,key is turned to "Start."
6. Check all gages (including the fuel gage).
7 . Release the parking brake
(and see that the "Brake" light turns off).
See related topics in this manual , or the Maintenance Schedule folder, il
~" problems are found.
Guard Against Theft
For tips on how to protect your vehicle and its contents, see "'Starting and
Operating," Section 2 of this manual.
KEYS
Two different keys are provided for the locks on your vehicle. The key code is
stamped
on the "knock-out" plug in each key head.
• Key withsquar, head -for ignition lock only .
'IDENTIFYING
IGNITION LOCK DOOR LOCKS & ALL OTHER LOCKS
• Key with oval head -for all other locks.
1-1

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 2, Never leta child stand ,or kneel on any seat Children who can sit up by
themselves should
be placed on a sealand restrained with the seat belts
provided, When children ride in a rear seat, .they should be restrained with
a lap
belt, When child(en ride in the front seat, they should wear both lap
and shoulder belt If the .shoulder beH irritates the neck or face due to .the child's size, this may be r.educed by placing the child closer to the center
of the
vehicle , If irritalior Is not reduced, place the child in the rear seat
3, General Motors ~iseS that childr"", be restrained properly when riding ,
However. unusual cond~ions may prevent use of restraints. and require
that a small child
stand, If that ~s.lhe'Child should stand on the floor , behind the'driver's seat This will help reduce the chance and/or \he
severity of injury in case of a frontal collision, --'-'-'''"''''''''i''':>' ~7','" ,,.' ;.,,~"".'. _ .. .. ,
TRAILER TOWING
This car is designed and intended to be used mainly to carry people, Towing a
trailer will affect handling , durability and economy , Your safety and satisfaction
depend :,upoQ proper use of correct llqUipmenl. Also , you should avoiq
overloads
and other abusive use,
' The '
!1'lIiximum 1000000trailet: weight youe;mpull with your vehicle depends ,on what special equipffienrfi'as been installed on il,. We do not recommend towing
any
trailer more than 450 kilograms (1.000 pounds) gross trailer weight unless your vehicle has the required 'equipment
.. .... ~ ' °' -"""''1111'''.''-'' .. J~._ .. _ '."'-:,_, :" .,', .... ,,', , ,'" :', : ' . .. ....... :.' .... " ..... : .. , :"',' "'." ,: ",' ,i,.:." .... __ .. -:,:· .. ,,' .. _." . .'~:.,:;.,~')ff';:.' CAUTION: Do not .. try to tow .. • nv:,,. tr-I.-'r ,mqrtt:,_lt)arr ' 2 '2., Idfogranl( (5,000 Pounds) WPU trliler,we~t IlC) 'In.tter what trailer toWing -'equiprrient is instelled. Trai" over iMM maximum-~_iir:nlt.,-c:OuId teriously affect ~ __ vehk:"'. pertormence ; -_durability and
handling, ~_~kf l'esuh. in personal i~~;_-_, ;""_~ ':~.,,:.:.
Information ,on trailer towing ability, speciateq(Jipn1ent required, and optional
equipment available should.be obtained from your dealer . Ask for the trailering
~rocliure, Or, write: Consum~r Helations Department Chevrolet Motor Divfsion,
Warren , Michigan 48090. (In Canada, write to General Motors of Canada
limited , Customer Services Department, Oshilwa , Ontario L IJ 5Z6),
Tires
When towing trailers be sure your tires areprope,ly inflated'to 'the inflation
,
pressure shown 'on the .. Tire Placard on \he driver's door , The allowable
passenger . and cargo load for this vehicle, also.shown on the Tire Placard , is
reduced by the traiter tongue weight whenever . the trailer is attached to the
'v~hicle, See "Service arid Maintenance," Section 5, for more tire informatlon ,
Maintenance
More' frequent service is required when using your vehicle to pull a traileL See
Section A of the Maintenance Schedule folder for Automatic Transmission Fluid , Engine Oil, and Hear Axle Ltibricantchange requirements for. trailering ,
Now and \hen, check that all trailer hitch bolts and nuts are tight Also see the
Maintenance Schedule
foider, and the Index in this manual, for important facts
on belts, cooling system care and brake adjustment.
1-12

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine FUEL REQUIREMENTS
Your engine is designed to use only unleaded gasoline . Unleaded gasoline must be uSed for the emission control system to operate properly . Its use will
also reduce spark
plug fouling, exhaust .system corrosion and engine oil deterioration.
Using
leaded gaso~ne can damage the emission control system and could
result
in loss of warranty coverage. The effectiveness of the catalyst in the
catalytic converter decreases after use of as little as one tank of leaded
gasoline.
Also, your vehicle may have the "Computer Command Control" system, which includes an oxygen sensor. Leaded gasoline will damage the
sensor,
and attect emissioncont(ols. (For more information, see "Computer
Command Control
System" in "Service and Maintenance,"Section 5 of this manual. Federal regulations require that pumps delivering unleaded-gasoline
be labeled with the word UNLEADED. Only these pumps have nozzles whichftl the filler neck of your vehicle's gasoline tank.
In the United States, Federal law also requires that gasoline octane ratings be
posted on the pumps. The octane rating shown is an average of Research
octane (R) and Moto< octane (M). In most parts of the United States , you
should use unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87. However,
you may use unleaded gasoline with an Q!;tane rating as low as 85 in these
. high -altitude areas: Coloraclo , Montana, New Mexico , Utah , Wyoming,
northeastern Nevada, southern Idaho, western South Dakota, and that part of
Texas which is directly south of New Mexico .
Using unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating lower than stated above can
cause persistent, heavy
"spark knock." (" Spark knock" is a metallic rapping
noise.) " severe, this can
lead to engine darnage. " you detect heavy spark knock even ",hery using gasoline of the stated octane rating, 0<. if you hear steady spark knoo~ 'wfiil.)' Holding a' steady speed on level roads, have your
dealer correct the
problem . Failure to take steps to stop such knocking is
misuse
of the vehicle, for which Chevrolet is not responsible . However, now and then you may notice light spark knock for a short time while accelerating
or driving
up hills : This is no cause fo< concern, because you get the greatest
fuel economy
benem from the gasoline's octane rating when there is
occasional light spark knock. Using .gasoline with a higher .octane rating than
that which
allows occasional spark knock is an unnecessary expense.
Gasohol
Gasohol, a mixture of unleaded gasoline and ethanol (grain alcohol), is
available in some areas , You may use gasohol in yourvehicle ,provided it is no
more than 10% ethanoL Be sure the gasohol has octane ratings no lower than
those stated above for unleaded
gasoline . Some vehicles using gasohol could run leaner . Most drivers will not notice a difference, but some may. In such
cases your authorized dealer can make c.ertain adjustments, provided they are
not in violation of the Federal
Clean Air Act. " you. are still not satisfied with gaSOhol performance , you may prefer to uSe unleaded gasoline. •
NOTICE: ,Take care to not spiH gasohol on painted surfaces. Gasohol can cause paint damage, which may not be covered und~r the new vehicle warranty.
2·3

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine OPERATION IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES
All models which have the Computer Command Control system, (see "Service
and Maintenance," Section 5), are designed
to use unleaded gasoline as
specified under
"Fuel Requirements" in this section of the manual. Therefore,
these cars are not intended for use in areas where unleaded gasoline is
not readily available,
There also is a chance the gasolines available in some countries will not meet the needs of your gasoline engine even if it is not equipped with the Computer
Command Control system; Low~octane-ratedgasolines may cause engine pre­
ignition and serious engine damage, for which Chevrolet is not responsible.
In either case (with or without the Computer Command Control system), the
use of leaded gasoline will cause the emission control system to lose its
effectiveness.
It could also affect coverage· under the emission warranty. In
case of emergency, leaded gasoline may be used in your vehicle if unleaded gasoline is not available, but it should not be used exclusively. If you must use
leaded gasoline exclusively
in a vehicle designed for unleaded gasoline,
different maintenance intervals will be required. For additional information and
a copy of the maintenance schedule write to: Chevrolet Motor Division, Consumer Relations Department, Warren, Michigan 48090, (in Canada, write
to General Motors of Canada Limited, Customer Service Department, Oshawa,
Ontario
L 1J 5Z6).
When writing, please
include:
•
the Vehicle Identification Number and
• the countries in which you plan to travel.
Tires
If you plan to use your vehicle in countries where speeds over 75 mph (120
km/h) are allowed, see lIem3 on page 5-12.
IMPORTANT FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FUEL
ECONOMY AND HOW
TO IMPROVE IT
How you drive, where you drive and when you drive all affect how many miles/
kilometers you can get from a galion/liter of fuel. The careful attention you give
your vehicle as far as maintenance and repairs are concerned
will also help
fuel economy.
Fuel Selection
Use only unleaded gasoline meeting the octane ratings given under "Fuel Requirements" in "Starting and Operating," Section 2 of this manual.
Unleaded gasoline must be used. for the. emission control ,system to operate
properly. Leaded gasoline will damage the Computer Command Control system
oxygen sensor and affect emission control. Using leaded gasoline can also
damage other parts of the emission control system and
CQuld result in 19s8 of
emission warranty coverage.
"Jackrabbit" Starts
You can save fuel (and prolong engine and tire life) by avoiding fast starts
away from lights and stop signs.
2-4

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Steady Cruising Speeds
Once you reach cruising sPeed, keep as steady a speed as road and traffic will allow . Speeding up and slowing down lessens your vehicle's efficiency and uses more fuel.
Stop-And-Start Driving
Frequent stops and starts while driving cut down on your miles per gallon
(kilometers per liter) . Plan even your short shopping trips to take advantage of
through streets to avoid traffic lights. Pace your driving
like the expert drivers
to avoid unneeded stops and braking .
Sudden Stops
Sudden stops can also waste fuel; instead of moving the vehicle, the energy of fuel is wasted as heat in braking. Energy in the fOrm of fuel is also needed to
accelerate
baCk to driving speed.
Excessive Idling
An idling engine uses fuel, too .. If you're faced with more than a minute wait,
and you're not in traffic , it may be better to turn off the engine and start again
later.
Lubricants
A well-lubricated vehicle means less friction between moving parts. See the Maintenance Schedule folder for the proper lubrication intervals.
Air Cleaner
Your vehicle receives its power from a mixture of fuel and air. The air enters
the engine through the air cleaner. A dirty air cleaner element lessens engine
perfOrrnance and can waste/Uel. ,So, it's important to replace the air cleaner
element (filter) at the intervals in Section C of the Maintenance Schedule folder .
Wind Drag
Open windows at high speeds cause "wind drag" which can lessen fuel
economy. Also, fuel economy is less when driving in crosswinds or headwinds .
To
help offset some of this loss, slow down when driving in these conditions.
Air Conditioner
" your vehicle has an optional air conditioner , use the "Economy, " ("Vent" or
"Heater") positions whenever possible. The air conditioner compressor, is not on in these positions and the reduced ,'engine-load can improve fuel economy.
Engine Maintenance
An engine that i. properly maintained ."iill provide better fuel economy than one
that is no\.
One misfiring spark plug will cut .fuel economy quite a bit, and will make a difference in the amount of pollution emitted from yOur vehicle.
Exces~ Weight
Fuel economy is related to the work. the engine must do. The heavier the load,
the more fuel it takes to run your vehicle. Keep weight to a minimum by taking
out any luggage or cargo when it is not needed.
2-5
._ - ---_._---'----

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine DISC BRAKE WEAR INDICATORS
Front disc brakes have bum-in we .ar indicators which are desigled to make a
high-pitched squeating or
cricket·tike warning sound when the brake pads are
worn to where new pads are needed . The sound will come
and go. or be heard
all the time when the wheels are rolling, but will stop when the brake pedal is
pushed down
firmly. Expensive damage can result if pads are not replaced When needed .
See also the brake checks listed in the Maintenance Schedule folder.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS
INSTRUMENTS
The instruments . gages and indicator lights convenienlly grouped in the
instrument cluster are designed to tell you at a glance many important things
about the perform ance of your
vehicle. The following information will enabl e
you to more quickly understand and properly interpret these instruments.
Speedometer
The speedometer hand indicates vehicle speed in miles per hour and
kilometers per hour.
Odometer
The group of six figures in the, speedometer lower center sectiori indicates the
accumulated mileage.
Trip Odometer (optional)
The trip odometer may be reset to zero by turning stem to. the right This
instrument may be used to 1TI<\':!1 .. aPC~rately record trip mileages 'or kilometers .
Fuel Gage
The fuel gage will register the APPROXIMATE fuel level in the tank. when the
ignition is in the
RUN position .
When the
gage registers EMPTY. some fuel is still available as a reserve .
When the gage registers FULL. some
additional fuel can still be added to the
tank. The following conditions maybe considered normal:
•
Gas station pump may shut off before fuel gage indicates FULL
• Amount of gasoline reqUired ior fill~up may not exaclly correspond to gage.
• Needle
may not move awa y from FULL until some time aiter fill·up .
• Needle
may move during turns. stops and accelerations.
When the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position, the needle will not
necessarily return all the way·to the EMPTY mark.
2·15

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine "
• The lighl is also designed to come oi, briefly during engine starting so you . can check that the bulb is okay .
• Have the system repaired ifth'e light .d~es· not .come on during engine
. starting or when th.e Parking brake is set.
•
This warning light does not do away with the heed for brake inspection and
maintenance. The brake fluid level must be checked regularly . See your
Maintenance
Schedule folder for other brake checks.
If the light 'comes on andstavson when the ignition key is on, after the brake pedal has been firmly pushed down, it may mean that there is somelhing
'
wrongwith I?"" of the br"kesyjitem.
What to do:
1. Check to see that the parking brake hec been released . If it has been ..
2. Pull off the road and stop carefully, And remember that:
" .• " Stopping ,distances may be longer.
•
You may have to push harder on the pedal.
•
The pedal may go down farther than normal.
3, Try out the brakes by starting and stopping on the road shoulder--then:
• If you judge it to be safe, drive cautiously at a safe speed to the .near,est dealer for ,repair, or
• Have vooicle t6w~ to the nearest dealer for repair.
Continued driving without getting necessary repairs could be dangerous .
"'''''''~''., ENGINE" LIGHT
All gasoline"~~gine VehiCles sold in ttwl,lnited States (aridsorne ' vehidle. sok:!
in Canada) have the Computer Command Control sYstem, (canadian owners
should
also ' read the Nole on the. inside front cover of this manual. )
If your vehicle has thElCoTP\Jter :,eommand:'ContrOI-system, ,a , "CHECK
ENGINE" light
on the instrument panel is designed to come on during engine
starting to let you know the bulb is working ; (The light will stay on a short time .
after
the engine starts,) If the light comes on while driving, service to the
Computer , Command
Control system may be required , Although. the. v.ehicle
may still be drivable, see , your Chevrolet dealer as soon as possible . for an inspection of the system , (Some vehicles sold in Canada, DO NOT HAVE the
Computer Command Controtsystem ,
ILyeur vehicle does not have a "Check
Engine " light, then it does not have the Computer Command Control system,)
Continued, driving without having the Computer Command Control system
serviced
could cause damegeto' the emission control system, It could also affect fuel economy and drivability, .
See also "Computer
Command Control' system" in "Service and Maintenance," Section: 5 of this manual.
Tachometer
The optional tachometer i. ndicates the speed of the engine in revolutions per
minute, The' indicated num,ber, times 100, gives the engine speed, Operating
the engine
with. the tachometer . reading .in the colQr-coded high-speed area could lead to seriOUS engine damage,

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine This radio combines the features of anAM-FM stereo radio with a stereo
casselletape
player. To playa casselle tape:
1. Turn the radio on. (On'very cok;! days , allow a few minutes for warm-Up)
2. Insert the casselle squarely through the door above lhe radiO dial, as
shown on the door. This automatically switches the unit from radio to tape
operation .
If the sound is garbled (or there is no sound), eject the tape and reinser1 it squarely .
3. After the casselle has snapped into position, adjust the volume and fader
controls to your prefe(ence.
4. To quickly advance to the next selection , lift the COmbination Fast
Forward /Fast Reverse
(FF /FA) bullon (to the left of the tape door) until ij locks. To release the fast forward lock, return the FF / FR bullon to its
center position. To
listen to an earlier selection, push down the FF/FR
button. To release fast reverse, move the bullon to its center position . The
sound will·be mufed during fast forward or fast reverse operation.
The tape player will automatically shut off at the end of the tape, but the radio
will not resume playing until you eject the casselle.
I. To remove the casselle, fully press in the "Eject " bullOn .
2. To change to the second program: eject the cassette, turn it over (end-for-
end) and reinser1 it, again according to the oulline on the door .
Remove the casselle
when not in use. Casselles which are 30 or 60 mnufes
long will give the best results.
See also "Tape and Tape Player Care"for maintenance information.
AM-FM Stereo with Citizens Band Transceiver
If your vehicle has an optional DelCo GM Citizens Band radio, please refer to
the
separate booklet suppiied With this unil.
MOBILE RADIO SYSTEMS
Mobile two-way units are subject to Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) regulations and must be installed by trained radio people. Mobile
telephones installed by your local phone company, Citizens Band (CB) radios, and garage door openers normally will not affect vehicle operation. If any other
mobile radio transmitters are installed, there can possibly be adverse eftects on
vehicle operation .
Antenna
The standard radio antenna is incorporated in the . windshield glass. If
necessary, adjustments for maximum antenna eftectiveness can be made by
your Authorized
Dealer.
Power Antenna
The optional power antenna is controlled by the radio . When the radio is ON
the antenna will go up. When the radio is turned OFF either by the ON /OFF
knob or by turning the ignition switch to the OFF position, the antenna is
designed to gb down.
2-29