trailer CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO 1981 4.G Owners Manual

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 Break·ln Schedule
See the new vehicle break-in instructions in this manual. Also, we
recommended you drive your new vehicle for 500 miles (600 kilometers) before
trailer towing . AI the end of this 500 mile (600 kilometer) break-in period, avoid
speeds over 50 mph (80 km/h) and full throttle starts during the first 500 miles (800 kilometers) of trailer towing.
CAUTIONS:
BRAKES-To help avoid personal injury due 10 poor braking action:
• Trailer brakes of adequate size are required on Irailers more Ihan 450 kilograms (1,000 pounds) loaded weight.
• If you use trailer brakes with this vehicle , follow the installation and balance
instructions of the trailer brake maker.
• Do not tap into the vehicle's brake system tl the trailer brake system uses
more than 0.3 cubic centimeter (0.02 cubic inch) of fluid from the vehitle's
master cylinder. In this case, the vehicle brake fluid capacity will not be enough to operate both the vehicle and trailer brakes under all kinds of
use.
• All brake fluid parts must be able to stand 20 650 kPa (3,000 psi) .. The
brake fluid tap must be made to the master cylinder port supplying fluid to
the rear brakes. Copper tubing is subject to fatigue failure and must not be
used.
• Before going down a steep or long grade, reduce speed. and shiftlhe transmission into a lower gear 10 help control too' long or too often . This
could cause
Ihe brakes 10 overheal and reduce brake ef\ectiveness. .
HITCHES2T6 HeIP'avoid pe,sona/ ,jQiYry.Que 10 sway caused by such things as
crosswinds , big trucks passing or roact roughness, or due to separalion of the
trailer :
• A properly installed and adjusted (1) frame mounted, weight-distributing
hitch and (2) sway control with enough capacity are required for trailers
more than 900 kilograms
(2,000 pounds) loaded weight.
• If your vehicle has air shocks, keep them at a minimum pressure of 70 to 105 kPa (10 to 15 psi) when installing, adjusting or towing with a weight­
distributing hitch.
• Keep the trailer tongue load at 10"10 of the loaded trailer \'feight for dead­
weight hitches, and 12"10 for weight-distribuling hitches. Tongue loads can be adjusted by proper distribution of the load in the trailer. This can be
checked by
weighjng separately the loaded trailer and then the tongue .
• Do not use axle-mounted hitches. They can damage the axle hOuSing, wheel bearings, wheels or lires.
•
When you remove a trailer hitch, be sure to seal any mounting holes in the
bocjy. This will help prevent entry of exhaust fumes, dirt or water. (See
"Engine Exhaust Gas Caution (Carbon Monoxide)" at the beginning of "Starting and Operating," Section 2 of this manual.)
1-13

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOT1C~: Uoeonty ~ ...... hhches ....... pomiIt ' nonnoI ..,o,otlon' ..... Energy Ab8Orb4ng Bumper system, if to equipped~-For ex..".,.., • rigid fore 8nd 1ft conMction between the bumper and any other pwt Of-the c. mIIy Inc,. ... dMnege Nl the event gf I colli.lon.
TRAILER TOWING TIPS
, Getti"9
Started
Before entering traffic w~h a traile, that has electric brakes, start the vehicle
and trailer moving and apply the traile' brakes by hand to be sure the trailer brakes ' are working and the trailer eleCtrical syStem is connected ,
".d~,~!!.~!.~~,CooUng If your engine overheats "foliowthe steps under, "Engine Cooling System" in
"InCase of Emergency," Section 3 01 this manual.
Long Uphill Grades
When goingup,long grades ; you can reduce the chance of engine overheating
by dOwnshifting the transinission to a
Jower'gear range and reducing speeds to
'" '4S mph (70 km /h) or below . '. " " ,-,-."." .. ,. '
Transmission
See the method for checking the transmission fluid level in "Service and
"'~!!illl£<;': Section S of thismanuaJ.
Parking
You should not park vehicles with trailers on a grade (hill); However, If
you must park on a 'grade, these ste,PS }l1ust be fallowed:
1. Apply theregular .brakes . ,'\' y .
2, . Have someone place wheel chocks under the trailer wheels .
3. When the wheel cho cks are in place, release the regular brakes until, the
c hocks absorb the load. .
4 . Apply
the parking brake.
S . Shift the transmission to
"P"(l'ark) .
If the veh icle is parked on a .gr ad e, don 't Shift the transmission to "P "(Park )
until
the trailer wheels are chocked and tOO parking brake is set If you dO, the weight of the vehicle and trailer may put'somuch force on the parking pawl in
the transmission that it·may be hard to Shift out of "P "(Park) .
When' s tarting, after being parked On a grade :
L Apply the regular brakes and hold.
2. Start ,the engine in , "P"( Park) .
.
3 . '. Shift into gear and releas .e the parking brake ..
4. Release the regular brakes and drive until the chocks are free .
S .
Apply the regular brakes and haveanoti1er person remOve the chocks.
1-14

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine The trunk lid should be closed while driving to help prevent drawing exhaust gas into the vehicle. If the trunk must remain open for some reason while
moving . or ff electricai wiring or other cable conneclionS to a trailer must pass through the sealbelweeri the trunk lid and the body, follow these precautionS :
• Close all windows.
• Adjust the heating or cooling system to force outside air into the vehicle as
described above. but set the fan to high speed .
• On vehicles with outside ' air vents in or under the instrument panel ; open
the vents
fully.
NEW VEHICLE "BREAK-IN" PERIOD
You can drive your new vehicle from its very first mile/kilometer without
following a formal "break-in" schedule. However. there are things you can do during the first few hundred miles/kilometers of driving . that will add to the
future performance and economy of your
vehicle. We recommend you limit
your speed during the first 500 miles (800 kilometers) to a maximum of 55 mph (90 km /h) ; but do not drive for long periods at anyone constant speed. either
fast or
slow. During this time. avoid full throttle starts and. if possible. avoid
hard stops especially during the first 200 miles (320 kilometers) of driving .
Always drive at moderate speed until the engine has COfl'4lletely warmed up.
If you plan to use your new vehicle for trailer towing . see additional information
under " Trailer Towing" in Section 1 of this manual.
GUARD AGAINST THEFT
y~~; '~ew Monte carlo has many features to help prevent theft of the vehicle
itself.
its equipment. and its contents. But these anti-theft features depend
upon you to work.
THE
TIME TO BE MOST ON GUARD ISWHEN LEAVING THE VEHICLE ...
• PARK IN A LIGHTED SPOT WHEN YOU CAN AND FULLY ClOSE BOTH WINDOWS AND ANY ROOF PANaS
• LOCK THE STEERING COLUMN AND TAKE THE KEYS:
•
Turn the key to "Lock " and remove the key. This locks the ignition
and both steering and shift controls.
• If you must leave a kilY with the vehicle . leave the square-head key only. Take the oval· head key with you. This will help prevent unwanted
entry into your
vehicle at a later date . or into your glove box (if locked) or trun k
• LOCK ALL DOORS .
•
KEEP ITEMS OUT OF SIGHT AND LOCKED UP WHEN POSSIBLE.
• Never leave things of va lue in plain sight on seats or floor.
• The glove box otTers a place to hide small item s and if locked, protects even better.
• Lock larger item s in the trunk.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine • Firmly apply the parking brake. Do not use ·the transmission as asubsmute for the parking I)rake.
•
Move the automatic transmission shift lever to "P"(Park).
•
Turn the key to "Lock ."
•
Remove the key (the · buzzer is designed to remind you).
• Lock all doors .
TURN SIGNAL AND HEADLIGHT BEAM LEVER
The turn signal lever on the left side of the steering column also controls
headlight low-beam and high-beam and the optional Cruise Control. (For Cruise Control operation, see page 2-12.)
• Turn Signal -Move the lever up to the second stop to signal a right turn.
Move it down to the second stop to signal a left turn. When the turn is
completed, the signal will cancel and the lever will return to horizontal.
• Lane Change Signal -In some turns, such as changing lanes, the steering wheel is not turned far enough to cancel the turn signal . ·For convenience,
you can flash the turn signal by moving the lever part way (to the first stop)
and holding it there. The lever will return to horizontal when you release it.
TURN SIGNAL MOVE UPWARD -R.H. TURN MOVE DOWNWARD -l.H. TURN
I LANE CHANGE I MOVE UPWARD TO
HEADLIGHT BEAM CHANGER (HEADUGHTS ON)
PUtl LEVER TQWARDYOU
l$T STOP-CHANGE FROM LEFT TO 'RIGHT lANE
MOVE DOWNWARD TO 1ST STOP-CHANGE FROM RIGHT TO LEFT LANE
A green light on the instrument panel is designed to flash to tell, you that the
lront and rear turn signal lights are working . If the light stays on, but does not
flash, check for burned-out turn signal bulbs.
If the green light does not come on when you move the lever, check the fuse and indicator bulb. However, if
you ordered a traiter towing option in which extra wiring was added to attach
the
trailer lighting, a different type'of flasher was installed. In tliis case, the
green light will continue to flash even if a turn signal bulb bUrns out. Therefore ,
you must
regularly look at the front and rear turn signal lights to be sure they
are working.
• Headlight Beam Changer -With the headlights on, pull the lever toward
you until you hear a click, then release it. The lights will change from Iow­
beamto high-beam or from high-beam to low-beam . When the hig~-beams
are on, a blue light will appear on the instrument panel.
CORNERING UGHTS
The front fender cornering lights operate in conjunction with the turn signals.
When the turn signal is operating in either direction, and the headlights or
parking
lights are on, the corresponding cornering light emits a steady
sideward beam to provide additional illumination .
2-7

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine After acceleraUng to the desired speed and engaging the Cruise Control, the vehicle ' will no longer slow down when you take your foctot! the
accelerator pedal. TO slow the vehicle , disengage the Cruise Control by
depressing the brake pedal. '
When going up or down
hills (particularl~ when towing a trailer), it is possible for the vehicle to lose or gain speed, even though the Cruise Control is engaged,
If this happens while going up hill, merely depress the accelerator pedal temporarily to maintain the speed desired, If going down a hill steep
enough to cause the vehicle to gain speed, depress the brake pedal -­which will .\)Dth disengage the Cruise Control and help slow the vehicle, In addition, when going down a steep or long grade, the transmission should be placed in a lower .range or gear to help control vehicle speed --see the r~lated caution in the "Transmission" area. '
HORN
The horn on your vehicle is actuated by firmly pressing on the pad in th.e
center of the steering wheel. As a good motorist, use of ·the hOrn should be
kept at a minimum, However,
acquaint yourself as soon as possible with ihis
function of your
vehicle, should it ever become necessary to give a warning to
a pedestrian or another motorist
HAZARD WARNING FlASHER
The hazard flasher is covered on Page 3-' in the "In .Case of Emergency" section.
FLOOR CONTROLS
BRAKING SYSTEM
The regularbraking~yst"r1'lTsdesigned for braking performance under a wide
range of driving conditions even when the
vehicle is loaded to its full rated
vehicle load capacity .
CAUTION: DriVing ttvOUgh water deep enough to wet brake componenu-,may cause the brakes to ,n ,ot .work as well. A, • result the :vehicle will not slow: down at the usual rate,. and, it 'may pull 10 ,the .righ,t , 0.:' left. After chtc;king to the rear for other vehicles, apply the brakes 'lightly , to cheek whether this has happened. 1'0 dry them quicklY,lightly apply the-brakes.. At the aame. time, keep a safe forward speed, with plenty of cle._ space ahead, to the rea" and-to the sides;. Do this- until the brllkes return to norm.l.
Brake Warning Light
The brake system warning light is covered in the "Instrument Panel" section,
Power Brake$
• If power assist is ~Iost because of a stalled engine or other reasons , the
brakes can
normally still be applied with power assist at least" two times
using reserve power.
• The system is designed .to bring the vehicle to a full stop ·on reserve power
if
the brake pedal is applied once and held down. However, the reserve
power is partly used up each time the
brake pedal is applied and released , Do not pump the brakes when brake power assist has been lost; except
when needed to maintain steering control.
2-13

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Chevrolet's turbocharger incUles a "TlI'bo Control Center," which is an
electronic,
closed- loop, high energy spark control system that permits the use
of today's compression ratios with unleaded fuels. It works to control spark and
provide
good driveability. H automatically compensates for fuel octane,
atmospheric conditions,
load, and .other driving conditions, by continually monitoring engine detonation and adjusting the spark.
Are There Any Tricks To Driving A Turbocharged V-61
No, riot at all. Starting procedures are as covered on Page 2-8.
As with any normal engine, the turbocharged engine should not be run at
excessive
RPM immediately upon starting or shut down abruptly after running
at high
speeds.
Trailer
Towing: It should be noted that the Turbo V-6 engine uses advanced
electronic technology to provide a combination of performance and fuel
economy under most operating conditions, including driving in high-altitude
areas . Uke 'most V-6 engines, ~is su~abIe for pul~ng light-dutytrailers up to
450 kilograms (1,000 pounds) gross weight. However, the system was not
engineered for the rigors of towing
heavytraii for
specffic recommendations) .
Don't Attempt Do-tt-Yourself Fixes: The turbocharger has but a handful of
parts, but since it is precision-manufactured with some tolerances as fine as
1/1 ,000,000 of an inch, maintenance and repairs should be done by an
authorized Chevrolet dealer or other qualified service outlet which
regularly
does such servk:e.
Catch Trouble Before . It Becomes Major: The turbocharger is an integral part
of your engine and not ar\'add-on .device.1f you spot an oil leak or hear an
unusual sound coming from the turbocharger , take it
In for service immediately .
The trouble may be simple to correct, but if allowed to continue, may
necessitate a more costly repair.
Normaf Scheduled Maintenance -
with Two Exceptions: The recommended
maintenance for the turbocharged
V -6 engine is shown in the General Motors
Maintenance
Schedule found in the glove compartment of your Chevrolet. The
turbocharged engine requires basically the same maintenance as a regular V-6
with two ",xceptions :
Engine Oil Change -every 3,000 miles.
Oil Filter Change -every 3,000 miles .
2-33

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Make Connections in Numerical Order
Fi,st Jumpe, Ceble ,
Discharged
Battery
Make Last
Connection on
Engine,
Away
from Battery
Battery in Vehicle
with Charged Battery L--'''''''",,""
4. Slarllhe engine 01 the vehicle withJhe .good (charged) battery and run the
engine at a moderate speed.
5 .
Start the engine of the vehicle thathas the discharged battery.
6 . Remove the jumper
cables .by reversing the above sequence exactly.
Begin by removing the jumper
cable clamp from the vehiclewilh tM
discharged battery. While removing each clamp, lake care that it does not
touch any other
metal while the other end remains attached.
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during severe
conditions such as:
• climbing a long hill on a hot day,
• stopping after high speed driving ,
• idling for long periods in traffic, or
• tawing a trailer.
3-3

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Choosing Oil Viscosity
Engine oil viscosity (thickness) has an effect on fuel economy. Lower viscosity engine oils can provide· better fuel economy; however, higher temperature
weather cOl1ditions. require· higher viscosity .engine. oils· for satisfactory
lubrication.
It is recommended that you select an oil not only of the proper quality and
viscosity, but also. a fuel-saving product.· These oils can be found in Chevrolet dealer serviGe departments, service stati()ns and other retail stores. They are
identified by words such as: "Energy Conserving," "Energy Saving," "Conserves Gasoline," "Gas Saving," "Gasoline Saving," "Friction
Reducing," "Improved Gasoline Mileage," "Improved Fuel Economy" or "Fuel
Saving."
The following chart lists the engine oil viscosities recommended for the
tE3lT1per~ture range you·. expecLbefore your next oil change. For temperatures
above -18'C '(O'F), SAE 10W-30 is the preferred viscosity grade. If cold­weather starting problems are encountered at temperatures below -18'C
(O'F), SAE 5W-30 viscosity oils m?-y be required.
Change Intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for your engine are based on the use of SF-quality oils and high-quality filters such as AC oil filters. Using oils other
than
SF-quality, or oil and/or filter change intervals longer than recommended, could reduce engine life.
Damage to engines due to improper maintenance or use of incorrect oil quality
'andl0r"'vi$9()~ity}s .~ot covered by the Chevrolet new car warranties.
Your engine WEIS filled with a high-quality engine oil when it was built. You do
not have to change this oil before the first recommended change
interval.
•
Severe Service-Change the oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles (4 800
kilometers) or three months (whichevefcbmes first) if one or more of the following "severe service" conditions is often encountered:
• Driving in dusty areas.
• Towing a trailer.
• Frequent idling or idling for long periods.
• Oriving 4 miles (6 kilometers) or less in freezing weather.
• Change the oil and oil filter as soon as possible after driving in a dust storm.
~ Norma! Service-If your engine is not a turbo-charged engine and your
normal driving does not include one of the above "severe service" conditions, change the oil every 7,500 miles (12 000 kilometers) or 12
months, whichever comes first. Change the oil
filter at the first oil change,
then every other
oil change, if mileage (7,500 miles or 12 000 kilometers)
determines when you change the oil. If time (12 months) determines when
you change the oil, change the filter with every oil change.
• If you have a turbocharged engine, it is VERY IMPORTANT to change the
oil and oil filter EVERY 3,000 miles (4 800 kilometers).
5-4

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine un mUE SAl: VIScOSITY GRADES
F~O 20 40 60 100 C -30 -20 10 0 10 20 30 40 TEMPERATURE RANGE YOU .EXPECT SHORE NEXT Oil CHANGE
NOTICe: DO NOTUSE SAE 5W-2(I OILS fOR COIfi"INUOUS HIGH SPEED DRIVING.
Engine Oil Additives
There are many extra engine oil additives (or helpers) for sale. Your engine
should not need these extra additives if you Use SF-quality engine oil and
change it as suggested. If you think your engine has an oil-related problem,
talk
to your authorized dealer. If needed, your dealer can provide you with a
tested and approved oil additive called "GM Engine Oil Supplement."
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID RECOMMENDATIONS
Proper Fluid -Use only automatic transmission fluid labeled DEXRON® II. You
can buy this fluid from your dealer or other service outlets.
Checking
Fluid Level-Check the automatic transmission fluid level at each
engine
oil change, Overfilling GaI).c"!,J~e foaming and loss of fluid. A low fluid
level can cause slipping or loss of drive. In either case, transmission damage
can result.
To check the fluid
level, first set the parking brake, then start the engine in "P"(Park). With the regular brakes applied, move the shift lever through all the
gear ranges, ending
in "P". You must check the fluid level with the engine
running
at slow idle and the vehicle level.
You cannot read the correct fluid level if you have just.driven you(vehicle fora
long time at high speed, in city traffic in hot weather, or if your vehicle has
been
pulling a trailer. Wait until the fluid cools down (about 30 minutes).
Remove the dipstick
located at the rear of the engine compartment on the
passenger's side. Carefully touch the wet end of the dipstick to find out if the
fluid
is cool, warm or hot. Wipe it clean and push it back in until the cap seats. Pull out the dipstick and read the fluid level.
• If
it felt cool (about room temperature), the level should be 3 to 10
millimeters (118 to 3/8 inch) below the "Add" mark. The dipstick has two
dimples below the" Add" mark to show this range.
• If it felt warm, the level should be close to \he "Add" mark (either above or below).
• If
it was too hot to hold, the level should be at the "Full" mark.
5-5