Chevrolet 1981 MONTE CARLO User manual

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A WORD TO MONTE CARLO OWNERS
This manual has been prepared to acquaint - you with the operation an"d main~
tenance of yo ur 1981 Monte Carlo, and to provide imp or tant safety informa-
tion, It is supplemented by a Maintenance Schedule and two Warranty Informa-
tion folder s. We urge you to ·read these four publications carefully. Follow the
recommendations to help assure the most enjoyable, sa fe and t roub lefree opera-
tion of your vehicle.
Whil e readi ng this manual, you w ill notice th at specifications are gi ve n in both
metric and customary measures. Where precise .-- accuracy is not needed, some
conversions h ave been rounded to even numbers for your handy u se.
When it comes to servic e, remember that your Chevrolet dealer knows your
vehicle best and'is interested in your complete satisfaction.
Fotadded mechanIcal and electrical protection beyond the end of the New
Vehicle
and Power 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 purcha se d. 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 your needs, Chevrolet has 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 choosi ng a Chevrolet product, and want to assure yo u 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 section of the
Owner's Manual.
If preferred, a French Owner's Manual can be obtained e ither from yollr dealer
or by writi ng to General 'Motors of Canada Limited, Technical Publications
Department, Oshawa. Ontario L
lJ 526, '
Aux proprietaires canadiens
Vous pouvez vous procurer un exemplaire de ce
gu ide en francais chez votre
concessionnaire au au "Service des publications techniques, General Motors
du Canada Limitee. Oshawa. Ontario L
lJ 5Z6.

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"~~

• :',<"
syMBOL CH'A R't
-The following-chart w ill he Jp you unders tand the mea ni ng of -the new
pictorial s
Y"":lbo Js use9 for ~ i4ent i - f y ing , c ontF o l s and di s pl ~ys pn your v~ hi c le.
,
¢t:>
I
LIGHTS
TVRN '_ SI GNAU
,
". .
.. ... .
'" ,
H AZARD WARNING
FlASHER
WINOSHIE LDW II'ER
1- __ --;1
\filII ~
. '.,' '. , .' .
, WINDSHIELD
WASHER
I----~---tl
REAR WINDOW
DE FOGGER
ENGINE COOLA NT
TEMPERATURE
W IN DS HI ELD
WIPER 80 WASHER
..
SEA TBfL T '
t:!I ,.
< , ".
1-- ' "'" ' AT~ TE = " ""-!
CHARGI NG
CONDITION "
VEN
TI LATI NG F AN
FUEL
.'
1 '.
iI I -~D.'-~I •
.' I '~ ~,, " ', ' ~ . . .•. ! o.: 'i ','
1------; :,'", CLEARANCE .;---
LI CH TE R " " , LA.MPS RA DIO SE.t,;E tTOR
WINDSHIELD
,
OEFROSTER
EN GINE OIL
'.'
TRUNK RELEASE
RADIO VOLU,.,E

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

For vehicle security:
• RecoId the key code IlUIT1b8rs, then lmock the plUQ$ out of the keys.
• Keep the key. codes In a sale place(SU<;h as your wallet), NOT IN THE
VEHIClE.
Stamped on the key is a letter indicating the proper key blank needed if
duplicates are required. .
If the original keys are lost, duplicates can be made using the key ~s,
Co ,nlaet any GM dea, lerora locksmith.
If you park in an atteOOadlOt, leave only your square-head ignition key.
Lock your glove box and take the oval-head key
w~h you . This will help
prevent illegal entry into the glove box (if locked) and trunk compartments.
DOOR LOCKS
•• Bo,th . dQQrs can be locked,from the inside by depressing the passenger guard
door lock'buttons located on the upper door panel.
The doors can be locked
from the outside by first depressing the door lock button and closing the door.
The doors can also be locked
by USing the oval-head key.
All models have as a standard Safety feature overriding.door locks. When the
doors are locked, the door latch mechanism is inoperative, preventing
inadvertent opening of the door
by movement 01 the inside handle.
Power Door Locks
The optionally available power door locks allow you to lock or unl""k your
.....
;., .. 2 ~r s by operating the switch marked LOCK located on either door panel. The
autonratiC'·locking mechanism does not interfere wj thmanual operation. of any
door lock button.
The ,doors will not unlock or open with the inside door handle
when the lock button is depressed, but can be unlocked individually by Ufting
the lock button. .
CAUTION : To help IHlen the chance and/ or severity of Injury in an accident, ~ IW'ya
Ioek'-the doora when drivinv. Along with uSing the aelt beltl properly, locking the doors ,
etC ~ 1 helps prevent occupants from being thrown from the vehicte during accident •. It
also, helP. prevent unintended opening of the doors I 'nd help. ' keep out intruder. \jVMn
the vehi ,cle is stopped.
STOWING THINGS IN (OR ON) THE CAR
CAUTION:, Luggage or other cargo shouId -not be piled higher than the SHtbllc::k&.
When at all poss6bIe, luggage or cargo should be c.n.d in the trUnk. The filler panel In
front of the rew window should , not be used to cerry objects-even those thlit are small
and light. AU items shoukj M secured in place. 'This will help'keep such things from
being thrown about
al1~ , injuring people,In the car dUrl,ng a sudden maneuver or an ,
accident. Cargo weight" 'whether ,Inside or on the root, ahould be positionecl as far
forward as possibl8~ .
Manual Window Control
Turn manual window conl r ol clockwise " to raise right windows and
counterclockwise to raise lell windows.Reverse direction to lower window.
1-2

Power Windows (OptIonal)
Power windows have an ignition interlock SO the windows cannot be operated
unless the Ignition switch is in the "RUN" poSition A master control for all
windows is provided at
the driver's position. Individual switches are provided
under each window
for passenger use.
INSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR
The mirror can be adjusted up, down or sideways to obtain the best v.iew to
the front and rear. Move
the mirror lever to the night position to reduce glare
from the headlights of vehicles behind you.
OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR
Adjust the outside mirror so you can just see the side of your vehicle in the
portion 01 the mirror clo§!tsu .o .. the vehicle. This helps youdetermirie your
relation to objects seen in the mirror:" .
CONVEX MIRROR
YoUr vehicle may have an optional convex outside rearview mirror. (A convex
mirror has a
cu<ved surface.) Adjust the convex mirror so you can just see the
side of your vehicle in the portion of the mirror closest to the vehicle. This type
of mirror is designed to give a much wider view to the rear. especially of the
lane next to your vehicle. This may be most helpful when you want to change
lanes, or in some cases when you want to back up. Ho_ver, cars and other
objects seen in a convex mirror will · LOOK smaller and appear farther
away than when seen
in a flat mirror. Therefore, use care when judging the
size or distance of a car or object seen in this convex mirror. Use your inside
mirror (or glance rearward) to determine the size and distance ofobjects seen
in the convex mirror.
SEAT CONTROLS
ADJUSTMENT OF SEAT POSITION
Manually Operated Front Seats
The front seats may be adjusted forward or rearward by moving the control
lever at the front
Of the seat to the left and exerting slight body pressure in the
direction desired. The seat is locked in position when the lever is released.
1-3

NOTICE: 00 not adjust a manually operated driver'. seat while· the vehicle is moving.
The seat could move suddenly and unexpectecily and could cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle.
After adjusting a manually operated seat, push forward and rearward on the
seat to
be sure the seat adjusters have latched. Take the vehicle to your dealer
for service
if you find that either seat adjuster does not latch.
Front Seatback Latches
Vehicles with folding front seats have inertial seatback latches. The latches are
designed to prevent forward movement of the front seatback
only during a
sudden slowing of the vehicle. Normally, the seatback can
be tilted forward
without unlatching,
to get in or out of the rear seat. But when the vehicle is
"nose down," such as on a very steep hill, the inertial latch may keep the
seatback from being moved forward.
If this happens, there is a latch release
lever at the bottom, on the outboard side or in the center rear of each front
seatback. Pull rearward slightly
on the seatback while pulling up on the
seatback latch release lever. This will release the latch
and let the seatback be
mOVed forward.
The latch release lever must be in the "down" position for the inertial latch to
work properly during a sudden slowing of the vehicle. Check now
and then to
see if each seatback latch release lever moves
up and down freely. If the lever
does not move freely, take the vehicle
to your dealer for service. There is no
convenient owner test of the inertial seatback latch. If you suspect the latch is
not working, ask your dealer to inspect
it.
Keep seat belt webbing and hardware clear of seat parts when you tilt fOlding
seats forward or rearward. This helps prevent damage to these belt systems.
Power Operated Front Seats (optional)
The six-way power seat control switch is located on the driver's seat left side
panel. •
The seat can be operated as follows:
1-4

1. The front control provide~ up and down movement olthe front of the
seat.
2. The center control provides forward ~nd backward movement and up
and down movement of the entire front seat.
3. The rear control provides up and down movement of the rear of the
seat.
HEAD RESTRAINTS (FOR BENCH SEAT)
• Head restraints are designed to help reduce the possibility of neck injuries.
• To raise or lower, just slide the head restraint up or down.
• Choose the positi6n which ·places.the top of the head restraint closest to
the top
of your ears.
SEAT BELTS
To help lessen the chance of injury ana lor the severity of injury in accidents or
sudden stops, General Motors urges thai people riding in the vehicle be
properly restrained at all times, using the seat belts provided. This includes
women who are pregnant, and children of all ages. (See the following pages for
the use of restraints by .children and pregnant women.) General Motors
provides a seat
be~ at each position designed for occup""t seating.
Front. Seat Lap·Shoulder Belt
• Closes the Iront door fully. This activates the tension reliever.
• Adjust the front seat as needed and sit up straight and well back in the
seat.
• There are a number Of ways the lap-shoulder belt may be put on easily.
For example;
• The lap-shoulder belt may be put on using one hand by ; (t) Holding
the latch plate and pulling the be~ as far as nwill reach across your
waist (see.lllustration).
(~) Then, hold the latch plate at a right angle to
the webbing. At the same time, slide It up the belt by raiSing it toward
the upper outside comer at the windshield. (3) Finally, pull the latch
plate down across your body and push It into the buckle until it clicks.
t-5

•
• One easy two'handed method is to hokUM webbing just behind the
" " ,,'- " ,.,'- ' latch plate using \he hand nearest the door. Theil bring it down across
your body. While holding the webbing taut with one'hand, slide the
latch plate
up the beH with the other hand. Finally. hold the latch plate
and push
~ into \he buckle until ~ clicks.
• Position the " lap" portion ofthe belt across your lap as LOW ON THE
HIPS as possible. If the lap portion did not snug itsen to your
satisfaction. adjust it
to a SNUG FIT by pulling the "shoulder" portion
of the beH UPWARD through the latch plate, until the lap portion is
snug across your lap. This rewces the risk 01 slicing under the baH
during an accident.
CAUTION: A snug fll with the lap belt positioned low on the hips is neceSsary to help
Iesaen tl'Ml ·chMlce and/or severity 01 Injury in an .c:cktent. This •• acts the force 01 the
lap bett oyer the strOO9 hipbone instead of acrou the 10ft .txtomen.. To he1p .....,. the
chance and/ or severity of injury in an accident; never ute the ..".. belt for more than
One per.an at • time; do not put the lap ben over the optional center armrest; do not
wear belts twisted; and do not let ben. or belt hIIrdware become damaged by pinthing
them in the seat or doOr.
• The shoulder porti<lO of the front seat beHls designed to lock only during a
sudden stop or
impact At other times ilis designed to move freely with the
person.
1·6

·'i.
• For thOse who .find the shoulck!r ,belt tciQsnug, belt pressure against the
chest can,be reduced by using thetensiorl reliever built into the ,retractor,
To use this' feature: (A), Start bypulfing the shoulder belt outward far
enough so that when yoU let go,
it returns to the chEl$t (Step "A" in the
illustration), (8) Then, adjust the belt tension by pulling down slightly on the
shoulder portion of the belt and letiing ' go (Step "8" in the illustration), The
least amount of belt possible ShOuld be pulled from the retractor '(about 25
millimeters or one inch) to minimize beltpressure:
• To release the'tension reliever and get'rid of slack, pull the shoulder belt
out and let
it retrl!Cl Or I,ean far forward and then bacK
'. '·~ ·; . ; · 'i '·'""i''' ;'
CAUTION: If shoulder __ belt .sack _ IS uRd to minimize'belt pressure,·the amount of
steck shoukl be-kept to a tninknum. Too much belt - stack could reduce the amount of
protection ~use the belt may not be able to prqpen.y ~ t r.in you klan -accident.
" Do not wear the shoulder portion of the belt under your arm nearest the door
or otherwise out of position, Such use could increase the chance andlor
the severity of injury in an accident '
• To unfasten the beIt,push in the button in the center of lhe buckle,
• To stow the belt, pull ,it out about 150 millimeters (six inches) and let go.
Hold the latch 'plate
as it retracts to keep it from'possibly striking people or
things nearby. K you forget,
the retractor is designed to rewind,tl)e belt
when the front door is, opened. ,Kneaded, slide,the' latch plate down the
webbing
to lei the belt retract fully. Be sure that the belt is fully retracted
and the latch plate is out of lhe way batore closing the door. This will help
prevent damage
to interior trim and the seat belt assembl y. .
• On 2-door models, a shoulder belt "pick - up" is attached to the side of the
front seat or head
restraint The pick-up is designed to catch the shoulder
belt and pull it forward Whenthe'f,ont seatbackis folded forward, to make
it
easier ti:> enter the rear seat. (It is not intended 'ihat the shoulder belt pass
through the' pick-Uli- see illustration.
•

- _. .••. • ,- .1., ...... ,.,- -.-
Restraint Of Pregnant Women
General Motors urges that pregnant women use a lap-shoulder belt whenever
one is present. This will help lessen the chance of a pregnant woman and her
unborn chil.d being injured andlor will help reduce the severity of their injury in
an accident. The tap belt should be used alone if a shoulder ben is not present
7: such as in a rear·seat. In eitlJer case, the lap belt should be worn as low
and snug over th.(hips a!f possible, as advised for regular seat belt use (see
the.precedi
ng instructions).
SEAT BELT LIGHT/BUZZER REMINDER
,. " .,." ·;t "Wh'eii' 1hI> 'key·is .turned to "AUn" or "Start," a remi!)der IightilLdesigned to
corne
on for four to eight secondS, ." is to remind riders to fasten their seat
.
belts.
•
If the driver's seat belt has not been buCkled .before turning the key to
"Aun" or "Start" , a bu zzeri. diiSigned to sOund for four to eightseconds
(or until buckled)
as a reminder.
~ the seat belt or reminder system does not work as descri~. see your dealer
tor service .
Lap Belts For Rear Seat (And Center Front Seat) Passengers
• Aear seat lap belts ne xt to side windows have retractors which are
designed to take.
up extra webbing.
• In a single motion, pull the rear seat outboard lap ben across your lap lar
enough to push the latch plate Into the buckle, until it clicks. If the belt is
not pulled
outter enough to reach the buckle, let the lap belt rewind fully
into its retractor. This .unlocks it
so the belt can be pulled out to the proper
length.
• These belts should be positioned, worn and released as described-above
under "Front Seal LapoShouider Belt." After fastening, check that the belt
is
SNUG by pulling the belt firmly across your lap toward the lap belt
retractor.This will allow the retractor to take up slack.
• Lap belts at center seats also should be positioned, worn and released as
described above: however, they do not have retractors. They should be
adjusted to a SNUG FIT by pulling on the end of the belt coming from the
adjustable latch plate.

• To lengthen the center seai lap bett,place the latch plate at a right angle to
the belt webbing
and pull on the latcn plate. The belt should then slide
easily.
... ,
ADDITIONAL REAR SEAT SHOULDER BELTS Offered as an
Accessory by ,Your Dealer
• When properly worn with a lap bett, a shoulder belt can give riders added
protection. It can prevent or reduce impact with the iilsidesof the vehicle
by restraining the upper 'body in a collision. This is especially true in a
frO!ltal' ~';"., 'k'~ " ' ,'" ' , • , ' "
• To use
t ~e detach8lJ1 lf~ Ider ' belt ..place the knob on the shoulder belt
end in the "keyhole" On the lap' belt latch plate (before fastening the lap
belt.) Tilt the knob as needed to pass it through the Slot. Pull the,knob
firmly upward to seat n at theoarrow · EI/ld of the keyhole, thet;l ·fasten the
lap,belt. Do this in reverse when taking'off the shoulder bett and putting it .
away.
• The'detachable shouidElI'bilfts,can
way,as center seat lap belts.
• The de1achable,shoulder
belt should have enough slack to put a fist's
width between
your chest, and the,bett. This can be checked by putting a
clenched fist between the bett and your chest. (Place the thumb side of
your fist against your.&hest with the back of your hand facingu ·p.)
,1-9

CAUTION: • shoulder belt slack ia used to minimize belt pJeUUre, the amount of
alack ShoUld be kept to • minimum. Too much bel slack could reduce the .mount of
protection becaUN thebe" may not be able to properly restrain you in an accident.
Do not wear the shoulder belt under your arm nearest the door or otherwise
out of position. Such use could Increase the chance and / or the seventy of
injury in an accident. .
Seat Belt Inspection
• " Now . anQ then check that belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, reminder
systems
and guide loOps work properly. AlsO check foCloose parts or
damage that could keep the restraint system from doing its joI:! .
• Keep sharp edges and damaging objects away from the belts and other
parts of the restraint system. .
• Do not.put anything into the,opening where the seat belt webbing passes
through the trim panel. This may jam the retractor and/or demege the belt.
• Replace belts if they are cut or otherwise damaged. Also have belts
replaced if they have.been worn in a collision.
(W the accident was a minor
one, the belts need
no) be replaced.)
• Wthere is any question, have p!!rtsreplaced.
• Keep belts clean and dry.
• Clean only with mild soap and·lUkewarm water.
• Do not bleach or dye belts since this maY greatlyweaken them.
Infant And Child Restraint
Chi.ldren in vehicles should be restrained tc)helpl!lSSen..the chance and/or
severity of injury in accidents or sudden maneuvers. General Motors dealers
offer restraint systems designed by G~for use.with infants and small children.
For. infants who. weigh 9 kilograms (20 pounds) or less. and who are 650
millimeters (26 inches) in height or less. General Motors recommends use of
the GM "Infant Love Seat." For children weighing between 8 and 18 kilograms
(18 and 40 pounds), and who are 1 meter (40 inches) or less in height, and
who are capable of sitting upright alone, General Motors recommends use of
the
GM "Child Love Seat."
1-10

The GM Child Love Seat is not recommended for use in the center front
seating position of thisvehicle because it may Interfere with quick access
to all front seat belt buckles in an emergency.
To make it easier
to install a GM Child Love Seat in the rear seat of this
vehicle, at least
one pre- drilled hole for the top strap anchor bracket has been
provided in the filler panel between the
rear seat and the rear window. It will be
necessary to pierce the trim panel (covering the metal panel Itself) with a hole
that corresponds
to the pre-drilled hole. T6 find the hole, enter the trunk and
examine the underside of the filler panel.
See the booklet that comes with the
Child Seat for details
on locating and mounting the top strap anchor bracket.
When the child Seat
is placed in the car, use the seating position most directly
in front of the anchor bracket and secure the seat using the top strap and the
car lap belt.
In using any infant or child restraint system, be sure to read and
follow all instructionsoninstatlatlon and use that come with .the restraint
system.
When not in
use, leave the Love Seat, or other infant or child restraint system,
in place
and restrained by the car's seat belt. If that is not possible, store the
restraint
in the trunk to help keep it from being thrown about and injurying
people in the car during a suddlen maneuver or an accident.
Children small enough
for the GM Infant or Child love .Seats described
above,
or other such infant and child restraints, should be restrained by
such means IF AT ALL POSSIBLE. Although the following measures may
lessen the chance andlor severity of injury
fn an accident or suddlen maneuver
for such small children, they
simply cannot do SO to the dlegree that specially
designed child restraints can. Take care as follows ~ a child is ricing in the
vehicle without a General Motors
(or other) infant or child restraint system:
1. Infants who cannot sit
up ·by.themselves should be restrained by placing
them in a·bassinet, preferably
cQvered and padded. Place it crossways in
the vehicle (widthwise) on the rear seat. The bassinet should
be securely
restrained with the vehicle's regular seat belts. Another method is to place
the bassinet
so that iI rests against the back of the driver's seat. again
crossways in the vehicle.
1-11

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 asmall 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

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. .
HITCHES2 T6 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

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 I nc,. ... 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 trai
le
' 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
"' ~!!il ll £<;' : Section Sof 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 chocks are in place, release the regular brakes until, the
chocks absorb the load. .
4. Apply the parking brake.
S. Shift the transmission to
"P "(l'ark).
If the vehicle is parked on a .grade, 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'starting, 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

SECTION 2
STARTING AND OPERATING
ENGINE EXHAUST GAS CAUTION
(CARBON MONOXIDE)
Do not breathe exhaust gas because it contains carbon monoxide, which by
itself has no color or odor . Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas. It can cause
unconsciousness and
can be lethal.
If at any time you think exhaust fumes are entering the vehicle, have the cause
determined and corrected
assdon . as possible. If you must drive under. lhese
conditions, drive only wilh All windows fully OPEN.
To allow proper operation of your vehicle's ventilation system, keep the.air inlet
grille in front of the windShield clear of snow, leaves or other obstructions at all
times.
Protect against carbon monoxide entry into the vehicle body. The best way is
to keep the engine exhaust system, vehicle body and body ventilation system
properly maintained. We recommend that the exhaust system and body be
inspected by a competent lechniclan:
• each time the vehicle is raised for an oil change;
• whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust system;
• whenever the exhaust system, underbody or rear of the vehicle is damaged
or .becomes corroded.
See your Miiintenance Schedule folder for parts recuiring inspection.
To allow proper operation of your vehicle's ventilation system, keep the air inlet
grille
in front of the windshi~1d clear of snow, leaves or other obstructions at all
times.
Do not perk or idle this vehicle for more than 10 minutes with the ventilation
system control switch in the "off" position while the engine is running. Even
with
the ventilation system on, running the engine while parked is not
recommended. Entry of carbon monoxide into the vehicle body is possible with
a poorly repaired, damaged,
or corroded exhaust system or body.
Do
not run the.engine in CONFINED areas (such as garages or next to a
building) any more than needed to move the vehicle. When
Ih.e vehicle has to
be stopped in an UNCONFINED area with the engine running for any more
than a few minutes, take the following stepa:
A. Adjust the heating
or cooling'system to force outside air into the vehicle as
follows:
1. On vehicles not ecuipped wijh air condijioning, set the fan to medium
or high speed and the upper control lever to any position except
"Off."
2. On vehicles ecuipped with air conditioning, set the fan to medium or
high speed and the upper control lever to any position except "Off" or
"Max.,"
B. Keep the exhaust tailpipe area clear 01 snow and other material to help
reduce the buildup
01 exhaust gases under the vehicle.