This Haynes DIY repair and service manual, covers 1970-1988 Chevy Monte Carlo with V6 and V8 gasoline engines. Note: this manual DOES NOT include diesel engine information.
Book Excerpt: 1970-1988 Chevy Monte Carlo Repair Manual CHAPTER 3 COOLING, HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS

ENGINE COOLING FAN AND CLUTCH | CHECK AND REPLACEMENT CHECK

1. Most vehicles covered by this manual are equipped with thermostatically controlled fan clutches. Some non-air conditioned models are equipped with solid-hub type fans.
2. Begin the clutch check with a lukewarm engine (start it when cold and let it run for two minutes only).
3. Remove the key from the ignition switch for safety purposes.
4. Turn the fan blades and note the resistance. There should be moderate resistance depending on temperature.
5. Drive the vehicle until the engine is warmed to operation temperature. Shut it off and remove the key.
6. Turn the fan blades and again note the resistance. There should be a noticeable increase in resistance.
7. If the fan clutch fails this test or if it is locked up, replacement is indicated. If excessive fluid is leaking from the hub or lateral play over 1/4-inch is noted, replace the fan clutch.
8. If any fan blades are bent, don't straighten then! The metal will be weakened and blades could fly off during engine operation. Replace the fan with a new one.
REPLACEMENT (Refer to illustrations 5.10a, 5.10b and 5.12) NOTE: A thermostatic fan clutch must remain in the "in car" position to prevent the fluid from leaking out.
9. Remove the upper fan shroud.
10. Remove the fasteners holding the fan assembly to the water pump hub (see illustrations).
11. Detach the fan clutch assembly.
12. Unbolt the fan from the clutch (see illustration).
13. Installation is the reverse of removal.
14. Tighten all fasteners securely.

COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENDING UNIT | CHECK AND REPLACEMENT

TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHT SYSTEM CHECK
(Refer to illustrations 6.1a and 6.1b)

1. If the light doesn't come on when the ignition switch is turned on, check the bulb. If the light stays on even with the engine cold, unplug the wire at the sending unit (see illustrations). If the light goes off, replace the sending unit. If the light stays on, the wire is grounded somewhere in the harness.
TEMPERATURE GAUGE SYSTEM CHECK
2. If the gauge is inoperative, check the fuse (see Chapter 12).
3. If the fuse is OK, unplug the wire connected to the sending unit and ground it with a jumper wire (see illustrations 6.1a and 6.1b). Turn off the ignition switch momentarily. The gauge should register at maximum. If it does, replace the sending unit. If it's still inoperative, the gauge or wiring may be faulty.

CHAPTER 12 CHASSIS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND BEZEL | REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION 1970 THROUGH 1972 MODELS

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
2. Lower the upper end of the steering column and support it.
3. Disconnect the parking brake hand release rod attachment.
4. Disconnect the speedometer cable.
5. Remove the instrument panel pad (16 screws).
6. Disconnect the radio speaker support bracket from the instrument panel.
7. if air conditioning is installed, remove the center outlet (3 screws) and the control assembly (4 screws).
8. Disconnect the speaker from the radio, also the antenna and power leads. Pull off the radio knobs, washers and bezels.
9. Unbolt the radio support braces and withdraw the radio from under the instrument panel.
10. Remove the 7 instrument panel bolts and withdraw the instrument panel. The help of an assistant will be required for this job.
11. Extract the three telltale snap covers and remove the three telltale housing mounting screws and then remove the housing.
12. Remove the clock setting knob.
13. Separate the instrument cluster from the carrier by extracting the 8 securing screws.
14. Remove the 3 instrument cluster lens screws and withdraw the lens.
15. The individual instruments are now accessible.

1973 THROUGH 1981 MODELS

16. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
17. Remove the clock setting knob if equipped. Remove the radio control knobs if the model you are working on incorporates the radio with the instrument cluster bezel.
18. Remove the screws and take off the lower trim panel, located directly underneath the instrument panel. On most models, removing this panel will expose the lower instrument panel bezel retaining screws.
19. Remove the headlight switch knob and shaft assembly, referring to Section14, Step 3. Many earlier models have a bezel nut around the switch assembly that must be removed before the bezel will come off. Usually, the nut has two recesses that a small set of needle-nose pliers will fit into, allowing you to loosen the nut.

Subject: 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988 Chevrolet Monte Carlo complete service, maintenance and repair. ISBN-10: 185010526X | ISBN-13: 9781850105268 | Haynes 24055