sensor CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO 2006 6.G Owners Manual

When Should an Airbag Inate?
The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal airbags
are designed to inate in moderate to severe frontal
or near-frontal crashes. But they are designed to inate
only if the impact exceeds a predetermined deployment
threshold. Deployment thresholds take into account
a variety of desired deployment and non-deployment
events and are used to predict how severe a crash
is likely to be in time for the airbags to inate and help
restrain the occupants. Whether your frontal airbags
will or should deploy is not based on how fast your
vehicle is traveling. It depends largely on what you hit,
the direction of the impact and how quickly your
vehicle slows down.
In addition, your vehicle has “dual-stage” frontal airbags,
which adjust the restraint according to crash severity.
Your vehicle is equipped with electronic frontal sensors
which help the sensing system distinguish between a
moderate frontal impact and a more severe frontal
impact. For moderate frontal impacts, these airbags
inate at a level less than full deployment. For more
severe frontal impacts, full deployment occurs. If the front
of your vehicle goes straight into a wall that does not
move or deform, the threshold level for the reduced
deployment is about 12 to 18 mph (19 to 29 km/h),
and the threshold level for a full deployment is about18 to 22 mph (29 to 35.4 km/h). The threshold level can
vary, however, with specic vehicle design, so that it can
be somewhat above or below this range.
Frontal airbags may inate at different crash speeds.
For example:
If the vehicle hits a stationary object, the airbags
could inate at a different crash speed than if the
vehicle hits a moving object.
If the vehicle hits an object that deforms, the
airbags could inate at a different crash speed than
if the vehicle hits an object that does not deform.
If the vehicle hits a narrow object (like a pole) the
airbags could inate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle hits a wide object (like a wall).
If the vehicle goes into an object at an angle the
airbags could inate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle goes straight into the object.
Frontal airbags (driver and right front passenger) are
not intended to inate during vehicle rollovers, rear
impacts, or in many side impacts.
Your vehicle may or may not have side impact airbags.
SeeAirbag System on page 1-54. Side impact airbags
are intended to inate in moderate to severe side
crashes. A side impact airbag will inate if the crash
severity is above the system’s designed threshold level.
1-59

The passenger sensing system will turn off the right
front passenger’s frontal airbag and side impact airbag
(if equipped) under certain conditions. The driver’s
airbags are not part of the passenger sensing system.The passenger sensing system works with sensors
that are part of the right front passenger’s seat.
The sensors are designed to detect the presence
of a properly-seated occupant and determine if the
passenger’s airbag or airbags should be enabled
(may inate) or not.
Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are
restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. We
recommend that child restraints be secured in a rear seat,
including an infant riding in a rear-facing infant seat, a
child riding in a forward-facing child seat, and an older
child riding in a booster seat. Passenger Airbag
Status Indicator –
United States
Passenger Airbag
Status Indicator –
Canada
1-63

Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q:Is there anything I might add to the front or
sides of the vehicle that could keep the
airbags from working properly?
A:Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’s
frame, bumper system, height, front end or side
sheet metal, they may keep the airbag system
from working properly. Also, the airbag system may
not work properly if you relocate any of the airbag
sensors. If you have any questions about this,
you should contact Customer Service before you
modify your vehicle. The phone numbers and
addresses for Customer Assistance are in
Step Two of the Customer Satisfaction Procedure
in this manual. SeeCustomer Satisfaction
Procedure on page 7-2.
Q:Because I have a disability, I have to get my
vehicle modied. How can I nd out whether
this will affect my airbag system?
A:Changing or moving any parts of the front seats,
safety belts, the airbag sensing and diagnostic
module, steering wheel, instrument panel, the
overhead console, or airbag wiring can affect the
operation of the airbag system. If you have
questions, call Customer Assistance. The phone
numbers and addresses for Customer Assistance
are in Step Two of the Customer Satisfaction
Procedure in this manual. SeeCustomer
Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.
1-68

Delayed Headlamps
The delayed headlamps feature provides a period of
exterior lighting as you leave the area around your
vehicle. The feature is activated when the headlamps
are on due to the automatic headlamps control
feature later described in this section, and when the
ignition is turned off. Your headlamps will then remain on
until the exterior lamps control is moved to the parking
lamps position or until either a 30 second or 60 second
lighting period has ended.
If you turn off the ignition with the headlamps switch in
the parking lamps or headlamps position, the delayed
headlamps cycle will not occur.
To disable the delayed headlamps feature or change
the time of delay, see “Exit Lighting” underDIC Vehicle
Customization on page 3-53.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)/
Automatic Headlamp System
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the
day. DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the short
periods after dawn and before sunset. Fully functional
daytime running lamps are required on all vehicles
rst sold in Canada.A light sensor on top of the instrument panel makes the
DRL work, so be sure it is not covered.
The DRL system’s automatic headlamp control will
make the low-beam headlamps come on at a reduced
brightness when the following conditions are met:
The ignition is in RUN.
The exterior lamps control is in AUTO.
The engine is running.
When the DRL are on, only the low-beam headlamps, at
a reduced level of brightness, will be on. The headlamps,
taillamps, sidemarker, and other lamps will not be on.
The instrument panel and cluster will also not be lit.
When it is dark enough outside, your low-beam
headlamps will turn off and the headlamps and parking
lamps will turn on. The other lamps that come on
with the headlamps will also come on.
When it is bright enough outside, the headlamps will go
off and the DRL will come on.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when you need it.
3-14

Passenger Safety Belt Reminder
Light
Several seconds after the key is turned to RUN or
START, a chime will sound for several seconds
to remind the front passenger to buckle their safety belt.
This would only occur if the passenger airbag is
enabled. SeePassenger Sensing System on page 1-62
for more information. The passenger safety belt light
will also come on and stay on for several seconds, then
it will ash for several more.
This chime and light will be
repeated if the passenger
remains unbuckled and
the vehicle is in motion.
If the passenger’s safety belt is buckled, neither the
chime nor the light will come on.
Airbag Readiness Light
There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows the airbag symbol. The system
checks the airbag’s electrical system for malfunctions.
The light tells you if there is an electrical problem.
The system check includes the airbag sensors, the
airbag modules, the wiring and the crash sensing and
diagnostic module. For more information on the
airbag system, seeAirbag System on page 1-54.
This light will come on
when you start your
vehicle, and it will ash for
a few seconds. Then the
light should go out. This
means the system is ready.
3-27

Learn Tire Positions
If your vehicle has a Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system,
after rotating the tires or after replacing a tire or sensor,
the system must re-learn the tire positions. To re-learn
the tire positions, seeTire Pressure Monitor System on
page 5-62.SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-66andDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-46for more information.
Compass Zone
Your vehicle may have this feature. Under certain
circumstances, such as during a long distance
cross-country trip, it will be necessary to compensate for
compass variance and reset the zone. To change the
compass zone through the DIC, seeDIC Compass
on page 3-45.
Compass Calibration
The compass can be manually calibrated. To calibrate
the compass through the DIC, seeDIC Compass
on page 3-45.
Remote Key
This display allows you to match the remote keyless
entry transmitter to your vehicle. To match a remote
keyless entry transmitter to your vehicle, do the
following:
1. Press the vehicle information button until
PRESS
VTO RELEARN REMOTE KEY displays.
2. Press the set/reset button.
The message REMOTE KEY LEARNING ACTIVE
will display.
3. Press and hold the lock and unlock buttons on the
rst transmitter at the same time for approximately
15 seconds.
A chime will sound indicating that the transmitter is
matched.
4. To match additional transmitters at this time, repeat
Step 3.
Each vehicle can have a maximum of eight
transmitters matched to it.
5. To exit the programming mode, you must cycle the
key to OFF.
Blank Display
This display shows no information.
3-44

REMOTE KEY LEARNING ACTIVE
This message will display while you are matching a
remote keyless entry transmitter to your vehicle.
See “Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle” under
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation on page 2-4
andDIC Operation and Displays on page 3-40for more
information.
REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY
This message will display when the battery in the remote
keyless entry transmitter needs to be replaced. To
replace the battery, see “Battery Replacement” under
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation on page 2-4.
SERVICE A/C (Air Conditioning)
SYSTEM
This message will display when the electronic sensors
that control the air conditioning and heating systems are
no longer working. Have the climate control system
serviced by your GM dealer if you notice a drop
in heating and air conditioning efficiency.
SERVICE AIR BAG
This message will display when there is a problem with
the airbag system. Have your vehicle serviced by
your GM dealer immediately. SeeAirbag Readiness
Light on page 3-27for more information.
SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING
SYSTEM
This message will display when there is a problem with
the generator and battery charging systems. Driving
with this problem could drain your battery. Turn off all
unnecessary accessories. Stop and turn off the
vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Have the electrical
system checked by your GM dealer immediately.
SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM
This message will display when service is required on
the brake system. Have the brake system serviced
by your GM dealer as soon as possible. The brake
system warning light will also appear on the instrument
panel cluster when this message appears on the
DIC. SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-31.
SERVICE POWER STEERING
This message will display when a problem is detected
with the power steering system. When this message
is displayed, you may notice that the effort required to
steer the vehicle increases or feels heavier, but you will
still be able to steer the vehicle. Have your vehicle
serviced by your GM dealer immediately.
3-50

SERVICE THEFT SYSTEM
This message will display when there is a problem with
the theft-deterrent system programmed in the key. A
fault has been detected in the system which means that
the system is disabled and it is not protecting the
vehicle. The vehicle usually restarts; however, you may
want to take the vehicle to your GM dealer before
turning off the engine. SeePASS-Key
®III+ Operation
on page 2-16for more information.
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR SYSTEM
If your vehicle has a Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)
system, this message will display if a part on the system
is not working properly. If you drive your vehicle while
any of the four sensors are missing or inoperable,
the warning will come on in about 10 minutes. A sensor
would be missing, for example, if you put different
wheels on your vehicle without transferring the sensors.
If the warning comes on and stays on, there may be
a problem with the TPM. See your GM dealer.
SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL
If your vehicle has the traction control system, this
message will display when the system is not functioning
properly. A warning light will also appear on the
instrument panel cluster. SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) Warning Light on page 3-32. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-9for more information. Have
the traction control system serviced by your GM dealer as
soon as possible.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message will display when there is a problem with
the transaxle. See your GM dealer for service.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message will display when a non-emissions related
malfunction occurs. Have the vehicle serviced by your
GM dealer as soon as possible.
STARTING DISABLED SERVICE
THROTTLE
This message will display if the starting of the engine is
disabled due to the electronic throttle control system.
Have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer
immediately.
This message will only appear while the ignition is in
RUN, and will not disappear until the problem is
resolved.
This message cannot be acknowledged.
THEFT ATTEMPTED
This message will display if the content theft-deterrent
system has detected a break-in attempt while you
were away from your vehicle. SeeContent
Theft-Deterrent on page 2-15for more information.
3-51

TIGHTEN GAS CAP
This message may be displayed if the gas cap is not
on, or is not fully tightened. Check the gas cap to ensure
that it is on properly. SeeFilling the Tank on page 5-8
for more information.
TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
If your vehicle has a Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system,
this message will display when the system is re-learning
the tire positions. SeeTire Pressure Monitor System on
page 5-62. The tire positions must be re-learned after
rotating the tires or after replacing a tire or sensor.
SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on page 5-66and
Ination - Tire Pressure on page 5-60for more
information.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
If your vehicle has the traction control system, this
message will display when the traction control system
turns off. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-9for more information.
This message will only display while the ignition is in
RUN and will disappear after 10 seconds, unless
it is acknowledged or an urgent warning appears.Any of the following conditions may cause the traction
control system to turn off:
The traction control system is turned off by pressing
the traction control button. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-9for more information.
The battery is low.
There is a traction control system failure. See your
GM dealer for service.
TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE ENGINE
This message will display when the transaxle uid in
your vehicle is too hot. Stop the vehicle and allow it to
idle until it cools down. If the warning message
continues to display, have the vehicle serviced by your
GM dealer as soon as possible.
TRUNK OPEN
This message will display when the trunk is not closed
completely. You should make sure that the trunk is
closed completely. SeeTrunk on page 2-11.
3-52

Tire Pressure Monitor System
Your vehicle may have a Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS). This system uses radio and sensor technology
to check tire pressure levels. If your vehicle has this
feature, sensors are mounted onto each tire and wheel
assembly, except for the spare tire. The TPMS
sensors monitor the air pressure in your vehicle’s tires
and transmit tire pressure readings to a receiver located
in the vehicle.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be
checked monthly when cold and inated to the ination
pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer
on the vehicle placard or tire ination pressure label.
(If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the
size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire ination
pressure label, you should determine the proper ination
pressure for those tires.)As an added safety feature,
your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) that illuminates a
low tire pressure telltale
when one or more of your
tires is signicantly
under-inated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale
illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inate them to the proper
pressure. Driving on a signicantly under-inated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-ination also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling
and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-ination has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the
TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
5-62