coolant level CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO 1999 5.G Owners Manual

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3-4
For quick cool-down on very hot days, use MAX with
the temperature control all the way in the blue area. If
this setting is used for long periods of time, the air in
your vehicle may become too dry.
For normal cooling on hot days, use A/C with the
temperature control in the blue area. The system will
bring in outside air and cool it.
On cool but sunny days, the sun may warm your upper
body, but your lower body may not be warm enough.
You can use BI
-LEVEL with the temperature control in
the middle. The system will bring in outside air and
direct it to your upper body, while sending slightly
warmed air to your lower body. You may notice this
temperature difference more at some times than others.
Heating
On cold days use FLOOR with the temperature control
all the way in the red area. The system will bring in
outside air, heat it and send it to the floor ducts.
If your vehicle has an engine coolant heater, you can use
it to help your system provide warm air faster when it's
cold outside
-- 0
F (-18
C) or lower. An engine coolant
heater warms the coolant your engine and heating
system use to provide heat. See ªEngine Coolant
Heaterº in the Index.
Defogging and Defrosting
Your system has two settings for clearing the front and
side windows. To defrost the windows quickly, use
DEFROST with the temperature knob all the way in the
red area. To warm passengers while keeping the
windows clean, use DEFOG.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window
defogger uses a warming
grid to remove fog from
the rear window. Press
the area labeled PUSH to
turn the defogger on.
It will turn itself off after about 10 minutes. If you turn it
on again, the defogger will only run for about five
minutes before turning off. You can also turn it off by
turning off the ignition or pressing the button again.

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5-13
CAUTION:
An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can
start up even when the engine is not running and
can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools
away from any underhood electric fan.
If the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank is boiling,
don't do anything else until it cools down.
The coolant level should be at or above the COLD mark
on a cold engine. The coolant level should be at or
above the HOT mark on a hot engine. If it isn't, you
may have a leak in the radiator hoses, heater hoses,
radiator, water pump or somewhere else in the
cooling system.

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5-15 How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank
If you haven't found a problem yet, but the coolant level
isn't at the COLD mark, add a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX
-COOL
engine coolant at the
coolant recovery tank. (See ªEngine Coolantº in the
Index for more information.)
CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. Your vehicle's coolant
warning system is set for the proper coolant
mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture,
your engine could get too hot but you wouldn't
get the overheat warning. Your engine could
catch fire and you or others could be burned. Use
a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL
coolant.
NOTICE:
In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the
engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.
Use the recommended coolant and the proper
coolant mixture.

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5-21
A. Remove the oil fill tube, with cap attached, from the
valve cover.
B. Insert the catch tab on the cover shield under the
bracket on the engine.
C. Place the hole in the cover shield over the hole in
the valve cover. Install oil fill tube and cap by
twisting clockwise.
8. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to the
COLD mark.9. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank, but
leave the pressure cap off.
10. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the
upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fans.
11. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator
filler neck may be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper DEX
-COOL
coolant mixture
through the filler neck until the level reaches the
base of the filler neck.

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5-22
12. Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during
this procedure if coolant begins to flow out of the
filler neck, reinstall the pressure cap. Be sure the
arrows on the pressure cap line up like this.
13. Check the coolant in the recovery tank. The level in
the coolant recovery tank should be at the HOT
mark when the engine is hot or at the COLD mark
when the engine is cold.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It's unusual for a tire to ªblow outº while you're driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes
out of a tire, it's much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if you should ever have a ªblowout,º here are a few
tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you'd use in a
skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop
-- well off the road if possible.
If a tire goes flat, the next part shows how to use your
jacking equipment to change a flat tire safely.

6-
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6-1
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6
-2 Service
6
-3 Fuel
6
-8 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-14 Engine Oil
6
-20 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-21 Automatic Transaxle Fluid
6
-25 Engine Coolant
6
-30 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-32 Brakes
6
-35 Battery
6
-36 Bulb Replacement
6
-42 Tires
6
-50 Appearance Care
6
-50 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-53 Care of Safety Belts
6
-53 Cleaning Glass Surfaces
6
-53 Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield and
Wiper Blades6
-54 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-55 Cleaning Aluminum Wheels (If Equipped)
6
-56 Cleaning Tires
6
-56 Finish Damage
6
-57 Underbody Maintenance
6
-57 Chemical Paint Spotting
6
-58 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-59 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-59 Service Parts Identification Label
6
-60 Electrical System
6
-68 Replacement Bulbs
6
-68 Capacities and Specifications
6
-69 Air Conditioning Refrigerants
6
-70 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
6
-70 Vehicle Dimensions

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6-25
3. After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under ªHow to Check.º
4. When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
Radiator Pressure Cap
NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa)
pressure
-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap
line up with the overflow tube on the radiator
filler neck.
When you replace your radiator pressure cap, an
ACDelco
cap is recommended.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.When you replace your thermostat, an ACDelco


thermostat is recommended.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX
-COOL
engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX
-COOL
extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating or if you need to add coolant to your
radiator, see ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL
coolant will:

Give freezing protection down to
-34F (-37C).

Give boiling protection up to 265F (129C).

Protect against rust and corrosion.

Help keep the proper engine temperature.

Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.

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6-27
NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mixture, your
engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost wouldn't be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can
freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core
and other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
NOTICE:
If you use the proper coolant, you don't have to
add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to
improve the system. These can be harmful.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your
engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the COLD
mark or a little higher. When your engine is warm, the
level should be up to the HOT mark or a little higher.

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7-14
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed in this part are owner checks and services which
should be performed at the intervals specified to help
ensure the safety, dependability and emission control
performance of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown in
Part D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant to
perform these underhood checks at each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. See ªEngine Oilº in the Index for
further details.Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX
-COOL

coolant mixture if necessary. See ªEngine Coolantº in
the Index for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the
windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid if
necessary. See ªWindshield Washer Fluidº in the Index
for further details.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation Check
Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures.
See ªTiresº in the Index for further details.
Cassette Deck Service
Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every
50 hours of tape play. See ªAudio Systemsº in the Index
for further details.

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9-4
Defogging 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defrosting 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions, Vehicle 6-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dolby B Noise Reduction 3-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dome Lamp Bulb Replacement 6-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Locks 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drive Position, Automatic Transaxle 2-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver Position 1-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving
City 4
-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Freeway 4-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In a Blizzard 4-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In the Rain 4-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night 4-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Curves 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Grades While Towing a Trailer 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Hill and Mountain Roads 4-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Snow or Ice 4-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Through Water 4-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wet Roads 4-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter 4-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken Driving 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical Equipment
Adding 2-15, 2-16, 2-44, 3-18, 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 6-10, 6-11, 6-12, 6-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Heater 2-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Level Check 7-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Temperature Gage 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Temperature Light 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust 2-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Level Check 7-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running While Parked 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 6-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your V6 2-14, 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 6-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additives 6-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used 6-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Kind to Use 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Change 6-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ethanol 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust, Engine 2-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .