check engine light CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO 2004 User Guide

Put on extra clothing or wrap a blanket around you.
If you have no blankets or extra clothing, make
body insulators from newspapers, burlap bags, rags,
oor mats — anything you can wrap around
yourself or tuck under your clothing to keep warm.
You can run the engine to keep warm, but be careful.
{CAUTION:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your
vehicle. This can cause deadly CO (carbon
monoxide) gas to get inside. CO could
overcome you and kill you. You can not see it
or smell it, so you might not know it is in your
vehicle. Clear away snow from around the
base of your vehicle, especially any that is
blocking your exhaust pipe. And check around
again from time to time to be sure snow does
not collect there.
Open a window just a little on the side of the
vehicle that is away from the wind. This will
help keep CO out.
Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little
faster than just idle. That is, push the accelerator
slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat that you get and
it keeps the battery charged. You will need a
well-charged battery to restart the vehicle, and possibly
for signaling later on with your headlamps. Let the
heater run for a while.
4-29

Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/lter at every oil change
and replace at the rst oil change after
25,000 miles (40 000 km).
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/lter remove the lter from the
vehicle and lightly shake lter to release loose dust
and dirt. If the lter remains “caked” with dirt, a new lter
is required.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
location of air cleaner/lter.1. To check or replace the engine air cleaner/lter do
the following:
Loosen the two clips on the top of the engine air
cleaner/lter housing and lift the lter cover tabs out
of the housing.
2. Push the lter cover housing toward the engine.
3. Pull out the lter.
5-26

Notice:Use of automatic transaxle uid labeled
other than DEXRON®-III may damage your vehicle,
and the damages may not be covered by your
warranty. Always use DEXRON
®-III labeled automatic
transaxle uid.
3. After adding uid, recheck the uid level as described
under “How to Check” earlier in this section.
4. When the correct uid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled 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 rst, 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, seeEngine Overheating on page 5-34.A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
5-31

{CAUTION:
Using a match near a battery can cause battery
gas to explode. People have been hurt doing
this, and some have been blinded. Use a
ashlight if you need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough water. You do
not need to add water to the ACDelco
®battery
installed in your new vehicle. But if a battery
has ller caps, be sure the right amount of
uid is there. If it is low, add water to take care
of that rst. If you do not, explosive gas could
be present.
Battery uid contains acid that can burn you.
Do not get it on you. If you accidentally get it
in your eyes or on your skin, ush the place
with water and get medical help immediately.
{CAUTION:
Fans or other moving engine parts can injure
you badly. Keep your hands away from moving
parts once the engine is running.
5. Check that the jumper cables don’t have loose or
missing insulation. If they do, you could get a
shock. The vehicles could be damaged, too.
Before you connect the cables, here are some
basic things you should know. Positive (+) will go to
positive (+) or to a remote positive (+) terminal if
the vehicle has one. Negative (−) will go to a heavy,
unpainted metal engine part or to a remote
negative (−) terminal if the vehicle has one.
Don’t connect positive (+) to negative (−), or you’ll
get a short that would damage the battery and
maybe other parts, too. And don’t connect
the negative (−) cable to the negative (−) terminal
on the dead battery because this can cause sparks.
5-56

(d)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking.
Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged
or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced. Also look for any opened or broken air bag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air
bag system does not need regular maintenance.)
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders. Lubricate all hinges
and latches, including those for the body doors,
hood, secondary latch, pivots, spring anchor, release
pawl, rear compartment, glove box door, console
door and any folding seat hardware. More frequent
lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive
environment. Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them last longer, seal
better and not stick or squeak.
(g)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the
lter may require replacement more often.(h)Change automatic transaxle uid and lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
(i)Drain, ush and rell cooling system. See Engine
Coolant on page 5-31for what to use. Inspect hoses.
Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and ller neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)Check throttle system for interference or binding and
for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace any components that have high effort
or excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator or
cruise control cables.
(k)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired
and the uid level checked. Add uid if needed.
(l)For supercharged engines onl: Check the
supercharger oil level and add the proper supercharger
oil as needed (or every 36 months, whichever occurs
rst). See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-12.
6-8

Chains, Tires..................................................5-80
Change Engine Oil Message............................3-47
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-39
Check Engine Light.........................................3-39
Checking Coolant............................................5-33
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-18
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Checking Your Restraint Systems......................1-57
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-100
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-35
Infants and Young Children...........................1-31
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-40
Older Children.............................................1-29
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-42
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat
Position..................................................1-43
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...........................................1-45
Top Strap...................................................1-38
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-40
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-38
Chime Level Adjustment..................................3-96
CHIRP (Horn Chirp Timer)...............................2-48
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-20Cleaning
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-94
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-97
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-100
Weatherstrips..............................................5-97
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels..............................5-99
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-98
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-94
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-96
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-96
Cleaning Leather............................................5-96
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-96
Cleaning Tires................................................5-99
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-96
Cleaning Windshield and Wiper Blades..............5-98
Climate Control System
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-27
Dual..........................................................3-21
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-93
Compass Variance..........................................3-53
Content Theft-Deferrent....................................2-15
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-6
Convenience Net............................................2-40
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-38
Heater, Engine............................................2-20
Hot Temperature Warning Message................3-45
Cooling.........................................................3-23
3

Driving Through Deep Standing Water...............4-20
Driving Through Flowing Water.........................4-20
Driving with a Trailer.......................................4-42
Dual Climate Control System............................3-21
E
Easy Entry Seat............................................... 1-7
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment.....................................5-103
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-104
Headlamp Wiring.......................................5-103
Power Windows and Other Power Options....5-103
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-103
Emergency Trunk Release Handle.....................2-12
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs.................................3-41
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-26
Battery.......................................................5-53
Change Oil Message...................................3-47
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-39
Coolant......................................................5-31
Coolant Heater............................................2-20
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-38
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-14
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12Engine (cont.)
Exhaust.....................................................2-29
Low Oil Level Message................................3-46
Oil .............................................................5-18
Overheating................................................5-34
Starting......................................................2-18
Supercharger Oil.........................................5-24
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing..................4-45
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-22
Entry Lighting.................................................3-17
Erasing HomeLink
®Buttons..............................2-39
Event Data Records (EDR)..............................7-10
EXIT (Exit Feature
Customization Mode)....................................2-50
Express-Down Window....................................2-14
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-28
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-14
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-26
Finding a Program Type (PTY)
Station (RDS and XM™)..............3-60, 3-71, 3-82
Finding a Station............................3-58, 3-69, 3-80
Finish Care....................................................5-98
Finish Damage...............................................5-99
5

H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-6
Headlamp
Aiming.......................................................5-60
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.................... 3-8
Headlamp Wiring...........................................5-103
Headlamps
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-60
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-60
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
and Parking Lamps..................................5-60
Heated Outside Mirrors....................................2-33
Heated Seats................................................... 1-4
Heating.........................................................3-23
Highbeam Out Warning Message......................3-51
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-24
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-24
Hitches..........................................................4-41
HomeLink
®Transmitter....................................2-36
HomeLink®Transmitter, Programming................2-36
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-10
Horn............................................................... 3-7
Hot Coolant Temperature Warning Message........3-45
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank............................................5-39How to Add Coolant to the Radiator..................5-42
How to Add Fluid............................................5-30
How to Check........................................5-28, 5-73
How to Check and Add Oil...............................5-25
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-48
How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.......5-26
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-15
Hydroplaning..................................................4-20
I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-36
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-35
If the Light Is Flashing.....................................3-40
If the Light Is on Steady..................................3-40
If You Are Caught in a Blizzard.........................4-28
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-30
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer.....................4-39
Ignition Positions.............................................2-17
Illumination on Remote Activation........................ 2-6
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-31
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-72
Instrument Panel
Cluster.......................................................3-29
Overview..................................................... 3-4
Instrument Panel Brightness.............................3-16
7

M
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-6
At Each Fuel Fill........................................... 6-9
At Least Once a Month.................................. 6-9
At Least Once a Year..................................6-10
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Footnotes.................................. 6-7
Maintenance Record....................................6-15
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts.........6-13
Owner Checks and Services........................... 6-9
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-12
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using Your................................................... 6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-45
Making Turns.................................................4-43
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-39
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-3
Manual Operation...........................................3-21
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-6
Message
Battery Warning..........................................3-45
Center.......................................................3-44
Change Engine Oil......................................3-47Message (cont.)
Door Ajar Warning.......................................3-48
Highbeam Out Warning................................3-51
Hot Coolant Temperature Warning..................3-45
Low Brake Fluid Warning..............................3-50
Low Engine Oil Level...................................3-46
Low Fuel Warning.......................................3-50
Low Oil Pressure.........................................3-46
Low Tire .....................................................3-47
Low Washer Fluid Warning...........................3-49
Security.....................................................3-49
Service Traction System Warning...................3-44
Service Vehicle Soon...................................3-51
Traction Active............................................3-44
Trunk Ajar Warning......................................3-48
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/
Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin
Islands) – Customer Assistance........................ 7-5
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview........................2-32
Automatic Dimming Rearview with OnStar
®.....2-32
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-31
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®.............2-31
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-34
Outside Heated Mirrors................................2-34
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-33
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-4
9

N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-17
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............6-13
O
Odometer......................................................3-32
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-14
Oil
Engine.......................................................5-18
Pressure Indicator Light................................3-41
Pressure Message.......................................3-46
Supercharger, Engine...................................5-24
OIL LIFE (GM Oil Life System Reset)................2-43
Older Children, Restraints................................1-29
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-4
OnStar
®Personal Calling.................................2-35
OnStar®Services............................................2-35
OnStar®System.............................................2-34
OnStar®Virtual Advisor....................................2-35
ORIG. SET (Return to the Original Settings).......2-49
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-6
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-26
Outside
Convex Mirror.............................................2-34
Heated Mirrors............................................2-34
Power Mirrors.............................................2-33Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . 5-34
Overseas – Customer Assistance........................ 7-5
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 6-9
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
Owner’s Information........................................7-14
P
Parade Dimming.............................................3-18
Park (P)
Shifting Out of............................................2-28
Parking
Brake........................................................2-25
Over Things That Burn.................................2-28
Parking on Hills..............................................4-44
Park(P)
Shifting Into................................................2-26
Passenger Compartment Air Filter.....................3-27
Passing.................................................4-14, 4-42
Passlock
®......................................................2-16
Plan Ahead When Possible................................ 7-8
Playing a Cassette Tape..........................3-64, 3-86
Playing a CD.........................................3-75, 3-89
Playing the Radio...........................3-57, 3-68, 3-79
Power
Accessory Outlets........................................3-19
Door Locks.................................................. 2-9
Electrical System.......................................5-103
10