cooling CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO 2004 Owner's Manual

How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
Notice:Your engine has a specic radiator ll
procedure. Failure to follow this procedure could
cause your engine to overheat and be severely
damaged.
The radiator pressure cap is located in the front of the
engine compartment on the passenger’s side of the
vehicle, near the diagonal cross brace. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-12for more
information on location.1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when
the cooling system, including the radiator pressure
cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise until
it rst stops. (Don’t press down while turning the
pressure cap.)
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss
means there is still some pressure left.
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push
down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap.
5-42

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
ller neck may be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper DEX-COOL
®coolant mixture
through the ller neck until the level reaches
the base of the ller neck.12. Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during
this procedure if coolant begins to ow out of the
ller neck, reinstall the pressure cap. Be sure
the arrow on the pressure cap lines 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.
5-46

Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced
carefully at the factory to give you the longest tire life
and best overall performance.
Scheduled wheel alignment and wheel balancing are
not needed. However, if you notice unusual tire wear or
your vehicle pulling one way or the other, the alignment
may need to be reset. If you notice your vehicle
vibrating when driving on a smooth road, your wheels
may need to be rebalanced.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked or badly rusted
or corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the
wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts should be replaced.
If the wheel leaks air, replace it (except some
aluminum wheels, which can sometimes be repaired).
See your dealer if any of these conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind of wheel you need.
Each new wheel should have the same load-carrying
capacity, diameter, width, offset and be mounted
the same way as the one it replaces.If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts, replace them only with new GM
original equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to
have the right wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts
for your vehicle.
{CAUTION:
Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel
bolts or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be
dangerous. It could affect the braking and
handling of your vehicle, make your tires lose
air and make you lose control. You could have
a collision in which you or others could be
injured. Always use the correct wheel, wheel
bolts and wheel nuts for replacement.
Notice:The wrong wheel can also cause problems
with bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper height,
vehicle ground clearance and tire or tire chain
clearance to the body and chassis.
SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-82for more
information.
5-79

Underhood Fuse Block (Lower)
Some fuses are in a fuse block in the engine
compartment on the passenger’s side of the vehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12
for more information on location.
Relays Usage
FAN CONT #3Secondary Cooling Fan
(Passenger’s Side)
FAN CONT #2 Cooling Fan Control Relay
FANT CONT #1Primary Cooling Fan
(Driver’s Side)
Relays Usage
IGN RELAY Ignition Relay
A/C CMPR HVAC Compressor
Fuses Usage
IGN SW Ignition Switch
RT I/P #3 Rear Defogger, Audio System
U/HOOD #2 Ignition Relay, AIR Pump
COOLING FANS Cooling fans (Battery)
FAN CONT #2
Relays #2 & #3
FAN CON #1 Cooling Fan Control Relays #1
FUEL INJ Fuel Injectors
TRANS SOL Transmission Solenoids
A/C RLY (COIL) HVAC Control Relay
ENG DEVICESCanister Purge Solenoid,
Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF),
AIR Pump Relay & Valve Control
DFI MDL Direct Fire Ignition Module
OXY SENOxygen Sensors
(Pre and Post Converter)
5-109

Capacities and Specications
Please refer toRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12for more information.
ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R-134a 2.4 lbs 1.1 kg
Automatic Transaxle
Pan Removal and Replacement
After Complete Overhaul
When draining/replacing converter, more uid may
be needed.7.4 quarts
10 quarts7.0 L
9.5 L
Cooling System Including Reservoir
3400 (Code E) V6
3800 (Code K) V6
3800 Supercharged (Code 1) V611.3 quarts
11.7 quarts
11.7 quarts10.7 L
11.0 L
11.0 L
Engine Oil with Filter
3400 (Code E) V6
3800 (Code K) V6
3800 Supercharged (Code 1) V64.0 quarts
4.5 quarts
4.5 quarts3.8 L
4.2 L
4.2 L
Fuel Tank 17.0 gallons 64.0 L
5-110

Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and lter. Reset oil life system. SeeEngine Oil on
page 5-18.An Emission Control Service.••
Visually check for any leaks or damage.See footnote (k).••
Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace lter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-26.An Emission Control Service. See footnote †.••
Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear. SeeTires on page 5-65.••
Inspect brake system.See footnote (a).••
Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid levels and add uid as
needed.••
Perform any needed additional services. See “Additional Required Services” in
this section.••
Inspect suspension and steering components.See footnote (b).•
Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (c).•
Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (d).•
Inspect restraint system components.See footnote (e).•
Lubricate body components.See footnote (f).•
Check transaxle uid level and add uid as needed.•
Replace passenger compartment air lter (if equipped).See footnote (g).•
Inspect throttle system.See footnote (j).•
6-5

Service25,000
(41 500)50,000
(83 000)75,000
(125 000)100,000
(166 000)125,000
(207 500)150,000
(240 000)
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark
plug wires.An Emission Control
Service.•
Engine cooling system service
(or every 5 years, whichever occurs
rst).An Emission Control Service.
See footnote (i).•
Inspect engine accessory drive belt.
An Emission Control Service.•
Maintenance Footnotes
†The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chang, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect other brake parts, including calipers,
parking brake, etc.(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts or
signs of wear. Inspect power steering lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chang, etc.
(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
ttings and clamps; replace with genuine GM parts as
needed. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test
of the cooling system and pressure cap and cleaning the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
6-7

(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

Cooling System..............................................5-37
Courtesy Lamps.............................................3-16
Cruise Control................................................3-11
Cruise Control Light........................................3-42
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-14
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-8
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY)
Users....................................................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities................................................ 7-6
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors....7-12
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government............................................7-12
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States
Government............................................7-12
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-13
D
Daytime Running Lamps / Automatic Headlamp
System......................................................3-15
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Defogging and Defrosting.................................3-24
Delayed Entry Lighting.....................................3-17Delayed Exit Lighting.......................................3-18
Delayed Headlamps........................................3-15
Dinghy Towing................................................4-32
Disarming with the Remote Keyless Entry
Transmitter.................................................2-16
Disarming with Your Key..................................2-16
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-3
Dolly Towing..................................................4-32
Dome Lamp...................................................3-18
Door
Ajar Warning Message.................................3-48
Locks.......................................................... 2-8
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-9
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-16
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-52
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-17
City...........................................................4-21
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Freeway.....................................................4-22
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-24
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-18
Winter........................................................4-26
Driving On Grades..........................................4-43
Driving on Snow or Ice....................................4-27
4