power steering CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO 2004 Owners Manual

Your vehicle has a feature that will automatically unlock
the doors and turn the interior lamps on when the air
bags inate (if battery power is available). You can lock
the doors again and turn the interior lamps off by
using the door lock and interior lamp controls.
In many crashes severe enough to inate an air bag,
windshields are broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the
right front passenger air bag.
Air bags are designed to inate only once. After an
air bag inates, you’ll need some new parts for
your air bag system. If you don’t get them, the air
bag system won’t be there to help protect you
in another crash. A new system will include air bag
modules and possibly other parts. The service
manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace
other parts.
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic frontal
sensor, which helps the sensing system distinguish
between a moderate frontal impact and a more
severe frontal impact. Your vehicle is also equipped
with a crash sensing and diagnostic module,
which records information about the frontal air bag
system. The module records information about
the readiness of the system, when the system
commands air bag ination and driver’s safety belt
usage at deployment. The module also records
speed, engine RPM, brake and throttle data.
Let only qualied technicians work on your air bag
systems. Improper service can mean that an air
bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer for
service.
Notice:If you damage the covering for the driver’s
or the right front passenger’s air bag, or the air
bag covering on the driver’s seatback, the bag may
not work properly. You may have to replace the
air bag module in the steering wheel, both the air
bag module and the instrument panel for the
right front passenger’s air bag, or the air bag
module and seatback for the driver’s side impact air
bag. Do not open or break the air bag coverings.
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped
Vehicle
Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the air bag systems in several places
around your vehicle. Your dealer and the service
manual have information about servicing your vehicle
and the air bag systems. To purchase a service manual,
seeService Publications Ordering Information on
page 7-13.
1-56

Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
Driving on Curves
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves.
Here is why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to
the same laws of physics when driving on curves.
The traction of the tires against the road surface makes
it possible for the vehicle to change its path when
you turn the front wheels. If there is no traction, inertia
will keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If
you have ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you
will understand this.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on the
condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at
which the curve is banked, and your speed. While
you are in a curve, speed is the one factor you
can control.Suppose you are steering through a sharp curve.
Then you suddenly apply the brakes. Both control
systems — steering and braking — have to do their work
where the tires meet the road. Unless you have
four-wheel anti-lock brakes, adding the hard braking can
demand too much of those places. You can lose control.
The same thing can happen if you are steering through
a sharp curve and you suddenly accelerate. Those
two control systems — steering and acceleration — can
overwhelm those places where the tires meet the
road and make you lose control.
What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on
the brake or accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way
you want it to go, and slow down.
Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should
adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds
are based on good weather and road conditions. Under
less favorable conditions you will want to go slower.
If you need to reduce your speed as you approach
a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front
wheels are straight ahead.
Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then
accelerate gently into the straightaway.
4-12

Service............................................................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle......................................................5-4
Fuel................................................................5-4
Gasoline Octane............................................5-4
Gasoline Specications....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-5
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-6
Filling Your Tank............................................5-7
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.......................5-9
Checking Things Under
the Hood....................................................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-10
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-18
Supercharger Oil..........................................5-24
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-26
Automatic Transaxle Fluid..............................5-28
Engine Coolant.............................................5-31
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-34
Engine Overheating.......................................5-34
Cooling System............................................5-37Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-47
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-48
Brakes........................................................5-50
Battery........................................................5-53
Jump Starting...............................................5-54
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-60
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-60
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-60
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
and Parking Lamps....................................5-60
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Sidemarker Lamps.....................................5-62
Back-Up Lamps............................................5-63
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-63
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-64
Tires..............................................................5-65
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-72
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-73
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-75
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-76
Buying New Tires.........................................5-76
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-77
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-79
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir.
SeeWindshield Washer Fluid on page 5-48.
B. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-53.
C. Remote Positive (+) Terminal.
SeeJump Starting on page 5-54.
D. Upper Underhood Fuse Block.
See “Upperhood Fuse Block (Upper)” under
Fuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-104.
E. Lower Underhood Fuse Block.
See “Underhood Fuse Block (Lower)” under
Fuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-104.
F. Radiator Pressure Cap.
SeeRadiator Pressure Cap on page 5-34.
G. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank.
SeeCooling System on page 5-37.
H. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir.
SeePower Steering Fluid on page 5-47.I. Electric Cooling Fan.
SeeCooling Systemon page 5-37.
J. Engine Oil Fill Cap.
See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 5-18.
K. Engine Oil Dipstick.
See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 5-18.
L. Bleed Valves (underneath engine shield).
See “How to Add Coolant to the Radiator”
underCooling System on page 5-37.
M. Transaxle Fluid Dipstick.
SeeAutomatic Transaxle Fluid on page 5-28.
N. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir.
SeeBrakes on page 5-50.
O. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.
SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-26.
5-13

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir.
SeeWindshield Washer Fluid on page 5-48.
B. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-53.
C. Remote Positive (+) Terminal.
SeeJump Starting on page 5-54.
D. Upper Underhood Fuse Block.
See “Upperhood Fuse Block (Upper)” under
Fuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-104.
E. Lower Underhood Fuse Block.
See “Underhood Fuse Block (Lower)” under
Fuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-104.
F. Radiator Pressure Cap.
SeeRadiator Pressure Cap on page 5-34.
G. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank.
SeeCooling System on page 5-37
H. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
(low in engine compartment).
SeePower Steering Fluid on page 5-47.I. Electric Cooling Fan.
SeeCooling System on page 5-37.
J. Engine Oil Dipstick.
See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 5-18.
K. Engine Oil Fill Cap.
See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 5-18.
L. Bleed Valves (underneath engine shield).
See “How to Add Coolant to the Radiator”
underCooling System on page 5-37.
M. Transaxle Fluid Dipstick.
SeeAutomatic Transaxle Fluid on page 5-28.
N. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir.
SeeBrakes on page 5-50.
O. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.
SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-26.
5-15

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir.
SeeWindshield Washer Fluid on page 5-48.
B. Battery.
SeeBattery on page 5-53.
C. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal.
SeeBattery on page 5-53.
D. Underhood Electrical Center.
SeeFuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-104.
E. Radiator Pressure Cap.
SeeCooling System on page 5-37.
F. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank.
SeeCooling System on page 5-37.
G. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Below Generator).
SeePower Steering Fluid on page 5-47.H. Electric Cooling Fan.
SeeCooling System on page 5-37.
I. Engine Oil Dipstick.
SeeEngine Oil on page 5-18.
J. Engine Oil Fill Cap.
SeeEngine Oil on page 5-18.
K. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick.
SeeAutomatic Transaxle Fluid on page 5-28.
L. Brake Fluid Reservoir.
SeeAutomatic Transaxle Fluid on page 5-28.
M. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.
SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-26.
5-17

Checking Coolant
The coolant recovery tank
is located between the
power steering uid
reservoir and the
underhood fuse block in
the engine compartment
on the passenger’s side of
the vehicle. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for more
information on location.
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.
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOL®
coolant mixtureat the coolant recovery tank,but be
careful not to spill it.
If the coolant recovery tank is completely empty, add
coolant to the radiator. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 5-34.
{CAUTION:
Turning the radiator pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam
and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you
badly. With the coolant recovery tank, you will
almost never have to add coolant at the
radiator. Never turn the radiator pressure
cap — even a little — when the engine and
radiator are hot.
{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
Occasionally check the coolant level in the radiator.
For information on how to add coolant to the radiator,
seeCooling System on page 5-37.
5-33

Power Steering Fluid
The power steering uid reservoir is located toward the
rear of the engine compartment, on the passenger’s
side of the vehicle.
It will have the above symbol on its cap. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-12.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
uid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A uid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired. SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for reservoir location.
5-47

How to Check Power Steering Fluid
Turn the key off, let the engine compartment cool down,
wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean, then
unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
Replace the cap and completely tighten it. Then remove
the cap again and look at the uid level on the dipstick.
When the 3400 V6 engine compartment is hot, the level
should be at the H (hot) mark. When it’s cold, the
level should be at the C (cold) mark. If the uid is at the
ADD mark, you should add uid.
For the 3800 V6 engine, the level should be at the
HOT mark when the engine compartment is hot. If the
uid is at the ADD mark, you should add uid.
What to Use
To determine what kind of uid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
Always use the proper uid. Failure to use the proper
uid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer uid, be sure to
read the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you
will be operating your vehicle in an area where the
temperature may fall below freezing, use a uid that
has sufficient protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
When this message is displayed, it means the vehicle is
low on windshield washer uid. You should add more
windshield washer uid soon.United States
Canada
5-48

Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure
is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined weight
of optional accessories. Some examples of optional
accessories are, automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height to
its width.
Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is located
between the plies and the tread. Cords may be made
from steel or other reinforcing materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by
steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies are
laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.
Cold Ination Pressure:The amount of air pressure in
a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) before a
tire has built up heat from driving. SeeInation - Tire
Pressure on page 5-72.Curb Weight:This means the weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional equipment including
the maximum capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:A code molded into the sidewall of a
tire signifying that the tire is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation motor vehicle safety
standards. The DOT code includes the Tire Identication
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator which can
also identify the tire manufacturer, production plant,
brand and date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, seeLoading
Your Vehicle on page 4-33.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front
axle, seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-33.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle,
seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-33.
Intended Outboard Sidewall:The side of an
asymmetrical tire that must always face outward when
mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa):The metric unit for air pressure.
There are 6.9 kPa’s to one psi.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:A tire used on light duty
trucks and some multipurpose passenger vehicles.
5-70