1996 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO check engine

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Underinflated tires pose the same danger
as overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.
Overinflated tires are more likely to be
cut, punctured or broken by
a sudden
impact
-- such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents.
If your
tread
is badly worn, or if your tires have
been damaged, replace them.
Inflation - Tire Pressure
The Tire-Loading Information label which is on the
{inside of the trunk lid shows the correct inflation
pressures for your tires when they’re cold. “Cold”
means your vehicle has been sitting for at least three
hours or driven
no more than a mile.
NOTICE:
Don’t let anyone tell you that underinflation or
overinflation
is all right. It’s not. If your tires
don’t have enough air (underinflation), you can
get the following:
Too much flexing
Too much heat
Tire overloading
Bad wear
0 Bad handling
Bad fuel economy.
If your tires have too much air (overinflation),
you can get the following:
Unusual wear
Bad handling
0 Rough ride
0 Needless damage from road hazards.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more.
Don’t forget your compact spare tire. It should be at
60 psi (420 kPa).
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire
pressure. You can’t tell if your tires are properly inflated
simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look
properly ‘inflated
even when they’re underinflated.
Be sure to put the valve caps back
on the valve stems.
They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt and moisture.
Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be inspected every 6,000 to 8,000 miles
(10 000 to 13 000 km) for any signs of unusual wear.
If unusual wear is present, rotate your tires as soon as
possible and check wheel alignment. Also check for
damaged tires
or wheels. See “When It’s Time for New
Tires’’ and “Wheel Replacement” later in this section for
more information. The purpose
of regular rotation
is to achieve more
uniform wear for
all tires on the vehicle. The kt
rotation is tlle most important. See “Scheduled
Maintenance Services”
in the Index for scheduled
rotation intervals.
Whcn rotating your tires,
always use the correct rotation
pattern
shown here.
Don’t include the compact spare tire
in your tire rotation.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and
rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire-Loading
Information label. Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” in
I1 the Index.
I
When It’s Time for New Tires
(
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which
it is fastened, can make wheel nuts become loose
after
a time. The wheel could come off and cause
an accident. When you change a wheel, remove
any rust or
dirt from places where the wheel
attaches to the vehicle. In an emergency, you can
use a cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be
sure to use a scraper
or wire brush later, if you
need to, to get all the rust or dirt off. (See
‘(Changing
a Flat Tire? in the Index.)
One way to tell when it’s
time for new tires is to
check the treadwear indicators, which will appear when your tires have
only 1/16 inch (1.6
mm) or
less of tread remaining.
You need a new tire if any of the following statements
are true:
You can see the indicators at three or more places
around the tire.
You can see cord or fabric showing through the
tire’s rubber.
The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut or snagged deep
enough to show cord or fabric.
0 The tire has a bump, bulge or split.
The tire has a puncture, cut or other damage that
can’t be repaired well because of the size or location
of the damage.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Cleaning the Outside of the
Windshield
and Wiper Blades
If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield
washer, or if the wiper blade chatters
when running, wax
or other material may be on the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with
GM
Windshield Cleaner, Bon-Ami PowderB (GM Part
No. 1050011). The windshield is clean if beads do not
form when you rinse
it with water.
Clean the blade by wiping vigorously with a cloth
soaked in full-strength windshield washer solvent.
Then
rinse the blade with water.
Wiper blades should be checked
on a regular basis and
replaced when worn.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with
a clean cloth at least every six
months. During very cold, damp weather more frequent
application may be required. (See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Index.)
Cleaning the Outside of Your Chevrolet
The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth
of color, gloss retention and durability.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve your vehicle’s finish is to
keep
it clean by washing it often with lukewarm or
cold water.
Don’t wash your vehicle
in the direct rays of the sun.
Don’t use strong
soaps or chemical detergents. Use
liquid hand, dish or car washing (mild detergent) soaps.
Don’t use cleaning agents that are petroleum based, or
that contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning agents
should
be flushed promptly and not allowed to dry on
the surface, or they could stain. Dry the finish with a
soft, clean chamois or a 100% cotton towel to avoid
surface scratches and water spotting.
High pressure car washes may cause water to enter
your vehicle.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Vehicle Identification umber (VIN)
This is the legal identifier for your Chevrolet. It appears
on
a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on
the driver’s side. You can see it if you look through the
windshield from outside your vehicle. The
VIN also
appears on the Vehicle Certification and Service Parts
labels and
the certificates of title and registration.
Engine Identification
The eighth character in your VIN is the engine code.
This code will help you identify your engine,
specifications, and replacement parts.
Service Parts Identification Label
You’ll find this label on your spare tire cover. It’s very
helpful
if you ever need to order parts. On this label is:
the model designation,
paint information, and
a list of all production options and special equipment.
Be sure that this label
is not removed from the vehicle.
Electrical System
Add-on Electrical Equipment
I NOTICE:
Don’t add anything electrical to your Chevrolet
unless you check with your dealer first. Some
electrical equipment can damage your vehicle and
the damage wouldn’t be covered by your warranty.
Some add-on electrical equipment can keep other
components from working
as they should.
Your vehicle has an air bag system. Before attempting to
add anything electrical
to your Chevrolet, see “Servicing
Your Air Bag-Equipped Chevrolet” in the Index.
0 your VIN,
6-52

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Headlamp Wiring Fuses and Circuit Breakers
The headlamp wiring is protected by a circuit breaker in
the underhood electrical center. An electrical overload
will cause the lamps to
go on and off, or in some cases
to remain off. If this happens, have your headlamp
system checked right away.
Windshield Wipers
The windshield wiper motor is protected by a circuit
breaker and
a fuse. If the motor overheats due to heavy
snow, etc., the wiper will stop until the motor cools.
If
the overload is caused by some electrical problem,
have
it fixed.
Power Windows and Other Power Options
Circuit breakers in the fuse panel protect the power
windows and other power accessories. When the current
load is too heavy, the circuit breaker opens and closes,
protecting the circuit until the problem
is fixed. The
wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected
from short circuits by
a combination of fuses, circuit
breakers, and fusible thermal links
in the wiring itself.
This greatly reduces the chance
of fires caused by
electrical problems.
Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse. If the
band is broken or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure you
replace
a bad fuse with a new one of the identical size
and rating.
--.
Instrument Panel Fuse Block

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine I
L
How This Section is Organized
The remainder of this section is divided into five parts:
“Part A: Scheduled Maintendnce Services”
shows what to have done and how often. Some of these
services can be complex,
so unless you are technically
qualified and have the necessary equipment, you should
let your dealer’s service department or another qualified
service center do these jobs.
Performing maintenance work on a vehicle can
be dangerous.
In trying to do some jobs, you can
be seriously injured.
Do your own maintenance
work only if you have the required know-how
and the proper tools and equipment for the job.
If you have any doubt, have a qualified
technician do the work.
11 you are skilled enough to do some work on your
vehicle, you will probably want to get the service
information
GM publishes. See “Service and Owner
Publications” in the Index.
‘Tart B: Owner Checks and Services” tells you what
should be checked whenever you stop for.
hel. It also,
explains. what you can easily do to\help keep your
vehicle in good condition.
‘Tart C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections” ’
explains important inspections that your Chevrolet
dealer’s service department
or an~ther qualified service
“center should perform.
“Part D: Recommended Fluids and LubricmtP
lists some product8 GM recommends to help keep YOLK
vehicle properly maintained. These products, or theh
equivalents, should be used whether yola do the work .
yoursel€ or have it done.
,.
“Part E: Maintenance Record” provides a place
for you to record the ‘maifltenance performed on your
vehicle. Whenever any maintenance is
performed, be
sure to; write it down in this pari. This will,help’you I
determine whin your next mainten&nce should be- done.
In addition, it
is a good idea to keep your maintenance
receipts. They may
.be needed to quahfy your vehicle for

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Part A: Scheduled Maintenance
Services
Using Your Maintenance Schedule
We at General Motors want to help you keep your
vehicle
in good working condition. But we don’t know
exactly how you’ll drive
it. You may drive very short
distances only
a few times a week. Or you may drive
long distances all the time in very hot, dusty weather.
You may use your vehicle in making deliveries.
Or
you may drive it to work, to do errands or in many
other ways.
Because of all the different ways people use their GM
vehicles, maintenance needs vary.
You may even need
more frequent checks and replacements than you’ll find
in the schedules in this section. So please read this
section and note how you drive.
If you have any
questions
on how to keep your vehicle in good
condition, see your Chevrolet dealer.
This part tells you the maintenance services you should
have done and when you should schedule them. If you
go to your dealer for your service needs, you’ll know
that GM-trained and supported service people will
perform the work using genuine GM parts. The
proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed
in Part D.
Make sure whoever services your vehicle uses these. All
parts should be replaced and all necessaly repairs done
before you or anyone else drives
the vehicle.
These schedules are for vehicles that:
carry passengers and cargo within recommended
limits. You will find these limits on
your vehicle’s
Tire-Loading Information label. See “Loading
Your Vehicle”
in the Index.
are driven on reasonable road surfaces within legal
driving limits.
use the recommended fuel. See “Fuel” in the Index.
Selecting the Right Schedule
First you’ll need to decide which of the two schedules is
right for your vehicle. Here’s how to decide which
schedule to follow:
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