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The 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Owner's Manual
1-1 Seats and Restraint SystemsThis section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains the air bag system.
2-1 Features and ControlsThis section explains how to start and operate your vehicle.
3-1 Comfort Controls and Audio SystemsThis section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system.
4-1 Your Driving and the RoadHere you'll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions.
5-1 Problems on the RoadThis section tells you what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc.
6-1 Service and Appearance CareHere the manual tells you how to keep your vehicle running properly and looking good.
7-1 Maintenance ScheduleThis section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use.
8-1 Customer Assistance InformationThis section tells you how to contact Chevrolet for assistance and how to get service and owner publications.
It also gives you information on ªReporting Safety Defectsº on page 8-10.
9-1 IndexHere's an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find
something you want to read.
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2-51 Air Bag Readiness Light
There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows AIR BAG or the air bag symbol.
The system checks the air bag's electrical system for
malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical
problem. The system check includes the air bag sensors,
the air bag modules, the wiring and the crash sensing
and diagnostic module. For more information on the air
bag system, see ªAir Bagº in the Index.
This light will come on
when you start your engine,
and it will flash for a few
seconds. Then the light
should go out. This means
the system is ready.
If the air bag readiness light stays on after you start the
engine or comes on when you are driving, your air bag
system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.
The air bag readiness light should flash for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the
light doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there is a problem.
Charging System Light
The charging system light
will come on briefly when
you turn on the ignition, as
a check to show you it's
working. Then it should
go out.
If it stays on, or comes on while you are driving, you
may have a problem with the charging system. It could
indicate that you have a loose accessory belt or another
electrical problem. Have it checked right away. Driving
while this light is on could drain your battery.
If you must drive a short distance with the light on, be
certain to turn off all your accessories, such as the radio
and air conditioner.
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This light should come on, as a check to show you it is
working, when the ignition is on and the engine is not
running. If the light doesn't come on, have it repaired.
This light will also come on during a malfunction in one
of two ways:
Light Flashing
-- A misfire condition has been
detected. A misfire increases vehicle emissions and
may damage the emission control system on your
vehicle. Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis
and service may be required.
Light On Steady
-- An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis and
service may be required.If the Light Is Flashing
The following may prevent more serious damage to
your vehicle:
Reducing vehicle speed.
Avoiding hard accelerations.
Avoiding steep uphill grades.
If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount of
cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible.
If the light stops flashing and remains on steady, see ªIf
the Light Is On Steadyº following.
If the light continues to flash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park your vehicle.
Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds and restart the
engine. If the light remains on steady, see ªIf the Light
Is On Steadyº following. If the light is still flashing,
follow the previous steps, and drive the vehicle to your
dealer or qualified service center for service.
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If the Light Is On Steady
You may be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully install
the cap. See ªFilling Your Tankº in the Index. The
diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has been
left off or improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel
cap will allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A
few driving trips with the cap properly installed should
turn the light off.
Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water?
If so, your electrical system may be wet. The condition
will usually be corrected when the electrical system
dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off.
Are you low on fuel?
As your engine starts to run out of fuel, your engine may
not run as efficiently as designed since small amounts of
air are sucked into the fuel line causing a misfire. The
system can detect this. Adding fuel should correct this
condition. Make sure to install the fuel cap properly. See
ªFilling Your Tankº in the Index. It will take a few
driving trips to turn the light off.Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel (see
ªFuelº in the Index). Poor fuel quality will cause your
engine not to run as efficiently as designed. You may
notice this as stalling after start
-up, stalling when you
put the vehicle into gear, misfiring, hesitation on
acceleration or stumbling on acceleration. (These
conditions may go away once the engine is warmed up.)
This will be detected by the system and cause the light
to turn on.
If you experience one or more of these conditions,
change the fuel brand you use. It will require at least one
full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
If none of the above steps have made the light turn off,
have your dealer or qualified service center check the
vehicle. Your dealer has the proper test equipment and
diagnostic tools to fix any mechanical or electrical
problems that may have developed.
3-
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3-1
Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
In this section, you'll find out how to operate the comfort control and audio systems offered with your vehicle. Be
sure to read about the particular systems supplied with your vehicle.
3
-2 Comfort Controls
3
-3 Air Conditioning
3
-4 Heating
3
-4 Defogging and Defrosting
3
-4 Rear Window Defogger
3
-5 Ventilation System
3
-6 Audio Systems
3
-6 Setting the Clock for Systems with
Automatic Tone Control
3
-6AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player
and Automatic Tone Control3
-11 AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player
and Automatic Tone Control (If Equipped)
3
-15 Theft-Deterrent Feature
3
-17 Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)
3
-17 Understanding Radio Reception
3
-18 Tips About Your Audio System
3
-19 Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
3
-20 Care of Your Compact Discs
3
-20 Care of Your Compact Disc Player
3
-20 Fixed Mast Antenna
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3-2
Comfort Controls
Air Conditioning with Electronic Controls
With these systems, you can control the heating, cooling
and ventilation in your vehicle. The systems work best if
you keep your windows closed while using them.
Fan Knob
The right knob with the fan symbol controls the force of
air you want. To turn the fan off, turn the knob to ªO.º
Temperature Control
If your system does not have the auxiliary temperature
control option, the center knob changes the temperature
of the air coming through the system. Turn this knob
toward red (clockwise) for warmer air. Turn it toward
blue (counterclockwise) for cooler air.
If your system does have the auxiliary temperature
control option, the center levers change the temperature
of the air coming through the system. The DRIV lever
sets the temperature for the driver and rear seat
passengers, and the PASS lever sets the temperature for
the front seat passenger. For maximum defroster
performance, set the DRIV and PASS levers at
full warm.
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Mode Knob
The left knob has several settings to control the direction
of airflow. For each setting, set the temperature to a
comfortable setting.
MAX: This setting recirculates much of the air inside
your vehicle and sends it through the instrument panel
outlets. The air conditioning compressor will run
automatically in this setting unless the outside
temperature is below 40F (4.5C). (Even when the
compressor is running, you can control the temperature).
A/C: This setting brings in outside air and directs
it through the instrument panel outlets. The air
conditioning compressor will run automatically in
this setting unless the outside temperature is below
40F (4.5C). (Even when the compressor is running,
you can control the temperature).
BI-LEVEL: This setting brings in the outside air
and directs it two ways. Half of the air is directed
through the instrument panel outlets. Most of the
remaining air is directed through the floor ducts and a
little to the defrost and side window vents. The air
conditioning compressor will run automatically in this
setting unless the outside temperature is below 40F
(4.5C). (Even when the compressor is running, you can
control the temperature).
VENT: This setting brings in outside air and
directs it through the instrument panel outlets.
FLOOR: This setting sends most of the air
through the ducts near the floor. The rest comes out of
the defrost and side window vents.
DEFOG: This setting allows half of the air to go
to the floor ducts and half to the defrost and side
window vents. The air conditioning compressor will run
automatically in this setting unless the outside
temperature is below 40F (4.5C). (Even when the
compressor is running, you can control the temperature).
DEFROST: This setting directs most of the air
through the defrost and side window vents. Some of the
air goes to the floor ducts. The air conditioning
compressor will run automatically in this setting unless
the outside temperature is below 40F (4.5C).
(Even when the compressor is running, you can
control the temperature).
Air Conditioning
On very hot days, open the windows long enough to let
hot, inside air escape. This reduces the A/C compressor
load, which should help fuel economy.
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Do not attach anything like a temporary vehicle license
or decal across the defogger grid.
NOTICE:
Don't use a razor blade or something else sharp
on the inside of the rear window. If you do, you
could cut or damage the warming grid, and the
repairs wouldn't be covered by your warranty.
Don't put decals there because you might have to
scrape them off.
Ventilation System
Adjust the direction of airflow by moving the vents.
Your vehicle's flow
-through ventilation system supplies
outside air into the vehicle when it is moving. Outside
air will also enter the vehicle when the air conditioning
fan is running.
Ventilation Tips
For mild outside temperatures when little heating or
cooling is needed, use VENT to direct outside air
through your vehicle.
Keep the hood and front air inlet free of ice, snow or
any other obstruction, such as leaves. The heater and
defroster will work far better, reducing the chance of
fogging the inside of your windows.
When you enter a vehicle in cold weather, set the
mode to FLOOR and the fan to the highest speed for
a few moments before driving off. This helps clear
the intake ducts of snow and moisture and reduces
the chance of fogging the inside of your windows.
Keep the air path under the front seats clear of
objects. This helps air to circulate throughout
your vehicle.