1999 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO oil dipstick

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2-60 Low Oil Level Light
Your engine is equipped
with an oil level monitoring
system. When the ignition
key is turned on, the LOW
OIL light will briefly flash.
If the light does not flash, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there's a problem.
If the light stays on, stop the vehicle on a level surface
and turn the engine off. Check the oil level using the
engine oil dipstick. (See ªEngine Oilº in the Index.) If
the light does not flash, have the low oil level sensor
system repaired so it will be ready to warn you if there's
a problem.
The oil level monitoring system only checks the oil level
during the brief period between key on and engine
crank. It does not monitor the engine oil level when the
engine is running. Additionally, an oil level check is
only performed if the engine has been turned off for a
considerable period of time, allowing the oil normally in
circulation to drain back into the oil pan.
Change Oil Soon Light
The CHG OIL SOON light
should come on briefly as a
bulb check when you start
the engine. If the light
doesn't come on, have
it serviced.
If the CHG OIL SOON light comes on and stays on
after you start the engine, have the oil changed.
For additional information, see ªEngine Oil, When to
Changeº in the Index. To reset the Oil Life Monitor, see
ªEngine Oil Life Monitorº in the Index.

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6-11
A. Engine Coolant Reservoir
B. Radiator Fill Cap
C. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
D. Engine Oil Fill Cap
E. Engine Oil Dipstick
F. Automatic Transaxle Fluid DipstickG. Brake Fluid Reservoir
H. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
I. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal
J. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
K. Battery (located under Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir)

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6-13
A. Engine Coolant Reservoir
B. Radiator Fill Cap
C. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
D. Engine Oil Dipstick
E. Engine Oil Fill Cap
F. Automatic Transaxle Fluid DipstickG. Brake Fluid Reservoir
H. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
I. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal
J. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
K. Battery (located under Windshield
Washer Reservoir)
Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are on
properly. Then just pull the hood down and close
it firmly.

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6-14
Engine Oil
If the LOW OIL light on
the instrument panel comes
on, it means you need to
check your engine oil
level right away.
For more information, see ªLow Oil Level Lightº in the
Index. You should check your engine oil level regularly;
this is an added reminder.
It's a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
3100 (Code M) V6
Engine3800 (Code K) V6
Engine
The engine oil dipstick handle is the yellow loop near
the front of the engine.
Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don't, the oil dipstick
might not show the actual level.

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6-15 Checking Engine Oil
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.
3100 (Code M) V6
Engine3800 (Code K) V6
Engine
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is at or below the lower mark, then you'll need
to add at least one quart of oil. But you must use the
right kind. This part explains what kind of oil to use. For
crankcase capacity, see ªCapacities and Specificationsº
in the Index.
NOTICE:
Don't add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the
cross
-hatched area that shows the proper
operating range, your engine could be damaged.
The engine oil fill cap is located toward the front of the
engine near the yellow
-looped engine oil dipstick.

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6-16
3100 (Code M) V6
Engine3800 (Code K) V6
Engine
Be sure to fill it enough to put the level somewhere in
the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when you're through.
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
Oils recommended for your vehicle can be identified by
looking for the ªStarburstº symbol. This symbol
indicates that the oil has been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). Do not use any oil which
does not carry this Starburst symbol.
If you change your own oil,
be sure you use oil that has
the Starburst symbol on the
front of the oil container.
If you have your oil changed for you, be sure the oil put
into your engine is American Petroleum Institute
certified for gasoline engines.
You should also use the proper viscosity oil for your
vehicle, as shown in the following chart:

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6-25
3. After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under ªHow to Check.º
4. When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
Radiator Pressure Cap
NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa)
pressure
-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap
line up with the overflow tube on the radiator
filler neck.
When you replace your radiator pressure cap, an
ACDelco
cap is recommended.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.When you replace your thermostat, an ACDelco


thermostat is recommended.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled 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 first, 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, see ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL
coolant will:

Give freezing protection down to
-34F (-37C).

Give boiling protection up to 265F (129C).

Protect against rust and corrosion.

Help keep the proper engine temperature.

Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.