2001 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO instrument panel

3-2
Comfort Controls
Manual Single Zone Climate Control
With this system, you can control the heating, cooling
and ventilation in your vehicle. The system works best if
you keep your windows closed while using it.
Fan Knob
The knob on the left side of the climate control panel
regulates the fan speed. To turn the fan off, turn the
knob to OFF.
If airflow seems very low when the fan knob is turned to
the highest setting, regardless of the mode setting, your
passenger compartment air filter (if equipped) may need
to be replaced. See ªMaintenance Scheduleº in the Index.Temperature Knob
The center knob on the control panel 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.
Mode Knob
The right knob on the control panel has several settings
to control the direction of the airflow:
UPPER: This setting directs air through the
instrument panel outlets.
BI-LEVEL: This setting directs air two ways.
Half of the air is directed through the instrument panel
outlets. Most of the remaining air is directed through
the floor vents and a small amount to the windshield
defroster and side window outlets.
LOWER: This setting sends most of the air
through the ducts near the floor. The remaining air
comes out of the defroster and side window outlets.
The RECIRCULATION button cannot be selected in
this mode.

3-4 Dual ComforTemp
Climate Control
(If Equipped)
The Dual ComforTemp Climate Control system allows
the driver and passenger to maintain separate temperature
settings. The system works best if you keep your
windows closed while using it.
Fan Knob
The knob on the left side of the climate control panel
regulates the fan speed. To turn the fan off, turn the
knob to OFF.
If the airflow seems very low when the fan is adjusted to
the highest setting regardless of the mode setting, your
passenger compartment air filter (if equipped) may need
to be replaced. See ªMaintenance Scheduleº in the Index.Driver's Temperature Lever
The lever on the left adjusts the air temperature on the
driver's side independent of the temperature set by the
passenger. Slide the lever upward to raise the temperature.
Slide the lever downward to lower the temperature.
Passenger's Temperature Lever
The lever on the right adjusts the air temperature on the
passenger's side independent of the temperature set by the
driver. Slide the lever upward to raise the temperature.
Slide the lever downward to lower the temperature.
Mode Knob
The knob on the right side of the control panel has
several settings to control the direction of airflow:
UPPER: This setting directs air through the
instrument panel outlets.
BI-LEV: This setting directs air two ways.
Half of the air is directed through the instrument panel
outlets. Most of the remaining air is directed through
the floor vents and a small amount to the windshield
defroster and side window outlets.

4-37 Making Turns
NOTICE:
Making very sharp turns while trailering could
cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you're turning with a trailer, make wider turns
than normal. Do this so your trailer won't strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well
in advance.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need
additional wiring. Check with your dealer. The arrows
on your instrument panel will flash whenever you signal
a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the trailer
lamps will also flash, telling other drivers you're about
to turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind you
are seeing your signal when they are not. It's important
to check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are
still working.

5-2
Hazard Warning Flashers
Your hazard warning flashers let you warn others. They
also let police know you have a problem. Your front and
rear turn signal lamps will flash on and off.
Press the switch to the right
of the instrument panel
cluster to make the front
and rear turn signal lamps
flash on and off.
The hazard warning flashers work no matter what
position your key is in, and even if the key isn't in.
To turn off the flashers, press the switch again. When
the hazard warning flashers are on, the turn signals and
brake lamps won't work.
Other Warning Devices
If you carry reflective triangles, you can set one up at
the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind
your vehicle.

5-9
Towing Your Vehicle
Consult your dealer or a professional towing service if
you need to have your vehicle towed. See ªRoadside
Assistanceº and ªRecreational Vehicle Towingº in
the Index.
Engine Overheating
You will find a coolant temperature gage and a warning
light about a hot engine on your instrument panel
cluster. See ªEngine Coolant Temperature Gageº and
ªHot Coolant Temperature Messageº in the Index.
You also have a low coolant message on your instrument
panel cluster. See ªLow Coolant Level Messageº in
the Index.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode allows your vehicle to
be driven to a safe place in an emergency situation.
Should an overheated engine condition exist, an
overheat protection mode which alternates firing groups
of cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode,
you will notice a significant loss in power and engine
performance. The low coolant light may come on and
the temperature gage will indicate an overheat condition
exists. Towing a trailer in the overheat protection mode
should be avoided.
NOTICE:
After driving in the overheated engine protection
operating mode, to avoid engine damage, allow
the engine to cool before attempting any repair.
The engine oil will be severely degraded. Repair
the cause of coolant loss and change the oil.
See ªEngine Oilº in the Index.

6-4
Be sure the posted octane is at least 87. If the octane is
less than 87, you may get a heavy knocking noise when
you drive. If it's bad enough, it can damage your engine.
If you're using fuel rated at 87 octane or higher and
you hear heavy knocking, your engine needs service.
But don't worry if you hear a little pinging noise when
you're accelerating or driving up a hill. That's normal,
and you don't have to buy a higher octane fuel to get
rid of pinging. It's the heavy, constant knock that
means you have a problem.
If your vehicle is certified to meet California Emission
Standards (indicated on the underhood emission control
label), it is designed to operate on fuels that meet
California specifications. If such fuels are not available
in states adopting California emissions standards, your
vehicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting
federal specifications, but emission control system
performance may be affected. The malfunction indicator
lamp on your instrument panel may turn on and/or your
vehicle may fail a smog
-check test. See ªMalfunction
Indicator Lampº in the Index. If this occurs, return to
your authorized Chevrolet dealer for diagnosis to
determine the cause of failure. In the event it is
determined that the cause of the condition is the type of
fuels used, repairs may not be covered by your warranty.Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions may contain an octane
-enhancing additive
called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT); ask your service station operator whether or not
the fuel contains MMT. General Motors does not
recommend the use of such gasolines. If fuels containing
MMT are used, spark plug life may be reduced and your
emission control system performance may be affected.
The malfunction indicator lamp on your instrument
panel may turn on. If this occurs, return to your
authorized Chevrolet dealer for service.
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States
are now required to contain additives that will help
prevent deposits from forming in your engine and fuel
system, allowing your emission control system to
function properly. Therefore, you should not have to add
anything to the fuel. In addition, gasolines containing
oxygenates, such as ethers and ethanol, and
reformulated gasolines may be available in your area to
contribute to clean air. General Motors recommends that
you use these gasolines, particularly if they comply with
the specifications described earlier.

6-12
Engine Oil
United States Canada
If the LOW ENG OIL LEVEL message appears on
the instrument panel, it means you need to check your
engine oil level right away. For more information,
see ªLow Oil Level Messageº in the Index.
You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is
an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
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.
3400 (Code E)
V6 Engine3800 (Code K)
V6 Engine
The engine oil dipstick handle is the yellow loop
located near the front of the engine. See ªEngine
Compartment Overviewº in the Index for more
information on location.

6-53 Cleaning Vinyl
Use warm water and a clean cloth.

Rub with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt.
You may have to do it more than once.

Things like tar, asphalt and shoe polish will stain
if you don't get them off quickly. Use a clean cloth
and a vinyl/leather cleaner. See your dealer for
this product.
Cleaning Leather
Use a soft cloth with lukewarm water and a mild soap or
saddle soap and wipe dry with a soft cloth. Then, let the
leather dry naturally. Do not use heat to dry.

For stubborn stains, use a leather cleaner.
See your dealer for this product.

Never use oils, varnishes, solvent
-based or abrasive
cleaners, furniture polish or shoe polish on leather.

Soiled or stained leather should be cleaned
immediately. If dirt is allowed to work into the
finish, it can harm the leather.
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel
Use only mild soap and water to clean the top surfaces
of the instrument panel. Sprays containing silicones or
waxes may cause annoying reflections in the windshield
and even make it difficult to see through the windshield
under certain conditions.
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components
Use only a mild soap and water solution on a soft
cloth or sponge. Commercial cleaners may affect the
surface finish.
Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
CAUTION:
Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If you do, it
may severely weaken them. In a crash, they
might not be able to provide adequate protection.
Clean safety belts only with mild soap and
lukewarm water.