2001 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO oil dipstick

For
a More
Detailed Look at
What's Under the Hood
See Section 6
Tire Pressure
See Section 6
Service Station Guide
Oil Viscosity
Engine Oil
See Section 6
Engine Oil Dipstick
See Section 6
Cooling System
See Section 5
Hood Release
See Section 6
Windshield Washer
Fluid
See Section 6
Spare Tire Pressure
See Section 5
Battery
See Section 6
Fuel
Use unleaded only.
See Section 6
for octane ratings.

6-10 Engine Compartment Overview
When you open the hood on the 3400 V6 (Code E) engine, you'll see:
A. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir
B. Underhood Fuse Block
C. Radiator Pressure CapD. Engine Coolant Reservoir
E. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap
G. Engine Oil DipstickH. Transaxle Fluid Dipstick
I. Brake Fluid Reservoir
J. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter

6-11
When you open the hood on the 3800 V6 (Code K) engine, you'll see:
A. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir
B. Underhood Fuse Block
C. Radiator Pressure CapD. Engine Coolant Reservoir
E. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
(low in engine compartment)
F. Engine Oil DipstickG. Engine Oil Fill Cap
H. Transaxle Fluid Dipstick
I. Brake Fluid Reservoir
J. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are on properly. Then just pull the hood down and close it firmly.

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.

6-13
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.
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.
3400 (Code E)
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.

6-14
3400 (Code E)
V6 Engine3800 (Code K)
V6 Engine
The engine oil fill cap is located toward the front of the
engine near the yellow
-looped engine oil dipstick
handle. See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the
Index for more information on location.
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 starburst 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:

6-22
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transaxle fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:

In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90F (32C) or higher.

In hilly or mountainous terrain.

When doing frequent trailer towing.

Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of
these conditions, change the fluid and filter
at 100,000 miles (166 000 km).
See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you
may choose to have this done at the dealership
service department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or you could get a false reading
on the dipstick.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transaxle. Too much can mean that some of the
fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts
or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Be sure to
get an accurate reading if you check your
transaxle fluid.