2001 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO warning light

Table of Contents
Windows
Keys and Door Locks
Remote Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
Remote Trunk Release
Automatic Transaxle
Parking Brake
Tilt Wheel
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
Windshield Wipers
Cruise Control (If Equipped)Exterior and Interior Lamps
Mirrors
Storage Compartments
Trunk Convenience Net (If Equipped)
Accessory Power Outlet/Auxiliary Power Connection
OnStar® System (If Equipped)
Power Sunroof (Option)
HomeLink® Transmitter (Option)
Instrument Panel, Warning Lights and Gages
Driver Information Center (Option) Seats and Seat Controls
Safety BeltsAir Bag Systems
Restraint Systems for Children
Section
1
Section
2
Seats and Restraint Systems
Features and Controls
ii

ix
For example,
these symbols
are used on an
original battery:
CAUTION
POSSIBLE
INJURY
PROTECT
EYES BY
SHIELDING
CAUSTIC
BATTERY
ACID COULD
CAUSE
BURNS
AVOID
SPARKS OR
FLAMES
SPARK OR
FLAME
COULD
EXPLODE
BATTERY
These symbols
are important for
you and your
passengers
whenever your
vehicle is driven:
CHILD
RESTRAINT
TOP STRAP
ANCHOR
DOOR LOCK
UNLOCK
FASTEN
SEAT
BELTS
POWER
WINDOW
AIR BAG
These symbols
have to do with
your lamps:
MASTER
LIGHTING
SWITCH
TURN
SIGNALS
PARKING
LAMPS
HAZARD
WARNING
FLASHER
DAYTIME
RUNNING
LAMPS
FOG LAMPS
These symbols
are on some of
your controls:
WINDSHIELD
WIPER
WINDSHIELD
WASHER
WINDSHIELD
DEFROSTER
REAR
WINDOW
DEFOGGER
VENTILATING
FAN
These symbols
are used on
warning and
indicator lights:
ENGINE
COOLANT
TEMP
BATTERY
CHARGING
SYSTEM
BRAKE
COOLANT
ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE
ANTI-LOCK
BRAKES
Here are some
other symbols
you may see:
FUSE
LIGHTER
HORN
FUEL
Vehicle Symbols
These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle. Also see ªWarning Lights and Gagesº in the Index.

2-
2-1
Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is
working properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
2
-2 Windows
2
-4 Keys
2
-6 Door Locks
2
-8 Remote Keyless Entry (If Equipped)
2
-12 Trunk
2
-17 Theft
2
-18 Content Theft-Deterrent (Option)
2
-20 Vehicle Customization Settings
2
-28 Passlock

2-28 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2
-29 Ignition Positions
2
-30 Starting Your Engine
2
-33 Engine Coolant Heater (Option)
2
-34 Automatic Transaxle Operation
2
-38 Parking Brake
2
-39 Shifting Into PARK (P)
2
-41 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
2
-42 Parking Over Things That Burn
2
-42 Engine Exhaust2
-43 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
2
-44 Tilt Wheel
2
-44 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-51 Exterior Lamps
2
-53 Interior Lamps
2
-56 Mirrors
2
-61 Accessory Power Outlet
2
-62 Auxiliary Power Connection (Power Drop)
2
-62 Cellular Phone Readiness Package (Option)
2
-63 OnStar
System (If Equipped)
2
-66 Power Sunroof (Option)
2
-67 HomeLink
Transmitter (Option)
2
-72 The Instrument Panel -- Your
Information System
2
-74 Instrument Panel Cluster
2
-77 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
2
-88 Message Center
2
-97 Driver Information Center (DIC) (Option)

2-29
Ignition Positions
The ignition switch is
located on the instrument
panel, to the right of the
steering column.
With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn the
switch to four positions.
OFF: This is the only position from which you can
remove the key. Removing the key locks your ignition
and automatic transaxle.NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in OFF and you can't
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if
so, is it all the way in? Turn the key only with
your hand. Using a tool to force it could break
the key or the ignition switch. If none of this
works, then your vehicle needs service.
ACC (ACCESSORY): This is the position in which
you can operate your electrical accessories. With the
key in this position, the ignition and automatic transaxle
will unlock.
ON: This is the position to which the switch returns
after you start the engine and release the switch.
The switch stays in ON when the engine is running.
But even when the engine is not running, you can use
ON to operate your electrical power accessories and to
display some instrument panel cluster messages and
warning lights.

2-51
Exterior Lamps
The lamp controls are located on the instrument panel.
They control the following systems:

Headlamps

Taillamps

Parking Lamps

License Lamps

Instrument Panel Lights

Dome LampIf you pull the knob out halfway, it will turn on your
parking lamps and your other operating lamps. If you
pull the knob all the way out, your headlamps will then
come on.
Push the knob in all the way to turn off the lamps.
A warning chime will sound if you open the driver's
door when you turn the ignition switch to OFF with
the lamps on.
Daytime Running Lamps / Automatic
Headlamp Control
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the day.
DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the
short periods after dawn and before sunset. Fully
functional daytime running lights are required on all
vehicles first sold in Canada.
A light sensor on top of the instrument panel makes
the DRL work, so be sure it isn't covered.

2-77
Warning Lights, Gages
and Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages that
may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you
locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an
expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
your warning lights and gages could also save you or
others from injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle's functions. As you
will see in the details on the next few pages, some
warning lights come on briefly when you start the
engine just to let you know they're working. If you
are familiar with this section, you should not be alarmed
when this happens.
Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle's functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to let you know when
there's a problem with your vehicle.When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
when you are driving, or when one of the gages shows
there may be a problem, check the section that tells you
what to do about it. Please follow this manual's advice.
Waiting to do repairs can be costly
-- and even
dangerous. So please get to know your warning lights
and gages. They're a big help.
Your vehicle may also have a driver information center
that works along with the warning lights and gages.
See ªDriver Information Centerº in the Index.
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the key is turned to ON, a chime will come on
for about eight seconds to remind people to fasten
their safety belts, unless the driver's safety belt is
already buckled.
The safety belt light will
also come on and stay on
for about 20 seconds,
then it will flash for
about 55 seconds.

2-79
Voltmeter Gage (3800 V6 Engine)
You can read battery
voltage on the
voltmeter gage.
If the gage reads less than 12 volts or more than 16 volts
while the engine is running, and it stays there, you may
have a problem with the electrical charging system.
Also, when your gage reads less than 11 volts or more
than 16 volts, your battery life indicator will be
illuminated in the message center. For more information
see ªBattery Life Indicatorº in the Index.
Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle's hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part isn't working, the other part can
still work and stop you. For good braking, though, you
need both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem.
The LOW BRAKE FLUID message in the message
center will also appear when there is a brake problem.
See ªLow Brake Fluid Messageº in the Index. Have
your brake system inspected right away.
United States Canada
This light should come on briefly when you turn the
ignition key to ON. If it doesn't come on then,
have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if
there's a problem.

2-80
If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is
harder to push. Or, the pedal may go closer to the floor.
It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the
vehicle towed for service. See ªAnti
-Lock Brake
System Warning Lightº and ªTowing Your Vehicleº in
the Index.
CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working properly
if the brake system warning light is on. Driving
with the brake system warning light on can lead
to an accident. If the light is still on after you've
pulled off the road and stopped carefully, have
the vehicle towed for service.
When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will also come on when you set your parking brake. The
light will stay on if your parking brake doesn't release
fully. If it stays on after your parking brake is fully
released, it means you have a brake problem.
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
The anti-lock brake
system warning light
should come on for a
few seconds when you
turn the ignition key
to ON.
If the anti
-lock brake system warning light stays on longer
than normal after you've started your engine, turn the
ignition off. Or, if the light comes on and stays on when
you're driving, stop as soon as possible and turn the
ignition off. Then start the engine again to reset the
system. If the light still stays on, or comes on again while
you're driving, the anti
-lock brake system needs service
and you don't have anti
-lock brakes. The brake pedal may
be harder to push, or it may go to the floor. It may take
longer to stop. Adjust your driving accordingly.
The anti
-lock brake system warning light should come
on briefly when you turn the ignition key to ON. If the
light doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there is a problem.