2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO instrument cluster

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The exterior lamps control has three positions:
OFF: Pushing the control all the way in turns off the
exterior lamps.
Parking Lamps: Pulling the control out halfway will
turn on the parking lamps together with the following:

Taillamps

License Plate Lamps

Instrument Panel Lights
Headlamps: Pulling the control all the way out turns on
the headlamps together with the previously listed lamps
and lights. See ªInterior Lampsº later in this section for
information on the instrument panel brightness control
and on the dome lamps. A warning chime will sound if
you open the driver's door when the ignition switch is
off and the headlamps are on.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) /
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 lamps 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.
The DRL system's automatic headlamp control will
make your high
-beam headlamps come on at a reduced
brightness when the following conditions are met:

The ignition is on,

the exterior lamps control is off and

the gearshift is not in PARK (P).
When the DRL are on, only your high
-beam
headlamps, at a reduced level of brightness, will be on.
The headlamps, taillamps, sidemarker and other lamps
won't be on. Your instrument panel and cluster won't
be lit up either.
When it's dark enough outside, your high
-beam
headlamps will turn off and the headlamps and parking
lamps will turn on. The other lamps that come on with
your headlamps will also come on.
When it's bright enough outside, your headlamps will
go off and your DRL will come on.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when you need it.

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The main components of your instrument panel are listed here:
A. Instrument Panel Fuse Block
B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
(behind steering wheel)
C. Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)
D. Instrument Panel Cluster
E. Hazard Warning Flasher Button
F. Audio System
G. Air Vent
H. Exterior Lamps ControlI. Remote Trunk Release
J. Tilt Steering Wheel Lever
K. Hood Release
L. Cruising Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)
M. Ignition Switch
N. Automatic Transaxle Shift Lever
O. Climate Controls
P. Glove Box

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Instrument Panel Cluster
Your instrument panel cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You'll know how fast
you're going, about how much fuel is in your tank and many other things you need to drive safely and economically.
3400 V6 Engine Cluster: United States version shown; Canada similar

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Message Center
The message center is located below the tachometer
gage on the instrument panel cluster. It gives you
important safety and maintenance facts.
Modes
Service Traction System
United States Canada
If this message appears when you are driving, there is
a problem with your traction control system and your
vehicle is in need of service.
When this message is displayed, the system will not
limit wheel spin. The message will stay on for 60
seconds and then go out. Four chimes will also be heard.
Adjust your driving accordingly.When the ignition is turned off, this message will be
displayed again for three seconds to remind you that
your traction control system is not working properly.
Be sure to have your vehicle serviced right away.
Traction Active
United States Canada
This message will appear when the traction control
system is limiting wheel spin.
The message will stay on a few seconds after the
traction system stops limiting wheel spin.

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Towing Your Vehicle
Consult your dealer or a professional towing service if
you need to have your disabled vehicle towed. See
ªRoadside Assistanceº in the Index. If you want to
tow your vehicle behind another vehicle for recreational
purposes (such as behind a motorhome), see
ªRecreational Vehicle Towingº in the Index.
Engine Overheating
You will find a coolant temperature gage and a warning
message 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. If an
overheated engine condition exists, 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. Driving extended
miles (km) and/or 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, change the oil and reset
the oil life system. See ªEngine Oilº in the Index.

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Engine Oil
United States Canada
If the LOW ENG OIL LEVEL message appears on the
instrument cluster, 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.