2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO Owners Manual

6-5
Fuels containing MMT can reduce the life of spark
plugs and the performance of the emission control
system may be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp
may turn on. If this occurs, return to your authorized
GM dealer for service.
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States
are now required to contain additives that will help
prevent engine and fuel system deposits from forming,
allowing your emission control system to work properly.
You should not have to add anything to your fuel.
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.
NOTICE:
Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that
contains methanol. Don't use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal parts in your
fuel system and also damage plastic and rubber
parts. That damage wouldn't be covered under
your warranty.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the
United States or Canada, the proper fuel may be hard
to find. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel not
recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly repairs
caused by use of improper fuel wouldn't be covered by
your warranty.
To check on fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business in
the country where you'll be driving.
Filling Your Tank
CAUTION:
Gasoline vapor is highly flammable. It burns
violently, and that can cause very bad injuries.
Don't smoke if you're near gasoline or refueling
your vehicle. Keep sparks, flames and smoking
materials away from gasoline.

6-6
The tethered fuel cap is located behind a hinged door on
the driver's side of the vehicle.While refueling, let the fuel cap hang by the tether
below the fuel fill opening.
To remove the fuel cap, turn it slowly to the left
(counterclockwise). The fuel cap has a spring in it;
if you let go of the cap too soon, it will spring back
to the right.

6-7
CAUTION:
If you get gasoline on yourself and then
something ignites it, you could be badly burned.
Gasoline can spray out on you if you open the
fuel cap too quickly. This spray can happen if
your tank is nearly full, and is more likely in hot
weather. Open the fuel cap slowly and wait for
any ªhissº noise to stop. Then unscrew the cap
all the way.
Be careful not to spill gasoline. Clean gasoline from
painted surfaces as soon as possible. See ªCleaning the
Outside of Your Vehicleº in the Index.When you put the fuel cap back on, turn it to the right
(clockwise) until you hear a clicking sound. Make sure
you fully install the cap. The diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly
installed. This would allow fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. See ªMalfunction Indicator Lampº in
the Index.
NOTICE:
If you need a new fuel cap, be sure to get the
right type. Your dealer can get one for you.
If you get the wrong type, it may not fit properly.
This may cause your malfunction indicator lamp
to light and may damage your fuel tank and
emissions system. See ªMalfunction Indicator
Lampº in the Index.

6-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
CAUTION:
Never fill a portable fuel container while it is in
your vehicle. Static electricity discharge from the
container can ignite the gasoline vapor. You can
be badly burned and your vehicle damaged if this
occurs. To help avoid injury to you and others:

Dispense gasoline only into
approved containers.

Do not fill a container while it is inside a
vehicle, in a vehicle's trunk, pickup bed
or on any surface other than the ground.

Bring the fill nozzle in contact with the
inside of the fill opening before operating
the nozzle. Contact should be maintained
until the filling is complete.

Don't smoke while pumping gasoline.
Checking Things Under the Hood
CAUTION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up and
injure you even when the engine is not running.
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and
start a fire. These include liquids like gasoline,
oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and
other fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others
could be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill
things that will burn onto a hot engine.

6-9 Hood Release
To open the hood do the following:
1. Pull the handle
located inside
the vehicle near
the parking
brake pedal.
2. Then go to the front of the vehicle and release the
secondary hood release.
3. Lift the hood.
Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are
on properly. Then just pull the hood down and close
it firmly.

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

6-11
When you open the hood on the 3800 V6 (Code K) engine, you'll see the following:
A. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir
B. Lower Underhood Fuse Block
C. Upper Underhood Fuse Block
D. Radiator Pressure CapE. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank
F. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
(low in engine compartment)
G. Engine Oil DipstickH. Engine Oil Fill Cap
I. Transaxle Fluid Dipstick
J. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir
K. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter

6-12
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.