2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO check engine light

·Put on extra clothing or wrap a blanket around you.
If you have no blankets or extra clothing, make
body insulators from newspapers, burlap bags, rags,
¯oor mats ± anything you can wrap around
yourself or tuck under your clothing to keep warm.
You can run the engine to keep warm, but be careful.
{CAUTION:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your
vehicle. This can cause deadly CO (carbon
monoxide) gas to get inside. CO could
overcome you and kill you. You can't see it or
smell it, so you might not know it is in your
vehicle. Clear away snow from around the
base of your vehicle, especially any that is
blocking your exhaust pipe. And check around
again from time to time to be sure snow
doesn't collect there.
Open a window just a little on the side of the
vehicle that's away from the wind. This will
help keep CO out.
Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little
faster than just idle. That is, push the accelerator
slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat that you get and
it keeps the battery charged. You will need a
well-charged battery to restart the vehicle, and possibly
for signaling later on with your headlamps. Let the
heater run for a while.
4-27

How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
what kind of transaxle ¯uid to use. See
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-16.
If the ¯uid level is low, add only enough of the proper
¯uid to bring the level into the cross-hatched area on
the dipstick.
1. Pull out the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough ¯uid at the
dipstick hole to bring it to the proper level.
It doesn't take much ¯uid, generally less than
one pint (0.5 L).
Don't over®ll.
Notice:
We recommend you use only ¯uid labeled
DEXRONž±III, because ¯uid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transaxle.
Damage caused by ¯uid other than DEXRON
ž±III is
not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
3. After adding ¯uid, recheck the ¯uid level as
described under ªHow to Checkº earlier in this
section.
4. When the correct ¯uid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is ®lled with
DEX-COOLžengine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs ®rst, if you add
only DEX-COOL
žextended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating or if you need to add coolant to
your radiator, see
Engine Overheating on page 5-29.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
žcoolant will:
·Give freezing protection down to-34ÉF (-37ÉC).
·Give boiling protection up to 265ÉF (129ÉC).
·Protect against rust and corrosion.
·Help keep the proper engine temperature.
·Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
5-26

Cassette Tape Messages.........................3-66, 3-86
Cassette Tape Player Service...........................6-10
CD Adapter Kits.....................................3-67, 3-87
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-39
Chains, Tires..................................................5-69
Change Engine Oil Message............................3-47
Check Engine Light.........................................3-38
Checking Coolant............................................5-28
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-16
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Checking Your Restraint Systems......................1-56
Check...........................................................3-38
Engine Light...............................................3-38
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-88
Child Restraints..............................................1-35
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-35
Infants and Young Children...........................1-32
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-41
Older Children.............................................1-29
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-43
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat
Position..................................................1-43
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position...................................1-46
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-40
Top Strap...................................................1-39
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-38Chime Level Adjustment..................................3-94
CHIRP (Horn Chirp Timer)...............................2-49
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-21
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels..............................5-87
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-86
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-82
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-84
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-84
Cleaning Leather............................................5-84
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-84
Cleaning Tires................................................5-87
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-84
Cleaning Windshield and Wiper Blades..............5-86
Cleaning........................................................5-82
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-82
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-85
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-88
Weatherstrips..............................................5-85
Climate Control System...................................3-28
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-28
Dual..........................................................3-22
Compact Disc Messages..........................3-77, 3-89
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-81
Compass Variance..........................................3-54
Content Theft-Deferrent....................................2-14
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Convenience Net............................................2-40
3

Driving On Grades..........................................4-39
Driving on Snow or Ice....................................4-25
Driving Through Deep Standing Water...............4-18
Driving Through Flowing Water.........................4-18
Driving with a Trailer.......................................4-38
Driving..........................................................4-15
At Night.....................................................4-15
City...........................................................4-19
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Freeway.....................................................4-20
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-22
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-16
Winter........................................................4-24
Dual Climate Control System............................3-22
E
Easy Entry Seat............................................... 1-7
Electrical System............................................5-90
Add-On Equipment......................................5-90
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-91
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-91
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-91
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-91
Emergency Trunk Release Handle.....................2-12Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-41
Engine Coolant Level Check.............................6-10
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing..................4-40
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-20
Engine Oil Level Check...................................6-10
Engine..........................................................5-22
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-22
Battery.......................................................5-47
Change Oil Message...................................3-47
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-38
Compartment Overview................................5-12
Coolant Heater............................................2-20
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-38
Coolant......................................................5-26
Cooling System Inspection............................6-15
Exhaust.....................................................2-28
Low Oil Level Message................................3-47
Oil .............................................................5-16
Overheating................................................5-29
Starting......................................................2-18
Entry Lighting.................................................3-18
Erasing HomeLink
žButtons..............................2-38
EXIT (Exit Feature Customization Mode)............2-50
Express-Down Window....................................2-14
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-28
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-15
5

H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-6
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.................... 3-9
Headlamp Wiring............................................5-91
Headlamp......................................................5-53
Aiming.......................................................5-53
Headlamps....................................................5-54
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-54
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-54
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
and Parking Lamps..................................5-54
Heated Outside Mirrors....................................2-33
Heated Seats................................................... 1-4
Heating.........................................................3-24
Highbeam Out Warning Message......................3-52
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-22
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-22
Hitches..........................................................4-37
HomeLink Transmitter, Programming..................2-36
HomeLink
žTransmitter....................................2-35
Hood............................................................5-10
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-10
Horn............................................................... 3-7
Hot Coolant Temperature Warning Message........3-46How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank............................................5-34
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator..................5-37
How to Add Fluid............................................5-26
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-42
How to Check........................................5-24, 5-60
How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.......5-22
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-16
Hydroplaning..................................................4-17
I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-31
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-30
If the Light Is Flashing.....................................3-40
If the Light Is on Steady..................................3-40
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-28
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer.....................4-35
If You're Caught in a Blizzard...........................4-26
Ignition Positions.............................................2-17
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check..........................6-13
Illumination on Remote Activation........................ 2-6
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-32
In¯ation -- Tire Pressure..................................5-60
7

Locks............................................................. 2-8
Door........................................................... 2-8
Leaving Your Vehicle....................................2-10
Lockout Protection.......................................2-10
Power Door.................................................. 2-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-9
Loss of Control...............................................4-13
Low Brake Fluid Warning Message....................3-51
Low Engine Oil Level Message.........................3-47
Low Fuel Warning Message.............................3-50
Low Oil Pressure Message...............................3-46
Low Tire Message..........................................3-48
Low Washer Fluid Warning Message.................3-50
LT DELAY (Delayed Headlamp Illumination)........2-43
Lumbar........................................................... 1-3
Manual Controls............................................ 1-3
M
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts..........5-100
Maintenance Schedule.....................................6-10
At Each Fuel Fill.........................................6-10
At Least Once a Month................................6-10
At Least Once a Year..................................6-11
At Least Twice a Year..................................6-11
Brake System Inspection..............................6-15
Engine Cooling System Inspection.................6-15
Exhaust System Inspection...........................6-14
Fuel System Inspection................................6-15Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
How This Section is Organized....................... 6-3
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services......... 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services.............6-10
Part C - Periodic MaintenanceInspections......6-14
Part D - Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants...............................................6-16
Part E - Maintenance Record........................6-17
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-5
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection..........................6-14
Throttle System Inspection............................6-15
Using Your................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-40
Making Turns.................................................4-38
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-38
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-3
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-6
Message.......................................................3-45
Battery Warning..........................................3-45
Center.......................................................3-44
Change Engine Oil......................................3-47
Door Ajar Warning.......................................3-48
Highbeam Out Warning................................3-52
Hot Coolant Temperature Warning..................3-46
Low Brake Fluid Warning..............................3-51
9

Radios (cont.)
Setting the Time..........................................3-56
Theft-Deterrent............................................3-89
Understanding Reception..............................3-91
RDS Messages..............................3-61, 3-72, 3-81
Reading Lamps..............................................3-19
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-26
Rear Seat Passenger Positions.........................1-23
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-23
Rear Storage Area..........................................2-39
Rear Window Defogger....................................3-27
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming
with OnStar
ž..............................................2-32
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming..................2-31
Rearview Mirror with OnStar
ž...........................2-30
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-29
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-4
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-30
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-4
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-3
Remote Trunk Release....................................2-11
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-74
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-71
Removing the Wheel Covers and the Wheel
Nut Caps...................................................5-73
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-57
Replacing Brake System Parts..........................5-47
Replacing Restraint System Parts After
a Crash.....................................................1-57Reporting Safety Defects................................... 7-9
Canadian Government................................... 7-9
General Motors............................................. 7-9
United States Government.............................. 7-8
Reprogramming a Single HomeLink
žButton.......2-38
Resetting Defaults...........................................2-39
Resetting the Trip Computer.............................3-55
Restraint System Check...................................6-11
Checking Your Restraint Systems...................1-56
Replacing Restraint System Parts After
a Crash..................................................1-57
Restraint Systems...........................................1-56
Checking....................................................1-56
Replacing Parts...........................................1-57
Resynchronization............................................. 2-7
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-17
Right Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts......1-23
Roadside......................................................... 7-5
Assistance Program....................................... 7-5
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out...................4-29
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked.......2-28
S
Safety Belt.....................................................3-34
Reminder Light............................................3-34
Safety Belts...................................................5-85
Care of......................................................5-85
Driver Position............................................1-16
12

Safety Belts (cont.)
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................1-16
Questions and Answers About
Safety Belts.............................................1-15
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children
and Small Adults......................................1-26
Rear Seat Passengers.................................1-23
Right Front Passenger Position......................1-23
Safety Belt Extender....................................1-28
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy.................1-22
Safety Belts Are for Everyone.......................1-10
Safety Chains.................................................4-37
Safety Warnings and Symbols.............................. iii
Scheduled Maintenance..................................... 6-5
Seatback Latches............................................. 1-6
Seat............................................................... 1-6
Head Restraints............................................ 1-6
Seats.............................................................. 1-7
Easy Entry Seat............................................ 1-7
Heated Seats............................................... 1-4
Manual Lumbar............................................. 1-3
Manual........................................................ 1-2
Reclining Seatbacks...................................... 1-4
Seatback Latches.......................................... 1-6
Six-Way Power Seats.................................... 1-3
Split Folding Rear Seat.................................. 1-8
Securing a Child Restraint................................1-43
Designed for the LATCH System...................1-43
Rear Seat Position......................................1-43
Right Front Seat Position..............................1-46Securing a Child Restraint (cont.)
Selecting Outside Air or Recirculation................3-23
Selecting the Fan Speed..................................3-23
Service Bulletins.............................................7-10
Service Manuals............................................... 7-9
Service........................................................... 5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle.............................................. 5-4
Doing Your Own Work................................... 5-3
Engine Soon Light.......................................3-38
Message....................................................3-49
Publications Ordering Information..................... 7-9
Traction System Warning Message.................3-44
Vehicle Soon Message.................................3-51
Setting Preset Stations....................3-59, 3-70, 3-80
Setting the Time.............................................3-56
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)..........3-59, 3-70, 3-80
SETTINGS (Display Current Settings)................2-42
Sheet Metal Damage.......................................5-87
Shifting Into Park (P).......................................2-25
Shifting Out of Park (P)...................................2-27
Skidding........................................................4-14
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips.......................4-18
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems.....................5-83
Speci®cations, Capacities.................................5-98
Speedometer..................................................3-33
Split Folding Rear Seat..................................... 1-8
Starter Switch Check.......................................6-12
Starting Your 3400 V6 Engine...........................2-18
Starting Your 3800 Series II V6 Engine..............2-19
13