2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO trailer

Radiator Pressure Cap
Notice:Your radiator cap is a pressure-type cap
and must be tightly installed to prevent coolant loss
and possible engine damage from overheating.
Be sure the arrows on the cap line up with the
over¯ow tube on the radiator ®ller neck.
The radiator pressure cap is located in the front of the
engine compartment on the passenger's side, near
the diagonal cross brace. See
Engine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12for more information on location.
Engine Overheating
You will ®nd a coolant temperature gage and a warning
message about a hot engine on your instrument
panel cluster. See
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
on page 3-38andHot Coolant Temperature Warning
Message on page 3-46.
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 ®ring groups of
cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode,
you will notice a signi®cant 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.
5-29

If No Steam Is Coming From Your
Engine
An overheat warning along with a low coolant message
can indicate a serious problem.
If you get an engine overheat warning, but see or hear
no steam, the problem may not be too serious.
Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when you:
·Climb a long hill on a hot day.
·Stop after high-speed driving.
·Idle for long periods in traffic.
·Tow a trailer.
If you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam,
try this for a minute or so:
1. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in NEUTRAL (N)
while stopped. If it is safe to do so, pull off the road,
shift to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)l and let the
engine idle.2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan
speed and open the window as necessary.
If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can
drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about 10 minutes.
If the warning doesn't come back on, you can drive
normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park your
vehicle right away.
If there's still no sign of steam, you can idle the engine
for three minutes while you're parked. If you still
have the warning,
turn off the engine and get everyone
out of the vehicleuntil it cools down. Also, see
ªOverheated Engine Protection Operating Modeº listed
previously in this section.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.
5-31

37,500 Miles (62 500 km)
qRotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-63for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote .) (See footnote +.)
45,000 Miles (75 000 km)
qInspect engine air cleaner ®lter. If necessary, replace
the ®lter. If vehicle is driven in dusty/dirty conditions,
inspect ®lter at every engine oil change. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-22for more
information.An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote ².)
qIf Equipped: Replace passenger compartment air
®lter. If you drive regularly under dusty conditions,
the ®lter may require replacement more often.
qRotate tires. See
Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-63for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote .) (See footnote +.)
50,000 Miles (83 000 km)
qChange automatic transaxle ¯uid and ®lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of
these conditions:
þ In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches 90ÉF (32ÉC)
or higherþ In hilly or mountainous terrain.
þ When doing frequent trailer towing.
þ Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change the ¯uid and ®lter at 100,000 miles
(166 000 km).
52,500 Miles (87 500 km)
qRotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-63for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote .) (See footnote +.)
60,000 Miles (100 000 km)
qIf Equipped: Replace passenger compartment air
®lter. If you drive regularly under dusty conditions,
the ®lter may require replacement more often.
qRotate tires. See
Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-63for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote .) (See footnote +.)
qReplace engine air cleaner ®lter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-22for more information.An Emission Control Service.
6-7

100,000 Miles (166 000 km)
qInspect spark plug wires.An Emission Control
Service.
qReplace spark plugs.An Emission Control Service.
qChange automatic transaxle ¯uid and ®lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of
these conditions:
þ In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches 90ÉF (32ÉC)
or higher.
þ In hilly or mountainous terrain.
þ When doing frequent trailer towing.
þ Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
qIf you haven't used your vehicle under severe
conditions listed previously and, therefore, haven't
changed your automatic transaxle ¯uid, change both
the ¯uid and ®lter.
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
qDrain, ¯ush and re®ll cooling system (or every
60 months since last service, whichever occurs ®rst).
See
Engine Coolant on page 5-26for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure
cap and neck. Pressure test the cooling system
and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service.
qInspect engine accessory drive belt.An Emission
Control Service.
6-9

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

Starting Your Engine.......................................2-18
Steering in Emergencies..................................4-11
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot
and Seal Inspection.....................................6-14
Steering Tips..................................................4-10
Steering Wheel Controls, Audio.........................3-90
Steering........................................................4-10
Storage Areas................................................2-39
Center Console Storage Area........................2-39
Convenience Net.........................................2-40
Glove Box..................................................2-39
Rear Storage Area.......................................2-39
Storing the Flat Tire and Tools..........................5-79
Storing the Spare Tire and Tools.......................5-80
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow......................4-28
Sun Visors.....................................................2-14
Sunroof.........................................................2-40
T
Tachometer....................................................3-33
Taillamps.......................................................5-56
Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Sidemarker Lamps...................................5-56
TCS Warning Light..........................................3-37
Theft-Deterrent, Radio.....................................3-89
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-14
Content Theft-Deterrent................................2-14
Passlock
ž...................................................2-16Throttle System Inspection...............................6-15
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-7
Tire In¯ation Check.........................................6-10
TIRE MON (Tire In¯ation Monitor Reset)............2-43
Tire ...............................................................3-48
Low Message.............................................3-48
Tires.............................................................5-59
Buying New Tires........................................5-65
Chains.......................................................5-69
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-70
Compact Spare Tire.....................................5-81
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-69
In¯ation -- Tire Pressure...............................5-60
Inspection and Rotation................................5-63
Pressure Monitor System..............................5-61
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-66
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-67
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-67
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-64
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater....................2-20
Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-40
Top Strap......................................................1-39
Torque Lock...................................................2-26
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires..................4-36
Towing..........................................................4-30
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-30
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-34
Your Vehicle...............................................4-29
14