2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO Owners Manual

If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an
investigation, and if it ®nds that a safety defect exists in
a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your dealer or
General Motors.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety
Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in
the Washington, D.C. area) or write to:
NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation
Washington, D.C. 20590
You can also obtain other information about motor
vehicle safety from the hotline.
Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle
has a safety defect, you should immediately notify
Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General
Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to:
Transport Canada
330 Sparks Street
Tower C
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5
Reporting Safety Defects to General
Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in
a situation like this, we certainly hope you'll notify us.
Please call us at 1-800-222-1020, or write:
Chevrolet Motor Division
Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33170
Detroit, MI 48232-5170
In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00
7-9

Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments, and speci®cations for GM
transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars
and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to
assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service
Bulletins can be obtained by contacting your General
Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE
(1-800-463-7483).
Owner's Information
Owner publications are written speci®cally for owners
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The owner's manual will include
the Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner's Manual, and
Warranty Booklet.RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00
Without Portfolio: Owner's Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00
Current and Past Model Order Forms
Service Publications are available for current and
past model GM vehicles. To request an order form,
please specify year and model name of the vehicle.
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. on the
World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com
Or you can write to:
Helm, Incorporated
P. O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change without notice and without
incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.
Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are
quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make
checks payable in U.S. funds.
7-10

A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-20
Adding Washer Fluid.......................................5-43
Additional Program Information........................... 7-8
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-90
Adjusting the Speakers
(Balance/Fade)............................3-60, 3-71, 3-80
Air Bag Systems.............................................1-48
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?....................1-54
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle.........1-56
What Makes an Air Bag In¯ate?....................1-53
What Will You See After an Air Bag
In¯ates?..................................................1-54
When Should an Air Bag In¯ate?...................1-53
Where Are the Air Bags?..............................1-51
Air Bag .........................................................3-34
Readiness Light..........................................3-34
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-22
ALARM (Content Theft Operation).....................2-47
AM ...............................................................3-91
Antenna, Backglass.........................................3-93
Antenna, XMŸ Satellite Radio Antenna
System......................................................3-94
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)............................ 4-6
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-37Appearance Care............................................5-82
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-85
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-88
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-82
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-85
Finish Damage............................................5-87
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-87
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-88
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-89
Weatherstrips..............................................5-85
Arming with the Power Lock Switch...................2-15
Arming with the Remote Keyless Entry
Transmitter.................................................2-15
Ashtrays........................................................3-21
Audio System(s).............................................3-56
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-90
Backglass Antenna......................................3-93
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-91
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-92
Care of Your CDs........................................3-92
Chime Level Adjustment...............................3-94
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-78
Radio with Cassette.....................................3-57
Radio with CD............................................3-67
Setting the Time..........................................3-56
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-89
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-91
Vehicle Customization Settings......................3-94
XMŸ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-94
1

AUTOLOCK (Automatic Door Lock
and Unlock)................................................2-44
Automatic Transaxle Check..............................6-11
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control
System Check.............................................6-12
Automatic Transaxle........................................5-24
Fluid..........................................................5-24
Operation...................................................2-21
Auxiliary Power Connection (Power Drop)...........3-21
B
Backglass Antenna..........................................3-93
Backing Up....................................................4-38
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-7
Battery Rundown Protection.............................3-19
Battery Warning Message................................3-45
Battery..........................................................5-47
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-21
Body Lubrication Service..................................6-11
Brake Fluid....................................................5-44
Brake Wear...................................................5-46
Brake............................................................3-51
Low Fluid Warning Message.........................3-51
Parking......................................................2-24
System Inspection.......................................6-15
System Warning Light..................................3-36Brakes..........................................................5-44
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-7
Braking........................................................... 4-5
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-16
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-54
Back-Up Lamps...........................................5-57
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-54
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-53
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
and Parking Lamps..................................5-54
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-57
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Sidemarker Lamps...................................5-56
Buying New Tires...........................................5-65
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
Canada ± Customer Assistance.......................... 7-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-6
Capacities and Speci®cations............................5-98
Carbon Monoxide...................4-24, 4-34, 2-10, 2-28
Care of.........................................................5-85
Safety Belts................................................5-85
Your Cassette Tape Player............................3-91
Your CD Player...........................................3-92
Your CDs ...................................................3-92
2

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

Coolant.........................................................3-38
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-38
Heater, Engine............................................2-20
Hot Temperature Warning Message................3-46
Cooling System..............................................5-32
Cooling.........................................................3-25
Courtesy Lamps.............................................3-17
Cruise Control Light........................................3-43
Cruise Control................................................3-12
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-10
Customer Assistance Information........................ 7-7
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users............................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities................................................ 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors...... 7-9
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government.............................................. 7-9
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States
Government.............................................. 7-8
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-5
Service Publications Ordering Information......... 7-9D
Daytime Running Lamps / Automatic Headlamp
System......................................................3-16
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Defogging and Defrosting.................................3-26
Delayed Entry Lighting.....................................3-18
Delayed Exit Lighting.......................................3-18
Delayed Headlamps........................................3-16
Dinghy Towing................................................4-30
Directing the Air¯ow........................................3-22
Disarming with the Remote Keyless Entry
Transmitter.................................................2-15
Disarming with Your Key..................................2-15
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-3
Dolly Towing..................................................4-31
Dome Lamp...................................................3-19
Door.............................................................3-48
Ajar Warning Message.................................3-48
Locks.......................................................... 2-8
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-9
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-52
Driver............................................................1-16
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-16
4

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

F
Filter.............................................................5-22
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-22
Finding a PTY Station
(RDS and XMŸ).........................3-60, 3-71, 3-81
Finding a Station............................3-58, 3-69, 3-79
Finish Care....................................................5-86
Finish Damage...............................................5-87
Flash-to-Pass Feature....................................... 3-9
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-70
Flat Tire........................................................5-69
Fluid.............................................................5-24
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-24
Power Steering...........................................5-42
Windshield Washer......................................5-43
FM Stereo.....................................................3-91
FOB HORN (Remote Audible Veri®cation)...........2-46
FOB LIGHT (Remote Visual Veri®cation)............2-45
FOB PROG (Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter
Programming).............................................2-50
Fog Lamps....................................................3-17
Folding Rear Seat............................................ 1-8
Following Distance..........................................4-38
Fuel............................................................... 5-4
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-5
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9Fuel (cont.)
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-6
Gage.........................................................3-43
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-4
Gasoline Speci®cations.................................. 5-5
Low Warning Message.................................3-50
System Inspection.......................................6-15
Fuses...........................................................5-91
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-91
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-91
G
Gage............................................................3-38
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-38
Fuel..........................................................3-43
Speedometer..............................................3-33
Tachometer.................................................3-33
Voltmeter Gage...........................................3-35
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-35
Gasoline......................................................... 5-4
Octane........................................................ 5-4
Speci®cations............................................... 5-5
Gate Operator and Canadian Programming........2-38
Glove Box.....................................................2-39
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
6