2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO warning lights

Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Rear Seats
............................................... 1-8
Safety Belts
.............................................1-10
Child Restraints
.......................................1-29
Air Bag Systems
......................................1-48
Restraint System Check
............................1-56
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-2
Doors and Locks
....................................... 2-8
Windows
.................................................2-12
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-14
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-16
Mirrors
....................................................2-29
OnStar
žSystem
......................................2-34
HomeLinkžTransmitter
.............................2-35
Storage Areas
.........................................2-39
Sunroof
..................................................2-40
Vehicle Personalization
.............................2-41
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-22
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
.........3-30
Message Center
.......................................3-44
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-52Trip Computer
.........................................3-55
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-56
Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
..... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-29
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-4
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-10
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-53
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-54
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-58
Tires
......................................................5-59
Appearance Care
.....................................5-82
Vehicle Identi®cation
.................................5-90
Electrical System
......................................5-90
Capacities and Speci®cations
.....................5-98
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
....5-100
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance Information.................... 7-1
Customer Assistance Information
.................. 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
............................ 7-8
Index................................................................ 1
2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Owner ManualM

Vehicle Damage Warnings
Also, in this book you will ®nd these notices:
Notice:These mean there is something that could
damage your vehicle.
A notice will tell you about something that can damage
your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be
covered by your warranty, and it could be costly.
But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid
the damage.
When you read other manuals, you might see
CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors
or in different words.
You'll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use
the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.
Vehicle Symbols
Your vehicle has components and labels that use
symbols instead of text. Symbols, used on your vehicle,
are shown along with the text describing the operation
or information relating to a speci®c component, control,
message, gage or indicator.
If you need help ®guring out a speci®c name of a
component, gage or indicator, reference the following
topics:
·Seats and Restraint Systems in Section 1
·Features and Controls in Section 2
·Instrument Panel Overview in Section 3
·Climate Controls in Section 3
·Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators in Section 3
·Audio System(s) in Section 3
·Engine Compartment Overview in Section 5
iv

Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition, you can turn the switch to
four positions.
The ignition switch is
located on the instrument
panel, to the right of
the steering column.
OFF:This is the only position from which you can
remove the key. Removing the key locks your ignition
and automatic transaxle.
Notice:If your key seems stuck in OFF and you
can't turn it, be sure you are using the correct key;
if so, is it all the way in? Turn the key only with
your hand. Using a tool to force it could break the
key or the ignition switch. If none of this works, then
your vehicle needs service.ACC (ACCESSORY):This is the position in which you
can operate your electrical accessories. With the key
in this position, the ignition and automatic transaxle will
unlock.
ON:This is the position to which the switch returns
after you start the engine and release the switch. The
switch stays in ON while the engine is running. But even
when the engine is not running, you can use ON to
operate your electrical accessories and to display some
instrument panel cluster messages and warning
lights.
START:This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will
return to ON for normal driving.
While the engine is not running, ACC and ON allow you
to operate your electrical accessories, such as the
radio.
A warning chime will sound if you open the driver's door
while the ignition is in OFF or ACC and the key is in
the ignition.Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
With Retained Accessory Power (RAP), your power
windows, audio system and sunroof (option) will
continue to work for up to 10 minutes after the ignition is
turned to OFF and none of the doors is opened.
2-17

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-7
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-15
Interior Lamps..............................................3-17
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-20
Auxiliary Power Connection (Power Drop).........3-21
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-21
Climate Controls............................................3-22
Dual Climate Control System..........................3-22
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-28
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators.............3-30
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-31
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-33
Tachometer.................................................3-33
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-34
Air Bag Readiness Light................................3-34
Voltmeter Gage............................................3-35
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-36
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-37Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light...........................................3-37
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-38
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-38
Oil Pressure Indicator Light............................3-42
Cruise Control Light......................................3-43
Fuel Gage...................................................3-43
Message Center.............................................3-44
Service Traction System Warning Message......3-44
Traction Active Message................................3-45
Battery Warning Message..............................3-45
Hot Coolant Temperature Warning Message.....3-46
Low Oil Pressure Message............................3-46
Low Engine Oil Level Message.......................3-47
Change Engine Oil Message..........................3-47
Low Tire Message........................................3-48
Door Ajar Warning Message...........................3-48
Trunk Ajar Warning Message.........................3-49
Security Message.........................................3-49
Low Washer Fluid Warning Message...............3-50
Low Fuel Warning Message...........................3-50
Low Brake Fluid Warning Message.................3-51
Service Vehicle Soon Message.......................3-51
Highbeam Out Warning Message....................3-52
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Exterior Lamps
The exterior lamps control is located on the instrument
panel to the left of the steering wheel.
It controls the following systems:
·Headlamps
·Taillamps
·Parking Lamps
·License Plate Lamps
·Instrument Panel LightsThe exterior lamps control has three positions:
Off:Push the control all the way in to turn off the
exterior lamps.
Parking Lamps:Pull the control out halfway to 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
Interior Lamps on page 3-17for
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.
3-15

Warning Lights, Gages and
Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages that
may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you
locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause
an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
your warning lights and gages could also save you
or others from injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle's functions. As you
will see in the details on the next few pages, some
warning lights come on brie¯y when you start the engine
just to let you know they're working. If you are familiar
with this section, you should not be alarmed when
this happens.Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle's functions. Often gages
and warning lights work together to let you know when
there's a problem with your vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays
on when you are driving, or when one of the gages
shows there may be a problem, check the section
that tells you what to do about it. Please follow this
manual's advice. Waiting to do repairs can be
costly ± and even dangerous. So please get to know
your warning lights and gages. They're a big help.
Your vehicle may also have a Driver Information Center
(DIC) that works along with the warning lights and
gages. See
Driver Information Center (DIC) on
page 3-52.
3-30

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

W
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators................3-30
Warnings......................................................... 3-6
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-6
Other Warning Devices.................................. 3-6
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage.............................................. iv
Washer Fluid Low Warning Message.................3-50
Washing Your Vehicle......................................5-85
Weatherstrip Lubrication...................................6-11
Weight of the Trailer Tongue.............................4-36
Weight of the Trailer........................................4-35
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use........................5-18
What to Do with Used Oil................................5-22
What to Use..................................5-27, 5-42, 5-43
Wheels..........................................................5-67
Alignment and Tire Balance..........................5-67
Replacement...............................................5-67
When to Add Engine Oil..................................5-17
When to Change Engine Oil
(GM Oil Life System)...................................5-20
When to Check and Change............................5-24
When to Check Power Steering Fluid................5-42
When to Check..............................................5-60
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter..............................................5-22When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill.........................................4-40
Where to Put the Restraint...............................1-38
Why Safety Belts Work....................................1-12
Windows.......................................................2-12
Power........................................................2-13
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check................6-10
Windshield Washer.........................................3-11
Fluid..........................................................5-43
Windshield Wiper............................................5-58
Blade Replacement......................................5-58
Fuses........................................................5-91
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-10
Winter Driving................................................4-24
Wiper Blade Check.........................................6-11
X
XMŸ Radio Satellite Service
(USA Only).................................3-57, 3-68, 3-78
XMŸ Satellite Radio Antenna System................3-94
XMŸ Satellite Radio Service (USA Only)...........3-91
Y
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................... 6-2
16