2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO overheating

Radiator Pressure Cap
Notice:The radiator cap on your vehicle 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 overow 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. SeeEngine 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. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature Gage
on page 3-38andHot Coolant Temperature Warning
Message on page 3-45.
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 signicant 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. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-18.
5-34

If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
{CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn
you badly, even if you just open the hood.
Stay away from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Just turn it off and get
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
everyone away from the vehicle until it cools
down. Wait until there is no sign of steam or
coolant before you open the hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch re. You
or others could be badly burned. Stop your
engine if it overheats, and get out of the
vehicle until the engine is cool.
See “Overheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode” underEngine Overheating on page 5-34
for information on driving to a safe place in an
emergency.
Notice:If your engine catches re because you keep
driving with no coolant, your vehicle can be badly
damaged. The costly repairs would not be covered by
your warranty. See “Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode” underEngine Overheating on
page 5-34for information on driving to a safe place
in an emergency.
5-35

{CAUTION:
An electric engine cooling fan under the hood
can start up even when the engine is not
running and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.
If the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank is boiling,
don’t do anything else until it cools down. The vehicle
should be parked on a level surface.
The coolant level
should be at or above
the COLD mark on
the coolant recovery tank.
To check the coolant
level, look for the COLD
mark on the side of
the coolant recovery tank
that faces the engine.Check to make sure that the coolant level is up to the
COLD ll level on the side of the coolant recovery tank.
If it isn’t, you may have a leak at the pressure cap or
in the radiator hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pump
or somewhere else in the cooling system.
{CAUTION:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine
parts, can be very hot. Do not touch them.
If you do, you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a leak. If you
run the engine, it could lose all coolant. That
could cause an engine re, and you could be
burned. Get any leak xed before you drive the
vehicle.
If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on, check
to see if the electric engine cooling fans are running.
If the engine is overheating, both fans should be
running. If they aren’t, your vehicle needs service.
5-38

Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by
a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions
about your tire warranty and where to obtain service,
see your GM Warranty booklet for details. For additional
information refer to the tire manufacturer’s booklet
included with your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual.
{CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.
Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result of too much
friction. You could have an air-out and a
serious accident. See “Loading Your
Vehicle” in the Index.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)

Underinated tires pose the same danger
as overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.
Overinated tires are more likely to be
cut, punctured or broken by a sudden
impact — such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If
your tread is badly worn, or if your tires
have been damaged, replace them.
5-65

Driving Through Deep Standing Water...............4-20
Driving Through Flowing Water.........................4-20
Driving with a Trailer.......................................4-42
Dual Climate Control System............................3-21
E
Easy Entry Seat............................................... 1-7
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment.....................................5-103
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-104
Headlamp Wiring.......................................5-103
Power Windows and Other Power Options....5-103
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-103
Emergency Trunk Release Handle.....................2-12
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs.................................3-41
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-26
Battery.......................................................5-53
Change Oil Message...................................3-47
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-39
Coolant......................................................5-31
Coolant Heater............................................2-20
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-38
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-14
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12Engine (cont.)
Exhaust.....................................................2-29
Low Oil Level Message................................3-46
Oil .............................................................5-18
Overheating................................................5-34
Starting......................................................2-18
Supercharger Oil.........................................5-24
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing..................4-45
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-22
Entry Lighting.................................................3-17
Erasing HomeLink
®Buttons..............................2-39
Event Data Records (EDR)..............................7-10
EXIT (Exit Feature
Customization Mode)....................................2-50
Express-Down Window....................................2-14
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-28
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-14
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-26
Finding a Program Type (PTY)
Station (RDS and XM™)..............3-60, 3-71, 3-82
Finding a Station............................3-58, 3-69, 3-80
Finish Care....................................................5-98
Finish Damage...............................................5-99
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