2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO warning light

City Driving
One of the biggest problems with city streets is the
amount of traffic on them. You will want to watch out for
what the other drivers are doing and pay attention to
traffic signals.Here are ways to increase your safety in city driving:
Know the best way to get to where you are
going. Get a city map and plan your trip into
an unknown part of the city just as you would
for a cross-country trip.
Try to use the freeways that rim and crisscross
most large cities. You will save time and energy.
SeeFreeway Driving on page 4-22.
Treat a green light as a warning signal. A traffic
light is there because the corner is busy enough
to need it. When a light turns green, and just before
you start to move, check both ways for vehicles
that have not cleared the intersection or may
be running the red light.
4-21

Winter Driving
Here are some tips for winter driving:
Have your vehicle in good shape for winter.
You may want to put winter emergency supplies in
your trunk.Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, a
supply of windshield washer uid, a rag, some winter
outer clothing, a small shovel, a ashlight, a red
cloth and a couple of reective warning triangles. And, if
you will be driving under severe conditions, include a
small bag of sand, a piece of old carpet or a couple of
burlap bags to help provide traction. Be sure you
properly secure these items in your vehicle.
4-26

Notice:Use of automatic transaxle uid labeled
other than DEXRON®-III may damage your vehicle,
and the damages may not be covered by your
warranty. Always use DEXRON
®-III labeled automatic
transaxle uid.
3. After adding uid, recheck the uid level as described
under “How to Check” 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-COOL®engine 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
®extended 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, seeEngine Overheating on page 5-34.A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
5-31

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

{CAUTION:
If you have too much brake uid, it can spill on
the engine. The uid will burn if the engine is
hot enough. You or others could be burned,
and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake
uid only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
When your brake uid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 3-35.
What to Add
When you do need brake uid, use only DOT-3 brake
uid. Use new brake uid from a sealed container only.
SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
Always clean the brake uid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help
keep dirt from entering the reservoir.
{CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of uid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake uid.
Notice:
Using the wrong uid can badly damage brake
system parts. For example, just a few drops of
mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in your
brake system can damage brake system parts so
badly that they will have to be replaced. Do not
let someone put in the wrong kind of uid.
If you spill brake uid on your vehicle’s painted
surfaces, the paint nish can be damaged. Be
careful not to spill brake uid on your vehicle.
If you do, wash it off immediately. See
Appearance Care on page 5-94.
5-51

Brake Wear
Your vehicle has four-wheel disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a
high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are
worn and new pads are needed. The sound may come
and go or be heard all the time your vehicle is moving
(except when you are pushing on the brake pedal rmly).
{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes will not work well. That could lead
to an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are rst applied or lightly applied.
This does not mean something is wrong with your brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to GM torque specications.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you apply the brakes, with or without the
vehicle moving, your brakes adjust for wear.
5-52

A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-19
Adding Washer Fluid.......................................5-48
Additional Program Information.........................7-10
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment...........................5-103
Adjusting the Speakers
(Balance/Fade)............................3-59, 3-70, 3-81
Air Bag
Readiness Light..........................................3-34
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 Inate?....................1-54
What Will You See After an Air Bag Inates?......1-55
When Should an Air Bag Inate?...................1-53
Where Are the Air Bags?..............................1-51
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-26
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)....7-10
ALARM (Content Theft Operation).....................2-47
AM ...............................................................3-93
Antenna, Backglass.........................................3-95
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System.....3-96
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)............................ 4-7
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-37Appearance Care............................................5-94
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-97
Chemical Paint Spotting..............................5-100
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-94
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-97
Finish Damage............................................5-99
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-99
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-100
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials...............5-100
Weatherstrips..............................................5-97
Arming with the Power Lock Switch...................2-15
Arming with the Remote Keyless Entry
Transmitter.................................................2-16
Ashtrays........................................................3-20
Audio System(s).............................................3-55
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-92
Backglass Antenna......................................3-95
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-93
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-95
Care of Your CDs........................................3-94
Chime Level Adjustment...............................3-96
Radio with Cassette.....................................3-56
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-78
Radio with CD............................................3-67
Setting the Time..........................................3-55
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-91
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Audio System(s) (cont.)
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-93
Vehicle Customization Settings......................3-96
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-96
AUTOLOCK (Automatic Door
Lock and Unlock)........................................2-44
Automatic Transaxle
Fluid..........................................................5-28
Operation...................................................2-21
B
Backglass Antenna..........................................3-95
Backing Up....................................................4-42
Battery..........................................................5-53
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-7
Battery Rundown Protection.............................3-19
Battery Warning Message................................3-45
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-23
Brake
Low Fluid Warning Message.........................3-50
Parking......................................................2-25
System Warning Light..................................3-35
Brake Fluid....................................................5-50
Brake Wear...................................................5-52
Brakes..........................................................5-50
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-9
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-17Bulb Replacement...........................................5-60
Back-Up Lamps...........................................5-63
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-60
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-60
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
and Parking Lamps..................................5-60
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-63
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Sidemarker Lamps...................................5-62
Buying New Tires...........................................5-76C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
Canada – Customer Assistance.......................... 7-5
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-8
Capacities and Specications..........................5-110
Carbon Monoxide...................4-26, 4-38, 2-10, 2-29
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-97
Your Cassette Tape Player............................3-93
Your CD Player...........................................3-95
Your CDs ...................................................3-94
Cassette Tape Messages.........................3-66, 3-88
Cassette Tape Player Service............................. 6-9
CD Adapter Kits.....................................3-66, 3-88
CD Messages........................................3-77, 3-91
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-40
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