2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO Owners Manual

{CAUTION:
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling
system can blow out and burn you badly. They
are under pressure, and if you turn the radiator
pressure cap — even a little — they can come
out at high speed. Never turn the cap when the
cooling system, including the radiator pressure
cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system and
radiator pressure cap to cool if you ever have
to turn the pressure cap.
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How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
Notice:Your engine has a specic radiator ll
procedure. Failure to follow this procedure could
cause your engine to overheat and be severely
damaged.
The radiator pressure cap is located in the front of the
engine compartment on the passenger’s side of the
vehicle, near the diagonal cross brace. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-12for more
information on location.1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when
the cooling system, including the radiator pressure
cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise until
it rst stops. (Don’t press down while turning the
pressure cap.)
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss
means there is still some pressure left.
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push
down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap.
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{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
3. If you have the 3800 V6 engine, remove the
3800 Series II V6 engine cover shield to access
the bleed valve.
A. Clean the area around the engine oil ll tube
and cap before removing. Twist the oil ll
tube, with cap attached, counterclockwise and
remove it.
B. Lift the engine cover shield at the front, slide
the catch tab out of the engine bracket and
remove the cover shield.
C. Put the oil ll tube, with cap attached, in the
valve cover oil ll hole until you’re ready to
replace the cover shield.
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4. After the engine cools, open the coolant air bleed
valve or valves.
3400 V6 engine: There are two bleed valves.
One is located on the thermostat housing.
The other is located on the thermostat bypass tube.
3800 V6 engine: There is one bleed valve.
It is located on the thermostat housing. 3400 V6 Bleed Valve #1
3400 V6 Bleed Valve #2
3800 V6 Bleed Valve
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5. Fill the radiator with the proper DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture, up to the base of the ller
neck. SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-31for more
information about the proper coolant mixture.
If you see a stream of coolant coming from an
air bleed valve, close the valve. Otherwise,
close the valves after the radiator is lled.
6. Rinse or wipe any spilled coolant from the engine
and the compartment.7. If you have the 3800 V6 engine, replace the
3800 Series II V6 engine cover shield.
7.1. Remove the oil ll tube, with cap attached,
from the valve cover.
7.2. Insert the catch tab on the cover shield
under the bracket on the engine.
7.3. Place the hole in the cover shield over the
hole in the valve cover. Install oil ll tube
and cap by twisting clockwise.
8. Then ll the coolant recovery tank to the COLD mark.
9. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank,
but leave the radiator pressure cap off.
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10. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the
upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fans.
11. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator
ller neck may be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper DEX-COOL
®coolant mixture
through the ller neck until the level reaches
the base of the ller neck.12. Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during
this procedure if coolant begins to ow out of the
ller neck, reinstall the pressure cap. Be sure
the arrow on the pressure cap lines up like this.
13. Check the coolant in the recovery tank. The level in
the coolant recovery tank should be at the HOT
mark when the engine is hot or at the COLD mark
when the engine is cold.
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Power Steering Fluid
The power steering uid reservoir is located toward the
rear of the engine compartment, on the passenger’s
side of the vehicle.
It will have the above symbol on its cap. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-12.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
uid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A uid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired. SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for reservoir location.
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How to Check Power Steering Fluid
Turn the key off, let the engine compartment cool down,
wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean, then
unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
Replace the cap and completely tighten it. Then remove
the cap again and look at the uid level on the dipstick.
When the 3400 V6 engine compartment is hot, the level
should be at the H (hot) mark. When it’s cold, the
level should be at the C (cold) mark. If the uid is at the
ADD mark, you should add uid.
For the 3800 V6 engine, the level should be at the
HOT mark when the engine compartment is hot. If the
uid is at the ADD mark, you should add uid.
What to Use
To determine what kind of uid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
Always use the proper uid. Failure to use the proper
uid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer uid, be sure to
read the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you
will be operating your vehicle in an area where the
temperature may fall below freezing, use a uid that
has sufficient protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
When this message is displayed, it means the vehicle is
low on windshield washer uid. You should add more
windshield washer uid soon.United States
Canada
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