2005 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO coolant level

How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead
of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your dealer in the area where you will be parking
your vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice
for that particular area.
Automatic Transaxle Operation
Your automatic transaxle has a shift lever located on
the console between the front seats.
The above graphic is displayed on your instrument
panel cluster.
Maximum engine speed is limited on automatic transaxle
vehicles while you are in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
to protect driveline components from improper operation.
There are several different positions for your shift
lever.PARK (P):This position locks your front wheels. It is
the best position to use when you start your engine
because your vehicle cannot move easily.
{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure your
vehicle will not move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, always set your parking
brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P). See
Shifting Into Park (P) on page 2-24. If you are
pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-38.
2-20

Message Center.............................................3-42
Service Traction System Warning Message......3-43
Traction Active Message................................3-43
Battery Warning Message..............................3-44
Hot Coolant Temperature Warning Message.....3-44
Low Oil Pressure Message............................3-45
Low Engine Oil Level Message.......................3-45
Change Engine Oil Message..........................3-46
Low Tire Message........................................3-46
Door Ajar Warning Message...........................3-47
Trunk Ajar Warning Message.........................3-47
Security Message.........................................3-48
Low Washer Fluid Warning Message...............3-48
Low Fuel Warning Message...........................3-49
Low Brake Fluid Warning Message.................3-49
Service Vehicle Soon Message.......................3-50
Highbeam Out Warning Message....................3-50Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-51
Trip Computer................................................3-53
Audio System(s).............................................3-54
Setting the Time...........................................3-54
Radio with Cassette......................................3-55
Radio with CD..............................................3-66
Radio with Cassette and CD..........................3-76
Theft-Deterrent Feature..................................3-88
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.......................3-89
Radio Reception...........................................3-90
Care of the Cassette Tape Player...................3-90
Care of Your CDs.........................................3-91
Care of the CD Player...................................3-91
Backglass Antenna.......................................3-92
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System.............3-93
Vehicle Customization Settings.......................3-93
Chime Level Adjustment................................3-93
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

Battery Warning Message
When the vehicle is
started this message will be
displayed for
three seconds.
If the message is displayed when the engine is running,
you may have a problem with your charging system.
If there is a problem with the charging system,
four chimes will sound when the message comes on.
The battery display will also stay on while the key
is in ON until the engine is started.
If the message stays on after starting the engine it could
indicate a problem with the generator drive belt, or
some other charging system problem. Have it checked
right away. Driving with this message on could drain
your battery.
If you must drive a short distance with this message
displayed, it helps to turn off all your accessories.
Hot Coolant Temperature Warning
Message
This message is displayed when the cooling
system temperature gets hot. A chime will sound
continuously, also.
Check the coolant temperature gage and the coolant
level. SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-28,Engine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 3-36andEngine
Overheating on page 5-31for further information.
United StatesCanada
3-44

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-44.
B. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-48.
C. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-48.
D. Upper Underhood Fuse Block. See “Underhood
Fuse Block (Upper)” underUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-101.
E. Lower Underhood Fuse Block. See “Underhood
Fuse Block (Lower)” underUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-101.
F. Radiator Pressure Cap. SeeRadiator Pressure Cap
on page 5-31.
G. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System
on page 5-34.
H. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-43.I. Electric Cooling Fan. SeeCooling System on
page 5-34.
J. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-18.
K. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-18.
L. Engine Coolant Air Bleed Valves (underneath engine
shield). See “How to Add Coolant to the Radiator”
underCooling System on page 5-34.
M. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick. See “Checking
the Fluid Level” underAutomatic Transaxle Fluid
on page 5-26.
N. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-45.
O. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-24.
5-13

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-44.
B. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-48.
C. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-48.
D. Upper Underhood Fuse Block. See “Underhood
Fuse Block (Upper)” underUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-101.
E. Lower Underhood Fuse Block. See “Underhood
Fuse Block (Lower)” underUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-101.
F. Radiator Pressure Cap. SeeRadiator Pressure Cap
on page 5-31.
G. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System
on page 5-34.
H. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (low in engine
compartment). SeePower Steering Fluid on
page 5-43.I. Electric Cooling Fan. SeeCooling System on
page 5-34.
J. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-18.
K. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-18.
L. Engine Coolant Air Bleed Valves (underneath engine
shield). See “How to Add Coolant to the Radiator”
underCooling System on page 5-34.
M. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick. See “Checking
the Fluid Level” underAutomatic Transaxle Fluid
on page 5-26.
N. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-45.
O. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-24.
5-15

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-44.
B. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-48.
C. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-48.
D. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-101.
E. Radiator Pressure Cap. SeeRadiator Pressure Cap
on page 5-31.
F. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System
on page 5-34.
G. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (below generator).
SeePower Steering Fluid on page 5-43.H. Electric Cooling Fan. SeeCooling System on
page 5-34.
I. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-18.
J. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-18.
K. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick. See “Checking
the Fluid Level” underAutomatic Transaxle Fluid
on page 5-26.
L. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 5-45.
M. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-24.
5-17

How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transaxle uid to use. SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-12.
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 does not take much uid, generally less than
one pint (0.5 L). Do not overll.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transaxle
uid may damage your vehicle, and the damages
may not be covered by your warranty. Always
use the automatic transaxle uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
3. After adding uid, recheck the uid level as
described under “How to Check Automatic
Transaxle Fluid,” 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 ve 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 5-31.
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.
5-28

Checking Coolant
The coolant recovery tank
is located between the
power steering uid
reservoir and the
underhood fuse block, in
the engine compartment,
on the passenger’s
side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12for
more information on
location.
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your
engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the COLD
mark or a little higher. When your engine is warm,
the level should be up to the HOT mark or a little higher.
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank, but be
careful not to spill it.
If the coolant recovery tank is completely empty, add
coolant to the radiator. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 5-31.
{CAUTION:
Turning the radiator pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam
and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you
badly. With the coolant recovery tank, you will
almost never have to add coolant at the
radiator. Never turn the radiator pressure
cap — even a little — when the engine and
radiator are hot.
5-30