2005 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO oil 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

Low Oil Pressure Message
This message is displayed when the engine oil pressure
is low. A chime will sound continuously, also. See
Engine Oil Pressure Gage on page 3-40.
Low Engine Oil Level Message
Your vehicle may be equipped with a LOW ENG OIL
LEVEL message.
This message is displayed for 60 seconds at the start of
each ignition cycle when the engine oil level is low.
Four chimes will also sound.
When the ignition is turned off, this message will be
displayed again for three seconds to remind you
that your engine oil level is low. Be sure to have your
vehicle serviced right away.
SeeEngine Oil on page 5-18on how to check the oil
level and for what type of oil to add. United States
CanadaUnited StatesCanada
3-45

The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce your speed
according to your speedometer, not to your sense
of motion. After driving for any distance at higher
speeds, you may tend to think you are going slower
than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you are ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you are not fresh — such as after
a day’s work — do not plan to make too many miles that
rst part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing
and shoes you can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it is ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course, you
will nd experienced and able service experts in GM
dealerships all across North America. They will be ready
and willing to help if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:Have you checked
all levels?
Lamps:Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires:They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts:What is the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a
short time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps:Do you have up-to-date maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as highway hypnosis?
Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it
highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch of road with
the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the
road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the
wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Do
not let it happen to you! If it does, your vehicle can
leave the road in less than a second, and you could
crash and be injured.
4-22

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

Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
3400 V6 Engine
3800 V6 Engine
5-18