2006 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO power steering

The main components of your instrument panel are listed here:
A. Air Vent. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-22.
B. Remote Trunk Release Button. See “Remote Trunk
Release” underTrunk on page 2-11.
C. Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn Signal/Multifunction
Lever on page 3-7.
D. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-25.
E. Hazard Warning Flasher Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
F. Driver Information Center (DIC) Buttons. SeeDriver
Information Center (DIC) on page 3-39.
G. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-59.
H. Exterior Lamps Control. SeeExterior Lamps on
page 3-13.
I. Instrument Panel Brightness. SeeInstrument Panel
Brightness on page 3-15.
J. Traction Control On/Off Button (If Equipped). See
Traction Control System (TCS) on page 4-9.K. Tilt Steering Wheel Lever. SeeTilt Wheel on
page 3-6.
L. Steering Wheel Cruise Control (If Equipped). See
Cruise Control on page 3-10.
M. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-11.
N. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
O. Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped). See
Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-83.
P. Ignition Switch. SeeIgnition Positions on page 2-18.
Q. Climate Controls. SeeClimate Control System on
page 3-19.
R. Accessory Power Outlet. SeeAccessory Power
Outlet(s) on page 3-17.
S. Automatic Transaxle Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic
Transaxle Operation on page 2-22.
T. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-39.
3-5

REMOTE KEY LEARNING ACTIVE
This message will display while you are matching a
remote keyless entry transmitter to your vehicle.
See “Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle” under
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation on page 2-4
andDIC Operation and Displays on page 3-40for more
information.
REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY
This message will display when the battery in the remote
keyless entry transmitter needs to be replaced. To
replace the battery, see “Battery Replacement” under
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation on page 2-4.
SERVICE A/C (Air Conditioning)
SYSTEM
This message will display when the electronic sensors
that control the air conditioning and heating systems are
no longer working. Have the climate control system
serviced by your GM dealer if you notice a drop
in heating and air conditioning efficiency.
SERVICE AIR BAG
This message will display when there is a problem with
the airbag system. Have your vehicle serviced by
your GM dealer immediately. SeeAirbag Readiness
Light on page 3-27for more information.
SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING
SYSTEM
This message will display when there is a problem with
the generator and battery charging systems. Driving
with this problem could drain your battery. Turn off all
unnecessary accessories. Stop and turn off the
vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Have the electrical
system checked by your GM dealer immediately.
SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM
This message will display when service is required on
the brake system. Have the brake system serviced
by your GM dealer as soon as possible. The brake
system warning light will also appear on the instrument
panel cluster when this message appears on the
DIC. SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-31.
SERVICE POWER STEERING
This message will display when a problem is detected
with the power steering system. When this message
is displayed, you may notice that the effort required to
steer the vehicle increases or feels heavier, but you will
still be able to steer the vehicle. Have your vehicle
serviced by your GM dealer immediately.
3-50

Here are some ways in which you can help avoid
distraction while driving.
While your vehicle is parked:
Familiarize yourself with all of its controls.
Familiarize yourself with its operation.
Set up your audio system by presetting your
favorite radio stations, setting the tone, and
adjusting the speakers. Then, when driving
conditions permit, you can tune to your favorite
radio stations using the presets and steering wheel
controls if the vehicle has them.
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment to
your vehicle, such as an audio system, CD player,
CB radio, mobile telephone, or two-way radio, make
sure that it can be added by checking with your
dealer. Also, check federal rules covering mobile
radio and telephone units. If sound equipment can
be added, it is very important to do it properly.
Added sound equipment may interfere with
the operation of your vehicle’s engine, radio, or
other systems, and even damage them. Your
vehicle’s systems may interfere with the operation
of sound equipment that has been added.Notice:The chime signals related to safety belts,
parking brake, and other functions of your vehicle
operate through the radio/entertainment system.
If that equipment is replaced or additional equipment
is added to your vehicle, the chimes may not
work. Make sure that replacement or additional
equipment is compatible with your vehicle before
installing it. SeeAccessories and Modifications
on page 5-3.
Your vehicle has a feature called Retained Accessory
Power (RAP). With RAP, the audio system can be
played even after the ignition is turned off. SeeRetained
Accessory Power (RAP) on page 2-19for more
information.
Setting the Time
(Without Date Display)
If your vehicle has a base AM/FM radio with a single
CD player and preset buttons numbered one through
six, the radio will have a clock button for setting the time.
You can set the time by following these steps:
1. Press the clock button until the hour numbers begin
ashing on the display. Press the clock button a
second time and the minute numbers will begin
ashing on the display.
3-60

Audio Steering Wheel Controls
The audio steering wheel
controls may be different
depending on your
vehicles options. Some
audio controls can
be adjusted at the steering
wheel. They include the
following:
xw(Next/Previous):Press the up or the down
arrow to go to the next or to the previous radio station
stored as a favorite.
When a CD is playing, press the up or the down arrow
to go to the next or previous track.
g(Mute/Voice Recognition):Press and release this
button to silence the system. Press and release this
button again, to turn the sound on.
If your vehicle has OnStar
®, press and hold this button
for longer than one second to interact with the OnStar
system. See theOnStar
®System on page 2-32in
this manual for more information.SRCE (Source):Press this button to switch between
AM, FM, XM (if equipped), CD, and AUX jack.
+−(Volume):Press the plus or minus button to
increase or to decrease the radio volume.
¨(Seek):Press the seek arrow to go to the next
radio station and stay there.
Radio Reception
You may experience frequency interference and static
during normal radio reception if items such as cellphone
chargers, vehicle convenience accessories, and
external electronic devices are plugged into the
accessory power outlet. If there is interference or static,
unplug the item from the accessory power outlet.
AM
The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM,
especially at night. The longer range can cause
station frequencies to interfere with each other. For
better radio reception, most AM radio stations will boost
the power levels during the day, and then reduce
these levels during the night. Static can also occur when
things like storms and power lines interfere with radio
reception. When this happens, try reducing the treble on
your radio.
3-83

If you do not have ABS, use a “squeeze” braking
technique. This will give you maximum braking while
maintaining steering control. You can do this by pushing
on the brake pedal with steadily increasing pressure.
In an emergency, you will probably want to squeeze the
brakes hard without locking the wheels. If you hear or
feel the wheels sliding, ease off the brake pedal.
This will help you retain steering control. If you do have
ABS, it is different. SeeAnti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) on page 4-7.
In many emergencies, steering can help you more than
even the very best braking.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Your vehicle is equipped with a Traction Control System
that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. The system operates only if it senses
that one or both of the front wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the
system reduces engine power and may also upshift the
transaxle and apply the front brakes to limit wheel spin.This light will ash when
your Traction Control
System is limiting wheel
spin. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) Warning
Light on page 3-32.
You may feel or hear the system working, but this is
normal.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction
control system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise
control will automatically disengage. When road
conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may
re-engage the cruise control. SeeCruise Control Light
on page 3-38.
The Traction Control System operates in all transaxle
shift lever positions. But the system can upshift the
transaxle only as high as the shift lever position you’ve
chosen, so you should use the lower gears only
when necessary. SeeAutomatic Transaxle Operation
on page 2-22.
The SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL message will
appear in the Driver Information (DIC) to let you know if
there is a problem with the system.
4-9

SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-46. When
this message appears, the system will not limit wheel
spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road
conditions, you should always leave the Traction Control
System on. But you can turn the system off if you
ever need to.
You should turn the system off if your vehicle ever gets
stuck in sand, mud or snow and rocking the vehicle
is required. SeeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice, or Snow on page 4-28.
To turn the system off or
on, press the traction
control button located near
the exterior lamp control.
When you turn the system off, a chime will sound and a
TRACTION CONTROL OFF message will appear in
the DIC. If the Traction Control System is limiting wheel
spin when you press the button to turn the system
off, the traction control system warning light will come
on and the system will turn off right away.You can turn the system back on at any time by
pressing the button again. The Traction Control System
warning light should go off.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modications
on page 5-3for more information.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves.
Here is why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to
the same laws of physics when driving on curves.
The traction of the tires against the road surface makes
it possible for the vehicle to change its path when
you turn the front wheels. If there is no traction, inertia
will keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If
you have ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you
will understand this.
4-10

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle..............................................5-4
Fuel................................................................5-4
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-5
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)..................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling the Tank..............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-10
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-17
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-20
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-22
Automatic Transaxle Fluid..............................5-23
Engine Coolant.............................................5-26
Pressure Cap...............................................5-28
Engine Overheating.......................................5-29Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-31
Cooling System............................................5-31
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-38
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-39
Brakes........................................................5-40
Battery........................................................5-42
Jump Starting...............................................5-43
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-47
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-47
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-47
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
and Parking Lamps....................................5-48
Taillamps, Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps........5-50
Back-Up Lamps............................................5-51
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-51
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-52
Tires..............................................................5-54
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-55
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-57
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-60
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-62
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-66
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-67
Buying New Tires.........................................5-68
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-39.
B. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-42.
C. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-97.
D. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-43.
E. Coolant Recovery Tank. See “Checking Coolant”
underCooling System on page 5-31.
F. Pressure Cap. SeePressure Cap on page 5-28.
G. Power Steering Fluid Cap. SeePower Steering Fluid
on page 5-38.H. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-17.
I. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-17.
J. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick (Out of View).
See “Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transaxle Fluid on page 5-23.
K. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-40.
L. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-22.
5-13