2006 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO warning light

Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages that
may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you
locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an
expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to your
warning lights and gages could also save you or others
from injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. As you will
see in the details on the next few pages, some warning
lights come on briey when you start the engine just to
let you know they’re working. If you are familiar with this
section, you should not be alarmed when this happens.Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle’s functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to let you know when there’s
a problem with your vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
when you are driving, or when one of the gages shows
there may be a problem, check the section that tells you
what to do about it. Please follow this manual’s advice.
Waiting to do repairs can be costly – and even
dangerous. So please get to know your warning lights
and gages. They’re a big help.
Your vehicle may also have a Driver Information
Center (DIC) that works along with the warning lights
and gages. SeeDriver Information Center (DIC)
on page 3-39.
3-24

Speedometer and Odometer
Your speedometer lets you see your speed in both
miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h).
Your odometer shows how far your vehicle has
been driven in either miles (used in the United States)
or in kilometers (used in Canada).
Your vehicle has a tamper-resistant odometer. If you
see ERROR, you’ll know someone has probably
tampered with it and the numbers may not be accurate.
You may wonder what happens if your vehicle needs a
new odometer installed. If the new one can be set to the
mileage total of the old odometer, then that will be done.
But if it can’t, then it will be set at zero and a label must be
put on the driver’s door to show the old mileage reading
when the new odometer was installed.
Tachometer
Notice:If you operate the engine with the
tachometer in the shaded warning area, your vehicle
could be damaged, and the damages would not
be covered by your warranty. Do not operate
the engine with the tachometer in the shaded
warning area.
The tachometer displays the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (rpm).
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the key is turned to RUN, a chime will come on
for several seconds to remind people to fasten their
safety belts, unless the driver’s safety belt is already
buckled.
This chime and light will be
repeated if the driver
remains unbuckled and the
vehicle is in motion.
The safety belt light will also come on and stay on for
several seconds, then it will ash for several more.
3-26

Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part is not working, the other part can
still work and stop you. For good braking, though,
you need both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem.
Have your brake system inspected right away.
This light should come on briey when you turn the
ignition key to RUN. If it does not come on then, have it
xed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will also come on when you set your parking brake.
The light will stay on if your parking brake does not
release fully. If it stays on after your parking brake is fully
released, it means you have a brake problem.
If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is
harder to push or, the pedal may go closer to the oor.
It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the
vehicle towed for service. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 3-31andTowing Your Vehicle on
page 4-34.
{CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working
properly if the brake system warning light is
on. Driving with the brake system warning light
on can lead to an accident. If the light is still
on after you have pulled off the road and
stopped carefully, have the vehicle towed for
service. United StatesCanada
3-31

Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
Light
If your vehicle is equipped
with anti-lock brakes, the
anti-lock brake system
warning light should come
on for a few seconds
when you turn the ignition
key to RUN.
If the anti-lock brake system warning light stays on
longer than normal after you’ve started your engine, turn
the ignition off or, if the light comes on and stays on
when you are driving, stop as soon as possible and turn
the ignition off. Then start the engine again to reset
the system. If the light still stays on, or comes on again
while you are driving, the anti-lock brake system
needs service and you do not have anti-lock brakes.
The anti-lock brake system warning light should
come on briey when you turn the ignition key to RUN.
This is normal. If the light does not come on then,
have it xed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a
problem.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
For vehicles equipped with
the traction control system,
this warning light should
come on briey when
the engine is started.
If the warning light does not come on then, have it xed
so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If it stays on, or comes on when you are driving, there
may be a problem with your traction control system
and your vehicle may need service. When this warning
light is on, the system will not limit wheel spin.
Adjust your driving accordingly.
If the traction control system warning light comes on
and stays on for an extended period of time when the
system is turned on, your vehicle needs service.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-9for
more information.
3-32

Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
The engine coolant
temperature warning light
will come on when the
engine has overheated.
If this happens you should pull over and turn off the
engine as soon as possible. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-29for more information.
Notice:Driving with the engine coolant temperature
warning light on could cause your vehicle to
overheat. SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-29.
Your vehicle could be damaged, and it might not be
covered by your warranty. Never drive with the
engine coolant temperature warning light on.
This light will also come on when starting your vehicle.
If it doesn’t, have your vehicle serviced.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. If the
gage pointer moves towards the “H” (United States)
or the shaded in thermostat (Canada), it means that your
engine coolant has overheated. If you have been
operating your vehicle under normal driving conditions,
you should pull off the road, stop your vehicle and
turn off the engine as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-29for more
information.
United StatesCanada
3-33

AUTOMATIC LIGHT CONTROL OFF
This message will display when the automatic
headlamps are turned off. SeeDaytime Running Lamps
(DRL)/Automatic Headlamp System on page 3-14for
more information.
AUTOMATIC LIGHT CONTROL ON
This message will display when the automatic
headlamps are turned on. SeeDaytime Running Lamps
(DRL)/Automatic Headlamp System on page 3-14for
more information.
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
This message will display when service is required for
the vehicle. See your GM dealer. SeeEngine Oil
on page 5-17andScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4
for more information.
Acknowledging the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message will not reset the OIL LIFE REMAINING.
That must be done at the OIL LIFE screen under the
vehicle information menu. See “Oil Life” underDIC
Operation and Displays on page 3-40andEngine Oil
Life System on page 5-20.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
If your vehicle has a Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system,
this message will display when the tire pressure in one of
the tires needs to be checked. This message will also
display LEFT FRONT, RIGHT FRONT, LEFT REAR, or
RIGHT REAR to indicate which tire needs to be checked.
You can receive more than one tire pressure message at
a time. To read the other messages that may have been
sent at the same time, press the set/reset button. If a tire
pressure message appears on the DIC, stop as soon as
you can. Have the tire pressures checked and set to
those shown on your Tire Loading Information Label.
SeeTires on page 5-54,Loading Your Vehicle on
page 4-29, andInation - Tire Pressure on page 5-60.
The DIC display also shows the tire pressure values for
the front and rear tires by pressing the vehicle information
button. SeeDIC Operation and Displays on page 3-40.
If the tire pressure is low, the low tire pressure warning
light will come on. SeeTire Pressure Light on page 3-34.
DRIVER DOOR OPEN
This message will display when the driver’s door is not
closed properly. When this message appears, you
should make sure that the driver’s door is closed
completely.
3-47

ERROR
This message will display while viewing the odometer or
trip odometers if there is a problem with the instrument
panel cluster. See your GM dealer for service.
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message will display when your vehicle is low on
fuel. You should rell the fuel tank as soon as possible.
SeeFuel Gage on page 3-38andFilling the Tank on
page 5-8for more information.
HOOD OPEN
If your vehicle has the remote start feature, this
message will display when the hood is not closed
properly. When this message appears, you should make
sure that the hood is closed completely. SeeHood
Release on page 5-11.
ICE POSSIBLE DRIVE WITH CARE
This message will display when the outside air
temperature is cold enough to create icy road conditions.
Adjust your driving accordingly.
OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine
oil pressure is low, severe engine damage may
occur. If a low oil pressure warning appears on the
Driver Information Center (DIC), stop the vehicle
as soon as possible. Do not drive the vehicle until
the cause of the low oil pressure is corrected.
SeeEngine Oil on page 5-17for more information.
This message will display when the vehicle’s engine
oil pressure is low. The oil pressure light will also appear
on the instrument panel cluster. SeeOil Pressure
Light on page 3-37.
Stop the vehicle immediately, as engine damage can
result from driving a vehicle with low oil pressure. Have
the vehicle serviced by your GM dealer as soon as
possible when this message is displayed.
PASSENGER DOOR OPEN
This message will display when the passenger’s door
is not closed properly. When this message appears,
you should make sure that the passenger’s door
is closed completely.
3-49

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