2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Owner's Manual

2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo owners manual
Year:
2003
Make:
Chevrolet
Model:
Monte Carlo
Rating:
(8)

Online manual

Size:
18.5 MB

Table of Contents

Table of Contents
2
Seats and Restraint Systems
8
Front Seats
9
Manual Seats
9
Six-Way Power Seats
10
Manual Lumbar
10
Heated Seats
11
Reclining Seatbacks
11
Head Restraints
13
Seatback Latches
13
Easy Entry Seat
14
Rear Seats
15
Split Folding Rear Seat
15
Safety Belts
17
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone
17
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts
21
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
22
Driver Position
23
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
29
Right Front Passenger Position
30
Rear Seat Passengers
30
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults
33
Safety Belt Extender
35
Child Restraints
36
Older Children
36
Infants and Young Children
38
Child Restraint Systems
42
Where to Put the Restraint
45
Top Strap
46
Top Strap Anchor Location
47
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System)
47
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System
49
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position
50
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position
52
Air Bag Systems
55
Where Are the Air Bags?
57
When Should an Air Bag Inflate?
59
What Makes an Air Bag Inflate?
60
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?
60
What Will You See After an Air Bag Inflates?
61
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle
63
Restraint System Check
64
Checking Your Restraint Systems
64
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash
65
Features and Controls
66
Keys
67
Remote Keyless Entry System
69
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation
70
Doors and Locks
73
Door Locks
73
Power Door Locks
74
Programmable Automatic Door Locks
74
Lockout Protection
75
Leaving Your Vehicle
75
Trunk
76
Windows
78
Power Windows
79
Sun Visors
79
Theft-Deterrent Systems
80
Content Theft-Deterrent
80
Passlock
81
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
82
New Vehicle Break-In
82
Ignition Positions
82
Starting Your Engine
83
Engine Coolant Heater
85
Automatic Transaxle Operation
86
Parking Brake
89
Shifting Into Park (P)
90
Shifting Out of Park (P)
92
Parking Over Things That Burn
92
Engine Exhaust
93
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked
94
Mirrors
95
Manual Rearview Mirror
95
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
95
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
96
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with OnStar
96
Outside Power Mirrors
97
Outside Convex Mirror
98
Outside Heated Mirrors
98
OnStar
99
OnStar System
99
HomeLink Transmitter
102
Programming the HomeLink Transmitter
102
Storage Areas
106
Glove Box
106
Center Console Storage Area
106
Rear Storage Area
106
Convenience Net
106
Sunroof
107
Vehicle Personalization
108
Instrument Panel
116
Instrument Panel Overview
119
Hazard Warning Flashers
121
Other Warning Devices
121
Horn
122
Tilt Wheel
122
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
122
Exterior Lamps
129
Interior Lamps
131
Accessory Power Outlets
133
Auxiliary Power Connection (Power Drop)
134
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
135
Climate Controls
136
Dual Climate Control System
136
Outlet Adjustment
139
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
140
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
141
Instrument Panel Cluster
142
Speedometer and Odometer
144
Tachometer
144
Safety Belt Reminder Light
144
Air Bag Readiness Light
145
Voltmeter Gage
146
Brake System Warning Light
146
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
147
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light
148
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
148
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
149
Oil Pressure Indicator Light
152
Cruise Control Light
153
Fuel Gage
154
Message Center
155
Service Traction System Warning Message
155
Traction Active Message
155
Battery Warning Message
156
Hot Coolant Temperature Warning Message
156
Low Oil Pressure Message
157
Low Engine Oil Level Message
157
Change Engine Oil Message
158
Low Tire Message
158
Door Ajar Warning Message
159
Trunk Ajar Warning Message
159
Security Message
160
Low Washer Fluid Warning Message
160
Low Fuel Warning Message
161
Low Brake Fluid Warning Message
161
Service Vehicle Soon Message
162
Highbeam Out Warning Message
162
Driver Information Center (DIC)
163
Trip Computer
166
Audio System(s)
167
Setting the Time
167
Radio with CD
168
Radio with Cassette and CD
177
Theft-Deterrent Feature (RDS Radios)
190
Audio Steering Wheel Controls
190
Understanding Radio Reception
191
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
192
Care of Your CDs
193
Care of Your CD Player
193
Backglass Antenna
193
XM Satellite Radio Antenna System
194
DAB Radio Antenna System
194
Vehicle Customization Settings
194
Chime Level Adjustment
194
Driving Your Vehicle
196
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
197
Defensive Driving
197
Drunken Driving
197
Control of a Vehicle
200
Braking
201
Traction Control System (TCS)
203
Steering
205
Off-Road Recovery
207
Passing
208
Loss of Control
209
Driving at Night
210
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
212
City Driving
215
Freeway Driving
216
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
217
Highway Hypnosis
218
Hill and Mountain Roads
219
Winter Driving
220
If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
225
Towing
226
Towing Your Vehicle
226
Recreational Vehicle Towing
226
Loading Your Vehicle
227
Towing a Trailer
229
Service and Appearance Care
236
Service
238
Doing Your Own Service Work
239
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle
239
Fuel
240
Gasoline Octane
240
Gasoline Specifications
240
California Fuel
241
Additives
241
Fuels in Foreign Countries
242
Filling Your Tank
242
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
244
Checking Things Under the Hood
245
Hood Release
246
Engine Compartment Overview
247
Engine Oil
250
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
257
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
258
Engine Coolant
260
Radiator Pressure Cap
263
Engine Overheating
263
Cooling System
266
Power Steering Fluid
276
Windshield Washer Fluid
277
Brakes
278
Battery
281
Jump Starting
282
Headlamp Aiming
288
Bulb Replacement
289
Halogen Bulbs
289
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps
289
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and Sidemarker Lamps
291
Back-up Lamps
292
Replacement Bulbs
292
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
293
Tires
294
Inflation -- Tire Pressure
295
Tire Pressure Monitor System
295
Tire Inspection and Rotation
297
When It Is Time for New Tires
298
Buying New Tires
299
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
300
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
301
Wheel Replacement
301
Tire Chains
302
If a Tire Goes Flat
303
Changing a Flat Tire
303
Compact Spare Tire
314
Appearance Care
316
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
316
Care of Safety Belts
319
Weatherstrips
319
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
319
Sheet Metal Damage
321
Finish Damage
321
Underbody Maintenance
322
Chemical Paint Spotting
322
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
322
Vehicle Identification
324
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
324
Service Parts Identification Label
324
Electrical System
325
Add-on Electrical Equipment
325
Headlamp Wiring
325
Windshield Wiper Fuses
325
Power Windows and Other Power Options
325
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
325
Capacities and Specifications
332
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
334
Maintenance Schedule
336
Maintenance Schedule
337
Introduction
337
Your Vehicle and the Environment
337
Maintenance Requirements
337
How This Section is Organized
338
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services
339
Using Your Maintenance Schedule
339
Scheduled Maintenance
339
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
344
At Each Fuel Fill
344
At Least Once a Month
344
At Least Twice a Year
345
At Least Once a Year
345
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections
348
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
348
Exhaust System Inspection
349
Fuel System Inspection
349
Engine Cooling System Inspection
349
Throttle System Inspection
349
Brake System Inspection
349
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
350
Part E: Maintenance Record
351
Customer Assistance Information
354
Customer Assistance Information
355
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
355
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users
356
Customer Assistance Offices
357
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities
358
Roadside Assistance Program
358
Courtesy Transportation
360
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government
361
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government
362
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors
362
Service Publications Ordering Information
362
Index
364

2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Overview

Introduction

The 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo elegantly blends style, comfort, and performance, making it a standout in the realm of mid-sized coupe cars. With its sleek lines and aerodynamic design, the Monte Carlo evokes a sense of classic American muscle, paired with modern advancements to enhance driving pleasure. Chevrolet's traditional commitment to quality and reliability shines through, creating a vehicle that appeals to both nostalgic enthusiasts and contemporary drivers.

Powertrains

Under the hood, the 2003 Monte Carlo offers a choice between two robust powertrains. The base model is equipped with a 3.4-liter V6 engine, delivering 180 horsepower and ample torque for a smooth, responsive ride. For those seeking a more exhilarating driving experience, the SS trim features a 3.8-liter supercharged V6 engine, churning out an impressive 240 horsepower. Both engines are paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, ensuring seamless shifts as you navigate city streets or open highways.

Trims

The Monte Carlo comes in two main trim levels: the base LS and the performance-oriented SS. The LS trim focuses on comfort and convenience, incorporating features such as air conditioning, a CD player, and an array of power accessories. In contrast, the SS trim offers a sport-tuned suspension, unique styling elements, and upgraded technology, making it an attractive option for performance lovers. Both trims provide ample cabin space and a roomy trunk, enhancing the overall driving experience.

Features

Standard features in the 2003 Monte Carlo include keyless entry, cruise control, and a tilt steering wheel. Optional upgrades include leather seating, a premium audio system, and a sunroof, allowing owners to customize their ride according to personal preferences. Safety features such as anti-lock brakes and front airbags ensure peace of mind while driving.

Owner's Manual

The owner's manual for the 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo serves as an essential guide for understanding the vehicle's features, maintenance schedules, and troubleshooting advice. It offers detailed information on operating the audio system, maintaining optimal performance, and ensuring safety protocols are followed, helping drivers make the most of their Monte Carlo experience.

User manual download

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo owner manual for the 2003 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2003 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.

Posted by, John Mana author bio image
A passionate guy about car models, makes, and manuals.

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