Repair And Fix it

If the "Service Engine Soon" light comes on inside the dashboard of your 1997 Monte Carlo, you can turn it off by disconnecting the battery. Service engine lights can come on inside of a car if you have recently changed an oxygen sensor in your fuel tank, for example. Dealerships and mechanics might tell you to drive the car for about 20 miles to clear the service engine light, but there is another way.

Instructions

1

Turn the car off. Pop the hood to your 1997 Monte Carlo, and locate the battery.

2

Disconnect the red terminal from the battery with a socket wrench. Disconnect the black terminal from the battery with a socket wrench.

3

Go to the ignition switch inside your Monte Carlo, and put your key inside. Turn the ignition switch three times. Turn the ignition switch to "OFF", and then reconnect the battery to the terminals.

4

Turn the ignition switch to "ON" without starting the Monte Carlo. Leave the ignition switch on for one minute.

5

Start the car and the "Service Engine Soon" light will be off.

General Motors has issued multiple recalls of 2000-2005 Chevy Monte Carlos for problems ranging from fuel leaks to air bag defects. Engine fires, crashes or injury to vehicle occupants could result. Concerned vehicle owners may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to determine whether their Monte Carlo vehicles may be affected.

Steering and Brakes

In 2004, certain 2004 model year Monte Carlo vehicles were recalled because of problems with lower-than-required torque in the bolts mounting the front brake caliper to the steering knuckle. The bolts could break or back out, causing difficulties in steering and/or braking. In a separate recall, certain 2000-2007 Monte Carlos were recalled in 2009 for a broken steering knuckle problem.

Air Bags

In 2002, thousands of model year 2002-2003 Monte Carlos were recalled due to a manufacturing problem with the drivers side air-bag inflator. If the air bag deploys, shards of the inflator could fly out and hurt someone in the car. A small number of 2003 Monte Carlos were subsequently under recall as well, to repair a separate defect that could cause the drivers side air bag to rupture.

Fuel System

In 2004, certain 2000 model year Monte Carlos equipped with 3800 V6 (L36) engines and certain Delphi fuel pressure regulators were recalled because a fuel leak could occur and cause an engine backfire. Backfiring could cause the intake manifold to rupture and displace a fuel line, potentially causing fire. In 2007, various 1995-2005 Monte Carlos equipped with Delphi fuel pressure regulators were recalled for a similar fuel problem that could cause a fire.

Engine

In 2009, 1998-2003 model year Monte Carlos equipped with 3.8L V6 naturally aspirated engines were recalled for dripping engine oil onto the exhaust manifold. This could cause an engine fire.