Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet monte carlo. After the vehicle received an oil change, oil was seen leaking from the engine. In addition, the vehicle overheated, the check engine warning indicator illuminated, and smoke emerged from the hood. The contact stated that, after replacing the radiator, there was a coolant leak. The contact also stated that the key fob failed to work. Furthermore, the tires were replaced and rotated, but the tire pressure warning indicator remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the oil leak was due to a faulty catalytic converter. The vehicle was not repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was informed and did not assist. The failure mileage was 174,034.
2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo: check engine light
6 of the 158 complaints about the 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo describe check engine light.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 4%
- typical mileage
- 127,856
- recalls
- 2
Check engine light by model year
What owners say
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet monte carlo. While driving various speeds, the check engine, service traction, and ABS warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the front wheel hub with the ABS sensor needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the front driver and passenger side wheel hubs were replaced; however, the failure recurred. Neither the manufacturer nor the dealer were contacted or notified. The approximate failure mileage was 127,856.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet monte carlo. The contact stated that while driving and idled, the temperature gauge increased indicating the vehicle was overheating. As a result, the contact had to pull over for a moment for the engine to cool. The engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the manifold needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet monte carlo. The contact stated that while the vehicle being serviced at a dealer, the technician informed the contact of an internal leak from the oil pressure unit. The dealer diagnosed that the oil pressure sending unit needed to be replaced however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet monte carlo. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle overheated. The contact added antifreeze into the radiator and discovered a leak. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who diagnosed that the upper manifold needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 66,000.
I have a 2003 chevrolet monte carlo. Beginning in august of 2006, my check engine light came on one day so I took the car to the dealer to have it checked. The diagnosis was an exhaust rocker stud had pulled out of the cylinder head. They heli coiled it ,and it was fine for a while. Then in sept. 2006, the same thing happened again,this time the opposite cylinder head. This time they fixed 3 of the studs. Now march 2007,the first cylinder head has the same problem. The dealer was unable to repair the head so it was replaced. While the car was there,the technician removed the cover from the opposite and found one rocker was loose again,so they removed that head and sent to a machine shop. I have an extended warranty on the car but still ended up paying close to $300 on my deductible and rental car. In seven months I have the same problem,there's got to be something wrong. Is the some way I can get the manufacturer to do something? 8jb
Service bulletins that may apply
- This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves...
- This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake...
- This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil...
- This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist...
- Engine
- This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter...
- This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure...
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V‑118, 09V‑116, and 15V‑201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
- Risk
- Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
- Remedy
- The remedy applied under recalls 08V‑118, 09V‑116, and 15V‑201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V‑118, 09V‑116, or 15V‑201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, Buick customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1‑800‑442‑6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
Recall number 15V701000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- General motors is recalling 1,497,516 my 1997-2003 buick regal, my 1998-2003 chevrolet lumina, monte carlo and impala, my 1998-1999 oldsmobile intrigue, my 1997-2003 pontiac grand prix vehicles equipped with a 3.8l v6 naturally aspirated engine. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which drops of engine oil may be deposited on the exhaust manifold through hard braking.
- Risk
- If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs below the heat shield, it may ignite into a small flame and may spread to the plastic spark plug wire channel and beyond increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and front-valve-cover gasket with new parts of an improved design and remove the engines plastic cover and plastic oil-fill-tube extension, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during may 2016. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, oldsmobile at 1‑800‑630‑6537, and pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668 or http://www.pontiac.com or http:www.gmownercenter.com.
Recall number 09V116000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo check engine light
Is check engine light a common problem on the 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo?
6 of 158 owner complaints about the 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo (4%) mention check engine light. The model year with the most reports is 2001.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo?
There are 2 recalls and 77 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Fire or smoke 12Stalling 11ABS 8Grinding brakes 8Headlights 8Loss of power 6No deployment 5Won't start 5
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