Message Center; Charging System Indicator Message - Pontiac 2002 Montana Owner's Manual

Here are four things that some owners ask about. All
these things are normal and do not indicate that anything
is wrong with the fuel gage.
D
At the gas station, the gas pump shuts off before the
gage reads full.
D
It takes a little more (or less) fuel to fill up than the
gage reads. For example, the gage reads half full, but
it took more (or less) than half of the tank's capacity
to fill it.
D
The gage pointer may move while cornering, braking
or speeding up.
D
The gage may not indicate empty when the ignition
is turned off.

Message Center

The message center is located in the instrument
panel cluster. It gives you important safety and
maintenance facts.
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Charging System Indicator Message

It will remain on as long as the engine is not running.
It should go out once the engine is running. If it stays
on, or comes on while you are driving, you may have
a problem with the charging system. It could indicate
that you have problems with a generator drive belt, or
another electrical problem. Have it checked right away.
Driving while this indicator appears in the message
center could drain your battery.
If you must drive a short distance with the message on,
be certain to turn off all your accessories, such as the
radio and air conditioner.
The charging system battery
symbol will come on in
the message center when
you turn on the ignition
as a check to show you
it is working.