Chevrolet TRACKER 1993 Owner`s manual

U

’1,

5

C

Table of Contents

.

.’acker

Introduction

Part 1

Part 2

How

to Use This Manual

.............

Seats & Safety Belts.

Features & Controls

1

I

I

Part

3

Comfort Controls 81 Audio Systems rn

,101

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8

Your Driving and the Road.

I

Problems on the Road

Service & Appearance Care..

I

.......

1

Maintenance Schedule

.............

1

Customer Assistance Information

....

Including “Reporting Safety Defects” on page 315.

I

Part9 Index..

Service Station Information

Printed in U.S.A. Part

No.

10213056 A First Edition

Please keep this manual in your Geo, so it will be there if you ever need it when you’re on the road. If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it so the new owner can use it.

This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes in the product after that time without further notice. For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name

“General Motors of Canada Limited” for Chevrolet/Geo Division whenever it appears in this manual.

For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual

Aux propribtaires canadiens:

un exemplaire de ce guide en franGais chez votre concessionaire ou

au DGN

Marketing Services

Ltd., 1500

Bonhill

Rd.,

Mississauga,

Ontario

L5T

1C7.

Published by Chevrolet/Geo Division

General Motors Corporation

General Motors, GM and the GM emblem,

Chevrolet and the Chevrolet emblem, Geo and the

Geo emblem are registered trademarks of General

Motors Corporation.

@ Copyright 1992 General Motors Corporation, Chevrolet/Geo Division. All rights reserved.

CONVERTIBLE

UTILITY

HARDTOP

UTILITY

About Driving Your Tracker

As

with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or an accident. Be sure to read the “on-pavement” and “off-road” driving guidelines in this manual. (See

“Driving Guidelines” and “Off-Road Driving with Your Geo Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicle” in the Index.)

3..

.

Welcome to Geo

World-class vehicles for the world-wise vehicle buyer. Feature by feature, every Geo shows that quality, value and technology can exist hand-in-hand with affordability. And Geo adds something special to vehicle ownership -

There’s a Geo out there for everyone. It could be the economical Geo Metro or the sporty Geo Storm. Maybe the five-passenger Geo flagship, Prizm, or the adventurous off-roader, Geo Tracker.

No matter what Geo you drive, you’ll find designed-in comfort and owner enjoyment in detail after careful detail. Geo’s are savvy vehicles that answer the needs of the road and

- even the off-road.

Sold and serviced bylheusands of Chevrolet/Geo dealers, Geo is earning its stripes as a serious contender in today’s value-conscious marketplace. We know your ownership experience will be a rewarding one.

I

,

Welcome to the world of Geo.

Jim Perkins

General Manager

. .

- 4

How to Use

Manual

This

Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. This will help you learn about the features and controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find that pictures and words work together to explain things quickly.

Index:

A good place to look for what you need is the Index in back of the manual. It’s an alphabetical list of all that’s in the manual, and the page number where you’ll find it.

Part

1-8: Each part of this manual begins with a brief list of its contents, so you can often find at a glance if a part contains the information you want.

How to Use

This

Manual

This part tells you how to use your manual and includes safety and vehicle damage warnings and symbols.

Part

1:

Seats

&

Safety Belts

This part tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly.

Part 2: Features

&

Controls

This part explains how to start and operate your Geo.

Part

3:

Comfort

Controls & Audio

Systems

This part tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your sound system.

Part

4:

Your Driving and the Road

Here you’ll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions.

5 . .

.

How to Use this Manual

Part

5:

Problems

on

the Road

This part tells you what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or engine overheating.

Part

6:

Service

&

Appearance Care

Here the manual tells you how to keep your Geo running properly and looking good.

Part

7:


This part tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use.

Part

8:

Customer Assistance

Information

This part includes important information

3bout reporting safety defects and gives you details about the “Roadside

4ssistance” program. You will also find mstomer satisfaction phone numbers

(including customer satisfaction numbers for the hearing and speech impaired) as well as the mediationlarbitration procedure. We’ve also included ordering information for service publications in this part.


This is a quick reference of service information. You can find it on the last page of this manual.

Safety Warnings and Symbols

You will find a number of safety cautions in this book. We use yellow and the word CAUTION to tell you about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore the warning.

In the yellow caution area, we tell you what the hazard is. Then we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce the hazard. Please read these cautions. If you don’t, you or others could be hurt.

I .

.

6

I‘ou will

also

find a red circle with a lash through it in this book. This safety ymbol means “Don’t,’’ “Don’t do his,” or “Don’t let this happen.”

Vehicle Damage Warnings

Also, in this book you will find these blue notices:

In the blue notice area, we tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly. But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid the damage.

When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in different words. In this manual, we’ve used the familiar words and colors that

Geo

has used for years.

You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use the same colors, and the words CAUTION or NOTICE.

I

7 . . .


Vehicle Symbols

These are some of the symbols you will

find on your vehicle. For example, these symbols are used on an original battery:

These symbols are important for you and your passengers whenever your vehicle is driven:

Caution Possible injury Fasten Safety Belts

Protect Eyes by Shielding

Caustic Battery Acid

Could Cause Burns

Avoid Sparks or Flames

Sparks or Flame Could

Explode Battery

Headlight Low Beam

These symbols have to do with your lights:

Parking Lights

Master Lighting Switch

Brightness Control

Turn Signal Direction

Hazard Warning Flasher

A

(Canada)

These symbols are on some of your controls:

Windshield Wiper

Windshield Washer

Windshield Defroster

Air Conditioning Rear Window Wiper and Washer w

Rear Window Wiper

Rear Window Defogger

Q

Ventilating Fan

AIC


These symbols are used indicator lights:

on

warning and

Engine Coolant

Temperature

Battery Charging

System

Fuel

E3 w

Brake

I .

.

10

Here are some other

symbols

you may see:

Hood Release

Lighter

Horn

Part

1

Seats & Safety Belts

.

H e r e you’ll find information about the seats

in

your Geo and how to use your safety belts properly

.

You can also learn about some things you should

not

do with safety belts .

Seats and Seat Controls

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

18

Why Safety Belts Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Here Are Questions Many People Ask about

Safety Belts -

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Safety Belt Reminder Light

Children

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Larger Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Safety Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Checking Your Restraint Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Replacing Safety Belts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40


Seats and Seat Controls

This section tells you about the seats - how to adjust them, and also about reclining from seatbacks, head restraints, seatback latches, easy entry seats, folding rear seat and reclining rear seatbacks,

Front Seat

A

You

can lose control

of

the

L vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat

while

the vehicle

is

moving. The sudden movement could startle

and

canfuse you, or make you push pedal when you don’t want to. a

Adjust the driver’s seat only

when

the vehicle

is

not moving.

Move the lever under the front seat to unlock it. Slide the seat to where you want it. Then release the lever and try to move the seat with your body, to make sure the seat is locked into place.

. . .

12

I

.

.

Reclining Front Se, iacks

To adjust the seatback, lift the lever on the outer side of the seat. Release the lever to lock the seatback where you want it. Pull up on the lever and the seat will go to its original upright position.

But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving.

I W

Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be

L you’re reclined like this.

The shoulder belt can’t do its job because it won’t be against your body. Instead, it will be in front of you. In a crash you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries.

The lap belt can’t do its job either. In a crash the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries.

For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright.

Then sit well back in the seat and wear your safety belt properly.


Head Restraints

Head restraints are fixed on some vehicles and adjustable on others. Slide an adjustable head restraint up or down so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of your ears. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash.

To raise or lower the restraint, push in the release while you pull up or push down on the restraint.

Easy Entry Seats

The front seats of your vehicle make it easy to get in and out of the rear seat.

When you pull up on the recliner release lever, the seatback will tilt forward and the whole seat will slide forward.

After someone gets into the rear seat area, move the seatback to its original position. Then move the seat rearward until it locks.

e-

? ? ’ . .

A

~f

easy

entry

seat isn’t

locked,

it can

move. h sudden

stop

or crash,

the

person

sitting

there could be injured.

And,

even if there is no crash

or

sudden stop,

a

driver sitting in an unlocked

easy entry seat

could be

startled

by

the sudden

movement and hit

the wrung control

or

pedaI,

causing

an accident.

After

you’ve

used

it,

be

sure to push rearward

on my easy

entry seat to

be sure

it

I

is locked.

To get out, pull the release handle on the rear of the right front seat.

folding Rear Seat

The rear seat in your Geo folds to provide more cargo space.

To fold the rear seat, lower the rear seatback and then flip the whole rear seat up against the front seats.

1. Swing the safety belt buckles forward and down.


2. P u l l the knobs on both sides of the seatback.

If you have the split rear seat, you can fold half of the seat by pulling only the knob on the side you wish to fold.

3. Fold the seatback down. 4. Unlock the bottom part of the seat:

On the one-piece rear seat, pull out the release ring.

On the split rear seat, lift the release lever on either seat.

5. Lift the bottom of the seat up and push it toward the front of the vehicle.

-

. . .

16

, -..

. I

6. Find the support bar on the bottom o the seat. This bar keeps the rear seat from unfolding.

7. Pull the inner end of the support off of the seat bracket and swing it down.

8. Push the support bar into the floor bracket. Be sure the support bar is secured,

To

unfold

the

rear

seats:

Keep your hands, safety belts and other objects away from where the seat will rest.

1. Pull the support bar out of the floor bracket and swing it up and toward the bottom of the seat.

2. Push the support bar into the bracket on the bottom of the seat.

3.

Slowly pull the seat down to the floor. The seat should latch into place. Pull up on the bottom of the seat to be sure it is locked in position.

1 7 - 9 9


4. Pull the seatback

up

to lock it into place. and push it back

5. Push and pull the top of the seatback to be sure the seatback is locked in position.

Safety Belts: They’re

for

Everyone

This

part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts.

~~~ ~

A Don’t let anyone ride where they can’t wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and you’re not wearing a safety belt, your injuries can be much worse.

You can hit things inside the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed.

In the same crash, you might not be if you are buckled up. Always fasten your safety belt, and check that your passengers’ belts are fastened properly too.

. . .

18

I

This figure lights up when you key to

turn

the

START

when your safety belt isn’t buckled, and you’ll hear a chime, too. It’s the reminder to buckle

UP-

In many states and Canadian provinces, the law says to wear safety belts. Here’s why: They work.

You never know if you’ll be in a crash.

If you do have a crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one.

A few crashes are very mild. In them, you won’t get hurt even if you’re not buckled up. And some crashes can be sa serious, like being hit by a train, that even buckled up a person wouldn’t survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts they could be badly hurt or killed.

After 25 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear.

In

most crashes buckling up does matter

. . . a lot!

Why Safety Belts Work

When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast

as

it goes.

For example, if the bike is going

10 mph (16 km/h),

so

is the child.

U


A

1

A

When the bike hits the

block, it

stops.

But

the

child

keeps going!

Take

the simplest

“car.”

Suppose it’s

just a

seat

on

wheels.

Put

someone

on it.

r-

--

L

Get it up to speed. Then stop the

“car.”

The rider doesn’t stop.

The person keeps going until stopped by something.

In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield

. . . or the instrument panel . . .

Seats & Safety Belts or the safety belts!

With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop.

You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That’s why safety belts make such good sense. rn

Here Are Questions

Many People Ask about

Safety Belts

-

Answers

Q: Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident if I’m wearing a safety belt?

A: You

could

be wearing a safety belt or not. But you can easily unbuckle a safety belt, even if you’re upside down. And your chance of being conscious during and after an accident, so you

can

unbuckle and get out, is

much

greater if you are belted.

Q:

Why don’t they just put in air bags so people won’t have to wear safety belts?

A: “Air bags,

” or Supplemental

Inflatable Restraint systems, are in some vehicles today and will be in more of them in the future. But they are supplemental systems only so they work

with

safety belts, not instead of them. Every “air bag” system ever offered for sale has required the use of safety belts.

Even if you’re in a vehicle that has

“air bags,” you still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That’s true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions.

Q: If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from home, why should I wear safety belts?

A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you’re in an accident - that isn’t your fault passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers.

Most accidents occur within 25 miles of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than

40

mph (65 km/h).

Safety belts are for everyone.

Safety Belt Reminder

Light

When the key

is

turned to

ON

or

START,

a light will come on for about eight seconds to remind people to fasten their safety belts. Unless the driver’s safety belt is buckled, a chime will also sound,

H

How to Wear Safety

Belts Properly

Adults

This section is only for people of adult size.

There are special things to

know about safety belts

and

children. And there are different

rules €or babies and smaller children. If

a

child will

be riding

in

your Geo, see the

section after this one, called

“Children.”

Follow those

rules

for everyone’s protection.


I

First, you’ll want to know which restraint systems your vehicle has.

We’ll start with the driver position.

Driver Position

This section describes the driver’s restraint system.

1

Y

Lap-Shoulder

Belt

The driver has a lap-shoulder belt.

Here’s how to wear it properly.

1. Close and lock the door.

2. Adjust the seat (to see how, see

“Seats” in the Index) so you can sit up straight.

3.

Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted.

4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.

If the belt isn’t long enough, see

“Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this part. Make sure the release button on the buckle faces upward or outward so you would be able to unbuckle it quickly if you ever had to.

9 . 9 2 4

5. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder belt.

The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces.

The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or crash or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.

Q:

What’s

wrong

with

this?

A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly as much protection this way.

GAU

I IUN

You can be seriously hurt if lA your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt

I

should fit against your body.

Seats & Safety Belts r 1

Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

I

You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would bc there, not at the pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you.

1

Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should be worn over the shoulder at all times.

P b

You can be seriously injured if you wear the shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your body would move too far forward, which would increase the chance of head and neck injury. Also, the belt would apply too much force to the ribs, which aren’t as strong as shoulder bones. You could also severely injure internal organs like your liver or spleen.

2: What’s wrong with this?

\: The belt is twisted across the body.

A

You

can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width of the belt to take impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight

so it can work properly, or ask your dealer to fix it.

To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. The belt should go back out of the way.

Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage both the belt and your vehicle.

I

Safety Belt Use during

Pregnancy

Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they don’t wear safety belts. A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible throughout the pregnancy.

The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it’s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly.


Passenger Positions

Right

Front Passenger Position

The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same way as the driver’s safety belt. See “Driver Position,” earlier in this part.

When the shoulder belt is pulled out all the way, it will lock. If it does, let it go back all the way and start again.

Rear Seat Passengers

It’s very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up! Accident statistics show that unbelted people in the rear seat are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts.

Rear passengers who aren’t safety belted can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts.

. . .

28

1

The rear seats have lap-shoulder belts.

Here’s how to wear one properly.

1. Pick up the latch plate and pull it across you. Don’t let it get twisted.

2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.

When the shoulder belt is pulled out all the way, it will lock. If it does, let it go back all the way and start again.

If the belt is not long enough, see

“Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section.

Make sure the release button on the buckle faces upward or outward so you would be able to unbuckle it quickly if you ever had to.

3. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder part.

The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces.

The safety belt locks only if there’s a sudden stop or a crash, or if you pull it very quickly out of the retractor.


Smaller Children and Babies

4 You can be seriously hurt

if

- shoulder belt

is

too loose. In a crash you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body.

To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle.

Children

Everyone in a vehicle needs protection!

That includes infants and all children smaller than adult size. In fact, the law in every state and Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle.

A Smaller children and babies should always be restrained in a child or infant restraint. The instructions for the restraint will say whether it is the right type and size for your child. A very young child’s hip bones are so small that a regular belt might not stay low on the hips, as it should. Instead, the belt will likely be over the child’s abdomen. In a crash the belt would apply force right on the child’s abdomen, which could cause serious or fatal injuries. So, be sure that any child small enough for one is always properly restrained in a child or infant restraint.

- 4

UAU I I U N

Never hold a baby in your arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much - a baby will become

so

heavy you can’t hold it. For example, in a crash at only 25 mph a 12-pound (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240-pound

(1 10 kg) force on your arms. The baby would be almost impossible to hold.

Secure the baby in an infant restraint.

Child Restraints

Be sure to follow the instructions for the restraint. You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet,

or

both. These restraints use the belt system in your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury. The instructions that come with the infant or child restraint will show you how to do that.

Seats & Safety Belts

Where to Put the Restraint

Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. We at General

Motors therefore recommend that you put your child restraint in the rear seat unless the child is an infant and you’re the only adult in the vehicle. In that case, you might want to secure the restraint in the front seat where you can keep an eye on the baby.

II

An unsecured child restraint

W

can move around in a ollision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle - no child is in it.

Wherever you install it, be sure to secure the child restraint properly.

Top

Strap

If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored.

The only place in your vehicle where you can use a child restraint with a top strap is in the front passenger seat.

CAUTION

rn

-

Dl

behind the rear seats of your vehicle. In a crash, the child restraint with a top strap would not be properly secured in a rear seat, so the child’s injuries could be increased. Don’t try to anchor a child restraint with a top strap in a rear seat.

Attaching the Top Strap

Front Passenger Position Only

If the child restraint is equipped with a top strap, follow these instructions for securing it. Once a child restraint with a top strap has been secured in the right front seat (see “Securing a Child

Restraint in the Right Front Seat” in the

Index), hook the top strap to the latch plate on the right rear seat lap-shoulder belt.

Then, remove as much slack as possible from the top strap.

Pull the rear sear lap-shoulder belt all the way out to switch it to the ratcheting mode. Allow the lap-shoulder belt to feed back into the retractor. Listen for clicking to be sure the safety belt remains in the ratcheting mode.

If slack remains in the top strap, move the right front seat forward just enough to eliminate the slack.

When a child restraint with a top strap is being used, no one can sit in the right rear position.

3 3 . m .


Securing a Child Restraint in the Rear

Seat

You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt.

See the earlier section about the top strap if the child restraint has one.

1. Put the restraint on the seat. Follow the instructions for the child restraint.

2. Secure the child in the child restraint as the instructions say.

3.

Pull out the vehicle’s safety belt and run the lap part through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show

you

how.

See if the shoulder belt would go in front of the child’s face or neck. If so, put it behind the child restraint.

4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button faces upward or outward,

so

you’ll be able to unbuckle it quickly if you ever need to.

5. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock.

6. To tighten the belt, feed the shoulder belt into the retractor while you push down on the child restraint.

7 . Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure.

To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger.

Seats & Safety Belts

I

b

Securing a Child Restraint in the

Right Front Seat

You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt.

See the earlier section about the top strap if the child restraint has one.

This is the only place in your vehicle where you can use a child restraint with a top strap.

1

.

Put the restraint on the seat. Follow the instructions for the child restraint.

2. Secure the child in the child restraint as the instructions say.

3.

Pull out the vehicle’s safety belt and run the lap part through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

See if the shoulder belt would go in front of the child’s face or neck. If

so,

put it behind the child restraint.

4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button faces upward or outward,

so

you’ll be able to unbuckle it quickly if you ever need to.

5.

Pull the rest

of

the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock.

‘9.36

6. To tighten the belt, feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor while you push down on the child restraint.

7. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure.

To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way.

The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger.

Larger Children

Children who have outgrown child restraints should wear the vehicle’s safety belts.

Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear seat. But they need to use the safety belts properly.

Children who aren’t buckled up can be thrown out in a crash.


Children who aren’t buckled up can strike other people

who

are.

I

CAUTION

Never do this. h

Here two children are wearing

me

same belt. The belt can’t properly spread the impact

forces.

In

a

crash,

the two

children can

be

crushed

together and seriously injured. A

belt

must be used by only one person at a time.

Q: What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt, but the child is

I

so small that the shoulder belt is

very close

to the child’s face or neck?

I

A: Move the child toward the center of the vehicle, but be sure that the shoulder belt still is on the child’s shoulder, so that in a crash the child’s upper body would have the restraint that belts provide.

CAUTION

A

Never do this.

L h

Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind the child. If the child wears the belt in this way, in a crash the child might slide under the belt. The belt’s force would then be applied right on the child’s abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries.

I

Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, and just touching the child’s thighs. This applies belt force to the child’s pelvic bones in a crash.

Safety Belt Extender

If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it.

But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, your dealer will order you an extender. It’s free. When you

go

in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear,

so

the extender will be long enough for you. The extender will be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that you choose. Don’t let someone else use it, and use it only for the seat it is made to fit. To wear it, just attach it to the regular safety belt.

Checking Your Restraint

Systems

Now and then, make sure all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, anchorages and reminder systems are working properly. Look for any loose parts or damage. If you see anything that might keep a restraint system from doing its job, have it repaired.

39.

Seats & Safety Belts rn

Replacing Safety Belts afler a Crash

If you've had a crash, do you need new belts?

After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary. But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn during a more severe crash, then you need new belts.

If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision damage also may mean you will have to have safety belt parts like the retractor replaced or anchorage locations repaired

- if the belt wasn't being used at the time of the collision.

Q: What's

wrong with this?

A: The belt is torn.

Torn or frayed belts may not

1

b

protect you in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces.

If a belt

is

torn or frayed, get a new one right away.

Before replacing any safety belt, see your dealer for the correct part number.

You'll need the model year and the model number of your vehicle. The model year is on your title and registration. And you can find the model number on the certification/tire label of your vehicle.

The model number on the replacement belt must be listed on the safety belt you want to replace.

Notes

Notes

Part

2

Features & Controls

H e r e you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your Geo. and information on starting. shifting and braking .

Also

explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is working properly - and what to do if you have a problem .

Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Door Locks

Theft

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

New Vehicle “Break-In”

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Ignitionswitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

48

Starting Your Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Driving through Deep Standing Water

Automatic Transmission

49

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Five-Speed Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Four-wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

EngineExhaust

Interior Lights

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Windows

Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Tiltwheel

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

The Turn Signal/Lights Control/Headlight Beam Lever

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

67

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever

Rear Window Wiper/Washer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Storage and Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

SunVisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Passenger Assist Grips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Ashtrays and Lighter

Instrument Panel and Clusters

Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators

ConvertibleTop

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

77

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

4 3 . -


1

I

Leaving young children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or others could be badly injured or even killed.

They could operate controls or even make the vehicle move.

Don’t leave the keys in a vehicle with young children.

One key is used for the ignition, the doors, and all other locks.

I

When a new Tracker is delivered, the dealer removes the metal plate from the key ring and gives it to the first owner.

The metal plate has a code

on

it that tells your dealer

or

a qualified locksmith how to make extra keys. Keep the code in a safe place. If you lose your keys, you’ll be able to have new ones made easily using this code.

I

H

Door Locks

Passengers

-

easily

fall out.

open

the

When

a

door children

doors

and

is

Iocked,

the

inside handle

won’t

open

it.

Outsiders

can

easily enter through an unlocked door when you slow

down

or

stop

your vehicle.

This may not be

so obvious: You

increase

the!

chance of being

thrown out

of

the

vehicle

in

a crash

if

tbe

Wear

doors aren’t locked. safety belts properly, lock will be far

1

your doors, and

you better

off whenever

y w

drive

your

vehicle.

There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle:

From the outside: Use your key. To lock the door, turn the key clockwise as far as it will go.

The lock switch on the driver’s door will not work when the door is open.

This prevents the driver from being locked out.

From the inside, push down the button on the door.

To unlock the door, pull up on the button.

Leaving Your Vehicle

If you are leaving the vehicle, open the door and set the locks from inside. Then get out and close the door.

Pull up on the outside door handle as you close the door.

4 5 .

-


Tailgate

Use your key to lock or unlock your tailgate.

If you have a convertible, be sure to unzip the rear plastic window before opening the tailgate. See “Opening and

Closing Your Rear Window” in the

Index. Open the tailgate with the bottom of the window still attached to the tailgate.

When closing the tailgate be sure:

Both lower corner canvas top flaps are facing outward so they do not get caught in the tailgate.

The zipper connector is engaged correctly or you could damage your zipper.

It

can be dangerous

to drive

with

the

tailgate window open, monoxide can come

into

your vehicle. You

can’t

see or smell

CO.

It can

cause unconsciousness

and even death.

If you must drive

with

the taiIgate window

open:

0

Make

sure all ather windows a n

shut. fan

on your heating or cooling system to

its highest

speed

with the setting

on

u.

That will

force outside

air

into

your vehicle. See L 4 C ~ f ~ ~

Controls”

in

the

Index.

*

If

you

have air vents on or under

tbc’instrument

panel, open them

at1 the way*

I

meft

Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities. Although your Geo has a number of theft-deterrent features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it impossible to steal. However, there are ways you can help.

Key in the Ignition:

If you walk away from your vehicle with the key inside, it’s an easy target for joy riders or professional thieves

so

don’t do it.

When you park your Geo and open the driver’s door, you’ll hear a chime reminding you to remove your key from the ignition and take it with you. Always

do this. Your steering wheel will be locked,

and so

will your ignition. If you have an automatic transmission, taking your key out also locks your transmission. And remember to lock the doors.

Parking

at

Night:

Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight. Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.

4 7 .

=


New Vehicle

“Break-In

’’

A

Your modern Geo doesn’t need an

:laborate “break-in.” But it will perform better in the long

1

1 follow these guideli~ m

Ignition Switch

With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn the switch to four positions:

LOCK

(A):

The only position in which you can remove the key. This locks your steering wheel, ignition and automatic transmission. Press in the ignition switch as you turn the top of it toward you.

If you have an automatic transmission, the ignition switch cannot be turned to

LOCK unless the shift lever is in the

P (Park) position.

ACC (B): Position in which you can operate your electrical power accessories. It unlocks the steering wheel and ignition. A warning chime will sound if you open the driver’s door when the ignition is in ACC or LOCK and the key is in the ignition. Use this position if your vehicle must be pushed or towed.

ON returns after you start your engine and release the switch. The switch stays in the ON position when the engine is running. But even when the engine is not running, you can use ON to operate your electrical power accessories, and to display some instrument panel warning lights.

START (D): Starts the engine. When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will return to ON for normal driving.

Note that even if the engine is not running

ACC

and

ON

allow you to operate your electrical accessories, such as the radio and ventilation fan.

4

Starting Your Engine

Automatic Transmission:

Move your shift lever to

Your engine position won’t start in any other

To

restart when you’re already moving, use

N (Neutral) only.

N

(Neutral).

I

Don’t try to shift to

your Geo is moving. If you do, you could damage the transmission. Shift to only when your vehicle is stopped.

I

Manual Transmission:

Shift your gear selector to neutral and hold the clutch pedal to the floor while starting the engine. Your vehicle won’t start if the clutch pedal is not all the way down - that’s a safety feature.

1. Don’t push the accelerator pedal before starting your engine. In some other vehicles you might need to do this, but because of your vehicle’s computer systems, you don’t.

2. Turn your ignition key to

START.

When the engine starts, let go of the key. c

4 9 . ’ .


3. If

it doesn't start right away, hold your key in

START

for about three seconds at a time until your engine starts. Wait about 15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining your battery.

I V U I lLt

Holding your key in START for longer than 15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can ~ starter motor. gz <&!Kg::, p-,'*'Q,&P'F$+ a

If your engine still won't start, call your dealer for help.

. . .

50 g ~ ~

Standing Water

~

r

Automatic Transmission

There are several different positions for your shift lever.

P (Park)

This locks your rear wheels. It’s the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle can’t move easily.

GAU I IUN

I

It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle could roll.

Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have ieft the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t move, when you’re on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to P (Park).

If you have four-wheel drive, your vehicle will be free to roll - if your shift lever is in P -

I

if your transfer case is in

N (Neutral). So, be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear not in N (Neutral).

-

See “Shifting into the Index. If you are parking on a hill, or, if you’re pulling a trailer, also see “Parking on Hills” or

“Towing a Trailer’’ in the Index.

I

P

(Park) range before starti& the engine. Your Geo has a brake-transmission shift interlock.

You

have to fully

apply

your regular brakes

before

you can shift from when the ignition is in the

If you cannot shift out of pressure on the shift lever shift lever all the way into

P

also release the shift lever button on floor shift console models maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you wish.

(Press the shift lever button before moving the shift lever on floor shift models.) See “Shifting Out of

P

(Park)’’ in the Index.

51

. . =


R (Reverse)

Use this gear to back up.

Shifting to

R

(Reverse) white your vehicle is moving forward could damage v w r transmission. Shift to

:r vour vehicle is

To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice or sand without damaging your transmission, see

“Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow, If

You’re’’ in the Index.

. . .

52

N

(Neutral)

In this position, your engine doesn’t connect with the wheels. To restart when you’re already moving, use N

(Neutral) only. Also, use N when your vehicle is being towed.

~

1

Shifting out of P (Park) or N

1

(Neutral) while your engine is

“racing’’ (running at high speed) is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal, your vehicle could move very rapidly.

You could lose control and hit people or objects. Don’t shift out of

P

N (Neutral) while your engine is racing.

Damage to your transmission caused by shifting out of P Park) or N (Neutral) with the engi racing isn’t covered by your warranty.

D (Drive)

This position is for normal driving. If you need more power for passing, and you’re:

(25 km/h), push your accelerator pedal about halfway down.

Going about 15 mph (25 h / h ) or more, push your accelerator pedal all the way down.

You’ll shift down to the next gear and have more power.

2

(Second Gear)

This position gives you more power but lower fuel economy. You can use 2 on hills. It can help control your speed as you go down steep mountain roads, but then you would also want to use your brakes off and on. going slower than 65 mph

(105 km/h) with the transfer in

35

mph (55 h / h ) wit1 the transfer case in

4L, you

can damage your transmission

5 3 . m .


L

(Low Gear)

This position gives you even more power (but lower fuel economy)

than

2.

You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the selector level is put in into low gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.

I

NOTICE

above 40 mph (65 km/h) with the transfer case in 4H or 20 mph

(35

km/h) with the transfer case in

I V U I IbC

Transmission

This is your shift pattern. Here’s how to operate your transmission:

1 (Fist

Gear)

- the clutch pedal and shift into

1.

Then slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.

You can shift into 1 when you’re going less than 20 mph (32 km/h).

If

you’ve come to a complete stop and it’s hard to shift into 1, put the shift lever in

Neutral

and let up on the clutch. Press the clutch pedal back down. Then shift into 1.

2

(Second Gear)

pedal as you let up on the accelerator pedal and shift into 2. Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.

3, 4 and

5

(Third, Fourth and Fifth

Gears)

Shift into

3,

4 and 5 the same way you do for 2. Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.

To

Stop - pedal and press the brake pedal. Just before the vehicle stops, press the clutch pedal and the brake pedal, and shift to

Neutral.

Neutral

- when you start or idle your engine.

R (Reverse)

- down the clutch pedal and shift into

R.

Let up on the clutch pedal slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal.

You

cannot go from 5 (Fifth Gear) into

R (Reverse). If you try, you will be locked out.

You

must first shift into

Neutral,

move the lever to the left, back to the right, and then shift into

R (Reverse). This is a safety feature.

Shift to

R

(Reverse) only after your vehicle is stopped. Shifting to

R (Reverse) while your vehicle is moving could damage your transmission.

Also, use

Reverse

along with the parking brake, for parking your vehicle.


shifi Speeds

(MANUAL TRANSMISSION)

MANUAL TRANSMISSION RECOMMENDED SHIFT SPEEDS IN MPH (km/h)

Engine

1.6L L4

Acceleration Shift Speed Cruise Shift Speed

1 t o 2 2 t o 3

15

(24)

27

(43)

34

(55)

47 11

(76) (18)

21 29

(34) (47)

41

(66)

If

you skip more than when you downshift,

4 t o 5 1 t o 2 2 t o 3 3 t o 4 4 t o 5 3 t o 4 one gea~ or if 1 downshift, you can damr-- thc clutch or transmission

This chart shows when to shift to the next higher gear for best fuel economy.

If your speed drops below 20 mph

(32 km/h), or if the engine is not running smoothly, you should downshift to the next lower gear. You may have to downshift two or more gears to keep the engine running smoothly or for good performance.

. .

56

A

If you skip more than one

L

gear when you downshift, you could lose control of your vehicle.

And you could injure yourself or others. Don’t shift from 5 to 2 or

4 to 1.

Four-wheel Drive

CAUTION

It can

be

dangerous to get out

4 b of

your

vehicle

if

the shift rcyer fdly in

(automatic transmission)

or

R

(Reverse) (manual transmission)

with

the parking brake

firmly

set.

If you have four-wheel drive, also

be sure

the transfer case is

in

a drive gear. Your vehicle can

roll.

If you have left the engine running,

the

vehicle can move suddenly. You

or

others could

be

injured.

To

be sure your vehicle won’t move, follow

the

step below. If you are parking

on

a hill’,

or if

you’re pulling a trailer, see “Parking

on

Hills”

cw

“Towing a Trailer”

in

the Index.

I

[f your vehicle has four-wheel drive, you can send your engine’s driving power to all four wheels for extra traction. To shift out of two-wheel drive and into four-wheel drive, lock the free-wheeling hubs and move the transfer case shift lever to

4H

or

4L

(see the following). You should use for most normal driving.

2H

Rear wheel anti-lock brakes do not work when you shift into four-wheel drive.

Your regular brakes will still work.

When you shift back into two-wheel drive, your rear wheel anti-lock brakes will take over again.

Driving in

4H

or

4L

positions for a long time on dry or wet pavement could shorten thP

1 nf your vehicle’s drivetrain.


Free- Wheeling Hubs

Your vehicle may have either manual or automatic free-wheeling hubs. You must lock the hubs before you

4L.

Manual

To

lock or unlock the hubs, you must park your vehicle (see “Shifting into

P

or “Parking

Your

Vehicle”

in the Index) and get out. To lock the hubs, turn the hub dials to

LOCK.

To

unlock the hubs,

turn

the hub dials to

FREE.

Automatic

With automatic free-wheeling hubs, you don’t have to get out of the vehicle to lock or unlock the hubs.

To lock the hubs:

1. Stop your vehicle.

Don’t drive in

2H

with the manual locking hubs in

LOCK.

If yo1

7

you could damage your front driveshaft parts.

2. Shift the transfer case to

3.

Drive slowly forward and the hubs will lock.

I

4L.

To unlock the hubs:

1. Stop your vehicle.

2. Drive seven feet (two meters) in the direction opposite to the direction you were driving before you stopped.

3.

Then, press the clutch if you have a manual transmission, and shift the transfer case to

2H.

unlock.

Transfer Case

The transfer case shift lever is on the floor to the right of the driver. Use this lever to shift into and out of four-wheel drive. An indicator light comes on when the transfer case is in

4H

or

4L.

in most street and highway situations. Your front axle is not engaged in two-wheel drive. to help drive your vehicle. Use

4H

when you need extra traction, such as on wet or icy roads, or in most off-road situations.

N

(Neutral): Shift to this setting only when your vehicle needs to be towed. axle to give you extra traction, but should be used only for driving downhill or on slippery surfaces when you’re driving slower than 35 mph (55 km/h).

Remember that driving in

4H

or

4L

may reduce fuel economy. Also, driving in four-wheel drive on dry pavement could cause your tires to wear faster and make your transfer case harder to shift.

You can shift from

2H

to

4H

or from to

2H

at any speed if your hubs are locked and your wheels are straight ahead. Your front axle will engage faster if you take your foot off the accelerator pedal for a few seconds as you shift.


R :

'9

To shift into or out of 4L:

1. Stop your vehicle and shift your transmission to

N

(Neutral).

2. Shift the transfer case in one continuous motion.

Don't pause in N (Neutral) as you shift into

4H,

1 rn

Parking

Parking Brake

The parking brake lever is located between the seats.

To

set

the parking brake:

Hold the brake pedal down and pull up on the parking brake lever.

If

the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will come on.

I

900

Shifiing into P (Park)

(AUTOMATIC TRANSMlSS/ON)

To

release

the

parking brake:

Hold the brake pedal down. Pull the parking brake lever up until you can push in the release button. Hold the release button in as you move the brake lever all the way down.

If you are on a hill:

See “Parking on

Hills” in the Index. That section shows how to turn your front wheels.

If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill:

See “Towing a

Trailer” in the Index. That section shows what to do first to keep the trailer from moving.

I

NOTICE

Driving with the parking brake on can cause your rear brakes to overheat. You may have to replac= them, and you could also d v w e other parts of your vehicle.

It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll,

If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t move, when you’re on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow.

If you have four-wheel drive and your transfer case is in

N

(Neutral), your vehicle will be free to roll even if your shift lever is in

P

So, be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear - not in N (Neutral).

If you are parking on a hill, or if you’re pulling a trailer, also see

‘‘Parking on Hills” or ‘‘Towing a

Trailer” in the Index.


Leaving Your Vehide with the

Engine Running

(AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION)

1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and set the parking brake.

2. Move the shift lever into the position like this:

Hold in the button on the lever, and push the lever all the way toward the front of your vehicle.

3.

If you have four-wheel drive, be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear - not in

N

(Neutral).

4. Move the ignition key to

LOCK.

5. Remove the key and take it with you.

If you can walk away from your vehicle with the ignition key in your hand, your vehicle is in

A

It

can be dangerous to leave

your

vehicle with the engine

running.

suddenly

Your vehicle could move

if

the

&ifl

lever is not fully

in

P

(Park)

with the parking

brake firmly

set.

If

you have f0.w-wheel drive and

your

-fer w e is. in

N

(Neutral), your vehicle

will

be

free

to roll, even if your

shift

lever is

in

P (Park).

So be sure the transfer case

is in a drive

gear

-

not in

N

(Neutral).

And, if you

leave the

vehicle with the engine overheat

running, it

could and even catch

fire.

You or others could be injured. Don't leave

your

vehicle with the

engine

running unless you have

to.

If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine running, be sure your vehicle is in firmly set before you leave it. If you have four-wheel drive, be sure that the transfer case is in a drive gear -

N (Neutral). After you've moved the shift lever into the hold the regular brake pedal down.

Then, see if you can move the shift lever away from

P

pushing the button. If you can, it means that the shift lever wasn't fully locked into

Shifling out of P (Park)


Your Geo has a brake-transmission shift interlock. You have to fully

apply

your regular brake

before

you can shift from

P (Park) when the ignition is in the

ON

position. See “Automatic Transmission” in the Index.

If you cannot shift out of pressure on the shift lever - the shift lever all the way into

P

also release the shift lever button on floor shift console models as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you wish.

(Press the shift lever button before moving the shift lever.)

If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can’t shift out of P (Park), try this:

1. Apply and hold the brake until the end of step 3.

2. Start the vehicle if it’s not already running.

3.

Pull the knob near the parking brakc handle and then shift to the drive gear you want.

4. Have the vehicle fixed as soon as you can.

I

Parking Your Vehicle

(MANUAL TRANSMISSION)

Before you get out of your vehicle, put your manual transmission in

R

(Reverse) and firmly apply the parking brake.

If you have four-wheel drive, be sure your transfer case is in a drive gear.

Your vehicle could roll if it isn’t.


Engine Exhaust

# t

If you are parking on a hill, or if you’re vehicle is equipped to tow a trailer, see

“Parking on Hills” or “Towing a

Trailer’ ’ in the Index.

Parking over Things That Burn

Things that burn could touch

L

L hot exhaust parts under your vehicle and ignite. Don’t park over papers, leaves, dry grass or other things that can burn.

Engine exhaust can kill. It

A monoxide

(CO),

see or smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death.

You might have exhaust coming in if:

Your exhaust system sounds strange or different.

Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.

Your vehicle was damaged in a collision.

Your vehicle was damaged when driving over high points on the road or over road debris.

Repairs weren’t done correctly.

Your vehicle or exhaust system had been modified improperly.

If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into your vehicle:

Drive it only with all the windows down to blow out any CO; and

Have it fixed immediately.

Running Your Engine While

You’re Parked


It’s better not to park with the engine running. But if you ever have to, here are some things to know.

CAUTION

A Idling the engine with the air system control off could allow dangerous exhaust into your vehicle (see the earlier Caution under “Engine

Exhaust’ ’).

Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if the fan switch is at the highest setting. One place this can happen is a garage. Exhaust CO - park in a garage with the engine running.

Another closed-in place can be a blizzard. (See “Blizzard” in the Index.)

It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in

P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you’ve left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to

P

(Park).

If you have four-wheel drive and your transfer case is in N (Neutral), your vehicle will be free to roll, even if your shift lever is in P (Park). So, be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear - N (Neutral). Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle won’t move. See “Shifting into the Index.

If you are parking on a hill, or if you’re pulling a trailer, also see “Parking on Hills” or “Towing a Trailer” in the Index. c


.

.

.

.

. .

Windows

Use the window crank to open and close each door window.

Rear

Vent Windows

(Option)

To open a rear vent window, pull the latch out and forward.

To close the window, pull the latch in and back.

H

Horn

To sound the horn, press the horn symbol on your steering wheel.

Tilt m e e l

(OPTION)

1

tilt steerng wheel allows you to adjust he steering wheel before you drive. lou can also raise it to the highest level o give your legs more room when you

:xit and enter the vehicle.

?o tilt the wheel, hold the steering vheel and lower the lever. Move the teering wheel to a comfortable level, hen raise the lever to its highest losition to lock the wheel in place.

H

I;he Turn SignaULights

CoPttrolHeadlight Beam

Lever

The lever on the left side of the steering column includes your:

Turn Signal and Lane Change

Indicator

Headlight High/Low Beam and

Passing Signal

Lighting Operation c

67


Turn Signal and lane Change lndicator

The turn signal has two upward (for

Right) and two downward (for Left) positions. These positions allow you to signal a turn or a lane change.

To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up or down. When the turn is finished, the lever will return automatically.

A green arrow on the instrument panel will flash in the direction of the turn or lane change.

To signal a lane change, just raise or lower the lever until the green arrow starts to flash. Hold it there until you complete your lane change. The lever will return by itself when you release it.

As you signal a turn or a lane change, if the arrows don’t flash but just stay on, a signal bulb may be burned out and other drivers won’t see your turn signal.

If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an accident. If the green arrows don’t go on at all when you signal a turn, check the fuse (see “Fuses and

Circuit Breakers’’ in the Index) and for burned-out bulbs.

r

Opentiun of Lights

Although your vehicle's lighting system

(headlamps, parking lamps, fog lamps, side marker lamps and taillamps) meet all applicable Federal lighting requirements, certain States and

Provinces may apply their own lighting regulations that may require special attention before you operate these lamps. For example, some jurisdictions may require that you operate your low beam lamps with fog lamps at all times, or that headlamps be turned on whenever you must use your windshield wipers. In addition, most jurisdictions prohibit driving solely with parking lamps, especially at dawn or dusk. It is recommended that you check with your own State or Provincial highway authority for applicable lighting regulations.

Turn the outside portion of the lever to control the lights. There are three positions for the light switch.

In

OFF,

all lights are turned off.

The middle position turns on the parking lights, taillights, license plate light and the instrument panel lighting; the headlights are off.

The third position turns on the headlights.

Lights On Reminder

If you turn the ignition off, remove the key and leave the lights on, a chime will sound to remind you to turn off your lights.


Headlight High/Low Beam

First, you must have the headlights on.

(See “Lights” in the Index.) Then, pull the turn signal lever toward you for low beams. For high beams, push the lever away from you. When the high beams are on, a blue light on the instrument panel also will be on. It will go off when you switch to low beam.

Passing Signal

With the lever in the low beam position, pull the lever toward you to momentarily switch to high beam (to signal that you are going to pass). When you release the lever, the headlights will return to low beam operation.

Daytime Running fights (DM) lndicator Light (Canada)

If your vehicle was first sold, when new, in Canada, you will have this light on the instrument panel. It goes on whenever the Daytime Running Lights are on.

Daytime Running f ights

(Canada)

The Canadian Federal Government has decided that “Daytime Running Lights”

(DRL) are a useful feature, in that DRL can make your vehicle more visible to pedestrians and other drivers during daylight hours. DRL are required on new vehicles sold in Canada.

The low beam headlights will come on at reduced brightness in daylight when:

The ignition is on

The headlight switch is off, and

The parking brake is released.

When you turn on your headlights, the

DRL will switch off and the exterior lights wil come on. When you turn off

the headlights, the exterior lights will go out and the low beams will change to the reduced brightness of DRL again.

The DRL indicator light on the instrument panel will go on whenever the DRL are on. This light means that only the DRL are on. When you turn on your exterior lights, this light will go out,

Of course, you may still turn on the headlights or passing signal any time you need to.

To idle your vehicle with DRL off, set the parking brake. The DRL will stay

off until you release the parking brake.

4

Interior Lights

Dome Light

The dome light has a three position switch.

1. The light turns on and stays on whether or not a door is open.

2. The light comes on when a door

is

opened.

3.

The light stays off even when a door is open.

Brightness Control

This knob controls the brightness of your instrument panel lights. Turn the knob to the right to brighten the lights or to the left to dim them.


W@er/Washer Lever

The lever on the right side of the steering column controls the windshield wipers and washers.

Move the wiper switch you want:

OFF

to the position

INT -

(if your Tracker has this). In light rain or snow, you might want to use this position rather than continuous wiping.

LO

- continuously at low speed.

HI continuously at high speed.

1 9 . 7 2

For a single wiping cycle, push the lever to MIST. Hold it there until the wipers start, then let go. The wipers will stop after one cycle. If you want more cycles, hold the lever on MIST longer.

Washers

I I ice and snow from

Damaged wiper blades may prevent you from seeing well enough in a storm to drive safely.

To avoid damage, be sure to clear

Pull the wipedwasher lever toward you to spray washer fluid on the windshield.

The spray will continue until you release the lever. This will also turn on the low meed wiDers. c the wiper blades before using them. If they're frozen to the windshield, carefully loosen or thaw them. If your blades do become damaged, get new blades or blade inserts.

Heavy snow or ice can overload your wipers. A circuit breaker will stop them until the motor cools. Clear away snow or ice to prevent an overload.

I

I

I

’

J

a

Driving

without washer 1

fluid

can be

dangerous.

A

I

bad mud splash can

block your

I vision. You could hit

mother

C

I

vehicle

or

go

off the

road.

Check

your washer fluid

level

often.

* In freezing weather, don’t use

your washer until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer fluid can form ice on the windshield,

blocking your

vision. r

NOTICE

B

When using concentrated washer fluid, follow the manufacturer’c instructions for adding wate-

Don’t mix water with ready-to-use washer fluid. Wa can cause the solution to freez and damage your washer fluid tank and other parts of the washer system. Also, wate~ loesn’t clean as well as washe luid

. her fluid tank Only full when it’s very cc

This allows for expansion, which could damage the tank if Index.

*

5 completely full.

Don’t use radiator antifreeze in

{our windshield washer. It can damage your paint.

Weedwasher

To turn on your rear wiper, push Q .

Push again to turn it off.

To spray washer fluid on the rear window push about halfway down. you Washerfluid will spray as long as hold u. same time, push

0 in.

The washer and w&er will run as long as you hold r\J . To add washer fluid, see “Windshield Washer Fluid” in the

I

73...

I


Mimors

Inside Rearview Mirror

An inside rearview mirror is attached above your windshield. The mirror has a pivot so that you can adjust it up and down or side to side.

Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror

You can adjust the mirror for day or night driving. Pull the tab for night

Convex Outside Mirror

Your right side mirror is convex.

A convex mirror's surface is curved

so

you can see more from the driver's seat.

Outside Manual Adjust Mirrors

The mirrors should be adjusted by hand

so

that you can just see the side of your vehicle, when you are sitting in a comfortable position. daytime driving.

. . .

74

. .

>torage and

Compartpnents

Glove Box

To open the glove box, pull the latch toward you. Use your key to lock and unlock the glove

box.

Door

Storage Compartments

Your doors have a storage compartment.

Front Seat Side Pockets

On the outside of each front seat

is

a storage pocket.

Instrument Panel Bins

On the top center of the instrument panel is a storage bin.


Coinholder and Bin

Your console has a coinholder and a small storage bin.

Sun Visors

To block out glare, you can swing down the visors.

You can also swing them to the side. the visors swing too easily, tighten the

If screw on the roof rail.

H

Passenger Assist cirtps

Your Geo may have assist grips.

Passengers can use the grips to help keep their balance over rough roads or during sharp turns.

I

I rn

Ashtrays

and Lighter

Front Ashtray

Pull the door to open it. To remove the ashtray, press down on the tab

and

pull out the ashtray.

Other Ashtrays

Other ashtrays trim panels. are located in the rear

To remove the ashtray, press down on the

tab

and pull the ashtray out.

Cigarette Lighter

To

use the lighter, push the lighter in all the way and let go. When it’s ready, it will pop back by itself.

I I W L

I

Don’t hold a cigarette lighter in

I with your hand while it is heating.

Don’t put papers

and

other things

If you do, it won’t be able to back that bum into your ashtrays. If you away from the heating element do, cigarettes or other smoking when it’s ready. That can make it materials could set them on fire, causing damage. overheat, damaging the lighter and

I

I


Instrument Panel

1. Air Vent

2. Side Defroster Vent

3. Turn SignaULights

ControVHeadlight Beam Lever

4. Instrument Cluster

5. Hazard Warning Flasher

6. Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever

7 . Rear Window Wiper Switch

8.

9.

Comfort Controls

Audio System

10. Lighter

1 1. Assist Grip

12. Glove Box

13. Transmission Shift Lever

14. Coinholder and Bin

15. Transfer Case Shift Lever

16. Parking Brake Lever

17.

18.

Ashtray

Rear Window Washer Switch

19. Ignition Switch

20. Horn

21. Fuse Block

22. Rear Window Defogger Switch

23. Brightness Control

7 9 .

=

Features & Controls rn

Instrument Panel and

Clusters

Your instrument cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You’ll know how fast you’re going, about how much fuel you have left, and many other things you’ll need to know to drive safely and economically.

Optional Cluster

If you have the optional cluster, your instrument panel gives you additional information. The cluster includes a tachometer.

U S . shown; Canada similar

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 U.S.) or kilometers (used in

Canada).

Your Geo’s odometer is tamper-resistant. If you can see silver lines between the numbers, probably someone has tried to turn it back. The numbers may not be true.

You may wonder what happens if a vehicle has to have a new odometer installed. If possible, the new one has to be set to the same reading the old one had. If it can’t be, then it’s set at zero, but a label on the driver’s door must show the old reading and when the new one was installed.

Trip Odometer

U.S. shown; Canada similar

The trip odometer can tell you how far your vehicle has been driven since you last set the trip odometer to zero.

To set the trip odometer to zero, press the knob.

81

9 .

9

Features & Conrrols

Tachometer

The tachometer shows engine speed in thousands of revolutions per minute

(rpm). You can use it while driving to select correct shift points. The tachometer may not return to zero when the engine is not running.

NOTICE

Do not operate the engine with the tachometer in the red area engine damage may occur

Wanting Lights, Gages and Indicators

This section describes the warning lights and gages that may be on your vehicle.

The pictures will help you locate them.

Warning lights 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 go 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 briefly when you turn the ignition key 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.

9

82

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 the manual’s advice. Waiting to do repairs can be costly even dangerous. So please get to know your warning lights and gages. They’re a big help.

Fuel Gage

Your fuel gage shows about how much fuel is in your tank. When the gage first indicates

E,

you still have a little fuel left (about one or two gallons), but you need to get more right away.

Here are four concerns some owners have had about the fuel gage. All these situations are normal and do not indicate that anything is wrong with the fuel gage.

At the gas station, the gas pump shuts off before the gage reads

F.

It takes more (or less) gas to fill up than the gage reads. For example, the gage reads 1/2 full, but it took more

(or less) than half of the tank’s capacity to fill it.

The gage moves a little when you turn, stop or speed up.

When you turn the engine off, the gage doesn’t go back to E. c

83.

9


Brake System Warning Light

Your

Geo’s hydraulic brake system is divided into two parts. If one part isn’t working, the other part can still work and stop you. For good braking, though, you need both parts working well.

Your vehicle also has rear wheel anti-lock brakes. If the warning light goes on, there could be a brake problem with either your regular or rear wheel anti-lock brakes, or both. Have your brake system inspected right away.

This light should come on as you start the vehicle. If it doesn’t come on then, have it fixed

so

it will be ready to warn you if there’s a problem.

. .

. a 4

This light will also come on when you set your parking brake, and it will stay on if your parking brake doesn’t release fully. If it stays on after your parking brake is fully released, it means you may have a brake problem.

If the light comes on while 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

floor. It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle towed for service. (See “Towing Your

Vehicle” in the Index.)

I

$

Your brake system may not be working properly if the brake warning light is on. Driving with the brake warning light on can lead to an accident. If the light is still on after you’ve pulled off the road and stopped carefully, have the vehicle towed for service.

-I

I

L

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage

This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. If the gage pointer moves to the “H” (red) side, your engine is too hot! It means that your engine coolant has overheated and you should stop your vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible.

HOT

COOLANT CAN BURN YOU

BADLY!

In “Problems on the Road,

” this manual shows what to do. See “Engine

Overheating’’ in the Index.

Charging System Light

This light will come on briefly when you turn on the ignition, but the engine is not running, as a check to show you it is working. Then it should go out when the engine starts. If it stays on, or comes on while you are driving, you may have a problem with the electrical charging system. It could indicate that you have a loose generator drive belt, or another electrical problem. Have it checked right away. Driving while this light is on could drain your battery.

If you must drive a short distance with the light on, be certain to turn off all your accessories, such as the radio and air conditioner.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check

Engine Light)

A computer monitors operation of your fuel, ignition and emission control systems. The light should come on when the ignition is on, but the engine is not running, as a check to show you it is working. If it does not come on at all, have it fixed right away. If it stays on, or comes on while you are driving, the computer is indicating that you have a problem. You should take your vehicle in for service soon.

8 5 . 9 .

If you keep driving

your

vehicle

with

this light on, after

a while

the emission controls won’t work as well,

your

fuel economy won’t

be

as

good

and

your

engine m a y not

run

as

smoothly. This

could

lead to

costly

repairs not covered by your warranty.

Engine

Oil

Pressure Light

If you have a problem with your oil, this light may stay on after you start your engine, or come on when you are driving. This indicates that there is not enough pressure to keep your engine properly lubricated and cool. The engine could be low on oil, or could have some other oil related problem. Have it fixed right away.

The oil light could also come on in three other situations.

When the ignition is on but the engine is not running, the light will come on as a test to show

you

it is working, but the light will go out when you turn the engine to

START. If

it doesn’t come on with the ignition on, you may have a problem with the fuse or bulb. Have it fixed right away.

Sometimes when the engine is idling at a stop, the light may blink on and off. This is normal.

If you make a hard stop, the light may come on for a moment. This is normal.

- 8 . 8 6

I

CA UTlON

Don’t keep driving if the

A pressure is low.

If

you

do,

your engine can become so hot

oil

that it catches on fire. You or others could be burned. Check your oil as soon as possible

and

have your vehicle serviced.

C

Convertible Top

(OPTION)

Your convertible top features a sunroof,

a removable rear window and a removable canvas top.

I-

NOTlCE

Damage to your engine from neglected

oil

problems can costly and is not covered by your

~-

A

Don’t

change the center or horizontal roof support. These parts are designed to help protect you

and

passengers in a crash. Don’t

add

anything, like light bars or roll bars, to these

parts, either. If the center pillars or horizontal roof support are ever damaged, be sure to have them repaired as soon as possible so they’ll be able to protect you in a crash.

I

I

1 *

Never

raise or

lower the top while the- vehicle

.is

moving, or drive with any

part of

the top unfastened and cause- damage. or partially -removed. The wind Could t under ‘it

Do

not take.your vehicle through

an

a your convertible

-top.

. .

’

0

,Don?

try

to lower

or

raise the conver le top

or

tap or beat on the plasti

windows if

your

car is

out in d d 1

OF

(5°C)

or below.

The.

cold.

can cause cracks -and other damage ta

th

;inb---rs and

to the top

as

it is.

’

:

I

. .

.

..e

~.

Don’t.lower the top if it

is

dl. p

or w

After

E tc

is

down, the trapp

----iter--

cause stains, mildew and damage to *% in-’Je of your car. Be

. -

being

lowered

or-raised

&e to dry

-off

:&e top.before you lower it.

..

I

*

Don’t

lower the convertible top if the rear

f

or sic: wndol are

di

Dirt

could scratch the side windows..

The convertible top isn’t designed to

carry

weight. Never let anyone sit

the

top, and don’t put anything on top. of it when it is up, or it could be on damaged.

’

.

9

- 8 8

I

The parts of your convertible top are:

1. Top

Bow

Latch

2. Front Top Bow

3.

Horizontal Roof Support

4. Rear Top

5.

Strap

6. Strut

Bow

7. Clamp

8. Center Pillar

9. Roof Rail

3

3pening and Closing Your Sunroof

I. Lower your antenna and swing your sun visors down.

!.

Squeeze the front top bow latch buttons and pull the latch back.

3.

Unhook the latch from the front top bow.

4. Swing the front top bow up and back while folding the canvas top out from between the top bow and the roof support. Be sure that you don’t pinch the canvas top between the front top bow arms and the roof rails.

8 9 -

9


5.

Unfasten the holding strap near the dome light and pull it through the slot in the front top bow.

6. Fasten the holding strap to itself.

7. Push the front top bow latches down until they “click.

”

8. Swing your sun visors up and raise your antenna.

Reverse the steps to close your sunroof.

Be sure your front top bow is latched securely.

Opening and Closing Your Rear

Window

Make sure your rear window is clean before you try to remove it. See

“Special Care

of

Canvas Top” in the

Index.

1. Unfasten the lower left corner flap to uncover the zipper pull.

2. Unzip the rear window.

If

the zipper is hard to move, you can lubricate it with beeswax, bar soap or silicone spray. Remove the window.

A It can be dangerous to drive with the rear window open or removed. Carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into your vehicle.

You can’t see it or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death.

If you must drive with the rear window open:

Make sure all other windows arc shut.

Turn the fan on your heating or cooling system to its highest speed with the setting on=

That will force outside air into

. your vehicle. See “Comfort

Controls” in the Index.

If you have air vents on or under the instrument panel, open them all the way.

Removing and Installing Your Rear

Window

1. Unfasten the lower corner flaps on both sides.

2. There are two places on the canvas on the tailgate marked

PULL.

Pull at each place to unhook the rear window frame from the tailgate.

Also, pull the canvas at the center of the tailgate.

I

3.

Unzip and remove the rear window.

4. Lay the rear window inside-up on a clean, dry, flat surface and roll the rear window from the bottom to the top.

Reverse the steps to install the rear window. Be sure the rear window

is

completely closed before driving.

Removing and Installing Your Canvas

TOP

1. Lower your antenna and swing your sun visors down.

2. Remove your rear window. See

“Removing and Installing Your Rear

Window” in this section.

Reverse the steps to close the rear window. Be sure that it is completely closed.

91

. . -


3.

Unsnap the upper and lower straps that connect the rear top bow to the side window frames.

4. From inside your vehicle, push out on the lower front corner metal support of the rear side window frames.

5. Unfasten the rear side windows from the frames.

6. Hook the frames back to the body of your vehicle.

Be sure the strap is above the frame so you don't pinch the strap between the frame and the body of the vehicle.

Snap the strap on the frame to itself.

7 . Squeeze the front top bow latch buttons and pull the latch back.

8.

Unhook the latch from the front top bow.

9. Swing the front top bow back so you'll have some slack in the canvas top.

I O .

Unhook the canvas top from the front top bow.

1

1.

Unsnap the tension straps at the roof rails and pull the straps out of the plastic loops.

12. Unsnap the flaps near the dome light, that hold the canvas top to the roof support.

13. Slide out the rear corner pieces. 14. Unsnap the canvas from the rear top bow.

15. Remove the canvas top from the vehicle and lay inside-up on a clean, dry, flat surface.

16. Pull up and back on the rear top bow struts and swing each strut forward.

17. Clamp the struts to the rear top bow.

18. Swing down the rear top bow and secure it with the strap at the inside center of your tailgate.

19. Pull the front top bow forward and lock it in place.

Reverse the steps to install your canvas top. Be sure:

The front top bow is securely latched.

The rear side window frames are installed all the way into the corners of the canvas.

The rear side window frames are clamped to the body.

The rear straps on the side window frames are snapped.

The rear top bow struts are secure in their proper place.

9 5 - . =

1

I


Preparing Your

Storage

Canvas Top for

1. Lay the canvas top inside-up on clean, dry, flat surface. a

2.

Fold

the side windows onto the top.

3. Fold

the front

part of

the canvas top over the windows.

4. Lay the rear window on top folded canvas top.

of

the

...

96

5. Roll the canvas

top

around the rear window.

6. Store in a clean, dry location.

9 7 .

=

Notes

Notes

9 9 .

Notes

m m .

100

Part

3

Comfort Controls &

Audio Systems

I n this part you'll find out how to operate the comfort control system and audio systems offered with your Geo . Be sure to read about the particular system supplied with your vehicle .

Comfort Controls

Heater Controls

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

102

. . . . .

Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Bi-LevelHeating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Defogging and Defrosting Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Air Conditioner Controls

Rearwindow Defogger

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Dehumidifying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Flow-Through Ventilation System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Audiosystems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Setting the Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

AM/FM Stereo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Understanding Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Care of Your Cassette Tape Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

101

Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

urnfort Controls

With this system, you can control the heating and ventilation in your Geo. If you have the air conditioning option, you can also control cooling,

Your vehicle also has the flow-through ventilation system described later in this section.

Heater

Controls

Air Intake Lever

a: the inside air through the comfort control system.

m:

outside air through the comfort control system.

Airflow Lever

Use this lever to direct the airflow.

* through the instrument panel vents.

\ # : This position directs air through the instrument panel vents and toward the floor.

WP

This position directs air toward the floor.

-9

This position directs air toward the floor, the windshield and side windows. till,

: This position directs air to the windshield.

Temperature Control Lever

Slide the lever to change the temperature of the air flowing from the heating system. Move it toward the right for warmer air and to the left for cooler air.

The temperature of the air can not be less than the temperature of the outside air.

Fan Control Lever

: Slide this lever to turn the heating system on or off. Move the lever toward to increase the fan's speed.

Heating

1. For the quickest results, move the air intake lever t o m .

2. Move the airflow lever to

0

w d

.

3.

Move the temperature lever toward the right for warmer air.

4. Move the fan lever toward

# .

5. You should switch to once in a while to avoid stale air and cloudy windows.

Bi-Level Heating

You may want to use bi-level heating on cool, but sunny days. This setting directs cool air toward your body and warmer air toward your feet.

1. Move the air intake lever t o m .

2. Move the airflow lever to

.

3.

Move the temperature lever to the center.

4. Move the fan lever toward

# .

Ventilation

For mild outside temperatures when little heating or cooling is needed, you can still direct outside air through your vehicle.

1

.

Move the air intake lever t o m .

2. Move the airflow lever to .

3.

Adjust the temperature lever to a comfortable setting.

4. Move the fan control lever to .

Audio Systems

I

1.

Slide the air intake lever to

=.

2.

Slide the airflow lever to

Q to direct air to the windshield vents.

3.

Slide the temperature lever toward the right.

4. Slide the fan lever to

# .

When the windshield is clear,

turn

down the fan speed.

To defog the side windows, slide the airflow lever to

ZJ.

For increased airflow to the side vents, close the center vents.

Air Conditioner Controls

The air conditioning system uses the same controls as the heating system. The function of each lever is explained under

“Heater Controls” in this part. The incoming air is cooled and dehumidified instead of being heated.

A/C:

Push this button to change your comfort control system from heating to air conditioning. A light will come on when the air conditioning is on. The

A/C

button can also control the humidity in your vehicle.

Cooling

The air conditioner works best if you keep your windows closed. On very hot days, open the windows just long enough for the hot air to escape.

1. Push the

A/C

button.

2. Move the air intake lever to for normal cooling. For faster cooling move the lever t o m .

3.

Move the airflow lever to

-$ .

4. Move the temperature control lever toward the left.

5. Move the fan control lever to

# .

. . .

104

Dehumidifying

On days when it is raining or the humidity is high, follow these dehumidifying steps instead of the cooling directions. It will help clean windows that are cloudy with moisture.

1. Push the

2. Move the air intake lever t o m .

3.

Move the airflow lever to

.

4. Move the fan control lever toward s-

5. Adjust the temperature control lever to a comfortable setting.

Rear Window Defogger

(OPTIO~V)

I

The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to remove fog from the rear window.

Press the switch to turn on the defogger.

An indicator light will come on below the switch to remind you that the defogger is on. Press the switch again to turn the defogger off. The rear window defogger will also turn off if you turn the ignition switch to ACC or

LOCK.

Do not attach anything like a temporary vehicle license or a decal across the defogger grid on the rear window.

Don’t use a razor blade something else sharp on the inside of the

rear

window. If you do, yc could cut or damage the warming grid, and the repairs would1 be covered by your warranty.

Comfort Controls Audio Systems

rmw-rirmuflh Ventilation System

Your Geo's flow-through ventilation system supplies outside air into the vehicle when it is moving. Outside air will also enter the car when the heater or the air conditioning fan is running.

Ventilation Tips

Keep the hood and front air inlet free

of

ice, snow, or any other obstruction

(such as leaves). The heater and defroster will work far better, reducing the chance of fogging the inside of your windows.

When you enter a car in cold weather, move the fan lever toward

# for a few moments before driving off. This helps clear the intake ducts of snow and moisture, and reduces 'the chance of fogging the inside of your windows.

Keep the air path under the front seats clear of objects. This helps air to circulate throughout your car.

H

Audio Systems

Your Delco@ audio system has been designed to operate easily and give years of listening pleasure. But you will get the most enjoyment out of it if you acquaint yourself with it first. Find out what your Delco@ audio system can do and how to operate all its controls, to be sure you're getting the most out of the advanced engineering that went into it.

106

CAUTION

A Hearing damage from loud noise is almost undetectable until it is too late. Your hearing can. adapt to higher volumes of sound. Sound that seems normal can be loud and harmful to your hearing. Take precautions by adjusting the volume control on your radio to a safe sound level before your hearing adapts to it.

To help avoid hearing loss or damage:

Adjust the volume control to the lowest setting.

Increase volume slowly until you hear comfortably and clearly.

N U

I

I L - t

~~~ ~ ~ ~~ ~~ ~

Before you add any sound equipment to your vehicle tape player,

CB

radio, mobile telephone or two-way radio sure you can add what you want.

If you can, it’s

very

important to do it properly. Added sound equipment may interfere with the operation of your vehicle’s engine,

Delco@ radio or other systems, and even damage them. And, your vehicle’s systems may interfere with the operation of sound equipment that has been added improperly.

So, before adding sound equipment, check with your dealer

and be sure to check Federal rules covering mobile r A : o and telephone units

AMiFM Stereo

1. Press and hold

RCL

(TIME SET).

At the same time press and hold

TUNE

4 (HR) until the correct hour appears.

2. Press and hold RCL (TIME SET).

At the same time press and hold

TUNE

(MIN) until the correct minute appears.

107

=

Comfort Controls & Audio Systems s tutu

A M W

1 2 3

4 5 6

AM/FM

Stereo with Cassette Tape

Player

1. Press and hold

RCL/PROG

(TIME

SET). At the same time press and hold

TUNE

4

(HR)

hour appears.

2. Press and hold

RCL/PROG

(TIME

SET). At the same time press and hold

TUNE

b (MIN) until the correct minute appears.

A YFM Stereo

To

Play the Radio

Turn the

ON/VOL

knob to turn the system.on or off.

Volume

Turn the

ON/VOL

knob to adjust the volume.

AM-FM

Press AM-FM to get AM or FM. The lighted display shows your selection.

Tune

Press TUNE, or T U N E 4 to go to a higher or lower station. Press either button and hold to continue tuning and release when you find your station. The display will indicate the frequency of each station tuned.

Seek

Press

SEEK,

or

SEEK4

and the radio will tune to the next higher or lower station and stay there.

Pushbuttons

The six pushbuttons let you return to your favorite stations. To set the pushbuttons for up to 12 stations (6 AM and 6 FM), just:

1. Tune in the station.

2. Press and hold one of the pushbuttons for at least two seconds.

The sound will go away for a second and will return when the station is stored.

Repeat these steps for each pushbutton.

Setting the Tone

Treble:

Turn the

TREB

knob to the right to hear more treble.

Bass:

Turn the

BASS

control behind the

TREB

knob to the right to hear more bass.

Adjusting the Speakers

Fade:

Turn the

FADE

knob to move the sound between the front and rear speakers.

Balance:

Turn the

BAL

control behind the

FADE

knob to move the sound between the left and right speakers.

Recall

Press

RCL

to switch the display between time and frequency. Or, press it if you want to see the time when the ignition is off. r


9M/FM Stereo with Cassette

Tape Player

To Play the Radio h r n the

ON/VOL

knob to turn the

;ystem on or off.

Volume

Turn the

ON/VOL

knob to adjust the volume.

AM-FM

Press AM-FM to get AM, FM 1 or

FM2. The lighted display shows your selection.

Tune

Press

TUNE,

or

TUNE4

to go to a higher or lower station. Press either button and hold to continue tuning and release when you find your station. The display will indicate the frequency of each station tuned.

Seek

Press

SEEK,

or SEEK4 and the radio will tune to the next higher or lower station and stay there.

Pushbuttons

The six pushbuttons let you return to your favorite stations. To set the pushbuttons for up to 18 stations (6 AM,

6 FMl, and 6 FM2), just:

1. Tune in the station.

2. Press and hold one of the pushbuttons for at least two seconds.

The sound will go away for a second and will return when the station is stored.

Repeat these steps for each pushbutton.

Setting the Tone

Treble:

Turn the

TREB

knob to the right to hear more treble.

Bass:

Turn the

BASS

control behind the

TREB

knob to the right to hear more bass.

Loud

To

increase the bass tone at low volumes, press the

LOUD

button.

Tone Select

Press

TONE SELECT

to choose preset treble and bass equalization settings designed for “ROCK,” “NEWS,”

“POP,” “JAZZ” and “CLASSICAL.”

“ROCK” will appear when you first press

TONE SELECT.

Each time you press

TONE SELECT

another setting will appear on the display. Press

TONE

SELECT

again after “CLASSICAL” and control of the tone will be back to the treble and bass knobs.

Adjusting the Speakers

Fade:

Turn the

FADE

knob to move the sound between the front and rear speakers.

Balance:

Turn the

BAL

control behind the

FADE

knob to move the sound between the right and left speakers.

Preset Scan

Press the

PRESET

SCAN button to hear each of your FM preset stations for a few seconds. When you want to stop at a chosen station, press

PRESET

SCAN

again.

Recall

Press

RCL/PROG

to switch the display between time and frequency. Or, press il if you want to see the time when the ignition is off.

To Play a Cassette Tape

Your tape player is built to work best with tapes that are 30-45 minutes long on each side. Tapes longer than that are so thin they may not work well in this

Dlaver.

The longer side with the tape visible should face to the right. If you hear nothing or hear just a garbled sound, it may not be in squarely. Press

A to remove the tape and start over. Once the tape is playing, use the knobs for volume and balance, just as you do for the radio. The lighted arrows show which side of the tape is playing.

Your bias is set automatically. When a metal or chrome tape is inserted,

“MTL” is shown on the display.

Fast Forward

Press

FF

to rapidly advance to another part of the tape. Press FF, RCL/PROG or

A

(Stop/Eject) to return to playing speed.

Rewind

Press REW to rapidly reverse the tape.

Press REW, RCLlPROG or

A

(Stop/Eject) to return to playing speed.

To

Play the Next Selection

Press NEXT to go forward to the beginning of the next selection.

For NEXT to work properly, your tape must have at least three or four seconds of silence between each selection.

Previous

Press PREV to hear the last selection over. Press PREV again or press

RCL/PROG or cancel this function.

(Stop/Eject) to

Program

Press RCL/PROG to switch from one side of the tape to the other.

Your cassette tape player can play continuously because the player has an auto-reverse feature.

Dolby

DD@

Press

00 to remove noise from

Dolby DD@ NR-encoded tapes.

Dolby@’ Noise Reduction is manufactured under license from Dolby

Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories

Licensing Corporation.

EJECT

Press A to remove the tape or stop the tape and switch to radio.

Radio Monitor

Press the

RADIO MNTR

button to hear the radio when you are fast forwarding or reversing a cassette tape. You can use the

TUNE, SEEK

and

PRESET SCAN

buttons while in the radio monitor mode.

Theft-Deterrent Feature

l

The theft-deterrent feature for the

AM/FM stereo with cassette tape player can be used or ignored. If ignored, the system plays normally. If it is used, your system won’t be usable if it’s ever stolen.

Setting

Your

Security Code

The instructions below tell you how to enter a security code into the system. If your vehicle loses battery power for any reason, you must enter the security code again before the system will turn on.

1. Write down any four-digit number and keep it in a safe place.

2. Turn the ignition switch to the

ACC

or

ON

position.

3.

Turn the audio system off.

4. Press the 1 and 4 buttons together.

Hold them down until “-L” shows on the display.

You are now ready to enter your security code. Don’t wait more than 15 seconds between steps.

5. Press

4SEEKb

and/or

4TUNEb

and

“OOOO”

will appear on the display.

6. Press

SEEK4

and hold it until the first digit of your code appears.

Release the button.

7 . Press

SEEK,

and hold it until the second digit of your code appears.

Release the button.

8. Press

TUNE4

and hold it until the third digit of your code appears.

Release the button.

1 1 3 .

9


9. Press

TUNE,

and hold it until the fourth digit of your code appears.

Release the button.

10. Press AM-FM after you have checked that the code you entered is the one you wrote down. Your code is not stored and “SEC” will appear on the display.

How

to Shut Off the Theft-Deterrent

Feature

If your radio is secured (“SEC” shows on the display) and you wish to disable it, enter your security code as follows pausing no more than 15 seconds between steps:

1

.

Press the 1 and 4 buttons together.

Hold them down until

“----” shows on the display. You are now ready to enter your security code.

2. Press the

SEEK4

button and hold it until the first digit of your code appears.

3.

Press the SEEK, button and hold it until the second digit of your code appears.

4. Press the

TUNE4

button and hold it until the third digit of your code appears.

5. Press the

TUNE,

button and hold it until the fourth digit of your code appears.

6. Press AM-FM after you have checked that the code you entered matches the one you wrote down.

----

” should now appear in the display.

If the code is correct, the radio will operate. If the code is wrong, ‘bErr” will appear in the display.

To Unlock the System after a Power

Loss

If power is disrupted to the radio while in the “SEC” mode, the unit will not work and “LOC” will show on the display whenever the ignition is on. To unlock the unit:

1. Press 4SEEKb and/or

4TUNEF

and “00o0” will appear on the display.

2. Press the

SEEK4

button and hold it until the first digit of your code appears.

3.

Press the

SEEK,

button and hold it until the second digit of your code appears.

4. Press the

TUNE4

button and hold it until the third digit of your code appears.

5. Press the

TUNE,

button and hold it until the fourth digit of your code appears.

6. Press checked that the code matches the one you wrote down. Now “SEC” will appear in the display,

Understanding Radio Reception

F”

Stereo

FM stereo will give you the best sound, but FM signals will reach only about

10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km). And, tall buildings or hills can interfere with

FM signals, causing the sound to come and go.

A M

The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM, especially at night.

The longer range, however, can cause stations to interfere with each other.

AM can pick up noise from things like storms and power lines. Try reducing the treble to reduce this noise if you ever get it.

Care of

Player

Your Cassette Tape

A tape player that is not cleaned regularly can cause reduced sound quality, ruined cassettes, or a damaged mechanism. Cassette tapes should be stored in their cases away from contaminants, direct sunlight, and extreme heat. If they aren’t, they may not operate properly or cause failure of the tape player.

Your tape player should be cleaned regularly each month or after every 15 hours of use. If you notice a reduction in sound quality, try a known good cassette to see if the tape or the tape player is at fault. If this other cassette has no improvement in sound quality, clean the tape player.

115

9 c


Clean your tape player with a wiping-action, non-abrasive cleaning cassette and follow the directions provided with it.

Cassettes are subject to wear and the sound quality may degrade over time.

Always make sure that the cassette tape is in good condition before you have your tape player serviced.

Antenna

Use the knob on the end of the antenna to raise the antenna or to push it back down. Keep the antenna mast clean for good performance.

Always lower the antenna before entering a car wash.

If you have the canvas top, also lower the antenna before removing or installing the top.

. . .

116

Part

4


H e r e YOU’II find information about driving on different kinds of roads and in varying weather conditions

.

We’ve

also

included many other useful tips on driving

.

Roadsigns

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

DefensiveDriving

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

122

DrunkenDriving

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

123

Control of a Vehicle

Driving Guidelines

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140

Off-Road Driving with Your Geo

Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Drivingat Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157

Driving in the Rain

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

160

Driving in Fog. Mist and Haze

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

162

........................................................

164 City Driving

Freeway Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

Driving a Long Distance

Hilland MountainRoads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169

ParkingonHills

Winter Driving

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

167

171

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

173

TowingaTrailer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

177

Recreational Towing

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .........................

186

117

.

=

Your Driving and the Road m

Road Signs

The road signs you see everywhere are coded by color, shape and symbols. It’s a good idea to know these codes so that you can quickly grasp the basic meaning or intent of the sign even before you have a chance to read it.

A

WAY

I

L A

LOW

SHOULDER

Color of Road Signs

RED

means STOP. It may also indicate that some movement is not allowed.

Examples are DO NOT ENTER and

WRONG WAY.

ORANGE

indicates road construction or maintenance. You’ll want to slow down when you see an orange sign, as part of the road may be closed

off

or torn up.

And there may be workers and maintenance vehicles around, too.

NARROW

BRIDGE

YELLOW

indicates a general warning.

Slow down and be careful when you see a yellow sign. It may signal a railroad crossing ahead, a no-passing zone, or some other potentially dangerous situation. Likewise, a yellow solid line painted on the road means “Don’t

Cross.”

GREEN

is used to guide the driver.

Green signs may indicate upcoming freeway exits or show the direction you should turn to reach a particular place.

. . .

118

HOSPITAL INF(

BLUE signs with white letters show motorists' services.

A

P

Shape of

Road

Signs

The shape of the sign will tell you something, too.

An OCTAGONAL (eight-sided) sign means STOP. It is always red with white letters.

YIELD

V

A TRIANGLE, pointed downward, indicates YIELD. It assigns the right-of-way to traffic on certain approaches to an intersection.

CANOEING SWIMMING

BROWN signs point out recreation areas or points of historic or cultural interest. w'

END DIVIDED HIGHWAY

A DIAMOND-shaped sign is a warning of something ahead - curve, steep hill, soft shoulder, or a narrow bridge.

A TRIANGULAR sign also is used on two-lane roads to indicate a NO

PASSING ZONE. This sign will be on the left side of the roadway.

1 1 9 .

Your Driving and

KEEP

RIGHT THROUGH

LEFT OR RIGHT TURN

ONLY

RECTANGULAR

(square or oblong) signs show speed limits, parking regulations, give directions and such information as distances to cities.

FOOD

NO RIGHT

TURN

Symbols on Road Signs

There are many international road signs in use today.

TURN BICYCLES

NO U NO NO

PARKING

The basic message of many of these signs is in pictures or graphic symbols.

A

picture within a circle with a diagonal line across it shows what

not

to do.

Traffic Lights

We’re all familiar with traffic lights or stop lights. Often green arrows are being used in the lights for improved traffic control. On some multilane roads, green arrows light up, indicating that traffic in one or more lanes can move or make a turn. Green arrows don’t mean

“go no matter what.

”

You’ll still need to proceed with caution, yielding the right of way to pedestrians and sometimes to other vehicles.

Some traffic lights also use red arrows to signify that you must stop before turning on red.

.

120

Y

REVERSIBLE

LANE ON

MULTI-LANE

ROADWAY

NO PASSING ZONE

Many city roads and expressways, and zven bridges, use reversible-lane traffic

:ontrol during rush hours. A red X light above a lane means no driving in that lane at that time. A green arrow means you may drive in that lane. Look for the signs posted to warn drivers what hours and days these systems are in effect.

Pavement Markings

Pavement markings add to traffic signs and signals. They give information to drivers without taking attention from the roadway. A solid yellow line on your side of the road or lane means “don’t xoss.

”

Your Own Signals

Drivers signal to others, too. It’s not only more polite, it’s safer to let other drivers know what you are doing. And in some places the law requires driver signals.

Turn and lane change signals.

Always signal when you plan to turn or change lanes.

If necessary, you can use hand signals out the window: Left arm straight out for a left turn, down for slow or about-to-stop, and up for a right turn.


Slowing

down. If time allows, tap the brake pedal once or twice in advance of slowing or stopping. This warns the driver behind you.

Disabled.

Your four-way flashers signal that your vehicle is disabled or is a hazard. See “Hazard Warning

Flashers” in the Index.

Trafilc Officer

The traffic police officer is also a source of important information. The officer’s signals govern, no matter what the traffic lights or other signs say.

The next section discusses some of the road conditions you may encounter.

Defensive Driving

The best advice anyone can give about driving is: Drive defensively.

Please start with a very important safety device in your Geo: Buckle up. (See

“Safety Belts” in the Index.)

Defensive driving really means “be ready for anything.” On city streets, rural roads, or freeways, it means

“always expect the unexpected.

”

Assume that pedestrians or other drivers are going to be careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they might do.

Be ready for their mistakes.

Expect children to dash out from behind parked cars, often followed by other children. Expect occupants in parked cars to open doors into traffic. Watch for movement in parked cars

- someone may be about to open a door.

Expect other drivers to run stop signs when you are on a through street. Be ready to brake if necessary as you go through intersections. You may not have to use the brake, but if you do, you will be ready.

[f you’re driving through a shopping center parking lot where there are well-marked lanes, directional arrows, and designated parking areas, expect

. 1 2 2

some drivers to ignore all these markings and dash straight toward one part of the lot.

Pedestrians can be careless. Watch for them. In general, you must give way to pedestrians even if you know you have the right of way.

Rear-end collisions are about the most preventable of accidents. Yet they are common. Allow enough following distance. It’s the best defensive driving maneuver, in both city and rural driving. You never know when the vehicle in front of you is going to brake or turn suddenly.

Here’s a final bit of information about defensive driving. The most dangerous time for driving in the U.S. is very early on Sunday morning. In fact, GM

Research studies show that the most and the least dangerous times for driving, every week, fall on the same day. That day is Sunday. The most dangerous time is Sunday from 3 a.m. to 4 a.m. The safest time is Sunday from 10 a.m. to

11 a.m. Driving the same distance on a

Sunday at 3 a.m. isn’t just a little more dangerous than it is at 10 a.m. It’s about

134 times more dangerous!

That leads to the next section.

Drunken Driving

Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is a national tragedy. It’s the number one contributor to the highway death toll, claiming thousands of victims every year.

Alcohol takes away three things that anyone needs to drive a vehicle:

Judgment

Muscular Coordination

Vision

Police records show that half of all motor vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol - someone else, such as a pedestrian, had been drinking. In most cases, these

Your Driving and the Road deaths are the result of someone who was drinking and driving. Over 25,000 motor vehicle-related deaths occur each year because of alcohol, and thousands of people are injured.

Just how much alcohol is too much if a person plans to drive? Ideally, no one should drink alcohol and then drive. But if one does, then what’s “too much”? It can be a lot less than many might think.

Although it depends on each person and situation, here is some general information on the problem.

The Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of someone who is drinking depends upon four things:

How much alcohol is in the drink.

The drinker’s body weight.

The amount of food that is consumed before and during drinking.

The length of time it has taken the drinker to consume the alcohol.

According to the American Medical

Association, a 180-pound (82 kg) person who drinks three 12-ounce (355 ml) bottles of beer in an hour will end up with a BAC of about 0.06 percent. The person would reach the same BAC by drinking three 4-ounce (120 ml) glasses of wine or three mixed drinks if each had 1- 1/2 ounces (45 ml) of a liquor like whiskey, gin or vodka.

It’s the amount of alcohol that counts.

For example, if the same person drank three double martinis (3 ounces or 90 ml of liquor each) within an hour, the person’s BAC would be close to 0.12 percent. A person who consumes food just before or during drinking will have a slightly lower BAC level.

DRINKING THAT WILL

RESULT IN A BAC OF .05%

IN THE TIME SHOWN

i

I

I

-

I

=

1

2 HOURS i noUR

IVJ

4

120 140 160 180 Mo 220 240 approaching 0.05 percent, and that the effects are worse at night. All drivers aoov WEIGHT IN POUNDS are impaired at BAC levels above 0.05 percent. Statistics show that the chance The law in most U.S. states sets the legal limit at a BAC of 0.10 percent. In

Canada the limit is 0.08 percent, and in some other countries it’s lower than that. The RAC will be over 0.10 percent after three to six drinks (in one hour).

Of course, as we’ve seen, it depends on how much alcohol is in the drinks, and how quickly the person drinks them.

But it’s very important to keep in mind that the ability to drive is affected well below a BAC of 0.10 percent. Research shows that the driving skills of many people are impaired at a BAC of being in an accident increases sharply for drivers who have a BAC of 0.05 percent or above. A driver with a BAC level of 0.06 percent (three beers in one hour for a 180-pound or 82 kg person) has doubled his or her chance of having an accident. At a BAC level of 0.10 percent, the chance of that driver having an accident is six times greater; at a level of 0.15 percent, the chances are twenty-five times greater! And, the body takes about an hour to rid itself of the alcohol in one drink. No amount of coffee or number of cold showers will speed that up.

“I’ll be careful” isn’t the right answer.

What if there’s an emergency, a need to take sudden action, as when a child darts into the street? A person with a higher BAC might not be able to react quickly enough to avoid the collision.


There's something else about drinking and driving that many people don't know. Medical research shows that alcohol in a person's system can make crash injuries worse. That's especially true for brain, spinal cord and heart injuries. That means that if anyone who has

been

drinking

-

- in a crash, the chance of being killed or permanently disabled is higher than if that person had not been drinking. And we've already seen that the chance of a crash itself is higher for drinking drivers.

A Drinking and then driving is very dangerous. Your reflexes, perceptions, and judgment will be affected by even a small amount of alcohol. You could have a serious - even fatal you drive after drinking. Please don't drink and drive or ride with a driver who has been drinking. Ride home in a cab; or if you're with a group, designate a driver who will not drink.

Conboi of a Vehicle

I

You have three systems that make your vehicle go where you want it to go.

They are the brakes, the steering and the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work at the places where the tires meet the road.

Sometimes, as when you're driving on snow or ice, it's easy to ask more of those control systems than the tires and road can provide. That means you can lose control of your vehicle.

-

9

126

Braking

Braking action involves and

reaction time. perception time

First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal. That’s

perception time.

Then you have to bring up your foot and do it. That’s

reaction time.

Average

reaction time

is about 3/4 of a second. But that’s only an average. It might be less with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness, coordination, and eyesight all play a part.

So

do alcohol, drugs and frustration. But even in 3/4 of a second, a vehicle moving at travels 66 feet

60

mph (100 km/h)

(20

m). That could. be a lot of distance in an emergency,

so

keeping enough space between your vehicle and others is important.

And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly with the surface of the road (whether it’s pavement or gravel); the condition of the road (wet, dry, icy); tire tread; and the condition of your brakes.

Most drivers treat their brakes with care. Some, however, overwork the braking system with poor driving habits.

Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts - acceleration followed by heavy braking with traffic. This is a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking.

Don’t “ride” the brakes by letting your left foot rest lightly on the brake pedal while driving.

Your Driving

GAU

I

IUN

A “Riding” your brakes can cause them to overheat to the point that they won’t work well.

You might not be able to stop your vehicle in time to avoid an accident. If you “ride” your brakes, they will get so hot they will require a lot of pedal force to slow you down. Avoid “riding” the brakes.

I

N U /Ut

“Riding” the brakes wears them

)ut much faster. You would n

:ostly brake replacement mucl iooner than normal, and it

-educes fuel econo----

If you keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic following distances, you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking. That means better braking and longer brake life.

If your engine ever stops while you’re driving, brake normally but don’t pump your brakes. If you do, the pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine stops, you will still have some power brake assist. But you will use it as you brake. Once the power assist is used up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push.

. . .

128

L

Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)

You slam on the brakes. Here’s what

Your vehicle has an advanced electronic happens with ABS. braking system that can help you keep it A computer senses that a rear wheel is under control. When you stag your

- slowing down. The computer works the vehicle and begin to drive away, you may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise. The ABS motor comes on momentarily when the vehicle reaches 8 mph (12 km/h). This is the

ABS system testing itself.

As you brake, your computer keeps receiving updates on rear wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly. Here’s how anti-lock works. Let’s say the road is wet. You’re driving safely.

Suddenly an animal jumps out in front of you. brakes at the rear wheels. It is programmed to make the most of available tire and road conditions.

A Anti-lock doesn’t change the time you need to get your foot up to the brake pedal. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, you won’t have time to apply your brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even though you have anti-lock brakes.

I

1 2 9 .


To Use Anti-Lock:

Use rear wheel anti-lock like regular brakes. You may feel the brakes vibrate, or you may notice some noise outside your vehicle, but this is normal. Let anti-lock work for you, but remember:

Your front wheels can still stop rolling.

If that happens, release enough pressure on the brakes to get the wheels rolling again so that you can steer.

With the four-wheel-drive option, you won't have anti-lock braking when you shift into four-wheel drive. But you will have regular braking. When you shift back into two-wheel drive, you will have anti-lock again.

Disc Brake Wear Indicators

Your Geo has front disc and rear drum brakes.

Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning sound when the brake Pads are worn and new pads are needed. The sound may come and go or be heard all the time your vehicle is moving (except when you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly).

I

I I t l

The brake wear warning sound means that sooner or

1; : your brakes won't work well.

I I

I'hat could lead to an accident.

When you hear the brake wear warning sound, have your vehicle cerviced.

Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads cc in cost' brake rep;

' I

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130

Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly applied. This does not mean something is wrong with your brakes.

~

Rear Drum Brakes

Your rear drum brakes don’t have wear indicators, but if you ever hear a rear brake rubbing noise, have the rear brake linings inspected. Also, the rear brake drums should be removed and inspected each time the tires are removed for rotation or changing. When you have the front brakes replaced, have the rear brakes inspected, too.

Brake linings should always be replaced as complete axle sets.

Brake Pedal Travel

See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.

Brake Adjustment

Every time you make a moderate brake stop, your disc brakes adjust for wear.

If you rarely make a moderate or heavier stop, then your brakes might not adjust correctly. If you drive in that way, then few moderate brake stops about every

1,000 miles (1 600 km), will adjust properly.

so

your brakes

If your brake pedal goes down farther than normal, your rear drum brakes may need adjustment. Adjust them by backing up and firmly applying the brakes a few times.

131


Braking in Emergencies

At some time, nearly every driver gets into a situation that requires hard braking. You have the rear wheel anti-lock braking system. Your front wheels can stop rolling when you brake very hard. Once they do, the vehicle can’t respond to your steering.

Momentum will carry it in whatever direction it was headed when the wheels stopped rolling. That could be off the road, into the very thing you were trying to avoid, or into traffic.

So, use a “squeeze” braking technique.

This will give you maximum braking while maintaining steering control. You do this by pushing on the brake pedal with steadily increasing pressure. When you do, you can maintain steering control. In many emergencies, steering can help you more than even the very best braking.

Steering

Power Steering

If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or the system fails to function, you can steer but it will take much more effort.

Steering Tips

Driving on Curves

It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed.

A lot of the ‘‘driver lost control” accidents mentioned on the news happen on curves. Here’s why:

Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The traction of

I I .

132

the tires against the road surface makes it possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn the front wheels. If there’s no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If you’ve ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you’ll understand this.

The traction you can get in a curve depends on the condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is banked, and your speed.

While you’re in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control. i

Suppose you’re steering through a sharp curve. Then you suddenly apply the brakes. Both control systems - and braking

- where the tires meet the road. Adding the hard braking can demand too much at those places. You can lose control.

The same thing can happen if you’re steering through a sharp curve and you suddenly accelerate. Those two control systems - - can overwhelm those places where the tires meet the road and make you lose control.

What should you do if this ever happens? Let up on the brake or accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want it to go, and slow down.

Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds are based on good weather and road conditions.

Under less favorable conditions you’ll want to go slower.

If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front wheels are straight ahead.

Try to adjust your speed so you can

“drive” through the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then accelerate gently into the straightaway.


When you drive into a curve at night, it’s harder to see the road ahead of you because it bends away from the straight beams of your lights. This is one good reason to drive slower.

Steering in Emergencies

There are times when steering can be more effective than braking. For example, you come over a hill and find a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked cars and stops right in front of you. You can avoid these problems by braking -

you

can stop in time. But sometimes you can’t; there isn’t room. That’s the time for evasive action problem.

Your Geo can perform very well in emergencies like these. First apply your brakes, but not enough to lock your front wheels. It is better to remove as much speed as you can from a possible collision. Then steer around the problem, to the left or right depending on the space available.

An emergency like this requires close attention and a quick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel at the recommended 9 and

3

o’clock positions, you can turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing either hand.

But you have to act fast, steer quickly, and just as quickly straighten the wheel once you have avoided the object. You must then be prepared to steer back to your original lane and then brake to a controlled stop.

134

Depending on your speed, this can be rather violent for an unprepared driver.

This is one of the reasons driving experts recommend that you use your safety belts and keep both hands on the steering wheel.

The fact that such emergency situations are always possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving at all times.

Off-Road Recovery

You may find sometime that your right wheels have dropped off the edge of a road onto the shoulder (A) while you’re driving.

If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer so that your vehicle straddles the edge of the pavement. You can turn the steering wheel up to 1/4 turn (B) until the right front tire contacts the pavement edge. Then turn your steering wheel to go straight down the roadway.

If the shoulder appears to be about four inches (100 mm) or more below the pavement,

this

difference can cause problems. If there is not enough room to

I pull entirely onto the shoulder and stop, then follow the same procedures. But if the right front tire scrubs against the side of the pavement, do NOT steer more sharply. With too much steering angle, the vehicle may jump back onto the road with so much steering input that it crosses over into the oncoming traffic before you can bring it back under control. Instead, ease

off

again on the accelerator and steering input, straddle the pavement once more, then try again.

136-


Passing

The driver of a vehicle about to pass another on a two-lane highway waits for just the right moment, accelerates, moves around the vehicle ahead, then goes back into the right lane again. A simple maneuver?

Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle on a two-lane highway is a potentially dangerous move, since the passing vehicle occupies the same lane as oncoming traffic for several seconds. A miscalculation, an error in judgment, or a brief surrender to frustration

or

anger can suddenly put the passing driver face to face with the worst of all traffic accidents -

So here are some tips for passing:

“Drive ahead.”

Look

down the road, to the sides, and to crossroads for situations that might affect your passing patterns. If you have any doubt whatsoever about making a successful pass, wait for a better time.

Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings, and lines. If you can see a sign up ahead that might indicate a turn or an intersection, delay your pass. A broken center line usually indicates it’s all right to pass

(providing the road ahead is clear).

Never cross a solid line on your side of the lane or a double solid line, even if the road seems empty of approaching traffic.

If you suspect that the driver of the vehicle you want to pass isn’t aware of your presence, tap the horn a couple of times before passing. Or, if your Geo has the Passing Signal option, you can use that. See

“Passing Signal” in the Index.

Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to pass while you’re awaiting

an

opportunity. For one thing, following too closely reduces your area of vision, especially if you’re following a larger vehicle.

Also,

you won’t have adequate space if the vehicle ahead suddenly slows or stops. Keep back a reasonable distance.

When it looks like a chance to pass is coming up, start to accelerate but stay in the right lane and don’t get too close. Time your move

so

you will be increasing speed as the time comes to move into the other lane. If the way is clear to pass, you will have a

“running start” that more than makes up for the distance you would lose by dropping back. And if something happens to cause you to cancel your pass, you need only slow down and drop back again and wait for another opportunity.

If other cars are lined up to pass a slow vehicle, wait your turn. But take care that someone isn’t trying to pass you as you pull out to pass the slow vehicle. Remember to glance over your shoulder and check the blind spot.

Check your mirrors, glance over your shoulder, and start your left lane change signal before moving out of the right lane to pass. When you are far enough ahead of the passed vehicle to see its front in your inside mirror, activate your right lane change signal and move back into the right lane. (Remember that your right outside mirror is convex. The vehicle

Your Driving and the Road you just passed may seem to be further away from you than it really is.)

Try not to pass more than one vehicle at a time on two-lane roads.

Reconsider before passing the next vehicle.

Don’t overtake a slowly moving vehicle too rapidly. Even though the brake lights are not flashing, it may be slowing down or starting to turn.

If you’re being passed, make it easy for the following driver to get ahead of you. Perhaps you can ease a little to the right.

Loss of Control

Let’s review what driving experts say about what happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering and acceleration) don’t have enough friction where the tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked.

In any emergency, don’t give up. Keep trying to steer and constantly seek an escape route or area of less danger.

Skidding

In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle. Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and by not

“overdriving” those conditions. But skids are always possible.

The three types of skids correspond to your Geo’s three control systems. In the braking skid your wheels aren’t rolling.

In the steering or cornering skid, too much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose cornering force.

And in the acceleration skid too much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.

A cornering skid and an acceleration skid are best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. If your vehicle starts to slide (as when you turn a corner on a wet, snow- or ice-covered road), ease your foot off the accelerator

pedal as soon as you feel the vehicle

start

to slide. Quickly steer the way you want the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough, your vehicle will straighten out. As it does, straighten the front wheels.

Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice, gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, you’ll want to slow down and adjust your driving to these conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and vehicle control more limited.

While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or braking

(including engine braking by shifting to a lower gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide.

You

may not realize the surface

is

slippery until your vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning clues

- enough water, ice or packed snow on the. road to make a “mirrored surface’’

- doubt.

Remember: the rear wheel anti-lock braking system (RWAL) helps avoid only a rear braking skid. In a braking skid (where the front wheels are no longer rolling), release enough pressure on the brakes to get the front wheels rolling again. This restores steering control. Push the brake pedal down steadily when you have to stop suddenly. As long as the front wheels are rolling, you will have steering control. Steer the way you want to go.


Driving Guidelines

This multipurpose passenger vehicle is defined as a utility vehicle in Consumer

Information Regulations issued by the

National Highway Traffic Safety

Administration (NHTSA) of the United

States Department of Transportation.

Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance and a narrower track to make them capable of performing in a wide variety of off-road applications. Specific design characteristics give them a higher center of gravity than ordinary cars. An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better view of the road allowing you to anticipate problems.

They are not designed for cornering at the same speeds as conventional two-wheel drive vehicles any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions. If at all possible, avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers. As with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or vehicle rollover.

Your Geo Four-Wheel-

Drive Vehicle

This off-road guide is for vehicles that have four-wheel drive.

Also, see “Anti-Lock Brakes” in the

Index.

If your vehicle doesn’t have four-wheel drive, you shouldn’t drive off-road unless you’re on a level, solid surface.

Off-road driving can be great fun. But it does have some definite hazards. The greatest of these is the terrain itself.

“Off-roading” means you’ve left the great North American road system behind. Traffic lanes aren’t marked.

Curves aren’t banked. There are no road . . .

140

signs. Surfaces can be slippery, rough, uphill or downhill. In short, you’ve gone right back to nature.

Off-road driving involves some new skills. And that’s why it’s very important that you read this guide.

You’ll find many driving tips and suggestions. These will help make your off-road driving safer and more enjoyable.

Before You Go Off-Roading

There are some things to do before you go out. For example, be sure to have all necessary maintenance and service work done. Be sure to read all the information about your four-wheel drive vehicle in this manual. Is there enough fuel? Is the spare tire fully inflated? Are the fluid levels up where they should be? What are the local laws that apply to off-roading where you’ll be driving? If you don’t

know,

law enforcement people in the area. Wil you be on someone’s private land? If so be sure to get the necessary permission.

Loading

Your

Vehicle for Off-Road

Driving

There are some important things to remember about how to load your vehicle.

The heaviest things should be on the load floor and forward of your rear axle. Put heavier items as far forward as you can.

Be sure the load is secured properly, so driving on the off-road terrain doesn’t toss things around.


A

Cargo on the load floor

L piled higher than the seatbacks can be thrown forwarc during a sudden stop. You or your passengers could be injured. Keep cargo below the top of the seatbacks.

Unsecured cargo on the load floor can be tossed about when driving over rough terrain. You or your passengers can be strucl by flying objects. Secure the cargo properly.

Heavy loads on the roof raise the vehicle’s center of gravity, making it more likely to roll over. You can be seriously or fatally injured if the vehicle rolls over. Put heavy loads inside the cargo area, not on the roof.

Keep cargo in the cargo area as far forward and low as possible.

I

. . .

142

You’ll find other important information in this manual. See “Vehicle Loading,” and “Tires” in the Index.

Traveling

to Remote

Areas

It makes sense to plan your trip, especially when going to a remote area.

Know the terrain and plan your route.

You are much less likely to get bad surprises. Get accurate maps of trails and terrain.

Try

to learn of any blocked or closed roads.

It’s also a good idea to travel with at least one other vehicle. If something happens to one of them, the other can help quickly.

Does your vehicle have a winch? If so, be sure to read the winch instructions.

In a remote area, a winch can be handy if you get stuck. But you’ll want to know how to use it properly.

Getting Familiar with Off-Road

Driving

It’s a good idea to practice in an area that’s safe and close to home before you go into the wilderness. Off-road driving does require some new and different driving skills. Here’s what we mean.

Tune your senses to different kinds of signals. Your eyes, for example, need to constantly sweep the terrain for unexpected obstacles. Your ears need to listen for unusual tire or engine sounds.

With your arms, hands, feet, and body you’ll need to respond to vibrations and vehicle bounce.

I.

CAUTION

Controlling your vehicle is the key to successful off-road driving. One of the When you’re driving best ways to control your vehicle is to control your speed. Here are some things to keep in mind. At higher speeds:

You approach things faster and you have less time to scan the terrain for obstacles. off road, c

L bouncing and quick changes in direction can easily throw you out of position. This could cause you to lose control and crash.

So,

whether you’re driving on or off the road, you and your passengers should wear safety belts.

You have less time to react.

You have more vehicle bounce when you drive over obstacles.

You’ll need more distance for braking, especially since you’re on an unpaved surface.

1 4 3 -

- r


Scanning the Terrain

Off-road driving can take you over many different kinds of terrain. You need to be familiar with the terrain and its many different features. Here are some things to consider.

Surface Conditions.

Off-roading can take you over hard-packed dirt; gravel, rocks, grass, sand, mud, snow or ice.

Each of these surfaces affects the steering, acceleration, and braking of your vehicle in different ways.

Depending upon the kind of surface you are on, you may experience slipping, sliding, wheel spinning, delayed acceleration, poor traction. and longer braking distanc

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Surface Obstacles.

Unseen or hidden obstacles can be hazardous. A rock, log, hole, rut, or bump can startle you if you’re not prepared for them. Often these obstacles are hidden by grass, bushes, snow or even the rise and fall of the terrain itself. Here are some things to consider:

Is the path ahead clear?

Will the surface texture change abruptly up ahead?

Does the travel take you uphill or downhill? (There’s more discussion of these subjects later.)

Will you have to stop suddenly or change direction quickly?

When you drive over obstacles or rough terrain, keep a

firm

grip on the steering wheel. Ruts, troughs, or other surface features can jerk the wheel out of your hands if you’re not prepared.

When you drive over bumps, rocks, or other obstacles, your wheels can leave the ground. If

this

happens, even with one or two wheels, you can’t control the vehicle as well or at all.

Because you will be on an unpaved surface, it’s especially important to avoid sudden acceleration, sudden turns, or sudden braking.

In a way, off-road driving requires a different kind of alertness from driving on paved roads and highways. There are no road signs, posted speed limits or signal lights. You have to use your own good judgment about what is safe and what isn’t.

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CAUTION

-

And this is certainly true for off-road driving. At the very time you need special alertness and driving skills, your reflexes, perceptions and judgment can be affected by even a small amount of alcohol. You could have a serious or even fatal accident if you drink and drive or ride with a driver who has been drinking. (See

“Drunken Driving” in the Index.)

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Driving on Off-Road Hills

Off-road driving often takes you up, down, or across a hill. Driving safely on hills requires good judgment and an understanding of what your vehicle can and can’t do. There are some hills that simply can’t be driven, no matter how well built the vehicle.

Your Driving and the

load

1

CAUTION

1

Many hills are simply too

-

If you drive up them, you will stall. If you drive down them, you can’t control your speed. If you drive across them, you will roll over.

You could be seriously injured or killed. If you have any doubt about the steepness, don’t drive the hill.

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Approaching a Hill

When you approach a hill, you need to decide if it’s one of those hills that’s just too steep to climb, descend, or cross.

Steepness can be hard to judge. On a very small hill, for example, there may be a smooth, constant incline with only a small change in elevation where you can easily see all the way to the top. On a large hill, the incline may get steeper as you near the top, but you may not see this because the crest of the hill is hidden by bushes, grass, or shrubs.

Here are some other things to consider as you approch a hill.

Is there a constant incline,

or

does the hill get sharply steeper

in

places?

Is

there good traction on the hillside, or will the surface cause tire slipping?

Is there a straight path up or down the hill so you won’t have to make turning maneuvers?

Are there obstructions on the hill that can block your path (boulders, trees, logs or ruts)?

What’s beyond the hill? Is there a cliff, an embankment, a drop-off, a fence? Get out and walk the hill if you don’t know. It’s the smart way to find out.

Is the hill simply too rough? Steep hills often have ruts, gullies, troughs and exposed rocks because they are more susceptible to the effects of erosion.

Driving

Uphill

Once you decide you can safely drive up the hill, you need to take some special steps.

Use a low gear and get a firm grip on the steering wheel.

Get a smooth start up the hill and try to maintain your speed. Don’t use more power than you need, because you don’t want your wheels to start spinning or sliding.

Try to drive straight up the hill if at all possible. If the path twists and turns, you might want to find another route.

CAUTION

A Turning or driving across steep hills can be dangerous.

You could lose traction, slide sideways, and possibly roll over.

You could be seriously injured or killed. When driving up hills, always try to go straight up.


Ease up on your speed as you approach the top of the hill.

Attach a flag to the vehicle to make you more visible to approaching traffic on trails or hills.

Sound the horn as you approach the top of the hill to let opposing traffic know you’re there.

Use your headlights even during the day. They make you more visible to oncoming traffic.

CAUTION

A

Driving to

the top

(crest) of

a

hill

at

full

speed can

cause an

accident. There could be a

drop-off, embankment, cliff, or

even another vehicle. You could be seriously injured or killed. As you near the top of a

hill,

slow down and stay alert.

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Q: What should I do if my vehicle stalls,

or

is about

to

stall, and I can’t make it up the hill?

A: If this happens, there are some things you-should do, and there are some things you must not do. First, here’s what you

should

do:

Push the brake pedal to stop the vehicle and keep it from rolling backwards. Also, apply the parking brake.

If your engine is still running, shift the transmission into reverse, release the parking brake, and slowly back down the hill in reverse.

If your engine has stopped running, you’ll need to restart it. With the brake pedal depressed and the parking brake still applied, shift the transmission to

P

(Park) (or, shift to

Neutral

if your vehicle has a manual transmission) and restart the engine. Then, shift to reverse, release the parking brake, and slowly back down the hill in reverse.

As you are backing down the hill, put your left hand on the steering wheel at the 12 o’clock position.

This way, you’ll be able to tell if your wheels are straight or turned to the left or right as you back down.

Here are some things you

must not

do if you stall, or are about to stall, when going up a hill.

Never attempt to prevent a stall by shifting into

N

(Neutral) (or depressing the clutch, if you have a manual transmission) to “rev-up” the engine and regain forward momentum. This won’t work. Your vehicle will roll backwards very quickly and you could go out of control.

Instead, apply the regular brake to stop the vehicle. Then apply the parking brake. Shift into reverse, release the parking brake, and slowly back down.

Never attempt to turn around if you are about to stall when going up a hill. If the hill is steep enough to stall your vehicle, it’s steep enough to cause you to roll over if you turn around. If you can’t make it up the hill, you must back down the hill.

Q: Suppose, after stalling, I try to back down the hill and decide I just can’t

do

it. What should I do?

A: Set the parking brake, put your transmission in

P

(Park) (or the

Your Driving and the Road manual transmission in first gear), and turn off the engine. Leave the vehicle and go get some help. Exit on the uphill side and stay clear of the path the vehicle would take if it rolled downhill. Do not shift the transfer case to N (Neutral) when you leave the vehicle. Leave it in some gear.

A Shifting the transfer case to

N (Neutral) can cause your vehicle to roll even if the transmission is in

P

(Park) (or, if you have the manual transmission, even if you’re in gear). This is because the N (Neutral) position on the transfer case overrides the transmission. If you are going to leave your vehicle, set the parking brake and shift the transmission to

P

(Park) (or, put your manual transmission in first gear). But do not shift the transfer case to the

N

I

(Neutral) position. Leave the transfer case in the

2H,

or

4L

I position.

Driving Downhill

When off-roading takes you downhill, you’ll want to consider a number of things:

How steep is the downhill? Will able to maintain vehicle control?

I b

What’s the surface like? Smooth?

Rough? Slippery? Hard-packed dirt?

Gravel?

Are there hidden surface obstacles?

Ruts? Logs? Boulders?

What’s at the bottom of the hill? Is there a hidden creek bank or even a river bottom with large rocks?

If

you decide you can go down a hill safely, then try to keep your vehicle headed straight down, and use a low gear. This way, engine drag can help your brakes and they won’t have to do all the work. Descend slowly, keeping your vehicle under control at all times.

A Heavy braking when going down a hill can cause your brakes to overheat and fade. This could cause loss of control and a serious accident. Apply the brakes lightly when descending a hill and use a low gear to keep vehicle speed under control.

Q: Are there some things I should not do when driving down a hill?

A: Yes! These are important because

if

you ignore them you could lose control and have a serious accident.

0

0

When driving downhill, avoid turns that take you across the incline of the hill. A hill that’s not too steep to drive down may be too steep to drive across. You could roll over if you don’t drive straight down.

Never go downhill with the transmission in

Neutral,

or with the clutch pedal depressed in a manual shift. This is called

Your Driving and the Road e

“free-wheeling.

”

Your brakes will have to do all the work and could overheat and fade.

Avoid braking so hard that you lock the wheels when going downhill. If your front wheels are locked, you can’t steer your vehicle. If your wheels lock up during downhill braking, you may feel the vehicle starting to slide sideways. To regain your direction, just ease off the brakes and steer to keep the front of the vehicle pointing straight downhill.

Q: Am I likely to stall when going downhill?

A: It’s much more likely to happen going uphill. But if it happens going downhill, here’s what to do.

0 e

Stop your vehicle by applying the regular brakes. Apply the parking brake.

Shift to

Neutral

with the manual transmission) and, while still braking, restart the engine.

Shift back to a low gear, release the parking brake, and drive straight down.

If the engine won’t start, get out and get help.

Driving Across an Incline

Sooner or later, an off-road trail will probably go across the incline of a hill.

If this happens, you have to decide whether to try to drive across the incline. Here are some things to consider:

A hill that can be driven straight up or down may be too steep to drive across. When you go straight up or down a hill, the length of the wheel base (the distance from the front wheels to the rear wheels) reduces the likelihood the vehicle will

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152

tumble end over end. But when you drive across an incline, the much more narrow track width (the distance between the left and right wheels) may not prevent the vehicle from tilting and rolling over. Also, driving across an incline puts more weight on the downhill wheels. This could cause a downhill slide or a rollover.

0 Surface conditions can be a problem when you drive across a hill. Loose gravel, muddy spots, or even wet grass can cause your tires to slip sideways, downhill. If the vehicle slips sideways, it can hit something that will trip it (a rock, a rut, etc.) and roll over.

Hidden obstacles can make the steepness of the incline even worse.

If you drive across a rock with the uphill wheels, or if the downhill wheels drop into a rut or depression, your vehicle can tilt even more.

For reasons like these, you need to decide carefully whether to try to drive across an incline. Just because the trail goes across the incline doesn’t mean you have to drive it. The last vehicle to try it might have rolled over.


I A

Driving across an incline

- that’s too steep will make your vehicle roll over. You could be seriously injured or killed. If you have any doubt about the steepness of the incline, don’t drive across it. Find another route instead.

I

1

Q:

A:

What if I’m driving across an incline that’s not too steep, but I hit some loose gravel and start to slide downhill. What should I

do?

If you feel your vehicle starting to slide sideways, turn downhill. This should help straighten out the vehicle and prevent the side slipping. However, a much better way to prevent this is to get out and

“walk the course”

so

you know what the surface is like before you drive it.

Stalling on an Incline

If your vehicle stalls when you’re crossing an incline, be sure you (and your passengers) get out on the uphill side, even if the door there is harder to open. If you get out on the downhill side and the vehicle starts to roll over, you’ll be right in its path.

If you have to walk down the slope, stay out of the path the vehicle will take if it does roll over.

I

. .

CA UTlON

Getting out on the downhill t side of a vehicle

stopped

across

811

incline

is

dangerous.

If the vehicle

rolls

over, you could be

crushed or

killed. Always get out

on

the uphill

(high)

side

of

the vehicle and stay well clear

of

the rollover path.

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Driving in Mud,

Sand,

Snow, or Ice

When you drive in mud, snow, or sand, your wheels won’t get good traction.

You can’t accelerate as quickly, turning is more difficult, and you’ll need longer braking distances.

It’s best to use a low gear when you’re in mud

- the gear. In really deep mud, the idea is to keep your vehicle moving so you don’t get stuck.

When you drive on sand, you’ll sense a change in wheel traction. But it will depend upon how loosely packed the sand is. On loosely packed sand (as on beaches or sand dunes) your tires will tend to sink into the sand. This has an effect on steering, accelerating, and braking. You may want to reduce the air pressure in your tires slightly when driving on sand. This will improve traction,

Hard packed snow and ice offer the worst tire traction. On these surfaces, it’s very easy to lose control. On wet ice, for example, the traction is so poor that you will have difficulty accelerating. And if you do get moving, poor steering and difficult braking can cause you to slide out of control.

I


I

CAUTION

A Driving on frozen lakes, ponds or rivers can be dangerous. Underwater springs, currents under the ice, or sudden thaws can weaken the ice. Your vehicle could fall through the ice and you and your passengers could drown. Drive your vehicle on safe surfaces only.

)riving in Water ight rain causes no special off-road riving problems. But heavy rain can lean flash flooding, and flood waters emand extreme caution.

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156

Find out how deep the water is before you drive through it. If it’s deep enough to cover your wheel hubs, axles, or exhaust pipe, don’t try it - probably won’t get through. Also, water that deep can damage your axle and other vehicle parts.

If the water isn’t too deep, then drive through it slowly. At fast speeds, water splashes on your ignition system and your vehicle can stall. Stalling can also occur if you get your tailpipe under water. And, as long as your tailpipe is under water, you’ll never be able to start your engine. When you go through water, remember that when your brakes get wet, it may take you longer to stop.

I

CAUTION

- can be dangerous. Deep water

-m sweep your vehicle downstream and you and your passengers could drown. If it’s only inches deep, it can still wash away the ground from under your tires, and you could lose traction and roll the vehicle over. Don’t drive through rushing water.

After

Off-Road Driving

Remove any brush or debris that has collected on the underbody, chassis or under the hood. These accumulations can be a fire hazard.

After operation in mud or sand, have the brake linings cleaned and checked.

These substances can cause glazing and uneven braking. Check the body structure, steering, suspension, wheels, tires, and exhaust system for damage.

Also, check the fuel lines and cooling system for any leakage.

Your vehicle will require more frequent service due to off-road use. Refer to the

Maintenance Schedule for additional information.

rn Driving at Night

Night driving is more dangerous than day driving. One reason is that some drivers are likely to be impaired - alcohol or drugs, with night vision problems, or by fatigue.

Here are some tips on night driving.

Drive defensively. Remember, this is the most dangerous time.

Don’t drink and drive. (See

“Drunken Driving” in the Index for more on this problem.)

Adjust your inside rearview mirror to reduce the glare from headlights behind you.

Since you can’t see as well, you may need to slow down and keep more space between you and other vehicles.

It’s hard to tell how fast the vehicle ahead is going just by looking at its taillights.

Slow down, especially on higher speed roads. Your headlights can light up only so much road ahead.

In remote areas, watch for animals.

If you’re tired, pull off the road in a safe place and rest.

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Night Vision

No one can see as well at night as in the daytime. But as we get older these differences increase. A 50-year-old driver may require at least twice as much light to see the same thing at night as a 20-year-old.

What you do in the daytime can also affect your night vision. For example, if you spend the day in bright sunshine you are wise to wear sunglasses. Your eyes will have less trouble adjusting to night.

But if you’re driving, don’t wear sunglasses at night. They may cut down on glare from headlights, but they also make a lot of things invisible that should remain visible - obstacles, pedestrians, or even trains blocking railway crossings. You may want to put on your sunglasses after you have pulled into a brightly-lighted service or refreshment area. Eyes shielded from that glare may adjust more quickly to darkness back on the road. But be sure to remove your sunglasses before you leave the service area.

You can be temporarily blinded by approaching lights. It can take a second or two, or even several seconds, for your eyes to readjust to the dark. When you are faced with severe glare (as from a driver who doesn’t lower the high beams, or a vehicle with misaimed headlights), slow down a little. Avoid staring directly into the approaching lights. If there is a line of opposing traffic, make occasional glances over the line of headlights to make certain that one of the vehicles isn’t starting to move into your lane. Once you are past the bright lights, give your eyes time to readjust before resuming speed.

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158

High Beams

If the vehicle approaching you has its high beams on, signal by flicking yours to high and then back to low beam. This is the usual signal to lower the headlight beams. If the other driver still doesn’t lower the beams, resist the temptation to put your high beams on. This only makes two half-blinded drivers.

On a freeway, use your high beams only in remote areas where you won’t impair approaching drivers. In some places, like cities, using high beams is illegal.

When you follow another vehicle on a freeway or highway, use low beams.

True, most vehicles now have day-night mirrors that enable the driver to reduce glare. But outside mirrors are not of this type and high beams from behind can bother the driver ahead.

A

Few More Night Driving

Suggestions

Keep your windshield and all the glass on your vehicle clean -

Glare at night is made much worse by dirt on the glass. Even the inside of the glass can build up a film caused by dust.

Tobacco smoke also makes inside glass surfaces very filmy and can be a vision hazard if it’s left there.

Dirty glass makes lights dazzle and flash more than clean glass would, making the pupils of your eyes contract repeatedly.

You might even want to keep a cloth and some glass cleaner in your vehicle if you need to clean your glass frequently.

Remember that your headlights light up far less of a roadway when you are in a turn or curve.

Keep your eyes moving; that way, it’s easier to pick out dimly lighted objects.

Just as your headlights should be checked regularly for proper aim, so should your eyes be examined regularly.

Some drivers suffer from night blindness the inability to see in dim light aren’t even aware of it.


*.

’ i

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Driving in the Rain

Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet road you can’t stop, accelerate or turn as well because your tire-to-road traction isn’t as good as on dry roads. And, if your tires don’t have much tread left, you’ll get even less traction.

It’s always wise to go slower and be cautious if rain starts to fall while you are driving. The surface may get wet suddenly when your reflexes are tuned for driving on dry pavement.

The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even if your windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy rain can make it harder to see road signs and

...

160 traffic signals, pavement markings, the edge of the road, and even people walking. Road spray can often be worse for vision than rain, especially if it comes from a dirty road.

So it is wise to keep your wiping equipment in good shape and keep your windshield washer tank filled. Replace your windshield wiper inserts when they show signs of streaking or missing areas on the windshield, or when strips of rubber start to separate from the inserts.

Driving too fast through large water puddles or even going through some car washes can cause problems, too. The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid puddles. But if you can’t, try to slow down before you hit them.

I

A

Wet brakes can cause

- accidents. They won’t work well in a quick stop and may cause pulling to one side. You could lose control of the vehicle.

After driving through a large puddle of water or a car wash, apply your brake pedal lightly until your brakes work normally.

Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build up under your tires that they can actually ride on the water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and you’re going fast enough. When your vehicle is hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road.

You might not be aware of hydroplaning. You could drive along for some time without realizing your tires aren’t in constant contact with the road.

You could find out the hard way: when you have to slow, turn, move out to pass wind. You could suddenly find yourself out of control.

Hydroplaning doesn’t happen often. But it can if your tires haven’t much tread or if the pressure in one or more is low. It can happen if a lot of water is standing on the road. If you can see reflections from trees, telephone poles, or other vehicles, and raindrops “dimple” the water’s surface, there could be hydroplaning.

Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds. There just isn’t a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow down when it is raining, and be careful.

Some Other Rainy Weather Tips

Turn on your headlights - just your parking lights - you more visible to others.

Look for hard-to-see vehicles coming from behind. You may want to use your headlights even in daytime if it’s raining hard.

Besides slowing down, allow some extra following distance. And be especially careful when you pass another vehicle. Allow yourself more clear room ahead, and be prepared to have your view restricted by road spray. If the road spray is so heavy

Your Drlvlng and the Road

~ you are actually blinded, drop back.

Don’t pass until conditions improve.

Going more slowly is better than having an accident.

Use your defogger if it helps.

Have good tires with proper tread depth.

(See

“Tires” in the Index.)

H

Driving in Fog, and Haze

Mist

Fog can occur with high humidity or heavy fiost. It can be so mild that you can see through it for several hundred feet (meters). Or it might be

so

thick that you can see only a few feet (meters) ahead. It may come suddenly to an otherwise clear road. And it can be a major hazard.

When you drive into a fog patch, your visibility will be reduced quickly. The biggest dangers are striking the vehicle ahead or being struck by the one behind.

Try to “read” the fog density down the road. If the vehicle ahead starts to become less clear or, at night, if the taillights are harder to see, the fog is probably thickening. Slow down to give traffic behind you a chance to slow down. Everybody then has a better chance to avoid hitting the vehicle ahead.

A patch of dense fog may extend only for a few feet (meters) or for miles

(kilometers); you can’t really tell while you’re in it. You can only treat the situation with extreme care.

One common fog condition - sometimes called m i s t or ground fog can happen in weather that seems

- perfect, especially at night or in the early morning in valley and low, marshy areas. You can be suddenly enveloped in

9 9 .

162

thick, wet haze that may even coat your windshield. You can often spot these fog patches or mist layers with your headlights. But sometimes they can be waiting for you as you come over a hill or dip into a shallow valley. Start your windshield wipers and washer, to help clear accumulated road dirt. Slow down carefully.

Tips on

Driving in Fog

If you get caught in fog, turn your headlights on low beam, even in daytime. You’ll see - - better.

Don’t use your high beams. The light will bounce off the water droplets that make up fog and reflect back at you.

Use your defogger. In high humidity, even a light buildup of moisture on the inside of the glass will cut down on your already limited visibility. Run your windshield wipers and washer occasionally. Moisture can build up on the outside glass, and what seems to be fog may actually be moisture on the outside of your windshield.

Treat dense fog as an emergency. Try to find a place to pull off the road. Of course you want to respect another’s property, but you might need to put something between you and moving vehicles

- a private driveway, anything that removes you from other traffic.

If visibility is near zero and you must stop but are unsure whether you are away from the road, turn your lights on, start your hazard warning flashers, and sound your horn at intervals or when you hear approaching traffic.

Pass other vehicles in fog only if you can see far enough ahead to pass safely.

Even then, be prepared to delay your pass if you suspect the fog is worse up ahead. If other vehicles try to pass you, make it easy for them.

1 6 3 9 9 -


H

City Dnving

One of the biggest problems with city streets is the amount of traffic on them.

You’ll want to watch out for what the other drivers are doing and pay attention to traffic signals.

Here are ways to increase your safety in city driving:

Know the best way to get to where you are going. Try not to drive around trying to pick out a familiar street or landmark. Get a city map and plan your trip into an unknown part of the city just as you would for a cross-country trip.

Try

to use the freeways that rim and crisscross most large cities. You’ll save time and energy. (See the next section, “Freeway Driving.”)

Treat a green light as a warning signal. A traffic light is there because the corner is busy enough to need it.

When a light turns green, and just before you start to move, check both ways for vehicles that have not cleared the intersection or may be running the red light.

Obey all posted speed limits. But remember that they are for ideal road, weather and visibility conditions. You may need to drive below the posted limit in bad weather or when visibility is especially poor.

Pull to the right (with care) and stop clear of intersections when you see or hear emergency vehicles.

. . .

164

Freeway Driving

Mile for mile, freeways (also called thruways, parkways, expressways, turnpikes, or superhighways) are the safest of all roads. But they have their own special rules.

The most important advice on freeway driving is: Keep up with traffic and keep to the right. Drive at the same speed most of the other drivers are driving.

Too-fast or too-slow driving breaks a smooth traffic flow. Treat the left lane on a freeway as a passing lane.

Entering the Freeway

At the entrance there is usually a ramp that leads to the freeway. If you have a clear view of the freeway as you drive along the entrance ramp, you should begin to check traffic. Try to determine where you expect to blend with the flow. If traffic is light, you may have no problem. But if it is heavy, find a gap as you move along the entering lane and time your approach. Try to merge into the gap at close to the prevailing speed.

Switch on your turn signal, check your rearview mirrors as you move along, and glance over your shoulder as often as necessary. Try to blend smoothly with the traffic flow.

Driving on the Freeway

Once you are on the freeway, adjust your speed to the posted limit or to the prevailing rate if it's slower. Stay in the right lane unless you want to pass. If you are on a two-lane freeway, treat the right lane as the slow lane and the left lane as the passing lane.

If you are on a three-lane freeway, treat the right lane as the slower-speed through lane, the middle lane as the higher-speed through lane, and the left lane as the passing lane.

Before changing lanes, check your rearview mirrors. Then use your turn signal. Just before you leave the lane, glance quickly over your shoulder to

1 6 5 -

Your Driving and the Road make sure there isn’t another vehicle in your ‘ ‘blind’ ’ spot.

If you are moving from an outside to a center lane on a freeway having more than two lanes, make sure another vehicle isn’t about to move into the same spot. Look at the vehicles two lanes over and watch for telltale signs: turn signals flashing, an increase in speed, or moving toward the edge of the lane. Be prepared to delay your move.

Once you are moving on the freeway, make certain you allow a reasonable following distance. Expect to move slightly slower at night.

. . .

166

Leaving the

Freeway

When

you want to leave the freeway, move to the proper lane well in advance. Dashing across lanes at the last minute is dangerous. If you miss your exit do not, under any circumstances, stop and back up. Drive on to the next exit.

At each exit point is a deceleration lane.

Ideally it should be long enough for you to enter it at freeway speed (after signaling, of course) and then do your braking before moving onto the exit ramp. Unfortunately, not all deceleration lanes are long enough - short for all the braking. Decide when to start braking. If you must brake on the through lane, and if there is traffic close behind you, you can allow a little extra time and flash your brake lights (in addition to your turn signal) as extra warning that you are about to slow down and exit.

The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply. The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance at higher speeds, you may tend to think you are going slower than you actually are. For example, 40 mph (65 km/h) might seem like only 20 mph (30 km/h).

Obviously, this could lead to serious trouble on a ramp designed for

20 mph (30 km/h)!

Driving a Long

Distunce

Although most long trips today are made on freeways, there are still many made on regular highways. l

Long-distance driving on freeways and regular highways is the same in some ways. The trip has to be planned and the vehicle prepared, you drive at higher-than-city speeds, and there are longer turns behind the wheel. You’ll enjoy your trip more if you and your vehicle are in good shape. Here are some tips for a successful long trip.

Before Leaving on a Long Trip

Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you must start when you’re not fresh - that first part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you can easily drive in.

Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it serviced and maintained, it’s ready to go. If it needs service, have it done before starting out. Of course, you’ll find experienced and able service experts in Geo dealerships all across

North America. They’ll be ready and willing to help if you need it.

Here are some things you can check before a trip:

Windshield Washer Fluid:

Is the reservoir full? Are all windows clean inside and outside?

Wiper Blades:

Are they in good shape?

Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:

Have you checked all levels?

Lights:

Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?

Tires:

They are vitally important to a safe, trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the recommended pressure?

1 6 7 - 9 .


Weather Forecasts:

What’s the weather outlook along your route?

Should you delay your trip a short time to avoid a major storm system?

Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?

On the Road

Unless you are the only driver, it is good to share the driving task with others. Limit turns behind the wheel to about 100 miles (160 km) or two hours at a sitting. Then, either change drivers or stop for some refreshment like coffee, tea or soft drinks and some limbering up. But do stop and move around. Eat lightly along the way.

Heavier meals tend to make some people sleepy.

On two-lane highways or undivided multilane highways that do not have controlled access, you’ll want to watch for

some

situations not usually found on freeways. Examples are: stop signs and signals, shopping centers with direct access to the highway, no passing zones and school zones, vehicles turning left and right off the road, pedestrians, cyclists, parked vehicles, and even animals.

Highway Hypnosis

Is

there actually such a condition as

“highway hypnosis”? Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever.

There is something about an easy stretch of road with the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Don’t let it happen to you! If it does, your vehicle can leave the road in

less

than

a second,

and you could crash and be injured.

--

A

What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be aware that it can happen.

Then here are some tips:

Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a comfortably cool interior.

Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and to the sides. Check your rearview mirrors frequently and your instruments from time to time.

This can help you avoid a fixed stare.

Wear good sunglasses in bright light.

Glare can cause drowsiness. But don’t wear sunglasses at night. They will drastically reduce your overall vision at the very time you need all the seeing power you have.

If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest, service or parking area and take a nap, get some exercise, or both. For safety, treat drowsiness on the highway as an emergency.

As in any driving situation, keep pace with traffic and allow adequate following distances.

Driving on steep hills or mountains is different from driving in flat or rolling terrain. If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you’re planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make your trips safer and more enjoyable.

(See “Off-Road Driving’’ in the Index for information about driving off-road.)

Keep your vehicle in good shape.

Check all fluid levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system and transmission. These ‘parts can work hard on mountain roads.


Know how to go down hills. The most important thing to know is this: let your engine do some of the slowing down. Don’t make your brakes do it all. Shift to a lower gear when you go down a steep or long hill. That way, you will slow down without excessive use of your brakes.

CA UT/ON

A brakes could get so hot that they wouldn’t work well. You would then have poor braking or even none going down a hill. You could crash. Shift down to let your engine assist your brakes on a steep downhill slope. r

A

Coasting downhill in

N

- a

(Neutral) or with the ignition off is dangerous. Your brakes will have to do all the work of slowing down. They could get so hot that they wouldn’t work well. You could crash. Always have your engine running and your vehicle in gear when you go downhill.

. . .

170

Know how to go uphill. You may want to shift down to a lower gear.

The lower gears help cool your engine and transmission, and you can climb the hill better.

Stay in your own lane when driving on two-lane roads in hills or mountains. Don’t swing wide or cut across the center of the road. Drive at speeds that let you stay in your own lane. That way, you won’t be surprised by a vehicle coming toward you in the same lane.

It takes longer to pass another vehicle when you’re going uphill. You’ll want to leave extra room to pass. If a vehicle is passing you and doesn’t have enough room, slow down to make it easier for the other vehicle to get by.

As you go over the top of a hill, be alert. There could be something in your lane, like a stalled car or an accident.

You may see highway signs on mountains that warn of special problems. Examples are long grades, passing or no-passing zones, a falling rocks area, or winding roads. Be alert to these and take appropriate action.

Winter driving can present special problems. See ‘ ‘Winter Driving” in the Index.

H

Parking on Hills

Hills and mountains mean spectacular scenery. But please be careful where you stop if you decide to look at the view or take pictures. Look. for pull-offs or parking areas provided for scenic viewing.

Another part of this manual tells how to use your parking brake (see “Parking

Brake” in the Index). But on a mountain or steep hill, you can do one more thing. You can turn your front wheels to keep your vehicle from rolling downhill or out into traffic.

Here’s how:

171

9

Your Driving and the Road c

Parking Downhill

Turn your wheels to the right.

You don't have to jam your tires against the curb, if there is a curb. A gentle contact is all you need.

Parking Uphill

If there is a curb, turn your wheels to the left if the curb is at the right side of your vehicle.

If you're going uphill on a one-way street and you're parking on the left side, your wheels should point to the right.

. . .

172

[f there is no curb when you’re parking uphill, turn the wheels to the right.

[f there is no curb when you’re parking uphill on the left side of a one-way street, your wheels should be turned to the left.

Torque Lock (Automatic

Transmission)

If you are parking on a hill and you don’t shift your transmission into P

(Park) properly, the weight of the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in the transmission.

You

may find it difficult to pull the shift lever out of

“torque lock.” To prevent torque lock, always be sure to shift into P (Park) properly before you leave the driver’s seat. To find out how, see ‘‘Shifting into

P

(Park)” in the Index.

When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of P (Park) BEFORE you release the parking brake.

If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the pressure from the transmission, so you can pull the shift lever out of

P

(Park).

Winter Driving

Here are some tips for winter driving:

Have your Geo in good shape for winter. Be sure your engine coolant mix is correct.

Snow tires can help in loose snow, but they may give you less traction on ice than regular tires. If you do not expect to be driving in deep snow, but may have to travel over ice, you may not want to switch to snow tires at all.

I

Your Driving and the Road rn t

You may want to put winter emergency supplies in your vehicle.

Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, a supply of windshield washer fluid, a rag, some winter outer clothing, a small shovel, a flashlight, a red cloth, and a couple of reflective warning triangles. And, if you will be driving under severe conditions, include

a

small bag of sand, a piece of old carpet or a couple of burlap bags to help provide traction. Be sure you properly secure these items in your vehicle.

Driving on Snow or

Ice

Most of the time, those places where your tires meet the road probably have good traction.

However, if there is snow or ice between your tires and the road, you can have a very slippery situation. You’ll have a lot less traction or “grip” and will need to be very careful.

What’s the worst time for this? “Wet ice.

”

Very cold snow or ice can be slick and hard to drive on. But wet ice can be even more trouble because it may offer the least traction of all. You can get

“wet ice” when it’s about freezing

(32°F; OOC) and freezing rain begins to fall. Try to avoid driving on wet ice until salt and sand crews can get there.

Whatever the condition - packed, blowing or loose snow

- with caution. Accelerate gently.

Try

not to break the fragile traction. If you accelerate too fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface under the tires even more.

. . .

174

Your anti-lock brakes improve your ability to make a hard stop on a slippery road. Even though you have the anti-lock braking system, you’ll want to begin stopping sooner than you would on dry pavement. See “Anti-lock” in the Index.

Allow greater following distance on any slippery road.

Watch for slippery spots. The road might be fine until you hit a spot that’s covered with ice. On an otherwise clear road, ice patches may appear in shaded areas where the sun can’t reach: around clumps of trees, behind buildings, or under bridges.

Sometimes the surface of a curve or an overpass may remain icy when the surrounding roads are clear. If you see a patch of ice ahead of you, brake before you are on it. Try not to brake while you’re actually on the ice, and avoid sudden steering maneuvers.

If You’re

Caught

in a

Blizzard

If you are stopped by heavy snow, you could be in a serious situation. You should probably stay with your vehicle unless you know for sure that you are near help and you can hike through the snow. Here are some things to do to summon help and keep yourself and your passengers safe: Turn on your hazard flashers. Tie a red cloth to your vehicle to alert police that you’ve been stopped by the snow. Put on extra clothing or wrap a blanket around you.


.._

If you have no blankets or extra clothing, make body insulators from newspapers, burlap bags, rags, floor mats

- yourself or tuck under your clothing to keep warm.

You can run the engine to keep warm, but be careful.

A Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle. This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas to get inside. CO could overcome you and

kill

you.

You can't see it or smell it, might not know it was in your

so

you vehicle. Clear away snow from around the base of your vehicle, especially any that is blocking your exhaust pipe. And check around again from time to time to be sure snow doesn't collect there.

Open a window just a little on the side of the vehicle that's away from the wind. This will help keep co out.

Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little faster than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat that you get and it keeps the battery charged. You will need a well-charged battery to restart the vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on with your headlights. Let the heater run for awhile.

Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost all the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine again and repeat this only when you feel really uncomfortable from the cold. But do it as little as possible. Preserve the fuel as

176

long as you can. To help keep warm, you can get out of the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises every half hour or so until help comes.

If You’re Stuck in Deep Snow

This manual explains how to get the vehicle out of deep snow without damaging it. See “Rocking Your

Vehicle” in the Index. rn

Towing a Trailer

Pulling a trailer improperly damage your vehicle

and

can result

in

costly repairs not covered by you warranty. To pull a trailer correctly, follow the advice in this section.

I


Your Geo can tow a trailer. To identify what the vehicle trailering capacity is for your vehicle, you should read the information in “Weight of the Trailer” that appears later in

this

section. But trailering is different than just driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in handling, durability, and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment, and it has to be used properly.

That’s the reason for this section. In it are many time-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of these are important for your safety and that of your passengers. So please read this section carefully before you pull a trailer.

9

178

Load-pulling components such as the engine, transmission, wheel assemblies, and tires are forced to work harder against the drag of the added weight.

The engine is required to operate at relatively higher speeds and under greater loads, generating extra heat.

What’s more, the trailer adds considerably to wind resistance, increasing the pulling requirements.

All of that means changes in:

Handling

Durability

Fuel economy

If You Do Decide to Pull a Trailer

If you do, here are some important points.

There are many different laws having to do with trailering. Make sure your rig will be legal, not only where you live but also where you’ll be driving.

A good source for this information can be state or provincial police.

Consider using a sway control.

You can ask a hitch dealer about sway controls.

Don’t tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles (800 km) vehicle is driven. Your engine, axle or other parts could be damaged.

Then, during the first 500 miles

(800 km) that you tow a trailer, don’t drive over 50 mph (80 h / h ) and don’t make starts at full throttle. This helps your engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.

Three important considerations have to do with weight:

Weight of

the

Trailer

How heavy can a trailer safely be? It should never weigh more than 1,500 pounds (680 kg). But even that can be too heavy.

It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature and how much your vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all important. And, it can also depend on any special equipment that you have on your vehicle.

You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or advice, or write us at:

Customer Assistance Department

Chevrolet/Geo

P.O. Box 7047

Troy, MI 48007

In Canada, write to:

General Motors of Canada Limited

Customer Assistance Center

1908 Colonel Sam Drive

Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7


L

Weight of the Trailer Tongue

The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight to measure because it affects the total gross weight of your vehicle. The gross vehicle weight (GVW) includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you may carry in it, and the people who will be riding in the vehicle. And if you will tow a trailer, you must add the tongue load to the GVW because your vehicle will be carrying that weight, too. See “Loading Your

Vehicle’’ in the Index for more information about your vehicle’s maximum load capacity.

. . .

180

The trailer tongue (A) should weigh

10% of the total loaded trailer weight

(B). After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper. If they aren’t, you may be able to get them right simply by moving some items around in the trailer.

Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s

Tires

Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the limit for cold tires.

You’ll find these numbers on the

Certification label at the rear edge of the driver’s door (or see “Tire

Loading” in the Index). Then be sure you won’t go over the GVW limit for your vehicle.

Hitches

It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks going by, and rough roads are a few reasons why you’ll need the right hitch.

Here are some rules to follow:

Will you have to make any holes in the body of your vehicle when you install a trailer hitch? If you do, then be sure to seal the holes later when you remove the hitch. If you don’t seal them, deadly carbon monoxide

(CO) from your exhaust can get into your vehicle (see “Carbon

Monoxide’’ in the Index). Dirt and water can, too.

The bumpers on your vehicle are not intended for hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or other bumper-type hitches to them. Use only a frame-mounted hitch that does not attach to the bumper.

Safety Chains

You should always attach chains between your vehicle and your trailer.

Cross the safety chains under the tongue of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to the road if it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions about safety chains may be provided by the hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching safety chains. Always leave just enough slack so you can turn with your rig. And, never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.

Trailer Brakes

If your trailer weighs more than 1,000 pounds (450 kg) loaded, then it needs its own brakes - they must be adequate. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so you’ll be able to install, adjust and maintain them properly.

Don’t tap into your vehicle’s brake system if the trailer’s brake system will use more than 0.02 cubic inch

(0.3 cc) of fluid from your vehicle’s master cylinder. If it does, both braking systems won’t work well.

You could even lose your brakes.


Will the trailer brake parts take

3,000

psi

(20

not, the trailer brake system must

If

not

be used with your vehicle.

If everything checks out this far, then make the brake fluid tap at the port on the master cylinder that sends fluid to the rear brakes. But don’t use copper tubing for this. If you do, it will bend and finally break off. Use steel brake tubing.

Driving With

a

Trailer

Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly so responsive as your vehicle is by itself.

Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform, safety chains, electrical connector, lights, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your electrical connection at the same time.

During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the load is secure, and that the lights and any trailer brakes are still working.

8 8 .

182

Following Distance

Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer.

This can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking and sudden turns.

Passing

You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when you’re towing a trailer.

And, because you’re a good deal longer, you’ll need to go much farther beyond the passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.

Backing Up

Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible, have someone guide you.

Making

Turns

When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns than normal. Do this so your trailer won’t strike soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees, or other objects. Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.

Turn Signals When Towing

a

Trailer

When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has to have a different turn signal flasher and extra wiring. The green arrows on your instrument panel will flash whenever you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the trailer lights will also flash telling other drivers you’re about to turn, change lanes, or stop.

When towing a trailer, the green arrows on your instrument panel will flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind you are seeing your signal when

Your Driving and the Road they are not. It’s important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are still working.

Driving on Grades

Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear

before you start down a long or steep downgrade. If you don’t shift down, you might have to use your brakes so much that they would get hot and no longer work well.

On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce your speed to around 45 mph

(70 km/h) to reduce the possibility of engine and transmission overheating.

If

your trailer weighs more than 1,000 pounds (450 kg), and you have a manual transmission with fifth gear, it’s better not to use fifth gear. Just drive in fourth gear (or, as you need to, a lower gear).

Parking on Hills

You really should not park your vehicle, with a trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes wrong, your rig could start to move. People can be injured, and both your vehicle and the trailer can be damaged.

But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here’s how to do it:

1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t shift into P (Park) yet, or into gear for a manual transmission.

2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.

3.

When the wheel chocks are in place, release the regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.

4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your parking brake, and then shift to

P

(Park), or

R

(Reverse) for a manual transmission.

5. If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear

N

(Neutral).

. . .

184

It J be

dangerous

tu get out your vehicle

if

the shift lever is not fully in P the

parking

brake

firmly

set.

If

you have left the engine running, the veficle can move suddenly. You or others

could be

injured. To be

sure

your vehicle

won’t

move, when you’re on fairly level ground,

use the steps that

follow.

If you have four-wheel drive, and your transfer case

is

in N (NeutraI) , your vehicle

will

be free to roll, even

if

your shift lever is

in

P So, be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear -

in

N (Neutral).

If

you

are parking on

a

hill, or if

you’re pulling a trailer; also see

“Parking

On

Hills” in the Index.

6. Release the regular brakes.

When You Are Ready

to

Leave after

Parking on a Hill

1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down while you:

Start your engine;

Shift into a gear; and

Release the parking brake.

2. Let up on the brake pedal.

3.

Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.

4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.

Maintenance When Trailer Towing

Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more on this. Things that are especially important in trailer operation are automatic transmission fluid (don’t overfill), engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling system, and brake adjustment. Each of these is covered in this manual, and the

Index will help you find them quickly. If you’re trailering, it’s a good idea to review these sections before you start your trip.

Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts are tight.

185

9

=


Recreational Towing

There may be times when you want to tow your Geo behind another vehicle for use at your destination. Be sure to use the proper towing equipment designed for recreational towing. Follow the instructions for the towing equipment.

Towing Your Geo from the

Rear

The best way to tow your Geo is from the rear. Follow these steps:

1

.

Put the rear wheels on a dolly.

NOTlCE

Do not tow your Geo with the re-- wheels in contact with the grounL, or the transmission could be damaged.

2. Set the parking brake.

3.

If your Geo is a four-wheel-drive vehicle, set your manual free-wheeling hubs to unlock your automatic free-wheeling hubs. See “Four-Wheel Drive’’ in the Index.

4. Turn the ignition key to ACC to unlock the steering wheel.

5. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position, with a clamping device designed for towing.

6. Release the parking brake.

186

Make

sure that the towing speed dues not exceed 55 mph

km/h),

or your Geo could be badly damaged.

Towing

Your

Geo from the Front

If your vehicle has automatic

I free-wheeling hubs or two-whet drive, do not tow it on all

fa

I wheels. If you do, you transmission could be damaged.

I

If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle with manual free-wheeling hubs, it can be towed from the front with all four wheels on the ground. Follow these steps:

1. Set the parking brake.

2. Turn the ignition key to ACC to unlock the steering wheel.


3.

Shift your automatic transmission into P (Park), or your manual transmission into 2 (Second).

4. Shift the transfer case to

N

(Neutral).

5. Set the hubs to

“Four-Wheel Drive” in the Index.

6. Release the parking brake.

Stop towing every 200 miles (300 km) and start the engine. Leave the transfer case shift lever in N (Neutral). Shift your automatic transmission to

D (Drive); leave a manual transmission in 2 (Second) and release the clutch.

Run the engine at medium speed for one minute to circulate the oil in the transfer case. Turn the ignition key to ACC.

Now, you can continue towing your

Geo .

NU I

Kt

Make sure that the towing speed does not exceed 50 mph

(80 km/h), or your Geo could badly damaged.

=

-

9

188


R

H e r e

you’ll find what to do about

some

problems that can occur on the road.

Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.190

rumpstarting

........................................................

191

I‘owingYourVehicle

3ngineOverheating

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

196

...................................................

200

[faTireGoesFlat

....................................................

208

[f

You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.217

189-

-


fishers

Your hazard warning flashers let you warn others. They also let police know you have a problem. Your front and rear turn signal lights will flash on and off.

Press th e button in t :o mak 'our fr 'on t and rear turn signal lights flash on and off.

Your hazard warning flashers work no matter what position your key is in, and even if the key isn't in.

To turn again. off the flashers, push the switch

When the hazard warning flashers are on, your turn signals won't work.

Other Warning Devices

If you carry reflective triangles, you can set one up at the side of the road about

300 feet (100 m) behind your vehicle.

Jump Startirtg

If your battery has run down, you may want to use another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your Geo. But please follow the steps below to do it safely.

L

Batteries can hurt you. They can

be

dangerous because:

0

They contain

acid

that can burn you.

They contain gas that can explode or ignite.

They contain enough to burn you.

electricity

If you don't follow these steps exactly, some or all of these thin can hurt you.

Ignoring these steps could result in costly damage to your vehicle that wouldn't be covered by your warranty.

Trying to start your Geo by pushing or pulling it could damage your vehicle, even if you have a manual transmission. And if you have an automatic transmission, it won't start that way.

191


To Jump Start Your

Geo

1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt battery with a negative ground system.

I

2.

Get the vehicles close enough

so

the jumper cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren’t touching each other. If they are, it could cause a ground connection you don’t want.

You wouldn’t be able to start your

Geo, and the bad grounding could darnage the electrical systems.

If

the other system isn’t a 12-volt system with a negative ground,

I

both vehicles can be damaged.

I

CAUTION

A You could be injured if the vehicles roll. Set the parking brake firmly on each vehicle. Put an automatic transmission in

- 1 in

N

(Neutral). If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, be sure the transfer case is not in

N

(Neutral).

3.

Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Turn off all lights that aren’t needed, and radios. This will avoid sparks and help save both batteries. And it could save your radio! f you leave your radio on, it ould be badly damaged. T h c

?pairs wouldn’i

2 cove--? by our warrant.

4. Open the hoods and locate the batteries.

CA UTiON

A

-

An electric fan can start up even when the engine is not running and can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any underhood electric fan.

Find the positive (+) and negative

(-) terminals on each battery.

Using a match near a battery can cause battery gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this, and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if

you

need more light.

Be sure the battery has enough water. You don’t need to add water to the Delco Freedom* battery installed vehicle. in every new GM

But if a battery has filler caps, be sure the right amount of fluid is there. If it is low, add water to take care of that first.

If

you don’t, explosive gas could be present.

Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you. Don’t get it on you. If you accidentally get it in your eyes or on your skin, flush the place with water and get medical help immediately.


5. Check that the jumper cables don’t have loose or missing insulation. If they do, you could get a shock. The vehicles could be damaged, too.

Before you connect the cables, here are some things you should know.

Positive (+) will go to positive (+) and negative (-) will go to negative

(-) or a metal engine part. Don’t connect (+) to (-) or you’ll get a short that would damage the battery and maybe other parts, too.

\

Fans or other moving engine parts can injure you badly.

-eep your hands away from moving parts once the engines are running.

6. Connect the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal of the vehicle with the dead battery. Use a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one.

L

1

P

L

7 . Don’t let the other end touch metal.

Connect it to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery. Use a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one.

8. Now connect the black negative (-) cable to the good battery’s negative

( -) terminal.

Don’t let the other end touch anything until the next step. The other end of the negative cable doesn’t go to the dead battery. It goes to a heavy unpainted metal part on the engine of the vehicle with the dead battery.

9. Attach the cable at least 18 inches

(45 cm) away from the dead battery, but not near engine parts that move. The electrical connection is just as good there, but the chance of sparks getting back to the battery is much less.


r

I-

I

L

10.

Now start the vehicle with the good battery and run the engine for awhile.

11. Try to start the vehicle with the dead battery.

If

it won't start after a few tries, it probably needs service.

12.

Remove the cables in reverse order to prevent electrical shorting. Take care that they don't touch each other or any other metal.

A.

Heavy Metal Engine Part

B. Good Battery

C. Dead Battery

Towing

Your

Vehicle

Try to have a GM dealer or a professional towing service tow your

Geo. The usual towing equipment is a sling-type (A) or a wheel-lift (B) or car carrier (C) tow truck.

If your vehicle has been changed or modified since it was factory-new by adding aftermarket items like fog lamps, aero skirting, or special tires and wheels, these instructions and illustrations may not be correct.

Before you do anything, turn on the hazard warning flashers.

When you call, tell the towing service:

A dolly must be used when towing from the front.

That your vehicle has rear-wheel drive, or that it has the four-wheel-drive option.

The make, model, and year of your vehicle.

Whether you can still move the shift levers for the transmission and transfer case, if you have one.

If there was an accident, what was damaged.

When the towing service arrives, let the tow operator know that this manual contains detailed towing instructions and illustrations. The operator may want to see them.

*

T- help avoid injury to you or

Never let passengers ride in a vehicle that is being towed.

Never tow faster than safe or

posted

speeds

Never tow with damaged parts not fully secured.

0

Never get under your vehicle after it has been lifted by the

tow truck.

*

Always use separate safety chains on each side when towing a vehicle.

Never use T-hooks. Use

hooks instead.

“J”

When your vehicle is being towed, have the ignition key off. The steering wheel should be clamped in a straight-ahead position, with a clamping device designed for towing service. Do not use the vehicle’s steering column lock for this. The transmission and transfer case, if you have one, should be in Neutral and the parking brake released.


Don’t have your vehicle towed with the rear wheels in contact with the ground.

If a vehicle must be towed from the front with sling-type or wheel lift equipment, the rear wheels must be supported on a dolly.

If your vehicle has four-wheel drive, don’t have it towed on the front wheels unless you must. If a vehicle with four-wheel drive must be towed on the front wheels, set your manual, free-wheeling hubs to

FREE

or unlock your automatic free-wheeling hubs, and set your transfer case to two-wheel drive. If your vehicle must be towed on the front wheels, don’t go more than

55 mph (90 km/h).

=

9.198

I

A

Front Towing

Hook-Ups

I ’

\

A vehicle can fall from carrier if it

,,cured. This can cause a a isn’t properly car Attach

“J”

hooks to the rear o If lower control arms inboard of springs collision, serious personal injury and vehicle damage. The vehicle should be tightly secured with chains or steel cables before it is transported.

Don’t use substitutes (ropes, leather straps, canvas webbing, etc.) that can be cut by sharp edges underneath the towed vehicle.

Position 4x4 wood beam across sling chains and against lower control arm front attachment brackets. Position the lower sling crossbar in front and against

4x4 wood beam.

Attach a separate safety chain around outboard end of each lower control arm.

Rear Towing Hook-Ups

Attach “J” hooks around axle tube.

I

Take care not to damage the brake

I

pipes on the axle tubes. 1


Position the sling crossbar under and forward of the rear bumper.

A

L

Attach a separate safety chain around the outboard end of each side of the rear axle.

H

Engine Overheating

You will find a coolant temperature gage on your Geo instrument panel.

.

= =

200

If Steam Is Coming from Your Engine:

-open the hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away from the vehicle until it cools down. Wait until there is no sign of steam or coolant before opening the hood.

If you keep driving when your engine is overheated, the liquids in it can catch fire. You or others could be badly burned. Stop your engine if it overheats, and get out of the vehicle until the engine is cool.

I

II

If

your engine catches fire becaw-

IOU keep driving with no coolant, four vehicle can be badly imaged. The costly repairs wou aot be covered by your warranty.


If

No

Steam Is Coming from Your

Engine:

If you get the overheat warning but see or hear no steam, the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when you:

Climb a long hill on a hot day.

Stop after high speed driving.

Idle for long periods in traffic.

Tow a trailer.

If you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam, try this for a minute or so:

1. If you have an air conditioner, turn it off.

2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan speed and open the window as necessary.

3.

If you’re in a traffic jam, shift to

N (Neutral).

If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about ten minutes. If the warning doesn’t come back on, you can drive normally.

If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park your vehicle right away.

If there’s still no sign of steam, you can idle the engine for two or three minutes while you’re parked, to see if the warning stops. But then, if you still have the warning, TURN OFF THE

ENGINE AND OUT

OF THE VEHICLE until it cools down.

You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service help right away.

. . .

202

When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what you’ll see:

1. Coolant Recovery Tank

2. Radiator Pressure Cap

3.

Electric Engine Fan

A

An electric fan under the hood can start up even when thL @ne is not running and can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any

I

L underhood electric fan.

Don’t reach through the grille to

-

I E

If the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank is boiling, don’t do anything else until it cools down.

The coolant level should be at or above

FULL. If it isn’t, you may have a leak in the radiator hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pump or somewhere else in the cooling system. unu I l V l V

Heater

and

radiator hoses,

1

L and

other

engine parts,

can

be

very hot.

Don’t

touch them. do, you can be burned.

If you

Don’t run the engine

if

there is a leak. If you run the engine, it

could lose all coolant. That could cause an engine fire, and

you

could be burned. Get any leak fixed before you drive the vehicle.

203

= r

Problems on the Road c

Engine damage from running yollr engine without coolant isn’t covered by your warranty.

If there seems to be no leak, check to see if the electric engine fan is running.

If the engine is overheating, the fan should be running. If it isn’t, your vehicle needs service.

I

I

How to Add

Coolant to the Coolant

Recovery Tank

If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant level isn’t at or above

FULL, add a 50/50 mixture of

clean water

(preferably distilled) and the proper antifreeze at the coolant recovery tank. (See “Engine Coolant” in the

Index for more information about the proper coolant mix.)

A

Adding only plain water to

cooling

system

can be

dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid, like

alcohol, can

boil before the proper coolant

mix

will.

Your vehicle’s coolant

warning

system is set for the

proper

coolant

mix.

With

plain water, or

the

wrong mix, your engine could get too hot but you wouldn’t get the overheat warning. Your engine could catch

fire and

you

or

others could be burned. Use a 50/50 mix of clean water and a proper antifreeze.

I

' In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the engine, radiator,

\eater core and other parts. he recommended coolant.

Us

I A

You can be burned if you

- spill coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough. Don't

-?ill coolant on a hot engine.

When the coolant in the coolant recovery tank is at or above

FULL,

start your vehicle.

If the overheat warning continues, there's one more thing you can try. You can add the proper coolant mix directly to the radiator, but be sure the cooling system is cool before you do it.

I

-

Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling system car blow out and burn you badly.

They are under pressure, and if you turn the radiator pressure cap

-

- out at high speed. Never turn the cap when the cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system and radiator pressure cap to cool il you ever have to turn the pressure cap.

I

205


I

I

A

How to

Add Coolant

to the

Radiator

1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when the cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly to the left until it first stops. (Don't press down while turning the pressure cap.)

If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss means there is still some pressure left.

2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push down as you turn it.

Remove the pressure cap.

3.

Fill the radiator with the proper mix, up to the base of the filler neck.

4. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to the FULL mark.

5. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank, but leave the radiator pressure cap off.

6 . Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the engine fan.

By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator filler neck may be lower.

If the level is lower, add more of the proper mix through the filler neck until the level reaches the base of the filler neck. r


Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the ears on the pressure cap line up like this.

Zf

a Tire Goes

Hut

It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out’’ while you’re driving, especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes out of a tire, it’s much more likely to leak out slowly. But if you should ever have a “blowout,

” here are a few tips about what to expect and what to do:

If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly. Steer to maintain lane position, then gently brake to a stop well out of the traffic lane.

A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a skid and may require the same correction you’d use in a skid.

In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently brake to a stop, well off the road if possible.

If your tire goes flat, the next section shows how to use your jacking equipment to change a flat tire safely.

ChanginQ a Flat lire

If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your hazard warning flashers.

..

9

208

CAUTION

A Changing a tire can cause an injury. The vehicle can slip off the jack and roll over you or other people. You and they could be badly injured.

Find a level place to change your tire. To help prevent the vehicle from moving:

1. Set the parking brake firmly.

2. Put the shift lever in P (Park).

3.

Shift a manual transmission to 1 (First) or

R

(Reverse).

4. If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear

N

(Neutral).

5. Turn off the engine.

To be even more certain the vehicle won’t move, you can put chocks at the front and rear of the tire farthest away from the one being changed. That would be the tire on the other side of the vehicle, at the opposite end.

I

The following steps will tell you how to use the jack and change a tire.

The equipment you’ll need is under the front seats.

The jack and wheel wrench are under the passenger’s seat.

209

=

The jack handle is under the driver’s seat.

Start with the jack (A), jack handle (B) and wheel wrench (C).

The spare tire is mounted on your tailgate. Pull the cover off of the spare tire.

. 2 1 0

Insert your key into the wheel lock and pull the wheel lock off.

Remove wheel nuts with the wheel wrench.

Remove the spare tire from the mounting bracket and place it near your flat tire.

Attach the jack handle to the jack bolt.

Rotate the jack handle clockwise (to the right). That will raise the lift head a little.

Using the wheel wrench, loosen all the wheel nuts. Don’t remove them yet.

211


Under the vehicle near each wheel, there are bosses in the vehicle’s rocker flange. Position the jack and raise the

Raising your vehicle with the jack jack head until it fits firmly onto the bosses nearest the flat tire. Do not raise the vehicle yet. improperly positioned will damage the vehicle or may allow the vehicle to fall off the jack. Be sure to fit the jack lift head into the proper location before raising your

I

A

Getting under a vehicle when

d

it is jacked up is dangerous. If could be badly injured or killed.

Never get under a vehicle when it is supported only by a jack.

Raise the vehicle by rotating the wheel wrench clockwise. Raise the vehicle far enough so there is enough room for the spare tire to fit.

.

. 2 1 2

r

c

Remove all the wheel nuts and take off the flat tire. Rust

or dirt on the

wheel, or on the parts to which it is

fastened, can

make the wheel nuts become loose

after

a time.

The

wheel could come

off and

cause an

accident.

When you change a wheel, remove any

rust or

dirt from the places where the wheel attaches to the vehicle.

In

an emergency, you can use

a

cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be

sure

to use a scraper or wire brush later, if you need to, to rust or dirt

off. get

all the -

Remove any rust or dirt from the wheel bolts, mounting surfaces or spare wheel.

Place the spare on the wheel mounting surface.


I

CAUTION

*

Never use oil or grease on

1

If you do,

the nuts might come loose.

Your

wheel could fall

off,

causing a serious accident.

Replace the wheel nuts with the rounded end

of

the nuts toward the wheel.

Tighten each nut

by

hand until the wheel

is

held against the hub.

. . .

21 4

I

Lower the vehicle by rotating the wheel wrench counterclockwise. Lower the completely.

Tighten the wheel nuts firmly in a criss-cross sequence as shown.

I

I

or

A nuts

Incorrect wheel nuts

improperly

tightened wheel

can cause the

wheel

to become

loose or

even came off.

This

could lead to

an

accident. Be

sure

to use the correct

wheel

nuts.

If you have to replace them, be ' sure to get the right kind.

Stop as soon as you can and have the nuts tightened with a torque wrench to

60

pound-feet (80 N-m).

I

I


1. Front Passenger Seat

2. Jack

3. Clamp

4. Wrench

5. Jack Handle

6. Front Driver Seat

Replace the jack, jack handle, flat tire, and wheel wrench.

*

Storing a tire in the passenger - compartment of the vehicle

- ould cause injury. Be sure to store the jack and other equipment properly. In a sudden stop or collision, loose equipment could strike someone. Store all these in the proper place.

If

You’re Stuck: In

Sand,

Mud,

Ice or

Snow

What you

don’t

want to do when your vehicle is stuck is to spin your wheels.

The method known as “rocking” can help you get out when you’re stuck, but you must use caution.

‘

If you let your tires spin at

4 2 high speed, they can explode and you or others could be injured.

And, the transmission and other parts of the vehicle can overheat.

That could cause

an

engine compartment fire or other damage.

When you’re stuck, spin the wheels as little as possible. Don’t spin the wheels above

35

mph

(55 km/h) as shown on the speedometer.

Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your vehicle as well as th tires. If you spin the wheels too fast while shifting your transmission back and forth, you can destroy your transmission.


Rocking

your vehicle to get

it

out:

First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will clear the area around your front wheels. Then shift back and forth between

R

(Reverse) and a forward gear (or with a manual transmission, between First or Second gear and Reverse), spinning the wheels as little as possible. Release the accelerator pedal while you shift, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal when the transmission is in gear. If that doesn’t get you out after a few tries, you may need to be towed out. Or, you can use your recovery hooks. If you do need to be towed out, see ‘‘Towing

Your Vehicle” in the Index.

Using the Recovery Hooks

If you ever get stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow, your Tracker is equipped with recovery hooks. The recovery hooks are provided at the front and rear of your vehicle. You may need to use them if you’re stuck off-road and need to be pulled to some place where you can continue driving.

The recovery hooks when used, are under a lot of force.

Always pull the vehicle straight out. Never pull on the hooks at a sideways angle. The hooks could break off and you or others could be injured from the chain or cable snapping back.

I

Never use the recovery hooks to tow the vehicle. Your Tracker could be damaged and it would no1 be covered by warrant]

Notes

-

220

H e r e you wit1 find information about the care of your Geo

.

This part begins with service and fuel information. and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels

.

There is also technical information about your vehicle. and a section devoted to its appearance care .

Part

6

iervice & Appearance Care

Service

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

222

Fuel

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

223

........................................

227

. .

HoodRelease ......................................................

Engineoil

Aircleaner

227

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

233

Automatic Transmission Fluid

........................................

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

234

237

Clutch Adjustment

..................................................

238

RearAxle

.........................................................

238

Four-WheelDrive

Enginecoolant

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

239

.....................................................

240

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

243

Windshield Washer Fluid

Brake Master Cylinder

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

245

Battery

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

247

Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

248

LoadingYourVehicle

Tires

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

252

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

253

Appearancecare

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

261

Appearance Care and Maintenance Materials

Vehicle Identification Number

..............................

271

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

272

Service Parts Identification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

272

Add-on Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

272

ReplacementBulbs

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

273

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

276

Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

277

221

.

!mice & Appearance Care

rn Service

Your Geo dealer knows your vehicle best and wants you to be happy with it.

We hope you’ll go to your dealer for all your service needs. You’ll get genuine

GM parts and GM-trained and supported service people,

We hope you’ll want to keep your GM vehicle all GM. Genuine GM parts have one of these marks.

Doing Your Own Service Work

If you want to do some of your own service work, you’ll want to get the proper Geo Service Manual. It tells you much more about how to service your

Geo than this manual can. To order the proper service manual, see “Service

Publications” in the Index.

You should keep a record with all parts receipts and list the mileage and the date of any service work you perform. See

“Maintenance Record” in the Index.

You

can be

injured

if you try

d-h to

do

service work on a

vehicle without knowing enough about it.

9

Be

sure you have sufficient knowledge, experience,

and

proper replacement parts and-

tools before you attempt any vehicle maintenance

task.

*

Be

sure to use the proper nuts, bolts and other fasteners.

“English” and “metric” f m n e r s can

be

easily confused.

If

you

use the wrong fasteners, parts can later

break

or

fall

off.

You could

be hurt.

r I

NOTICE

Fuel

Use regular unleaded gasoline rated at

87

octane or higher. It should meet specifications, ASTM

D4814

in the U.S. and CGSB 3.5-M92 in Canada. These fuels should have the proper additives,

so

you should not have to add anything to the fuel.

In the U.S. and Canada, it’s easy to be sure you get the right kind of gasoline

(unleaded). You’ll see

UNLEADED

right on the pump. And only unleaded nozzles will fit into your vehicle’s filler neck.

Be sure the posted octane is at least

87.

If the octane is less than

87,

you may get a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If it’s bad enough, it can damage your engine.

If you’re using fuel rated at 87 octane or higher and you still hear heavy knocking, your engine needs service.

But don’t worry if you hear a little pinging noise when you’re accelerating or driving up a hill. That’s normal, and you don’t have to buy a higher octane fuel to get rid of pinging. It’s the heavy, constant knock that means you have a problem.

What about gasoline with blending materials that contain oxygen, such as

MTBE or alcohol?

223

- c

Service & Appearance Care

MTBE

is ‘methyl tertiary-butyl ether. ’ ’

Fuel that is no more than 15% MTBE

is

fine for your vehicle.

Ethanol

is ethyl or grain alcohol.

Properly-blended fuel that is no more than 10%

ethanol

is fine for your vehicle.

Methanol

is methyl or wood alcohol.

I

I

I

I

methanol

is bad for your vehicle. on’t use it. It can corrode metal parts in your fuel system and also damage plastic and rubber pr

That damage wouldn’t be covered under your warranty. And

5 % or less, there must be e-?

“cosolvents” and corrosion

,:eventers in this fuel

+n hpll at

Gasolines for Cleaner Air

Your use of gasoline with detergent additives will help prevent deposits from forming in your engine and fuel system.

That helps keep your engine in tune and your emission control system working properly. It’s good for your vehicle, and you’ll be doing your part for cleaner air.

Many gasolines are now blended with materials called oxygenates. General

Motors recommends that you use gasolines with these blending materials, such as MTBE and ethanol. By doing so, you can help clean the air, especially in those parts of the country that have high carbon monoxide levels.

. . .

224

In addition, some gasoline suppliers are now producing reformulated gasolines.

These gasolines are specially designed to reduce vehicle emissions. General

Motors recommends that you use reformulated gasoline. By doing so, you can help clean the air, especially in those parts of the country that have high ozone levels,

You should ask your service station operators if their gasolines contain detergents and oxygenates, and if they have been reformulated to reduce vehicle emissions.

Fuels in Foreign Countries

If

you plan on driving in another country outside the

U.S.

or Canada, unleaded fuel may be hard to find. Do not use leaded gasoline. If you use even one tankful, your emission controls won’t work well or at all. With continuous use, spark plugs can get fouled, the exhaust system can corrode, and your engine oil can deteriorate quickly. Your vehicle’s oxygen sensor will be damaged. All of that means costly repairs that wouldn’t be covered by your warranty.

To check on fuel availability, ask an auto club, or contact a major oil company that does business in the country where you’ll be driving.

You

can also write us at the following address for advice. Just tell us where you’re going and give your Vehicle

Identification Number

(VIN).


International Export Sales

P.O. Box 828

Oshawa, Ontario LIH 7N1

Canada


Filling Your Tank

b A

u

flammable. It bums violently, and that can cause very bad injuries. Don’t smoke if you’re near gasoline or refueling your vehicle. Keep sparks,

flames,

and smoking materials away from gasoline.

I

If you get gasoline on you and then something ignites it, you could be badly burned. Gasoline can spray out on you if you open the fuel filler cap too quickly. This spray can happen if your tank is nearly full, and is more likely in hot weather. Open the fuel filler cap slowly and wait for any

“hiss” noise to stop. Then unscrew the cap all the way.

I

The cap is behind a hinged door on the right side of your vehicle.

To take off the cap, turn it slowly to the left (counterclockwise).

...

226

When you put the cap back on, turn it to the right until you hear a clicking noise.

If

you

need a new cap, be sure to get the right type.

Your

dealer can get one for you. If you get the wrong type, it may not fit

or

have proper venting, and your fuel tank

‘

~ and emissions system

IT

‘It be

‘ damal

H

Checking l7tings under the Hood

Hood Release

To open the hood, first pull the release handle inside the glove box.

Then go to the front of the vehicle, push down lightly on the hood, and push the hood release lever to your left.

Lift the hood, release the hood prop from its retainer and put the hood prop into the slot in the hood.

227

=

9 9


7." l - a

I

LUU

I

l V 1 V

An electric fan under

the hood can start

up and injure

you

even when the engine is

not

running. Keep hands, clothing and tools away

from any

underhood electric

fan.

Don't reach through the grille

to

release the underhood lever.

I

When you open the hood, you'll see:

1. Battery

2. Automatic Transmission Dipstick

(Option)

3.

Oil Fill Cap

4. Brake Fluid Reservoir

5. Air Cleaner

6. Power Steering Reservoir (Option)

7 . Engine Coolant Reservoir

8. Radiator Cap

9. Electric Fan

10. Engine Oil Dipstick

11. Windshield Washer Reservoir

12. Main Fuse Box

CAUTION

A Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and start a fire. These include liquids like gasoline, oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and other fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others could be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill things that will burn onto a hot engine.

Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are on. . . .

228

Then lift the hood to relieve pressure on the hood prop. Remove the hood prop from the slot in the hood and return the prop to its retainer. Then just let the hood down and close it firmly.

Engine Oil

It’s a good idea to check your engine oil level every time you get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.

Turn off the engine and give the oil a few minutes to drain back into the oil pan. If you don’t, the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.

To

Check Engine Oil:

Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or cloth, then push it back in

all

the way. Remove it again, keeping the tip lower.


I

When

to Add

Oil:

If the oil is at or below the ADD mark, you’ll need to add some oil. But you must use the right kind. This section explains what kind of oil to use. For crankcase capacity, see

“Capacities and Specifications’’ in the

Index.

Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so much oil that the oil level gets above the upper mark that shows the proper operating range, your engine could be damaged.

Just fill it enough to put the level somewhere in the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way back in when you’re through.

What Kind of Oil to Use:

Look for three things:

SG

SG must be on the oil container, either by itself or combined with other quality designations, such as SGKC,

SG/CD, SF, SG, CC, etc. These letters show American Petroleum

Institute (API) levels of quality. you use oils that don’t have the

BG

designation, you can cause engine damage not covered Sy your warranty.

Recommended SAE Viscosity

Grade Engine Oils

For best fuel economy and cold starting, select the lowest SAE viscosity grade oil for the expected temperature range.

HOT

WEATHER

@

1 5W.30

--

SAE

SAE 5W-30

PREFERRED

1-1 c~coNs.8

LOOK

FOR THIS

LABEL

1OW-30

4

However, you can use SAE 1OW-30 if it’s going to be 0°F ( - 18°C) or above.

These numbers on an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils such as

SAE 1OW-40 or SAE 2OW-50.

Energy Conserving

I1

Oils with these words on the container will help you save fuel.

COLD

WEATHER

IF NEITHER SAE 5W-30 NOR SAE 1OW-30

GRADE OILS ARE AVAILABLE, SAE

MAY BE USED AT TEMPERATURES ABOVE

40 DEGREES F (4 DEOREES C).

30 GRADE

1

DO NOT USE SAE 10W-40, SAE 2OW-50 OR

ANY OTHER GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED.

SAE 5W-30

As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE

231


This doughnut-shaped logo (symbol) is used on most oil containers to help you select the correct oil.

You should look for this on the oil container, and use

only

those oils that display the logo.

GM Goodwrench@ oil (in Canada, GM

‘

Engine Oil) meets all the requirements for your vehicle.

Engine Oil Additives:

Don’t add anything to your oil. Your Geo dealer is ready to advise if you think something should be added.

When to Change Engine Oil:

See if any one of these is true for you:

Most trips are less than 4 miles

It’s below freezing outside and most trips are less than 10 miles (16 km).

The engine is at low speed most of the time (as in door-to-door delivery, or in stop-and-go traffic).

You tow a trailer often.

Most trips are through dusty places.

The vehicle is frequently operated off-road.

If any one of these is true for your vehicle, you

need

to change your

oil and filter

every

3,000

000 km) or 3 months -

If none of them is true, change oil and filter every 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or

7.5 months -

What to

Do with Used Oil:

CAUTION

Used engine oil contains

D things that have caused skin

Gancer in laboratory

animals.

Don’t let

used

oil stay on your

skin

for very long. Clean your skin and

nails

with soap and water

or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw away clothing or rags containing

used

engine oil.

Used oil can be a real threat to the environment. If you change your own oil, be sure to drain all free-flowing oil from the filter before disposal. Don’t ever dispose of it by pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used oil.

If you have a problem properly disposing of your used oil, ask your dealer, a service station or a local recycling center for help.

- m

Air Cleaner

Refer to your Maintenance Schedule to determine when to replace the air filter.

See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.

A

Operating the engine with the

L air cleaner off can cause you or others to be burned. The air cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame if the engine backfires.

If it isn’t there, and the engine backfires, you could be burned.

Don’t drive with it off, and be careful working,on the engine with the air cleaner off.

233

-

=


c

If the air cleaner is

off,

a backfire can cause a damaging engine fire.

And, dirt can easily get into your engine, which will damage it.

Always have the air cleaner in place when you're driving.

Air Filter Replacement

To check or replace the filter, remove the screws and lift up the cover.

Automatic Tmnsmissian Fluid

When to Check and Change:

A good time to check your automatic transmission fluid level is when the engine oil is changed. Refer to the

Maintenance Schedule to determine when to change your fluid. See

"Scheduled Maintenance Services" in the Index.

How

to Check:

Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this done at a Geo dealership Service

Department.

If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.

. . .

234

'

/ v u

I I L - t

Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transmission fluid level if you have been driving:

When outside temperatures are above

90°F (32°C).

At high speed for quite a while.

In heavy traffic weather.

While pulling

a

trailer.

To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal operating temperature, which is

180°F

to

200°F (82°C

93°C).

To

check transmission fluid hot:

Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about

15

miles (24 km) when outside temperatures are above

50°F (10°C).

it's colder than vehicle in

D

50°F (lO°C),

(Third Gear) until the engine temperature gage moves and then remains steady for ten minutes. Then follow the hot check procedures.

To check transmission fluid cold:

A cold check is made after the vehicle has been sitting for eight hours or more with the engine off and is used only as a reference. Let the engine run at idle for five minutes if outside temperatures are

50°F (10°C)

engine longer. A hot check must follow when fluid is added during a cold check.

235

9

U


To check the fluid hot or cold:

Park your vehicle on a level place.

Place the shift lever in the parking brake applied.

With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift lever through each gear range, pausing for about three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift lever in

P

(Park).

Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more.

Then, without shutting

off

the engine,

follow

these steps:

1. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel.

2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and then pull it back out again.

3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower level. The fluid level must be in the COLD (A) area for a cold check or in the HOT (B) or cross-hatched area for a hot check.

4. If the fluid level is where it should be, push the dipstick back in all the way.

How

to Add Fluid:

Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of transmission fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.

If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper fluid to bring the level up into the COLD area for a cold check or the HOT area for a hot check.

It doesn’t take much fluid, generally less than a pint. Don’t overfill. We recommend you use only fluid labeled

DEXRON@-11, because fluids with that label are made especially for our automatic transmission. Damage caused by fluid other than DEXRON@-I1 is not covered by your new vehicle warranty.

. . .

236

After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as described under “How to

Check.

”

When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the dipstick back in all the way.

Manual Transmiisioon Fluid

When to Check and Change:

A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is changed. Refer to the

Maintenance Schedule to find out when to change your transmission fluid. See

‘ ‘Scheduled Maintenance Services’ ’ in the Index.

How to

Check:

Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this done at a Geo dealership Service

Department.

If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or you could get a false reading.

I much or too little fluid can

...anage your transmission. Too much can mean that some of the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts, starting a fire.

I sure to get

an

accurate reading if you check your transmission fluid.

Check the fluid level only when your engine is off, the vehicle is parked on a level place and the transmission is cool enough for you to rest your fingers on the transmission case.

I

237

8

Then, follow these steps:

1. Remove the filler plug.

2, Check that the lubricant level is up to the bottom of the filler plug hole.

How

to Add Fluid:

Here’s how to add fluid. Refer to the

Maintenance Schedule to see what kind of fluid to use. See “Recommended

Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.

1

.

Remove the filler plug.

2. Add fluid at the filler plug hole. Add only enough fluid to bring the fluid level up to the bottom plug hole. of the filler

3.

Install the filler plug. Be sure the plug is fully seated.

Clutch Adjustment

The clutch linkage in your vehicle should be checked as recommended in your Maintenance Schedule. To check, push the clutch pedal down with your hand until you feel some resistance to movement of the pedal. If the pedal moves freely up to an inch (25 mm) or so before you feel resistance to the travel, adjustment isn’t needed.

If there is no free travel or very little

(less than 5 / 8 of an inch), see your dealer for adjustment.

Rear Axle

When

to

Check and Change

Lubricant:

Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often to check the lubricant and when to change it. See

“Periodic Maintenance Inspections” and

“Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.

How

to Check Lubricant:

If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole, you’ll need to add some lubricant. Add enough lubricant to raise the level to the bottom of the filler plug hole.

What to Use:

Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of lubricant to use.

See “Recommended Fluids and

Lubricants” in the Index.

Four- Wheel Drive

Most lubricant checks in this section also apply to four-wheel-drive vehicles.

However, they have two additional systems that need lubrication.

Transfer Case

When to Check and Change

Lubricant:

Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often to check the lubricant and when to change it. See the Index.

How


If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole, you’ll need to add some lubricant.

Add enough lubricant to raise the level to the bottom of the filler plug hole.

What to Use:




Front Axle

When to Check and Change

Lubricant:

Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often to check the lubricant, and when to change it. See

“Periodic Maintenance Inspections” and

“Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.

Service & Appearance Care

How


If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole, you’ll need to add some lubricant.

If the differential is at operating temperature (warm), add enough lubricant to raise the level to the bottom of the filler plug hole.

If the differential is cold, add enough lubricant to raise the level to

1/2

inch

(12 mm) below the filler plug hole.

What to Use:




Engine Coolant

The following explains your cooling system and how to add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with engine overheating, see “Engine

Overheating” in the Index.

The proper coolant for your Geo will:

Give freezing protection down to

-34°F (-37°C).

Give boiling protection up to 258°F

(125°C).

Protect against rust and corrosion.

Help keep the proper engine temperature.

Let the warning lights work as they should.

What to Use:

Use a mixture of one-half

clean water

(preferably distilled) and one-half antifreeze or approved recycled coolant that meets “GM Specification 6038M,” which won’t damage aluminum parts.

Also use GM Engine Coolant

Supplement (sealer) with a complete coolant change. If you use these, you don’t need to add anything else.

r b

Adding only plain

water to

your cooling system can be dmgemus. Plaia

water, or some

other liquid like alcohol,

can

boil before

the proper coolant

mix will.

Your

vehicle’s

coolant warning

system is set for the proper

coolant

mix,

With

plain

water or

the

wrong

mix, your engine could get too hot but you wouldn’t get the overheat warning. could catch fire

Your engine and

you

or

others

could

be burned. Use a 50/50 mix

of

clean water and a proper antifreeve or approved recycled coolant.

I

Some conditions, such as air trapped in the cooling system, can affect the coolant level in the radiator. Check the coolant level when the engine is cold and follow the steps under ‘‘Adding

Coolant” for the proper way to add coolant.

If you have to add coolant more than four time a year, have your dealer check your cooling system.

If you use the proper coolant, you don’t have to add extra inhibitors or additivies which claim to

241

I I


Adding Coolant

To Check Coolant:

When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be

LOW,

or a little higher. When your engine is warm, the level should be up to

FULL,

or a little higher.

To Add Coolant:

If you need more coolant, add the proper mix

at the coolant recovery tank.

r

Turning the radiator pressure cap when the engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly. With the coolant recovery tank, you will almost never have to add coolant at the radiator. Never turn the radiator pressure cap

- little

- radiator are hot.

Add coolant

mix

at the recovery tank, but be careful not to spill it.

,

You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol, and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough. Don't spill coolant on a hot engine.

Radiator Pressure Cap

Your radiator pressure cap is a 13

I

- i (90 kPa) pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed to prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap line up with the overflow tube on the radiato filler neck.

When you replace your radiator pressure cap, an AC* cap is recommended.

Thermostat

Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant reaches a preset temperature.

When you replace your thermostat, an

AC@ thermostat is recommended.

Power Steering Fluid

How

to Check Power Steering

Fluid:

Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap and completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.


1

When the engine compartment is hot, the level should be at the

MAX

mark.

When the engine compartment is cool, the level should be at the MIN mark.

What

to Add:

Refer to the Mainten lance Schedule to determine what kind of fluid to use. See

“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.

Windshield Washer Fluid

To Add:

Open the cap with the washer symbol on it. Add washer fluid until the bottle is full.

When adding power steering fluid or making a complete fluid change, always use the prope: fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.

244

x

NO TIC€

When using concentrated wash fluid, follow the manufacturer‘ instructions for adding water.

Don’t mix water with ready-to-use washer fluid. Water can cause the solution to freeze and damage your washer fluid tank and other parts of the washer system. Also, water doesn’t clean as well as washer fluid.

Fill your

I.

-;her

fl--- tank

onl.

314 full when it’s very cold.

’his allows for expansion. it is completely full.

Brake Master Cylinder

Your brake master cylinder is here. It is filled with DOT-3 brake fluid.

There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in your master cylinder might go down. The first is that the brake fluid goes down to an acceptable level during normal brake lining wear.

When new linings are put in, the fluid goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is leaking out

of

the brake system.

If it is, you should have your brake system fixed, since a leak means that sooner or later your brakes won’t work well, or won’t work at all.

So, it isn’t a good idea to “top

ofr

’ your brake fluid. Adding brake fluid won’t correct a leak. If you add fluid when your linings are worn, then you’ll have too much fluid when you get new brake linings. You should add (or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is done on the brake hydraulic system.

245

-


U TlON

A

If you have too much brake

L

fluid, it can spill on the

L,,E;ine. The fluid will burn if the engine is hot enough. You or others could be burned, and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake fluid only when work is done on the brake hydraulic system.

R Lefer to the Maintenance Schedule to d etermine when to check your brake fl hid. See ‘‘Periodic Maintenance

I1

Ispections” in the Index.

’

To Check Brake

Fluid:

You can check the brake fluid without taking off the cap. Just look at the windows on the brake fluid reservoir.

The fluid levels should be above

MIN.

If they aren’t, have your brake system checked to see if there is a leak.

After work is done on the the brake hydraulic system make sure the levels are above

MIN

and below the top of each window.

What to Add:

When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake fluid -

Delco-Supreme II@ (GM Part No.

1052535). Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only.

1

I

DOT-5 silicone brake fluid can damage your llehicle. Don’t use it. I

D0n.t so1

: put In tf wrong mnd

01 k d . For example, just a few drops mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in your brake systt can damage brake system part so badly that they’ll have to b replaced.

Brake fluid

I be careful not to spill fluid on your vehicle

Ige paint,

Replacing Brake System Parts

The braking system on a modern vehicle is complex. Its many parts have to be of top quality and work well together if the vehicle is to have really good braking.

Vehicles we design and test have top-quality GM brake parts in them, as your Geo does when it is new. When you replace parts of your braking system for example, when your brake linings wear down and you have to have new ones put in - you get new genuine GM replacement parts. If you don’t, your brakes may no longer work properly. For example, if someone puts in brake linings that are wrong for your vehicle, the balance between your front and rear brakes can change, for the worse. The braking performance you’ve come to expect can change in many other ways if someone puts in the wrong replacement brake parts.

Battery

Every new Geo has a Delco Freedom@ battery.

You

never have to add water to one of these. When it’s time for a new battery, we recommend a Delco catalog number shown on the original battery’s label.

Vehicle Storage

If you’re not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or more, take off the black, negative (-) cable from the battery.

This will help keep your battery from running down.


I-

~

I LUU

-I hdrm

‘.

.

A

Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas that can explode. You can be badly

hurt

you aren’t careful. See “Jump if

Starting” in the Index for tips on working around a battery without getting hurt.

Contact your dealer to learn how to prepare your vehicle for longer storage periods.

L rn

Bulb Replacement

See “Replacement Bulbs” in the Index to check the size and type of bulb you need to use.

Halogen Bulbs

Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and can uurst if you drop or scratch the bulb. You or others could be injured. Take special care when handling and disposing of halogen bulbs.

Headlights

To replace the headlight bulb:

1. Open the hood.

2. Press down on the tab and pull rearward, while holding the headlight wiring harness, to disconnect it from the bulb.

3.

Turn the lock ring to the left to release the bulb.

4. Puli the lock ring and the headlight bulb straight out. Save the lock ring and use with the new bulb.

5. Reverse the steps with a new bulb.

Front Parking and Turn Signal Lights

To

replace the parking and turn signal bulb:

1

.

Open the hood.

2. Turn the bulb socket to the left and pull it out of light housing.

I


, i

3.

Push the bulb in, turn it to the left and

pull

it out.


Sidemarker Lights

To replace the sidemarker bulb:

1. Push the sidemarker housing toward the back of the vehicle and pull out the front edge. The housing should pull away from the vehicle.

2. Turn the socket to the left and pull it out of the housing.

3.

Pull the bulb out of the socket.


Rear Sidemarker Lights

To

replace the rear sidemarker bulb:

1. Remove the screw (hardtop only).

2. Pull the sidemarker light housing out at the front edge.

3. Turn the socket to the left and pull it out.

4. Pull the bulb out of the socket.


Rear Combination Lights

To remove the rear combination bulbs:

1. Remove the two screws from the combination lights.

2. Pull the combination light out far enough to reach the bulb socket.

3.

Turn the socket to the left and pull it out.

4. Pull the bulb out of the socket.


251

-

Service & Appearance Care

Loading Your Vehicle

Two labels on your vehicle show how much weight it may properly carry. The

Tire-Loading Information label found on the driver’s door lock pillar tells you the proper size, speed rating and recommended inflation pressures for the tires on your vehicle. It also gives you important information about the number of people that can be in your vehicle and the total weight that you can carry. This weight is called the Vehicle Capacity

Weight and includes the weight of all occupants, cargo, and all nonfactory-installed options.

The other label is the Certification label,

1 found on the rear edge of the driver’s door. It tells you the gross weight capacity of your vehicle, called the

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating).

The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo.

Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or the Gross Axle Weight

Rating (GAWR) for either the front or rear axle.

CAUTION

Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR or the maximum front and rear

GAWRs. If you do, parts on you] vehicle can break, or it can chang the way your vehicle handles.

These could cause you to lose control. Also, overloading can

1 shorten the life of your vehicle.

And, if you do have a heavy load, you should spread it out. Don’t carry more than 900 pounds (408 kilograms) in your rear area.

I

1

I

NOTICE

Your warranty does not cover parts or components that fail because of overloading.

If

you put things inside your vehicle - like suitcases, tools, packages, or anything else - go as fast as the vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn quickly, or if there is a crash, they’ll keep going.

Things you put inside your vehicle can strike and injure people

in

a sudden stop or turn, or in a crash.

Put things in the rear area of your vehicle.

Try

to spread the weight evenly.

*

Never stack heavier things, like suitcases, inside the vehicle so that some

of

them are above the tops of the seats.

*

When you carry something inside the vehicle, secure it whenever

you

can.

9

Don’t have a seat folded down unless you need to.

Tires

We don’t make tires. Your new vehicle comes with high quality tires made by a leading tire manufacturer. These tires are warranted by the tire manufacturers and their warranties are delivered with every new Geo. If your spare tire is a different brand than your road tires, you will have a tire warranty folder from each of these manufacturers.

253

9 9

.


9

Poorly A

9 friction.

maintained and

improperly used tires

are

dangerous.

Overloading your tires can cause overheating

as

a

result of

too

much

You

could have

an

air-out and a serious accident.

See

“Loading

Your

Vehicle” in the Index.

*

Underinflated tires pose the same danger

as

overloaded tires. The

resulting

accident

could

cause serious injury.

Check

all tires frequently to

maintain

the recommended pressure. Tire pressure should

be

checked when the tires are cold.

Overinflated tires

are

more likely to be cut, punctured, or broken

by

a sudden impact, such as when you hit a pothole. Keep tires at the recommended pressure.

Worn, old tires your tires have

can

cause accidents. If your

been

damaged, replace them.

tread is badly worn, or if

Don’t drive over 85 the

mph

(135 kmh) even if it’s legal, unless you have

correct

high speed rated tires.

254

Inflation

-

Pressure

The Tire-Loading Information label which is on the driver’s door lock pillar shows the correct inflation pressures for your tires, when they’re cold. “Cold” means your vehicle has been sitting for at least three hours

or

driven no more than a mile.

NO TIC€

I

Don’t let anyone tell you that underinflation

or

overinflation is

If your tires have too rnllrh air

(overinflation), y

Unusual wear

Bad handling

When to Check: Check your tires once a month or more.

How to Check: Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire pressure.

Simply looking at the tires will not tell you the pressure, especially if you have radial tires - inflated even if they’re underinflated.

If your tires have valve caps, be sure to put them back on. They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt and moisture.

Tire Inspection and Rotation

To make your tires last longer, have them inspected and rotated at the mileages recommended in your

Maintenance Schedule. See “Scheduled

Maintenance Services” in the Index.

Use this rotation pattern.

255

- -

Service

& Appearance Care

If your spare wheel does not match your

I other wheels, you may want to use this pattern.

After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and rear inflation pressure as shown on the Tire-Loading Information label. Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly tightened. See “Wheel Nut

Torque’’ in the Index.

C A U

A Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which it is fastened, can make the wheel nuts become loose after a time. The wheel could come off and cause an accident. When you change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from places where the wheel attaches to the vehicle. In an emergency, you can use a cloth or paper towel to do this; but be sure to use a scraper or wire brush later, if you need to, to get all the rust or dirt off. (See “Changing a

Flat Tire” in the Index.)

I

When It’s Time for New Tires

One way to tell when it’s time for new tires is to check the treadwear indicators, which will appear when your tires have only 2/32 inch (1.6 mm) or less of tread remaining.

You need a new tire i f

You can see the indicators at three places around the tire.

You can see cord or fabric showing through the tire’s rubber.

The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut or snagged deep enough to show cord or fabric.

-

256

The tire has a bump, bulge or split.

The tire has a puncture, cut, or other damage that can’t be repaired well because of the size or location of the damage.

Buying

New

Tires

To find out what kind and size of tires you need, look at the Tire-Loading

Information label. The tires installed on your vehicle when it was new had a Tire

Performance Criteria Specification (TPC

Spec) number on each tire’s sidewall.

When you get new tires, get ones with that same TPC Spec number. That way, your vehicle will continue to have tires that are designed to give proper endurance, handling, speed rating, traction, ride and other things during normal service on your vehicle. If your tires have an all-season tread design, the

TPC number will be followed by a

If you ever replace your tires with those not having a TPC Spec number, make sure they are the same size, load range, speed rating and construction type (bias, bias-belted or radial) as your original tires.

I€

-

Mixing tires could

to

lose control

mix

tires of different sizes or

types

(radial

cause

you

while

driving.

and

bias-belted tires), the vehicle may not

handle

properly, and

you

could have

a

crash. Be

sure to use the same size

and

type

tires on

a l l

four wheels.

Uniform Tire Quality Grading

The following information relates to the system developed by the United States

National Highway Traffic Safety

Administration which grades tires by treadwear, traction and temperature

Service & Appearance Care performance. (This applies only to vehicles sold in the United States.)

Treadwear

The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course.

For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.

258

Traction

-

The traction grades, from highest to lowest are: A, B, and C. They represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.

Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking

(straight-ahead) traction tests and does not include cornering (turning) traction.

Temperature B,

C

The temperature grades are A (the highest),

B,

and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.

Sustained high temperature can cause the material

of

the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal

Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109.

Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.

Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is

properly inflated and not overloaded.

Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.

Those grades are molded on the sidewalls of passenger car tires.

While the tires available as standard or optional equipment on General Motors vehicles may vary with respect to these grades, all such tires meet General

Motors performance standards and have been approved for use on General

Motors vehicles. All passenger type

(P metric) tires must conform to Federal safety requirements in addition to these grades.

Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance

The wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced carefully at the factory to give you the longest tire life and best overall performance.

In most cases, you will not need to have your wheels aligned again. However, if you notice unusual tire wear or your vehicle pulling one way or the other, the alignment may need to be reset. If you notice your vehicle vibrating when driving on a smooth road, your wheels may need to be rebalanced.

Wheel Replacement

Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked or badly rusted. If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the wheel leaks air out, replace it

(except some aluminum wheels, which can sometimes be repaired). See your

Geo dealer if any of these conditions exist.

Your dealer will know the kind of wheel you need.

If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts, or wheel nuts, replace them only with

new

GM original equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to have the right wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel nuts for your Tracker.

Service & Appearance Care nuts on your vehicle can be dangerous. It could affect the braking and handling of your vehicle, make your tires lose air and make you lose control. could have

You

a collision in which

you

or others could be injured.

Always use the correct wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel nuts for replacement.

NOTlCE

The wrong wheel can also cause problems with bearing life, brakc cooling, speedometer/odometer calibration, headlight aim, bump height, vehicle ground cleara and tire or tire chain clearance tc the body and chassis

Used Replacement Wheels

I

Ab

Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is dangerous. You can’t

know

how it’s been used or

how

many miles it’s been driven.

It could fail suddenly and cause an accident. If you have to replace a wheel, use a

new

GM original equipment wheel.

=

260

NOTICE Appearance Care

Pleaning products can be hazardous. Some are toxic. Others can burst

- flame if you strike a match or get them on a hot part of the vehicle.

~ ome are dangerous if you breathe their fumes in a closed space. When you use anything in a container to clean your Geo, be sure to follow the instructions. And always open your doors or windows when you're cleaning the inside.

Never use these to clean your vehicle:

Gasoline Carbon Tetrachloride

Benzene

Naphtha

Acetone

Paint Thinner

Turpentine

Lacquer Thinner

Nail Polish Remover

They can all be hazardous - and they can all damage your vehicle, too.

I

I -


NO TIC€

Don't use any

of

these unless thi manual says you can. In monv uses, thev will damage vnl vehiclc

Laundrv Soan

Blec-'-

Reauc: gents

Cleaning the lnside of Your Geo

Use a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of dust and loose dirt. Wipe vinyl with clean, damp cloth.

a

Your Geo dealer has two GM cleaners

Foam-type powdered cleaner. They will

:lean normal spots and stains very well.

Here are some cleaning tips:

Always read the instructions on the cleaner label.

Clean up stains as soon as you can - before they set.

Use a clean cloth or sponge, and change to a clean area often. A soft brush may be used if stains are stubborn.

Use solvent-type cleaners in a well ventilated area only. If you use them, don't saturate the stained area.

If a ring forms after spot cleaning, clean the entire area immediately or it will set.

262

Using Foam-Type Cleaner on Fabric

Vacuum and brush the area to remove any loose dirt.

Always clean a whole trim panel or section. Mask surrounding trim along stitch or welt lines.

Mix Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner following the directions on the container label.

Use suds only and apply with clean sponge.

Don’t saturate the material.

Don’t rub it roughly.

As soon as you’ve cleaned the section, use a sponge to remove the suds.

Rinse the section with a clean, wet sponge.

Wipe off what’s left with a slightly damp paper towel or cloth.

Then dry it immediately with an air hose, a hair dryer or a heat lamp.

Be careful with a nalr aryer or heat lamp. You could scorch thl

Wipe with a clean cloth.

Using Solvent-Type Cleaner on Fabric

First, see if you have to use solvent-type cleaner at all. Some spots and stains will clean off better with just water and mild soap.

If you need to use it, then:

Gently scrape excess soil from the trim material with a clean, dull knife or scraper. Use very little cleaner, light pressure and clean cloths

263

- -


(preferably cheesecloth). Cleaning should start at the outside

of

the stain,

“feathering” toward the center. Keep changing to a clean section of the cloth.

When you clean a stain from fabric, immediately dry the area with an air hose, hair dryer, or heat lamp to help prevent a cleaning ring. (See previous

NOTICE

.)

Fabric Protection

Your Geo has upholstery that has been treated with Scotchgard’” Fabric

Protector, a 3M product. Scotchgard“ protects fabrics by repelling oil and water, which are the carriers of most stains. Even with this protection, you still need to clean your upholstery often to keep it looking new.

Further information on cleaning is available on 1-800-433-3296 (in

Minnesota, 1-800-642-6 167).

Special Cleaning Problems

Greasy or Oily Stains:

Like grease, oil, butter, margarine, shoe polish, coffee with cream, chewing gum, cosmetic creams, vegetable oils, wax crayon, tar and asphalt.

Carefully scrape off excess stain.

Then follow the solvent-type instructions above.

Shoe polish, wax crayons, tar and asphalt will stain if left on a vehicle seat fabric. They should be removed as soon as possible. Be careful, because the cleaner will dissolve them and may cause them to bleed.

I .

.

264

I

Non-Greasy Stains:

Like catsup, coffee

(black), egg, fruit, fruit juice, milk,

soft

drinks, wine, vomit, urine and blood.

Carefully scrape off excess stain, then sponge the soiled area with cool water.

If a stain remains, follow the foam-type instructions above.

If an odor lingers after cleaning vomit or urine, treat the area with a watedbaking soda solution: 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml) of baking soda to 1 cup (250 ml) of lukewarm water.

Finally, if needed, clean lightly with solvent-type cleaner.

Combination Stains:

Like candy, ice cream, mayonnaise, chili sauce and unknown stains.

Carefully scrape off excess stain, then clean with cool water and allow to dry.

If a stain remains, clean it with solvent-type cleaner.

Cleaning Vinyl

or

Leather

Just use warm water and a clean cloth.

Rub with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt.

You

more than once. may have to do it

Things like tar, asphalt and shoe polish will stain if you don’t get them off quickly. Use a clean cloth and solvent-type vinyl/leather cleaner.


Cleaning the Top of the Instrument

Panel

Use only mild soap and water to clean the top surfaces of the instrument panel.

Sprays containing silicones or waxes may cause annoying reflections in the windshield and even make it difficult to see through the windshield under certain conditions.

Care of Safety

Belts

Keep belts clean and dry.

CAUTIVN

Do not bleach

or

dye safety belts.

If

you do, it may severely weaken them. In a

crash

they might not be able to provide adequate protection. Clean safety belts only with mild soap

and

lukewarm water.

Glass

Glass should be cleaned often. GM

Glass Cleaner (GM Part No. 1050427)

or a liquid household glass cleaner will remove normal tobacco smoke and dust films.

Don’t use abrasive cleaners on glass, because they may cause scratches.

Avoid placing decals on the inside rear window, since they may have to be scraped off later. If abrasive cleaners are used on the inside of the rear window, an electric defogger element may be damaged. Any temporary license should not be attached across the defogger grid.

Cleaning the Outside

of

the

Windshield and Wiper Blades

If your windshield is not clear after using the windshield washer, or if the wiper blade chatters when running, wax or other material may be on the blade or windshield.

Clean the windshield with GM

Windshield Cleaner Bon-Ami Powder@

(GM Part No. 1050011). The windshield is clean if beads do not form when you rinse it with water.

Clean the blade by wiping vigorously with a cloth soaked in full strength windshield washer solvent. Then rinse the blade with water.

Wiper blades should be checked on a regular basis and replaced when worn.

Cleaning the Outside of

Geo

Your

The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth of color, gloss retention and durability.

Washing Your Vehicle

The best way to preserve your vehicle’s finish is to keep it clean by washing it often with lukewarm or cold water.

Don’t wash your vehicle in the direct rays of the sun. Don’t use strong soaps or chemical detergents. Use liquid hand, dish or car washing (non-detergent) soaps. Don’t use cleaning agents that contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning agents should be flushed promptly and not allowed to dry on the surface, or they could stain. Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or a 100% cotton towel to avoid surface scratches and water spotting.

High pressure car washes may cause water to enter your vehicle.

Finish Care

Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your Geo may be necessary to remove residue from the paint finish. You can get GM approved cleaning products from your dealer. (See “Appearance

Care and Materials” in the Index.)

Your Geo has a “basecoat/clearcoat” paint finish. The clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to the colored basecoat.

267

=

-


Machine compounding or aggressive polishing on a basecoat/clearcoat paint finish

IT dull tl marks sh or lea sw’

’

Special

Care

for

Canvas

Top

To protect the canvas top:

After you wash the vehicle, make sure the top is completely dry before you open or remove it.

Don’t get any vinyl cleaner on the vehicle’s painted finish; it could leave streaks.

Don’t go through automatic car washes; the canvas top could be damaged.

The plastic windows are pliable and can be scratched if you don’t take these precautions when you clean them:

Wipe off dust with a soft cotton cloth moistened with clean, cool or lukewarm water. Don’t use a “dry” cloth. Wipe in one direction only, not back and forth.

To remove frost, snow or ice, use lukewarm water. Don’t use a scraper or any de-icing fluids.

Wash the windows with a soft cloth and clean, cool or lukewarm water.

268

Never use a dry cloth, hot water, strong soap or detergent, solvents or harsh cleaning agents. Rinse thoroughly and wipe with a slightly moist soft, clean cloth.

Don’t put any labels, stickers or tape on windows. It’s hard to remove adhesives left on the window when such items are removed. If a sticker or label must be removed, remove any adhesive left on the window while the adhesive is still soft and sticky.

Press on a new sticker or piece of tape and then lift it off again; keep doing this until all the adhesive lifts off with the sticker or tape.

Aluminum Wheels

If your Geo has these, don’t use chrome polish on them. Use wax after you clean them. Also, don’t use abrasive cleaners or cleaning brushes on them - could damage the protective coating.

If

you have aluminum

wheels,

don’t use

an

automatic car wa: that has hard silicon carbide cleaning brushes. These brushes can take

off

the protective coatinl

Weatherstrips

These are places where glass or metal meets rubber. Silicone grease there will make them last longer, seal better, and not squeak. Apply silicone grease with a clean cloth at least every six months.

Sheet Metal

Damage

If your vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal repair or replacement, make sure the body repair shop applies anti-corrosion material to the parts repaired or replaced to restore corrosion protection.

Foreign Material

Calcium chloride and other salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, and other foreign matter can damage your vehicle’s finish if they remain on painted surfaces. Use cleaners that are marked safe for painted surfaces for these stains.

269


Finish Damage

Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the finish should be repaired right away. Bare metal will corrode quickly and may develop into a major repair expense.

Minor chips and scratches can be repaired with touch-up materials available from your dealer or other service outlets. Larger areas of finish damage can be corrected in your dealer’s body and paint shop.

Underbody Maintenance

Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust control can collect on the underbody. If these are not removed, accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur on the underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame, floor pan, and exhaust system even though they have corrosion protection.

At least every spring, flush these materials from the underbody with plain water. Clean any areas where mud and other debris can collect. Dirt packed in closed areas of the frame should be loosened before being flushed. Your dealer or an underbody vehicle washing system can do this for you.

Chemical Paint Spotting

Some weather and atmospheric conditions can create a chemical fallout.

Airborne pollutants can fall upon and attack painted surfaces on your vehicle.

This damage can take two forms: blotchy, ringlet-shaped discolorations, and small irregular dark spots etched into the paint surface.

Although no defect in the paint job causes this, Geo will repair, at no charge to the owner, the surfaces of new vehicles damaged by this fallout condition within 12 months or

12,000

miles (20 OOO km) of purchase, whichever comes first.

rn

Appearance Care and Maintenance Materials

'Not recommended for pigskin suede leather.

See your General Motors Dealers for these products. See your Maintenance Schedule for other products.

271


I rn

Vehicle Identification

Number

This is the legal identifier for your Geo.

It appears on a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on the driver’s side, You can see it if you look through the windshield from outside your vehicle. The VIN also appears on the

Vehicle Certification and Service Parts labels and the certificates of title and registration.

Engine Identification

The eighth character in your VIN is the engine code for your 1993 GM engine.

This code will help you identify your engine, specifications, and replacement parts in this section.

Service Pads

Identification Lube1

You’ll find this label inside the glove

box

on the door. It’s very helpful if you ever need to order parts. On this label is:

Your VIN.

Its model designation.

A list of all production options and special equipment.

Be sure that this label is not removed from the vehicle. rn

Add-on

Electrical

Equipment

Don’t add anything electrical to your Geo unless you check with your dealer first. Some electrica equipment can damage you vehicle and the damage woulan.1

be

covered by your warranty.

Some of

; san things frc wnrkinp as thev should.

=

9

272

1

Fuses and Circuit

Breakers

The wiring circuits in your car are protected from short circuits by fuses, circuit breakers or a thermal link in the wiring itself. This greatly reduces the chance of fires caused by electrical problems.

The main fuse box in your engine compartment on the right side. It protects all electrical loads.

For access to the main fuses, pull off cover. A spare fuse is also inside the fuse box.

Another fuse box is under the left side of the instrument panel. The fuses here protect each separate circuit including headlights. If you have electrical failure, check here first.

Service & Appearance Care b.

. / . s

Y

Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse. If the band

is

broken or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure you replace a bad fuse with a new one of the correct size.

If you ever have a problem on the road and don't have a spare fuse, you can borrow one. Just pick some feature of your car that you can get along without

- - and use its fuse, if it is the size you need. Replace it as soon as you can.

Before replacing a fuse turn every vehicle electrical switch off.

Main Fuse Block

1- Generator to Battery Circuit (60A)

2- Circuits Only Active When Ignition Switch is in ACC, ON or START

(50A)

3- Circuits Always Active (40A)

4- Circuits Always Active (30A)

. . .

274

[

Instrument Panel Fuse Block

2-

Left Headlight; High Beam Indicator Light (1 5A)

3-Taillights; Interior Light; Sidemarker Lights; Instrument Cluster Lights (15A)

4-Stop Lights; Horn (15A)

5- Hazard Lights (15A)

6-Door Lock (Option) (20A)

7-

Lighter; Radio (20A)

8-Ignition System; Warning and Indicator Lights (15A)

9-Turn Signal Lights; Back-up Lights (15A)

10- Wiperwasher (1 SA)

- ( 15A)

12-Heater (25A)

13-Rear Wheel Anti-Lock Main Relay (20A)

14-Electronic Fuel Injection Main Relay (15A)


Back-up

Dome

.............................................................

9605 1559

Front Parking and Turn Signal

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1157 NA

Headlight (Halogen)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9004

Heater or Air Conditioning Control

....................................

96052599

9

Indicator and Warning

Brake

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9433184

Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9433184

Check Engine

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9433 184

Engineoil Pressure

................................................

9433184

4WD

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Headlight HighBeam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9433184

Safety Belt

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9433184

TurnSignal

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9433184

Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9605 156

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

194 License Plate

Lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rear Defogger Switch

Rear Parking andstop

Sidemarker

9433184

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

96061736

Rear Hazard and Turn Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1156

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1157

Rear Wiper/Washer Switch

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9606 1736

. . . . . . . .

194 -

276

Capacities and Specifictu?ons

Engine

Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L 4

Compression Ratio.

Firing Order

Fuel Delivery . . .

AC Belt Tension.

.

Piston Displacement

Valve Arrangement

. . . . . .

. . . . . . . .

. . . . . .

.

. . .

. . .

. . . . . . . .

. .

. .

.

. . . . . . .

. . . . .

. . . . . .

. . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . .

. .

. . .

. . . . .

.

. . .

. .

. . . .8.9: 1

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . l-3-4-2

.Fuel Injection

.97 CID (1.6L)

. . .

,

. . . . . . . . . . .

,

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .In-Head “V” Type

. . .

.Deflect Belt 0.31-0.47 in. (8-12 mm) @ 22 Ibs. (10 kg.) Pressure

Fan Belt Tension . . . . .Deflect Belt 0.20-0.32 in. (5-8 mm) @ 22 Ibs. (10 kg.) Pressure

Thermostat Temperature Specification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . .180”F (82°C)

Replacement Parts

Air Cleaner Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96057994

Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 6 - 6 0 s

Engineoil Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96062415

Fuel Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PCVValve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 6 0 5 8 0 7 9

Radiator Pressure Cap

Spark Plug. .

. . . . . . . . .

,

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . .13 psi

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . .R43XLS (0.028”- 0.032” Gap)

277

9

Drain and Refill


Wheel Nut

Capacities (Approximate)

The following approximate capacities are given in U.S. and metric conversions.

Air Conditioning?.

................

.See the refrigerant information label under hood.


.............................................

Overhaul

...................................................

.3.0 qt.

(2.8

L)**

(4.6

L)

Cooling System

Automatic Transmission.

......................................

S . 5 qt. (5.2

L)

I

Manual Transmission.

........................................

S.6 qt. (5.3

L)

Crankcase

With Filter Change.

..........................................

Without Filter Change

........................................

.

(4.2

L)*

.4.2

qt.

L)*

...............................................

1 1 qt. (1

.O

L)

Manual Transmission.

..........................................

Rear Differential.

Transfer Case

..............................................

.1.6 qt. (1.5

.2.3 qt.

L)**

(2.2

L)

..................................................

1 .8 qt. (1.7

L)

Wheel Nuts

Torque

.........................................

ft. (80

N-m)

? Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same. If the air conditioning system in your vehicle needs refrigerant, be sure the proper refrigerant is used. If you’re not sure, ask your Geo dealer.

*.When changing the oil filter, additional oil may be needed. Recheck the oil level

9 after filling. See “Engine Oil” in the Index.

**

Recheck fluid level after filling. See “Automatic Transmission Fluid” or “Manual

Transmission Fluid” in the Index.

278

Vehicle Dimensions

Wheelbase.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tread

.86.6“ (2 200 mm)

Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 4 . 9 ”

Rear,

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.55. I ” (1

395

mm)

400

mm)

Width.

Height.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.64.2“ (1 630 mm)

.65” (1 651 mm)

279

Notes

Each Fuel Fill 298

Part 7

IMPORTANT:

KEEP ENGINE OIL

AT THE PROPER

LEVEL AND CHANGE AS

RECOMMENDED

T h i s part covers the maintenance needs these services to retain its safety. dependability and emission

.

.

I

Your vehicle


Section

Introduction:

........................... 282

A

B

C

D

.

.

.

How This Part Is Organized

Scheduled Maintenance Services

Using Your Maintenance Schedules

Schedule1

................................................

285

285

285

286

Schedule11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288

Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance Services

Other Emission Related Maintenance Service

OwnerChecksandServices

At

AtLeastOnceaMonth

At Least Twice a Year

At Least Once

a

Year

Periodic Maintenance Inspections

Recommended

..........................................

Fluids

............................

282

................................. 283

.................................

...................................

298

..................................... 299

......................................

299

....................................... 300

and Lubricants

...........................

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

296

...........................

303

305

.

MaintenanceRecord

.........................................

308 u

Protection

I

L

See your GM dealer for details

.

?

7he Plan

.

281

9 9


Introduction: A Word about Maintenance

We at General Motors want to help you keep your vehicle in

good working condition. But we don’t

know

exactly how you’ll drive it. You may drive very short distances only a few times a week. Or you may drive long distances all the time in very hot, dusty weather. You may use your vehicle in making deliveries. Or you may drive it to work, to do errands, or in many other ways.

Because of all the different ways people use their GM vehicles, maintenance needs vary. You may even need more frequent checks and replacements than you will find in the schedules in this part. So please read this part and note how you drive. If you have any questions on how to keep your vehicle in good condition, see your Geo dealer, the place many GM owners choose to have their maintenance work done. Your dealer can be relied upon to use proper parts and practices.

9

282

Your Vehicle and the Envitvnment

Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps keep your vehicle in good working condition, but it also helps the environment. All recommended maintenance procedures are important. Improper vehicle maintenance or the removal of important components can significantly affect the quality of the air we breathe. Improper fluid levels or even the wrong tire inflation can increase the level of emissions from your vehicle.

To

help protect our environment, and to help keep your vehicle in good condition, please maintain your vehicle properly.

1

How This Part 1s Organized

I

The remainder of this part is divided into five sections:

“Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services” shows what to have done, and how often. Some of these services can be complex, so unless you are technically qualified and have the necessary equipment, you should let your dealer’s service department or another qualified service center do these jobs.

I -

CAUTION

Performing maintenance work on a vehicle can be dangerous. In trying to do some jobs, you can be

6

- seriously injured. Do your own maintenance work only if you have the required know-how and the proper tools and equipment for the job. If you have any doubt, have a qualified technician do the work.

I

I

If you are skilled enough to do some work on your vehicle, you will probably want to get the service information GM publishes. You will find a list of publications and how to get them in this manual. See “Service Publications” in the

Index.

“Section B: Owner Checks and Services” tells you what should be checked whenever you stop for fuel. It also explains what you can easily do to help keep your vehicle in good condition.

283

9


Introduction: A Word about Maintenance (Cont.)

“Section C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections” explains important inspections that your Geo dealer’s service department or another qualified service center should perform.

“Section D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” lists some products GM recommends to help keep your vehicle properly maintained. These products, or their equivalents, should be used whether you do the work yourself or have it done.

“Section E: Maintenance Record” provides a place for you to record the maintenance performed on your vehicle.

Whenever any maintenance is performed, be sure to write it down in this section. This will help you determine when your next maintenance should be done. In addition, it is a good idea to keep your maintenance receipts. They may be needed to qualify your vehicle for warranty repairs.

. . .

284


Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services

Using Your Maintenance Schedules

This section tells you the maintenance services you should have done and when you should schedule them. Your Geo dealer knows your vehicle best and wants you to be happy with it. If you go to your dealer for your service needs, you’ll know that GM-trained and supported service people will perform the work using genuine GM parts.

These schedules are for vehicles that: carry passengers and cargo within recommended limits.

You will find these limits on your vehicle’s Tire-Loading

Information Label. See “Loading Your Vehicle’’

Index. in the are driven on reasonable road surfaces within legal driving limits. use the recommended unleaded fuel. See “Fuel” in the

Index.

Selecting the RiQht Schedule

First you’ll need to decide which of the two schedules is right for your vehicle. Here’s how to decide which schedule to follow:

Schedule I

Is

any one of these true for your vehicle?

Most trips are less than 4 miles (6 km).

Most trips are less than 10 miles (16 km) and outside temperatures are below freezing.

The engine

is

at low speed most of the time (as in door-to-door delivery, or in stop-and-go traffic).

You operate your vehicle in dusty areas.

You tow a trailer.

If any one (or more) of these is true for your driving, follow

Schedule

I.

Schedule I1

Follow Schedule I1 only if none of the above conditions is true.

285

=


Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services (Cont.)

Schedule I

Follow Schedule I if your vehicle is

MAINLY driven under one

or

more of the following conditions:

When most trips are less than 4 miles

(6 km).

When most trips are less than 10 miles

(16 km) and outside temperatures remain below freezing.

When most trips include extended idling and/or frequent low-speed operation, as in stop-and-go traffic.

When towing a trailer.

When operating in dusty areas.

ITEM

NO.

2

4

I

Schedule I should

also

be followed if the vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi

or

other commercial applications.

*An Emission Control Service.

*

The U. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of vehicle useful life.

General Motors, however, urges that all recommended maintenance services be performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance be recorded in "Section E:

. . .

286

' '

14

~

16

18

WHAT TO SERVICE

See "Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance

Services "following Schedules t and It.

PCV Valve Replacement*

ECM & Associated Sensors Insmtion*

Power Steering System Inspection

WHEN TO PERFORM

Miles (kilometers) or Months

I

Every 50,000 Miles (83 OOO km).

I

Every 100,OOO Miles (166 OOO h).

I

Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km) or 7.5 Months.

The services shown in this schedule up to 60,OOO miles ( 1 0 0 OOO km) should be performed after 60,OOO miles ( 1 0 0 OOO k m ) at the same intervals,

MILES

(0001

3 16 17.5 19 112115118121 b2.5124127130133136137.5139142145148150151 )52.51541571 60

287

. . .

recommended maintenuncP



I

I

WHAT TO SERVICE

ITEM

NO.

See "Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance

Services "following Schedules I and II.

I

I

WHEN

TO

PERFORM

Miles (kilometers) or Months

(whichever occurs first).

Schedule I/

Follow

Schedule I1

ONLY

if none of the driving conditions specified in

Schedule I apply.

BAn Emission Control Service.

The U. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the failure to pedorm

I this maintenance item will not nullify the emission warranh, or limit recall liability

I nrior to the cornthetion of vehicle useful life.

I

12

I

Oxygen Sensor Replacement*

- -

I ~

~

-

General Motors, however, urges thaiall ront;rnr ho

I

16

I

Emission Svstem Hoses Insaxtion*

18

I

Power Steering system Inspection

. . .

288

I

Every 80,OOO Miles (133 oO(

I Everv

60.0o0

Miles (100 oO(

I

Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km) or 7.5 Months.

I

I

I

The services shown in this schedule up to 1 0 0 , O O O miles (160 OOO km) should be performed after 1 0 0 , O O O miles (160 OOO km) at the same intervals.


Section

A:

Scheduled Maintenance Services

(Cont.)

Dplanatiun of Scheduled Maintenance Services

Below are explanations of the services listed in Schedules and 11.

I

The proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed in Section

D. Make sure whoever services your vehicle uses these. All parts should be replaced and all necessary repairs done before you or anyone else drives the vehicle.

ITEM

NO. SERVICE

1

Engine Oil and Filter Change*

- SG

Energy Conserving I1 Oils of proper viscosity. The

SG

designation may be shown alone or in combination with others, such as

SG/CC, SG/CD,

or

SF,

SG, CC,

etc. To determine the preferred viscosity for your vehicle’s engine (e.g., SAE

5W-30 or 1OW-30) see “Engine Oil’’ in the Index.

2 Engine Idle Speed Check*

and adjust it to underhood label specifications.

ITEM

NO. SERVICE

3 Cooling System Service*

- the system with new or approved recycled coolant conforming to

GM

Specification 4038M. Keep coolant at the proper mixture as specified. See

“Coolant” in the Index. This provides proper freeze protection, corrosion inhibitor level, and engine operating temperature.

Inspect hoses and replace if they are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated. Tighten screw-type hose clamps. Clean the outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser. Wash the pressure cap and neck.

To help ensure proper operation, we recommend a pressure test of both the cooling system and the pressure cap.


290

ITEM

NO. SERVICE

4

Transmission (AlI)/Transfer Case (Four-wheel

Drive) Service

transfer case, check the fluid level every time the oil is changed. See “Manual Transmission Fluid” and

“Transfer Case” in the Index. Inspect for damage and leaks and change the fluid the first time at 7,500 miles (12 500 km) and then every 15,000 miles

(25 000 km) or 15 months for Schedule I conditions and every 30,000 miles (50 OOO km) or 30 months for Schedule I1 conditions.

For the automatic transmission, check the fluid level every time the oil is changed. See “Automatic

Transmission Fluid” in the Index. Inspect for damage and leaks and change the fluid every 15,000 miles (25 OOO km) or 15 months for Schedule I conditions and 1 0 0 , O O O miles (166 000 km) for


ITEM

NO. SERVICE

Schedule I1 conditions. Replace the automatic transmission cooler hoses every 45,000 miles

(75 000 km).

5 Rear Axle (All) and Front Axle (Four-wheel

Drive) Fluid Change

- proper lubricant. See “Recommended Fluids and


6

Spark Plug Replacement*

with the proper type. See “Replacement Parts’’ in the Index.

291



ITEM

NO. SERVICE

7 Distributor Cap and Spark Plug Wire

Inspection*

- damage. Check the boot fit at the distributor and at the spark plugs. Replace wires as needed. Operation in extreme cold and/or on salted roads may require more frequent replacement.

8

Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve

Replacement*

-

Replace the valve every 50,000 miles (83 OOO km) as well as any worn, plugged or collapsed hoses.

ITEM

NO. SERVICE

9 Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System

Inspection*

- 50,000 mile (83 OOO km) intervals.

10

Air Cleaner Filter (PCV Filter, if Equipped)

Replacement*

-

Replace every 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or more often under dusty conditions. Ask your dealer for the proper replacement intervals for your driving conditions. If your vehicle is equipped with a crankcase ventilation filter, replace it too.

1


ITEM

NO.

SERVICE

11 Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection**

-

Inspect fuel tank, cap, lines and hoses for damage or leaks. Inspect fuel cap gasket for an even filler neck imprint or any damage at 30,000 miles (50 OOO km).

Replace parts as needed. Replace the cap and gasket at 6 0 , O O O mile (100 OOO km) intervals.

12 Oxygen Sensor Replacement*

miles (133 OOO km).

- 80,000

ITEM

NO. SERVICE

13 Charcoal Canister Replacement*

100,OOO mile (166 OOO km) intervals.

14 Engine Control Module (ECM) and Associated

Sensors Inspection*

- 100,OOO mile

( 1 6 6 OOO km) intervals.

15 Fuel Injector Inspection*

-

100,OOO mile (166 OOO km) intervals.


*The U. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the failure to p e ~ o r m warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of vehicle useful life. General Motors, however, urges that all recommended

E: Maintenance Record.

”


Section

A:

Scheduled

Maintenance Services (Cont.)

ITEM

NO.

SERVICE

16 Emission System Hoses Inspection*

-

6 0 , O O O mile

( l o 0

OOO km)

17

Catalytic Converter Inspection*

-

100,OOO

mile (166 OOO km) intervals. At each oil change, inspect the entire exhaust system for leaks and loose fittings, especially if the vehicle is used off-road.

ITEM

NO. SERVICE

18

Power Steering System Inspection

- power steering gear box, pump and hose connections for leaks or damage. Check the fluid level on the dipstick. See “Power Steering Fluid” in the Index.

Check the drive belt for cracks, fraying and wear.

Check belt tension. There should be 0.24”-0.35”

(6-9 mm) deflection when you press your thumb midway between the pulleys. Adjust or replace belt as needed.


9 9

294

Other Emission Related Mainfenance Setvice

ITEM

NO.

SERVICE

1 Valve Clearance Adjustment*

- lash every 15,000 miles (25

000

and adjust if necessary.

2 Camshaft Timing Belt Adjustment*

adjust if necessary at 60,000 miles (100 OOO km), and every 30,000 (50 OOO km) thereafter.

3 Fan (Water

Pump)

Drive Belt Service*

and adjust if necessary at

30,000

(50 000 km), or

30

month intervals. Replace the belt at 60,000 miles

(100 OOO km) and 120,000 miles (200 OOO km).

ITEM

NO.

SERVICE

4 Wiring Harness and Connectors Inspection*

-

60,000

OOO km), 60 month intervals, inspect the underhood wiring harness for loose connections, chafed wires and damage, especially if used extensively for off-road driving.

5 Engine Timing Check*

- the timing to underhood label specifications, if necessary, at

60,000

000 km) intervals.

6

Fuel Filter*

miles (50 OOO km), or sooner if clogged.

30,000


295

9


Uther Nun-Emissun Related Maintenance

Service

ITEM

NO. SERVICE

1

Wheel Bearings Inspection

-

15 months, or at 15,000 mile (25 OOO km) intervals.

Inspect for wear and proper adjustment. Relubricate the bearings if grease is contaminated.

2

3

Propeller Shafts and U-Joints

Inspection

- this every 15 months, or at 15,000 mile (25 000 k m ) intervals, or more frequently if used off-road or pulling a trailer. Tighten U-Joint flange bolts if necessary.

Clutch (Manual Transmission Only)

- each oil change, inspect for correct free play and positive engagement. See “Clutch Adjustment’’ in the Index.

4

Tire and Wheel Inspection and Rotation

- proper wear and maximum tire life, rotate your tires at 7,500 miles (12 500 km) and then every

15 ,OOO miles (25 OOO km). See “Tires, Inspection and Rotation” in the Index. Check the tires for uneven wear or damage. If you see irregular or premature wear, check the wheel alignment. Check for damaged wheels also.

While the tires and wheels are removed for rotation, perform the brake system inspection described in

Section C.

5

6

Brakes

- opportunity to inspect the braking system. See

“Brake System Inspection” in Section C.

Locking Front Hubs Inspection (If Equipped)

-

At each oil change, inspect the locking front hubs for correct operation. Repair or replace if necessary.

(Both hubs must operate correctly for the front axle to power the front wheels.)

7 Steering and Suspension

- each oil change, inspect the steering linkage and suspension for leaks and damage. Repair or replace damaged or worn parts.


Section B: Owner Checks and Services

Listed below are owner checks and services which should be performed at the intervals specified to help ensure the safety, dependability and emission control performance of your vehicle.

Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.

Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown in Section D.

Af Each Fuel fj//

is important for you or a service station attendant to perform these underhood checks at each

I

I

1 1 CHECK

OR SERVICE

I

Engine Oil Level

Engine Coolant Level 1

I Check the engine oil level and add further details. the

WHAT

TO

DO proper oil if necessary. See “Engine Oil” in the Index for

Check the engine coolant level in the coolant recovery tank and add the proper coolant mix if necessary. See “Coolant” in the Index for further details.

Windshield Washer

Fluid Level

Check the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid if necessary. See “Windshield Washer Fluid” in the Index for further details.

Hood Latch

Operation

Pull the primary hood latch release handle inside the vehicle. The secondary latch should keep hood from opening all the way when the primary latch is released. Make sure the hood closes firmly. See “Hood Release” in the Index for further details.

. . .

298

At Least Once a Month

CHECK

OR SERVICE

Tires Inflation

“‘HAT TO DO

Check tire inflation. Make sure they are inflated to the pressures specified on the Tire-Loading

Information label located on driver’s door. See “Tires” in the Index for further details. l

At least Twice a Year

I CHECK

OR SERVICE

I

Fluid Level

Check

WHAT TO DO

Check the transfer case, axle differential(s) and automatic or manual transmission fluid levels and add as needed. See “Transfer Case,

”

‘‘Axle, Rear,” “Axle, Front” and “Automatic

I

Transmission” or “Manual Transmission” in the Index. A fluid loss in these systems could

I indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired at once. I

I

299

9

=


Section B:

Owner

Checks and Services (Cont.)

At Least

Once

a Year

CHECK

OR SERVICE

Kev Lock Cylinders

.r

Body Lubrication

WHAT TO DO

Lubricate the key

lock

cylinders with the lubricant specified in Section D.

Lubricate all body door hinges including the tailgate. Also lubricate all hinges and latches, including those for the hood, rear compartment, glove box door, console door and any folding seat hardware. Section D tells you what to use.

?

Starter Switch

1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle.

2.

Firmly apply both the parking brake (see “Parking Brake” in the Index if necessary) and the regular brake.

NOTE:

Do

not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to

turn off

the engine immediately if it starts.

3.

On automatic transmission vehicles, try to start the engine in each gear. The starter should work only in P (Park) or N (Neutral). If the starter works in any other position, your vehicle needs service, On manual transmission vehicles, put the shift lever in Neutral, push the clutch down halfway and try to start the engine. The starter should work only when the clutch is pushed down all the way to the floor. If the starter works when the clutch isn’t pushed all the way down, your vehicle needs service.

I . .

300

At Least Once a Year

(CONT.)

OR SERVICE

Brake-Transaxle Shift

Interlock

(Automatic Transaxle)

I

CAUTION

m

A

When you are doing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. If it does, you or others

I

1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle. It should be parked on a level surface.

2.

Firmly apply the parking brake (see “Parking Brake” in the Index if necessary).

NOTE: Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if the vehicle begins to move.

3.

With the engine off, turn the key to the

ON

position, but don’t start the engine. Without applying the regular brake, try to move the shift lever out of

P

(Park) with normal effort. If the shift lever moves out of

301

9


Section

B:

Owner Checks

and

Services

(Cont.)

At

Least

Once a Year

(CONT.)

CHECK

OR SERVICE

I

WHAT TO DO

Steering Column Lock While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn the key to position.

LOCK

in each shift

With an automatic transmission, the key should turn to

LOCK

only when the shift lever is in

With a manual transmission, the key will turn to

LOCK

only if you push the key in farther, while turning it towards

LOCK.

On all vehicles, the key should come out only in

LOCK.

Parking Brake and


When you are doing this check, your vehicle could begin to move. You or others could be injured and property could be damaged. Make sure there is room in front

V I your vehicle in case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular brake at once should the

Check

Underbody Flushing

Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the parking brake.

To check the parking brake: With the engine running and transmission in Neutral, slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking brake only.

To check the

If your vehicle is four-wheel drive, be sure your transfer case is not in Neutral.

At least every spring, use plain water to flush any corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris can collect.


Section C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections

Listed below are inspections and services which should be performed at least twice a year (for instance, each spring or fall). You should let your GM dealer’s service department or other qualified service center do these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.

I CHECK

OR SERVICE

Steering, Suspension, and Front-Wheel-Drive

Axle Boot and Seal

Inspection

WHAT TO DO

~

Inspect front and rear suspension and steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of wear or lack of lubrication. On vehicles equipped with power steering, inspect power steering, lines and hoses for proper hookup, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. On vehicles equipped with manual steering, check for seal leakage. Clean and then inspect drive axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace seals if necessary.

Exhaust System

Inspection

Throttle Linkage

Inspection

Rear Axle (All) and

Front Axle

(Four-wheel Drive)

Service

Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged, missing, or out-of-position parts as well as open seams, holes, loose connections, or other conditions which could cause a heat build-up in the floor pan or could let exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See “Engine Exhaust’’ in the Index.

Inspect the throttle linkage for interference or binding, and for damaged or missing parts.

Replace parts as needed. Check accelerator pedal for smooth operation and even pedal effort.

Check the gear lubricant level and add if needed. See “Rear Axle’’ and ‘‘Four-wheel Drive’’ in the Index. A fluid loss may indicate a problem. Check the system(s), and repair the system(s) if needed. Refer to “Scheduled Maintenance Services,” earlier in this part, to determine when to change the lubricant.


Section C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections

(Cont.)

CHECK

OR SERVICE

Brake System

Inspection

Clutch System Service

~

WHAT TO DO

Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and hoses for proper hookup, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface condition. Also inspect drum brake linings for wear and cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including drums, wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc. Check parking brake adjustment. You may need to have your brakes inspected more often if your driving habits or conditions result in frequent braking.

NOTE: A low fluid brake level can indicate worn disc brake pads which may need to be serviced. Also, if the brake system warning light stays on or comes on at any time something may be wrong with either the regular or rear wheel anti-lock brake system, or both systems. See

“Brake Svstem Warning Light” in the Index.

Check clutch pedal free travel and adjust as necessary. See “Clutch Adjustment” in the Index.


Section D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants

Note:

Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number or specification may be obtained from your GM dealer.

3

USAGE FLUID/LUBRICANT

Engine Oil

Engine Coolant

GM Goodwrench Motor Oil or equivalent for API service SG Energy Conserving I1 oils of the recommended viscosity. The

SG

designation may be shown alone or in combination with others, such as

SG/CC, SG/CD,

or

SF, SG, CC,

etc. To determine proper viscosity for your vehicle’s engine, see ‘ ‘Engine Oil” in the Index.

~~

50/50 mixture of water (preferably distilled) and good quality ethylene glycol base antifreeze

(GM Part No. 1052753) conforming to GM Specification 6038M or approved recycled coolant conforming to GM Specification 6038M.

Delco-Supreme 1 l @ No. 1052535) or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid. Hydraulic Brake

System

Parking Brake Guides

Power Steering System

Chassis lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI Grade 2, Category LB or GC-LB (GM Part No.

1052497 or equivalent).

DEXRONB-I1 Automatic Transmission Fluid (GM Part No. 1051855) or equivalent.


Wheel Bearings

DEXRON*-I1 Automatic Transmission Fluid (GM Part No. 1051855) or equivalent. -

Wheel bearing grease meeting requirements of NLGI Grade 2, Category GC or GC-LB (GM Part

No. 105 1344 or equivalent).

305

9

-

-


Section D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants (Cont.)


I

Manual Transmission

I

SAE 75W-90 GL-4 (GM Part No. 12345871 Castrol@ Syntorq GL-4 or equivalent).

Manual Transmission Chassis lubricant meeting requirements of NLGT Grade 2, Category LB or GC-LB (GM Part No.

Shift Linkage 1052497 or equivalent).

I

Key Lock Cylinders Lubricate with Multi-Purpose Lubricant (GM Part No.

12345120)

or silicone lubricant (GM Part No. 1052276 or 1052277). or synthetic SAE 5W-30 engine oil

Automatic Transmission Engine oil.

Shift Linkage

Clutch Linkage Pivot Lithium base grease.

Points

Floor Shift Linkage

Chassis Lubrication

Engine oil.

~~ ~ ~ ~~~

Chassis lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI Grade 2, Category LB or GC-LB (GM Part No.

1052497 or equivalent).

Windshield Washer Sol- GM Optikleen@ vent

1051515)

or equivalent.

Rear Axle (All)

Front Axle (Four-wheel

Drive)

SAE 75W-90 GL-5 Hypoid Gear Lubricant (GM Part No. 12345977).


Transfer Case

(Four-wheel Drive)

Hood Latch Assembly a. Pivots and Spring b.

Anchor

Release Pawl

SAE 75W-90, GL-4 gear lubricant (GM Part No.

12345871).

a. Engine oil. b. Chassis lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI Grade

2,

Category LB or GC-LB

(GM Part No.

1052497

or equivalent).

Hood, Door, and

Liftgate Hinges, Rear

Folding Seat, Fuel Door

Hinge, Rear Compart- ment Lid Hinges

Engine oil.

Weatherstrips

Constant Velocity

Universal Joint

Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part No.

12345579)

or equivalent.

Chassis lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI Grade

2,

Category LB or GC-LB

(GM

No.

1052497

or equivalent).

See “Replacement Parts” in the Index for recommended replacement filters, valves and spark plugs.

307


Section E: Maintenance Record

After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, or Schedule I1 maintenance charts which correspond to the odometer reading, and who performed the service in the maintenance performed. Also, you should retain all columns indicated, When completing the Maintenance maintenance receipts. Your owner information portfolio is a

Performed column, insert the numbers from the Schedule I convenient place to store them.

SERVICED

BY

MAINTENANCE PERFORMED

. . .

308

DATE

ODOMETER

READING

SERVICED

BY

MAINTENANCE PERFORMED


Section E:

Maintenance Record

(Cont.)

I

Part

8

Customer Assistance

Information

H e r e you will find out how to contact Chevrolet/Geo if you need assistance. This part also tells you how to obtain service publications and how to report any safety defects.

Customer Satisfaction Procedure.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. .

.3 12

GM Participation in Better Business Bureau

MediatiodArbitration Program

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 13

Reporting Safety Defects

to

the United States Government


to

the Canadian Government


to

General Motors

Chevrolet/Geo Roadside Assistance Program

Service Publications

. . .

. . . . . . . .

.

. .

. . . . . . . . . .

,

. .

.

. . .

.3 15

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 16

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 16

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.3 17

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 18

3 1 1


Customer Satisfaction

Procedure

Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to your dealer and

Chevrolet/Geo. Normally, any problems with the sales transaction or the operation of your vehicle will be resolved by your dealer’s Sales or

Service Departments. Sometimes, however, despite the best intentions of all concerned, misunderstandings can occur. If your concern has not been resolved to your satisfaction, the following steps should be taken:

STEP ONE

with a member of dealership management. Complaints can often be quickly resolved at that level. If the matter has already been reviewed with the Sales, Service, or Parts Manager, contact the owner of the dealership or the General Manager.

STEP TWO member of Dealership Management, it appears your problem cannot be resolved by the dealership without further help, contact the Chevrolet/Geo

Customer Assistance Center by calling

1-800-222-1020.

In Canada, contact GM of Canada Customer Assistance Center in Oshawa by calling

(English) or

1-800-263-3777

1-800-263-7854

(French).

In Mexico, call

254-1 7-86,

In Puerto

Rico or U.S. Virgin Islands, call

1-809-763-13

15. In all other overseas locations, contact GM International

Export Sales in Canada by calling

1-416-644-41 12.

For prompt assistance, please have the following information available to give the Customer Assistance Representative:

Your name, address, telephone number

Vehicle Identification Number (This is available from the vehicle registration or title, or the plate attached to the left top of the instrument panel and visible through the windshield.)

Dealership name and location

Vehicle delivery date and present mileage

Nature of problem

In order to give your inquiry prompt attention, please call the toll-free number listed above. However, if you wish to write Chevrolet/Geo, write to:

Chevrolet/Geo


P.O. Box 7047

Troy, MI 48007-7047

A listing of all Chevrolet/Geo Branch

Offices and offices outside the U.S. which can assist you can also be found in the warranty booklet.

When contacting Chevrolet/Geo, please remember that your problem will likely be resolved in the dealership, using the dealership’s facilities, equipment and personnel. That is why we suggest you follow Step One first if you have a problem.

Customer Assistance for the Hearing or Speech Impaired

To assist owners who have hearing difficulties, Chevrolet/Geo has installed special TDD (Telecommunication

Devices for the Deaf) equipment in its

Customer Assistance Center. Any hearing or speech impaired customer who has access to a TDD or a conventional teletypewriter (TTY) can communicate with Chevrolet/Geo by dialing: 1-800-TDD-CHEV (TDD users in Canada can dial 1-800-263-3830.)

GM Participation in

Better Business Bureau

Medaon/Arbitrutiotration

Program

*

General Motors reserves the right to change eligibility limitations and/or to discontinue its participation in this program.

Our experience has shown that the

Customer Satisfaction Procedure described earlier in this part has been very successful in achieving customer satisfaction. However, if you have not been substantially satisfied,

Chevrolet/Geo wants you to be aware of

GM’s voluntary participation in a no-charge mediatiodarbitration program

Customer Assistance Information called BBB AUTO LINE. This program is administered by the Council of Better

Business Bureaus through local Better

Business Bureaus. The program can resolve individual disputes involving vehicle repairs and the interpretation of your New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

We prefer that you not resort to BBB

AUTO LINE until after a final decision is made under the Customer Satisfaction

Procedure. However, you may file a claim at any time by contacting your local Better Business Bureau (BBB) at the following toll-free number:

1-800-955-5 100. For further information about filing a claim, you may also write to:

BBB AUTO LINE

Council of Better Business Bureaus

4200 Wilson Boulevard

Suite 800

Arlington, VA 22203

In order to file a claim, you will have to provide your name and address, the vehicle identification number (VIN) of your vehicle, and a statement of the nature of your complaint. BBB staff may try to help resolve your dispute through mediation. If mediation is not successful, or if you do not wish to participate in mediation, eligible customers may present their case to an impartial third-party arbitrator at an informal hearing. The arbitrator will render a decision in your case, which you may accept or reject. If you accept a valid arbitrator decision, GM will be bound by that decision. The entire dispute settlement process should ordinarily take about 40 days from the time you file your complaint to the time a decision is rendered (or 47 days if you did not first contact your dealer or

Chevrolet/Geo).

We encourage you to use this program before or instead of resorting to the courts. We believe it offers advantages over courts in most jurisdictions because it is fast, free of charge, and informal

(lawyers are not usually present, although you may retain one at your

.

.

I

expense if you choose). Arbitrators make decisions based on the principles of fairness and equity, and are not required to duplicate the functions of courts by strictly applying state or federal law. If you wish to go to court, however, we do not require that you first file a claim with

BBB

AUTO

LINE** unless state law provides otherwise. Whatever your preference may be, remember that if you are unhappy with the results of

BBB

AUTO

LINE, you can still go to court because an arbitrator's decision is binding on

GM but not on you, unless you accept it.

Eligibility is limited by vehicle agelmileage and other factors. For further information concerning the program, call

BBB

at 1-800-955-5 100.

You may also contact the Chevrolet/Geo

Customer Assistance Center by calling

1-800-222-1020.

*This program may not be available in all states, depending on state law.

Canadian owners refer to your warranty booklet.

**Some states may require that you file a claim with

BBB

AUTO LINE before resorting to state-operated procedures (including court).

rn Repo&'ng Safety Defects to the United States

Government

If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National

Highway Traffic Safety Administration

(NHTSA), in addition to notifying

General Motors.

If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However,

NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer. or General Motors.


To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at

1-800-424-9393

(or

366-0123

in the

Washington, D.C. area) or write to:

NHTSA

. .

Department of Transportation

Washington D.C.

20590

You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the

Hotline.

Reportirzg Safety Defects to the Canadian

Government

If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle has a safety defect, you should immediately notify Transport

Canada, in addition to notifying General

Motors of Canada Limited.

You

may write to:

Transport Canada

Box 8880

Ottawa, Ontario K1G

352

Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors

In addition to notifying NHTSA (or

Transport Canada) in a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us.

Please call us at

1-800-222-1020,

or write:

Chevrolet/Geo


P.O. Box

7047

Troy, Michigan

48007-7047

In Canada, please call us at

1-800-263-3777

(English) or

1-800-263-7854

(French). Or, write:



1908

Colonel

Sam

Drive

Oshawa, Ontario L1H

8P7

...

31

6

L rn

Chevrolet/Geo Roadside

Assistance Program

To enhance Chevrolet/Geo’s strong commitment to customer satisfaction,

Chevrolet/Geo is excited to announce the establishment of the Chevrolet/Geo

Roadside Assistance Center. As the owner of a 1993 Chevrolet/Geo, membership in Roadside Assistance is free.

Roadside Assistance is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by calling

1 -800-CHEV USA ( 1-800-243-8872).

This toll-free number will provide you over-the-phone roadside assistance with minor mechanical problems. If your problem cannot be resolved over the phone, our advisors have access to a nationwide networ .k of

( jealer recommended service providers. The following services are available:

Towing

Locksmith

Tire Repair

Glass Replacement

Rental car or taxi

Additional services as necessary

The Roadside Assistance Center uses companies that will provide you with quality and priority service. When roadside services are required, our advisors will explain any payment obligations that may be incurred for utilizing outside services.

For prompt assistance when calling, please have the following available to give to the advisor:

Vehicle Identification Number

License plate number

Vehicle color

Vehicle location

Telephone number where you can be reached

Vehicle mileage

Description of problem


=

Please refer to the Roadside Assistance brochure inside your portfolio for full program details.

In Canada please consult your GM dealer regarding availability of Roadside

Assistance.

Service Publications

Information on how to obtain Product

Service Publications and Indexes as described below

is

applicable only in the fifty U.S. states (and the District of

Columbia) and only for cars and light trucks with GVWR less than 10,OOO pounds (4

536

kg).

In Canada, information pertaining to

Product Service Bulletins and Indexes can be obtained by writing to:


Service Publications Department

1908 Colonel Sam Dr.

Oshawa, Ontario L1H

8P7

Chevrolet/Geo regularly sends its dealers useful service bulletins about

Chevrolet/Geo products. Chevrolet/Geo monitors product performance in the field. We then prepare bulletins for servicing our products better. Now, you can get these bulletins too.

Bulletins cover various subjects. Some pertain to the proper use and care of your vehicle. Some describe costly repairs. Others describe inexpensive repairs which, if done on time with the latest parts, may avoid future costly repairs. Some bulletins tell a technician how to repair a new or unexpected condition. Others describe a quicker way to fix your vehicle. They can help a technician service your vehicle better.

318

Most bulletins apply to conditions affecting a small number of cars or trucks. Your Chevrolet/Geo dealer or a qualified technician may have to determine if a specific bulletin applies to your vehicle.

Individual PSP’s

If you don’t want to buy all the PSP’s issued by Chevrolet/Geo for all car or truck models in the model year, you can buy individual PSP’s, such as those which may pertain to a particular model.

To do this, you will first need to see our index of PSP’s. It provides a variety of information. Here’s what you’ll find in the index and how you can get one:

What You’ll Find in the Index:

A

list of all PSP’s published by

Chevrolet/Geo in a model year (1990 or later). PSP’s covering all models of Chevrolet/Geo cars or light trucks

(less than 10,000 pounds (4

536

kg)

GVWR) are listed in the same index.

Ordering information

so

you can buy the specific PSP’s you may want.

Price information for the PSP’s you may want to buy.

How You

Can

Get an Index:

Indexes are published periodically. Most of the PSP’s which could potentially apply to the most recent Chevrolet/Geo models will be listed in the most recent publication for that model year. This means you may want to wait until the end of the model year before ordering an index, if you are interested in buying

PSP’s pertaining to a current model year car or truck.


Some

PSP’s

pertaining to a particular model year vehicle may be published in later years, and these would be listed in the later year’s index. When you order an index for a model year that is not

over yet, we’ll send you the most recently published issue. Check the ordering form for indexes

for

earlier model years.

Cut

out the ordering form, fill it out, and mail it in. We will then see to it that an index is mailed to you. There is no charge for indexes for the 1990-1 993 model years.

Toll-Free Telephone Number

If

you

want an additional ordering form for an index or a subscription, just call toll-free and we’ll be happy to send you one. Automated recording equipment will take your name and mailing address, The number to call is

1-800-551-4123.

A VERY IMPORTANT REMINDER:

These PSP’s are meant for technicians.

They are not meant for the

”

Technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job quickly and safely.

ChevroletGeo Service Publications

You

can get these by using the order form.

. . .

320

Year Form Number Price


Description Form Number Price

1993 CHEVROLET/GEO SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION

operation and servicing of your vehicle Publications Order Form in this book and mailing it with your check, money order or credit card information to Helm. Incormrated (address listed below).

CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 1993 GEO TRACKER

PRODUCT SERVICE PUBLICATIONS published for trained dealer service personnel. See Service Publica- tions listed previously in this section.

A cumulative index is published quarterly during the current model

SERVICE MANUALS

Service Manuals have the diagnosis, repair and overhaul information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.

PSP Index and Summaries

Model rorm Number

1993 Geo Tracker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ST-377-93

‘Please specify special body or engine types on order form. Write information in the Form Number column. For example: Turbo,

Convertible.

Price

$43.00

1992 PSPI-92 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1991 PSPI-91.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1990 PSPI-90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Free

Free

Free

OWNER’S INFORMATION vide basic operational information about the vehicle. The Owner’s

Manual includes the Maintenance Schedule for all models.

1993 Geo Tracker Owner’s Manual for each additional PSP on the same order.

PSP Bound Bulletin Book (Complete Year Bulletins)

Year

1991 All PSP’S

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PSP-91-4 40.00

1990 All PSP’S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PSP-90-4 40.00

For subscription information call Helm, Incorporated.

1993 Geo Tracker In-Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . .lo213040 $15.00

Without Portfolio: Includes Owner’s Manual.

1993 Geo Tracker Without Portfolio . . . . . ,10213056 $11.00

CURRENT & PAST MODEL ORDER FORMS Address

Service Publications are available for current and past model and model name of vehicle. all inquiries to: HELM, INCORPORATED

PO.

Detroit, MI 48207

Credit Card Orders ONLY 1-800-782-4356

For information and inquiries call: (313) 883-1430

321

=

.

I

Notes

322

CHEVROLET/GEO SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDER FORM

NOTE: Please complete

form

below (Print

or

Type)

and

MAIL

TO:

Post

Office Box 07130,

Michigan 48207

ORDER TOLL FREE

*Minimum Credit Card Order $10.00

(NOTE:

"Older

Orders Only)

- -

If further information is needed, write Helm or call Dl>] 883-1330.

1-800-782-4356

(Monday-Friday

8:30

A.M.-~:oo P.M. EST)

ORDER INFORMATION NOT AVAILABLE THROUGH THE TOLL FREE NUMBER.

PUBLICATION FORM NUMBER" ITEM DESCRIPTION

VEHICLE MODEL

NAME QTY.

T

0

.

Index

A d d - o n Electrical Equipment

. . . . . .

Adjustment. Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 1

Adjustment. Clutch

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

238

Air Cleaner

.....................

233

Air Conditioner Controls

Air Filter Replacement

Alignment. Wheel

. . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Aluminum Wheel Cleaning

Antenna

........................

116

Anti-lock Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Anti-lock. To Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

Appearance Care

Appearance Care and Maintenance

Materials

.....................

27 1

Appearance Care. Service and

. . . . . .

Ashtray and Lighter

Ashtray. Front

Ashtrays, Other

Assist Grips. Passenger

Audio Systems

. . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

76

AM/FM Stereo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

AM/FM Stereo with

Cassette Tape Player

. . . . . . . . . .

110


Fluid

. . . . . . . . . . . .

1

........................

234

TorqueLock

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Axle. Front (Four-Wheel-Drive)

173

. . . .

Axle, Rear

......................

238

Babies. Smaller Children and

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . 183

Balance. Tire

Battery

.........................

247

. . . . .

Before Leaving on a Long Trip 167

Bi-Level Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Bin. Coinholder and

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Bins. Instrument Panel

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Blizzard. If You’re Caught in a . . . . .

175

Brakes

Adjustment

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

-13 1

Anti-lock ..................... 129

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Master Cylinder

Parking

245

.......................

60

PedalTravel

Rear Drum

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

131

....................

130

System Parts. Replacing . . . . . . . . .

System Warning Light

Trailer

84

Wear Indicators. Disc . . . . . . . . . . .

130

Braking

. . . . . . . . . . .

.......................

........................

18 1

127

Braking in Emergencies

. . . . . . . . . . .

132

“Break-In.

..

New Vehicle

Brightness Control

Bulb Replacement

. . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7 1

248

Front Parking and Turn

Signal Light

Headlights

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.................... 248

Rear Combination Light

Sidemarker Light

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Bulbs. Halogen

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Bulbs. Replacement

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

276

Canvas TOP

Preparing for Storage

Special Care for

. . . . . . . . . . . .

Removing and Installing Your

. . . . .

91

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268

Capacities and Specifications

. . . . . . .

Carbon Monoxide (Engine Exhaust)

. .

64

Care of Canvas Top

Cassette Tape Player. Care of Your

Cassette Tape. To Play a

Certification Label

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Chains. Safety (Trailer)

Chains. Tire

. .

. . . . . . . . . .

252

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

115

111

. . . . . . . . . . .

Changing a Flat Tire

261

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

208

Check Engine Light

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Checking Things under the Hood

. . . .

Checking Your Restraint Systems

85

227

. . . .

Chemical Paint Spotting

. . . . . . . . . . .

Chevrolet/Geo Roadside

Assistance

....................

319

Chevrolet/Geo Service Publications

Ordering Information

. . . . . . . . . . .

Child Restraints

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Securing in the Rear Seat

31

. . . . . . . . .

Securing in the Right Front Seat

34

. . . .

Top Strap. Right Front

Passenger Position Only

325

.

Index

Children (Safety Belts)

Cigarette Lighter

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Children. Larger (Safety Belts)

30

. . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Circuit Breakers. Fuses and

. . . . . . . .

City Driving

Cleaner. Air

273

....................

164

....................

233

Cleaning

Aluminum Wheels

Canvas Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fabric. Using Foam-Type

Cleaner on

Fabric. Using Solvent-Type

Cleaner on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263

. . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . .

Geo. the Outside of Your

Glass

267

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

266

Instrument Panel. the Top of the

Special Problems

. .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

266

264

Underbody

....................

270

Vinyl or Leather

Windshield and Wiper Blades . . . . .

Clock. Setting the

AM/FM Stereo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

AM/FM Stereo with

Cassette Tape Player . . . . . . . . . . 108

Clusters. Instrument Panel and

Clutch Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Color of Road Signs

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1 18

. . .

326

Combination Light Bulb

Replacement. Rear

Comfort Controls and Audio

Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Control. Loss of

Controls

Air Conditioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Brightness ..................... 7 1

Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Features and

Heater

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Seats and Seat

Convertible Top

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Convex Outside Mirror

Coolant

Adding

Engine

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200

Radiator, How to Add

Coolant to the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Recovery Tank, How to Add

Coolant to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204

Temperature Gage. Engine . . . . . . . .

Cooling (Air Conditioning)

Curves, Driving on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

Customer Assistance for the

. . . . . .

Customer Assistance Information . . .

Customer Satisfaction Procedure

. . . .

Defensive Driving

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

122

Defogger. Rear Window . . . . . . . . . . 105

Defogging and Defrosting

Windows ..................... 104

Dehumidifying (Air Conditioning)

Dimensions. Vehicle

Disc Brake Wear Indicators

.

.

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

105

279

. . . . . . . . 130

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Door

Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Locks. Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . . . .

Downhill. Driving

Downhill. Parking

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Drive. Four-wheel . . . . . . . . . . .

Driving

Across an Incline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

After Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

And the Road. Your . . . . . . . . . . . .

AtNight ...................... 157

City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Downhill

Drunken ...................... 123

Freeway ...................... 165

Guidelines. Utility Vehicle

In Fog. Mist. and Haze

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . .

In Fog. Tips on

In Mud. Sand. Snow. or Ice

In the Rain

. . . . . . 155

.................... 160

In Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156

Long Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167

On Curves .................... 132

. . . . . . .

On Grades (With a Trailer)

On Off-Road Hills.

On Snow or Ice

184

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174

On the Freeway

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

165

. . Suggestions. A Few More Night

Through Deep Standing Water

159

. . . . .

Uphill

Winter

........................ 147

.......................

173

With a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182

Drunken Driving

E a s y Entry Seats

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

14

Electrical Equipment. Add-on

Emergencies. Braking in

Emergencies. Steering in

. . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . 132

. . . . . . . . . -134

Engine

Coolant

Coolant Temperature Gage

Exhaust

......................

. . . . . . . .

.......................

240

64

Identification

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

272

Oil .......................... 229

Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Overheating

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

200

Specifications

Starting Your . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Environment. Your Vehicle and the

Exhaust. Engine

.

282

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Extender. Safety Belt

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fabric

Protection .................... 264

Using Foam-Type Cleaner on

. . . . .

Using Solvent-Type Cleaner on

. . .

Features and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Filling Your Tank (Fuel)

Filter Replacement. Air . . . . . . . . . . . 234

Five-Speed Manual Transmission

Flashers. Hazard Warning

. . . .

. . . . . . . . .

54

Flat Tire. Changing a

Flat. If a Tire Goes

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

208

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

208

. . .

106

Fluid

Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . .

Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . .

Power Steering

Recommended

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243

. . . . . . . . . . . .

1. 305

Windshield Washer

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

244

Fog. Mist and Haze. Driving in

Fog. Tips on Driving in

. . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . 163

Folding Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Following Distance (With a Trailer) ..................... 183

Foreign Countries. Fuels in

Four-wheel Drive

. . . . . . . . . . .

.57. 239

Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicle.

Off-Road Driving with Your Geo

. .

140

Freeway

Driving ...................... 165

Driving on the

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

165

Entering the

Leaving the

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Free-Wheeling Hubs

Automatic

Manual

..................... 59

........................

59

Fuel

...........................

223

....................... 83 FuelGage

Fuel Tank Filling

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . .

Fuse Block. Instrument Panel

Fuse Block. Main

. . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . .

273

Gage. Engine Coolant Temperature

. .

85

Gage. Fuel ...................... 83

Gages and Indicators. Warning

Lights

.........................

82

Gasolines for Cleaner Air

. . . . . . . . . .

Glass Cleaning

GloveBox

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.......................

75

GM Participation in Better

Business Bureau Mediation/

Arbitration Program

Grips. Passenger Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Guidelines. Utility Vehicle Driving

. .

140

327

9

9

Halogen Bulbs

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

248

Halogen Headlight Bulb

Replacement

. . . . . . . . . .

Haze. Driving in Fog. Mist and

190

. . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

14

Headlights

Halogen Bulb Replacement

High/Low Beam

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Lever. Turn Signal/Lights

ControVHeadlight Beam

Lights On Reminder

. . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

67

69

Heater Controls

Heating

102

........................

103

Heating. Bi-Level

High Beams

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

High/Low Beam. Headlight

103

159

. . . . . . . . .

Highway Hypnosis

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

168

Hill and Mountain Roads

Hill. Approaching a

. . . . . . . . . . 169

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146

Hills. Parking on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171

Hills. Driving on Off-Road

Hitches (Trailer)

. . . . . . . .

145

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180

Hood Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . 198

Hook-Ups. Rear Towing

Hooks. Recovery

Horn

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

18

........................... 67

Hubs. Free-Wheeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Automatic

Manual

..................... 59

........................ 59

Hydroplaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hypnosis. Highway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168

I c e . Driving on Snow or . . . . . . . . . . 174

Identification

Engine

.......................

272

Label. Service Parts

Number. Vehicle

. . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ignition Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Incline. Driving across an

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Indicators. Warning Lights.

Gages and . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Inflation -

Inspections. Periodic Maintenance

Instrument Panel

And Clusters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Bins

..........................

75

Fuse Block

. . . . . . . . . .

.................... 275

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1

Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Label. Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Lamp. Malfunction Indicator

. . . . .

Signal and ..................... 68

Leather Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Leaving the Freeway . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

Leaving Your Vehicle with the

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Levers

Controls (Comfort Control

System)

....................

102

Turn SignaULights

ControUHeadlight Beam

Windshield Wiper/Washer

. . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . .

Lighter. Cigarette

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Lights

Charging System

Check Engine

. . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Dome

.........................

71

Engine Oil Pressure

Interior

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

........................

71

Malfunction Indicator

. . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oil Pressure.

On Reminder

Operation of

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Safety Belt Reminder

Traffic

. . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Warning. Gages and Indicators

86

23

120

. . . .

328

Loading Your Vehicle

. . . . . . . . . . . .

Loading Your Vehicle for

Off-Road Driving

Locks. Door

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

......................

45

Loss of Control

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Maintenance

Materials. Appearance Care and

Periodic Inspections

. .

27 1

............

Record

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other Non-Emission Related

Services

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Scheduled Services

Underbody

296

.............

....................

270

Maintenance Schedule

............

Schedule

I

....................

286

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Schedule II.’.

Selecting the Right

288

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Services. Scheduled

Using Your

............

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

When Trailer Towing

285

...........

Making Turns (With a Trailer)

185

. . . . . .

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

Manual Transmission

Five-Speed

Fluid

....................

54

........................

237

Manual. How to Use This

..............

Master Cylinder. Brake

12

. . . . . . . . . . .

1

Metal Damage. Sheet

Mirrors

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Inside Day/Night Rearview

Inside Rearview

74

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Outside Manual Adjust

74

...........

Mud. Sand. Snow. or Ice.

Driving in

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

N e w Vehicle

.

‘Break-In’

...........

48

Night

Driving at

Driving Suggestions. A Few

More

Vision

......................

159

.......................

158 odometer. Speedometer and

Odometer. Trip

Officer. Traffic

.......

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1

Off-Road Driving

After

........................

157

Before You Go

................

Getting Familiar with

. . . . . . . . . . .

143

........

On Hills

......................

With Your Geo Four-Wheel-

Drive Vehicle

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Off-Road Recovery

Oil. Engine

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Additives

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

How to Check

232

.................

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pressure Light

What Kind to Use

When to Add

..............

86

231

What to Do with Used

...........

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

When to Change

On the Road

...............

....................

168

Opening and Closing

Operation of Lights

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

...

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

..............

Owner Checks and Services

69

200

. . . . . . . .

Paint

Chemical Spotting

Finish Care

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Finish Damage

Park. Shifting into

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Park, Shifting out of

270

.................

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Parked, Running Your Engine

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

329

9 9 9

.

Parking

Brake

.........................

60

Downhill

.....................

172

Manual Transmission

............

63

On a Hill with a Trailer.

When

You

Are Ready to

Leave After

.................

On Hills

......................

171

On Hills (With a Trailer)

........

...........

64

Uphill

........................

172

Your Vehicle

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Parking and Turn Signal Light

Bulb Replacement. Front

Parts, Replacement

........

...............

Passenger

Assist Grips

....................

Positions (Safety Belt)

76

............

...........

.

28

Right Front Position (Safety Belt)

Passing

........................

136

...........

.

28

Passing (With a Trailer)

Passing Signal

....................

Pavement Markings

..............

1

Pedal Travel. Brake

..............

1

Periodic Maintenance Inspections

Pockets. Front Seat Side

Power Steering

183

...

70

............

..................

75

132

Power Steering Fluid

.............

Pregnancy. Safety Belt Use during

Pressure. Tire

243

. . .

...................

Product Service Publications

(PSP’s)

.......................

32

1

Publications. Service

Radiator Pressure Cap

......

Radio Reception. Understanding

....

Radio. To Play the

AM/FM Stereo

................

AM/FM Stereo with


Rain. Driving in the

..........

10

..............

1 6 0

Rainy Weather Tips. Some Other

RearAxle

. . .

......................

238

Rear Drum Brakes

...............

Rear Vent Windows

13

1

...............

Rear Window

Defogger

.....................

105

Opening and Closing Your

Removing and Installing Your

Wiper/Washer

........

.....

..................

73

............

Rearview Mirror. Inside

Rearview Mirror. Inside Day/Night

74

. .

74

....

1 15

Reclining Front Seatback

...........

Recommended Fluids and

Lubricants

................

Recovery Hooks. Using the

27

1.

305

........

Recovery. Off-Road

Recreational Towing

..............

.............

186

. .

187

. .

186

Release. Hood

...................

Remote Areas. Traveling to

Replacement Bulbs

Replacement Parts

........

...............

...............

. .

39

Reporting Safety Defects

To General Motors

.............

.....

To the United States Government

Restraint. Where to Put the Child

. .

3 17

...

....

Restraints. Child

Restraints. Head

..................

..................

14

Road Signs

Color of

Shapeof

.....................

......................

118

......................

Symbols on

Road.

119

...................

....................

168

............

Roads. Hill and Mountain

.........

Roadside Assistance Program.

Chevrolet/Geo

.............

- -

..

9 9

330

Rotation. Tire Inspection and

.......

Running Your Engine While

You’re Parked

..................

Safety Belts

Adults

........................

23

Care of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Checking Your Restraint System

266

. . .

................

Child Restraints

Children

.......................

30

Driver Position

Extender

.................

......................

39

...........

How to Wear, Properly

Lap-Shoulder Belt

Larger Children

23

...............

.................

Passenger Positions

37

..............

............

Questions People Ask

Rear Seat Passengers

Reminder Light

22

.............

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Reminder. Lights On

. . . . . . . . . . . .

Replacing after a Crash

...........

Right Front Passenger

Position

Seatsand

.....................

28

......................

Smaller Children and Babies

They’re for Everyone

30

. . . . . . . . . . . .

Use during Pregnancy

Why They Work

.......

............

................

19

Safety Chains (Trailer)

............

18

1

Safety Defects

Reporting to General Motors

.....

18

Reporting to the Canadian

Government

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Reporting to the United

States Government

. . . . . . . . . . .

17

Sand, Mud. Ice or Snow. If

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Scanning the Terrain

2

17

..............

144

Seatback. Reclining Front

Seats

And Safety Belts

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

And Seat Controls

11

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Easy Entry

.....................

Folding Rear

14

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Front

.........................

Reclining Front

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Side Pockets, Front

Unfolding the Rear

12

13

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

..............

Securing a Child Restraint

Attaching the Top Strap

In the Rear Seat

..........

.................

In the Right Front Seat . . . . . . . . . . .

Service

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Appearance Care

222

...............

Owner Checks and

.............

Parts Identification Label

302

........

Publications

272

...................

Publications Ordering

Information. Chevrolet/Geo

. . . .

Station Information

318

.......

.Last Page

.........

Work. Doing Your Own

Shape of Road Signs

Sheet Metal Damage

Shift Speeds

222

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

..............

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Shifting into P (Park)

..............

.............

Sidemarker Light Bulb

Replacement

Signal. Passing

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

70

Signs, Road

Skidding

121

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

....................... 138

.....

177

Speakers. Adjusting the

AM/FM Stereo

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

AM/FM Stereo with


. . . . . . . . . .

Specifications, Capacities and

......

Speedometer and Odometer

277

.........

Speeds, Shift

80

.....................

331

.

9

Index

Stains

..........................

264

Stalling on an Incline

Starting Your Engine

Starting. Jump

49

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

191

Steam (Engine Overheating)

Steering

Fluid, Power

In Emergencies

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . .

-200

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

134

Power

Tips

.......................

132

.........................

132

Storage and Compartments

Storage. Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stuck in Deep Snow, If You’re . . . . .

Stuck: In Sand. Mud. Ice or

Snow, If You’re

Sun Visors

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.......................

17

76

Sunroof. Opening and

Closing Your

Switch, Ignition

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Symbols on Road Signs

. . . . . . . . . . .

120

Symbols. Safety Warnings and

Symbols. Vehicle

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Tachometer

.....................

82

Tailgate (Door Locks)

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . .

46

223

Temperature Gage, Engine

Coolant

Theft

.......................

Terrain. Scanning the

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

85

...........................

47

Theft Deterrent Feature

(AM/FM Stereo with Cassette

Tape Player)

Thermostat

Tilt Wheel

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1 13

.....................

243

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

-67

Tires

..........................

Balance

Chains

253

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

259

.......................

26

1

Cleaning White Sidewall

Inflation Pressure

Inspection

. . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

....................

255

New

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

256

Rotation

......................

Temperature Grades

255

. . . . . . . . . . . .

. .

180

Traction Grades

Treadwear

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

....................

258

Uniform Quality Grading

........

Tone, Setting the

AM/FM Stereo

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

AM/FM Stereo with


. . . . . . . . . .

1 1 1

Top Strap (Child Restraint)

Top, Convertible

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Top, Preparing Your Canvas for

Storage

........................

96

Top, Removing and Installing

Your Canvas

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Torque

Lock

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Towing a Trailer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Towing Hook.Ups. Front

177

. . . . . . . . .

-198

Towing Hook.Ups. Rear

Towing Your Vehicle

Towing. Recreational

From the Front

From the Rear

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Traffic Lights

Traffic Officer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Trailer

Backing Up with a

Brakes

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.......................

181

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Driving on Grades

Driving with a

184

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Following Distance with a

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hitches

If You Do Decide to Pull

Making Turns with a

Parking on Hills with a

180

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . .

.................

Passing with a

Safety Chains

Tongue, Weight of the

183

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . .

Towing a

.....................

177

Towing. Maintenance When

.....

Turn Signals When Towing a

185

..... after Parking on a Hill

. . . . . . . . .

Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Transfer Case (Four-wheel Drive)

Transmission Fluid. Automatic

. .

. . . . .

Transmission Fluid. Manual

Transmission. Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . 5 1

Transmission. Five-Speed Manual

Transmission. Manual

. . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

54

Traveling to Remote Areas

. . . . . . . . .

Trip Odometer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Trip. Before Leaving on a Long

. . . . .

8 1

167

Turn Signal and Lane Change

Indicator

......................

68

Turn Signal Light Bulb

Replacement. Front Parking and

Turn SignaULights Control/

. .

249

Headlight Beam Lever. The

Turn Signals When Towing a

Trailer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183

Underbody Maintenance

Unfolding the Rear Seats

. . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . .

Uphill. Driving

Uphill. Parking

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . .

Utility Vehicle Driving

Guidelines

....................

140

Vehicle

Control of a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

126

Damage Warnings

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7

Dimensions

Driving Guidelines. Utility

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . .

140

282

Leaving with the Engine

Running

.....................

62

Loading Your

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

63

Storage

.......................

247

Symbols ....................... 18

Towing Your.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Towing, Recreational

Vent Windows, Rear

Ventilation

. . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

66

Ventilation System, Flow-Through

Ventilation Tips

. .

103

106

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Vinyl Cleaning

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

265

Vision, Night

Visors, Sun

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . warnine Devices. Other

Y

Warning Flashers. Hazard

Warning Lights. Gages and

Indicators

......................

82

Warnings. Safety

Warnings. Vehicle Damage

. . . . . . . . . .

Washer Fluid. Windshield

Washers (Windshield)

. . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Water. Driving in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

156

Weatherstrip Service

Weight

Trailer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

179

Trailer Tongue

Welcome to Geo

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

180

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4

Wheel Alignment

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Wheel Nut Torque

Wheels

Cleaning Aluminum

Replacement

Used Replacement

. . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

66

Defogging and Defrosting

. . . . . . .

104

Opening and Closing Your Rear

Rear Vent

90

.....................

66

Rear WiperIWasher

. . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

73

Removing and Installing Your

Rear

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

91

333

. .

Index

Windshield

Cleaning ..................... 267

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Wiper/Washer Lever

Winter Driving

. . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173

Wiper/Washer. Rear Window . . . . . . .

Wiper/Washer Lever. Windshield

73

. . . .

I .

.

334

Notes

335


Cooling

System Reservoir only at the coolant recovery tank. The fluid should be at the FULL mark when the engine is warm. If the engine is cool, the level should be at the

LOW

mark or a little higher.

See Page 240

Engine

Oil

Dipstick

See Page 229

I

Cold

Tire

Pressure

See Tire-Loading Information label on the

See Page 252

9

See Tire-Loading Information label on the inside of the rear edge of the driver’s door.

See

Page 252

336

@

TM

~

WE SUPPORT

VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN

CERTIFICATION THROUGH

National lnslltute for

AUTOMOTIVE

SERVICE

EXCELLENCE

'TI

L H t V I W L t r ml

Chevrolet TRACKER 1993 Owner`s manual

’1,

How

I

3

Including “Reporting Safety Defects” on page 315.

I

Printed in U.S.A. Part

No.

10213056 A First Edition

For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual

Aux propribtaires canadiens:

au DGN

Ltd., 1500

Rd.,

Ontario

1C7.

CONVERTIBLE

UTILITY

HARDTOP

UTILITY

About Driving Your Tracker

As

3..

How to Use

Manual

This

Index:

Part

How to Use

Manual

Part

Seats

Safety Belts

Part 2: Features

Controls

Part

Comfort

Systems

Part

Your Driving and the Road

Part

Problems

the Road

Part

Service

Appearance Care

Part

Maintenance Schedule

Part

Customer Assistance

Information

Service Station Information

Safety Warnings and Symbols

also

Vehicle Damage Warnings

Geo

Vehicle Symbols

AIC

on

symbols

in

not

Seats and Seat Controls

Front Seat

You

of

while

is

and

when

is

Reclining Front Se, iacks

Head Restraints

Easy Entry Seats

~f

entry

locked,

move. h sudden

or crash,