Chevrolet 1993 Tracker Owner's Manual
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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. sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in
it
so the new owner can use it.
If
you
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:
Maintenance Schedule
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.
Service Station Information
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 . . .
How to Use this Manual
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
How to
Use this
Manual
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
&
Safety Belts
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.
Seats
&
Safety Belts
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.
Seats
&
Safety Belts
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
Seats
&
Safety
Belts
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
Seats
&
Safety Belts
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.
Seats
&
Safety Belts
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.
Seats
&
Safety Belts
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.
Seats
&
Safety Belts
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
A
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 .
Seats
&
Safety
Belts
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.
Seats
&
Safety Belts
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 . -
Features
&
Controls
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 .
-
Features
&
Controls
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 .
=
Features
&
Controls
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 . ’ .
Features
&
Controls
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
. . =
Features
&
Controls
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 .
Features
&
Controls
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.
Features
&
Controls
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
4 t o 5 1 t o 2 2 t o 3 3 t o 4 4 t o 5 3 t o 4
more than when you downshift, 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.
Features
&
Controls
Free- Wheeling Hubs
Your vehicle may have either manual or automatic free-wheeling hubs. You must lock the hubs before you
use
4H
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.
Features
&
Controls
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,
your gears could clash.
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.
Features
&
Controls
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)
(AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION)
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.
Features
&
Controls
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
(AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION)
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
Features
&
Controls
.
.
.
.
. .
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
Features
&
Controls
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.
Features
&
Controls
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.
Features
&
Controls
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
Features
&
Controls
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.
Features
&
Controls
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
Features
&
Controls
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
Features
&
Controls
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
Features
&
Controls
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
. . -
Features
&
Controls
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
Features
&
Controls
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
Comfort Controls
&
Audio
Systems
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
Comfort Controls
&
Audio
Systems
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
Comfort Controls
&
Audio Systems
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
Your Driving and the
Road
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.
Your Driving and the Road
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.
Your Driving and the Road
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 .
Your Driving and the Road
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
-
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
Your Driving and the
Road
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.
Your Driving and the Road
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-
Your Driving and the Road
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.
Your
Driving and the Road
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.
Your Driving and the
Road
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
Your Driving and the Road
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
...
144
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.
I
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.)
I
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.
I
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.
Your Driving and the Road
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.
I
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
. . .
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.
Your
Driving and the
Road
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.
I
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
Your Driving and the
Road
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.
. . .
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.
157
Your Driving and the Road
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.
Your Driving and the Road
*.
’
i
I
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 -
Your
Driving and the
Road
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 ‘
’ 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 .
Your Driving and the Road
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.
Your Driving and the Road
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.
Your Driving and the Road
.._
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 Driving and the Road
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
Your Driving and the Road
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.
Your Driving and the Road
Will the trailer brake parts take
3,000
psi
(20
kPa) of pressure?
If
not, the trailer brake system must
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
with
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
=
Your Driving and the Road
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.
Your Driving and the Road
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
Problems on the
Road
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-
-
Problems on the Road
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
Problems on the Road
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.
Problems on the Road
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.
Problems on the Road
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.
Problems on the Road
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
Problems on the Road
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.
Problems on the Road
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
Problems on the Road
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
Problems on the Road
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
Problems on the Road
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.
Problems on the Road
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
Problems on the Road
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.
Problems on the Road
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 fine for your vehicle.
’ ’
is
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).
General Motors
of
Canada Limited
International Export Sales
P.O.
Box
828
Oshawa, Ontario LIH 7N1
Canada
Service
&
Appearance Care
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
Service
&
Appearance Care
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.
Service
&
Appearance Care
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
Service
&
Appearance Care
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
(5
000 km) or
3
months
-
first.
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
-
=
Service
&
Appearance
Care
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
Service
&
Appearance Care
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
‘ ’ 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 of the filler plug hole.
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
‘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.
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
to Check Lubricant:
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:
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of lubricant to use.
See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants” in the Index.
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 mix,
coolant
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
Service
&
Appearance Care
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.
Service
&
Appearance Care
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
-
Service
&
Appearance Care
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.
Service
&
Appearance
Care
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
Service
&
Appearance Care
, i
3.
Push the bulb in, turn it to the left and
pull
it out.
4.
Reverse the steps with a new bulb.
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.
4.
Reverse the steps with
a
new bulb.
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.
5.
Reverse the steps with a new bulb.
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.
5.
Reverse the steps with a new bulb.
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
.
Service
&
Appearance Care
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 -
Service
&
Appearance Care
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
- -
Service
&
Appearance Care
(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.
Service
&
Appearance Care
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
=
-
Service
&
Appearance Care
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
Service
&
Appearance Care
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
Service
&
Appearance Care
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)
Service
&
Appearance
Care
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
Service
&
Appearance Care
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.
Automatic Transmission
.............................................
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)
Length (3 620mm)
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
Maintenance Schedule
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
Maintenance Schedule
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
Maintenance Schedule
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
Maintenance Schedule
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
=
Maintenance Schedule
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
Maintenance Schedule
Section
A:
Scheduled Maintenance Services
(Cont.)
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.
Maintenance Schedule
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.
*An
Emission Control Service.
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
*An
Emission Control Service.
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
Lubricants” in the Index.
6
Spark Plug Replacement*
with the proper type. See “Replacement Parts’’ in the Index.
291
Maintenance Schedule
Section
A:
Scheduled Maintenance Services
(Cont.)
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
*An
Emission Control Service.
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.
*An Emission Control Service.
*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.
”
Maintenance Schedule
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.
*An
Emission Control Service.
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
*An
Emission Control Service.
295
9
Maintenance Schedule
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.
Maintenance Schedule
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 fill.)
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
=
Maintenance Schedule
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
Maintenance Schedule
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
Automatic Transmission
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.
Maintenance Schedule
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.
Maintenance Schedule
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.
Maintenance Schedule
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.
Automatic Transmission
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
-
-
Maintenance Schedule
Section D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
(Cont.)
USAGE FLUID/LUBRICANT
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).
USAGE FLUID/LUBRICANT
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
Maintenance Schedule
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
Maintenance Schedule
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
Reporting Safety Defects
to
the Canadian Government
Reporting Safety Defects
to
General Motors
Chevrolet/Geo Roadside Assistance Program
Service Publications
. . .
. .
.
. .
. . .
.
. .
. .
. .
. . .
.
. .
,
. .
.
. .
.
.3
15
. . . . . . . . . . .
. .
. .
. . . .
.3
16
. . . . . .
. . .
.
. . . . . . . . .
.3
16
. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
. .
. . .
. .
. . . . .
.3
17
. .
. . . .
.
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. .
. .
. 3 18
3 1 1
Customer Assistance Information
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
Customer Assistance Center
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.
Customer Assistance Information
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
Customer Assistance Center
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:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Assistance Center
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
Customer Assistance Information
=
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:
General Motors of Canada Limited
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.
Customer Assistance Information
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
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
‘
‘do-it-yourselfer. 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
Customer Assistance Information
Description Form Number Price
1993
CHEVROLET/GEO SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION
operation and servicing of your vehicle
be
purchased
by
filling
out
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, steer- ing, 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
NOTE:
Form Numbers may 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
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
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
. . . . . .
1
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
Automatic Transmission
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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.........
1.
305
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
Cassette Tape Player
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
Cassette Tape Player
. . . . . . . . . .
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
Cassette Tape Player
. . . . . . . . . .
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
Service Station Information
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
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